Aussie indie rock trio Moler swipe right on raw energy and nostalgic punk with ‘AI,’ the group’s first new music since 2019 and a deliciously raucous ride elevated by its accompanying music video.
‘AI’ balances throwback edges, potent energy and compelling vocals alongside its futuristic subject matter. A bustling lovechild of influences, spanning The Lemonheads, The Saints, The Stooges, Blondie, The Runaways, Mudhoney, Sex Pistols and beyond, ‘AI’ also brandishes Moler’s trademark, and globally recognised, sound: “it’s riot grrrl, it’s challenging, but always fun,” explains bassist and lead vocalist Helen Cattanach.
Composed by all three members, Helen alongside new writer and guitarist James (JJ) McCann and drummer David Peacock, ‘AI’ came to life in Moler’s rehearsal room, as Helen elaborates, “We recorded the musical bed track at Sound Park Studios with Andre (Idge) Hehir. I called out all the changes in the music ….One, two, three, four. There was no solid lyrical content yet, just an idea. The full lyrics came together a little later at Caution Horses Recording studio with Miguel Alonso engineering; recording the vocals and mixing it for the album. James & Dave added the “AI” backing vocals and hey presto, done!”
A propulsive masterclass in raw punk and alternative rock, ‘AI’ also unsurprisingly snapshots the real-world evolution and obsession with all things artificial intelligence. “Everyone, I mean everyone, is talking about AI,” shares Helen. “I thought it would be a great topic to write about. There are so many elements to AI that relate directly to music and to all of our lives. The theme of the song was about our possible futuristic, personal relationship to AI….AI as our therapist, our organiser of thoughts, our tool, our emotional relationships. There are so many questions.”
Mastering their brand new track with returning Moler collaborator Lindsay Gravina (Magic Dirt, The Birthday Party) at Birdland Studios, the group also teamed up with a longtime friend and creative compadre Ian White to bring AI’s accompanying music video to vivid and colourful life, “There was no real storyboard or concept for the clip,” explains Helen. “It was, “Can you film something or come to a live show to film? Ian has a long-term connection with Moler, having cut a few videos for the band in the past. The latest, ‘AI’, was mainly cut from live footage from a live show at the Espy, where we showcased our new songs for the first time in front of an audience. Ian asked, “Do you want footage from AI?” I said, “Well, that would be apt.”
