A short-history of songs that detail Disco-Punk
Image: Olivia Hasler.
nipaluna/Hobart founded, ARIA-nominated and acclaimed act, A. Swayze & The Ghosts have returned with their new single Cool Cucumber. To celebrate the release, the band have curated an exclusive playlist for MILKY full of songs that detail Disco-Punk.
“This song represents our break from people's expectations, embracing a diverse sound that transcends previous releases. We intentionally moved away from familiar genres and attitudes, signalling our growth and evolution as artists.” frontman Andrew Swayze shares.
The band will be hitting the road off the back of the release, kicking off their single launch tour at Eora/Sydney's Vic On The Park on May 10. The run of shows will continue on to Naarm/Melbourne on May 16, before wrapping up in nipaluna/Hobart on May 17. Tickets are on sale now!
SUICIDE - GHOST RIDER
Arguably the band that started it all, with the fury of Black Flag accompanied by a thrift store organ. Teenage Ben felt pretty cool walking down the street in a leather jacket blasting this through shitty headphones. Listening to it today made me realise it still does…
DEVO - GIRL U WANT
Like LCD Soundsystem, it is hard to choose a Devo track, but this song has left such a lasting impact on me. Every one of my contributions to Swayze songs have some part Girl U Want in it, whether it be the instrumentation, arrangement or attitude.
GRAUZONE - EISBÄR
Jagged guitars, discordant synth noise and a nonsense sax solo, while repeating the saddest lyric in any song (translated from German) - Polar bears never have to cry. What is not to love.
ESG - DANCE
Against all odds the female fronted band in the early 80s became one of the most sampled artists of all time. Dance is a testament to the power of simplicity, with one of the greatest drum hooks of all time.
LE TIGRE - DECEPTACON
No matter what kind of music I was writing, this song was always an influence. It combines my love of punk, bubblegum pop, dance and industrial. What isn't there to love?
THE RAPTURE - HOUSE OF JEALOUS LOVERS
I was mercilessly bullied in high-school due to the title of one of The Raptures other hits, but it couldn’t ruin the infectious groove of this track for me.
LCD SOUNDSYSTEM - US V THEM
No one encapsulates the modern day heights of Disco-Punk like LCD does. James Murphy on a cowbell redefined the meaning of groove for me, and I have been in love ever since.
SEXTILE - DISCO
This band was introduced to me by my wife as we were getting to know each other. If we had a "song", this may be it. Moody goth guitars, motorik beats, and 80s synth bass. You can hear the sweat of the dive bar dance floor emanate from your speakers.
GORILLAZ - TRANZ
As a big Gorillaz fan I always wish they had a few more songs in this vein. Euphoric, anthemic, with a tinge of Pet Shop Boys. It's like Joy Division covering Kylie Minogue.
AUTOMATIC - TOO MUCH MONEY
I caught this band live last year, and was one of my favourite shows in quite a while. Takes everything great from bubblegum pop and snarky 70’s punk, while adding infectiously danceable beats.
VIAGRA BOYS - LICK THE BAG
I was converted after seeing Viagra Boys side of stage. Usually a lot of the mystique disappears when you're not in the crowd, but I was enthralled throughout the entire set. If LCD Soundsystem are the Beatles of Disco-Punk, then Viagra Boys are the Stones. Raw, chaotic, untethered.
GENESIS OWUSU - GET INSPIRED
Post punk chorused guitars paired with the hip hop influence of Genesis. He has been hitting some amazing career milestones lately, and deserves every minute of it.
Cool Cucumber is out now!