PREMIERE: Arpier’s Debut EP ‘Ordinary Life’ Is Anything But
Brisbane indie-rock 4-piece Arpier have been gaining ground with several catchy singles since early last year and their debut EP ‘Ordinary Life’ delivers on their early promise. Drenched in the band’s unique summery rock style, this collection of dreamy tunes is a great way to escape the ordinary.
Opening track Two is the perfect slow incline to begin the EP – it’s all the summery, laidback vibes of Summer Flake with a touch of The 1975’s irresistible pop. The shoegaze guitar melodies steal the show from the beginning, accompanied by relaxed drum rhythms and Robert Hill’s smooth vocal slides. Leading into the chorus, a change of pitch and smooth electric guitar hero the track’s rough edges and raw energy. Breaks in the drums leave even more room for the guitar to shine as Hill builds on the track’s endearing contrast with his gutsy vocals.
Featuring a killer reggae guitar melody and an irresistible bass riff, B-Side takes the edgy indie-rock from Two, slows it right down, and douses it in funk. The first taste of vocal harmony is surprisingly sweet, almost like a grunge-filled version of the Beach Boys, and the unison is even sweeter, a fitting base for the wandering electric guitar melodies. At only two and a half minutes in length, there’s barely enough time to be carried away by the track, but it makes for a blissful break in the EP.
If the smooth lullaby vibes of B-Side have sent your head into the clouds, Ordinary Life will bring it back down with a subtle burst of indie dance energy. Deftly-spun lyrics open the track, packaged in Hill’s trademark drawl: “Well, I’ve seen you every night/Walking around/Getting with all the guys/Shutting me down/Well, I know that it’s alright/’Cause I’ve got a plan/To make you mine”.
Featuring a killer reggae guitar melody and an irresistible bass riff, B-Side takes the edgy indie-rock from Two, slows it right down, and douses it in funk.
Backed up by the guitar’s cheerful swing and stratospheric solos, an octave vocal harmony thickens the sound, leaving the track sounding complete in all of its glorious roughness. Simply put, this song would make an ideal addition to any teen rom-com soundtrack.
It’s another slow start to closing track Isolation, but as it warms up a joyous guitar melody splits the track wide open, supported by a continuous strumming melody. Like the tracks before it, Isolation highlights the subtle vocal harmonies with an easy lyrical flow as Hill sings, “Angels/Angels fly away/They leave me/Standing in the light of day”. With their trademark shoegaze instrumentation, pitch-bending vocals, and touches of harmony, the track sums up all the best bits of a steady debut EP from the promising Brisbane band.
Local fans can catch these tracks live at Arpier’s EP launch show this week, check out the details and have a listen to ‘Ordinary Life’ below!
