You’ve heard of Leader Cheetah, haven’t you? If you haven’t, worry no more! Leader Cheetah, a four-piece from Adelaide (that’s in South Australia in case your Australian geography’s not as up to scratch as it should be), have just released their second full length album, Lotus Skies.

The album, recorded in Sydney with produced Scott Horscroft (of The Panics, Little Red and The Sleepy Jackson fame) was completed on Christmas Eve, but the songs started out months earlier and often as something band members and brothers Dan Crannitch (lead singer and guitarist) and Joel Crannitch (drummer) created together (not forgetting guitarist, Dan Pash and bassist, Mark Harding, whom without, the band wouldn’t be what or where they are today).

“The lyrics were written at a time when I was feeling that something was out of whack, emotionally and physically,’’ Dan says. “I don’t know where that came from but it created this need to go deeper inside for these songs and all four of us felt that.’’

It’s not often that an album will hold my attention throughout it’s entirety, but Lotus Skies has managed to do it. It’s a brilliant blend of indie and country sounds, with frontman Dan’s voice playing a very distinctive role; delivering the underlying feeling of each song through the lyrics. A definite stand-out in today’s same-old, same-old wave if indie rock bands.

If you listen carefully, you’ll also hear a couple of guest inclusions throughout the alum. Including vocals from Holly Throsby on Our Love, strings by Tom Spall on Midnight Headlights and trumpet played by Stewart Kirwan on Lotus Skies (the title track).

Leader Cheetah, on the back of their debut album The Sunspot Letters in 2009, supported the likes of Elbow and Doves. The release of Lotus Skies sees them embarking on another national tour (including a series of support dates with Gomez).

So if you like what you’ve heard so far get along and check them out. More information on there to get tickets here.

29/07/11 – 31/07/11 – Woodford: Splendour In The Grass

01/08/11 – Sydney: Metro Theatre

03/08/11 – Sydney: The Factory Theatre

04/08/11 – Melbourne: Palace Theatre

06/08/11 – Adelaide: Governor Hindmarsh Hotel

24/08/11 – Joondalup: The Blvd Tavern

25/08/11 – Bunbury: Prince of Wales

26/08/11 – Perth: Amplifier

27/08/11 – Fremantle: Mojo’s

02/09/11 – Ballarat: Karova Lounge

03/09/11 – Melbourne: East Brunswick Club

04/09/11 – Melbourne: East Brunswick Club

09/09/11 – Adelaide: Fowler’s

15/09/11 – Gold Coast: Elsewhere Bar

16/09/11 – Brisbane: Alhambra Lounge

17/09/11 – Maroochydore: SolBar

21/09/11 – Bondi: Beach Road Hotel

22/09/11 – Canberra: Transit Bar

23/09/11 – Newcastle: CBD Hotel

24/09/11 – Sydney: Gaelic Theatre

For your viewing pleasure see below for the video for the second song on the album, Crawling Up A Landslide, produced and directed by Brent Quincy Buchanan & Justin Cary, which was created from 1950s 8 mm home movie footage of Justin’s grandparents – a Kansas couple who were married for 51 years.

For more info and to buy the album, head over to their website: http://leadercheetah.com

A New Festival? Why yes!

Just a little side note as well. A new festival to rival the thousand other summer festivals. Harvest – A Civilised Gathering (bit of a mouthful) will be touring the east coast in November. The Flaming Lips, Portishead, Bright Eyes, The National, Holy Fuck, Mercury Rev, Death In Vegas, The Walkmen and Dappled Cities are but a few of the amazing names on the bill so far.

Dates:

Saturday 12th November – Werribee Park, Melbourne

Sunday 13th November – Parramatta Park, Sydney

Saturday 19th November – Botanical Gardens, Brisbane

Sign up for the mailing list (for information on early bird ticket purchases) and find some general information at their website: http://www.harvestfestival.com.au/

ooh!

Sally

Sally@weheartmusic.com