ARTISTS TO WATCH IN 2013: Olympic Ayres

Quoting The Mighty Boosh in their description for Triple J Unearthed, Sydney duo OLYMPIC AYRES have dubbed themselves as “genre spanners”, and they are not wrong. We are now going to introduce you to OLYMPIC AYRES because you will be sure to see more of these electronic wizards in the new year.

OLYMPIC AYRES began in an old dusty attic in Sydney with members Kamaliza and Mmiiddii creating tracks on a laptop with synthesizers, guitar, bass and various other attic oddities. Sending their tracks into Triple J opened OLYMPIC AYRES up into the public eye and the duo soon released their debut entitled Episode I in January 2011.

Episode I is a tropical wonderland with light vocals teaming up with the heavy synths and drum beats that flow throughout. Tropical tin drums make an appearance on 'Daylight' and everything feels like days in the sun accompanied by coconuts. The harmonies lock you in and you become hooked on the duos smooth sounds instantly. A smooth break towards the end of 'Daylight' transitions you into the next track on Episode I, 'Black & Blue'. 'Black & Blue' was OLYMPIC AYRES breakout track, with its echoing vocals and soft synths, 'Black & Blue' turns the tropical mood into a summer night kind of feel, with it's darker lyrics and just all round calm tone. 'Casa Del' closes Episode I and begins with a more digital tone than 'Daylight' and 'Black & Blue'. Vocals with great amounts of reverb echo throughout the track and 'Casa Del' turns out to be yet another clam track that closes Episode I for its listeners.

Soon after Episode I was released upon us all, OLYMPIC AYRES were a hit and fans the nation over were anticipating a follow up and luckily, the boys delivered with Episode II and Episode II: The Remixes.

Opening Episode II is OLYMPIC AYRES first track to feature a music video, 'The View' which shows a huge step up for OLYMPIC AYRES and encompasses a totally different mood than Episode I. The track is upbeat and you can hear the different sounds used in the track, the new textures and you just can help but dance when you hear it. 'River Song' follows 'The View' and opens with a very inspirational jump start, which probably would have been more fitting at the start of Episode II so the boys could say, “we're baaaaccckk.” “River Song' is yet another sunshine-y track with the distortion leading overall and it definitely deserves a spot on someone’s summer playlist. Episode II then closes with 'Lose You' which truly shows OLYMPIC AYRES at their genre spanning best.

OLYMPIC AYRES have come a long way since their humble beginnings in that old, dark attic. The duo have played various shows around Australia and our very own PURPLE SNEAKERS DJS have even had their go at remixing one of OLYMPIC AYRES beloved tracks.

OLYMPIC AYRES are one band that should most definitely be watched in the New Year because no doubt, Episode III won't be too far away and we may even be blessed with an LP, so watch this space because these “genre spanners” will be playing on your iTunes very soon.

Words by Lauren Payne