There has been a Brass Fest in Melbourne of late, and while The Brass Bed are a more recent addition to this brass appreciation societies bumper year, they are still responsible for some of the more out there sounds happening at the moment. ‘Low Key’ has an earthy sound, partly due to the fact that it was recorded on four track at front- man/bassist Stuart Thomas’ home, and partly due to the fact that the arrangements are firmly rooted in drum and bass, and then layered with horns, percussion and other, weirder sounds.

Their lo-fi approach more than suits the style of the songs, which seem to be set in an alternate Wonka World(where they’re dealing in broken toys or blown TV tubes or something) and Thomas’ gravely drawling vocals are more than appropriate. The drums and percussion also have a laid back and earthy feel to them, and the overall effect is organic- every part seems to have grown out of the others.

‘Low Key’ starts out strutting with ‘Mr Personality’ - James Brown’s horns visit here, punctuating the strong bass and rhythm sounds. The subject matter of the songs on this EP seem to dictate the form of the song and ‘Mr Personality’ has a distinct arrogance to it.

‘Vacancy’ is an instrumental which combines gentle and intricate bass and drums with slow and sleazy brass. ‘The Bet’ is a confident jaunt with a gorgeous bass riff and weird, creepy horns that dissolve into dissonance in places and then join up again for a moment, only to dissolve again. ‘Pendulum’ is a funky little tune with a clunky percussive sound and an enjoyable vocal performance from Thomas. Overall this is something different but still accessible and definitely worth a listen. (8/10)

HOLLY SHORLAND