montpelier

“Timeless Australian Indie-Pop” is how Australian Independent Record (AIR) boss Nick O’Byrne describe Brisbane four-piece Montpelier’s brand of melodic indie-pop. Think The Shins, Death Cab For Cutie and Doves, and their blend of wistful and poetic lyrics, weaving melodies and sharp rhythms. As soon as Montpelier started making music together, people took notice. They were a band without a name when in mid 2009, on the strength of a few early demos, they were plucked from obscurity by Los Angeles producer Kevin Augunas (Cold War Kids, The Black Keys, Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros) who invited them to LA to record their debut, self titled EP. The lead single from this release, ‘The Rafters’, was Rave Magazine single of the week, as well as being featured on Triple J Unearthed, AIR Charts, 3RRR, 4ZzZ and on blogs across the country. Their EP launch caused a stir in their hometown as they sold out iconic venue, The Zoo, to an audience of over 450 and toured Australia to rave reviews. The EP also caught the attention of international indie-rockers Frightened Rabbit (UK) and Biffy Clyro (UK), and Montpelier were invited to join both bands on their Australian tours. Closer to home Montpelier has shared stages with The Boat People, Sparkadia, Operator Please & The Checks (NZ) to name a few. Dave Butler (vocals, guitar) and Greg Chiapello (vocals, bass) front Montpelier, along with Andrew Stone (keyboards) and John Pickering (Drums). Part of what sets Montpelier apart sonically is the unique blend of the two lead singers with remarkably different voices. Greg and Dave were both lead singers and frontmen of their own bands before realising their true potential in collaborating, and so forming Montpelier. Montpelier’s latest collaboration is possibly the most exciting, with ARIA nominated producer and Hall of Fame member, Tim Powles (The Church, Regular John) coming across the band live, and refusing to take no-for-an-answer on working together. Last Boat, the ‘Hauntingly beautiful’ (thedwarf.com.au) first release from this project, was immediately picked up by Triple J Music Director and tastemaker, Richard Kingsmill, on his New Music 2010 show. The film clip that accompanies the song has gained momentum itself; it was featured on leading music blog whothehell.net and is now one of the most commented posts of all time. Big things await Montpelier, with the next single from the project due out in February 2011. - - - - - - - “Hauntingly Beautiful…” – thedwarf.com.au “Strong songwriters to keep an eye on” – whothehell.net “A deliciously classic brew of indie piano-pop… the strength of Montpelier lies in melody – the ability to create memorable, chart-worthy tunes.” – The Brag “I’m scribbling their name down as the next ‘must see’ local act.” – Rave Magazine, Single of the Week. “A masterclass in indie-pop songwriting” – Timeoff Magazine “They write intelligent and emotional music and they don't make apologies… Montpelier are a great band and I can't wait for the rest of the country to work that out too.” – Nick O’Byrne, AIR Charts. “You know when your face hurts at the end of a gig from smiling so much, and you find yourself still smiling in the morning?” – diaphonousbird.blogspot.com “A tight and polished pop-rock outfit seemingly from another time and place. This was no polyester-shirt, horn-rimmed glasses, shoe-gazing affair, but unadulterated melodic soaring, backed by some superb uplifting harmonising.” – fasterlouder.com.au “I like Montpelier. I don’t know whether it’s their beautiful music or that they’re a bunch of good-looking, well-dressed young blokes. Either way, the fondness exists.” – musicfeeds.com.au And they never saw him again.