Methyl Ethel H1 N1 A

Methyl Ethel is the operating name of Perth musician Jake Webb, an artist who released two EPs last year. The first, Guts (released in March), received plenty of critical acclaim for its originality and emotion, while Webb's second release, Teeth, is again a record of incredible substance.

As an artist who's built his repertoire from the ground up in various bedrooms, studios, and even "quiet caverns," the rawness of Teeth is inescapable. The EP explores anxiety, disillusionment, and stasis, and uses elements of psych, dark pop, and plenty of intriguing samples to portray these themes musically.

"H1 N1 A" is a great example of this, a track that edges its way along slowly and cautiously, before opening out toward the song's climax. Webb's somewhat genderless vocals are the perfect storytelling instrument, and you'll be hard-pressed to get the stirring, dreamy tones out of your head for some time. 

Methyl Ethel have a live show in the pipeline (which will include members of fellow Perth band Dianas), something I'm rather keen to keep an eye out having listened to their back catalogue in full. You can head to Bandcamp for "name your price" downloads of both Guts and Teeth.