Our Warning Label EP is out. The title track references attachment theory – the idea that infant-caregiver bonds shape adult behaviour – and muses on how useful it would be to know someone’s “attachment style” before diving into romance.
Before wading into the EP backstory, here’s your links to:
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At the end of 2019, Tore, Merle and I spent a day recording bed tracks for six songs at Hopping Mouse Studios. We tracked live, with no click track, to get natural-sounding bass, drum and acoustic guitar tracks, with plans to complete the songs later in my own studio.
Then came 2020.
Like most people, I was knocked sideways by world events, and then with some personal events, my physical and mental health took a dive. We managed to put out “Canary in the Coal Mine” (its timing was politically relevant), but work on the other songs slowed to a crawl. I also have to own up to my perfectionism not helping progress!
As my strength returned, I resolved to release individual songs as they were ready: “Often Enough” in 2023, “The Green Light” in 2024, “The Lion of Lucerne” in 2025, and now Warning Label, with the four songs packaged up as an EP.
The launch party is this Sunday. This night marks Bec Bradley’s stage debut behind a drum kit. We played our last gig with “alt-folk professor” Merle Fyshwick on drums back in February 2020. For a few years, the live incarnation of The Kiss List was reduced to occasional duo shows, then we gradually built back up to a five-piece.
Bec and Merle share many similarities – they’re creative polymaths, brilliant songwriters, beautiful souls and consistently photogenic in photo shoots! We’re thrilled that Merle will be opening the night with a solo set, then keeping it close to home, Rachel’s band Mender’s Chest performs a set – another great songwriter!
Local artist Phil Barron kindly allowed me to use his oil painting, Night view Shack’s window, as the EP artwork. His painting, Portrait of Julia Barron, is a finalist in this year’s Lester Prize. You can check out his work at philbarron.com.au.
Many thanks to everyone who helped with these songs including Cath, David P, Jason, Craig, Oo and my stellar bandmates.
And to Mutti and Amber – you are missed.
