[PREMIERE] CLUE TO KALO.

If we, as people who write about music, and to an extent, trends, would have to suggest a new direction in Australian contemporary music, it would be that there appears to be a push towards and an appreciation of the more classic, but sophisticated pop song. Dorsal Fins are doing it, so are Hopium. And so is Clue To Kalo, a fella from Melbourne. You may remember the name Clue To Kalo, also known as Mark Mitchell – the guy has been releasing stuff for over 10 years (his first full length came out in 2003 via LA’s Mush Records).

This new album, The Motives Records, is due out on Sep 23 and it’s some beaut sonic eargasm that sounds busy and intricate and goes where you don’t expect. It’s also incredibly familiar and joyous and just darn great. It’s his first independent release, as well as being the first album he’s done outside of his bedroom.

You may know the first cut from the album, ‘Burning Arrow’. It’s a jaunt of sorts and goes everywhere whilst still staying within the pocket.

As well as ‘Burning Arrow, we’ve also got a pretty great little exclusive for all you guys. We got a stream of the album opener ‘The Men That They Make Us’. It’s ethereal, cinematic, starts off small and introspective with those contemplative lyrics and piano but gets expansive and large and all encompassing. It’s perhaps the best indication as to where Mitchell takes his music, and indeed, this album.

Make sure you grab a copy of the full length when it comes out. To my ears, it’s easily one of the better local releases of the year.