SHRAG, TUNABUNNY

Event information

Shrag

Shrag are currently putting the finishing touches to their third album at Gargleblast studios in Hamilton. Produced by Andy Miller (Life Without Buildings, Mogwai, Songs : Ohia, Scout Niblett, etc.), and tentatively titled Canines, the album is scheduled for a Spring 2012 release date and will be released by WIAIWYA in conjunction with Fortuna Pop!, home to indiepop royalty such as The Primitives, Allo Darlin', Bearsuit, The Pipettes, and more.

Although a tracklisting and singles have yet to be confirmed, songs previewed by Shrag throughout their 2011 live shows displayed a highly melodic strain of guitar-based pop, with a danceable, funkier element creeping into the rhythm section. Titles set for inclusion are live favourites Show Us Your Canines, No More Memories, You're The Shout, Tears Of A Landlord, and Trains.

Tunabunny

Nobody in Athens liked Tunabunny except for most of the record store employees and a few folks at the campus radio station. Those people thought it was the greatest thing they had ever heard. And one of those people was Mike Turner, owner of a local record label. He asked if he could put out Tunabunny's music. Confused, the band said yes.

Their debut album, simply entitled Tunabunny, was released last year to unanimous, albeit sometimes very confused, acclaim. Renowned critic Everett True had no reservations about the band. He placed it in his top-5 albums of the year, writing, 'This music makes me deliriously happy. It clatters, it splatters, it shatters, it matters.' The band were as surprised as anybody. They went on tour in spring 2011, and people kept telling them how much they liked them. This was also surprising.

They aren't surprised anymore. As the last couple of years have passed, Tunabunny has evolved into what the crummy door guy at the local club would call 'a real band.' Realizing that they could play as well as their heroes, that they could craft heart-stopping melodies, write poetically insightful lyrics, and still have fun, Tunabunny began work on their second album. Minima Moralia is the result. It signals a Tunabunny that is more pop, yet more intense; more accessible, yet more desperate; more comforting, and yet more uncomfortable.

On last year's debut album, Tunabunny was out to destroy rock music. With Minima Moralia, they intend to redeem it. And with their third album, already in progress, and due sometime in 2012, they are planning to go beyond it.

Charles of the Ritz

Big tunes straight outta the Lake District

We "had all of our analogue gear peaking well into the red. The sound of the Mary Chain giving the Television Personalities a serious kicking and if you listen carefully you can just about make out the ghostly tune that will haunt you long after the song has finished." Green Door Studios on 'Butterfly'.