My Friend The Chimpanzee drops new EP

Based in Vienna, My Friend The Chimpanzee is a collaborative project between two adept producers; Josef Umschaid on percussion and effects and Lukas Wieser on vocals, synths and guitar. Having initially crossed paths through Lukas’ former rock band Lunatic Lightsaber, their creative synergy continued to flourish even after the band’s dissolution, paving the way for their own musical adventure.

Their sound is shaped by their diverse musical backgrounds, blending elements of synth pop, hip hop rhythms and indie rock influences to craft a truly original sonic output. With nods to artists such as John Frusciante, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Modest Mouse and Arcade Fire, My Friend The Chimpanzee offers a musical experience that’s both familiar and new.

2021 saw the project make its entrance with the debut single “Time Traveller” with singles two and three coming the following year. Now they bring us their latest release with their brand new three-track EP titled 2Paradise. Recorded in Josef’s studio and produced entirely by the duo themselves, 2Paradise showcases My Friend The Chimpanzee’s penchant for thought-provoking lyricism influenced by philosophical literature and novels.

Opening the release with “Be Careful What You Wish For,” a hazy atmosphere of synths gives way to the punch of drums, bright guitar notes and Lukas Wieser’s elegant vocals which softly drift above the arrangement to spin dreamy melodies. Erupting into a chorus full of bouncy energy and lively vocal hooks, they serve up an energising and catchy pop-focused indie rock outing cut with funk-inflected guitars.

Title track “2Paradise” takes inspiration from A Little Life’s author Hanya Yanagihara’s novel titled To Paradise, dissecting the juxtaposition of modern life wreaking havoc on the environment. Casting a smooth synth pop aesthetic where mellow rhythm is brought with the laid back snap of drums as warm synth textures create a shifting soundscape of subtly upbeat energy as the lead vocals thread buoyant melodic leads above. With poignant lyricism, silky vocal delivery and slick lead guitar flourishes, it’s a superb showcase of My Friend The Chimpanzee’s sound that perfectly pairs accessible songwriting wrapped in a unique sound.

“Twin Moons/Bearwolf, Pt. 2” provides the follow up to their last single of the same name, serving up a shimmering synth-led piece capped by dreamy vocals tinged with lightly spacey processing. The rattling march of drums meets warm synth tones and crisp electric guitar to craft an anthemic backdrop as the instantly memorable vocal melodies carry the band’s profound lyrics above, resulting in another spectacular slice of their stunning sonic offering. It’s a stellar finale to the duo’s debut EP and with more music lined up to drop later this year, we can’t wait to see what My Friend The Chimpanzee will deliver next.

Listen to 2Paradise below