Album Review: The Scissor File - 'Played on 45's'

30 March 2009 | 11:22 am | Staff Writer
Originally Appeared In

Alt Rock cut straight down the line with a bit of edge to dance around.

Danceable rock tunes should be expected to burst out of your stereo when the new 'Played on 45's' is spun. The Melbourne five piece, The Scissor File are one of the recent additions to Faultline Records. Now after nearly two years of touring and developing their sound as a band, The Scissor File have released their debut EP. Playing alongside bands such as Trial Kennedy, Kisschasy, Horsell Common and the Hot Lies, The Scissor File have been able mould there sound easily around similar genres sported by the above headlining acts.

 

Bringing The Scissor File together is vocalist Danny Baeffel and guitarists Brenton Perry and Darcy Carter. Keeping the beat with faint but rhythmic bass lines is Ben Thomas- Gill alongside the thrashing cymbals and punchy drums of Henry Hollingsworth. 'Played on 45's' is delivered in a seven track release. City of Churches casts distorted yells and starts the EP off fast and punchy. Three part vocal melodies are evident from the beginning, adding extra layers to what is otherwise a simple but tight track. The first single and highlight for all fans alike is clearly heard in the catchy track titled Dirty Little Secret. I Never, I Swear convinces us with light and bouncy guitar hooks as the story cascades into a heavier chorus. Continuing through 'Played on 45's', Champagne, Broken Radio and Life or Something Like It brings out the typical alt- rock, a genre that The Scissor File are predominantly known for, but I personally feel this categorisation could be just as easily swayed into pop punk.


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Though a little less cliche than other recent pop punk bands bracing the scene, upon listening to The Scissor File's 'Played on 45's' there is a feeling that these hooks and melodies have been performed before.

 In credit to The Scissor File, it is often hard to break boundaries in such a genre. Either way, the Melbourn-ites have already attracted an extensive and devoted fan base. As far reaching as sticker art being posted in the streets of london to fans getting lyrics tattooed on their arms. If this is anything to go by, I'm sure with such a well put together debut EP The Scissor File will no doubt continue to please both old and new fans.

1. City of Churches

2. Dirty Little Secret

3. I Never, I Swear

4. Champagne

5. Boken Radio

6. Life, Or Something Like It