EP Review: Disaster Piece

Disaster Piece is the brand-spanking new debut EP from Donnie Flash Heart, a bass and omnichord duo from Tūranganui-a-Kiwa/Gisborne. That’s right, you heard me, bass and omnichord. How cool is that?? It turns out, very cool, very cool indeed. Each of the instrumentalists also provide beats in one way or another, and they also each provide vocals. Describing their sound in their own words, they’d tell you they sound something like “…elements of retro-futurism, dream pop and new wave, their sound is sometimes moody, sometimes kooky”. All of that is quite true, and their music is intelligent, well thought out, and rather unlike anything else you’ve heard.

A sparse and unusual beat introduces Wide Streets, the first track of the EP. However, the appropriateness of that beat soon becomes apparent when the music kicks in with a soft, almost eerie sound. A simple chord progression and bass line create a moody atmosphere, perfectly underscoring the softly delivered vocals. The lyrics seem to speak fittingly of longing and loneliness, it’s a gorgeous piece that has me intrigued, and eager to hear the remaining tracks. Another cool and interesting beat comes in behind some lush, vibrating chords on Disaster Piece. The bass and vocals would initially suggest another mild and haunty number, but then a faster-paced beat kicks in, and helps the chorus to then lift up and expand into something much bigger. I love the juxtaposition of the high and the very low voices, such a magic contrast. A catchy, hooky number that suddenly devolves into the sounds of a rain storm, for the final few seconds.

A much more upbeat, almost poppy starts off Wink, which is enhanced by the delicious vocal harmonies. It then develops much more of an “Indie” sound at the one minute mark, I’m loath to call this track ‘quirky’, but it really is, and I mean that as high praise. Quirky, but still very accessible, and highly appealing. There are lots of elements here to draw you in, and keep you there. The New Wave influences are definitely being proudly worn on their sleeves here, in all the best possible ways. Next up is New Land, which is floaty and dreamy like being on a boat, to begin with. However it soon takes a slightly darker turn, much like the sea at times, with its capricious ways. Donnie Flash Heart demonstrate on this piece just what fantastic composers and fantastic players they both are, Top-Shelf stuff. This is minimal, but also full and fascinating.

EP closer Maximum Glamour has that New Wave influence all over it too, but the “Retro-Futuristic” and “Dream Pop” labels certainly color this one too, with their aural canvas having spots, daubs, and streaks of brilliant and unexpected color liberally but artfully applied. At times, this reminds me a little of Sigue Sigue Sputnik, and I’ve never once made that comparison before (For the uninitiated, Sigue Sigue Sputnik released a highly underrated album in 1986, named Flaunt It, and then essentially disappeared. I highly recommend checking it out, because it remains utterly magnificent to this very day).

Donnie Flash Heart have produced something wonderful here, and I for one will be eagerly awaiting more.

Five superb songs that for me, were over far too quickly. Go get it in your earholes.