One Track Mind: Marty Penrose + Taylor Penrose, “Gettin’ It Together” (2014)

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It seems like every song from the Initiative’s self-titled debut album is accompanied by a video. Not only is this a great way to give the 2013 release an extra promotional boost, but because The Initiative is so dazzling, we’re handed a double treat.

The Australian band’s latest cinematic pleasure is “Gettin’ It Together,” which carries the billing Marty Penrose featuring Taylor Penrose. If you look closely, you’ll spot an image of Roy Orbison flicker across the film, whose influence is readily heard in Marty’s downhome drawl. Snatches of Joe South and Sun Records era Elvis also claim inspiration, while Taylor’s tuneful vocals lend “Gettin’ It Together” additional layers of appeal.

Propelled by a funky foot-stomping timbre, “Gettin’ It Together” catches the Initiative singing and playing country-flavored blues with ardent empathy. Complemented by the bleating wail of a harmonica, hard-swinging drum beats, perky piano exercises, and deep and crunchy guitar chords, the song bustles and boogies with soul and sweat.

Chalk up another first-rate effort from the Initiative!

Beverly Paterson