14 October 2010
The only deception found on Escapades is in the band’s name; the Hungry Kids Of Hungary are in fact, not of Hungary at all.
The hype behind the Brisbane boys’ debut album promises a mature reflective sound, and here is where they don’t disappoint. The nostalgia on the record could be because it’s partly a collection of the bands two EPs, with a few new tracks thrown in for credibility.
Their breakout track, Scattered Diamonds, from the band’s second EP is reminiscent of The Kooks circa 2006 but the sweet ooh ooh’s and whoa oh’s that glitter the background add a delicacy The Kooks only have in their wet dreams. Set It Right, from the first EP conveys a perfect mix of light and shade; slow chord progressions interbreed with fast-paced percussion to make you want to listen thrice.
As expected, it’s obvious which songs are more recent; No Returnssees lead vocalists Dean McGrath and Kane Mazlin deliver with Sting-esque wisdom whilst still maintaining that indie-conscious swagger. Again, the backing vocals from bass guitarist Ben Dalton and drummer Ryan Strathie are delightfully subtle throughout the 12-song record, without their atmospheric musings this track would be a mere filler.
The other newer standout is Triple J favourite Wristwatch, the intermittent instrumental pauses have you holding your breath but the energetic lyrics fill the void. At just 1:51 this track is far too short, you’re left unsure whether this is pure laziness or artistic purpose.
At 6:19, the final track on the record is The Window Shopper and although it exercises the bands instrumental and vocal variety, it’s a lethargic component and a surprising finale to a blissful debut album. This being said, the four-piece have contributed a solid debut of sundry songs, exploring the different shades of indie-pop and even tipping their hats to the artisans of the ‘70s.
The hype behind the Brisbane boys’ debut album promises a mature reflective sound, and here is where they don’t disappoint. The nostalgia on the record could be because it’s partly a collection of the bands two EPs, with a few new tracks thrown in for credibility.
Their breakout track, Scattered Diamonds, from the band’s second EP is reminiscent of The Kooks circa 2006 but the sweet ooh ooh’s and whoa oh’s that glitter the background add a delicacy The Kooks only have in their wet dreams. Set It Right, from the first EP conveys a perfect mix of light and shade; slow chord progressions interbreed with fast-paced percussion to make you want to listen thrice.
As expected, it’s obvious which songs are more recent; No Returnssees lead vocalists Dean McGrath and Kane Mazlin deliver with Sting-esque wisdom whilst still maintaining that indie-conscious swagger. Again, the backing vocals from bass guitarist Ben Dalton and drummer Ryan Strathie are delightfully subtle throughout the 12-song record, without their atmospheric musings this track would be a mere filler.
The other newer standout is Triple J favourite Wristwatch, the intermittent instrumental pauses have you holding your breath but the energetic lyrics fill the void. At just 1:51 this track is far too short, you’re left unsure whether this is pure laziness or artistic purpose.
At 6:19, the final track on the record is The Window Shopper and although it exercises the bands instrumental and vocal variety, it’s a lethargic component and a surprising finale to a blissful debut album. This being said, the four-piece have contributed a solid debut of sundry songs, exploring the different shades of indie-pop and even tipping their hats to the artisans of the ‘70s.
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