Hailing from Bendigo, Victoria, Australia, Tol-Puddle Martyrs experienced a sizable degree of local success in the late ’60s with the psychedelic-pop songs “Time Will Come” and “Social Cell,” before disappearing into the ether. The band was not only never forgotten by those who were there, but younger generations of rock fans became acquainted with their recordings, and that in turn kept their music alive.
The early 2000s saw Tol-Puddle Martyrs reunite and since then, they have produced several full-length albums that have gained global accolades. Comprised of the band’s founder and original singer, songwriter and keyboardist Peter Rechter, along with guitarist and singer Graham McCoy and drummer Chris Cook, the trio’s new album Brainfade (Secretdeals) posts as yet another impressive addition to their ever-growing catalog.
Arresting vocals that sound like John Lennon locking lips with Elvis Costello, underlined by imaginative instrumentation and airtight melodies, constitute the chemicals responsible for making each cut on the album dazzle with harmony and light.
Tracks such as “The Unexpected,” “Mother Child Connection,” “The Fall,” “Junk,” “Two Coffees” and “Brain Fade” view Tol-Puddle Martyrs slipping swinging jazz rhythms as well as smooth soul samplings into standard pop-rock diagrams with celebrated consequences. These fellows really know how to flavor their material with just the right ingredients at the just the right moment.
A commentary on the music industry, “Lucky Man” springs and rings to a catchy new-wave beat, where “Paralysed” rips and rolls with a concentrated thrust, and “One Step Away” channels progressive rock perspectives with its frilly and adventurous keyboard calisthenics.
By melding polish and sophistication with creative freedom, Tol-Puddle Martyrs have fathered a fine and interesting album in the form of Brainfade. Commercial enough for the masses, but cool enough to march to its own cadence, these remarkably catchy songs alternately emphasize the band’s talent for crafting family-friendly fare and staying true to their own artistic values.
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