It is very common to see the majestic photography of Phil Blatch in this very publication, but away from the lens, he spends his time honing his impressive skill as a musician, which has been on quiet, but effective show in recent times as a member of The Mirandas of Peel.
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And Blatch obviously isn't alone in this musical endeavour, with Mark Adams, Clare Moore and David Twigg also along for the ride to help create foot-tapping, folk-tinged pop with hints of rock and social commentary.
The quartet has recently taken to the internet to reveal their first two recorded originals, both of which inject The Mirandas' engaging songcraft into topical news concerning Australians, complete with the most literal song titles you can think of.
On 'The Bushfire Song', The Mirandas tackle the disastrous bushfire season of 2019-20, where they gleefully croon "liar, liar, the world's on fire" in a dignified chant against political inaction on climate change, because, in their own words, "everyone knows it's gonna get worse."
Penned by Blatch, he leads the song with an impassioned delivery, with colourful backing vocals by Moore and deepened musical depth from Adams and Twigg.
I once stated that Matt Williamson is Bathurst's very own answer to Paul Kelly, and after hearing 'The Bushfire Song', I have another bold statement to make: Phil Blatch is Bathurst's very own answer to Shane Howard, of Goanna fame.
Why say that you might ask? Well 'The Bushfire Song' would certainly complement the sterling collection of songs constituting Goanna's 1982 record Spirit of Place, and Blatch, like Howard before him, is not afraid to explicitly get his firm views across through songs.
Don't believe me? Listen to 'The Bushfire Song' and immediately follow it with 'Solid Rock': the comparison speaks for itself.
On a lighter note, 'Women's World Cup Song' honours Blatch's long-time affinity for football [as a proud Brit at heart], and specifically the development of women's football in Australia.
Moore takes lead vocals on the tune, and sweetly documents the pride of Australian women's football, which encouraged FIFA to award the 2023 Women's World Cup to the land down under.
The song even received encouraging words of praise from FIFA themselves, as the committee looks to find an official song for the event in two years time.
The Mirandas of Peel have played several impromptu gigs around the Bathurst area, and shared the stage with The Safety of Life at Sea [Kris Schubert also produced their singles] and Sub-Tribe at the Inland Sea of Sound festival earlier this year.
Four fun, socially conscious musicians, just what Bathurst's scene needs!
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