Michael Cullen – Love Transmitter

For the fans of Nick Cave and Leonard Cohen I recommend to check Australian singer/songwriter Michael Cullen, who just re-issued and re-mastered his classic record “Love Transmitter”. The album was released for the first time in 2002 and produced by Tim Powles of The Church.

Love Transmitter CD cover

The opening track “Do you believe” sets a romantic melancholy mood, soon moved by one of my favorites “Tidal Wave”. The following “All Used Up” builds beautiful tension with tinkling guitar riffs. Another classic post-punk track that deserves attention is “Transmission” – very melodic and catchy.

I can’t miss “Spill” – a song I like very much and which recalls a hybrid between Nick Cave in “Alice Watching” and some early Morphine songs in my mind.

A key element to the record are the casual, but nicely fitting drums by Tim Powles, which combined with a feedback drenched guitar and Michael’s resonant baritone vocal bring out a romantic, yet dark hybrid. The two musicians have been collaborating for nearly 20 years, back from the times when Michael was in guitar driven “almost punk” band The Hardheads, later renamed Watershed.

We can hear Tim Powles’ from the cult band The Church influence on the record.

Love Transmitter is definitely a must hear – no accident that in 2011 it was named in the top twenty Australian albums by music blog Tomatrax . Michael and Tim are currently working on a series of recordings which will form Michael’s next album.

Listen to more music from Michael Cullen on his Soundcloud page. Visit also the artist on Facebook & his official website.