Twerps (band)

Twerps was an Australian indie pop band, formed in Melbourne in 2008.

Twerps
Twerps performing live at Primavera Sound, Portugal, 2015
Background information
Origin	Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Genres	Indie rock, jangle pop, lo-fi, dolewave
Years active	2008–2018
Labels	Chapter Music, Merge Records
Past members	Martin Frawley Rick Milovanovic Julia MacFarlane Patrick O'Neill Alex Macfarlane Angus Lord Jazper Doak Stride

History

Twerps formed in late 2008 as a "creative outgrowth" of Martin Frawley and Julia MacFarlane's relationship.^[1] The band developed a jangly pop sound similar to that of Dick Diver and other contemporaries in the Melbourne indie scene, which subsequently became known as dolewave. Within months of forming, Twerps had already supported international touring groups such as Deerhunter, Yo La Tengo and Oh Sees.

Released by Chapter Music in 2011, the band's self-titled debut LP was favourably received by critics, earning a 7.9 from Pitchfork, which stated that the album is characterised by "excellent melodies, simple guitar lines, and simple lyrics that imply something urgent or devastating".^[2] Pitchfork also named the album's closer "Coast to Coast" as a Best New Track, making Twerps the third Australian band to earn the award after Cut Copy and Tame Impala.^[3]

In the lead-up to the release of their sophomore LP Range Anxiety, the band recruited Angus Lord and Alex MacFarlane from dolewave band the Stevens, who joined as replacements on bass and drums, respectively. The album led to an international tour and various festival appearances.

Twerps played their final show in November 2017 and released their last song, "It's Time", the following year. They quietly disbanded soon after.^[1] Despite breaking up, Frawley is hopeful of a reunion at some point, stating, "One of my favourite records by The Go-Betweens is The Friends of Rachel Worth, which is their comeback ... I want to make music with Jules again [someday]".^[1]

Members

• Martin Frawley – vocals, guitar (2008–2018)
• Julia MacFarlane – vocals, guitar (2008–2018)
• Rick Milovanovic – bass guitar (2008–2013)
• Patrick O'Neill – drums (2008–2013)
• Angus Lord – bass guitar (2013–2018)
• Alex MacFarlane – drums (2013–2018)

Discography

Albums

List of albums, with selected details

Title	Details
Twerps	Released: 2011 Format: CD, Digital Label: Chapter Music (CH91)
Range Anxiety	Released: 2015 Format: CD, Digital, LP Label: Chapter Music (CH122)

Extended plays

List of Extended plays, with selected details

Title	Details
The Twerps	Released: 2009 Format: CD, Digital, 7" LP Label: Chapter Music (CH77)
Underlay	Released: 2014 Format: CD, Digital, 12" LP Label: Chapter Music (CH120)

Awards and nominations

EG Awards / Music Victoria Awards

The EG Awards (known as Music Victoria Awards since 2013) are an annual awards night celebrating Victorian music. They commenced in 2006.

Year	Nominee / work	Award	Result
2012[4][5]	Twerps	Best Album	Nominated
	"Dreamin'"	Best Song	Nominated
	Twerps	Best Band	Nominated
	Twerps	Outstanding Achievement By a Victorian Artist	Nominated
2015[6][7]	Twerps	Best Band	Nominated