Two Cartoons was formed in 2011 by Isaac McFarlane and Bradley Craig while on holiday in good ol’ Auckland. They had an idea to create music that would channel New Zealand’s beautiful warm weather and create the ultimate feeling of summer. Originally from Dunedin, but now based in London, the surf-roc/pop duo have released their new EP, Lost Boys Club.
I put my hand up immediately to review their EP as soon as I heard the first track, that being the lead single Lost Boys Club. This is my favourite song on the four track EP. It contains upbeat, dance around your living room vibes. It’s one of those songs you want to sing very loudly to and turn up even more loudly. I say this because I have done said activities, prancing around my living room in my blue star onesie, I recommend you all do it. This song contains a catchy guitar rift and even catchier chorus that you will be singing pretty much straight away. it’s one of those songs that just makes you feel good. It is one of those tracks that I think would be even better performed live. Having the atmosphere at a festival combined with the music… Absolute bliss!
Next up on the EP is Harry Actually. A song that not only talks about a feisty girl, but also about Ryan Gosling's six pack (Wink wink, nudge nudge ladies). Again, this song showcases their song writing skills, with heartfelt and honest lyrics and high spirited quality. This song along with Getting Green, which is slightly slower paced, are both extraordinarily refreshing and energetic.
Horizon Approaching, encapsulates the surf rock vibe Two Cartoons are all about. This song has also proven to be a hit on Spotify with over 300,000 streams since it’s release a couple of months ago.
With this EP, it is clear to see Two Cartoons are going to be looking at receiving big praise for their music. The only thing I wish is that the EP was released during the Kiwi summer. I think it would have been the perfect soundtrack to chilling on the beach. Their sound and personality, as seen on Facebook, go and check their page out, their profile picture is one of the fellas sitting on the toilet and the other about to get in the shower! Would be something great to see on a big stage at a festivals on a hot summers day. Fellas, come back to New Zealand so that this can become reality!
Featuring Isaac McFarlane, Bradley Craig and Dom Jones, Two Cartoons is an exercise in summer set simplicity, utilising two part harmonies and upbeat rhythms to great effect.
Hailing from Dunedin, New Zealand, Two Cartoons formed early 2011 while on holiday in Auckland, with a mind to harness and channel the beautiful warm weather and their continued love for bands like Best Coast, Wavves and The Drums before winter hit. Out of the ensuing whirlwind of creative process spilled the song ‘Better Coast’, a song which McFarlane describes as “being about the anticipation of returning to Dunedin and being back with all of my friends from University who scatter across the country during summer holidays. The title being a homage to one of our favourite bands.”
Following a return to Dunedin, Two Cartoons premiered live at the Otago University Student Association’s Battle Of The Bands, grabbing the attention of local musicians, earning them support slots and culminating in a series of headline concerts. After a short recording session in McFarlane’s student flat, ‘Better Coast’ was released in digital format on iTunes along with B-side and crowd favourite ‘Scientific Life’, offering a lighter and more spacious companion to the storming energy of the heartfelt lead track. A quick fire National tour followed, with the duo sharing their summer fun music with crowds in Wanaka, Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland and culminating in a support slot for Flying Nun luminaries and “Dunedin sound” legends The Chills in their home town.