Apparently it's tough being in a rock band. I can't remember it being a hard life at all - just dirty and smelly - but I'll take everyone's word for it. So, if rock 'n' roll is considered to be a difficult job, imagine how tough it is to make an impact with subtlety. That's exactly what Epicure have been excelling at over the last 18 months: competing against ferocious guitar bands, but brandishing melody and delicate compositions. With two tracks on the latest list that counts - the Triple J Hottest 100 - Epicure have obviously made an impression on the station's national audience. If forced to describe their sound, I'd have to call them a lighter version of Powderfinger; the same bluesy grooves as a foundation plus a soulful lead vocalist in the form of Juan Alban. The previous single, Armies Against Me, is an early highlight on the tracklisting of The Goodbye Girl, but the true riches of this modest release can be found after the 2nd or 3rd listen when songs like the title track come to the fore, delving deeper than any leathery riff or snarling lyric. Perhaps modern music is becoming more intelligent and if that is the case, Epicure represent the trend perfectly with thoughtful words and carefully crafted songs that may not blow you away, but certainly promise to have more longevity and lasting appeal.

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Tracklisting

Full listing of EPICURE releases