The idea of ‘retro’ is one that plagues me as a reviewer. If you read through enough reviews, you’ll soon discern that I don’t have much time for the rehashing of the 80s mainstream, which is currently the dominant retro force, both in the mainstream and the underground. Yet I can happily listen to something like this, the Autumn EP by Perth duo, Erasers, and enjoy it immensely. Yet, if I think through the implications, I find a sense of contradiction, because there’s just as much retro-ism going on here. They just happened to have picked some eras and styles which I really love.
The EP is 4 tracks long and can be found only on old-fashioned 7″ vinyl. The songs are built on drums, guitar loops and droning keyboards, the odd melodica thrown in for colour, and Rebecca Orchard’s voice. There are a few very obvious reference points. The last track, ‘Autumn Trees’ begins with a two-note guitar rip of New Order’s ‘Ceremony’. And try telling me that the opening of ‘Safe/Sound’ doesn’t come straight from The Inspiral Carpets’ debut album which, of course, is itself heavily derived from the late 60s of The Strawberry Alarm Clock et al. There is a strong Broadcast aesthetic to Orchard’s vocals, which are largely monotone and repeat simple phrases, such as “We can never be safe and sound” to haunting effect. And the generally dark, repetitive structural tone of the tracks echoes the more gothic leaning strains of post-punk, or even Joy Division in places. But, in considering the references, it becomes apparent that these are all brief moments within the larger work, which is much more than paint-by-numbers versions of the band’s heroes.
Ultimately, my unease is lessened by realising that Erasers are not mining a single form of retro and leaving it at that. They take a much more bowerbird approach, blending bits from here and there. The bits are obviously compatible, giving Erasers a consistent and developed sound. They are not the only ones doing this, of course, and links can be made to the current global psychedelic underground. The ultimate test, beyond philosophical critique though, is whether or not I like this music. And I have to say I really love it. I’ve listened to these four tracks countless times over the last few weeks and have yet to tire of them. And so I can highly recommend the Autumn EP and not contradict myself.
Adrian Elmer
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