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REVIEW: White Arrows 'Dry Land is Not a Myth'

Fans of Animal Collective sit up and take notice. There’s a new sheriff in town.

Psych-pop outfit WHITE ARROWS are on the verge of releasing their debut album Dry Land is not a Myth. Riding on the back of successful singles ‘Get Gone’ and ‘Coming or Going,' the group have gained a cult following which promises to grow exponentially with the release of their first major LP.

(Check out our very own Purple Sneaker DJs remix of ‘Get Gone’ HERE)

White Arrows define their sound as psychotropical/electronic gospel. While that may not mean much to you, take solace in the fact regardless of the label, it sounds good. Singer Mickey Church squeezes lyrics out through strangled voice-box, not dissimilar to Kristian Mattson of The Tallest Man on Earth. His style matches child-like wonderment as evoked by the  synths and related electronics, and enhances the overriding je ne se quois of the record.

'Get Gone' is a sexy little Sunday afternoon boogie, 'Coming or Going' ups the tempo as a glitchy romper of a tune while 'Fireworks of the Sea' is sure to be a hit live. Opener ‘Roll Forever’ is in many ways the "odd one out" of the album. Church adds another string to his bow with a much more anxious delivery, adding intensity and new dimensions to a generally "happy-go-lucky" record.

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There is often a temptation to close one's eyes and give in to the saturated hues of turquoise and purple expanding and evolving like the old resting screen on Windows Media Player. Wait, what were we talking about again?

Dry Land is not a Myth is out June 22nd through Dew Process. Save the date people!

Words by Dominic Sciberras

LISTEN TO MORE NEW MUSIC HERE