Dr Sure is in love on joyous EP Blue
Dr Sure’s Unusual Practice has been at it for over half a decade, producing weird, whacky homegrown punk rock. Lead by Darumbal/Emu Park born multi-disciplinary artist Dougal Shaw, the project is a many faced creative outlet.
From hilarious political takedowns (see Scomo Goes To Hawaii) to existential observations (How Can Anybody Be Sober These Days?) Dr Sure’s unique talent for oddball songwriting has earned the praise of many - but in today’s release, a truly inspiring sensitive side comes to light.
Blue is a tribute to Dougal’s young son, his family and his deep parental love. A collection of tracks all about his boy, Blue is just about the sweetest thing I’ve heard this year. Available exclusively on cassette, I cannot recommend more that you purchase this tape.
It’s All Blue opens the EP with a bang - a rocking good singalong synth punk banger. Dr Sure tells Blue to “Shake it Blue man” and we can’t help but join in.
Painting the picture of the all encompassing fatherly love felt every day, the theme continues on Blue Day (O Yeh) telling the tale of a day spent with your loved ones. The pure feeling of seizing the day as a joyous toddler is infectious and powerful, and translates fantastically through song.
My Baby is a sweet dream - a perfect summary of the endless optimism and fresh eyes of a child, and the purity they share with those around them. Climbing synths elevate the energy of the track while bass and drums sections rock the groove as Dougal soars over the top with a flaming passion
Blue Evening is the most adorable song on the EP - sounding like a sweet little post dinner, pre-bedtime singalong. A perfect fit on Playschool or The Wiggles, the track is a lovely journey into childhood joy.
Closing the release is my favourite track - the uniquely powerful and loving Not The End of the World. When I heard this song, I immediately felt the feeling of scraping your knee as a kid and getting a life saving hug from a parent.
Feeling safe, loved and home in the arms of mum or dad is an incomparable emotion, but this song is the closest I’ve seen a piece of art come to capturing that experience.
I’m hoping Dougal gets the chance to show Blue this tape again in about twenty years, so he can truly see how much his dad loves him.
Dr Sure’s Unusual Practice has invited us into a truly personal and beautiful side of his life with this release, and that should not be taken for granted.
Grab yourself a copy of this lovely tape here.