Many-headed Brisbane garage-rock conglomerate Velociraptor return with their sprawling and ambitious second album ‘Computer Future’, as well as their begrudgingly jubilant new single + video Drag Me Under!
Their first physical release in a decade – preceded by a run of strong singles in Leaving Hollywood, Timebong, Computer Future Pt. 1 and Falling – ‘Computer Future’ is by far the best recorded capture yet of everything that makes the ‘Raptors so beloved.
The riveting 14-song opus comprises a stream of addictively catchy rockers chock full of stupidly infectious melodies, an overabundance of earworm hooks, guitars aplenty plus of course their trademark gang vocals and harmonies.
Founding frontman Jeremy Neale, the catalyst behind so many of their early endeavours, was unsurprisingly the initial instigator of the Velociraptor return.
“In 2018, ahead of our 10-year anniversary, we embarked on the beginnings of what would become ‘Computer Future’,” recalls guitarist / vocalist Julien James. “Having worked with a fantastic engineer / producer / mixer / all-round-legend whilst recording with his solo band, Jeremy picked up the ‘Red Raptor Phone’ and suggested we record a new album with Aidan Hogg at Plutonium Studios. Armed with a mighty voice memo, Jeremy unveiled his new song Rita and we were immediately onboard.”
Having thus been summoned, the shadowy cabal behind Velociraptor returned from their spell away from
the spotlight with renewed vigour and focus, more committed to and appreciative of their combined talents
and chemistry than their younger selves, who’d been perhaps more concerned about chasing good times rather than long ones.
And as Neale himself is quick to attest, the fact that the creative load is now being shared more equally among his bandmates has proved a complete blessing.
“There’s been massive world changes, and life changes for the ‘Raptors,” he explains. “And with these changes, the band has become more of a band than ever before. “It’s no longer a predominately Jeremy Neale-penned or sung record: Julien James has taken lead on a bunch of modern classics including the singles Timebong and Falling, Jesse Hawkins has directed multiple ‘Raptor videos as well as writing and singing Like a Lake (Tick the Tock) and the verses for We Form, Joshua Byrd’s chipped in with Not Your Baby, and George Browning took lead vocals on what would be the inspiration for the album title, Computer Future Pt. 1.”
And while these days there may be more cooks in the ‘Raptors kitchen than ever before, that’s only allowed them to expand the palette of the ‘Computer Future’ menu without compromising on quality.
Their distinctively melodic and dance-worthy take on the garage-rock form remains entirely evident – still taking cues from catchy forebears ranging from Herman’s Hermits to The Hives – only now that’s augmented by quirkily compelling sonic detours into psych and new wave realms, a compelling aural journey that’s completely engrossing from start to finish.
Back in their halcyon days Velociraptor scored plenty of JJJ action and were omnipresent on community radio with bangers like Ramona, Sneakers and Cynthia, touring Europe and the UK (both headlining gigs and The Great Escape Festival) as well as sharing stages with bands the calibre of Black Lips, New York Dolls, OFF!, Radio Birdman and Violent Soho.
Now they’re back and the ‘Computer Future’ we’ve awaited for so long is finally upon us, let the party commence!
‘COMPUTER FUTURE’ ALBUM LAUNCH
FRIDAY 1 NOVEMBER
Felons Barrel Hall, Brisbane QLD
w/ Blue Diner
+ more shows to be announced
With thanks to Coolin’ By Sound
