Dappled Cities
Zounds
Dangerbird Records/ Speak N’Spiel
9/10

Australia is known for two things: Vegemite and Men at Work. Soon to be three, actually, thanks to the Dappled Cities. Since 2004, the quintet has been entranced with their particular blend of avant-garde minimalism, complex tempos and neo-new wave sound. After a four year hiatus (and a colorful stay in New York’s East Village) the guys from Sydney are back on the scene with their third record Zounds. The result is an album that defies characterization, even as it draws from bygone influences.

In case anyone doubts the creativity- musical or otherwise- of the band, listen no further than “Minature Atlas,” a powerful rumination on all things sexual, philosophical, and spiritual. Dave Rennick (or is it Tim Derrincourt?)’s voice is alternately celestial and frenetic, conjuring images of the cold, distant heavens. The same effect can be seen on “Wooden Ships” (not to be confused with the CSNY song of the same name). The high pitched, distant voice of the singer complements the atonal, New Wave, almost Asian guitar work of Dave and Tim. These guys have gone to school on David Bowie and The Boomtown Rats, and it shows.

That isn’t to say they are unoriginal. Far from it. But just as Bowie and Bob Geldof were influenced by Lou Reed and others before them, these youngsters owe much to the older generation before them. At the same time, they are helping to give the genre its own dark, absurdist twist. It is hard work, and few bands can pull it off. But Dappled Cities manages to succeed where others have failed.

Each song is different, and everyone will have their favorites. Yet no one can deny the virtuosity of these men from down under.

At $14, Zounds sounds like a steal for anyone fond of good (neo-new wave) music and good Aussies.

–Jack Winn