Arbes

Arbes is an alt-rock and dream pop group from Melbourne that understands the alchemy of texture.

2015 was the year that Arbes caused a commotion within the international bedroom/dream-pop scene with the release of their debut EP Swimmer. The EP swiftly rose to Bandcamp’s dream-pop best-sellers page, sitting next to US heavyweights Beach House. The band's 2016 EP Psalms harnessed more detailed sonic experimentation, with soothing and warm soundscapes. But Arbes have always possessed something grittier, wilder, and of expansive emotional depth, that has only become more apparent with time.

Arbes' forthcoming debut album, Counterways (due November 1st 2024) invites listeners into an unusual sonic world of atmospheric depth. Comparisons can be drawn to New York post-punk of a more colourful bent, running Blondie all the way through to Gang Gang Dance. The album's dream-pop dimension brings to mind Cocteau Twins, while its grittier, art-rock moments, coloured with ambience feels akin to Deerhunter. Glimmering flashes of psychedelia channels the likes of Melody's Echo Chamber. Front woman Jess Zanoni’s soulful, oracular voice is anchored by the earthbound brambles of prickly guitar and brushstroke percussion, where all is tethered to a surface of unearthly detail and resonance.