The local kings tell us who’s killing it in Melbourne.
Melbourne post-punk band Shepparton Airplane, offshoot of other renowned names The Peep Tempel and Graveyard Train, have just released their new album, Sharks. The band’s third LP sees them produce a mash of punchy post-punk, rock and shoegaze, that’s bursting with warped instrumentals and genre-defying soundscapes.
Through the release, the band maintain fragments of the inimitable sounds of its members’ former projects while adding their own distinct tastes. What results is a delightful concoction of flavours and Melbourne-specific strengths.
With the record now out in the world, we asked Shepparton Airplane to fill us in on the five hottest bands in Melbourne right now, according to them. Check them out below:
Hearts and Rockets
One of our favourites, both on stage and on vinyl. This lovable duo never fail to disappoint with their dark-yet-infectiously-catchy tunes. They’ve got plenty of great releases to choose from, including splits with a bunch of other bands we love including Zig Zag, Piss Factory and Shrimpwitch. Buy them all!
SLOMO
We came across this very tight three-piece towards the end of last year and were immediately impressed with their soundscape-y noisy guitar grooves. Right up our alley indeed. Their debut album is out real soon. Keep your eyes and ears peeled.
Jackson Reid Briggs & The Heaters
This Melbourne-based six-piece certainly know how to make a racket. And what a wonderful racket it is! Lurking amongst the chaos created by the drums, bass, keys and the three cranked-up guitars are a swathe of great songs snarled and spat with equal intensity by frontman Jackson Reid Briggs. They’re a prolific lot too, with album number four Hammered (an absolute belter!) landing just before the apocalypse in March.
MOON CUP
This minimalist post-punk drums and bass duo (solo project of Spiral Perm’s Rita Khayat) have been kicking around the traps for a little while now and have just put out their debut EP, which is a ripper. Do check it out.
Cable Ties
This legendary power trio keep going from strength to strength and their new album Far Enough is testament to this. Sonic bliss is the first phrase that comes to mind. It’s the right amount of light and shade, honest and vulnerable lyrical content, and that unmistakable live energy captured beautifully. Full stars!
Shepparton Airplane’s new album, Sharks, is out now. Grab a copy of the record via the band’s Bandcamp page.
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