Let me start with a summary, that’ll set us on the right path. The Dissociatives are graced with the same musical genius, that let The Beatles write, Sgt Peppers… and The Beach Boys, Pet Sounds. This album is truly out there.

Most think that this is a side project Mr Daniel Johns is doing with Paul Mac (electronic genius of Itchee & Scratchee) whilst Silverchair take a break, which thankfully isn’t true. Side projects never sound this good. This is a true fusion of two very different artists that harmonise perfectly and transpire into something wonderfully unique.

Listening to album unveil itself, I think I’m suffering from Synaesthesia (a neurological condition which mixes up your senses.)  The layers of organic instruments and electronica, is so varied, I find myself wondering what am I actually listening to. Choruses of young children appear from nowhere, sounds from the fairground and I’m positive I hear a school bell (making me think, I was late for Maths!). It’s not wondering how they got it to work, it’s what made them think of it in the first place.

For ‘Lifting The Veil From The Braille’, Daniel whistles the melody, using his voice as an instrument with no lyrics. I close my eyes and I can see myself flying; it has that kind of pure innocence to it. The entire album is so incredibly upbeat, even sad moments like ‘Forever & A Day’ seem to have a joyous overtone, despite the sad theme of the song.   

It’s not just musical boundaries that are pushed, lyrically Johns is going further than anything he’s done before: “Birds creep over tin roofs, like criminals with tap shoes” and “I’ve got a clearspot, a devilish psalm, but nobody’s home to fix the alarm.” (Can you imagine Oasis coming up with something that original?)

In short, the album was a massive gamble, two people from extremely different musical styles, not only collaborating, but breaking boundaries doing it. Daniel Johns, has come a million miles from being labelled a Kurt Cobain clone, into one of the most talented songwriters of his generation. I’ve not heard anyone that sounds remotely like The Dissociatives and I honestly hope I don’t, because they do it so damned well.
(5/5)

Release Date: 02 May 2005

The Dissociatives  Check For Live Dates 

Exclusive interview with The Dissociatives