★★★★
The quickest litmus test for a band’s likelihood of success is the amount of input each member kicks in. If it sounds like one person is running the show, you’re gonna run into some problems.
This is definitely not the case for Day Ravies,the wonderfully varied Inner West four-piece with all cylinders firing in perfect synchronism. Each member contributes their own writing, and they’ve knitted together a tight arrangement of voices for their sophomore album. They’ve progressed noticeably from their debut LP Tussle, a droning feel-good indie record that didn’t ruffle any feathers. This new release has somewhat opened the sluices, reaching out to embrace an even wider expanse of influence, nicely garbed in ’80s synthpop dress.
A slew of zappy New Romantic melodies brushes up sharply against the band’s trademark rusty vocals and waves of distortion.Tracks like ‘Nettle’, ‘Immaculate Escape’ and ‘Enter The Bee’forma rich cluster in the middle, spinning all the elements together in good proportion. Liminal Zones works best when it moves within these parameters, a full-bodied blend that produces something far greater than the sum of its parts.
Occasionally, towards the end, this impetus drops away, but not before you recognise an innate cohesion that is all too rare in bands.
Liminal Zones by Day Ravies is out now through Sonic Masala/Strange Pursuits.
