Attention class, a quick history lesson in Greek mythology. “But Miss, how is this relevant to cool new music?” I hear you asking. Well you’ll just have to read on to find out.
Apollo is the son of Zeus (the God of all things powerful such as lightning, the sky and justice). Like father, like son, he has an impressive repertoire as the god of music, healing, light, and truth. His job is to also drive the sun across the sky. He sounds like a bit of a legend (quite literally).
Classic Queensland pop from Apollo & The Sun. Also – Fender Pawn Shop represent. One of the coolest, most affordable modern guitar series.
Four- piece indie group, Apollo and the Sun are the new guys on the block (certainly a lot newer than OG Apollo from Olympus) and have a lot to live up to with their choice in name. They have been attracting some much deserved attention with their lively and musically gratifying tunes and loveable personality.
Hailing from the Sunshine Coast, Jarryd Linwood (vocals and guitar), Jason Ploeg (lead guitar), Locky Matthew (bass guitar) and James Priest ( drums) could’ve easily been mistaken as the “ old guys” in the industry. Having established a very self- assured youthful identity, they seem to fit perfectly in the indie rock scene.
They stand for everything that indie pop/rock sets out to achieve: sparking elation, energizing the urge to get up and dance, being mischievousness yet charming and celebrating defiance and to cause moments of reflection when people least warrant it. Apollo and the Sun can safely tick all the boxes, but they achieve all this without conforming to a single musical mode – they produce some of the most exuberant right down to the deep and meaningful songs.
Just what is their latest single Just What It Is? It hits like sugary rush – fresh and powerful, it breathes fearlessness and a touch of detached class. Linwood never loses control over his wonky vocals, the strong vibrancy adding a lot of character to the song. It’s a pleasant contrast to the dueling guitars and drums.
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Their earlier release of Tanning in the Nude from their debut EP, is exotically exuberant and immediately puts you in a content disposition with its allusions of tropical paradise. Swinging through to the quirky and groovy track The Animal Song, you can’t help but imagine you’re in a jungle with a chorus of primates vigorously hitting their chest and howling in the trees above. The sound of pounding drums and playfully alluring harmonies illustrates this, the band clearly channeling their inner primate in this track.
With musical influences from Bill Gates, Justin Bieber, Charlie Sheen and Vampire Weekend (now the last one sounds the most legit), we can’t be sure if the guys are being funny or dead serious to the point that we are the fools for ever doubting their taste in “music”. Maybe that’s the point; they sing from the heart and don’t feel the need to rely on external inspiration. At first they can come across as not that serious about their art (check out their kooky music videos), but they really can grow on you if you just give them a chance. After all Happy has grown very fond of them.
We can’t fault their songs if we tried. Despite their shenanigans (or perhaps due to them), Apollo and the Sun are serious contenders in the QLD pop scene that they share with the likes of The Jungle Giants, Ball Park Music and The Last Dinosaurs; bands that share a knack for upbeat and blissful rhythmic guitar driven melodies, impassioned by the ever present guitar. The challenge for the boys is to continue creating wondrously fresh hits, but also finding a way to differentiate themselves more musically; they need to continue carving out their melodic idiosyncrasies if they want to stand out against the market.
Apollo and the Sun have just come away from supporting popular indie rock band British India and a sold out headlining show at Sol Bar, so they’ll probably be resting up for the time being and continuing with writing and performing their new stuff. They are still in their infancy but have proven to be destined for big things – currently unsigned, Happy wishes them every success in breaking into the pop market!
Saved by the bell class. Now this week’s homework is to listen to Apollo and the Sun. It will be the best homework you’ll ever be assigned to do.
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