[click here to print this entry]
By: Wilfred Brandt
Date: 22nd Aug 07
Release: Album
To Cure: A predictable playlist
WHAT
DYSTOPIA
WHO
MIDNIGHT JUGGERNAUTS
ON
SIBERIA / INERTIA
MYSPACE
HERE
For issue 100, I considered taking a look at a past Aussie classic. But with so many great bands releasing so many great albums, I can't bear to miss a week. Is this a new Aussie music renaissance?
The long-awaited debut from Melbourne's Midnight Juggs doesn't fail to disappoint. Since M.J. released their self-titled debut in May 2005, the scene's seen an overload of synth-pop and electro bands, many of the same-same variety. So DYSTOPIA point-of-difference is a burst of fresh technicolor air, like being farted on by a handsome, space-travelling ambassador from the future. The intergalactic concept works well with the croon-to-falsetto Roxy Music / Bowie / Bee Gee vocals. And the starry-eyed storytelling and a baroque, epic production raises the standard of these songs above those two tired, typical dance music guises: down and dirty debauchery or self-deprecating irony.
With its prog rock leanings, somber acoustics, feedback guitar squall, and big drum kick, this sounds like Wolfmother jamming with Justice at Stonehenge. Killer? Killer. We are all interested in the future, for that is where you and I are going to spend the rest of our lives. With a future as bright as DYSTOPIA, we're gonna need shades.