Methyl Ethel

Methyl Ethel, an indie rock outfit from Australia, derive their moniker from a sweet-scented, transparent organic chemical often employed in industrial processes as a solvent. Their sound fuses airy dream pop with expansive psych-rock elements, evoking comparisons to Tame Impala, the Syd Barrett period of Pink Floyd, and MGMT. Primarily the brainchild of vocalist, songwriter, and guitarist Jake Webb supported by additional musicians, the group achieved a position among Australia's top 20 album sellers with their 2016 follow-up release Everything Is Forgotten. Their subsequent effort Triage matched this commercial performance, while the fourth studio album, a more polished and dramatic affair titled Are You Haunted?, emerged in 2022.

Originating from Perth, the endeavor began in 2013 when Webb initiated it as a home recording endeavor limited to four tracks. The initial pair of EPs featured Webb working alone. The debut full-band recording and first album, Oh Inhuman Spectacle, came out through 4AD Records in May 2016, solidifying the trio consisting of Webb alongside bassist Thom Stewart and drummer Chris Wright. Shortly thereafter, they commenced sessions for the next album, resulting in Everything Is Forgotten being released at the start of 2017. Production assistance came from James Ford, known for his work with Simian Mobile Disco, Klaxons, and Arctic Monkeys, yielding a more energetic collection that peaked at number 16 domestically. New wave elements were woven into the intricate arrangements on Triage, which Webb handled production duties for and which charted as high as number 11 upon its 2019 arrival. The mostly upbeat Are You Haunted? from 2022 included a guest appearance by Stella Donnelly on the track "Proof."