Devoted Few, The - Baby, You’re A Vampire (Album)
» 67 Special - Annandale Hotel, The, NSW - August 23, 2007
The Devoted Few must be one of the most underrated Australian bands. They may be stuck with that meaningless “indie rock” tag that is attached to any band that makes music for the sake of expression, not for fashion, politics or money, but what The Devoted Few create is so unique and infectious that their new album may well bring them the accolades they deserve.
Baby, You’re A Vampire is the latest offering from this group of Sydney musicians, led by Sarah Blasko’s guitarist and rather talented fellow, Benjamin Fletcher. It flows like a comforting forty-five minute dream in which inner-city suburbs become enchanted playgrounds for the late-night adventures of urban poets writing about heartbreak and nihilism. References in the song lyrics to Jack Kerouac and sunsets over Petersham are a familiar thread to lure in everyone, and are cleverly woven in with well-written metaphors involving wild fires and vampires; and tales of heartache, optimism and defiance – all delivered so beautifully that each song merits a sigh of exultation at its conclusion, or a quiet tear for the slightly melancholy but very hopeful beauty of the music.
The lyrics are the most impressive aspect of Baby, You’re A Vampire but they are presented with tough competition from the outstanding vocals by front-man Fletcher, and the addition of a string section on the track Tom Said which makes the song soar far above the other ten. This is a superb record and released right in time for the upcoming winter when it can create warmth and hope for the summer with its beautiful crescendos, heartfelt delivery and a resurgence in the belief that Australian musicians don’t disappoint. Recommended for fans of Arcade Fire, Bright Eyes and Death Cab For Cutie, or anyone who likes to see a boy wearing his heart on his sleeve.
