EP Review: Golden Sunbird from Tasmania presents 4 ethereal tracks in their latest release
Journey into the cosmic realm with Golden Sunbird as they transport listeners to a place where the old and new worlds converge, captivating us in a mesmerizing spectacle of splendor.
Golden Sunbird, the illustrious overseers of Tasmania’s cosmic realm, have revealed their latest single titled “Heart of the Universe” as part of a four-track EP that overflows with the eternal marvels of space and time. The EP acts as a vessel for the single and the second track, highlighting the brilliance of “Heart of the Universe,” with the remaining tracks predominantly instrumental, skillfully crafted to accentuate the magnificence of the title track.
Crafted by Luke Thomas on a 12-string acoustic guitar, the song radiates a classic 70s folk-rock aura with captivating storytelling, harmonious vocal compositions, and Mellotron strings. The track’s lyrics delve into a tale of a starship venturing into the core of the Universe while metaphorically contemplating life and mortality within our earthly vessels.
While rooted in progressive, space-rock, and psychedelia genres, the track and EP as a whole establish Golden Sunbird’s esteemed position in the musical landscape. The ethereal vocal delivery in “Heart of the Universe” envelops listeners in reverberations, evoking a profound sense of the vast expanse of outer space and the cosmos, imbuing a serene tranquility and a feeling of drifting into infinity. Echoes of the golden age of space rock from the early 70s resonate in the vocals, reminiscent of the legendary Led Zeppelin sound.
The other three instrumental tracks on the EP, notably “Eye of the Storm,” with durations exceeding 7 minutes, create expansive celestial soundscapes that beckon audiences into the universe sculpted by Golden Sunbird. Titles such as “In Metamorphosis of Light” and “Pillars of Creation,” both transcendent epics lasting over 8 minutes, set the tone and direction for the band’s artistic voyage and the emotional odyssey shared with their audience.
Drawing inspiration from trailblazers like Hawkwind and early Pink Floyd, Golden Sunbirds’ unique sound evokes shades of krautrock bands such as Tangerine Dream through slow motorik beats and dreamy synth patterns. Following their self-titled EP debut and the Inner Landscapes//Outer Worlds EP, “Heart of the Universe” propels Golden Sunbird on a trajectory of ever-evolving exploration through the boundless realms of psychedelia, offering delightful surprises and auditory delight along the way.
Mixed by Luke Thomas and mastered by Cheekbone, the EP is adorned with mesmerizing cover art painted by Yasmin Thomas and a distinctive logo created by Alexis Zirrit, encapsulating the essence of “Heart of the Universe” in a visual tapestry that complements the euphonic journey through space and time crafted by Golden Sunbird.