Free Time - "That's Rare"
The 2010s were, in my opinion, a bit of a golden age for Australian indie rock. Labels like Chapter Music consistently released fantastic, Dunedin-sound-inspired jangle pop from bands like Twerps, Dick Diver, and The Stevens. These bands, along with Beaches, RVG, Rolling Blackout C.F., Chook Race, and a whole host of others remained in constant rotation on my turntable pre-pandemic. They still do! These days, even more acts are emerging from this part of the Southern Hemisphere that grew up on the Go-Betweens. Just give The Stroppies, Parsnip, and Possible Humans a spin to see what I mean. You won’t be disappointed.
Despite my obsession with all things Melbourne, I missed out on an act associated with that scene that was right in my own backyard. Somehow the Brooklyn band Free Time (who are fronted by Australian ex-pat Dion Nania and has also featured contributions from Martin Frawley of Twerps) flew under my radar. I only originally discovered them in 2018 when they shared a bill at Coney Island High (now known as Heaven Can Wait) in Manhattan’s East Village with Kevin Hairs and Pale Lights. That one performance was enough to get me hook, line, and sinker. I beelined it to the merch table immediately following their set and purchased both of their full lengths, 2013’s Free Time and 2016’s In Search of Free Time. I, myself, was making up for lost time.
It seems like Free Time is as well, as last month, they returned with their first new music in half a dozen years - a rousing jangle pop tune called “That’s Rare.” The song features some lively and jittery guitar playing - the exact kind that characterizes the sound of down-under legends like The Clean and The Verlaines, and the early output of New Jersey luminaries The Feelies. It’s all guided by a pronounced bass line and a very pleasing snare-driven beat, both of which provide solid footing for several reverb-soaked guitar lines.
Stream the song below!
“That’s Rare” will appear on the band’s forthcoming full length, Jangle Jargon, which is set for release on September 30th. You can pre-order it on vinyl via Bandcamp. “That’s Rare” is available to stream on Spotify.
Free Time will be performing for the first time since 2020 on September 15th at Our Wicked Lady. They’ll be joined by Nicole Yun, Love Burns, and Awksymoron. Tickets are available now.
Keep up with Free Time by liking them on Facebook and following them on Instagram.
