We are overjoyed here at the wintry antipodean outpost of Backseat Mafia to exclusively bring you another slice of Antarctic shoegaze in the form of the new single ‘Apraxia’ from the rising shoegaze/dream pop exponents Dvrkworld. Hot on the heels of ‘Bonnie’ (reviewed by me here), ‘Apraxia’ snuggles up to you like a Tasmanian tuxedo with its warm layers of slightly warped guitars, enveloping and immersive. It’s like a sonic version of the Danish concept of hygge but transported by the distant glacial vocals to another dimension.

Indeed the vocals are hypnotic – coasting every so slightly under the mix, an epic melody that creates an endless horizon above the shimmering guitars and driving insistent beats. Dvrkworld are proving to be something quite special wielding their surgeon-precise scalpel to cut out momentous riffs and mountainous sounds: there are no doubt genetic traces of giants like My Bloody Valentine, Lush and Slowdive in the entrails, but the reconstructed body and soul is purely of their own making.

And the lyrics add a poetic and ethereal grace. Apraxia is a neurological disorder that can manifest itself in an inability to speak – a fitting palimpsest for internal struggle:

Apraxia
Moving too far from how it’s meant to be
If I could have my own words
A mouth that’s wholly moulded by belief
Would you follow me?

The band says of the track:

The song ‘Apraxia’ delves into the complexities of self-expression and the emotional aftermath of trauma. Through evocative lyrics, it explores the struggle to communicate authentically in the face of inner turmoil and neurological barriers. Themes of acute resentment and the haunting effects of past experiences are highlighted, depicting a journey of detachment and longing for inner peace. Ultimately, ‘Apraxia’ is a narrative of resilience and the quest for healing, inviting listeners to embrace their vulnerabilities and find solace in stillness and self-acceptance.

The end result is quite magnificent and enigmatic – lyrics, vocals and instrumentation combining powerfully to create something statuesque and powerful.

The track comes with a psych-infused video, filmed and edited by Jeremy Urbaniak, following a mysterious hood character through urban landscapes, expansive star-studded skies and wild greenery:

‘Apraxia’ is out tomorrow (14 August 2024) and will available though all the usual download and streaming sites – check out this link. The single was recorded in the idyllic setting of Lilydale, Tasmania, by band members Mary, Drew, and Shawn, with mixing by Hobart’s Spiro Noutsatos of Silver Fleet Ships. Renowned Mikey Young, known for his involvement with Eddy Current Suppression Ring and Total Control, mastered the track.

Fronted by Mary Shannon of Meres (a band we have enthusiastically covered before), Dvrkworld deliver an icy, glacial form of shoegaze that seems intrinsically linked to the wild terrain and the weather in the southern isle at the very edge of the world. Current members are in South America at the moment but the band will be back for live performances and a much anticipated new EP in 2025. The band consists of Mary Shannon (Meres) on vocals, Drew Farrant-Jayet on guitar, Shawn Arnold (Teens) on drums, and Ryan Unger (Murray Darling) on guitar. What sonic treasures there are to be found in the southern edges of Australia.

Feature Photograph: Alex Pugh

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Johnny Hunter is no stranger to dark, brooding soundscapes, but their latest single, ‘HOT MESS‘, out now via Hell Beach/Onelove Records, marks a sharp departure from their post-punk roots. The band, known for their moody new wave tendencies, has pivoted to a sound that feels like it was forged in the heat of a gritty club dance floor.

Produced by Jesse F. Keeler, known for his work with MSTRKRFT and Death From Above 1979, ‘HOT MESS’ grabs you by the throat. Don’t be mistaken—Johnny Hunter has always worn black (literally) and been covered in glitter (metaphorically), but this new sound is donned in shiny chromatic wrapping paper, delivering a sound that’s more intense, electrifying and undeniably danceable.

Nick Hutt, the band’s frontman, captures this shift perfectly, saying, “This is our first step into something new for Johnny Hunter. We wanted to create a backdrop for human reconnection after it had been taken from us. Not everything has to be so doom and gloom.“

This transition follows their May release, ‘Frustration‘, which critiqued late-stage capitalism with a glam-rock edge, as well as the band’s recent relocation to London. After closing out their Eora/Sydney chapter with three sold-out shows at Low 302—which, as usual, was a spectacle, packed with a committed cult fanbase and elaborate theatrics—they’re proving they’re not afraid to shake things up.

Their live performance style caught the eye of Jack White, who personally invited the band to support his group The Saboteurs (The Raconteurs) at their Sydney show in 2019. Their compelling presence also made an instant fan of leading UK booking agent Steve Zapp (Biffy Clyro, The Editors), who signed the band on the spot after seeing them perform at Bigsound 2023. Their 2022 debut album, ‘Want‘, produced by Jack Moffit (The Preatures), also received widespread adoration, making a die-hard fan out of everyone within earshot.

In summary, ‘HOT MESS‘ pulls you in a different direction—one where the echoes of their post-punk past meet the pulse of a new era. ‘HOT MESS’ is a BIG statement, there’s a shift in the air —Johnny Hunter is evolving.

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Emerging from Glasgow’s thriving music scene, alternative sextet Diving Horse release their vibrant new single ‘Sometimes I Feel Like a Fool’.

‘Sometimes I Feel Like a Fool’ is a vibrant and uplifting track that perfectly encapsulates Diving Horse’s distinctive sound. The song draws inspiration from the later works of Talking Heads, blending poppy, upbeat rhythms with introspective lyrics that explore the universal experience of feeling foolish. The result is a track that feels both nostalgic and fresh, inviting listeners to sing along to its catchy chorus while also reflecting on its deeper meaning. This combination of thoughtful songwriting and infectious energy is a hallmark of Diving Horse’s music, and ‘Sometimes I Feel Like a Fool’ is no exception.

Speaking about the new release, the band shared their creative process: “For this song, we wanted to write a chorus you could sing along to, and ‘Sometimes I Feel Like a Fool’ is what came out. Musically, the song is inspired by the later works of Talking Heads, and lyrically, the song masks feeling like a fool under poppy rhythms. We hoped to tap into a universal feeling we all have and say, ‘Don’t worry about it too much!’”

Diving Horse draws inspiration from influential bands like The National and LCD Soundsystem, combining artful indie rock with propulsive beats to create a sound that is both cerebral and danceable. With ‘Sometimes I Feel Like a Fool,’ Diving Horse continue to showcase their rich musicality and authenticity.

Listen below:

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