Review by SOPHIE YEOMANS

DYLAN OLLIVIERRE & THE TNs’ debut release ‘Lighthouse’ is that little gem you find and store in your music collection for summer Sundays. It’s the album you’ll pat yourself on the back for finding. It’s a record of indie-pop merging with roots and subtle rock that your friends will bop along to and take notice of in the car. It’s a blessing for the ears; a hybrid of hassle-free listening and four local lads oozing their musical love and talent through your speakers.

Born into Perth’s cultural arena through Triple J Unearthed, Dylan Ollivierre & the TNs are creators of soothing yet vibrant sounds that are prematurely captivating for the group’s collective eighty years. If this debut is proof the boys are well on their way to forging an illustrious style. They’ve developed a consistent feeling of relaxation, armoured with a balanced blend of acoustic guitar, harmonious vocals and smooth melodies.

With nine tracks, ‘Lighthouse’ supports the notion that good things come in small packages. Each song blends seamlessly between its predecessor and follower creating a tantalising musical journey that explores acoustic harmonies, emotional highs and ever-changing paces. While every song is a musical journey and tasting platter of its own special mentions need to be attributed to one third of the record.

Opening track ‘Find Your Truth’ introduces the optimism of Dylan Ollivierre & the TNs which is embodied in the seemingly effortless blend of percussion, ceaseless guitar and determined, believable lyrics and vocals. It kick starts the upbeat melody of ‘Lighthouse’ that varies but never gives up.

Vocal power is imminent and at its peak in the third song ‘Weight’. Dylan Ollivierre’s voice is consistent, strong and demanding of attention, as are the circular twanging guitar and melodic bouncing rhythmic drums. The intelligence of the lyrics, emotional integrity and the resounding accompanying sounds are what makes this track a standout.

‘Melodyssey’ is the prime example of the boys’ broad talent. It’s a stretch across genres as Dylan Ollivierre and the TNs delve into roots like rhythm that perfectly blends with their indie pop. Pay particular attention to Chris Chen’s lead guitar, the resonation of the combined vocal power of Ollivierre and Chen and the juxtaposition between this track and the heavier rock track ‘Fever Frog’ that chimes in next.

There may be criticism that the songs featured on ‘Lighthouse’ can lean a little towards ‘same same’ sounds. This is a surface observation. Subtle variations in instrumental choice, subject matter and rhythmic qualities result in interesting differences on each track and the album becomes an evolution of what Dylan Ollivierre and the TNs can do with their unique musical voice and sound.

‘Lighthouse’ is a true taste of local talent that just keeps getting better. Dylan Ollivierre & the TNs will have you and those you choose to share this find of a record with bopping and swaying subconsciously before the opening track closes. This is an album that is a perfect way to bid farewell to summer and is well worthy of the lighthouse’s spotlight that is increasingly finding its way to our western shores.

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