Convenience Store is one of the best new bands you haven’t heard of yet, launching an honest, captivating release with a childlike sense of maturity.
After 3 years of patiently sitting and waiting for the right band members to make it happen, the Melbourne-based 6-piece debut their laidback sound on ‘Time To Enjoy’ – a song, ironically, about waiting for things that never come.
Intricate, repeating guitar lines pair with an inviting post-punk rhythm section to create the warm landscape of this genre-defying sound. Vocalist Beacs sails in and out with ease; a melodic ride for listeners wanting to lose themselves for just a few minutes of their day.
The overwhelming influence of Britpop greats like The Smiths and The Stone Roses drips all over the track, at the same time forming distinct similarities to the emotional drawl of DMA’s and Sticky Fingers’ ballads. Loyal friends since primary school, guitarist Nick and producer Jack demonstrate their history and obvious shared interest in the best way possible – through music that encourages connection.
The rest of the band gathered in somewhat unconventional ways – a chance Instagram DM, a family connection and a response to a ‘Singer Wanted’ poster at university drew the boys together from all corners of Melbourne.
So, why ‘Convenience Store’? Because “they look cool and they’ve got everything inside,” the boys tell me. Taking an in-house, DIY approach to their entire project – writing, recording, producing, designing, filming… a true child of the digital, accessible age we’re in – the group cites famed internet boyband BROCKHAMPTON as a major influence (as well as Bob Dylan, Bjork, Kanye West and Young Thug too, strangely enough).
“It’s so easy to get exposed to cool stuff online and just work that into whatever we’re thinking about or working on,” they explain, “to us, the lines between film, music and fashion all sort of blur.” It’s this openness to all forms of art and expressionism that bleed through their identity, and of course, through their music.
“We jump around between sounds… It’s fun to broaden our horizons and not really adhere to any genre limitations.”
‘Time To Enjoy’ marks the first item on the shelf for Convenience Store; if this song is an indication of where they’re headed, it’s likely that listeners will become regular shoppers in no time.
Check it out below.
Written by Zach Edwards
