For
the uninitiated Drag is the brainchild of Powderfinger
guitarist Darren Middleton. Middleton has written
these 7 songs and taken the post of vocalist for
this effort. None of these songs would be particularly
at home on any of the previous Powderfinger releases,
and this has it's positive and negative aspects.
The record itself, though not particularly spectacular
or remarkable is a competant offering from a talented
songwriter. Middleton comes across as a rather shy
frontman, which is only to be expected when considering
the shadow of his other band, though one suspects
this won't be his last stab at the role.
Nowhere
But Here has recieved some airplay around the country
but is more of a safe opener in the ballad territory.
Nice melodies and harmonies see a rather pleasant
song sit well with the listener. Secret Design starts
to point to a more comfortable Middleton, a bit
rockier, a hooky chorus, a bit of electric guitar
gets the EP moving along nicely. As for track 3
- your guess is as good as mine. The fourth song,
Take Me With You, is for my money the strongest
song on the EP. Triple J friendly and up tempo and
a nice choice for the first single (i'm guessing
it's being promoted as a single, there is a clip
for this song). The Less You Know is another solid
offering, also sitting easily in the JJJ realm,
actually it reminds me a little (in guitar sound
at least) of a James song that i can't quite think
of right now. It's almost as if Middleton is playing
his first live gig with this CD as he seems to settle
in the further into the record we get. Thanks for
your Time is probably the strongest vocal offering
on the CD and a nice little number in itself. "Lips"
McFanning makes a special appearance on the last
track On Top of It, a nice closer that just lets
you float off into the night, almost like a lullaby,
relax as Drag sings goodbye. If you're expecting
a Powderfinger album then you will be disappointed
but you'll also be being unfair. This is Darren
Middleton being Darren Middleton and, all things
considered, it makes for a pretty good listen.
7/ 10
Track Listing:
1. Nowhere But Here
2. Secret Design
3. h
4. Take Me With You
5. The Less You Know
6. Thanks For Your Time
7. On Top Of It
Reviewed by Clinton Hoy
