PMSing with Readable Graffiti

Some really cool things come out of our nation’s great capital Canberra – porn, Sigrid Thornton, and Readable Graffiti, a three-piece electro-indie outfit. Their self-titled 2009 debut received a lot of love from triple J’s Home & Hosed, Sydney’s FBi and Melbourne’s RRR alike. After popping up at festivals across the country and as support acts for Grafton Primary and Aleks and the Ramps, the boys took some time off to stroke their chins and come up with some new material.

“…a 4am pick-me-up dance party…”

The result is their recently-released second EP, Male Mood Swings. It’s a fuller, more mature sound that captures the zing and wit of the band’s live show. Male Mood Swings recalls, at times, post-punk act Cabaret Voltaire, but with the synthy energy and sound effects of Hot Chip. Most importantly, it doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s a lo-fi, mischievous record. “We’re in Street Press but you’re not impressed,” laments vocalist Buttons Machiavelly on – you guessed it – “Street Press”.

Lead single “Feathers” blends old-school gaming sounds with minor-key synth riffs. With the oddly sweet refrain “Absence made her hair grow longer, perhaps that made my heart grow fonder”, it’s a spot-on mix of nostalgia and shiny electro-pop. Have yourself a look-see here:

 

Wrapping up the EP is the brilliant “Young Turks”, the EP’s highlight. Yeah, it’s a Rod Stewart cover, but it’s a track that keeps you hitting the ‘repeat’ button, a 4am pick-me-up dance party reminiscent of The Wombats.

Keep your eyes peeled for Readable Graffiti on the festival circuit this summer – here’s hoping they’re taking their rampant boy hormones all over the place so we can dance it out.

Tagged Buttons Machiavelly, Cabaret Voltaire, Canberra, dance, electro, FBi, Grafton Primary Aleks and the Ramps, Home & Hosed, Hot Chip, indie, Male Mood Swings, New Music, pop, Readable Graffiti, Rod Stewart, RRR, Sigrid Thornton, The Wombats, triple j