by Midnight Juggernauts
Melbourne outfit Midnight Juggernauts have been producing intelligent pop music since 2004. Their debut album "Dystopia" introduced a heady mix of Moroder-esque disco edged synth-pop, and by the time of 2010's "The Crystal Axis", their overall sound had morphed into a broader, lush conglomeration of cinematic euro-pop and solid synth-infused prog rock. With influences as diverse as ELO, Berlin-period Bowie, Moody Blues, Alan Parsons and frequent Gainsbourgh-ean touches, The Juggernauts have been steadily attracting fans both at home and abroad.This, their third album continues this quasi-balearic theme, although it is clear their attention to detail has not lessened in any way, each song demonstrating the reverence and respect they hold for the musical innovators that have come before, and at the same time, steadily continuing forward into new sonic territory.
At its core, the theme of "Uncanny Valley" explores the evolution of artificial intelligence, and the gathering unease that many feel as technological advances bring closer the eventual reality of sentient machines. Their second single from this album "Memorium" and its accompanying video explores the development of CGI techniques from early 60's scientific models to the birth of 3D animation. The album as a whole is surprisingly easy to absorb at first, the strong, chirpy melodies and solid pop sensibility allow instant gratification, but the real joy of this album is the complex journey one undertakes when repeated listens open up new pathways in lovingly crafted musical artistry.
Evan Carr
The Art of Bleep!
Mondays - 12am – 2am
PBS 106.7FM
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