Deep Sea Arcade

Deep Sea Arcade is an Australian psychedelic indie rock band from Sydney. It begins as a songwriting and home-recording project for school friends Nic McKenzie and Nick Weaver, who start working together in their mid teens. Using 4-track tape recorders, broadcast microphones and unusual computer software, they build songs that set melodic pop structures against darker, more unsettled textures.

Line-up and early development

After developing a large set of demo recordings, McKenzie and Weaver expand the project into a full band with guitarists Tim Chamberlain and Simon Relf, and drummer Carlos Adura. The Sydney five-piece becomes known for live performances that build a strong local following. Weaver remains the listed member in the available facts.

Releases and radio support

The single Crouch End gains interest from listeners and critics in 2008, with support from triple j and community radio. In 2009, the band releases the Don’t Be Sorry EP and the single Lonely In Your Arms. These recordings come from sessions made over the previous six months, both at home and at BJB Studios in Sydney, with co-producer Simon Berkfinger of Philadelphia Grand Jury. Don’t Be Sorry and Lonely In Your Arms both receive high-rotation playlisting on Triple J, FBI and 2SER for more than three months.

Live work and recognition

Deep Sea Arcade win the Hopetoun’s 2008 Homebake/EMI incentive. They also appear at Peat’s Ridge Festival and Playground Weekender, and play shows with Australian acts including Bluejuice, Expatriate, Yves Klein Blue, Holly Throsby, Jack Ladder, Philadelphia Grand Jury, Whitley and Kid Sam.

Style and later recording

The band’s sound combines reverberated pop, guitar-based influences from different eras and a dark, watery atmosphere with strong melody. Nic McKenzie’s vocal delivery is described as cool and eerie, while Weaver and Adura provide a driving rhythm section and Chamberlain and Relf contribute layered guitar parts. In 2013, the band releases Black Cat, the first track from its second album, recorded and mixed by UK producer and engineer Dan Grech-Marguerat. The song draws on the band’s established sound while also reflecting influences from its travels through the UK.