After spending three years building a reputation on the live scene, Sydney's Cameras release their debut album and it is a deeply impressive affair. The trio's alt-indie songs are based around layered sounds and the duelling vocals of keyboardist Eleanor Dunlop and guitarist Fraser Harvey. Dunlop really uses her voice as an instrument, elongating words and syllables to create a woozy, ethereal atmosphere, while Harvey at times comes across like Bowie and Byrne's bastard love child.
One or other vocalist takes the reigns on each song, all of which are intelligently structured and remain constantly interesting, like the false ending of Kreuzberg, which allows for an exhilarating moment when the instruments and vocals power back in as one. As the song climaxes with Dunlop perfectly filling the space behind Harvey's urgent delivery with some heavenly aah-ing, it is absolutely epic.
The most refreshing thing about In Your Room is that, rather than front-loading the big singles, as so many albums do nowadays, it ebbs and flows like a set-list and feels very much like a musical journey. Dunlop's piano-led songs weave between Harvey's angular guitar offerings to create a fine balance and, as with a live show, there is something special kept back. Just before End Of This Line brings things to a suitably grand close, the record reaches its peak with the magnificent Defeatist. With jangly guitars, insistent drums, duelling vocals and and catchy lyrics, there won't have been many more exciting singles released this year.
Simply, In Your Room is a fine debut and announces the arrival of a band that are surely on their way to big things. You would do well to get on board now.
Review by Bobby Townsend. It first appeared in Sydney's Drum Media.
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