After 10 years on the road, Tijuana Cartel’s Carey O’Sullivan and Paul George decided to slow down and appreciate where they’ve come from and channel that energy into whatever creative endeavour they were next to embark on. That creative endeavour became their new LP 24 Bit Guitar Orchestra.

Guitar, mid-east beats, indian overlay, world music underlay, hardened electronica, heavy synth. Music you can’t sit still to. Why would you want to?

By going right back home, George & O’Sullivan are rediscovering what got their blood hammering in the first place, the joy of unadulterated music the way these guys dreamt it should be. To celebrate the band’s new LP, they’ve given us a track by track run down on the making of 24 Bit Guitar Orchestra.

Enkidu

“An epic Middle Eastern onslaught of enchanting melodic riffery, whomping bass and stonking beats.”

Ninhursag

“According to the Sumerians, Ninhursag created mankind from a mixture of blood and clay. Here, tribal earthy rhythms and uber-deep bass speak of an ancient ritual in a futuristic tongue.”

Hectic

“A relentless, fast paced guitar-synth ensemble driven by a fat 808 baseline and a glitched-out super-charged reggaeton beat. Will not compliment a relaxing cut of camomile tea.”

Kookaburra

“New evidence suggests that the Babylonians utilised ancient technologies to pump this actual song through clay speakers in the hanging gardens of Babylon.”

Ziusudra

“Quelchy psycho-tropical sound synthesis underlies vibrant 12-string guitar. Able to successfully transmit melodic pleasantry and brain stretching simulatneously. Ziusudra Cruise Ships: The only safe way to escape a deluge.”

Marduk

“Conquering Tiamat, the primordial sea, Marduk rises to become leader of the watchers. And so here we loose ourselves in the warm waters of 12 String guitar and Santoor, only to arise at a shore of solid drum and bass and journey forward to a triumphant percussion finale.”

Space Station

“All you need is a temple nestled atop a Balinese mountain adorned with all the instruments of the Gamelan orchestra, a spaghetti heap of wire and an assortment sound machines, and you’ve got yourself a Space Station. Oh, and you also need some Warm Human Magic.”

Gilgamesh

“A Mesopotamian Masterpiece of lavish guitar and majestic string glissandi orchestrated around another solid Tijuana-step beat. Ear candy at modest listening levels. Just add volume for festival grade dance vibe.”

24 Bit Guitar Orchestra

“The album’s namesake begins as a beautiful classical guitar piece then kicks in with plump, rigid drums and bitter-sweet analog synth hooks. The infamous Mellotron plays warm, gritty string arrangements from it’s aged tape reels as the moreish guitar riffs keep coming, each one as good as the last. A 24 Bit Guitar Orchestra it is.”

Still Fighting (feat. Richard Kaal)

“What would happen if the crazies we’re right about 2012? Would people’s behaviour change when we all got the memo? Would waring factions put down their RPGs in light of a bigger picture and enjoy the final days? Would you have a spiritual revelation and vow abstinence so as to transcend into the new age in your now pure vessel? Or stock up for the big party and go out with a bang? Hope there’s time for one more beer! Featuring Richaard Kaal. 35 year Australian music veteran and Lord on High of the Balinese Space Station.”

Upcoming Shows

Sat 30 Aug: Pier Hotel / Port Hedland
Thu 4 Sep: Mojos / Fremantle
Fri 5 Sep: Settlers Tavern / Margaret River
Sun 7 Sep: Indi Bar / Scarborough
Fri 12 Sep: The Howler / Melbourne
Sat 13 Sep: Westernport Hotel / San Remo
Fri 19 Sep: Republic Bar / Hobart, Tickets $20, Support TBA
Thu 25 Sep: Oxford Arts Factory / Sydney
Fri 26 Sep: Cambridge Hotel / Newcastle
Sat 27 Sep: Anita Small Room / Wollongong
Sat 4 Oct: Beetle Bar / Brisbane
Sat 8 Nov: Verrierdale Hall / Sunshine Coast
Sat 29 Nov: Queenscliff Music / Queensclif
Wed 31 Dec: Buddha Bar / Byron Bay

For tickets and info visit www.tijuanacartel.com

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