Premiere: Moler return with 'Work', their first new track in almost 20 years

After almost 20 years in the wilderness, Melbourne rockers Moler are back with a brand new single, and an EP of fresh tunes.

Back in the ’90s, it was pretty hard to avoid the likes of Moler. With a handful of catchy singles, EPs, and an ARIA-nominated album, the group were a hot ticket on the Aussie live scene.

Throw in a performance on Recovery, and sought-after support slots for the likes of Weezer, Ash, The Fauves, Magic Dirt, and more, and you’ve got a veritable recipe for success.

Following the release of 2001’s Red & White Stripes EP, the group parted ways, with members going on to work on a handful of other projects.

Now, following a successful reunion gig back in November, Moler are back, and this time, they’ve got some new tunes.

Sharing their first new track in 18 years, Moler are today unleashing ‘Work’, a cover of the 1989 song by Velvet Underground drummer Moe Tucker.

Featuring the powerful vocals of Helen “Helcat” Cattanach, the distorted guitarwork of Julien Poulson, and the pounding drums of David Peacock, the track is a faithful rendition of Tucker’s original, refreshed and updated with a distinctive Moler spin.

“When we got together for our 25th reunion show, many ideas were bandied around, even a whole album concept,” explained Cattanach. “An album that would possibly describe middle Australia, what it is like living in the spread out burbs of Melbourne (that of which Dave and I know all too well).”

“When I heard Moe Tucker’s song ‘Work’, it spoke to me – exactly what it is to just work and survive on the minimum wage. I was listening to her albums and thinking of ideas for maybe a future Moler album.”

“When we went into the studio at the last minute I bought out her song, ‘Work’, that I had learned as a warm up,” Cattanach continued. “It was so good we ran with it. I mean she worked with The Velvet Underground… how cool is that!”

Backed by a clip filmed in the carpark of the Coburg RSL, ‘Work’ shows Moler picking up exactly where they left off, making it seem as though barely a minute has passed between the early ’00s, and today.

Recorded the very next day after last year’s reunion show, ‘Work’ is just the first taste of a five-track EP that Moler are set to release next month.

Featuring songs such as ‘Me Too’, and ‘Cold Calling’ with David Peacock on lead vocals, this new EP will be available for purchase at the band’s single launch in Melbourne next month.

Taking place at The Toff In Town, and supported by the likes of The Mercy Kills and Paul, this show will see Moler playing cuts from the entirety of their back catalogue, complete with hit singles, B-sides, and their latest tracks.

“It may be loose but it will be fun,” Cattanach explains. “Who knows if and when we may do it again!”

‘Work’ is officially out on May 10th. Check out all the details for Moler’s upcoming single launch below, along with the film clip for the new single.