EXTENDED PLAY 094: BLUE VEDDER | FAREWELL. GOODBYE. | EP REVIEW
Words by Jamie Shepherd.
Self-described as a dreamy alternative rock band, Melbourne’s Blue Vedder have just released their sophomore EP, titled FAREWELL. GOODBYE. These four tracks capture a feeling, a moment in time, and altogether create a surreal soundscape ideal for any kind of occasion.
I personally found myself listening to the EP on repeat whilst walking the streets of Melbourne. The hustle and bustle of the city faded out, and I was welcomed into a haze of sound that replicated a dream state – I really felt like the main character in a coming-of-age film.
The opening track, Morning Light, is instrumentally wispy and skeletal, and really eases you into the Blue Vedder sound. Seth and Lauren’s vocals harmonise into an alluring echo, blending in with the instrumental. Towards the tail end of this track, the guitar leads into a beautiful breakdown, highlighting the emotional context of the song. This gust of guitar distortion sees the song out with tenderness.
We’re then introduced to Wet Paper, a song that sounds straight out of a movie soundtrack. To me, I felt a lot of connection between this song and shoegaze tracks such as Slowdive’s Souvlaki Space Station. The laid-back, pulsing beat on this particular track sets the stage for Seth’s intimate vocals, creating a cacophony of layered, atmospheric sound. This song incorporates a lot of musical elements but is in no way overstimulating - Blue Vedder have a special talent of blurring the lines between melody, rhythm and noise.
In contrast to the prior song, Freaking Out isn’t as instrumentally complex, but it’s managed to land its place as my favourite song on this release. Its subdued and ethereal sound is like a magnetic force, making it such an easy listen, and the repetitive chorus is incredibly catchy. Much like in Morning Light, the soft vocals blend in with the instrumental, emitting a warmth that makes this song just that much better. As the track nears its end, the guitars pick up in intensity, creating a sense of euphoric tension.
The EP closes with Careless, a song that rises to a sonic crescendo as the track progresses. Combining guitar with vulnerable vocals, the track feels personal, and eases you into the sound without becoming overwhelmed. The fade-out at the end brings the album to the perfect ending - though this EP has left me wanting more.
FAREWELL. GOODBYE. evokes a sense of drifting between dream and reality, and is an introspective and emotional listening experience – this EP truly shines.