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It was a touch over four years ago, when Sydney had finally been released from the unrelenting grip of the Olympic games, that I spoke to Ben Nash and Jake Andrews from 78 Saab. They were just about to play some shows at The Annandale Hotel for no better reason than “it was time to get out and get some free beers again.” 2000 proved to be a huge year for the band with their debut album Picture A Hum, Can’t Hear A Sound receiving lavish reviews, buckets of airplay on Triple J, endless gigs and festivals across the country and a reputation as support band du jour for virtually everyone. Now, on the eve of the Athens 2004 opening ceremony I’m talking to Ben again about the new 78 Saab album Crossed Lines, the forthcoming national tour, politics and of course, the Olympics.

Four years ago 78 Saab were moving with the momentum of a runaway train and the step from everyone’s favourite support band to top of the bill seemed imminent, when suddenly things went quiet. So what has been happening in 78 Saab-land? “We’ve been writing and playing around a bit,” says Ben. “It’s weird because Crossed Lines is coming out on Ivy League, and they released Picture A Hum as well. But this time we actually signed with them instead of just shaking hands and going “let’s put out a record” which is what we did last time. But those guys have been flat out with managing The Vines and Jet through their management business Winterman and Goldstein. So they’re kind of just getting back into releasing records again.”

Sharing management with names like of The Vines, Jet and Rocket Science is about as far from the dirty old Sydney indie scene as any band could get. But 78 Saab were never going to be boxed in by the rigid Newtown fashion police and have avoided painting themselves into a corner by being as at home as a loose, swaggering rock band as they are lyrically ambiguous swirling vibe merchants.

So a new record deal with the old label, a new album released in time for the same huge sporting celebration as last time, does all this mean the 78 Saab are grazing in the same pastures? “No, there’re things we did on Picture A Hum we wouldn’t do again, this album is more atmospheric and moody.” Atmospheric and moody? Don’t tell me 78 Saab have become The Cure. “No, not quite. Some songs are reminiscent of The Smiths or Primal Scream’s XTRMNTR, but we haven’t completely abandoned the rock, there’s still some on the album. I look at The Hives as an example, I love them and we all really like the new album but The Hives are The Hives. You know what you’re going to get.” Listening to the first songs released from Crossed Lines; Beat of Your Drum and Come On, there is a more atmospheric feel, like copies of REM’s Murmur and The Triffids Wide Open Road were left on the dashboard of the tour bus in the sun and melted together. The guitars chime and spin and Ben sings the sweet, sweet melody through a crisp wall of sound that is as sparse as it is claustrophobic.

But as good as those tunes are, the one that’s embedded itself deep and will not leave is Sound of Lies. It’s bright, summery veneer disguises barbed lyrics about who decides what is truth and who gets to hear it, and while 78 Saab aren’t the first band that comes to mind when thoughts turn to outspoken political activists it’s clear to whom the anger is directed. “Sound of Lies is on Lindsay from Frenzal Rhomb’s Rock Against Howard compilation. Obviously Midnight Oil are the first band you think of when it comes to politics, but we’ve kind of always been heavily into it too. I personally have never felt like there’s been a more politically important time in this country. We’ve had a coalition Government for eight years, it’s time to change the status quo.” Now that’s gold. Rock music, politics, Status Quo. Huh? Huh? No, Ben thought it was stupid as well.

To spread the word of their new album 78 Saab are joining fiends Thirsty Merc, who are currently enjoying top 40 success and New Zealand band of the hour Evermore up and down the east coast and into some regional areas throughout August and September. Live 78 Saab get beefier than on record, reminding audiences that tender doesn’t mean soft, and gutsy isn’t the same as dumb. But surely this tour might interfere with Olympic viewing schedules? “I’ll probably watch a bit,” says Ben “I enjoy the swimming but I’m not really interested in the opening ceremony or anything like that. I’m into the competition.” Let the games begin.

78 Saab are supporting Thirsty Merc on their national tour and will be launching the Beat of Your Drum EP with Neon at The Hopetoun in Sydney on Wednesday August 25th and The Rob Roy in Melbourne on Thursday August 26th.

Thirsty Merc and 78 Saab National Tour:

28.08.04 The Rev, Brisbane QLD w/Thirsty Merc
29.08.04 The Trocadderro, Gold Coast QLD w/Thirsty Merc
02.09.04 Barwon Club, Geelong VIC w/Thirsty Merc
03.08.04 The Corner Hotel, Melbourne VIC w/Thirsty Merc
04.09.04 Golden Vine, Bendigo VIC w/Thirsty Merc
05.09.04 Enigma Bar, Adelaide SA w/Thirsty Merc