Avalanches LP boasts Cuomo, Patton, and Haley Joel Osment
The Australian experimental group The Avalanches are diving headfirst into the modern era, turning the ephemeral detritus of contemporary life into an expansive, sonic landscape. Their fourth studio album, No Bad Memories, is set to arrive on October 16, promising an eclectic lineup that blends nostalgic warmth with cutting-edge electronic noise.
This new collection is not just a record; it is an ambivalent ode to the sounds that surround us daily. The group draws inspiration from the “magical and insidious” ways advertising and branded technology become deeply embedded in our memories. They gather forgotten audio logos, commercial jingles, and startup sounds, transforming this digital debris into raw, melodic material.
The result is a masterclass in sonic collage—a tapestry woven from warm voices, memorable melodies, and the unlikely beauty of discarded digital artifacts. It’s nostalgia processed through a glitchy, shimmering lens.
To realize this vision, The Avalanches have assembled a truly wild cast of collaborators. The soundscape is packed with familiar pop and rock lineage. Weezer frontman Rivers Cuomo joins forces with Vegyn and Baby Marlboro on the track All The Time in the World. Mike Patton, a vocalist known for his versatility, contributes to multiple tracks, while Panda Bear brings the signature textures of Animal Collective to Highfield. Mike Patton also lends his voice to One More Fantasy alongside Carly Simon and appears on three songs, further cementing the album’s rich musical history.
The album features a stunning array of international talent, pushing the boundaries of what the group’s sample-minded sensibility can achieve. Glitchtronica pioneer Ryoji Ikeda appears on three tracks, including Xerox Altalink B8055 and Unicorn Quest™. Yellow Magic Orchestra founder Haruomi Hosono closes the journey with the track The Pavements Light. The collaboration extends to Suzanne Ciani, whose pioneering electronic work shaped much of the sonic language of advertising, and Tunisian footwork artist Khadija Al Hanafi, who guests on four other pieces.
Adding further depth to the project is the inclusion of actors and other figures, such as Portraits of Tracy and actor Haley Joel Osment, who contribute to the album, appearing on tracks like El Dorado TV Spot and Superfun!™ TV Spot. This diverse roster ensures that the resulting album is as layered and unexpected as the memories it seeks to evoke.
Beyond the music itself, the project is also being presented visually. The group has unveiled a trailer starring Haley Joel Osment, directed by The Avalanches and Liam Oz, offering a glimpse into the visually rich world of No Bad Memories.
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