I expected Jack Davies & The Bush Chooks to be a novelty act. The Western Australian band’s EP Songs for a Long Walk features tracks like “Loving You’s Like a Mouldy Cup of Tea” and “Half Frozen Beer.” However, I quickly learned this act shouldn’t be underestimated.
As those song titles suggest, there’s certainly humour in these tracks. The lyrics are infused with a uniquely Australian voice, that blokey one that speaks to the heart but uses laughs to make sure things never get too heavy. The walls come down completely on tracks like “Broken Glass” and the closer “Michael,” two powerful songs played straight for maximum impact.
These guys also sound like a serious band. This was my introduction to their music, but their folky sound felt instantly familiar to me. In a world where so much music is overproduced, there’s something so refreshing about a band that simply sounds like they’re jamming. There’s a warmth about the way the harmonica, piano, acoustic guitar, and other instruments come together. It’s so natural, so organic and comforting.
“Each time Jack brings the band a song, it’s like greeting an old friend you haven’t seen in a very long time; joyous, surprising, exciting and feels so right. Like a piece of you you didn’t realise you were missing,” explained one of the Bush Chooks, Elise Hiatt. “They’re raw, jangly and full of love. It’s our cup of tea made just the way we like it, mould and all. We hope it’s yours too.”
It most certainly is. Songs For A Long Walk is out now.
Image used with permission from Beehive PR