Photo credit: Daniel Boud

Sierra Fin

Cautionary Tale of the Beautiful Blackout is an 11-part song-cycle with 26-piece symphony orchestra.

To help achieve the mammoth task, the band recruited ARIA award winning producer Paul McKercher, and renowned Australian conductor Guy Noble.

*****

In 2009 Sierra Fin started work on what would become Cautionary Tale of the Beautiful Blackout. Each member being a self-confessed lover of albums as albums, as opposed to just a collection of songs, they set out to do just that, create an album intended be played as a complete work. In an unprecedented and audacious move by an independent Australian artist on debut, Sierra Fin enlisted a full symphony orchestra as accompaniment for the albums entirety. Proudly dubbed the Sierra Fin Symphony Orchestra, they complement the band adding layers of texture whilst allowing the band itself to drive the album. The Orchestra provides both the tension and beauty that a story such as this requires.

To help achieve the mammoth task, the band recruited ARIA award winning producer Paul McKercher, whose championing of the project led to the band believing it was possible. This was further aided when renowned Australian conductor Guy Noble heartily agreed to conduct, and later helped handpick the orchestra from some of Australia’s finest musicians. And so, with over 6 months of preparation, four of which singer/songwriter Russ spent orchestrating the album, Cautionary Tale of the Beautiful Blackout was recorded in a mere 5 days, with a further 8 days to mix the vast quantity of instruments.

*****

live review:

Sierra Fin at the Hopetoun Hotel, Sydney (May 2012)

Tonight the very warm Hopetoun Hotel takes on some local support in the name of Sierra Fin, a seriously enriched band sporting spunky boys and talented musicians.

Support comes in the shape of The Green Mohair Suits, an acoustic combo featuring Brian Campeau and Richie from Cuthbert and the Night Walkers. No Kisses and It’s Just the End of the World has a taste of country, folk and Bluegrass.

Second on the bill is The Maple Trail which is the project of singer songwriter Aidan Roberts (also lead guitarist, Belles Will Ring). He sings to a very decent crowd his array of folk and indie style music with songs such as Telescope and Rabbit. which is sung in a country, alternative style music with a touch of experimental noise.

After these two magical support acts, I find myself taking in the glory that is Sierra Fin. Kicking off the night with Blue Day Sun which is a lovely sunny opener, singer Russ launches into Out Of Favours which is from the upcoming EP titled Shake Stare Sleep. It is then followed by the bluesy rumble of Like a Stone. Russ is a multi talented musician taking pride in singing as well as guitar and piano duties. Sierra Fin takes on the Hopetoun tonight and win their crowd over. With dazzling vocals enveloped with comic banter Russ allows the punters to relax and enjoy the show. The room is buzzing by now and there is a good solid crowd participating in a few brews, having a jig and blowing kisses to strangers.

Their style of music is worth exploring as they take on different ventures in all their songs. Next song Polystyrene has great lyrics and lots of drumming by the mesmerising drummer, Frosty. Frosty has this great habit of dropping the beat meticulously whilst leaving one hand in the air for that mere second, one can’t help but wonder if he poses like that in the mirror to get the action memorised. Over my head is a set list staple, a crowd pleaser and the song Been Sleeping is also from the new EP, this song allows Joel on keyboards to wiggle like a 80’s backup dancer behind the keys . An epic song starting in an almost Bowie style, sung with melody and rocking beats incorporating some amazing guitar riffs by Oli on bass. This song has many punters dancing to its flowing and haunting sound.

After such a fab song we’re taken to a laid back ballad called Circumstance and Coincidence and then off to another new song Scrapbooks which is pretty song that starts off cruisey then heads to a rock ending. Claustrophobia is a total drum assault by Frosty, who goes off big time to the music. Enchanted by his playing, the punters get into the dancing and go off themselves.

Ending the night with Wrapped in Plastic which is an energetic closure, all members give it their all for the end song, the punters trap themselves in the band’s high energy and when the night is over, the band and punters are collapsing in sweat. One more drink to cool down in lovely liquid heaven.

Thank you Sierra Fin for a magical night out.

– Lyn Harder, The Dwarf