:: Strange Bird

Augie March

The Melbourne band turn away from their clinically clever pop stylings that worked well in their previous album. They’ve progressed towards some beautiful dark pop, but with augmentation of changing moods via select instruments. This collection of songs is really worth a listen and it continues the remarkable development for Augie March over the last four years. The melancholy thought patterns and abstract meanings give rise to a greater curiosity into the band’s style. Consequently, there is greater confidence within the band and they can be more progressive and less conservative. Lead singer and songwriter Glenn Richards wrote most of the songs on piano and he sets some terrific images. “The Vineyard” follows a familiar melancholy sound. Other highlights are the folk elements of “The Sunstroke House”, and the brass in “O Song”, which leaves an indelible mark at the close of the album. Overall, there are still lots of ideas and it’s very rewarding.