From the atmospheric opening track, which includes insect sounds interrupted by tinkling piano chords, the mood of Grand Prismatic’s debut LP is set in all it’s folky 70s glory.
“Bail Up” utilises strumming guitar and repetitive bass, conjuring up images of country simplicity with its balladeer narrator.
“Bells Will Ring” plays like a summer soundtrack for a psychedelic party out in the fields, complete with sunshine and barefoot revellers dancing to the rollicking, chiming guitar and upbeat rhythm.
Apart from the jauntiness of that track, and the playful bass of “Too Many Junkies For Jesus”, melancholia prevails in Grand Prismatic land.
“Condemn This Factory” has brooding bass and a dark chord progression, and closer “Lay Down Yer Arms” is especially slow while remaining inviting.
The LP, recorded in country Victoria in an old community hall, certainly benefits from the local atmospherics, as this music creeps slowly along the ground like a nebulous fog.
“Dying Days” calls on influence from the rambling chorus structure of Bob Dylan classics. The reserved guitar strumming harks back to another era, as does Brendan Clarkson’s voice, which is a unique and haunting warble.
If you are looking for 70s-style dreamy introspection, Grand Prismatic delivers a pleasant place to rest and reflect as the last track fades and shuffles off into the forest.
