Until last Friday, Bathurst musician Matt Williamson had never seen an original composition of his officially released in 45 years of songwriting.
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But now, Wollongong-based alternative rock outfit Deceptive Bends have included Williamson's services in a sprawling cover of 'Deception', a song about how corporate gain compromises the beauty of the land.
Deceptive Bends guitarist [and former Bathurst local] Andrew MacDougall said the band was inspired by Williamson's intelligent lyricism and meaningful messages.
"Hugh [McCarthy, lead vocalist] and I met Matt through an association with Bathurst band 10th Man, and 'Deception' is a song we hold very close to our hearts," MacDougall said.
"The original is just Matt and his acoustic guitar, and we've added a distinct rock edge to it to flesh out the song's lament towards greed."
Deceptive Bends also features Ezstaphane Malouf on bass and Sam Tyson, and their sound incorporates flourishes of neo-psychedelia, punk and dub music.
Williamson said he first approached the band a few years ago about recording the song and is over the moon with the final result.
"It's affirmation that people see value in what you have to say and I'm thankful to the band for leaving parts of my vocals in the finished product," he said.
"'Deception' is essentially an anti-mining song about corporations putting material gain ahead of the interests of people and the environment."
The song is available on all streaming services and for more information, visit the Deceptive Bends Facebook page.