Melbourne based duo Gypsy & The Cat, consisting of Xavier Bacash and Lionel Towers, made a splash in the music industry in 2011 with the release of their debut album Gilgamesh, which landed three tracks on Triple J’s Hottest 100, a nomination in the Unearthed J Awards and received Gold Record status. Since then the duo released their second album under their own label in 2012, toured extensively, and now have a surprise release of their new EP, Hearts a Gun.
For fans of Gypsy & The Cat, Hearts a Gun will not disappoint. It superbly encapsulates the Gypsy & The Cat sound that we’ve come to love, whilst moving into new instrumental and compositional realms. Gypsy & The Cat’s previous albums are the epitome of Australian indie-pop falling into the same category as well known bands such as Little Red and Empire of The Sun, however Hearts a Gun has shown a further development in the band’s style moving into the synthesised realm of dream-pop. The EP is highlighted by synthesised sonic textures and riffs that blend with the catchy melodies and bright vocals, further supported by moments of strong rhythmic beats. The occasional ornamental acoustic instrumentation gives it a familiar, relaxed vibe.
The EP’s title-track ‘Hearts a Gun’ is definitely the stand out track on the EP opening with a whistled recurring riff that blends into a warm vocal melodic line framed by a fun, dance rhythm. ‘Sunday’ is also an interesting addition to the EP, unique in it’s unmoving nature through its repetitive rhythm and repeated words “Sunday, who am I now?”
Overall the EP is a lovely surprise from the duo.
Rating: ★★★☆
Hearts A Gun EP is available now from iTunes.
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