Crossing paths for the past decade through a selection of Sydney ensembles, five piece Low Lux were born from the early sketches of ex-Bridezilla Daisy M. Tulley’s folk-inspired past with a musical framework that draws upon dark pop, electronics, and the immediacy of indie rock.
Now comprised of Daisy Dowd (Vocals, Violin), Lehi Curtis (Guitar), Joshua Bush (Drums), Alex Dawson (Bass, Synthesiser) and Ali Hill (Keyboards, Computer) the quintet have established a body of live-inspired arrangements that have quickly evolved with the endless abilities of round-the-clock bedroom production.
The band recently dropped their debut single ‘Rivers Roll’ which sees an accumulation of member’s musical pasts into translated into an inspired new sound. To celebrate the release of the single, and the upcoming single launch we asked the crew to curate a mix featuring their favourite Sydney acts (both current and defunct) and they’ve produced something pretty exciting, check it out below and for more info on Low Lux, visit their Facebook page.
The Preatures- ‘Rock and Roll Rave’
My favourite song by my favourite people. The Preatures have only been supportive and inclusive to Low Lux. This tune is dark and sexy, just the way we like it. (Daisy)
Jack Ladder & The Dreamlanders- ‘Come on Back this Way’
Used to think this was a bit shit but now I love it. Gotta love a grower. It’s currently on high rotation at work and I can’t get enough. (Daisy)
Cabins – ‘Catcher in the Rye’
I grew up with this band of boys. [Daisy’s old band] Bridezilla did lots of shows with them and we share some happy but mostly fucked stories from the road.
I always expected them to become rock stars, Leroy who fronts the band is a hands down genius.He is dark, sexy, mysterious, tingling presence who writes heart melting tunes. I just want more from him. Waiting till he realises what he’s got is gold. Come on Leroy. (Daisy)
Lisa Mitchell- ‘Wa Ha’ (Seekae Remix)
Recently played session violin for both musicians. Seekae I’ve known since a tour with Decoder Ring in ’10 and have nearly over listened all their albums. Seekae are one of my favourite bands, very moving music when you are depressed.
Perfect mix with Lisa Mitchell’s delicate vocals. She recently moved to Sydney and asked me to do some “whale sounds” on some tracks. I love whalin’ around. Anyway, good remix Seekae and according to George it only took them a night to create! Wow. (Daisy)
T. Morimoto & J. Baker – ‘Ambivalence’
I’ve been a fan of Tom Smith (aka T. Morimoto aka Thomas William aka the smoothest looking guy dressed by Salvos in Sydney) since his incredible Deccan Technicolour album came out in 2012 on the stellar This Thing imprint.
Anyway, what I like about him – other than being a great guy – is that he absorbs and practises a ton of different musical styles in a manner that I think is distinctly ‘his sound’. He’s not astutely club-oriented but loves a thumper, willing to chat ambient / experimental music without too much chin-stroking, and will watch and play with all sorts of musical types in proper venues, galleries, carparks, whatever – he’s an ever-evolving artist that puts many (including me) to shame.
This particular number is set to probably my favourite visual of the year – its beautiful and poignant in a manner that is difficult to describe, but perfectly captures the ambiguous motions that only a T. Willy tune can make me feel. A constant go-to. (Alister)
Absolute Boys – ‘Love Mode’
Absolute Boys made one album for the always-great Bedroom Suck and called it a day soon after. They have a habit of doing this, the members used to play in a post-hardcore group called Ohana that people still rave about on facebook / at the back of crusty clubs every now and again. Other affiliated acts include Mere Women, You Beauty, Circular Keys, Home Travel – all great.
Anyway, what I particularly like about this sound is the dubby basslines, noisy guitar that is pretty dreamy but has that metallic edge that My Disco do so well, and the focussed classiness of Kino’s drumming.
They were bonkers live too. Check out their other projects. (Alister)
Bridezilla – ‘Hey Girl’
In a parallel universe Millie Hall would be running through the 6 writing bangers like these for Drake to whinge over to chart-topping brilliance. Thats a compliment by the way. Millie was the saxophonist in Bridezilla, a band that were pretty fully formed when they came out and just made everything else look pathetic. Obviously I’m a little biased here, Daisy played violin too in the group but this tune is particularly special for a number of reasons:
1) Its the last song they released before breaking up.
2) Its the only one that Millie sings lead on.
3) It prominently features organ as the song’s riffy anchor rather than guitar (special mention to Forth & Fine though, that song has a magical arrangement).
4) Its easily the most effortless and sexy of their songs (hey, musical sexiness is an important kpi in my books).
5) FYI she’s playing solo under her Moth moniker at our launch – should be rather excellent. (Alister)
Big White – ‘I Can’t Tell’
This track was the song of my summer. Love its catchy guitar hooks and laid back vocals. (Josh)
Adults – ‘Ominous’
This was one of the best new Sydney bands who unfortunately called it quits last year. A short life but at least they squeezed out this killer EP. (Josh)
Rivers Roll Single Launch
Sun 21 June – Newtown Social Club, NSW
w/ guests. $10
Tickets and info
