Last week saw Sydney-based brother duo Dust Of Us release their debut EP 'Never Had The Time', a collection of six songs traversing indie pop, folk and electronic music territory.
It features previous singles 'Punching Bag', 'The Swans' and '7 Years' as well as a couple of new tunes including 'Surrender', which weaves a new-wave, post-punk vibe that builds into a massive, ethereal chorus – comparisons to Pulp or Gang Of Youths will abound.All instruments on the EP were played by brothers Ed and Lloyd Prescott, with guest vocals from UK-based Sydney ex-pat Jess Chalker on two songs.
"'Surrender' is about sliding doors moments," Ed says, "looking back at key pivot points in your life and wondering whether you made the right choice.
"It's also about identity – the different masks we wear throughout the course of the day – and how we make little adjustments to our personality based on the situation we're in."
The EP was co-produced and mixed by Matthew Neighbour (The Avalanches, Matt Corby, Sky Ferreira). "My brother and I are incredibly proud of these songs," continues Ed.
"We've gradually been chipping away at them in my bedroom for the past couple of years; building them up brick by brick.
"Our music takes a while to piece together because it's quite layered – and also because we're interested in so many different textures and genres.
"We have to give it time to understand what it is we're making and how all the jigsaw pieces fit together."
Here, Dust Of Us share five defining albums that have shaped their own musical path.
Massive Attack – 'Heligoland'
A hugely underrated album, maybe because it's unfairly compared to their back catalogue, but there are some stunning tracks on here that we find ourselves coming back to again and again.'Paradise Circus' and 'Saturday Come Slow' are two of the best ever Massive Attack songs. Beauty, ambience, groove, melancholy, darkness, texture, grit – it's all here. Unpopular opinion, but we think this is as good as 'Mezzanine'.
PJ Harvey - 'Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea'
A perfectly balanced album. It's gorgeous yet gritty. Poppy yet edgy. Melancholic but also uplifting. Amazing songs, amazing lyrics.This is a timeless classic and if you're somebody who doesn't like it, then I'm immediately a little suss on you. Polly Jean, we salute you.
Chairlift - 'Something'
This is a pop album, but everything is just a little bit skew-whiff. Nothing is quite what it seems. Love the '80s nods in the production and the elasticity of Caroline's voice – she's a singular talent as a vocalist.Most importantly, the songs are great. We saw them live a couple of years before this album came out and it was clear there was something special about them.
Gotye - 'Like Drawing Blood'
I remember the first time I heard this album it completely blew my mind. I think it's one of – if not the best – Australian albums of the past 20 years.The detail in the production is incredible and Wally nails every genre he tackles. It's got this palpable sense of musical inquisitiveness and wonder about it, but it's also just a great example of outstanding singing and songwriting.
It's wild that this thing was assembled by one person. When he finally releases new Gotye music, I have no doubt that minds will be blown all over again.
Caribou - 'Suddenly'
Our favourite album of last year. Dan Snaith is a genius. A master of texture, he is somehow about to craft tracks that are both cerebral and exciting. He makes you think, but also makes you wanna dance at the same time.Some of the arrangements on this album are out of this world. I feel like not enough people talked about this album when it came out, relative to how incredible it is.
