5 Bands That Shaped SMLXL

Written by: SY

SMLXL are a Sydney 5-piece band that deliver an angular take on melodic guitar-driven pop. With their debut EP 'The Links' being released Friday 12th May, and a string of shows in Sydney, Wollongong and Newcastle, we asked them to list the 5 bands that most influenced their sound. Here’s what singer songwriter Jarrod Murphy, and guitarist Jason de Wilde came up with:

1. Blur – if there’s any band that says “angular melodic guitar-driven pop”, then for us it’s Blur. We prefer the old stuff such as Modern Life Is Rubbish and Parklife. Catchy songs, great riffs and loud, brash delivery. Absolutely perfect.

2. Jellyfish – this relatively obscure band out of San Francisco produced only 2 albums in the mid 90’s, but are a big influence on SMLXL. Imagine the sound of Queen meets the Partridge Family, and you have the sound of Jellyfish. Huge harmonies, epic production and rock gusto. We also love the fact that the lead singer is the drummer, and the guy can really sing!

3. XTC – these guys go down as one of our all time favourites. We argue constantly about which album is best, but the general consensus is Nonesuch, Apple and Venus 1 and 2 and Oranges and Lemons. We love melodies, and XTC have that nailed. Again, great production, awesome musicianship and backing vocals that melt.

4. Neil Finn/Crowded House – impeccable songs that are beautifully crafted. Neil Finn’s more sobering and melancholic songs are the real standouts for us. SMLXL love a little moody tune in between the brashness, and we tip our hat in Mr Finn’s direction for that.

5. The Cure – this is probably more Jason’s influence than anybody else’s, but a great deal of SMLXL’s sound come from the guitars. And since Jason’s sound is so veryRobert Smith, it tends to play out in the overall sound of SMLXL. We’re into the earlier "happier" stuff from Three Imaginary Boysand Boys Don’t Cry.

You can catch SMLXL live on the following tour dates:

Wednesday 10th May - Radbar Wollongong

Thursday 11th May - Leadbelly Sydney

Wednesday 17th May - Lass O Cowrie Newcastle