ROBERT FORSTER Vinilo y CD

Review: Robert Forster, co-founder of the Go-Betweens and one of Australia's most acclaimed singer-songwriters, releases his new album on Hamburg's stellar Tapete Records, which is the pop arm of Krautrock label Bureau B. What's clear is Forster's ear for jangly 60s pop is as refined as you can get. He's up there with Creation Records legend Pete Astor, who influenced Ultimate Painting. It's the softer more melodic side of indie pop, but ultimately, hard to argue against as an approach to songwriting. In terms of highlights, 'Tender Years' is a must-listen as it has a darkness to it thanks to the minor chord guitar twang that underpins the rambling lyrical explorations perfectly. This is up there with Nick Cave's best stuff.