I have a conflicting relationship with Chet Faker, or rather with arguably his most recognizable number “Gold“. A person that went on to become my nemesis would play all of 4 tracks on repeat when we shared office space back in 2016 and while these were all objectively great tracks it got very old very quickly. Perhaps what irked me the most was that the outright refusal to explore the other tracks on the amazing debut “Built On Glass“, or indeed anything that followed it.
A few years have passed since then and fortunately the people I work with now listen to more than just 4 tracks. What hasn’t changed is my interest in all things Nick Murphy, and the latest release “Hotel Surrender” falls squarely into that category.
Having released music under his birth name since that lucky debut it was somewhat of a surprise to see the name Chet Faker reappear. Perhaps in a time of global turmoil, as well as great personal tragedy for Murphy, bringing back something so associated with a “better” time felt cathartic. Likewise, the album’s laidback demeanour serves as a distraction from what is going on outside. In a time when most of us have been locked indoors, these 10 tracks take on an almost healing nature and encourage the listener to kick back and enjoy what we have.
TRACKS:
