Leone Western and Foragers have come together for the split EP Little Love.
Each band was given just three tracks to showcase their talents and perhaps win over the fans of the other artist. Honestly, as the EP opened with “Golden Girl” I thought Leone Western may have wasted their opportunity. The song felt aimless, dragging along without any real purpose. Happily though the band was back with the promise I heard on their Hearts Still Beating EP with their following material. “Make Believe” is super catchy, and while the guitars overwhelm the vocals at times there’s a lot to like about it. Everything came together with “Make Believe” though. I couldn’t help thinking of one of my favourite singers, Howie Day, as I listened to this tune. The vocals had a similar raw, emotive quality, and the soundscape was every bit as epic. They may not have had the strongest start, but Leone Western certainly left an impression with this stand out tune.
With Foragers portion of the EP the recording takes a sharp left turn. While both acts happily use retro sounding synthesizers in their music, Foragers is more unashamedly 80s influenced. As a child of that decade, I didn’t mind that electro-pop influence one bit. This is music that sounds so sugary and sweet, with Simone Gustafsson’s reedy vocals and the melodic electro choruses. However there’s a darkness to the lyrics that makes this music more than just throwaway Take 40 fodder. “Can’t Stop Counting” made me want to get out of my chair and dance, and “Take a Chance” is as close to a retro pop gem as I’ve heard in recent years.
As the EP wound down I was left believing that Foragers are a band that knows themselves, with a clear creative vision, while Leone Western are still figuring it out. That’s not a bad thing though, as I’m enjoying their journey. Little Love showcases some great new music from some really promising new Aussie talent.
Image source: Foragers Bandcamp page
Hold on to your ears and prepare to listen to the tunes from Melbourne two-piece,