Single Review: Foul Play by The Dreadful Tides
By Drummer Vince Leigh (Pseudo Echo, John Farnham, Tina Arena) of Australian Radio Promotions
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Australian hard rock outfit The Dreadful Tides have released their third single Foul Play, the follow-up to House of Pain and their debut, Crazy. The Melbourne band once again attempts to bridge the old with the relatively new by engineering a rock hybrid, with nods to any number of classic-era rock megastars and the more recent post-grunge 90s-flavoured stalwarts.
The merging is quite effective, utilising elements that signify a considered approach to generating a definitive rock soundscape while carving out a satisfyingly idiosyncratic expression for themselves. The band, who comprise Holden Stirling (vocals), Justin Strudwick (guitar), Darius Kooth (bass), and Leland Hallett (drums), employs several measures to bring a singular musical ambition and invention to life, including skilful musicianship, an ambiguous and bemusing lyric, and an understanding of the value of using melodic components to transport a song into a more refined category. As the band says, ‘Foul Play tells the story of a man falling down the wrong path of his brother.
Some say it’s a song about revenge; others say it’s a warning given by a wise family member.’ The lyric’s ominous questioning, most clearly present in the chorus, alludes to condemnable acts and moral atrophy and is accompanied by a sombre directive, ‘Yeah, do you fear the reaper / she said, you’d better settle down.’ Yet, the chorus melody’s amiable notes, the chord change, and reinforced vocals sweeten the sentiment. This formula is what is most notable about the part and, subsequently, the track, notable and perhaps most appealing. On Foul Play, the band’s steadfast and deliberate performance enhances the song rather than acting merely as an opportunity to showcase capabilities and flex some well-practised techniques: a strategy which would otherwise add up to a rigid, monochromatic aesthetic.
Whatever is behind the theme of the new track, warning or warring, its obscured storyline and accompanying sonic tones and textures make for an intriguing trip into The Dreadful Tides’ integrated rock and roll landscape.
