New releases from Department of Eagles, Brightblack Morning Light and Tom Cooney

This weekend saw the release of yet another trio of albums from an eclectic mix of artists: there’s a Brisbane troubadour, a couple of hippies and a duo from Brooklyn.

Presque Vu (meaning “almost seen”) is the debut album from Tom Cooney, sonically pivoting on Tom’s guitar, lyrics and melodies. Many friends added the spokes to roll Presque Vu along including Whitley, and members from Subaudible Hum, Boat People and McKisko. Having previously performed with Fionn Regan and M. Ward, as well as playing at Splendour in the Grass and Homebake, Tom will be launching the new album along the East Coast over the next two weeks, starting in Sydney this Wednesday.

Wednesday 15th - Will & Toby’s, Sydney
Thursday 16th - The Troubadour, Brisbane
Wednesday 22nd - East Brunswick Club, Melbourne

Beneath the Wheel [mp3]



Their hair is long. Their music warm and hazy. They are Brightblack Morning Light. Haunting, beautiful and weird in equal doses, their new album Motion To Rejoin is the perfect Saturday night and Sunday morning album. Recorded entirely under solar power in a remote adobe cabin in the New Mexican mesa, the album recalls musicians as diverse as Bob Dylan, My Bloody Valentine, Neil Young and Otis Reading.

Oppressions Each [mp3]


Department of Eagles are Daniel Rossen of Grizzly Bear alongside his friend Fred Nicolaus, plus additional help from two other members of Grizzly Bear, Christopher Bear and Chris Taylor. In Ear Park is a delight; both colourful and expansive, built upon an intimate and personal framework of songs and is a definite highlight of 2008. Full of joyful moments, lush production and concise songwriting, In Ear Park is an album that stays with the listener and only encourages repeat visits.

No One Does It Like You [mp3]