CAPE CUB

So many new artists announce themselves with a big, bold sound. Why? Because they (and the underlying deficiencies in their musicality or songwriting ability) can hide behind it.

Not so for Chad Male though. ‘Swim’, the second track released under the moniker Cape Cub, is sleek and understated and all the more powerful because of it.

With a faint, scattered drum beat and lone lilting guitar in the backdrop, Male’s tender harmonies take centre stage. In a brooding meditation of love, they open him up and expose a charming vulnerability.

There’s no doubt that Male has jumped into the deep end with this track, but he’s certainly not drowning; in fact, he’s gliding through the water with a remarkable confidence and enviable grace.

Words by Chris Haywood