Australia has always had musicians that were serious contenders on the world’s stage. Men at Work with Colin Hay, Midnight Oil, Daryl Braithwaite, Nick Cave, Tommy Emmanuel, The Easybeats, Crowded House, AC/DC, Natalie Imbruglia, Kylie Minogue – and that is really not even the tip of the mountain. Just a small handful of musical talent from that continent.
So, when I received this CD / EP by Sahara Beck – Bloom, I was convinced that I would be exposed to another Aussie “diva” who sounds like every female flavor of the month vocalist inhabiting the world’s airwaves today. However, I did some research and I became even more uncomfortable. Ms. Beck is a teenager. What could she possibly know? And being critiqued by the likes of me – more than 40 years of having my ears assaulted and caressed by all types of music by artists who were seasoned. I suspected I would be a little bias, exposed to the standard young woman’s angst, pop sugar coated electronica, no melody or some melody probably lifted from pre-existing sources, boring cliché ridden tuneless mini-extravaganzas – and that would make it all unfair.
But, I listened anyway. Boy, was I wrong.
If her first name makes you think a big North African desert – which many her age probably think was named after her or maybe I have my priorities wrong — think about this – musically, Sahara Beck is an inspiring oasis in the desert of today’s music industry. Yes, an oasis.
As soon as the CD hit the tray the first track “Words for Mary” took aim and my ears had nowhere to run. Infectious guitar notes layered over thunderous, yet spare drums. The well-thought out bolero-like tune stripped away any doubt I had. Sahara’s voice was warm yet tough, a cross between Patti Smith and Neko Case. Her “sound” — impeccably clean and if it was planned – the plan worked. If I understand correctly the singer is giving “Mary” some sound advice. A big sister maybe? The effects are minimal and only add to the drama of the lyric. Big words too – not the kind a teenage girl is known to use. The song has an urgency with words and references like: A priceless Monet, a street-wise poetic lyric runs through the song, philosophically intense, curiosity, stealing youth and wiser than her years.
“Brother Sister,” has a female choir — ghostly mirrors through the song and then, then…typically rousing Australian style percussion. The regular drummer just keeps a good steady heavy single beat – but when the percussion sneaks in it decorates the melody soothingly. Sahara once again sings confidently and traverses the music with ease and power. No showboating which is typical of today’s divas. Sahara sounds like she doesn’t need fireworks and she doesn’t. The music is just a simple sparkler going off in your head. A delightful listen. Hardly believeable from a woman so young. She hasn’t lived long enough to be this wise in her music and lyrics. Ah, but guess again. It IS mature – it’s creative, provocative and it’s…exciting.
Ms. Beck has to twist the arms of her management and insure that next time her lyrics are included in the package. This is the third song I am into and while Ms. Beck’s words are clear enough to decipher and her singing is outstanding – the lyrics would help me to duet with Ms. Beck — privately — at an equal pace. “Pretender” has that typical hook with nonsensical words that made songs such as Slade’s “Walking On Water, Running On Alcohol,” and Anti-Nowhere League’s “Queen and Country,” sound so infectious. Songs like these do something to the blood. It makes it bubble with joy, coarse faster, and makes the feet happy while it prickles the little hairs on your arms. Medicinal to a person who is angry. Again, the percussion is so inventive and heavy. This is a melody that firmly plants itself into a listener’s ears, takes up a musical throbbing residency and does not relent.
“I Don’t Want To Break Your Heart,” is slow, and Sahara sings with heart-wrenching sincerity. While she is singing slowly the band is painting the musical walls brightly with creative percussion and stabs of guitar with flowing bass. The effects are minimal and used wisely. None of the musicianship subtracts from the importance of the tale Sahara is telling with careful splashes of inflection. If other artists are going to mine Sahara’s song book – this is one.
A cool piano played by Sahara Beck frames “The Creators,” and this is without a doubt Sahara’s finest vocal. The tone varies dramatically and this is a brilliant composition from a young woman who is not a novice. She doesn’t sound like she’s just singing words, doesn’t sound juvenile — she sounds seriously committed and she is. This song is a stunner in its single execution. No band, no sparks, no special effects just a single musician, solo with her art.
And criticism?
This collection was too short and sweet – and it did leave me wanting more. It’s a fine collection by a mature female vocalist who obviously follows no one but her own muse. She sculpts sounds like few other artists, and her presentation – if it translates to concerts – will be exciting. She is like a European ice cream. Here in America it’s all about big cones with two or three scoops, sprinkles with cream. In Europe, at least decades ago, the ice cream was rich, creamy and sold in small doses. One could see what I am talking about if they watch the Fellini film “La Strada.” When Anthony Quinn stops to buy an ice cream on the street the cone was small and with one, two maybe three licks — it was gone.
Well, Sahara Beck’s “Bloom” — is that ice cream. I am looking forward to a banana split next time.
The band is: Damon Joel on drums, additional guitar by Arron Bool, bass by Jaspar Lambert and electronic programming by Simon Irving. All vocals, guitar and piano are by Sahara — who also wrote all the tunes. The CD was produced by Sahara Beck and some tunes included Jeff Lovejoy in the production.
A word to the wise – never pass up anything produced in Australia or New Zealand. Start with Sahara Beck – who has other albums in her repertoire worth exploring.
Photography Credits: Live Image – LifeMusicMedia – Cynthia Lee – Black Bear Lodge – Brisbane
Website: http://www.saharabeck.com/
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/saharabeckmusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/saharabeck
Additional Music Samples:
Pretender – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFUpAgtsP-k
The Creators – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixTW_4DMrsA
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this review / commentary are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of No Depression. All photography is owned by the respective photographers and is their copyrighted image; credited where photographer’s name was known & being used here solely as reference and will be removed on request. YouTube images are standard YouTube license.
John Apice / No Depression / April 2015
