The Dalmatians play a captivating folk-rock hybrid, merging these styles with a rebellious streak and a sense of social consciousness.
The indie band has just released their third single, Millionaire, and it’s sure to establish the emerging act’s presence on the Australian music scene. Comprised of Jonny and Wil, this team’s sound features strident vocals, acoustic guitar, bouzouki, and keyboards.
When asked about the new track, the band says, ‘Millionaire is a friendly poke at the mega-rich and their political buddies. We just don’t think these guys set the scene for us very well at all.
Excess and power seem to be more intoxicating than ever. The song sets this out very clearly, suggesting too much effort and motivation goes towards getting and staying rich and that this false value is infused into society generally.’ Millionaire brilliantly blends understated emotional power and heartfelt performances with artistic sensibilities that have its roots in traditional folk music.
As the band says regarding the new single’s lyric, ‘The song opens with a chorus and the first line answers the question posed by the popular TV game show Who Wants to be a Millionaire? The first verse lambasts the excesses of the mega-rich and the luck and social climbing often relied on to get them there.
‘‘ The Dalmatians’ experience, encompassing driving grooves, catchy licks, compelling storytelling, and lush harmonies, as well as a feeling of energy and urgency which has been successfully transposed on Millionaire.
The second verse imagines what it would be like on the set of Who Wants to be a Millionaire and the fun that could be had with Eddie Maguire. Of course, we think there is another way, and a “little” revolution is proposed. The lyric leaves this undefined but in the music video a reference to the flower power movement of the 1960s is provided as a clue.’
The live show is an important part of The Dalmatians’ experience, encompassing driving grooves, catchy licks, compelling storytelling, and lush harmonies, as well as a feeling of energy and urgency which has been successfully transposed on Millionaire.
LISTEN TO THE DALMATIANS HERE: