Droves' sense of new wave, proto punk and even ska tones on "Retribution" feels fresh

AP Track Review

Listening to the infectious track Retribution by Droves with it's syncopated rhythms blending a sense of new wave, proto punk and ska tones even you can't help but feel an early 80's edge of outfits like New Order, Tears for Fears and the Human League. The sonic wash of vox and guitars creates that vast dance wave meets punk motif. Phil Spiteri's self assured artistically poised vocal presence casts imagery of made up faces with angular audacious hairstyles and the female blend of vox as counterpoints kind of cool and aloof pushes iconic buttons. 

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Robb Donker





THE FACTS AS WE KNOW THEM - PRESS NOTES:

In the year or so since DROVES was created, its entire landscape has changed. Initially conceived in the seaside city of Wollongong, the band has since expanded and blossomed into playing stages across Australia and now based out of the big smoke of Sydney.

As such, DROVES are a band undergoing changes—and, rather than shying away from them, are embracing them head-on. You can hear as such when they kick into the rollicking 'Retribution', driven by an urgent percussive undercurrent and a mantra-like chorus that layers the band's multiple vocalists into a pounding, syncopated chant.

"'Retribution is the first instalment of many songs to come that challenge the established concept of society through an ironic blend of pop-hooks and dark imagery," states DROVES frontman, Phil Spiteri. "The song was inspired by the complete free reign that the rich are given to dig up and spit out the planet."

Recorded with Cody Munro Moore's (Big White) portable, makeshift studio under a tram station in Glebe, the song cuts through an underlying tension with resplendent, reverberating guitars and an unshakeable sense of urgency coursing through its three-minute runtime.

It's yet another feather in the cap of a band who have spent the better part of 2019 kicking goals in the Australian independent music circuit. triple j has thrown their support behind the quintet, with previous singles, 'Time' and 'Bloodline', which came from an EP of the same name, both scoring plays on the station. Key tastemakers including Pilerats, Laundry Echo, AAA Backstage and FBi Radio.

Throw in a month of rotation on beloved late-night video program, Rage, a slot on the Farmer & The Owl Festival and supporting some big names on the scene including RAAVE TAPES, San Mei, Bakers Eddy, Johnny Hunter and more, it's safe to say DROVES have garnered plenty of momentum behind them.

DROVES will launch 'Retribution' this October and November with a single, exclusive show in Sydney and Melbourne, respectively. This will be the final chance to see DROVES live in 2019.