The Breakdown
Australian rock icon, Adalita, has today unveiled her latest album, Inland. Her third LP sees the culmination of a near-decade of artistic endeavour, soul-searching and redemption delicately wrapped up into the ten tracks of this hugely evocative, and highly impressive release.
To celebrate the release, the fourth film-clip from the album, for the hauntingly beautiful opening track, Private Feeling was concomitantly unveiled on Youtube (see below). As with previous releases, Dazzling, Savage Heart and Hit Me (the first two of which I previously reviewed here and here) the clip has been produced in conjunction with film-maker, Adam Harding, and beautifully captures the isolation and loneliness when facing one’s inner void.
Of the music video for ‘Private Feeling’ Adalita shares; “There were many exhilarating moments making this video in terms of stunt work! We (Adam Harding and myself) had to get some really epic shots that involved me standing at the foot of a 30 metre thundering waterfall, climbing rocky cliffs, facing giant crashing waves and dodging hectic Melbourne traffic to get one particular shot. The Great Otway National Park provided a lot of spectacular scenery and it was gratifying to capture some of the amazing coastline action of the Great Ocean Road.”
The album majestically waxes and wanes in it’s musical intensity, all the while holding an introspective, yet cathartic mood throughout each and every track. Adalita’s powerful, and at times elegant vocal delivery is perfectly complimented by the amazing musicianship that has gone into this record.
She invited an array of musician friends to contribute to Inland. Long-time collaborator Lindsay Gravina mixed and mastered the album over an extended two-year period that included lockdown delays. Ex-Paradise Motel bassist Matt Bailey, who appeared on Adalita’s second album, All Day Venus, returns for two tracks, while the legendary Mick Harvey makes a special appearance. Lewis Boyes plays lead guitar on album closer, Abandoned Houses. Cellists Caerwen Martin and Biddy Connor add an airy layer, along with violinist Louise Woodward. There’s even a dash of banjo in there for keen ears. Further strings are provided by rising stars Ivy and Mabel Windred-Wornes (Charm of Finches), who also share backing vocals with the accomplished Laura Jean Englert. Drum duty is split between powerhouse Dan McKay (The Nation Blue) and Marty Brown, who also plays a bundle of other instruments including synth, alongside his contribution as producer on Equations and Dazzling, and co-producer on Missed You.
“I am absolutely ecstatic that the album is finally out there. I have been waiting for this moment for a long, long time. Massive thanks to everyone involved who helped me bring ‘Inland’ to life. It’s a huge relief and very gratifying to see it at last launched into the world, beyond happy right now!!”
To say that this album is possibly Adalita’s finest solo work to date, may be open to conjecture and subjective opinion. However, there is no denying that it is a musical salve destined to be a balm for the ears of not only her many fans, but of many a good-music lover.
Inland is released on Liberation Records.
Feature Photo: Ian Laidlaw
No Comment