The Boat People
Dear Darkly
Independent

It is not an unusual occurrence to see an online post from a band putting forward a cheeky plea to fans to buy their album.

Though a note left on The Boat People’s website about their new album, Dear Darkly, was a little out of the ordinary.

In the post, band member Robin Waters, doesn’t call for high praise for their new album, but merely calls on those who have ever heard the band and been affected by their music to take time to really listen to their latest album.

“If ever in the past our music has made you feel something, made you feel happy perhaps, if we have ever been a part of your life and thoughts or if you have ever been part of ours (and there are many who have), please now take the time to buy a copy of Dear Darkly, hold it in your hands and listen to it because this is the album that is finally us and we want more than anything to share it with you, for you to take it home and discover what remains there beyond anything that might be happened upon via idle curiosity or what you may already have heard in passing,” Waters wrote.

The Boat People or The Boaties as they are affectionately known released their debut album in 2005.

The album Yesyesyesyesyes was a good start for the band, with national Australian youth broadcaster, Triple J picking up two singles ‘Unsettle My Heart’ and ‘Clean’.

In 2008, the band released their second studio release, Chandeliers. Cue further kudos.
However it wasn’t until this year that the band released what Waters says is the real Boat People.

Dear Darkly is a muddle of sound for the most part.

When the album is played in its official order it sounds very jumbled with each track sounding out of synch with each other.

Though it wouldn’t be that unusual for these guys to have arranged the album with such a move in mind.

‘Under The Ocean’ is tight and nicely polished. It seems to be the most seamless of all the album’s tracks.

As though the song came together in minutes. Everything just fits together perfectly.

‘Soporific’ starts off in a similar vein as ‘Under The Ocean’, tight harmonies with stunning guitar work. It’s a little rough in the middle of the track with perhaps one too many key changes, though further guitar work manages to help pull it together.

‘Antidote’ picks up the pace with vocals given a backseat for a moment with guitars and drums taking control.

‘Live In The Dark’ is best described as a slow burner.

‘Dance To My Pain’ is quite the gem. This track has great pace with a great build up towards the chorus.

Dear Darkly is indeed an eclectic release, and in parts I found the arrangement of tracks a little trying, though it is worth a listen.

Tags | review, The Boat People