The Cartwheels are a band from Glenlyon, Victoria/Dja Dja Wurrung country comprised of Wendy Phypers and Dave Patterson – Golden Guitar winners with their previous band The Sparnetts – and their drummer son Charley Phypers; they have been playing as a family band since 2004. Their fifth album, The Cartwheels, was released last year and it’s a gem of traditional country songs with Australian tones, like the track ‘Kookaburra Calling’, all written by Wendy Phypers.
The Cartwheels’ latest single release from the album is ‘Is She the Only One’, a song about being cheated on. Wendy’s voice is full of pained acceptance, which makes the track all the heartbreaking, especially as the restraint used with the accompanying instruments – and the plaintiveness of the steel guitar – brings that voice and its story to the fore.
‘Is She the Only One’ is a good introduction to the sound of The Cartwheels for those who are new to it, with the knowledge that lyrically there is a range of stories on offer on the album, and the talent and skill to make the album a rich listening experience.