Some More Excellent Contributors
Today’s episode takes us through the underbelly of Brisbane independent music, with experimental pop stalwarts The Rational Academy, pioneers of the lofly Hangar scene aheadphonehome, and sonic explorer Sebu.
The Rational Academy are a noise/pop band based in Brisbane, Australia active since 2004. After a slew of 7” vinyl EP’s and compilation appearances they released their debut album in 2008 to international acclaim. Produced by Lawrence English, “A Heart Against Your Own” married the Academy’s pop leanings and guitar heavy approach with avant garde and experimental interests. In 2009 they released their sophomore effort “Swans”, embarked on their first international tour to Japan and were awarded “Best New Music / Experimental” at the QMusic QSong awards where they were also nominated for “Song of the Year”.
They have shared stages with a diverse array of groups including Deerhunter, Deerhoof, Mum, Xiu Xiu, Tujiko Noriko, Tenniscoats, Beach House, The Blow, Scout Nibblet, Dear Nora, Grouper & Spoon. In 2008 they were invited by the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art to perform as part of their “Andy Warhol” exhibition program.
The Rational Academy grace Soundcrane with a cover of the beautifully noisy “Chew it in a Bite” by Salon Music.
aheadphonehome is a Brisbane band who play otherworldly indie/kraut/post rock songs. Recently expanded to a four piece, ahph features Pete Maclean on the guitar, Chris Perren (Mr. Maps) on bass, Brendan Mawn on the drumkit and Phillip Laidlaw on guitar, electonics and vocals.
The first aheadphonehome album, 2007’s “in the static” was a beautiful, layered weave of fuzzed out, cut up vocals, organ and guitars, with handmade beats, and samples culled from op shop vinyl and radio intercepts. Critically lauded, it set the aheadphonehome tone – a commitment to finding new ways to create an immersive world of sound.
The expanded line up is currently completing the strange and powerful new album “Dream Reverb”, for a May 2011 release.
For Soundcrane, aheadphonehome give their take on a Aoharu Youth, from Japan’s long-standing kings of electronically-tinted indie rock, Supercar.
Sebu is a spacefunk ambassador who draws inspiration from the golden age of soulful electronic music - oldschool electro, Detroit techno and boogie funk. His DJ sets aim to tell a story, not showcase a genre. He has been quietly working away at creating a digital/organic twist on the delicate melancholy of Nobuo Uematsu’s “Aeris’ Theme” from Final Fantasy VII.
