The opening notes of David Bridie's third solo album Succumb feature a cracking snare drum and hard strummed guitar. A very deliberate rock band; not what you'd expect from this compelling Melbourne songwriter. Five years after the release of David's previous solo album Hotel Radio, this work begins a new recording relationship with Liberation Music. As the latest in more than 35 albums featuring David's music over the last 25 years - through ambient pioneers Not Drowning Waving, acousticdriven band My Friend the Chocolate Cake, as collaborator with George Telek, creator of movie soundtracks and solo albums - he demanded something fresh of himself. But cataloguing it wasn't easy. Succumb is a startling departure from David's previous solo recordings, which started with the luscious Act of Free Choice album, released in 2000. This has less sweeping, cinematic atmospheres - more lean and direct, almost abrasive for its confronting guitars and urgent rhythms. But listen closely and familiar signatures abound; lush, textural beds of intricately layered and densely overdubbed sound tapestries. The sum is an enticing amalgam of many parts, deliberately exploring sound palates that hadn't featured prominently on albums before - guitars as a dominant voice, rock songs, Melanesian rhythms presented in a rock context. David's words have also taken a more direct line. He addresses social and political issues that burn within contemporary Australia, though the lyrics still shimmer with robust optimism. Succumb is a resilient anthem about rebuilding a better community. First Chapter (Hearts are Heavy), articulates Australia's opportunity write a new chapter in the history of black and white relations, its delicious spirit of possibility underlined by an anthemic chorus sung by the Spensley Street Primary School Choir (including David's daughter, Stella). The upbeat, positive sound of Succumb is a consequence of the people David worked with and the energy they brought; friends he trusts and respects, none more than guitarist Phil Wales, who has been among David's closest musical allies over many years. Many other mates dropped in and contributed: Bart Willoughby, Alan and Stephen Pigram, MFTCC cellist Helen Mountfort, Rob Craw.
