Dappled Cities - Zounds (Album)

DC hearts ELO. Confused you? It seems Dappled Cities have a penchant for Electric Light Orchestra because on the group’s third album, Zounds, the Sydney quintet deliver a fine bunch of big layered pop tunes with hints of those grandiose orchestral elements synonymous with Jeff Lynne’s band. These are combined with the typical, surrealist lyrics we’ve come to expect since being introduced to the boys via A Smile and Granddance, respectively.

Firstly, does everyone else adore the cover of this record? I immediately loved it and found it amusing when I discovered that the booklet’s art direction and layout is by a fine chap you may know called Sir Tim Rogers (surely the guy is long overdue for a knighthood?) Plus, where the CD is housed, there is a colourful glittered photograph reminiscent of the cover of New Order’s Temptation single. All I can say is: “Onya boys!”

Hold Your Back opens proceedings with some intergalactic fuzz and ramshackle drums as Messers Derricourt and Co. deliver a message from space. The inclusion of some interesting atmospherics and other sonically inspired tidbits are reminiscent of NEU! and New Order. This is carried forward into Answer Is Zero, another otherworldly track where it is almost apparent that the boys are trying to rival The Church’s recent Untitled #23 record or the group’s sci-fi soundtrack.

By now everyone who has wanted to would have heard the lead single, The Price. If you haven’t, you’ve been living under a rock and also have missed out on seeing an outstanding video clip that boasts more fairy lights than Christmas Eve. Musically, you would have also missed some expert fusion of lush orchestral elements (hence my earlier ELO reference) not to mention a good catchy indie rock beat. If this doesn’t sell you then there is even hints of Blondie through the mix, plus some melodious harmonies as Derricourt again offers his unique and thoroughly enjoyable vocals. When combined, these elements make not just a magnificent Dappled Cities song, but a wonderful pop song.

Wooden Ships (no relation to the Crosby, Stills & Nash number of the same name) provides some serene nautical (not naval) gazing from the pier, before the curiously titled, Slow For Me, My Island. The latter is another catchy track, instantly making you want to bop your head along to the beat, and musically could sit quite easily between some Brit-pop and a track by The Strokes.

Next is a feel good party anthem set to challenge the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s Date With The Night titled The Night Is Young At Heart. It is like the disco jiving of Boney M mixed with a Killers’ song and an added twist of rock that is also replicated through to Kid.

Don’t Stop There has some cheeky tricks and nods at David Bowie before Middle People kicks of with echoes of Granddance (the track) and more technological chips. And Apart is a zany sing along you could almost see Jack White happily performing in one of his hundred musical projects.

In all, Dappled Cities seem content to have staged Zounds on either the Fairstar fun ship or at a UFO party. Even if you don’t believe the latter exists, at least you’re guaranteed to hear a very dance-worthy indie band make good on their third record. The boys have progressed in their sound and have kept things fresh and at times a tad silly- and really, you’d expect nothing less from these lovable indie rockers.

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