EPs are always such a glorious thing. They usually are released by emerging artists and are filled with an artist’s best material. It gives the listener a great sense of what they are about. It also sets the bar for a band whose already-salivating early adopters are left drooling for the first full release. Such is the case for a band like Australian indie trio, Bernee. According to lead singer and mastermind behind the band, Matt Goldberg, the band has a pot of approximately sixty songs to choose from. The six songs selected for Bernee’s
late night show best embody the band’s piano-driven pop sprinkled with shiny vocal harmonies throughout. With a story behind each work, it makes the songs even more interesting. The opener “Where Do You Want To Go Today?” reminds me of the many great pop songs of Ben Folds like “Fired,” from 2001′s classic Rockin The Suburbs
On the flip side, I would’ve liked to have seen more vocal harmonies carried throughout the EP since Goldberg’s tenor is not as strong as the songs are. Maybe, even share some of the vocal duties. Perhaps even more duets within the songs. This would’ve added that sparkle that the songs are missing. But don’t let that detract you from enjoying the joyous, rollicking piano interludes, the sweet sincerity of Goldberg’s vocal chops and wonderfully clean arrangements.
Late night show
demonstrates the breadth of Bernee’s song styles. From the rhetorical uptempo opener “Where do you want to go today?” to the galloping pianos of “Man” which is about sticking it to you-know-who and sticking up for yourself, the EP succeeds in spreading the sound all around. “Roll on” captures Goldberg’s youthful vulnerability reminding me of the same vocal urgency a la Ben Folds of Ben Folds Five’s 1997 masterpiece Whatever and Ever Amen
Bernee means business on their first outing, and brings with it a sense of humor and genuine emotion. A good first outing for both early fans, and hopefully a springboard for more to come.
Reviewed By Michael Morgan
