Email Alec: alecjmarshall@gmail.com
Email Bedroom Suck Records: joe@bedroomsuckrecords.com
Blue Divers is an instrumental group based in Wollongong, Australia. Led by Alec Marshall since 2017 and made up of a rotating ensemble of performers, the band have played many shows around the east coast of Australia, as well as a handful of shows in Tasmania/lutruwita, Japan and New Zealand/Aotearoa. Blue Divers have released two full length records on Bedroom Suck Records - Blue Divers I in 2020 and Blue Divers II in 2022.
Lulu's Records said of the first record: This astonishing debut from the Thirroul based revolving door project Blue Divers quickly became a staple on my turntable throughout 2021. A perfect blend of the mid-2010s Australian underground avant-garde (think releases on the Black Petal label, and the gentler moments of the Breakdance The Dawn catalogue), with the minimal melodies of the early 1980s new age movement. Feels like both a response to the past and the beginning of something new.
Repressed Records said of the second: This new one picks up right where the 2020 debut left off: lyrical looped guitar phrases drenched in slapback echo that evokes shimmering light off of water. This is all accompanied by synth swells, considered acoustic plucks, and deep bass that all contribute to flesh out the tracks, encompass the listener, and drive them forward without any over-the-top dramatic musical theatrics.
Blue Divers live in Meanjin, photo by Dusty Anastassiou
The first two records feature contributions from Ashley Bundang, Jordan Ireland, Becky Sui Zhen, Lehmann B. Smith, Hana Stretton, Miles Myjavec, Carla Oliver and Jack Saltmiras. Jake Core, Snowy and Oliver Mestitz are frequent live members of the band and will hopefully be on future recordings. There are many members of Blue Divers.
Before Blue Divers, Hot Palms operated much the same way. Hot Palms started in Melbourne in 2012, based off the instrumental recordings Alec had been working on for a few years in Wollongong before moving to Melbourne. Hot Palms often featured Emma Russack, Jake Phillips, Jake Core, Ashley Bundang, Zahra Khamissa, André Vanderwert, Jordan Ireland and many members of The Ocean Party amongst others.
Blue Divers live in Wollongong, photo by Annabel Blackman
Blue Divers live in Tokyo, photo by Jake Core