Gotye has been amazing ever since he first strummed a guitar, held a chord on piano and let his beautiful voice hold a note. With the second single 'Somebody That I Used To Know' from his latest album 'Making Mirrors', he received huge critical acclaim and shot to the charts, managing to stay at the top for weeks on end. After years traipsing around the Australian Music Industry with nobody being able to correctly pronounce his name, Gotye is now (correctly pronounced) on everyone's lips.
Long-term Gotye fans will hear the development of his trademark sound of eclectic samples, syncopated drums, and an extensive use of instrumentation and synthesisers. However with this album, there is an indiscernible immediateness that vibes through, making it an equally good listen for the new fans. 'Making Mirrors' takes us back to when albums are albums, not just a bunch of songs.
'Making Mirrors' has genres aplenty - Gotye manages to switch seamlessly and effortlessly from the George Michael-esque tune of 'In Your Light' to robotic 'State Of The Art' and R&B soulful track 'Giving Me A Chance'. He even manages to throw in political statements (ah-la 'Eyes Wide Open') and emotional awakenings ('I Feel Better'). All together, the album ebbs and flows from beginning to end, and is best listened in one long session. Then rewind (ahem), and repeat.
Watch Gotye's videos for Somebody That I Used To Know and State Of The Art.
By Melissa Holden
