Today sees the release of Sonicology, the long awaited second full length from Sydney quartet The Laurels. It’s their first long player since 2012’s Plains which gained them a loyal following. Less a mixture of early 90s derived psych infused rock and pop, the new record still contains generous doses of psychedelic overtones but incorporates the occasional use of subtle hip hop rhythms, electronic elements and also boasts moments of inspired drone as well as cleverly inserted instances of delay drenched ambience. It’s clear the band have not only been working on new songwriting directions but have been experimenting with new instrumentation and working extra hard and extra smart in the effects department.
We’ve assembled the three tracks they’ve shared thus far below; the winding elasticity of the title track, the leisurely pop and hip-hop infused rhythm of ‘Hit & Miss’ and the bass heavy and distorted squalls of energetic opener, ‘Reentry. The title track is also accompanied by a Aimée-Lee X. Curran directed video.
The core influences of the band are still very clear but through the release of Sonicology, they have extended themselves well beyond them and produced a work of eclectic diversity. More importantly, they’ve even managed to find a place for those who ordinarily shy away from such core influences, and that is the album’s most impressive trait. The album is out now on vinyl and digitally through Rice Is Nice here.
Tracklist
1. Reentry
2. Sonicology
3. Clear Eyes
4. Some Other Time
5. Trip Sitter
6. Frequensator
7. Aerodrome
8. Hit and Miss
9. Central Premonition Registry
10. Mecca
11. Zodiac K
Sonicology
The Laurels (AUS)
From the album, ‘Sonicology’, Rice Is Nice.
The Laurels Facebook
Audio Stream
Official Video
Hit & Miss
The Laurels (AUS)
From the album, ‘Sonicology’, Rice Is Nice.
The Laurels Bandcamp
Audio Stream
Reentry
The Laurels (AUS)
From the album, ‘Sonicology’, Rice Is Nice.
The Laurels Soundcloud
Audio Stream