Album Review: Methy Ethel - Oh Inhuman Spectacle

Perth-bred three-piece Methyl Ethel’s debut full-length is a predictable yet strong progression from their first two EPs, which were released in quick succession back in 2013.

What started off as a bedroom project by vocalist Jake Webb has led to this album’s first single, Rogues, scoring the WAM Pop Song Of The Year Award a couple of months back, and the full-length on which it features is backed by an impressive number of solid tracks. It certainly wanders down a more lo-fi dream-pop path in comparison to the band’s previous work, but that doesn’t mean it’s not got its fair share of memorable hooks – second track, Shadowboxing, and the fifth, Twilight Driving, are standouts in that respect, with glistening guitar tones and catchy lyrics, while later track, Artificial Limb is a showcase for Webb’s nostalgic-sounding voice, tinged as it is with that Aussie twang we’ve all come to love so much.

Evoking images of longing, heartbreak and regret across the album, Webb has an uncanny ability to sound both completely casual and full of effort simultaneously in his vocal delivery. The record is a hazy, relaxing listen, yet it's undeniably passionate in its approach. There are some really intricate moments like the echoey percussion on Unbalancing Act, while the smooth beat and almost haunting tones of Everything Is As It Should Be closes out the album perfectly. Currently on the road supporting San Cisco, the trio are certainly on track to make a strong stand in 2015.