REVIEW: Punches - Etheria

Punches
Etheria
(out of 5)

Nigh on three years in the making, the latest record from Kelly Sherrod (Voom/Dimmer) and James Duncan (Dimmer/SJD) under the name of Punches after their 2006 debut is something of a quiet revelation.

Calling on their uber-talented buddies helps too – Etheria is littered with contributions from Shayne Carter, The Veils’ Finn Andrews, Chelsea Jade and Paul McLaney, amongst others, but as with some other records spouting local heroes out their ears, egos are thankfully kept at bay, subtlety playing a key role in making this a satisfying listen.

Between them, Duncan and Sherrod conjure up some pretty desolate landscapes, evoking the sort of production that allows ambiguous sounds to float in and out of focus. It’s incredibly enticing, as on album opener ‘Four Corners’ and the haunting choral refrains of ‘Give It Up’. Yet it’s the closing heights of ‘The Notes You Don’t Hear’ that sees all the gentle tension built over the album’s length finally release in to a shimmering haze of sound.

Largely driven by Sherrod’s rather non-descript voice, she exhibits the ability to switch between husky tease and ethereal croon with apparent ease, but without the stellar accompaniment – equal parts skittering drums and reverb-drenched guitar – the record would be wholly lacking any soul.

Despite some rather large leaps in theme between tracks, Etheria is impressive for its ability to draw together years and thousands of miles worth of work into a succinct package.

Let’s hope we don’t have to wait another five years for the next one.

By James A. Robins