The Avalanches: That Band Needs Therapy

I recall enjoying the ADD-inducing tunes of Australian vinyl sampler kings the Avalanches when their first record Since I Left You was released several years ago, but I’d never seen this stupefying video for “Frontier Psychiatrist” before tonight. I’m now having what can only be described as an “it’s comforting to know that no matter what you do in life, it will never be as awesome as this video” moment:

Whatever happened to the Avalanches’ follow-up album? Anyone know? According to their Wiki entry, the last word from the band came in early ’07: “one day when you least expect it you’ll wake up and the sample fairy will have left it under your pillow.”

(Gracias, heRbIVoRe.)

10 Responses to “The Avalanches: That Band Needs Therapy”

  1. Terra Trouvé Says:

    A truly fantastic video. Although, funnily enough, it was their video for ‘Since I Left You’ that won a video of the year award. Frontier Psychiatrist only got a runner up prize.

    And regardless of the length of time it’s taken, I think we can be quietly hopeful for the second album, from the little bit of information floating around, it seems like they’ve got the tracks (and more) already, it’s just putting them together.

  2. ruby Says:

    I miss The Avalanches so badly, truly they are one of the best Australian electronic bands we have (I’m Australian) and there aren’t many great ones. Please come back soon we miss you!

  3. Alice Says:

    This video was the central aspect of my life for about 3 years. It was like my weird little secret, but also the best thing ever to show people. “Hey, have you seen this trippiest of videos? No? Oh, let me show you!”

    I feel a reappearance of The Avalanches on m iPod coming on…

  4. Jake the Rat Says:

    According to urban legend at the time of its release, that first album was completed a good couple of years previously but had to be put on hold whilst they tracked down and gained clearance for all the samples. This may be nonsense.

  5. foxtongue Says:

    That’s mandatory Quickie Culture Night viewing. I’ve subjected almost everyone I know to that video, that and Gay Pimp’s Soccer Practice. *grns*

  6. the daniel Says:

    THE MEMORIES! I remember seeing that video on the campus faux-mtv network when I was a freshman or sophomore in college and it making me happy. It was awesome then, it’s awesome now.

  7. Mer Says:

    Heh. Thanks to dial-up and hiding my head in my ass for much of 2001, I am apparently the only person who’s never seen this before. :) Ah, well.

    Jake the Rat, I wouldn’t be surprised if that turned out to be true, and obviously sample-based music is ever harder to make legally now than it was then. I hope they can find a way. *finger crossed*

  8. Terra Trouvé Says:

    it’s true, Mer, the ‘Since I left You’ album had samples in the thousands. That was, and is, their thing for making music; many many samples, purely from vinyl. so yeah, getting the rights etc. takes much time. it’s annoying, as the music that comes from it is so amazing. revolutionary some might say.

  9. Mer Says:

    Ah, Jhayne, now that’s a video I’m a bit overly familiar, honestly.

    (Hey dood.)

    Weee!

  10. Nico Says:

    truly, the best band to ever come out of australia, in my honest australian opinion :)