Posts Tagged ‘Rice is Nice Records’

Known for their compelling song-writing and excruciatingly long breaks between albums, The Laurels are back with ‘Monkey On My Back’, the first single to be lifted from their forthcoming and highly anticipated third record.

‘Monkey On My Back’ combines raw guitars and layered harmonies that are driven by a soulful rhythm section. The track sees the band regain the energy they captured on Mesozoic, the pop sensibilities displayed on Plains, and the hip-hop production aesthetic developed on Sonicology.

Following the release of their debut album Plainsin 2012, the much-loved neo-psychedelic band spent years in their homemade studios assembling a kaleidoscopic collage of meticulously crafted samples and breakbeats for their sophomore effort, Sonicology. When it came time to tour however, their ability to deliver the songs in a live environment proved stifled. Three years later, the Laurels have regrouped. The new addition of drummer Ben James brings a fresh dynamic to The Laurels’ sound, which the band credit for their inspired approach to the production of their new record. Migrating away from their lengthy recording processes to place an emphasis on live performance, The Laurels are excited to debut their first single recorded with the new lineup.

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“A superb example of their sonic ability…Luke O’Farrell and Piers Cornelius encapsulate the controlled aggression and moody intent of this simmering, ambitious album from a special band” – Rolling Stone

”Probably the best live band in Sydney…. What The Laurels are doing is special. There’s no better way to express it'” – The Music

The Laurels are one of the most compelling bands around” – The Age

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Darts are volatile in the best sense, combining Sonic Youth-y guitars and a degenerate snideness with a powerhouse drummer and Angus Ayres’ Modest Mouse-esque growl. Their new album, Below Empty & Westward Bound, roams hungrily all over the place, as does their bruising live show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsCuEMm47HI

The new single ‘Aeroplane’ shows off yet another side of the Bendigo/Melbourne five-piece, thanks to the softer lead vocals of guitarist Ally Campbell-Smith. It’s still dark and grungy, but it’s the Darts equivalent of a ballad and provides a respite from the forcefulness elsewhere. With frayed guitars, wailing vocals and dissonant keys form a rich collage throughout the single, edging in and out of complete chaos and serene moments which rise so beautifully. Aggressive beats and punchy yet melodic guitars set the tone — it’s fast and fun, raunchy and loud. They’ve taken angst, sadness, and frustration, and spat it out in the best possible way. It’s a breath of crisp, pure, non-ironic air, The band are doing a few dates supporting Super Best Friends before launching the album in  catch them live if you can.

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Band Members
Ally Campbell Smith
Andrew Ayres
Angus Ayres
Jessie Fernandez
Paige X Cho