Shrapnel and the folk indie rock dreamscapes of "Catch You Out"

 

"the truth will catch you out / the truth will find you..."

There is a lot of retro or so called revival rock, bands that are inspired by particular 60's / 70's or 90's sounds and I love that as long as those influences aren't worn like coats (sometimes all matching). Then there are bands like Australia's Shrapnel whose sound feel less like conscious decisions but more like they just happen to share the same sonic DNA as some iconic artists. Take, for example, "Catch You Out", that upon first listen sounded like an unearthed recording from circa late 60's or mid 80's when the second wave of folk rock, jangle pop, indie rock iterations were sprouting up on College Radio stations. I love the vocal aesthetic here that wears fringe leather jackets, a cross-generational conjurimg of artists like The Byrds, Neil Young or the Plimsouls. 

I also love the sonics here that feel sweetly rough and live and for good reason. "Catch You Out", is from Shrapnel's upcoming (fifth?) album "Two Arms, Two Hands, Two Ring Pull Cans" and was ostensibly recorded old school, opting to record live to tape to via a Portastudio intended to "capture the power of the band's first post-pandemic rehearsal sessions". Great choice. I love that. 

From press notey stuff:

[Formed in 2013, Sydney group Shrapnel has evolved from songwriter Sam Wilkinson's own solo project into a full band, an ever revolving circus of artists, sharing members with the likes of Mope City, Miners, Sachet, Dumbells, VIPP, Dollar Bar, Uncle Pit, Day Ravies and many more.]

-Robb Donker Curtius

THE FACTS AS WE KNOW THEM 

https://www.facebook.com/shrapnelmusic

https://open.spotify.com/artist/18zkvoTn059MNEWtL4PHFV

https://www.instagram.com/shrapnel.shrapnel.shrapnel/

https://strangepursuits.bandcamp.com/



Formed in 2013, Sydney group Shrapnel has evolved from songwriter Sam Wilkinson's own solo project into a full band, an ever revolving circus of artists, sharing members with the likes of Mope City, Miners, Sachet, Dumbells, VIPP, Dollar Bar, Uncle Pit, Day Ravies and many more. Have played shows with Sonny Smith, Spiral Stairs and a litany of great australian bands, shrapnel return in 2023 with "Catch You Out", the first track from their upcoming (fifth?) album Two Arms, Two Hands, Two Ring Pull Cans.

Recorded at home on the portastudio in april 2023, the album continues the prog-tinged excursions of 2021's Alasitas, opting to record live to tape to capture the power of the band's first post-pandemic rehearsal sessions.


Sam Wilkinson: Guitar, Vox / Ben Schattner: Guitar, Vox / Nick Johnson: Bass, Vox / Toby Baldwin: Synth, Vox / Matt Neville: Drums

Shrapnel, indie rock, alt rock, folk rock, 60's /70's / 90's sounds, Potent live sound, new album "Two Arms, Two Hands, Two Ring Pull Cans", "Catch You Out", Australia, centered around songwriter Sam Wilkinson,