Album Review: Chet Faker ‘Built on Glass’

Words by Scenewave Australia - Published on April 26, 2014

Words by Billie-Jean Bullard

I honestly didn’t think it was possible to love Nick Murphy, A.K.A Chet Faker anymore. But then he goes and releases his new (and first) full length album Built on Glass, and well, was I wrong. Trying to figure out which of his new tracks were my favourite was a new major struggle in my life. 

As many other internet sensations before him, he first rose to fame after his cover of Blackstreet’s No Diggity went viral online, debuting at Number 1. on the Australian ARIA charts. Built on Glass was recorded and produced by the myth, the man and the legend himself in his Melbourne home over a period of two years, and the album does not disappoint. 

With all the hype surrounding Built on Glass as being labelled a “break-up record”, Chet describes the process of creating his album to be “like putting a jigsaw together but I had to cut the pieces myself.”

Murphy places his heart on his sleeve in Talk is Cheap, the second song, and first single from the album. “I wanna make you move with confidence/ I wanna be with you alone”. It’s a difficult thing, showing your emotions to the world through lyrics, while creating music that successfully expresses what you want to say, and Built on Glass is a great example of the natural wordsmith and bravery that lives inside of Murphy. 

Described as being “Smooth, sexy and strangely haunting” by Acclaim Magazine, I found myself entranced Chet’s mesmerising rich warm vocals, while his harmonies will transport you to another place entirely. It’s so easy to get lost in the music; one of the most distinguishing features about Chet Faker is the unique production, and the unusual instruments. It truly sets this music apart from so much else. 

A myriad instruments, sounds and beats lay strong bearings for the album. There’s so much happening throughout, ranging from the bluesy, rusty saxophone in Talk is Cheap, to the heavy bass and obvious electronic influence in 1998, and collaborations with artists such as Kilo Kish in Melt. Kilo’s vocals adds a new element to his album, a feminine touch that contrasts against his rich deep vocals. 

Chet Faker’s music is so diverse and unified all at once, like a complete jigsaw puzzle. It’s certainly astounding that this is his debut album. 

Basically, if you like music, you will like Built on Glass.

Chet Faker: Built on Glass Tour Dates

Thu 12 June: The Wool Exchange, Geelong
Fri 13 June: Forum Theatre, Melbourne
Sat 14 June: Forum Theatre, Melbourne
Thu 19 June: Astor Theatre, Perth
Sat 21 June: The Tivoli, Brisbane
Sun 22 June: Lake Kawana Community Centre, Sunshine Coast
Tue 24 June: Glasshouse Theatre, Port Macquarie
Wed 25 June: Civic Theatre, Newcastle
Thu 26 June: Enmore Theatre, Sydney
Fri 27 June: Enmore Theatre, Sydney
Sat 28 June: Anita’s Theatre, Wollongong
Thu 3 July: HQ, Adelaide
Sat 4 July: The Odean – Hobart

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