2012 In Preview: The Avalanches

Over the next few days we’ll be looking at what’s to come in the year ahead, and picking out some of the releases we’re most looking forward to hearing over the coming months.

When “Since I Left You” came out, I was 11 years old. And I realised with a start the other day that this means I have spent more that half my life waiting for a second record from The Avalanches. Half a lifetime spent scouring the internet for clues as to the continued existence of the Australian turntablists and that fabled sophomore effort. I mean, I’m obviously being dramatic here; I didn’t really spend all those 11 years waiting for The Avalanches to return. It just feels like I have.

Those of us who still keep the flame burning have had our hopes raised (and subsequently dashed) many times over the past few years - but gradually the second hand gossip and wilfully vague statements from Modular Recordings have been building into something more concrete. And despite years of broken promises on release dates and final mixes, it looks like 2012 could be the year we finally get that second record. At least Modular seem to think so.

Yes, that’s right, tagged on the end of a tweet as if it were a mere afterthought; the promise of a new record from The Avalanches in 2012. Coupled with the recent posting of lyrics from a new song called Stepkids on their official twitter, it does seem like the never-ending story of The Avalanches’ second record may be coming to a close. As happy as I am at the thought of a new Avalanches record, I won’t be holding my breath.

THE DEETS

Album Title: The band have mooted the working titles “On A Saturday” and “Friday Night Fever” - personally I would suggest “Australian Democracy”.

Release Date: Unknown

Likelihood: Who knows? I’ve gotten my hopes up before, I’m wary of doing it again.