Following the release of two stunning singles earlier this year (Assimilate Strangely and Triumph and Disaster), Melbourne/Paris-based Vanderlay has released his magnificent EP ‘Doubtful Sound’; a collection of 6 meticulously written and produced songs, encapsulating a sound and atmosphere as mystifying as they are comforting. It is an incredibly accomplished body of work, traversing soaring highs and crushing lows. Delicate guitars give way to evocative string arrangements, accompanied by beautiful passages of piano and off-kilter drumming. Add to all this the gorgeous vocal harmonies laden throughout, and you are left with a musically stirring, emotionally poignant body of work.
Vanderlay is the moniker of singer-songwriter Caspar Conrick. Brought up on a healthy dose of Dylan, Morrison and Mitchell, Caspar admits he is inspired by songs with a strong sense of truth, songs that tell dense stories, that examine the human experience, and prompt him to decode his own. While drawing on the classics, contemporary artists such as Aimee Mann and Fleet Foxes were also regular reference points.
The EP has been no small undertaking. It is methodical and intentional. And while each one of the tracks is a powerful statement in and of itself, the EP stands as a unified collection of music, one that has grown and adapted together over several years. “I am a fairly slow writer, songs can often take years to come to fruition, and have to prove their worth before being committed to recording,” explains Conrick. “The songs on ‘Doubtful Sound’ came up in tandem, over the course of several years; they speak to one another. While each one stands on its own, the songs on this record feel particularly interconnected. To me, this is always a sign that I’m working on a record, rather than just crafting individual songs.”
The EP was recorded at The Aviary Studios in Abbotsford, Melbourne by Fraser Montgomery. It was mixed by Montgomery with mastering by Adam Dempsey.
“Doubtful Sound feels like the record I’ve been trying to make since I started writing music. It feels like my most personal and coherent work yet. While it transports me back to a specific time and place in my own life, I hope that people can listen to it and imprint themselves on it.” – Caspar Conrick [Vanderlay]
Since his inception, Vanderlay has earned himself a solid base of loyal listeners and an impressive list of accomplishments, including performing slots at both Nightjar Festival in Torquay, and Grampians Grape Escape, as well as a headline show at Northcote Social Club celebrating the release of his previous EP. His releases have received over 55,000 streams on Spotify and have garnered ongoing support from radio such as PBS, RRR, FBi, 4ZZZ, 2SER, Triple J and many more.
‘Doubtful Sound’ IS OUT NOW – LISTEN / STREAM HERE
With thanks to Wild Gift PR
