- Newly formed Melbourne-based project Normal Heights have officially announced themselves to wider Australia through the launch of their first EP The Trees. The folk group was formed by singer/songwriter Broni Lislé who wrote all the tracks, produced in collaboration with various other musicians from Melbourne, NSW, London and Utah. Following the folk tradition of lyric-centred songs with simple chord structures and melodies, the EP is a portrait of honesty and straightforwardness. Broni himself describes it as being “a real pandemic-era production”, in reference to its sombre and chill mood, explaining that it is largely about communication breakdown and failing expectations.
One thing to note off the bat, is that going by Broni’s vocals in The Trees, the new project in its entirety feels more genuine and sincere than anything the creative Melbournite has released in the past. Broni’s last EP for his solo project was a self-titled release way back in 2013, a pleasant listen that, to be honest, sounded a bit like a mixture of Bright Eyes and Langhorne Slim. His single in 2017 It Cost Us Everything fit the same category. Normal Heights, however, sees Broni embracing his accent more fully in his vocals, helping to give The Trees its much more intimate and earnest atmosphere. Aussie Indie-folk enthusiasts might liken the flavour and style to that of Whitely and perhaps Georgia Fair.
The EP is seven tracks long and although it’s not a full-length album it grants the listeners a nice amount of time to appreciate whether or not the new group is going to hit home for them. The opening track While the Bridge is Still Standing honestly feels like it is a bit longer than it really is: the repetitive and simple structure making the breakup song linger a little more than desired. The following song Roxana, Illinois is the opposite. A very short and sweet thing in the form of a letter to an old flame that wasn’t meant to be, the uplifting harmonies in the final string of words “Please don’t forget me, just forget me and you”, the whistling outro and the last uncertain-sounding major-seventh played on the root chord all coming together as a cherry atop this blissful work.
Track four, Miniature town, was a highlight for myself and possibly many others who can relate to coming from a small town where the word ‘change’ seems to hold little meaning. The piano is delightful, as are the harmonies, background vocals and slide guitar. The poetic lyrics and Broni’s crisply recorded singing paint the scenery and emotion: “Nobody told us that some should have more / And as we blow through town we learn it’s us who’s dying poor / I’ve got a feeling we’ve been here before”. The song speaks of lost dreams and passions, but ends on a lovely and whimsical high note with the words “I’ll stick around in miniature town if you will,” reminding the listeners of the romance found in a simple and humble life.
Every song on The Trees offers something unique for those who will really listen, with Our Favourite Booth also stepping forward as a particularly emotional and personal song about struggling and letting go. As a whole, some might say this is bland, whiney-white-guy music, but those who truly value being in touch and open with emotions will resonate with and appreciate The Trees for its honesty and beautiful melancholic intimacy.
- Franz Dowling.