Jack Elias is a black star of folksong poetry. From the more discordant ramblings of Quaoub (what Elias formerly toured Europe under), comes Chopping Board, the first grand release from this Lebanese-Australian songwriter via Spence, Cohen, Prince Billy and Baier cut live from an Erskineville lounge room.
 
“As ugly as magic” or homemade coffee threatening to stop the heart, vocals fly low and deep under a breath loaded with bold grace, questioning God and all in the great ways of Cave and Callahan while nimble fingers curl across a warm, loose-tuned guitar companion. Sonia Zadro (of extravagant 60s Italian pop supergroup Terza Madre of which Elias is part) lends rich, lilting vocals evocative of Amalia Rodrigues to beauties such as Evil is Old Bread, as if sung from beyond happiness and the grave. 

As clear as mud, Chopping Board’s simple, ancient sound presents as a cicatrice without suture, a treasure tonic for the intuitive digger (or coffee cup reader). “Why I write such excellent songs”? suggests the gutty Elias on the writing of this release, bastardising Nietzsche. 

Listen down.

http://jackelias.bandcamp.com
http://vimeo.com/94163722

When A Song Goes Down

Chopping Board

Morning Milking

Finch

Oblivion

After Us, Nice Weather

Evil Is Old Bread

Athlete

Chronicle

Hope Everything You Love Dies In Your Arms

Jack Elias is the death star of folksong poetry. From the more discordant ramblings of Quaoub (what Elias formerly toured Europe under), comes Chopping Board, the first vinyl release from this Lebanese-Australian songwriter via Spence, Cohen, Prince Billy and Baier cut live from an Erskineville lounge room.
 
“As ugly as magic” or homemade coffee threatening to stop the heart, vocals fly low and deep under a breath loaded with bold grace, questioning God and all in the great ways of Cave and Callahan while nimble fingers curl across a warm, loose-tuned guitar companion. Sonia Zadro (of extravagant 60s Italian pop supergroup Terza Madre of which Elias is part) lends rich, lilting vocals evocative of Amalia Rodrigues to beauties such as Evil is Old Bread, as if sung from beyond happiness and the grave. 

As clear as mud, Chopping Board’s simple, ancient sound presents as a cicatrice without suture, a treasure tonic for the intuitive digger (or coffee cup reader). “Why I write such excellent songs”? suggests the gutty Elias on the writing of this press release, bastardising Nietzsche. Listen down.

http://jackelias.bandcamp.com
https://vimeo.com/94163722

jack elias

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