Dappled Cities Return With Sixth Studio Album ‘The Aquarium’

This marks Dappled Cities’ first album in almost a decade.

Almost a decade on since the release of their last album, 2017’s Five, beloved Sydney indie rockers Dappled Cities return with new record, The Aquarium.

Arriving after a seven-year hiatus, the album confirms Dappled Cities’ place among the Australian music scene as one of the country’s most innovative bands.

Dappled Cities are at their creative best across The Aquarium’s nine tracks, including the singles ‘Timebomb’, ‘Aurora’, ‘YesOhyesOhYes’ and ‘Perfect World’.

Recorded over seven days at The Grove Studios in country New South Wales, the album “captures a band deeply attuned to the world around them”, writing songs “against a backdrop of global uncertainty, the album finds solace in life’s simplest joys, connection, reflection, and the quiet beauty of shared experience.”

The record was mixed by Kenneth Gilmore (Weyes Blood, Ariel Pink, and Sudan Archives), co-produced by long-time collaborator Luke Bertoz alongside the band, and mastered by Simon Berckelman (Berkfinger).

Both a homecoming and a rebirth, The Aquarium surprises longtime devotees while confidently welcoming new listeners into the fold.

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Formed in 2024, Dappled Cities had a cult following amongst music lovers until the release of their third studio album, Zounds, which brought them national fame.

Peaking at #48 on the ARIA Albums Chart, the album was co-produced by Chris Coady (TV on the Radio) and helped the band break through, both locally and internationally, with Zounds receiving critical acclaim from music publications including Pitchfork.

Two more albums followed as Dappled Cities earned multiple ARIA Award nominations (including Best Independent Release and Best Adult Alternative Album) and became renowned for their energetic live performances.

Despite several dormant periods, The Aquarium reveals Dappled Cities still have a lot to offer the world.

The Aquarium by Dappled Cities is out now. Listen here.