Parallel Lions – ‘Separated’ (Radio Edit)

It’s fair to say that Art Of Fighting aren’t entirely my cup of tea, but they sure have their fans and I can’t argue with the fact that the dude can sing. Apparently he (Ollie Brown) has got a new band and they seem to be a bit more ‘singer-songwriter’ meets downbeat electronica. Some texture is always a good way to spice up the ol’ acoustic guitar run-through, but the jazz drumming in this song is especially notable. Parallel Lions are a bit closer to being my thang, but it’s interesting enough to warrant coverage regardless. ‘Separated ‘should generate some buzz for them on the local scene/Triple J – AOF fans eat your heart out!

Apparently their debut, ‘Holding Patterns,’ is out Oct 23.

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Dot.AY – ‘Default to Paranoia’

It took me a while to come around to chiptune music. While I appreciated the process and ingenuity behind it, it was hard voluntarily want to listen to music that sounding like my Nintendo was epileptic. But that was sooo twelve months ago. This stuff is everywhere – there’s even a full-length documentary floating around on the internet somewhere about the craze (can’t for the life of me remember it, but I’m sure Google can help you if you’re keen).

Anyway, one of Brisbane’s more prominent exponents of gameboy-tweaking muzak is Dot.AY aka Alex Yabsley, who finished his full-length a couple of months back. If you’re a fan of the above (and yes, I believe that’s a ‘Guitar Hero’ controller he’s wielding there), then head here to download it for free. He’s playing at both Valley Fiesta and 2High Festival for any Brisbanites keen on indulging in some of his stuff at free local festivals.

www.myspace.com/dotaymusic

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Cabins – ‘Catcher In The Rye’ (Demo)

With this song, Sydney’s Cabins have delved into some infectious, psychedelia-inspired pop. The bass-line and lead guitar interlock into a dark groove that drives the song, which is rounded out by a lazy beat, equally lazy vocals and a piano hook. This is promising stuff and the fact that it’s a demo hardly let’s the song down – in fact, I truly hope the album/EP/7″ version (whatever they have planned) retains the loose feeling of the above, although the song displays enough punk sensibility that I shouldn’t second guess these guys just yet.

Also, they’ll be playing support to The Scare on their forthcoming album launch tour. Check the MySpace for details. Should be a good show.

www.myspace.com/cabinsband

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Midnight Juggernauts – ‘This New Technology’

The Juggies are back with a rather different sound to what we heard from them last; pychedelic rock. This is the first taster of their 2nd album, expected early 2010. If you wanna hear the rest, you’ll have to attend one of their concerts below:

Midnight Juggernauts: ‘This New Technology’ National Tour

Saturday 31 October, The Capitol, Perth
Thursday 5 November, Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
Friday 6 November, The Metro Theatre, Sydney
Saturday 7 November, Waves, Wollongong
Friday 13 November, Billboard, Melbourne
Saturday 14 November, Pier Live, Frankston
Friday 20 November, Hi Fi, Brisbane
Saturday 21 November,Trackside, Canberra
Friday 27 November, The Gov, Adelaide

www.myspace.com/midnightjuggernauts

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Was just told about these guys today. Holy shit they are great. This song is the boss and their film clip shows that having no budget doesn’t mean you can’t do some fancy stuff.

Yes, that 6/8 time signature, those multi-tracked vocals and harmonies all make them sound like Grizzly Bear/Animal Collective, but that’s hardly a bad thing. I’m officially excited about these guys.

Get on this. Now.

www.myspace.com/ohyedenverbirds

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The Peep Tempel – ‘Thank You Machiavelli’

‘Thank You Machiavelli’ is a meaty slice of indie-punk from this duo (which I assume consists of drums and guitars, but this is unconfirmed). Either way, you know those duos that just sort of rock out. DZ comes to mind, but judging from the above photo The Peep Tempel have quite a few years on those lads. This is loud and boisterous with plenty of shouting, cymbals and distortion. With a  decent tune and enough energy it’s hard to completely fuck up this genre, but The Peep Tempel go one further and deliver a playful, vibrant performance of the song.

www.myspace.com/peeptempel

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