- Always a Godmother, Never A God is the second EP of self-described “cute weird songs for cute weird people” from Melbourne singer-songwriter Kelso.
Kelso is better known as Kelly-Dawn Hellmrich, bass player in world-conquering rock band Camp Cope. Kelly’s melodic bass playing is one of that band’s musical strengths, but these four tacks show a different side to her.
It’s certainly quieter than the boisterous rock of Camp Cope, and a lot more gentle than the all-femme screamo band Palmar Grasp I first saw Kelly play in five years ago. However it isn’t a complete departure from her more well-known musical outlet.
The influence of Camp Cope’s main songwriter Georgia Maq is evident – the story-teller’s eye for detail and setting, the personal-as-political account of everyday life as a woman, the diary entry style vulnerability.
While Camp Cope shout down the patriarchy both in their music and their presence in the Australian music scene, however, Kelso’s solo tunes turn the focus inwards and give voice to the sometimes hidden insecurities and tenderness.
“When I told you to go to hell it felt good but not right” she sings over gently strummed acoustic guitar and dreamy saxophone. Another of the most memorable lines is “I watch you ride down main street... I’m watching you weave I’m watching you dodge/ I’m scared ‘cos you’re fragile even though you act like you’re not”
Ultimately of course, Kelso shouldn’t just be compared to Kelly’s other more famous band. It’s a charming record beautifully played with a lyrical vulnerability that is endearing. There is something satisfying in the musical duality where apparent opposites complement each other – loud and quiet, fierce and tender, adamant and apologetic; Kelso is the yin to Camp Cope’s yang.
- Andy Paine.