Laura Imbruglia - Laura Imbruglia (Album)
» Laura Imbruglia at The Spectrum - September 8, 2006
» Josh Pyke and Bob Evans - Republic Bar and Cafe, Tas - May 12, 2006
» Apollo Bay Music Festival - Apollo Bay, VIC - April 23, 2005
» Laura Imbrubila - Shakes Things Up - November 3, 2006
It’s been four years since her last record (not including the ‘My Dream of a Magical Washing Machine’ single release) and one can wonder where Laura went. The answer, she’s gone out on the road, played a show here and there and then decided to try an electric act so she went out and swapped her acoustic for an electric one and picked up a band along her travels. Whilst the guitar definitely makes it sound more edgy, it sadly also takes away the focus of her lyrical abilities that I think is her selling point. Her collection of songs makes me think of that movie Big Fish, where it was a collection of randomness that all belong to this one man. But in this case it’s this woman we know as Laura Imbruglia.
When I first listened to this record, I couldn’t help but jump to track six ‘Lettuce and Anarchists’ curious to hear what has changed between the acoustic version on ‘It Makes a Crunchy Noise’ and this one. I also thought it would ease me into listening to her transition. The guitar definitely made it more punk like (considering the song was about her ‘vegan punk friends’) but other than that; the lyrics remained the same, as did the melody so my first step onto electric Laura was going smoothly.
My favourite of this CD would have to be ‘My Opus’, the title saying it all so it is not a shock to have the length of the song to be almost ten minutes long. This is a song that takes you on a journey by itself starting out sounding poppy with its bouncy keys and then taking a turn using its organ sound and sounding like you belong in a horror film in a haunted house with all the echo vocals. If you think it only takes one turn your wrong. The commentary on her CD booklet is much amusing having titles for its turns such as ‘Unexpected Piano Key Suspension’ ‘Stepping on snails’ and ‘Street Parade’. Actually even one of my favourite lines off the track is a commentary to her own song ‘Then I ventured into polyrhythms I really shouldn’t go anywhere near them (I lost track)’
Other highlights include ‘Surly’, ‘Tear Ducts’, ‘Hurt My Feelings’, (either a hats off to Josh Pyke’s ‘Middle of the Hill’ or just destiny that these two toured together considering their musical style) and off course not to leave off that list her earlier single ‘My Dream of a Magical Washing Machine’.
The thing I liked about this CD is it introduces us to what Laura is like. Whilst there are songs that are observations about others ‘This is a hideous city, the trains are late and everyone’s nasty’ (It’s Getting Worse) the songs also focus on herself giving us a window to peek through ‘And I don’t mind the darkness, it’s just safer with the light on outside’ (Home Sweet Home). All I have to say to Laura is, it’s been nice getting to know you- I hope somebody builds you a washing machine jukebox soon.
