Arks Up

VINYL FORMAT. The second in Chapter Music's new EP series, featuring a vinyl single accompanied by a CD with extra tracks, is by widescreen guitar pop newcomers Dick Diver. Melbourne fourpiece Dick Diver have only been at it for less than a year, but already have the hallmarks of a modern classic. There's something in their combination of widescreen Australian sweep, '70s New York punk edge and scratchy '90s indie rock that transcends influences to become truly rare and exciting. Maybe it's the dual songwriting of guitarists Alastair McKay and Rupert Edwards, which lobs Dick Diver up alongside Go-Betweens heroes Forster & McLennan. Or perhaps it's the epic but non-ridiculous guitar solos they trade off, with faint echoes of Television or Yo La Tengo. It could be the punk credentials of bassist Al Montfort (UV Race, Straightjacket Nation) that give the band some extra heft, or even the laconic drumming and casual harmonies of Steph Hughes (ex-Children Collide). Whatever it is, Dick Diver are definitely making a big impression, including being recently handpicked to support one of their icons Stephen Malkmus at his Melbourne solo show. Arks Up kicks off with instant classic "Walk For Room," one minute and 57 seconds of pure lazy pop magic, followed by the eerie "The Keys" and the genius songwriting of "Tender Years." The CD adds three extra tracks for a perfect introduction to one of Australia's most instantly engaging young bands.