KEY POINTS:
Herald rating: * * * *
Table Manners by Jefferson Belt is like the tranquil yet slightly eccentric music of SJD, but even more fruity. But unlike SJD, which is suitable almost anytime, Belt is more about mood, with tracks like Curse This Metal Body and the dissonant Wrecked On Sound, which can occasionally sound gimmicky and annoying.
But there's no denying the genius of swaggering groover Lounge Pimple, the psychedelic lope of the nicely titled Hobbits On Acid, and the belching serenity of Gold Dust.
Belt was guitarist in "spaz rock" act Sperm Bank 5 in the late 80s and early 90s and has gone under various musical guises, contributing tracks to excellent local collections Dub Combinations and Sideways Too. The weirded-out, yet spirited vibe of the latter compilation gives an indication of what to expect here.
But Table Manners is more refined and focused. It is stunningly beautiful music (especially the ebbing Micro Bonbons), but boy is it busy, with blotchy drips one minute, wonky keys the next, and child-like bleeps coming from all angles. So it pays to pick your moment. If you put this on at dinner your guests might be put off their mussel chowder entree. But afterwards, Belt's music is enough to inspire a key party.
Verdict: Brilliantly bonkers and beautiful debut from local keyboard and electronic freak
Label: Round Trip Mars
