It’s been a project spanning over a year but the debut album for five piece Melbourne outfit Amber Isles is finally here. Coming together in Belgium in 2012, Amber Isles are best described as a tight concoction of space-rock fused with a splash of electronica.
Sound engineer Wounter Gordts was flown in to master this long awaited project and did not fail to deliver. With ten songs on offer, the record starts with a crisp instrumental offering in title track Running.
With just the right amount of poignancy and imagery, Running exposes the absolute best of Amber Isles’ upbeat take on indie rock.
The Game and Soaring both follow with a euphoric, folky blend and Maker continues on with an aching guitar journey, punctuated by eerie and motivating electronic pulsations; mind bending and transformative.
Folds is acoustic and earthy, think early Dope Lemon with a John Martyn edge, impassioned and dark. Come On takes a similar route, echoing and with a light splash of indie pop, evocative and perfectly fused instrumental and vocal sections.
The record takes a warm and sultry turn with On The Scene and City Waves; a definite vibe of Daughter and Bon Iver is tangible here. A feminine vocal touch clips City Waves perfectly.
Disclaim is powerful and majestic, poetic and visual, the lilting vocals carrying the story over a bed of echoing piano. The duet is gorgeously rich and heartbreakingly romantic, the perfect way to wrap up the Amber Isles experience.
Final track Gyroscope is echoing and sparky, an instrumental palate cleanser marked with sharp guitar.
Running is a triumph of a debut album and one not to be missed, a well balanced and an expertly crafted compilation of vocal and instrumental technicality, highlighting the incredulous musical capacity for this collective of talented artists.
Amber Isles are a gem of musicianship and this album sets the tone for what is sure to be a gorgeous residency for the summer of 2017.
Find Amber Isles’ tour dates below, and head to their website for any other information.
December 01 2016 – Workers Club Geelong, Geelong VIC – Tickets
December 03 – Golden Vine Hotel, Bendigo VIC – Tickets
December 09 – SS&A Albury, Albury NSW – FREE
December 10 – Transit Bar, Canberra ACT – Tickets
December 15 – Bald Faced Stag, Sydney NSW – Tickets
December 17 – Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne VIC – Tickets
January 13 2017 – Jive Bar, Adelaide SA – Tickets TBA
January 19 – Howler, Brunswick VIC – Tickets
