Local Brisbane acoustic duo Unlikely Superheroes are likely to be a contented bunch. Their debut seven-song EP Shooting Doves speaks with the optimism of a duo that genuinely enjoy using the craft of music to explore the lessons of love and its often-inevitable loss. While there are no deep Foucauldian philosophical questions here, the lightness in which contemporary pop explores the subject of love is often more revered and genuine.
Indeed, the ‘Hereos, Riley and Emma, seem like people with whom you could share the sudden and unexpected departure of a lover without fear of scorn or mocking. Many of the songs deal with such themes, including ‘Miss you’, ‘Fool’ and the upbeat ‘Where Did I Go Wrong?’ Primarily composed of acoustic guitar lines courtesy of the talented Emma, Riley provides the central vocal focus with a jazz-inspired swagger. Unlikely Superheroes tend to tread the well-worn path of other acoustic acts and singer-songwriters such as Josh Pyke, Bob Evans and Paul Dempsey, albeit with more jazz sensibilities.
While Riley is responsible for most of the vocals, it is the songs where the voices of both artists’ coalesce that prove the most interesting. A good example is the standout tune, ‘Aeromelon’, a swing-inspired number, and a tongue in cheek examination of the minutiae of everyday existence. Perhaps it’s Foucauldian after all? Though, I hope the observation ‘I saw a baby and it didn’t drown’ featured in this song is simply a metaphor of some kind and not reflective of a literal ‘day in the life of..’ moment, otherwise I’d be asking some serious questions. The gentleness of the record’s closer ‘This Damn Weather’ is a well-constructed tune that has much potential, particularly were a few more instruments involved.
Flawlessly produced by local wizzkid James “James” North, the Unlikely Superheroes debut EP has some merit, despite acoustic pop music not usually being my thing. The enthusiasm that shines through the EP is encouraging. One laments the fact that perhaps a few more instruments would liven up the tracks during the middle section of the EP - I’m talking strings, keys, xylophones as so forth - but this criticism is only fairly shallow. It goes without saying that those who enjoy breezy acoustic music with a tinge of jazz will get more out of this EP than, say, those inclined to serious death metal. There is some strength here and this EP may prove to be a great starting point for a future career.
Unlikely Superheroes - Aeromelon
Unlikely Superheroes play at the X&Y Bar on the 11th of August and launch the EP sometime in September. You can have a listen to their track ‘Aeromelon’ above, which they’ve graciously given me permission to share.
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