Australian band Arabella And The Heist have been carving out their own niche in the local punk scene the last few years.
Known for their heavy-hitting, high-energy sound and raw, unapologetic performances, their latest release is the positively bangin' 'Maraschino', a song that careens into dance-punk territory with a flavour that's as tasty as the rhythm is filthy-good.
Produced by Michael Badger (King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Amyl and The Sniffers, Full Flower Moon Band), 'Maraschino' captures a new edge for the band, fusing their blistering punk ferocity with glimmering electronic sparks.
"'Maraschino' is a release, embodying what punk has always been to me. . . with a little sparkle thrown in, and a cherry on top," frontwoman Holly Arabella shares.
As they embrace electronic tones into their sound, and ahead of their single launch show next week (scroll down for the details), here the band share their favourite dance-floor bangers.
Faithless - 'Insomnia'
'Insomnia' is less of a dance banger in the typical sense of lighthearted themes and bouncy good times, and more of a dark, edgy anthem that blurred the lines between house and trance music. Play this song on a dance floor and the drop at 2:19 will remind everyone why this is a certified classic.
Vanessa Carlton - 'A Thousand Miles'
Talk about aging like fine wine. Almost 25 years since this mammoth of a tune was first released, it has not (and most likely will not) lost its impeccable danceable charm.When the first few piano notes play, everyone on the dance floor must encompass the same energy that Terry Crews gave in 'White Chicks'. This song reminds us that we need you, and we miss you, so let's wander through the dance floor like it's been ages since we danced.
The Ting Tings - 'Great DJ'
If there were ever a duo that needed a modern critical reassessment, The Ting Tings would need one ASAP. Especially for things such as releasing this absolute rager. It's an earworm of a chorus, and mixed with the classic indie guitar tone, turns the dance floor into a joyous and nostalgic trip. Oh, and did we forget to mention the drums and the drums, and the drums?!
Torren Foot feat. Azealia Banks - 'New Bottega'
'New Bottega' is the kind of track that makes you feel unstoppable the second it drops. The beat just slinks in with so much swagger, and before you even realise it, your already moving like the dance floor is a runway.Azealia's delivery is sharp, cheeky, and dripping with confidence – it feels like she's handing you the exact energy needed to go harder, dance longer, and not care about a single thing except how good it feels. It's luxurious, playful, and fierce all at once – the perfect soundtrack for a night where you just want to lose yourself in the music and shine.
Fatboy Slim - 'Slash Dot Dash'
With a tight, high tempo drum beat, nonsensical lyrics, simple guitar and bass riffs played by the producer himself, what more could you want? Critically panned at the time, 'Slash Dot Dash' is guaranteed to get you moving, and although there's not too much depth to it, chuck this song on and a good time will be had.Arabella And The Heist's 'Maraschino' single launch takes place at The Old Bar (Melbourne) on 4 October.
