On Diamond - Candle Candle [single] (Eastmint Records, 2020)
It sounds as though a Doctor Who episode is about to start, so I’m in early for this one. I’m already a fan of On Diamond - as a collective, definitely, but each member brings such a distinct sound to the group. They communicate with each other so well through their instruments, and I like to focus in on each of them, one at a time.
Lisa Salvo’s vocals in Candle have the cadence of some 60s psych-folk, reminding me of The Incredible String Band, and also bring to mind some of my other favourites like Broadcast and Nico. But just a little bit, they’re her own and you can fall into them easily here. It’s hard not to.
Maria Moles’ drumming is key, as always. Her genius is not just in her style and rhythm, but also in her restraint, lifting and dropping with the surges and flurries of loud-quiet-loud, each cymbal hit shedding light on a new corner, exposing fragments of guitar and bass that were hiding in the shadows.
It’s because of these dynamics that Candle makes for good headphone listening. While I’m so happy that this single has been released, it’s made me yearn for more.
On Diamond also features the incredible talents of Hannah Cameron (guitar/voice), Scott McConnachie (guitar) and Jules Pascoe (bass).
“That sense of grief your body knows has finally found a focus”
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