Fletcher Gull – Sounds of Oz

After struggling with extreme anxiety, Fletcher Gull accidentally overdosed on acid. The experience shattered his world, but as he tried to pick up the pieces he created his stunning new EP, Ancient History Shares a Knowing Smile.

This is such an exciting EP. The opening track “Transgressive Soliloquy” is a beautiful technicolour explosion. It won me over instantly with its bold cacophony of instruments and poetic lyrics. Firmly on board with Fletcher’s vibe, I let the rest of the music carry me away. I could write about each song that follows, but I don’t think this is the kind of music that should be pulled apart. It’s made for listening, loving, and feeling. That means this EP review will be shorter than most I’ve written, but I think that’s OK.

Ancient History Shares a Knowing Smile is like nothing I’ve heard in some time. I’ve never gone tripping, but psychedelic movies have convinced me Fletcher has created the sonic equivalent with this EP. There are moments of pure joy, darker twists and turns, but one hell of a ride. I won’t say it was all to my taste, but I was happy to experience it. It’s bold, brave, and above all unique. Leave your preconceptions and inhibitions behind and give this EP a listen.

Images used with permission from GYROstream

Plenty of us have felt disconnected for much of this year. Many of us couldn’t see our loved ones, and I think most of my readers are missing the buzz of connecting with strangers in music venues. With isolation weighing heavy on our minds, Fletcher Gull’s latest single “City is Busy” really strikes a nerve.

Fletcher wrote the track after a chance encounter with an old-school punk in North Melbourne.

“She talked to me for a while, telling me about how her life used to be great in the ‘80s but now the city’s busy, cold, and lonely,” he recounts. “She said she used to have fun with her friends and motorbike around Australia, but now she can’t even sit on the street without getting fined or arrested. She was tired of everything and old with nothing to look forward to, just waiting to be crucified.”

It’s a sad story, but one that’s balanced beautifully by Fletcher’s pop sensibility and the nostalgic lyrics.

“This video features Fletcher as a salesman. I like the idea of an old-school salesman as a life disrupter,” explained the clip’s director Theo Miller. “They’re like preachers, people who knock on your door and call your life into question. I like the boldness of that. I see a bit of that in the song, it’s bold and direct, like a Jehovah’s Witness but not as exclusive.”

It’ll probably be a while before we see Fletcher Gull on stage in the busy city of Melbourne he calls home, but until then make sure you give his Facebook page a follow. He’s been posting some great live videos of new music to come.

Image used with permission from GYRO PR

Tag: Fletcher Gull

“Ancient History Shares a Knowing Smile” – Fletcher Gull

Fletcher Gull Drops Poignant Single “City is Busy”