Turn Me On With The Grates

I can safely say that my birthday in August 2008 was by far the most exciting. Not only was I celebrating it at Splendour in the Grass, but I got The Grates brand new album, Teeth Lost, Hearts Won for free and a massive birthday hug from Patience. What more could a young guy ask for? Ok, so there are probably a few more things a young guy would be hoping for, you dirty minded people, but for me a hug from Patience was more than enough to keep me satisfied for the weekend. I was going to post the photo I got with her, but because I organise things about as well as a chimp on acid, I couldn't find it amongst the 15 thousand randomly assorted photos on my computer. So you'll just have to believe me.

It's now been almost three years since their last album, but it appears the wait for some more... great music is almost over! The Grates, now a duo after their drummer Alana Skyring left to pursue a career in culinary arts, have just released a single from their upcoming album called Turn Me On, and first impressions are good.

The new song is a bit grittier than what you may have previously come to expect of The Grates and they have clearly added a few more influences to their repertoire. Some heavy synth has also been busted out, which gives a nice contrast to Patience's buoyant vocals. Overall, it's a much heavier feel, with a bit less of that all out happy go lucky fun.

If this is a reflection of their new album then it appears The Grates have perhaps grown up slightly since their last album, Teeth Lost, Hearts Won.

Maybe it was a combination of recording in Brooklyn during winter, Alana leaving and a whole lot of collaboration with numerous other artists. But either way, I'm extremely excited to hear what they have in store for us on June 17 with the release of Secret Rituals.

In the lead up to Splendour In The Grass they're touring Australia throughout June so head to thegrates.com for all the details.

Here's a very short teaser of the Secret Rituals recording sessions and, below that, their new single, which can also be checked out on their Facebook page.

Any thoughts on the new single? Let me know. I'd like to hear.