I've always been a sucker for a good band name (Consider: my love of Pants Yell!, Super Furry Animals, Dogs Die in Hot Cars). So when I heard about The Pursuit Continues, the debut album from Giraffe Incognito, I knew I had to check it out (Yes, I really AM that easy to win over.)
Luckily, the Australian indie/experimental creation (really the work of one William Rainbird) lives up to its expected eccentricity. A home-mixed, home-produced collection of sensual art rock ditties with names like “Tortoise with a turtleneck sweater” and “Flint's adventures in a rather dangerous land”— GI marries scratchy, lo-fi guitar and talk-y vocals with ample violin and drum machines for a result that is endlessly engaging, without ever having to try too hard.
A love of irony and pastiche permeate this record (I wonder if Rainbird listens to Cake?) —“Villains” borrows its funky groove from the best of the '70s while “Mr. Gangster Man”'s wicked bass lines easily could have found a place on '90s alt-rock radio. “The bank robbery” is sexy and skulking, with luscious, jazzy violin and carefully selected audio samples that sound like they were lifted from a 1950's murder mystery flick.
And then there are the instrumentals. Easily half the record, these tracks never feel like filler—rather, Rainbird allows the instruments (mostly violin, and sometimes guitar) to stand in for his voice, lending the album an intimacy and expressiveness that moves beyond mere singing. If that's a turn-off for fans looking for the perfect collection of indie rock gems, I don't think Rainbird would mind—this project is clearly a labor of love.
Download The Pursuit Continues at Giraffe Incognito's website for whatever price you choose. Happy New Year!
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Hi Kate. William here from Giraffe Incognito! I've stumbled across your review and I'm really quite blessed and suprised about the comments you gave my music. It really is something to know that someone else has listened to your music on the otherside of the world (I live in Australia!). I'd like to send you a copy of the digipak edition for free - if that sounds good to you then you can email me your details to wrainbird@gmail.com Again, thanks heaps - super cool review! take care, William (Giraffe Incognito)— WilliamRainbird
