| |
ALBUM OF
THE WEEK - 25/5/2001
Primary
- Watching The World
Primary's
Fonti brothers were previously members of Caligula, a band who started
out as one of the groups pioneering Australia's entry into the techno
grunge of the early nineties. Adding singer Ashley Rothschild they
found themselves drawn closer and closer to becoming a pop group,
until they released a cover of 'Tears Of A Clown' and lost any semblance
of adventure. In 1994 they ran into singer Connie Mitchell. She'd
been through a journey of her own. Her darkish skin and dreadlock
hair, instantly caused anyone she came in contact with to cast her
in the rhythm and blues role, where she didn't see herself. One
day she happened to be in one studio trying to resist more pressures
to mould her, while in another neighbouring studio the Fonti brothers
were back to their experimentation. That meeting resulted in the
formation of Primary. Connie had found music that allowed her to
be what she wanted to be, and express herself. In Connie, Sean and
Jamie Fonti found a singer who could carry their musical experiments.
In the end there are two Primary experiences, the band live, dominated
by the powerful presence of their firebrand singer, and there's
the records, where Connie steps back to be shoulder to shoulder
with the band, in love with technology, but focussed on bringing
home strong songs. 'Watching The World' is the second Primary album,
this time virtually recorded at home in the house the Fontis and
their singer share in Sydney. If they had an idea, all they had
to do was switch on the 'record' button. They could have indulged
themselves. Again they kept the focus on the songs. In the end Primary
offer music with many layers of interest. Connie's lyrics are a
strong counterpoint to the depth of the band's music.
Ed.Nimmervoll
|
|