Special Dozen
I haven’t heard anything from Adelaide band Special Patrol in aaaages! They caught my attention (and the attention of many) with the song Changing Emily.
They’ve toured with the likes of Ben Kweller, The Mountain Goats and Turin Breaks, and had plenty of air play around the nation.
They’re set to release a new album, The Stranger’s Dozen, August 14. Given the samples released (see below) it looks like these guys have hit their niche, rounding out their catchy melodies with selective instrumentation. Note the subtle string arrangement on New Year’s Eve, and the children’s choir in Right On. It’s easy to saturate your songs when including a variety of instruments, so it’s nice to see Special Patrol only using it where it really pays off. Plus it works a treat with Myles Mayo’s Okkervil River type voice.
Looks like the album is one to watch out for!
Special Patrol – Right On
Special Patrol – Right On (alt link)
Special Patrol – New Years
Special Patrol – New Years Eve (alt link)
A Has Been That Never Was 
Thanks for posting these links. I thought the band had simply dissapeared. It’s good to know they’re still around.
It’s exciting, isn’t it! I only felt like I heard their potential and so long ago. Now we get to see some developments; nice!
May get to actually see them live…
wow, right on this is one of the best songs i’ve heard in a long time. thanks so much for posting this track and video. i hope my local record store sells their records.