Oh my god, this packaging is insane. A rough, handmade card cover with printing on it, and a bit of material. Inside you find the record, some inserts including a lovely lyric sheet with the letters printed in a strange way thus rendering them practically unreadable, and a tiny little envelope. It has to be the tiniest envelope I ever saw. Inside the envelope is some information, and a little piece of paper coloured gold, yellow and orange, with a picture of a tall tree on it. I already am in love with this record and I haven’t even played it yet. Goddamn! This is so emo it hurts me.
I was introduced to this Australian band by our accidental American Football reviewer, Nadia, on the eternal joy that is a mix tape. So when I found a UK distro that had a Spirit record, I had to get it. And I am not even close to being disappointed. These guys are totally into that old creative emo style that squeezes some warped indie rock into the hardcore, before throwing a hundred and one influences into the mix, each spottable on a different song. “I Am The Locus” is like a Bob Tilton / Native Nod blend with a lot of urgent drive, and kind of whined vocals. Lots of time changes, and parts where they get a real groove on. You can certainly shake back’n’forth to this one. Following that is “The Philosopher” that kicks in like the Van Pelt with swiftly spoken vocals and relaxing jangles in the background, but with more nods to the Nod on the screamy crying of the chorus. Spirit certainly understand that power and beauty can stand side by side in the same song, and not sound forced.
Remember to hit the speed button when you flip this record, it plays at 33rpm on a, and 45 on b. Rocking! “Sing In Your Ears” keeps up the speed for the whole song and suggests of Twelve Hour Turn with it’s dual vocals and desperate yells. It’s another track that really kicks into a groove at times. And finally, “Tin Can Virus” which twinkles like the Pelt and has a big, swaying, subtley bass driven chorus.
This is spectacular. Easily one of the best seven’s I’ll pick up this year, and another band that is keeping an incredible style of music alive. Investigate forthwith.