Acrylics (New York, USA)

Dreamy duo perform psychedelic indie pop with a penchant for 80’s synths and Keith Richard scarves.

Text by Martina Randles





If you cut certain sections of the Acrylics music and looped them together, you would be forgiven for thinking you were listening to a relaxation type given to you by some well-meaning relative. The band certainly does nothing to discourage their slightly skewed interpretation of ‘cool’. Contemplative slow-burning candy garage and seductive vocals provide a reflective airy 80s filmic feel. Further complimented by graphics delivered with an irony that only New Yorkers seem to perfect.

So,
What's…
… your description of your sound?
Water in its many manifestations - rivers, oceans, rain, ice, steam, tears. Remembering future sounds, we look ahead to the sounds of the past.

… so special about you, then?
Studies suggest Acrylics may increase rates of reproduction in lab rats.

… your tip for 2009?
Pack light. Stay heavy.

… the story behind your name?
It suggests color and plasticity to us. Two important components of our process.

… your favourite piece of clothing?
A torn silk scarf that belonged to Keith Richards in the late sixties. I can't tell you how I got it.

… your worst fashion secret?
Some of the rips in my jeans did not occur naturally.

… your dream musical collaboration?
Would have loved to have worked with Joe Meek or Tom Dowd. Phil Spector too but that might be more of a nightmare than a dream. They're all dead or incarcerated so maybe Daniel Lanois?

… the name of your hero?
Jimi Hendrix

… so special about your hero?
What's not so special about him? He's always softer than a feather and more explosive than TNT all at the same time. Cynthia Plaster Caster preserved something else that's pretty special about him too.

… your karaoke song?
Highway Star by Deep Purple

… the best piece of advice you've heard?
Every night before I go to sleep I pick up the Tao Te Ching and flip to a random page. Lao Tzu always imparts bottomless wisdom.

… on your stereo?
This week, I've been listening to The Band's self-titled album and "A Love Trilogy" by Donna Summer.

… your favourite website?
Wikipedia has all of the answers

… the one thing you’d kill for?
At the moment, a Masala Dosa from the Dosa man in Washington Square park.

… your vision of the future?
The future's so bright I ‘gotta’ wear shades.