August 29, 2020
“Twilight” is a hauntingly, beautiful track from Australian duo “My Friend Rupert” (MFR). The acoustic instruments, combined with the electronic drum loop and pulsing synth bass, create a suspenseful, trancelike groove.
The subtle piano produces a perfect bed for the unison female and male vocals to lie on, allowing the lyrics to really break out of the mix, which captivates the listener as they embark on a steady journey.
Using poetic licence, the song question love and the significance of following your ‘gut feeling’. The word ‘Twilight’ refers to the uncertainty of a particular situation. “We’re staring into twilight”
Accompanying the audio of the single is the official video clip which was filmed in one take at Matt’s house. Using a GoPro, furniture and a whole roll of gaffer tape, they were able to create a trippy, but hypnotic piece of art.
The GoPro was mounted onto the ceiling, while the furniture and props were stuck to the walls to fabricate the illusion of two seperate worlds, where both Matt and Ellen seem to be singing the song in their own seperate bedrooms. With gloomy lighting, and a slow rotation of the scene, the video clip really captures the theme of perception that is demonstrated in the lyrics of the song.
Watch ‘TWILIGHT’
Based in Newcastle, MFR is made up of Matt Cross and Ellen Macdonald. They have been performing together since 2014. The combination of Matt’s songwriting and arrangement skills are brought to life with Ellen’s pure, and emotive vocals. Musically accompanied by piano and guitar, their performances have been described as a beautifully captivating experience.
Although their latest song “Twilight” is back to the roots of MFR, the previous single released by the duo allowed them to express their cheeky, and comedic flair. The track entitled “No We Won’t Sing Horses” is directly dedicated to the average Australian punter, who takes every chance to request the classic pub rock songs.
Unlike their usual sound, this song is a quirky pop rock arrangement which mixes electric guitar solos with wild synth sounds, creating a pleasing contrast to the usual mellow tones produced by MFR.
MFR draw inspiration from folk artists including Glen Hansard and The Civil Wars, combined with modern influences such as Kate Miller-Heidke and Ben Folds. With a continuous build of original repertoire, and more live performances to come in the near future, “My Friend Rupert” is a name to watch out for as they strive through the Newcastle music scene.
Connect with ‘My Friend Rupert’
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