Arbes land at Franks Wild Years to launch new single Full Sight, ahead of their long-awaited debut record Counterways, out November 1. They’ll be joined by Tessa Fleur.
Arbes is an alt-rock / dream pop group that understands the alchemy of texture. Comprised of vocalist and bassist Jess Zanoni, drummer Anita Agathangelou, and guitarists Sam Pannifex and Ryan Basile. 2015 was the year that the band caused a commotion within the international bedroom/dream-pop scene with the release of their debut EP Swimmer on Indie US label Sports Day Records. The EP swiftly rose to Bandcamp’s dream-pop best-sellers page, sitting proudly next to US heavyweights Beach House and chart-topping Bandcamp’s Melbourne releases, joining the ranks of iconic Melbourne bands such as Gold Class and Good Morning.
Swimmer’s sun-drenched, tropical aesthetic led to Arbes being labelled as purveyors of the beach-pop sub-genre. The EP contains ‘Key Largo’, their biggest single to date with over 1 million streams on Spotify alone. But Arbes have always possessed something grittier, wilder, and of expansive emotional depth, that has only become more apparent with time. Their 2016 EP Psalms harnessed more detailed sonic experimentation, expanding Arbes’ fanbase by appealing to their listeners' sensibility for soothing, warm soundscapes.
Their forthcoming debut album, Counterways, exists on the cusp between the ethereal and the more attention-seeking concerns of pop. The record invites listeners into an unusual sonic world of atmospheric depth. Comparisons can be drawn to New York post-punk of a more colourful bent, running Blondie all the way through to Gang Gang Dance. The album's dream-pop dimension brings to mind Cocteau Twins, while its grittier, art-rock moments, coloured with ambience feels akin to Deerhunter. Glimmering flashes of psychedelia channels the likes of Melody's Echo Chamber.
“With vocalist Jess Zanoni, the Melbourne band channel something not a million miles away from Elizabeth Frazer’s Cocteau Twins.” — NME (USA)
“Arbes has made a name for themselves on both a local and international level, having dominated the Melbourne live circuit since their early days. ”
— Happy Mag
"Jess Zanoni's vocals are sweet and, like the guitar work, add a beautiful, dreamlike quality. " — The Music
“Their brand of dream pop is incredibly unique and beautifully crafted.”— Sputnik Music