I have always been a fan of a dynamic duo. A hopeless romantic at heart I find myself drawn to this implied sense of intimacy that hangs about a two piece. Needless to say I was pretty excited to hear what Ginger and Drum had to offer when my band shared a bill with them in late March alongside Canberra boys Slow Turismo, and Melbourne’s own Tully on Tully. It was by no means a disappointment. From the very instant front woman (and resident ginger) Zoe Gault began to sing, it was captivating.
The dynamic duo of Sydney’s own Ginger and Drum is an ambient and captivating pair. Zoe Gault’s vocals absolutely mesmerising and empathic.
Her voice floating effortlessly over layers of ambient echoing keys, perfectly complimenting the dark percussive rhythms of drummer Andrew Rawson. Gault has a very special quality to her voice, but its the way in which she chooses to use it that really shines through. Like the most special singers on the planet Gault uses her voice like an empath, and when all the elements of Ginger and Drum come together, it stands tall like a voice of reason high a top an emotional and rather moving musical landscape.
Gault and Rawson began their career together making folk music, but after a brief stint in Sweden, Gault returned with the ambition to find a place where drums could exist comfortably amongst “beautiful music”. The result was Ginger and Drum. Honest heart felt alternative pop which combines elements of both folk and electronic, that in my mind could be the distant less miserable cousin of the likes of Portishead. Citing Passion Pit, Florence and The Machine, and Temper Trap as influences, their music possesses the same infectious nature as their predecessors.
The line up has had a few changes over the years, for a spell opting for a larger band set up but eventually losing one member to vet school and another to France. After a year off spent writing, recording and working on production the present day lineup has simmered back down to a tidy two, but believe me, their sound by no means suffers.
Their latest single Ticking Boxes which can be downloaded free of charge on their triple J unearthed page, is an effortlessly romantic offering. Lyrically relatable, and drenched in a mature and reflective sort of emotion, the kind of emotion that wasn’t as apparent in their 2013 single Cowboy, which is a sparse yet catchy number that builds up until it soars. Comparatively the themes on Cowboy seem a little more rooted in fantasy, sporting lines about big guns and bravery, as appose to Ticking Boxes which seems to be written from the point of view of an unsure lover, both have an excellent walking pace about them, perfect for strolling through the city with (or without) purpose. Both are hauntingly beautiful and original, and catchy to boot.
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