Melbourne’s Halcyon Drive have earned themselves a solid reputation as a killer live act across the country over the last few years; the trio have definitely earned their stripes as favourites on the home front and in August, fans will be able to get another dose of their show, with a hyped gig (secret location, of course) planned for the 18th.
With the release of their latest single “Agnosia” currently out and doing the good things, Halcyon Drive are now gearing up for not only the show in Melbourne, but a special appearance at Otto’s House Party at Sydney’s World Bar on August 10th – get a taste of what you’ll be hearing below.
Ahead of the shows, bassist Basil Yu has shared with us just some of the songs the band hasn’t been able to get out of their heads – find out what it is about the below music that generates all those good feelings with the band ahead.
Artist: Holy Holy
Track: Sentimental and Monday
This track was my most listened to in 2017 (according to Spotify). I was OBSESSED with Holy Holy’s album When the Storms Would Come in the first half of 2017 so it came as no surprise that the first song on the album showed up in my most listened. Cracking tune, smashing album, great band.
Artist: Kamasi Washington
Track: Street Fighter Mas
The drum groove starts panned hard right, cue the funky bass and layers of gospel choir, second syncopated drum kit enters panned hard left, and BAM: then begins the sickest sax solo of the year. 10/10 Kamasi. Hats off.
Artist: City Calm Down
Track: Joan, I’m Disappearing
I had a quick look at Spotify.me (check it out if you haven’t already) and saw that this track is currently my most listened to of this year. I have seriously listened to this song once a day since I first heard it and plan on continuing to do so for the foreseeable future.
Artist: Laura Jean
Track: Girls on The TV
Breakout track of the year, as evidenced by RRR seemingly playing this on the hour lately. But truly, what a beautifully simple piece of storytelling. A captivating, elegant arrangement too, with a hook that has serious claws. On repeat.
Artist: Manchester Orchestra
Track: The Gold
A Black Mile to the Surface only came out last year but this song is my top song on Spotify of ALL TIME. If that doesn’t give you an indication of how much I love this tune then I don’t know what will.
Artist: Kimbra
Track: Like they do on the tv
I know I can safely speak for Max here when I say: TUUUUUNE. A simple pop gem. Hook city. Can’t wait to see her touring in July.
Artist: Catfish and the Bottlemen
Track: Homesick
This is going to sound weird but…the hook for me in this song is when Van McCann accentuates ‘K’ in the word “drunk” at the beginning of the song. I can’t explain it. I’m not a weirdo, you are.
Artist: Maps and Atlases
Track: Violet Threaded
Great to see M&A at it again after a long break. Some cool tunes like this on thier new record. Inventive and experimental as always. Great inspiration.
Artist: Everything Everything
Track: Night of the Long Knives
What a monster tune. Such an epic way to start an album. We were lucky enough to be able to see these guys open their Melbourne set at The Croxton with this song. My lord, was it huge. Old mate Jonathan Higgs had really warmed up the pipes that night. I actually didn’t believe he was singing live for the first quarter of this song.
Artist: Toe
Track: グッドバイ (Album Version)
Ah the wonders of Spotify discover weekly. The fact that these guys popped up tells you the vibe of what I’m listening to a lot lately. Pretty cool stuff though.
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HALCYON DRIVE LIVE SHOWS
August 10th | Otto’s House Party @ World Bar, SYDNEY
August 18th | Secret Location, MELBOURNE
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