Project Description
FRASER A GORMAN
‘Easy Dazy’
(Album Review)
Reviewer – Benjamin Smith
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The sophomore record from indie folk’s favourite son Fraser A Gorman continues the trajectory he embarked upon with 2015’s debut Slow Gum.
Gorman himself describes the record as more realised and that’s probably apt. The production certainly gives it a glossier, more pop-centric feel than the noticeably Northcote Slow Gum. That shouldn’t be read as implying there’s anything generic about this record. There isn’t. If anything, Gorman’s particular sound comes through on the tracks on this record in a much more distinct, idiosyncratic way.
Having seen Fraser on stage a couple of times in the last year or so, with him supporting artists like Paul Dempsey and Iron and Wine it’s clear that he is a bloke who is developing as an artist, including as a songwriter and a musician, as well as performer. This record showcases some of that development.
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The album probably also reflects the input of indie producer extraordinaire Nicholas Vernhes, whose credits include the likes of Speedy Ortiz, Dirty Projectors and The War on Drugs. Easy Dazy was recorded at Vernhes’ studio in New York with the help of Gorman’s old collaborator Dan Luscombe who’s work with the Drones and as composer for film soundtracks like Jindabyne and Hounds of Love has earned him industry-wide respect.
Whether the matured sound also reflects the change of label away from Courtney Barnett’s Milk outfit is hard to tell, particularly with Barnett’s own recent release departing significantly from her trademark sound.
Gorman credits artists like Dylan, Leonard Cohen and John Prine as big influences. Those influences probably don’t come through as strongly on this record as they did on the last but that is, I think, indicative of Gorman having found his own voice. There were a few tracks off this record that he showcased on his recent tours and, like most artists, his work benefits from being taken out and given life in front of an audience. The duet with bedroom popster Hachiku, Walking to Oman’s, is probably the most accessible track on the record. For me though, Get on Back (Gutter of Love) is the high point with a wistful production that includes flute and backing vocals and lyrics that include the line ‘are you throwing up your guts in the gutter of love?’ and ‘are you afraid of being afraid’.
Easy Dazy is a solid offering from a developing performer who’s work is aided greatly, I suspect, by his continuing to work as a carpenter and by his maintaining connection to the mundanely human.
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