Special Patrol

Adelaide 5 Piece Special Patrol have recently released a new double A side Single "Right On / New Year’s Eve" in anticipation of their 3rd EP release "The Stranger's Dozen".

Have a listen to them on myspace or on their website as i dredge through my own memories and feelings from their second EP "Handy Hints from the Undertaker":

I’d never heard of Special Patrol until it was recommended to me too highly by someone way too close to me. My first thought was do I dare…? When someone close recommends music to you, part of the weight of the relationship can be divided by the weight of the songs themselves. The first time the band came to my attention was in the form of a mypace link delivered several years ago when I was living in New York. Maybe it’s the ex-pat’s longing soul but back then I would often latch onto anything Australian for dear life, even if it meant buying a six pack of coopers for $25US from the Bread and Circus in Union Square or trekking all the way from Brooklyn into the Sunburned cow just to drink a Tooheys New. So began my knowledge and appreciation of Special Patrol.

This was about the time when Eskimo Joe had released their third album and my first thoughts sensed a mild resemblance in genre and style. Special Patrol bring together pop and indie rock techniques and combine them with lyrics that express the depth, beauty and time of their own relationships. There’s a sense of humour coordinated with delicate, touching reminders of the people that surround us which make you smile as you listen in a headspace that is decidedly dreamy. Given the massive numbers of people/friends that have moved in and out over the years it’s clear that this is a major driving force within the band. Their biography lists them in a series of decendingly quintessential English diminutives - “Tom, Chris, Russy, Sqirrel, Tunas, Ted, Sharn, Simon, Hooves at different times and all with different talents” and this only constitutes the rotating faces in the band’s early days! There’s a quality in each of the songs that leaves the tune stuck in your head for days afterwards, most notably “My friend curious George”, “Hey Good Try”, “The continuing Story of George Duffied and his plight to take on Hollywood” and “She’s like a schoolgirl again”. Yet in honesty I can’t say I dislike any of the songs, it’s an album you can listen to from start to finish, the only problem is you keep repeating songs along the way.

You’re left wondering how such a band hasn’t made more of a splash already, but with a new album due out later this year and no doubt a rigorous tour schedule I wouldn’t be surprised to see interest growing. There’s all the hooks and cohesiveness of a band who know what they’re doing and have been playing together for a long time. A small, conservative sprinkling of synth sounds and ballad style songs incorporating softer to heavier guitar feels reminds me of an early Radiohead album. There’s measure within the sentiments they express and each chorus is worth waiting for. It’s a great album to listen to with friends or just for a broody session on the back porch alone. Special Patrol are (although not necessarily the same line up from album to album):

Myles Mayo (guitar/vocals)
Rob Jordan (drums)
James Jordan (Bass guitar)
Paul Vallen (bass)
Briohny Campbell (cello/keys/vocals)
and most of the time with.....
Kate Bailey (Keys, Synths, Backing Vocals)
Paul "Night Eyes" Banytis (Bass Guitar)

So I’m eagerly awaiting for the next album and I sincerely hope these guys get some more of the attention they deserve. It’s a little snap shot into the life and times of 7 people, told with a skill and honesty I think anyone can appreciate.

"Right On" and "New Years Eve" (my favorite) available through itunes now, or streaming on myspace...