The Aussies came out in full force to CMJ 2015. Among the many acts representing were Kirin J. Callinan, The Harpoons, The Babe Rainbow, Sunbeam Sound Machine, Good Morning, Methyl Ethel, Fraser A. Gorman, and Harts, among others. Performing at various showcases through out the multi-day music marathon, they assembled on Saturday at the CMJ edition of the Aussie BBQ. A free, day-long party with good vibes and free food, this year’s fete was back at the Delancey on Saturday (10/17) and featured 37 acts on two stages.

We sadly weren’t able to stay for the entire BBQ, which ran 14 hours, but we did pass through long enough to see a few bands and snack on an Aussie taco. Among the groups we caught were Methyl Ethel, Fraser A. Gorman and Harts. All of them put on impressive displays (see photos below).

Before seeing Perth’s Methyl Ethel, we were completely obsessed with their dreamy sound. Much of our fascination was due to the unique voice of frontman Jake Webb. He operates in a high register similar to that of Bradford Cox of Deerhunter. Not quite sure how it would work live, we found ourselves pleasantly transfixed. Methyl Ethel played nine showcases during CMJ of which we caught three: School Night! at the Living Room, Bowery Presents Day Party at Pianos, and Aussie BBQ. Yeah, we’re a little hooked. The trio’s debut LP Oh Inhuman Spectacle is out now. (Update: the album has been taken down from the band’s Bandcamp page)

Aussie guitar rocker Fraser A. Gorman, who commanded an early evening slot at the Aussie BBQ, operates in the Melbourne music scene. He’s drawn comparison to Bob Dylan for his appearance and folk-singer style, and is a self-described serial collaborator. Stu Mackenzie (King Gizzard), Davey Lane (You Am I) and James Fleming and Jarrad Brown, both from Eagle & The Worm, all took part in his debut LP Slow Gum, which was released on Courtney Barnett’s indie label Milk! Records. Gorman also enlisted Barnett to be in one of his music videos. In addition to his clever and funny storytelling, Gorman has quite the stage presence. An imposing lad, standing at what must be upwards of 6 ft 3 inches, he has a charismatic swagger about him. We were also smitten with his crazy curly hair. Gorman is currently on tour in Europe.

Harts, aka Darren Hart, earned a place on our must-check list when we heard he was being compared to Prince. Born in India and raised in Melbourne, Hart is masterful guitar player whose music blends elements of funk, pop, rock and soul. When Prince caught wind of his talents, he invited him out to his studio in Minneapolis. After their session, Prince was quoted as saying “He reminds me of how I was at that age.”

At the Aussie BBQ, Hart drew a large crowd to the main floor stage. Accompanied by a drummer, Hart shredded through his set. For his finale, he pulled the guitar behind the head trick. Harts only played two shows during CMJ, which we thought a bit unusual for someone who travelled so far. He’s off to Hong Kong next week and then has a series of festival dates coming up in Australia. His Breakthrough EP is out now.

Methyl Ethel
Bowery Presents Day Showcase (10/17) at Pianos 

Fraser A. Gorman
Aussie BBQ (10/17) at The Delancey

Harts
Aussie BBQ (10/17) at The Delancey