The Surf ‘n’ Western Sounds of…

Mikelangelo has been blurring the boundaries of rock, cabaret and comedy on stages at home and abroad for a number of years. His virtuosic Black Sea Gentlemen have released three full length albums of what they themselves describe as ‘Kabaret Noir’ – mostly dark, funny, cautionary tales arranged for Eastern European folk instrumentation. Whilst the Balkan theme has presided, there’s always been a hint of dirty Country & Western swagger.

On The Surf ‘n’ Western Sounds of Mikelangelo and The Tin Star, the singer/songwriter has immersed himself further in more American sounds. The influences here are obvious but wonderful. There’s a nod to Hank Marvin in producer and lead guitarist Fiete Geronimo Geier’s dreamy, echo-laden guitar, as well as countless references to the epic melodrama of Spaghetti Western composer Ennio Morricone.

Whilst several of the tracks feature Mikelangelo’s dulcet croon and demonic wit, it’s actually the instrumentals that provide the real backbone of this record. With titles like ‘No Sign of a Pipeline’ and ‘Inspector Longboard’ you could be forgiven for thinking these songs might turn up in a set from local Melbourne guitar hero and broadcaster John Von Goes and his Guitar Method. However, there’s a lively quality to The Tin Star’s performances that somehow makes these numbers sound fresh and new, no-matter how much old ground they may be traversing.

When Mikelangelo does sing, his tongue is kept firmly in cheek. In ‘Le Torro’ he self-mythologises with reckless abandon – even referring to his own parents’ “post-coital nap” – surely the first time I’ve heard such an event described in song. Whilst he and his local baritone contemporary Henry Wagons may often draw comparison to Nick Cave, both should be given credit for drawing on a much older tradition. I find it hard not to hear traces of Lee Hazlewood and Porter Wagoner, and even Tennessee Ernie Ford in Mikelangelo – fine influences indeed.

According to Mikelangelo, The Tin Star has in no way replaced the Black Sea Gentleman. The latter will be back on the road again soon enough and will surely make more records. Rather, this seems to be a guitar-driven diversion for the restless songwriter – a chance to explore a sound that simply doesn’t call for violin or accordion. I, for one, am glad he followed his muse.

Rating: Four stars

Mikelangelo and The Tin Star - The Surf ‘n’ Western Sounds of Mikelangelo and The Tin Star
Out now through Laughing Outlaw records