Aussie indie rock trio Moler today 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. Detailing artificial intelligence and its surrounds soundtracked by fuzzy guitars and punchy 70s and 80s pop punk energy, Moler are also set to christen AI in a live setting on Saturday 8 November, today announcing a single launch show at Thornbury’s Shotkickers, joining additional performances later next month at River Rocks Festival in Geelong and at the Tote.
Marking Moler’s first new single since their 2019 cover of the legendary Velvet Underground drummer Moe Tucker’s 1989 song Work, 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.”
Forming in St Kilda in the early-to-mid 1990s, Moler unveiled their debut full length ARIA nominated album Golden Duck in 1997, showcasing their eclectic craftsmanship and dexterity, flitting effortlessly between rock, punk, post punk and power pop over the years. Disbanding in the early 2000s following the release of multiple EPs, Moler ultimately reformed back in 2018 for a show-stopping performance at The Curtin Hotel, before releasing a new EP Work in 2019. A band who have garnered success and acclaim at home and abroad, spanning international tours, radio play in Japan and America, including Little Steven’s Underground Garage on SiriusXM, hosted by Steven Van Zandt, Moler have also previously shared stages with the likes of Weezer, Regurgitator, Custard and Magic Dirt, and now sit poised on an insatiable new chapter kickstarted today via their brand new single AI, which will be witnessed in full flight at a special launch show next month.
“There has been a very long time between shows,” says Helen. “Moler was kinda put on ice or defunct for 19 years. We got together initially just for a celebration of our 25 years since our first single. Then Covid hit. After that Helen was invited to do bass playing for a 90’s super group, Ash Naylor, Kram and Adalita, for a ‘Spicks & Specks’ television spot and since then Moler got on a bit of a roll with a 90’s resurgence in the live scene. Moler took off on a bit of a ride and then decided, with new guitarist and writer JJ McCann, let’s get some new material out, like an album and let’s see where that takes us next.”
JJ McCann steps seamlessly into the role of guitarist, taking over from founding member Julian Poulson, who now lives in Cambodia. Known for his work with Nunchukka Superfly, The Drones, and an extensive solo career, JJ brings his own flair and energy to the band while staying true to Moler’s unmistakable sound. Originally joining as a fill-in when Julian couldn’t make a show, JJ recalls, “When Helen asked me to join and learn 16 songs in two weeks, I thought I couldn’t do it. So, I asked my good friend and late-night conversationalist Patrick Emery, and he said, ‘do it.’” The rest, as they say, is history — JJ has well and truly cemented his place in the iconic trio.
While their long-awaited follow-up to 1997’s Golden Duck is as yet unannounced, a sophomore Moler album is absolutely on the cards; and if AI is any indication, it will be undeniably worth the wait.
AI is out today through Proper Remote Records & MGM.
Stream: AI
Watch: AI
MOLER – UPCOMING 2025 TOUR DATES:
SAT 8 NOV | SINGLE LAUNCH | SHOTKICKER, THORNBURY VIC | 18+
Tickets available from www.moshtix.com.au | 1300 GET TIX | All Moshtix Outlets
SUN 16 NOV | RIVER ROCKS FESTIVAL BARWON CLUB, GEELONG VIC | 18+
Tickets available from www.oztix.com.au
SAT 29 NOV | THE TOTE, COLLINGWOOD VIC | 18+
3pm FREE www.thetotehotel.com/gig-guide
