Michael Cullen
True Believer
(Speartackle Records)

Michael Cullen is an Australian songwriter and performer. He tends towards an old semi-acoustic guitar, tape machines, tube microphones, and other analog equipment to back his rich baritone. On his latest, True Believer, he gives us a full range of his particular songwriting prowess.

There’s a talk-singing-hand clapping, old western movie soundtrack feel to “Black Dog,” the strut, organ blaring sultry “Believer” and a sardonic lyric over flangy guitar in the darkly commercial, Nick Cave-like “Black Coffee and Cigarettes.”

For me the songs “Cha Cha Cha D’Amour” and “I Walk Alone” work best. “Cha Cha” is another stab at that western soundtrack vibe, high hat-led with an organ in the background just dying to break free and a deep chorus full of greatly played bass. “I Walk Alone” has a simple, up-front organ, spooky piano and heavy back beat informing the love lyric.

Cullen’s voice will either be something you take to and go along for the ride with or it won’t. Cullen is like Nick Cave (one of his influences) and Lou Reed – an artist of such distinct style and sensibility that I’m afraid you won’t find a middle ground. But the ground Cullen walks is certainly solid.

You can find all things Michael Cullen here, and I suggest you do, as this guy is certainly unique.