Twerps Sign International Deal, Announce New EP

Melburnian pop quartet Twerps are all set to make their return to the popular conscious with new eight-song EP Underlay, just as they celebrate their international signing with renowned label Merge Records.

The deal means the stalwart Victorians now share “labelmate” status with the likes of Arcade Fire, Spoon, The Clean, Teenage Fanclub and Caribou, which you’ll agree is a pretty darn exciting thing to happen for the group.

Underlay marks the band’s first work with new drummer Alex Macfarlane and since their acclaimed 2012 single Work It Out/He’s In Stock.

It’s a good thing Macfarlane came along when he did, as he doubled up on desk duties to help bring the 24-minute extended player to life, with mastering assistance from Mikey Young.

Underlay is out on Chapter Music on Australia, through whom you’ll have a shot at snaring one of 500 limited-edition 12” vinyl copies, or if you’re a fan of vintage technology as well as masochism, cassettes (100 of ‘em) are also up for grabs.

It shouldn’t be too long before we hear yet more recorded goodies from Twerps – they’ve entered the studio to start work on their next full-length – but if you’re not a fan of waiting in any regard, then you can catch the band from this weekend as they launch Underlay with a pair of shows in Sydney and Melbourne.

They’ll hit the former’s Red Rattler, alongside Bed Wettin’ Boys and The Friendsters on Saturday, August 23; the following Friday, August 29, they scoot home for an already-sold-out performance at Melbourne’s The Shadow Electric alongside Fabulous Diamonds and The Shifters.

See the Gig Guide or The Music App for more information.