Double X by Dave Mason

Chapter is honoured to be releasing a short film soundtrack by Dave Mason, leader of iconic Australian band The Reels. Double X will be released on July 19, 2024 as a limited edition seven track 7” vinyl EP, with six digital only bonus tracks.
In the early 80s, Sydney filmmaker Julie Cunningham approached Dave to score the soundtrack to an ambitious animated short film Double X and the Unmentionable Underbelly Of His-story. Examining the matriarchal structures of ancient cultures, the film is a strikingly psychedelic feminist vision. It won awards at Sydney Film Festival and Chicago Intercom Festival on its release in 1986.
Dave’s soundtrack features contributions from Reels members Craig Hooper, Polly Newham and John Bliss. The theme song March Forward has an irresistible balearic groove, its kinetic rhythm repeated with variations throughout the tracks on the vinyl B-side. Elsewhere, Mason and his bandmates conjure evocative Fairlight atmospheres, brief snatches of haunting melody and spectral white noise soundscapes.
It's a fascinating and until now virtually unknown chapter in Mason and The Reels’ rich history.
Dave Mason says: “Julie and I lived next to each other in Wolloomooloo squats in the early 80’s. She was a talented animator, so I was eager to join when approached about scoring, and I believed in the principle of the film. I started writing little themes, moody stuff & recurring beats as the animated sections slowly came to life. I wanted breathy/stick sounds to match the primitive aspect of the movie, which the new Fairlight CMI computer produced in droves (thanks to Craig Hooper for programming). Listening back, I like the simplicity, clarity and naïveté of the score, even when taken from its natural home. Hope you enjoy.”
In the Chapter pantheon, The Reels are contenders for best Australian band of all time. From the late 70s to the early 90s they released a string of peerless recordings, taking in manic pogo pop, lustrous synth pop and the most beautiful version of This Guy’s In Love With You ever made. Their signature tune Quasimodo’s Dream was voted 10th best Australian song of all time by APRA in 2001.

Dave Mason from Dubbo, singer for The Reels.