Much-loved Melbourne guitar slingers Dick Diver launch their second album Calendar Days.

Much-loved Melbourne guitar slingers Dick Diver return with second album Calendar Days, the follow-up to 2011 debut New Start Again.

Previously known for their scratchy, dueling guitars and laconic delivery, Dick Diver throw a few curveballs on Calendar Days. The first sound you hear on the record is the tick of a drum machine, and there are keyboards, saxophones, pedal steel and piano throughout.

It's also a much more collaborative affair than its predecessor. Bassist Al Montfort (Total Control, UV Race, Lower Plenty) and guitarist Al McKay trade verses on punchy first single Alice, while drummer Steph Hughes (Boomgates) sings most of the title track, written by guitarist Ru Edwards, and the two share vocal duties on expansive second single Water Damage.

Calendar Days is the sound of a band growing up, and opening up. There's a beguiling, inquisitive eccentricity that runs throughout, combined with a non-flag-waving but still heartfelt Australian-ness, which makes for something of a modern classic.

The album was recorded, like its predecessor, by Mikey Young (of Total Control and Eddy Current Suppression Ring), this time at a beach house on Phillip Island in winter 2012.

Word about the band is also spreading outside Australian borders. In May, Dick Diver will be sharing a vinyl single with buddies Lower Plenty (featuring bassist Al Montfort) as part of Matador Records' 2013 singles club series.