If the song “Running Away” sounds familiar it’s because you’ve heard it on The Verses debut album Seasons. I loved the original, but I think it works even better as a duet. The chemistry between Ella Hooper and Dan Sultan is only natural as they’ve been close mates for years.

“As soon as we met we knew we had a really strong musical chemistry and incredibly similar taste, so we’ve been plotting and planning, waiting for the right moment to do something together and ‘Running Away’ was one of Dan’s favorite songs of mine,” Ella explained. “The song really came to life when Dan started singing along one day when we were demo-ing it, so we turned it into a duet. He often jumps up at our gigs and sings and I was very proud and excited to sing backing vocals and a duet on his record. It’s
a fantastic feeling to sing with one of my best friends who also happens to be one of the country’s best talents!”

This new version of “Running Away” is available as a digital download from iTunes.

After seeing these guys live when they launched the album last month, I have no doubt that fans in Sydney and Melbourne are in for a treat. The performances are sure to be top notch with the band itching to introduce their new material to fans.

“We can’t wait to play the album in front of a live crowd and interact with the audience once again.  We are so happy with the response we’ve had and look forward to meeting the people who are discovering and enjoying our music around Australia,” Jesse Hooper said in a statement.

See Jesse and his equally talented sister Ella at the following sideshows!

5 October 2010 – Vanguard, Sydney
7 October 2010 – Gershwin Room @ Espy, Melbourne
28 October 2010 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne (with Ryan Meeking and The Few)

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Never one for crowds, my husband and I retreated to a quieter spot in the upper level to settle in for the show. It turned out to be a smart move. As the folks downstairs struggled to look over heads, we could sit in relative comfort and enjoy the fantastic entertainment. Ella and Jess Hooper and their very capable band performed just six songs, but those numbers left a big impression.

The Verses is a joint venture for the Hooper siblings, but when they take the stage it’s easy to see who the star is. Jesse is content to fade into the background, quietly strumming his guitar and allowing Ella to shine in the spotlight. And shine she does, with the kind of charisma found in the very best performers. There was a stage full of musicians, but I couldn’t take my eyes off her.

I’d heard a handful of The Verses songs before, but watching them live brought a brand new dimension to these alt country tracks. I also found new songs to love, particularly Ella’s own favourite “Settle Down.” As this stunning ballad concluded my husband lent over to me and whispered that the band could have a number one on the American country charts with that song. Funnily enough, I’d only just been thinking that it could very well be a hit here.

Whether it is, or the album is, we’ll just have to wait and see. This kind of classic meeting of country, folk, and pop influences is a world away from the music of Katy Perry or Lady Gaga. It hearkens back to the days of Fleetwood Mac and The Eagles, a time when the song mattered more than the celebrity. I’m not sure whether Australians will embrace Seasons, but I really hope they will.

Seasons hits music stores around the country today.

Image source: own photos

The disc has been four years in the making, but from listening to the album sampler it’s clear this was time well spent. There’s an assurity about the outfit; they’re comfortable with the songs and their instruments and it shows. That relaxed ease is perfect for the blend of folk rock and alt-country music they’re producing these days.

Of course an album sampler will always showcase the best tracks, and it’s difficult to judge an entire disc on four songs, but I’m digging this. There’s a real classic feel to it. I wasn’t surprised to hear Jackson Browne’s guitarist makes a cameo. But don’t dismiss it as daggy parent music; Ella’s voice gives it that contemporary edge that should endear it to modern audiences. Right now “Teeth” is the real stand out for me, an energetic number which is infectiously playful. I love what I’ve heard of Seasons, and can’t wait to hear more.

I’ll get my chance when Seasons is released on August 13.

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia