With our Needle In The Hay vinyl competition open once more, we’re back to enjoying an esteemed selection of tunes submitted by Australian and New Zealand artists. Every now and then a particular song catches your ear though – the latest being Backyard by L.A. Mood.
One of Melbourne’s musical journeymen, Dave Mudie, has contributed to a countless number of acts in various roles, lending his craft as a multi-instrumentalist and producer. Most notably, he is the full-time drummer for fellow Melbournian Courtney Barnett, joining her on extensive tours, locally and globally. Despite appearing to have his hands full in this regard, Mudie unveiled a new solo project in 2017, L.A. Mood.
His debut EP, Crushing Highs & Amazing Lows, naturally represented his diverse portfolio of collaboration. It’s a record inspired by Australia’s brightest, culminating in an assembly of songs ranging in influence from electro-pop to country. Collin Hegna of Brian Jonestown Massacre then chipped-in on production, just to round it off.
Backyard by Dave Mudie’s L.A. Mood sees him consolidate his craft as a solo artist after years of extensive contributions with globally recognised acts.
L.A. Mood then returned in 2019 with sophomore EP, Breakfast At Sassy’s. Garnering songwriting contributions from Ambrose Kenny-Smith of King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, the album leans more into the world of classic rock n’ roll. It hits a little harder, but retains the warmth and charm of its predecessor. It is this sound that has lead L.A. Mood to his next single, Backyard.
The track kicks off with a rollicking, blues-inspired riff. Mudie’s history as a drummer, with a deeply-seeded appreciation for a solid rhythmic foundation, is immediately clear. The track relentlessly stomps from beginning to end, while intermittent guitar solos wail aggressively above the mix.
Lyrically, Mudie portrays the perils of life on the road, something he would be intimately familiar with at this point. The track spins tales of getting hopelessly lost, and the yearning for a moment of consolation through the sight of a familiar face.
Ultimately, Backyard is the product of Mudie’s career thus far. The transience of a touring lifestyle combines with the prowess and influence of the talented circles he finds himself in. All of this funnels into his natural songwriting ability and gives L.A. Mood its own unique voice.
You can check out Backyard and the accompanying video below:
