Last year, Melbourne’s Braille Face (aka Jordan White) was the artist who wrote an album for every month of 2015!
When you consider that it took Guns N’ Roses seventeen years to get Chinese Democracy out, that’s a tall order. But then, Braille Face isn’t Axl Rose, which is probably definitely a good thing. And not only did that year fast track White’s development of his writing and his perspective, but it also gave him a hell of a lot of music.
The deep lush soundscapes of Braille Face’s Backwards/Medicated hit a pinnacle of electro pop brilliance and profound, personal lyrics make it truly unique
This year has already seen the debut release from Braille Face via Spirit Level, the brainchild label from triple J’s Tim Shiel and producer Wally de Backer a.k.a Gotye. Glow dropped back in April to signifiant acclaim, setting Braille Face as one to watch. Now onto his second release, Backwards/Medicated is the next slice of lush indie electronica.
A fragile, yet stormy track, Backwards/Medicated rests on a percussive beat that reaches for a dance tempo. Swirling synthesisers intertwine with a deep piano line; instrumentation that is a thoughtful and melancholy counter the beat playfully, bringing an exquisite lush to the fore of the soundscape.
White’s delicate vocals both break up and accompany this hypnotic ambience, transposing the track to something closer to the familiarity of pop. Even the hint of a strain and shudder in the vocals melds into the composition, bridging the instrumental side.
There is an unavoidable sense of sadness across Backwards/Medicated, as explained by White as “Trying to articulate my own condition and simultaneously being hugely aware of the guilt that is carried by my privileges.”
Conjuring bleak, windswept imagery, rich layers and textures makes for a mesmerising listen. Braille Face hits a raw nerve with the track, allowing it to burst and breathe within you as it spins its gloriously off kilter tale.
Written, performed and produced by White, Backwards/Medicated was mixed by Tim Shiel and mastered by Simon Lam. The result of this collaboration is fascinating, each member seems to have played an instrumental role in the music and its sincere originality.
Having recently been announced for the massive lineup at BIGSOUND 2016, it’s safe to say this guy’s got a huge future ahead of him thanks to his luscious electro pop and his ultra-personal touch.
Braille Face is expected to release his debut album through Spirit Level later this year so keep your eyes and ears peeled.
