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"We predict many wonderful things for their dubbed-out, thoughtful and intelligent rhythms." - The Quietus

A common complaint of 21st century music is that, with the ability to create & communicate at its most accessible point in history, there is very little being said. In light of the myriad holes humans keep digging & falling into, music is in real danger of becoming pure advertising for the mundane & narcissistic. NEW WARfrom Melbourne, Australia are a tonic then, possibly an antidote, or perhaps something larger.

NEW WAR were sown several years ago with the dissolution of Seattle-based Kill Rock Stars act, Shoplifting. Singer Chris Pugmire & bassist Melissa Lock hibernated for a couple of years, then quietly re-emerged in Melbourne. Lock then reconnected with Steve Masterson, drummer for the infamous Bird Blobs(which she briefly played in) and mutual friend Jesse Shepherd, the Gainsbourgian keyboardist forSir.

The brief was simple and half-spoken: no repeating the past, no guitar, plenty of space for Shepherd's noir-drenched keyboard work & Pugmire's barbed, feverish lyrics, with primacy given to the Lock/Masterson rhythm section.

The band rehearsed patiently for over a year, letting songs appear and take their course, careful to not force anything. When the time seemed right NEW WAR emerged quietly; playing often as part of Melbourne's rich underground with fellow free-thinkers such as Lost Animal, Fabulous Diamonds, My Disco & Beaches. Word spread; they carved out a reputation as one of Australia's best, most intense live bands & were picked for several choice supports including Wire, The Gossip,Laughing Clowns, Jandek,Michael Rother's Neu!/Harmonia show Wild Flag, Deerhoof, EMA & Electrelane.

The band headed into Birdland Studios with producer Lindsay Gravina (Rowland S Howard), keen to capture the alchemy of their live show. The basic tracks were all recorded live to analog tape; with limited vocal, keyboard & percussion overdubs added later. The sessions were focused & brisk, with recording, mixing & mastering completed in 10 days.