Modern Day Addiction (Album and Concert)
Touching. Clever. Beautiful.
Touching, because Clare never fails to capture and convey the poignant realities of life through her lyrics. She is an amazing storyteller. Definitely one of the best I’ve encountered in my musical life. Clever, because the album challenges these “modern day addictions” we are all guilty of in such a crafty and unique way. And finally, the way everything comes together can only be described as beautiful.
I’ve seen Clare Bowditch and The New Slang on their Modern Day Addiction tour twice now. Once at Splendour in the Grass and then again at the Metro. I will have to admit though, the songs did require repeat listens for me to like them as much as I do now. I definitely enjoyed the second gig at the Metro more, and listening to the album now is a totally different experience to how I remember listening to the album my first time. If you haven’t picked up the album again, I definitely recommend a few more play presses. The album will grow on you. You’ll see what I mean. If you haven’t picked up the album at all, I definitely recommend getting your hands on a copy.
The New Slang are fantastic, fun and full of energy. Live, they add such a dynamic atmosphere to the set; and on the record, they add such rich layers to the music. I’ve always enjoyed the sounds a Clare Bowditch album, and Modern Day Addiction was no different. The harmonies are - I don’t want to say “beautiful” but there is no better word to describe it. This time around they also have a little extra edge, which is without a doubt due to the contributing factor of Annabel, Rachel and Sally on vocals.
The issues of social pressure, image, materialism and consumerism, which are craftily weaved into the album, definitely needs to be more frequently reconsidered. The honest lyrics, catchy melodies and sweet sounds of the album definitely needs to be thoroughly enjoyed. The album definitely deserves more acclaim.
Supporting the Metro gig was the good looking and “androgynously” voiced Andy Bull, and the humbly modest and talented Glenn Richards.
(I wasn’t able to bring my camera to the gig so the Metro photos are from: http://theaureview.com/photos/clare-bowditch-the-new-slang-glenn-richards-andy-bull-metro-sydney-23-10-10)
