Since it sprung to life in 2006, Pikelet a band named in tribute to the small pancakes that lead vocalist, Evelyn Morris‘ mother used to whip up, has come a very long way.
Beginning as a one-man band, Evelyn Morris’ debut album, Pikelet, made mostly with an accordion, a floor tom and a loop pedal was released back in 2007. It recieved rave reviews prompting Evelyn to take her creation around the world. The overwhelming success led the girl-with-loop-pedal stylings to cure her lonliness with the recruitment of some handsome band members featuring; Matthew Cox on drums, Shags Chamberlain on synths and Tarquin Manek on bass and clarinet.
The quartet produced Pikelet’s second album Stem in 2010 which was followed by delightful reviews, Triple J rotations, community radio Albums of the Week and don’t forget its recent nomination for the 2010 Australian Music Prize.
The openning track from Stem, Toby Light now has its own video. The video is directed by Melbourne filmmaker, Matt Richards who has also done work for Laura Jean, Firekites and Sharpie Crows among others. The stunning videography tells the story of a duck hunter who becomes obsessed with his targets. The video transcends into an eerie interpretation of the song’s tale of a man hoping to transform himself into light.
Director, Matt Richards says “I was interested in the idea of a man realising he was the tipping point for the extinction of a species. I then wondered what would happen to the hunter who’s obsession sees him come undone.” Richards has also confirmed that the video has a much longer companion piece. He says, “I wanted to expand further on the ideas and take the story [to a much] darker [place in] the hunters psyche.”
A new video isn’t all that is news for this funky little band. Pikelet are taking off on their national tour this week. Making a pitt stop at Melbourne’s East Brunswick Club Friday May 13. With support acts Dick Diver, Angel Eyes and Montero this show will be one of the Pikelet band’s last Melbourne appearances before the scurry away to work on their next album.
