Take 5 With Slow Cinema
Mulubinba/Newcastle-based indie-rock band Slow Cinema have just announced their exciting debut EP due Friday, March 8. Accompanying the announcement is their latest single off the record, ‘Magic Potion‘ – produced and mixed by Jack Nigro (DMA’s, The Terrys, Pacific Avenue, Middle Kids).
To celebrate the new single today, Slow Cinema shares with us their five favourite tracks of all time and why.
There are a few contenders for my favourite all-time song, but there is one I always come back to and get excited to show someone for the first time. I listen to a lot of instrumental music, but there is something special about this song. I love how the three guitarists interweave layers of melody to create something that feels orchestral, and the bass and drum provide a solid foundation for the layers to ebb and flow throughout the song. It feels cathartic as the song builds throughout, adding layers gradually until the end of the song explodes in a cacophony, a wall of sound that gives me shivers each time I listen to it. It is so beautifully crafted, and I recommend putting headphones on, lying on your bed, and immersing yourself in a 10-minute musical voyage like no other! – Jarryd, Drums
Chosen by Tyler – Vocals
Life anthem – hell, make it a national anthem. Melancholy meets ecstasy = The perfect song. Released during a momentous time in music at the turn of the century, it encapsulates the day-to-day modern life struggles that are still relevant today. “Trying to make ends meet, you’re a slave to money, then you die” – Enough said.
Chosen by Tim – Guitars/Backing Vocals
Choosing a song that is your ‘favourite of all time” is next to impossible. So, after wracking my brain for far too long, I ended on “Dreams”. In my opinion, “Dreams” is as close as you can get to a perfect alternative rock/pop song. Fleetwood achieved this so simply; it’s mind-boggling. When it comes to why I’m drawn to this track, I am an absolute sucker for any song that can create a ‘dreamscape’ when I’m listening to it. It pulls you in from the very first note and Lindsay’s swirling guitars make you feel as though you are deep inside of a dream. This song also gives me the greatest nostalgia, sparking memories of my childhood when my parents would play Fleetwood Mac, Talking Heads, Elvis and other great music from the time. I was a sponge, and I soaked up everything I could, sparking my pursuit of creating music from a young age. I didn’t even realise as I grew up how influential Fleetwood Mac – and especially Lindsay Buckingham – were on my music making, but now that I’m older and listen back, the way I play my instruments and approach song crafting makes a lot of sense.
Chosen by Sam – Guitars/Backing Vocals
If, by the end of his career, Alex Cameron isn’t counted in the top echelon of Australian songwriters, it will be a travesty. It may be a travesty that he isn’t there already. There is something about the way he writes that captivates me; so lyrically visceral and evocative. Musically, it’s synthy and nostalgic, all tied together by the powerful sax lines of Sydney’s own Roy Malloy. You hear elements of their electronic roots and an appreciation of master songwriters like Kenny Rogers and Bruce Springsteen.
I saw Alex live recently – just Alex, Roy and backing tracks – it’s honestly wild how good of a show they can put on with a backing track. There have been two albums since Candy May’s breakout album “Forced Witness”, both fantastic, but I think Candy May is the perfect introduction to the world of Alex Cameron.
Chosen by Mitchell – Bass
It’s incredibly hard to pick a favourite song, especially when so many songs hold so many emotions that work in particular moments or days. I guess I had to think about what song had an instant impact on me as a musician and as a person the first time I listened to it. So, ‘Mad World’ has to be it. The simplicity of the song cannot overshadow the overall great composition, which influenced me a lot when putting together songs and thinking about how it should flow. However, the main incredible part of this song, is the lyrics and vocals. Never have I listened to a song that hits so close to home. Listening to this as a teenager was one thing, but as I’ve grown older, it’s all still so relevant. I find it kind of funny, I find it kind of sad, that after all these years, I still relate to this song so much – I suppose that’s what you want out of a favourite song, though.
SLOW CINEMA
LIVE SHOW DATES
SAT 3 FEB | HOEY MOEY, GUMAYNGGIRR/COFFS HARBOUR NSW
SAT 10 FEB | SAFE SOUNDS FESTIVAL, MULUBINBA/NEWCASTLE NSW
WED 20 MAR | MUMBO JUMBOS, DARKINJUNG/TERRIGAL NSW
FRI 3 MAY | STAG AND HUNTER HOTEL, MULUBINBA/NEWCASTLE NSW
