Over the last few years, Melbourne-based duo Dinosaur Beard have been making a name for themselves in Australia’s rock music sphere. Built around the creative partnership of Adam Finnegan and April Bray, the project first arrived in 2019 with the release of their debut single “Dialect Drum.” Leaning into a blend of post punk textures, sharp rhythmic edges and atmospheric hooks that hinted at their wide-ranging influences, their sound presents an absorbing experience that deftly pairs shades of light and dark, joy and melancholy in a thoroughly engaging way.
Over the following years, they continued to develop their shared sonic vision with a series of singles that built towards in the release of their debut EP Water Signs at the end of 2023, establishing them as one of Melbourne’s most exciting new acts. Exploring subjects such as esoteric spirituality, psychology, love and transformation, Dinosaur Beard are using their music to frame the intricate sides of life from their perspective, a context offset by the lighthearted nature of their artistic banner.
After taking a short creative pause, Dinosaur Beard reappeared this year with new material, dropping “Frida Kahlo” in March and now following it up with their latest single titled “Alchemy.” Cutting indie rock energy with their unique blend of post punk aesthetic and synth-driven layers that speaks to the vitality of their live shows, “Alchemy “feels like a definitive step forward, presenting a band able to experiment while still building on their own identity.
Recorded at Brent’s Place Audio in Fawkner, a studio that carries the legacy of some of Melbourne’s most iconic bands, the band drew inspiration from the likes of The Smiths, The Cure and Joy Division, channeling that pioneering post punk stylings into something that feels at once reverent and forward-looking. Stacked guitars interlock with a tight, driving percussion, giving the song both a dreamy aesthetic and punch while airy split vocals drift above to drape elegant melodies over the invigorating arrangement.
Brought in by the steady thump of kick, Adam’s mellow vocals enter above the pulse of bass as April’s vocals glide in to engage in a mesmeric duet. Building the arrangement with softly jangling guitar notes and the uptempo shuffle of drums, the song flows with catchy melodic hooks and lightly gritty vibes, crafting an epic rock outing that’s brimming with lively energy, tender melodies and charming vocal performance.
It’s a stunning display of Dinosaur Beard’s stellar songwriting flair and performance panache, resulting in a superb musical moment that’s sure to strike a chord with listeners across Australia and beyond. As they look ahead to an exciting run of new releases, Dinosaur Beard are also preparing to bring their latest work to the stage. On October 25th, they’ll take over The Cactus Room in Thornbury, promising a show that fully captures the compelling output of Dinosaur Beard in an exciting live music setting.
We caught up with Dinosaur Beard to find out more about their musical journey so far, their new single “Alchemy” and what they’ve got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Dinosaur Beard below.
Hey Dinosaur Beard, how’s things?
Pretty good!
How did you get together as a band?
A dingy rehearsal room in Northcote
Is there a story behind the name?
Laying in bed one morning. In that state between awake and asleep, that fertile ground where all good ideas seem to permeate. The name dropped in. Too hilarious to be true and surely already taken.. Quick google search and couldn’t believe my bloody luck! I like how the silliness of the name kinda juxtaposes the tone of our music
Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?
Such a varied wide range from musicians to visual Artists. Stuff with depth and integrity.
How else do you find inspiration for your music?
Life. Direct experience and how we see things changing so dramatically around us. The deeper meaning behind things and how we can try to articulate them.
What’s been your highlight for the year so far?
Overcoming some pretty big technical hurdles. Working together as a band to find a way to bring these new songs and live show into the light of day. With some help from some other pretty special people too!
What do you love about the Melbourne music scene?
It’s a space where you are allowed and supported to think differently, without judgement. That translates into interesting and provoking art. And also a really healthy music scene.
What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?
On your roof with a tinfoil hat on. Three jager bombs deep and a broken heart.
How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?
It keeps changing. Each song is its own unique flavour and a chance to continually evolve our craft and get better at it each time. I think you can hopefully hear that in each release.
Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?
Omar Rodriguez-Lopez or an Alien.
How did you find making your new single “Alchemy”?
It was a long process. We were jamming the song for a long time. Really fleshing it out with the harmonies and structure. It took on another form in the studio with Brent though. His awesome capability in the studio brought the song into another dimension, really high-lighting the light / dark of the track
What message did you want to get across with this release?
Optimism and hope (maybe)
What artist have you been listening to most recently?
Turnstile
What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?
Happiness / Wonder
Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?
Hmmm tough one.
Smashing Pumpkins
Fugazi
Title Fight
At the base of some Mayan ruins
Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of the year?
More song releases, film clips and shows!
Listen to Alchemy below
More from Interviews
INTERVIEW: TATE SEDAR drops “Take It All Back”
Born in San Francisco, raised in London and now based in Los Angeles, TATE SEDAR has spent much of his …
INTERVIEW: Cinematic conceptual album from INYO
Coming out of Los Angeles, newcomer INYO is an artist whose musical vision is informed by a desire to explore …
INTERVIEW: Brand new single from Thomas Azier
Dutch singer, composer and producer Thomas Azier has spent the last twelve years making an impression in the European music …
