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Designer Mutts – Virtue Signals

Posted on the 18 August 2018 by Tomatrax @TomatraxAU
Designer Mutts – Virtue Signals

This is the debut full length release from the self proclaimed hottest anti-folk bedroom pop duo to come from Porpoise Spit, Australia. You may listen to this and think "this sounds a lot like Royal Chant"! That isn't a coincidence, the line up is basically the same as that of Royal Chant. So what's the difference? Well while Royal Chant are a loud and raving garage rock band, this release shows off the guys' softer side. The tracks are in most parts acoustic, taking on a sound somewhere between Elliot Smith and Bob Dylan. The music still has the rough, raw, and gritty feel that has made Royal Chant stand out over the years, it's just a bit softer and quieter.

A major highlight is the the catchy almost electo-pop sounds of 'I don't want to race you' that opens the record. The sound bounces around playfully, while Mr Spence's soft yet gravely vocals gives it a somewhat sinister edge. Especially with lyrics such as "I don't want to chase you but you won't stay still!"

Also on offer is a mellowed out and atmospheric re-working on Royal Chant's thrashing rock tune 'Bored awake'. Wait given this is listed as a different band does this count as a cover version? Or is it a re-work as it was sung by the same person? I don't know! But either way you should listen to it as it is one of the more creative interpretations of a past song out there!

As to be expected, there are a lot of the elements of Royal Chant re-appearing here so if you like Royal Chant you will like this record and may well consider it part of the expanded catalogue. At the same time it offers a different feel, with a much more placid and atmospheric vibe! Either way it's good so you should listen to it!

Plus you can listen to the whole album by clicking the play button below!

Check out Designer Mutts' Facebook page to find out more!

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