Dion Read and the Afterthoughts - Be Here Right Now

  by Benjamin Howarth

published: 11 / 9 / 2009

Label: DRA Records
Format: CDS

intro

Fine power pop on new EP from Melbourne-based band Dion Read and the Afterthoughts, which, despite owing a heavy debt to Ben Folds Five, also reveals evidence of individual talent

Dion Read and the Afterthoughts are a piano-bass-drums trio, based in Melbourne. ‘Be Here Right Now’ is their second five-track EP. Obviously influenced by that other piano-bass-drums trio, the Ben Folds Five, there are moments here that could have been taped during the sessions for ’Whatever and Ever Amen’. To be fair to Read, he never hides the influence - it was Folds’ songs that he played during his childhood piano lessons when he wanted a break from the classical music his teachers preferred. And yet, there is evidence here of a spark of individual talent. Dion Read is a fabulous pianist and has the talent to emulate his hero Folds, while the Afterthoughts are more than just a backing band, adding drive and texture to Read’s power pop. Though Read (at this stage in his career) lack Folds’ skills as a lyricist - he does not seem to have Folds’ sharp wit - his compositions are easily melodic, to the point where you quickly forget that you’ve heard something like this before. The record closes with ‘Air Balloons’, a gorgeous ballad - the kind Ben Folds specialises in and one that he would surely have been happy to have written.

Track Listing:-