Project Description

ANGIE MCMAHON

‘Pasta’

Single Review

Reviewer – Ella Fox-Martens

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Melbourne indie-rock darling Angie McMahon has released her first single of the year, and it’s a riotous, heartfelt and dryly funny tribute to mid-twenties malaise. After the success of Slow Mover and Missing Me, hopes were high for whatever McMahon had up her sleeve next, and she has more than delivered, cementing her position as one of Australia’s most talented new songwriters. On the release date, McMahon took to her Instagram to explain a little background to the track:

“This one’s about feeling tired, trying anyway, and wanting to rock out like Springsteen. I wrote it after eating a whole lasagna.”

‘Pasta’ starts off slow and heavy, with strong drums and McMahon’s trademark deep, expressive vocals. Threading together the mundane details of daily life – a sick dog, a messy room, a routine bar visit- the lyrics paint a picture of anxiety and aimlessness. Something about McMahon’s tone manages to convey a weary, wistful resignation; the type of mood you get in after a weekend of doing absolutely nothing and watching all your friends have fun on Instagram without you.

“I’ve been lost, I’ve been lost, I’ve been lost for a while.”

But the song isn’t just a sad tribute to disconnectedness. ‘I spend so much time eating pasta,’ McMahon intones, and the tempo picks up, and the guitar comes crashing down. The track begins to morph into more of a battle cry, with McMahon’s vocals getting steelier and steelier, before the song really kicks into gear. The bridge is joyous and defiant, with crashing drums and an extraordinarily danceable bass line. The sudden, electric sweep of energy acts as a catharsis for ‘Pasta’s portrait of insecurity and stagnation. McMahon’s voice soars, exasperated but liberated, as she tears apart her own loneliness.

“Can anybody climb aboard this structure I have made?”

It’s this kind of restless, reckless feeling that makes ‘Pasta’ such an affecting song. Angie McMahon has managed to put a voice to the mood of an entire generation; people in flux, who are scared of what the future holds and excited at the same time- but who mostly just really want to rock out like Springsteen in their living room. Bowl of pasta optional.

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FESTIVAL APPEARANCES

GROOVIN THE MOO 

Friday, 26th April – Adelaide Showground, Wayville, ADE
Saturday, 27th April – Maitland Showground, Maitland, NSW 
Sunday, 28th April – Exhibition Park, Canberra, ACT 
Saturday, 4th May – Prince of Wales Showground, Bendigo, VIC 
Sunday, 5th May – Murray Sports Complex, Townsville, QLD
Saturday, 11th May – Hay Park, Bunbury, WA 

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ANGIE MCMAHON – NEW SINGLE ‘PASTA’ – OUT NOW

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Follow ANGIE McMAHON
@ OneBigLink

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AMNPLIFY – DB