Dave Robertson and The Kiss List scratch that Indie Itch with “Often Enough”

For anyone looking for an indie groove in all of its genre’s uniqueness and eccentricities, Dave Robertson and his band’s, The Kiss List, latest single, “Often Enough”, will be the perfect choice. Self-styled “a catchy song about shock jocks, tribalism, the dangers of dichotomous thinking and wet lettuces,” this wonderfully weird and catchy song feels like an homage to simpler times while remaining fresh and relevant.

Released earlier this month as part of an EP project that began with live rhythm section takes at Hopping Mouse Studios, and subsequent production in Dave’s own studio, Often Enough remains firmly in The Kiss List’s indie-dominated lane. Traditional instruments, most notably the mandolin and the plucky guitar, complement Robertson’s vocals. The song’s instrumentation and overall sound reminds one of The Cure or The National.

The cheery instrumentals contrast with the gentle bitterness of the lyrics, self-reflective on the nature of “dichotomous thinking” and the inevitable doldrums of success. “That poison breakfast with ignorance and huff and puff/And fear will stick if you say them often enough” drive home Robertson’s tongue-in-cheek lyricism, which pay homage to other story-teller singers such as Jason Isbell, The Water Boys, and Billy Bragg, but retains a quality all unto themselves.

Hailing from Fremantle, The Kiss List is known for being a powerhouse in the indie sphere. They have explored subgenres such as folk, pop, and rock in a majority of their songs, boasting self-aware and at times self-deprecating lyricism to devastating and addictive effect. Their album Oil, Love & Oxygen was an epic DIY project recorded across ten houses. The most popular track Montreal is a bittersweet tale of romantic regret.They are no stranger to the gig economy either, performing at noteworthy locations such as The Nannup, Fairbridge and Fremantle festivals, while also supporting The Basics in Tasmania and performing “Rogue State” to thousands at a Walk Against Warming rally.

All in all, Dave Robertson & The Kiss List’s “Often Enough” is that perfect scratch to your indie-leaning itch and a great way to kick off the year with a tongue-in-cheek swing at the world!