Back in 2015 I reviewed Two Cartoons EP Lost Boys Club and raved about how they seem to so effortlessly create tunes that need to be sung loud and proud. Three years later, their latest single Less People (Less Traffic) is no exception.
They have proven that they are the masters of catchy rifts and powerful anthem style themed songs. Less People (Less Traffic) is a concept created from how people perceive themselves as the victims of traffic, when in reality they are the culprits alongside everyone else.
This particular song has a more rock vibe than their previous tracks but will appease any fanatic pop listener out there. An upbeat frantic high energy track, it is one you can take your frustration out with when you get caught up in the morning commute to work.
It is great to see them pushing the boundaries of the definition of “pop” music and with the release of this latest single, hopefully we can see some new music set to be released in the very near future. Perhaps over the warmer months, as their tunes beg to be played on summer roadies, festivals and beach hangs!
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.