If you're after escapism music then let me introduce you to the psych-rock soundscapes of Melbourne's Fierce Mild.
Their new single, 'Test You', encapsulates the spacey nature of the lads' rock chops… a burner that builds and builds behind questioning words delivered with crisp, yet sludgy vocals.
Performing live at The Bearded Lady (15 January) the band encircle the small, but engaged audience with layers of bass reverberating off the walls of the room. With beer in hand, it's easy to let the stresses of the working week wash away with Fierce Mild. They aren't trying to reinvent the psych-rock wheel. Rather, they know what works and keep things minimal. Even the amp pedals are kept in check.
Other tracks played included 'College', a song that has a poppier edge to the group's psych sound, while 'Astro' returns to the dreamy, yet edgy stylings of 'Test You'.
With Australia's current stock of psych-rock bands brimming to overflow, despite a saturated market Fierce Mild have the musical chops that makes this reviewer declare: "they have a future".
If you need a marker to their sound, think a rawer Tame Impala spliced with lashing of Verve's last album, 'Forth'. They also exude a shoegaze feel, with little crowd interaction. The band preferring to let the music do their talking.
It worked a treat on this night with the room nodding along by set's end. More of this please.
