Blank Realm – Illegals In Heaven
CD | LP | DL
Out Now
The Australian quartet return with an LP displaying a more melodic side to their music.
Blank Realm is one of the most promising bands to come out of Australia in the last 10 years. They perpetuate the story of acts like The Saints, Radio Birdman and The Laughing Clowns by forging their own path regardless of the trends. Hailing from Brisbane, Blank Realm consists of three siblings, Daniel, Luke and Sarah Spencer, and Luke Walsh. They have built a reputation as one of the best live acts in Australia (and even in the world according to the Guardian) and possess a ruthless work ethic when it comes to recording as they have already released 5 LP’s since 2010 and their latest has just been put out by Fire Records. The songs mix memorable choruses with a noisy approach reminiscent of Sonic Youth. I haven’t seen much references to Felt in articles and reviews but I find there is a definite touch of Lawrence’s former outfit in the diction of singer Daniel Walsh (on single River Of Longing) and and on moments like the intro to “Flowers In Mind”. “Costume Drama” with its motorik beat and assault of guitars still manages to remain a catchy song with a simple yet effective keyboard riff in the background. The languid ballad “Dream Date” calms the pace and could be considered as the record’s “Sunday Morning”. Nevertheless far from being a game of “spot the influence”, the record is a cohesive effort and Blank Realm’s legendary status as a tremendous live act will no doubt bring an extra dimensions to the songs for those who will be lucky enough to witness them on their European Tour.
UK/EU Tourdates 2015
Sep 14: Espace B, Paris, France
Sep 15: Het Bos, Antwerp, Belgium
Sep 16: Hafenklang, Hamburg, Germany
Sep 17: Monarch, Berlin, Germany
Sep 18: Hafen 2, Offenbach, Germany
Sep 19: Incubate Festival, Tilburg, Netherlands
Sep 20: Roodkapje, Rotterdam, Netherlands
Sep 22: Sugar Factory, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Sep 23: Bam Festival, Barcelona, Spain
Sep 27: Workmans Club, Dublin, Ireland
Sep 28: The Hug and Pint, Glasgow, Scotland
Sep 29: The Prince Albert, Brighton, UK
Sep 30: Start The Bus, Bristol, UK
Oct 01: The Shacklewell Arms, London, UK
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More on Blank Realm can be found at their official Facebook page and twitter.
All words by Craig Chaligne. More from Craig can be found at his Author Archive
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