With three critically acclaimed albums The Boat People have gradually gathered together a chorus of emphatic praise from around the world.
One such person is long time supporter KCRW's Nic Harcourt who has called them "my favourite Aussie band" and invited them to play a live set on Morning Becomes Eclectic. Jason Bentley has also shared a similar sentiment describing The Boat People as a great band while also inviting them to be part of the KCRW 2008 SXSW showcase.
Recent single 'Under The Ocean' was included in US iTunes compilation album, Indie Spotlight Alternative - Best Of 2010, and the list of best indie album releases together with Arcade Fire, Yeasayer, Wavves, Surfer Blood, Local Natives, Beach House, Deerhunter, Two Door Cinema Club, Junip and fellow Australians Tame Impala.
They return to the US for a fifth time for SXSW 2011 and a string of side shows in support of the their latest album Dear Darkly. Less straight-forward than their second album, the shiny, 60s-pop-styled Chandeliers (2008), it ranges through inky-soul and triffids-inspired surf guitar, fey garage rock, absurdist lyrics, programmed beats, asperges mantras and the odd bedroom recording of a nervous breakdown. It is a full-spectrum, stream of consciousness, pop montage that takes in (as the title suggests) flashes of wry optimism and romance as well as moments of loss and quiet despair.
The Boat People - March US Tour Dates
Sat, March 19 | SXSW Aus BBQ - Maggie Mae's, Austin (afternoon)
Sat March, 19 | SXSW official showcase - Speakeasy Kaberet, Austin (evening)
Tues, March 22 | California benefit show, Santa Monica
Wed, March 23 | Film and TV showcase with Nic Harcourt, Los Angeles
Sat, March 26 March | Aus BBQ Echo, Los Angeles
