Selon Recliner are a collective of seven musicians based in Auckland, which have been described as “artists and dreamers who have come together to create languid dark-pop”. The group’s latest collaborative wonderland of musical masterpieces are six tracks merging their different styles to create such a beautiful album, that the first track brought tears to my eyes.
“After a bit of brow tidying & reflective thought Selon Recliner are about to release their 3rd offering Stories of Later. A collection of salty tales, lost love, mother nature & greed.”
Stories of Later is one of those mysterious, poetic collection of songs which are indeed very creative and emotionally touching, this is hardly surprising given the members of the group also include the stunning yet haunting vocals of Belinda Bradley. Thus I am led into the first track, a poignant and emotive tear jerker which is a story of lost love. Come On Rain.
To describe the cinematography of Come On Rain as beautiful would be an understatement, it is delightful and lovely and rather touching, the song complimented the visuals perfectly. It is simple yet very smart, the first time I have ever been brought to tears by plastic flying chairs. Belinda Bradley is a genus at her many creative crafts, filming and photography of the highest standard can be added to dancing and of course singing. I was reminded of Bic Runga when I hear Belinda sing, perhaps another tear stained CD from my heartbroken youth was Drive. Maybe I am being a tad over dramatic, or maybe I am illustrating that the sign of a great album is its ability to evoke emotion. This album does just that.
Alongside Belinda, the rest of this highly creative group certainly seem to merge together to create captivating and mysterious music. Guy Wishart, Vernon Rive, Michael Te Young, Roy Goodwin, Darlene Te Young and Perry Bradley have done a superb job of writing, recording and producing this album, and they did it in a concrete bunker that sits high upon green hills just north of Auckland. Conceivably the best location imaginable when recording a moody, dark, poignant and alluring album such as Stories of Later.
If you are a fan of Selon Recliner, you may be aware that the band produces something called Selon Cinema. They are releasing two new pieces of visually impressive cinematography, with more planned to accompany this album.This is a band certainly worthy of further investigation; their third album is stunning and so far very visually appealing. I look forward to further releases from Selon Recliner.
Join the creatives, the artists and the dreamers and immerse yourself in Stories of Later. It is a beautiful experience.
Building on the low-lit interior sounds of their critically acclaimed 2006 debut 'Rest Room', Selon Recliner have completed their second album, 'The Orchid Door', due for release in early 2009. Working with Producer Dave Holmes (Gramsci, Jakob) the band has explored a steeper landscape, exiting the 'Rest Room' & soaring across a more varied terrain.
Selon Recliner's music has been described as having a dark, hypnotic beauty that breezes along on mellow atmospheric guitars, poignant keys and gentle beats. Their Dark Pop label will be furthered by their new work, while showcasing a richer pallet of mood and atmosphere.
“If Rest Room was our interior album then this is definitely about exteriors”, says vocalist and co-songwriter Belinda Bradley.