Words by Emily McConochie //

Ready or not, Halcyon Drive are here with their stellar album Elephant Bones.

Following a series of sold-out headline shows across Australia, hundred of thousands of streams, and a groundswell of support both at home and abroad, Melbourne-based indie-rock outfit Halcyon drive have finally released their much anticipated 12-track brainchild Elephant Bones. After first hitting soundwaves in 2014, they’ve been on triple j’s radar slowly trimming their edges and developing the bona fide, catchy debut sound that is Elephant Bones.

The trio have been in seemingly good hands, recording and co-producing alongside Joel Quartermain of Eskimo Joe (Meg Mac, Dustin Tebbutt, British India). With Quartermain masterfully harnessing lead singer Michael Oechsle’s and drummer/co-writer Max Pamieta’s ability to combine sterling pop hooks and unconventional energy. 

After three years of relentless writing Halcyon Drive have sculpted Elephant Bones into a sparkling indie-rock gem. With dark electronic undertones and trademark anthemic vocals, standout tracks like ‘The Birds’ emanate the refined direction the band has taken. Playing alongside a syncopated soundscape, the band move through a gloomy yet passionate motif, oozing with the trepidation that comes with budding romance, hopelessness, and loss.

There are also bold yet venerable and moments as you move through Elephant Bones. ‘Agnosia’ powers through with an inescapable heavy guitar-driven energy, whilst ‘Reach’ hinges on slow burning, melodic chorus highs. ‘Satellite’ rises and falls with a full bodied finale playing with the feeling of falling in a dangerous, stormy love. These are just a few examples of the eclectic lyrical and sonic capabilities this trio are known for.

With performances at The Hills Are Alive Festival, Festival of the Sun and support on Stereophonics sold out Australian tour, it comes as no surprise that Halcyon Drive have announced an Australian tour of their own. If you are in Melbourne April 5th (info here), Sydney April 6th (info here), or Brisbane April 12th (info here), you’re in luck. Follow the band on Facebook for updates.