DAVID MCCORMACK AND THE POLAROIDS - The Truth About Love
Let’s get this straight: David McCormack is one of
Australia’s best singer / songwriters. Ever. The man has
more talent and charisma in some gunk behind his ear than
most performers can dream of.
In interviews for the last Polaroids release, McCormack
vented fears about being thought of as a gimmicky, novelty
singer. Too many times the quirky humour infecting his music
has, according to him, made it difficult for people to take
him seriously. And so we get The Truth About Love.
Not that this album is bereft of humour or that irresistible
McCormack charm; there’s just less beating about the bush.
Obvious comments about David’s divorce aside, this latest
offering takes dead aim on its subject of choice. A bloody
meat-cleaver on the cover and song titles like Lonely, You
Are Over Me and Goodbye From Tomorrow – you’re left with
little doubt about what you’re in for.
It takes a rare performer to bring his audience on a trip
like this without having them shoot through at the first
opportunity. The Polaroids entice you in with a
fuller-bodied sound than their last release. Along with
heartbreaker Cameron Bruce’s keyboard work and the addition
of long-time McCormack comrade Andrew Lancaster on lead
guitar, a string section, a touch of sampling and their lead
man’s slide guitar are put to good use. While there may not
be any downright optimism to be found here, there’s some
bloody good listening.
And it’s not all doom and gloom – more like honesty about
love not always being what it’s made out to be. No cries for
pity, either. I’m Going to Execute Yr Ex-Boyfriend and If
You Leave Me (I Will Hunt You Down and Kill You) take quite
a pragmatic, if slightly homicidal, approach to the dangers
of heartbreak. David McCormack and the Polaroids aren’t
going to lie to you and they’re not going to take advantage.
Buy this album, learn their truth about love and start
taking them seriously. Then go their show and have a chuckle
with them.
DANIEL CORBETT