Quivers hail from Melbourne and create exquisite indie pop laced with a side of jangle. The band consists of Bella Quinlan (vocals, bass), Sam Nicholson (vocals, lyrics, guitar, piano, synths), Michael Panton (vocals, guitar, tape loops), and Holly Thomas (vocals, drums, percussion). Their songs are like glimmers of sunshine on a partly cloudy day. For while the melodies raise you up, the sadness in the lyrics might bring a tear or two to your eyes. Dealing with grief in all its shapes and forms is never easy, and someone in the group recently lost a brother. I think the last four and a half years have been stuffed with tragedy and loss, so I totally relate to the emotions at play.
‘Never Be Lonely’ opens the record, and it’s a prime example of sunshine-infused dream pop. The lyrics are a tad morose, but the song is so insanely catchy you might never notice. ‘Pink Smoke’ ushers in a bit of YLT, and continues the great tradition of multiple harmonies. Wonderful! ‘More Lost’ features Bella on lead vocals, and it’s a pensive piece, and just so pretty. ‘Apparition’ starts off with a Stonesian riff, and has memorable lyrics and a great chorus. I am mesmerised by some of these songs and their staying power.
‘Grief Has Feathers’ is sad all around, but I am drawn to the song’s message, not to mention the piano accompaniment! ‘Oyster Cuts’ has that cool indie pop vibe, while ‘Screensaver’ meanders into widescreen dream pop, and it’s prime rainy day music. ‘Fake Flowers’ has nicely rendered girl/boy vocals, and raises the energy and mood quite a lot. The final, warped sounding tune is ‘Reckless’ , and it has a hazy ambience that I really dig. In short, this is one example of a sleeper album, whose magnificence will reveal itself over time. Great work!
