A Brisbane band wearing their surf rock, spaghetti western flavoured indie rock proudly on their paisley sleeves, The Double Happiness pen songs inspired by cities, surf, the Wild West and space.
Now a decade into their career, the band are ready to showcase their latest studio album 'Spacetime' that they have previewed with three singles: 'Sister Bertrille', 'Omnibus' and 'Not A Saint'.
Inspired by an eclectic mix of 1960s TV and films, unusual journeys and quirky encounters, the album delivers a very familiar sense of nostalgia, combined with new dimensions to songwriting and arrangements.
Released in July, 'Sister Bertrille' is the album's lead single. A jubilant jangly guitar whirls the song to lively animation, a lo-fi thrumping building in intensity in the background that quickly dissolves into manic drumming, the track bursting to life in a ball of sonic colour, like a galloping horse finding freedom in a back paddock.
Droney, husky vocals emit the refrain "Sister, Sister Bertrille," followed by "the flying nun," as the song's energy continues to build culminating in a freak-out of kaleidoscope, psychedelic tones that crescendos into unbridled joy.
There's elements of alt. country, shoegaze, jangle pop and post punk – what the band deem janglegaze – coursing throughout 'Sister Bertrille', the Dunedin Sound vibes especially present.
With the 'Spacetime' album officially landing on Friday (12 September), today scenestr is delighted to premiere the 'Sister Bertrille' music video. Enjoy.
"'The Flying Nun' was one of my favourite shows to watch after school in the mid '70s," shares vocalist-guitarist Kristin (Black) Fergusson.
"Sister Bertrille was a sweet but naïve novice in the Convent San Tanco, who had a heart as big as her smile. Her light frame combined with her pelican-like cornet saw her being picked up by gusts of wind, which allowed her to do her good deeds at speed.
"When I first noodled the opening riff on 12 strings, it put me in mind of The Dunedin Sound, and Flying Nun Records. The image of Sister Bertrille flying through the air immediately came to mind.
"This is really a song in three acts. The joyous verses are synonymous with Sr B's smile, the middle groove sees her take flight, and the outro is a testament to her vibrancy and her tendency to ask for forgiveness rather than permission. There are nods to some of our favourite artists here – The Chills, Stereolab and Lush."
The quartet – Kristin is joined by Peter Fergusson (lead guitar, vocals), Adele Pickvance (bass, backing vocals) and Simon Welchman (drums, percussion, theremin) – switched things up on the recording front this time around, recording live in studio, which results in an energised listening adventure.
"A thrill and a first for us was to use my new 12-string Gretsch guitar – a recent birthday present on the recording," adds Kristin. "There's something about the shine and shimmer in the jangle of a 12-string that makes this song smile.
"Sr B, along with all tracks on 'SpaceTime', were recorded live in our home studio. We loved this process – again a first for our band – as it captured the energy we were chasing for this album. It really suits the song."
For the 'Sister Bertrille' music video, drummer Simon edited vision of band members performing with vision from 'The Flying Nun' episode 'Wailing In A Winter Wonderland' as well as clips from other '60s-'70s shows like 'The Magic Roundabout', 'Solid Gold', 'Blake's 7', 'The Goodies' and 'Dr Who'.
"We also had a tonne of fun filming the video," Kristin says. "Simon, our drummer, has once again done a brilliant job of catching us at our silly best and using real footage of our nun on the run."
The Double Happiness will launch 'Spacetime' with a hometown show at The Old Museum on 20 September. "We are super excited to launch our new and third LP with our friends in reverb, Keep On Dancin's. This will be the first time vinyl copies and CDs of 'Spacetime' will be available.
"We are also playing an instore at one of our favourite record stores – Sonic Sherpa – on Sunday October 5. We will play the new record in full and it will be available for purchase on the day. The following weekend, Saturday October 11, we play The Annerley Junction Festival at The Junction Hotel. Lots to look forward to!"
