Sydney band Victoria have today released their second single ‘Favourite Teacher’ through legendary producer Wayne Connolly’s label Scenic Drive Records, and they maintain the upward trajectory set by their debut single ‘Creative Frenzy’ (reviewed here). The label supergroup is apt – this is a band consisting of members of seminal bands Youth Group, The Vines, Smudge and Songs, and on the strength of their first two singles, they set for domination.
‘Favourite Teacher’ has a gentle, reflective demeanour that coasts along with a rippling pace, underpinned by a recurring cyclical motif created by an ambulatory guitar. The vocals are imbued with a sense of yearning and brittle edge. Max Doyle, noting that both Alison Galloway (drums) and Patrick Matthews (bass) are teachers, jokes
I’ve gone into a relationship, and agreed to let my partner be my boss… I’m looking at the rhythm section and trying to decide who’s my favourite teacher…
Doyle refuses to say who his favourite is.
The lilting and crystalline sounds are indelibly linked to the Dunedin sound (The Bats, The Chills) and the sunshine Queensland sounds of The Go-Betweens and The Apartments, all via Scotland’s Orange Juice. But Victoria are carving out their own particular branch of pure indie pop:
‘Favourite Teacher’ is out now and available to stream and download here.
The band is hitting the road to celebrate the release of the song with a mini-tour this August:
Saturday 6th August – The Union Hotel, Newtown
Sunday 21st August – Frank’s Wild Years, Thirroul
Feature Photograph: Maclay Heriot
