Vilde - “Austral”
Thomas Savage, aka Vilde, from Melbourne, Australia, hypnotises us with his sonic alchemy on the sublime, downtempo experimental rock track, “Austral.”
Fascinating, melancholic, and idiosyncratic in all the right ways, “Austral” is a genuine pleasure to behold as it unfolds like a late-night transmission from somewhere half forgotten. It is also more proof that there is something in the Melbourne water supply that prevents musicians settling for the mundane.
Animated by dark, narcotic instrumentation that demands your attention. Pulling you inward. Yet there is a sly pop streak humming underneath that holds you away from staying lost in pure introspection, a skill that is classic Vilde and reminiscent of acts like Blur and Radiohead.
From start to finish, “Austral” is jam-packed with restless, syncopated percussion that refuses to let you stay still. Fostering a meditative yet brooding atmosphere as it twitches and grooves mechanically. Chiming guitars, glowing pads and windswept effects collide on top transforming the composition into an arrestingly intimate yet unmistakenly widescreen journey.
Vilde delivers his trademark vocal on this number. Restrained, hovering over the mix and seeping into every corner without ever demanding the centre of the stage. It weaves melancholy with the support of vivid harmonies acting as an instrument first and as a focal point second. It is the perfect vessel to breathe life into the lyrics that delve into feelings of disappointment, fear of freedom and being dependent on others.