“Recalls Beck’s lighter moments, with a hint of mid-70s Gene Clark thrown in for good measure” – NME
“A welcome burst of winter sun” – GQ
Fraser A. Gorman has unveiled “Blues Run the Game,” the b-side to new single ‘Broken Hands featuring fellow Melbourne songstress Leah Senior. Following on from the gorgeous, sardonic, downbeat witticisms of his debut single “Book of Love,” the Australian troubadour returns with another irresistible slice of sun-baked, cracked-heart alt-country, “Blues Run The Game” – the classic 60s folk record that has been covered by just about everyone (Simon and Garfunkel, Nick Drake, Bert Jansch, Robin Pecknold, Laura Marling).
Although a core member of fellow Melbourner Courtney Barnett’s Milk! Records label troupe (he even appeared in Barnett’s “Avant Gardener” and ‘Pedestrian at Best’ videos, with Barnett returning the favour on “Book of Love”) and close pals and collaborator with King Gizzard and the Lizzard Wizzard, Gorman cuts a dash entirely his own. With new single “Broken Hands,” he drinks deep from the well of wayward folk contemporaries such as Bill Callahan and Cass McCombs, while also genuflecting to heroes such as Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan. It’s lackadaisical charms bely Gorman’s wryly affecting way with a lyric however, as he sings tongue-in-cheek couplets such as “I got no soul/ cos country music sounds to me like rock and roll” over gorgeous slide guitar twangs and warmly offbeat melodies.
It is just another example of why the debut album from Fraser A Gorman, to be released on Marathon Artists/House Anxiety this summer, will definitely be one to get excited about.
Gorman will be supporting Courtney Barnett as she tours the UK and Europe this spring, before going on to play his own shows in May.
Watch the video for ‘Broken Hands’ here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
TRACKLISTING
Broken Hands
Blues Runs The Game
UPCOMING LIVE DATES
(* – supporting Courtney Barnett)
March
03/27 – Brighton, Concorde II *
03/28 – Bristol, The Fleece/Trinity *
03/29 – Leeds, Brudenell Social Club/University *
03/30 – Sheffield, Leadmill Main Room *
03/31 – Newcastle, Newcastle University *
April
04/02 – Glasgow, Art School *
04/03 – Manchester, Gorilla *
04/04 – Dublin, Whelans *
04/05 – Nottingham, Bodega/Rescue Rooms *
04/06 – OFF (Easter Monday) *
04/07 – Cambridge, Junction 2 *
04/08 – Norwich, Waterfront *
04/09 – London, Electric Ballroom *
04/12 – Berlin, Franz/Heimathefen *
May
05/01 – Chamelon, Nottingham with Kid Wave & Bully
05/02 & 05/03 – Live At Leeds & Live At Glasgow Festival, UK
05/04 – Westgarth, Middlesbrough with Kid Wave & Bully
05/07- The Lexington, London with Kid Wave & Bully
05/08 – Start The Bus, Bristol with Kid Wave & Bully
05/09 – Night & Day, Manchester with Kid Wave & Bully
05/10 – Schola, Leiscester with Kid Wave & Bully
05/12 – Huw Stephens night, The Social, London TBC
05/15 & 05/16 – NME Stage & Coda Agency showcase, Great Escape Festival, Brighton, UK,
