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Considering how prolific his Tall Dwarfs' partner in crime (Chris Knox) is, it comes as a surprise that this is only Bathgate's second solo release (the first was 1996's 'Gold Lame' released through Flying Nun), especially given the quality of music on show here. Released via Auckland's rapidly rising wee indie label Lil Chief Records (The Brunettes, Tokey Tones, Edmund Cake, etc), this work showcases Bathgate's penchant for "classic" pop songs (Beatles, T-Rex, Kinks, Beach Boys, Simon & Garfunkel, Velvet Underground) and his abilities as a multi-instrumentalist (he plays all instruments on the album). Musically, the album while echoing some of Knox's solo work (use of lo-fi drum machines, murky yet addictive melodies, etc), has a tighter, solid, guitar based edge, resulting in a more immediately pleasing overall pop aesthetic. Bathgate even tackles the Yardbirds "Overundersidewaysdown" with gratifying results. 'The Indifferent Velvet Void' is an excellent album which not only proves there is life after Flying Nun (further evidence comes in the form of excellent albums in 2004 from Dimmer, David Kilgour and Edmund Cake), but also hopefully suggests Bathgate will continue to grace us with his considerable and unique musical talents. Recommended. |
