Being one of Melbourne’s finest purveyors of jangly indie pop, Dick Diver’s reputation grew to hefty new heights last year, following the release of their excellent sophomore record Calendar Days. That release was one of many highlights for celebrated local label Chapter Music during 2013, however in this instance Dick Diver have opted to release their latest single via US imprint Fruits & Flowers.
‘New Name Blues’ opens with the delicate combination of Steph Hughes’ drumming and Al Monfort’s saxophone, which gives it a laidback vibe, fuelled with indie pop sensibilities. Monfort’s downbeat vocal delivery segues with Hughes’ more airy approach rather effortlessly during the chorus. The second half of the track brings you down a rather hazy and psychedelic road a Rupert Edwards’ bass and Al McKay’s guitar intertwine rather jaggedly with Monfort and Hughes’ instrumentation.
The song has a strong message behind it, as the group focuses on former government conservative philosophies and their failings in recognising the rights of the country’s Indigenous people; “Dreamtime is done/ Howard, Kochie and Bolt, they won/Hang up your boots/This country is madefor suits”. The Aboriginal theme continues with a cover of Coloured Stone’s ‘Lonely Life’ as the b-side, while Hughes’ artwork has an evidently Aboriginal influence behind it.
