The Wolfpack are back! Wolfmother at The Corner Hotel, Richmond (17/12/13)

Wolfmother are a band that have been through a lot since the departure of their founding members. Chris Ross and Myles Heskett left the band in 2008 and multiple line-up changes have happened since then. After a brief break-up they are back with a vengeance! The new line-up is comprised of lead singer/guitarist and founding member Andrew Stockdale, bass guitarist/keyboardist Ian Peres (who joined the band in 2008) and former rhythm guitarist, now drummer Vin Steele. 

It was a very short notice show, with no support bands, but that didn't matter.

After a 30min wait, Tommy Franklin from Australia's Got Talent took to the stage to get the crowd nice and warmed up, asking everyone to high-five eachother, before screaming out here's Wolfmother as the band took to the stage.

The Corner Hotel is one of Melbourne's most respected medium-sized rock venues, and the perfect setting to breathe new life into Wolfmother as a live band. Back down to a trio, the interaction between the members  on-stage was superb. As they say, sometimes, less is more. The band sounded as tight as ever and only needed minimal lighting effects to accent the performance. Of course you can't go without a smoke machine! By the end of the performance the crowd was eating them up, singing along to almost every word. It was like I was transported straight back in my bedroom, listening their self-titled album when I was 11 years old. 

The set included hits such as Dimension which almost sent the crowd into another one as the mosh pit went into a frenzy. Other tracks such as: White Unicorn, New Moon Rising, Mind's Eye, Woman and Joker & the Thief made an appearance. Tommy even came back on stage to dance during one of the songs. The rest of the set included some songs from Andrew Stockdale's solo album, and some new tracks that were greeted quite warmly from the crowd. One of the tracks even had a couple of people singing along after the first chorus. 

I went to this show as a bit of fun and can honestly say it was a great time, everyone really got into it and the band played like it was the last show they would ever play. They meant every note, every drum beat, every vocal line. It's a testament to how they've lasted so long and how long they'll be around. You know what they say; just keep on moving. There's a new energy to this lineup, something un-explainable. It's as if its they have a new lease on life. Big things may be just around the corner.

Another Inside Reality interview

Inside Reality is a group of friends who like to have fun and their music reflects that quite well.

First this question is for Tom. What has it been like joining as the singer of this band and what has the experience been like so far?

Thomas Hore: Its shit theyre all horrible and mean especially sam
Nah
(Dont put that in i just want sam to know how much i hate him)


I'm putting it in!  Needs to sound natural.

Thomas Hore: Fuck ....

Sam De Lorenzo: Love you too Tom.....

Anyway, how was it joining, and how do you find performing the new songs you were a part of write compared to the old songs?

Thomas Hore: Its actually been really good opening up my ideas; that otherwise would stay in my head or forever be on paper. Being able to express those ideas is really pretty mad. On another "note" I feel the band have really warmed to my style of vocals as you've probably heard, I sound nothing like Sam and its been a real challenge to match him with older songs. I'm doing the best I can...Whether they sound any good is completely up to the listener. The first few gigs have been brilliant besides being bashed in the head mid headbang with Mitch's headstock at Kates [Party]. We've really meshed as a group to make really unique sound and it excites me that I finally have a few fans other than my mother!

Was there a bruise after?

Thomas Hore: Not a big one, just a little lump, don't think Mitch even noticed.

Mitch Dalzotto: (laughs) No clue!

Thomas Hore: There you go.

How did the 1st gig compare with the 2nd?

Thomas Hore: Well, I could hear myself at Kates for a start and I didn't have the plague... So I think I prefer Kates [to Karralyka Centre]

Yeah, ailments are always bad.. Because you know you can't give the crowd your best performance

Thomas Hore: Exactly.

This one is for mitch, what has it been like coming in as the new guitarist in the band?

Mitch Dalzotto: At the start I didn't really know what to expect as the only person i knew from the band was Zac. But after 10 mins everything was cool and now its just like second nature. All the dudes in the band are cool, so being the "new guy" has never been an issue.

How does your playing style compare the previous guitarist Corey?

Mitch Dalzotto: I come from a more metal/hardcore based style of playing, so the riffs I write are just that little bit heavier. Which I think adds that little more something to the songs, but for some reason my leads come from a more jazz style so I have no idea how it works, but it does (laughs a bit)

It would be a bit of a contrast to his hard rock style then? Do you play mostly rhythm or lead would you say?

Mitch Dalzotto: Pretty much. There's quite a difference between GnR and Parkway Drive (has a good laugh)
At the moment; mostly rhythm, but when we get into the writing process I'll be able to throw some lead stuff in.

I'd be interested to hear some jazz interludes.

Mitch Dalzotto: Id love that (laughs)

Damiean Dutchy Fogden: 37

Zac Bell: That's bass player for potato.

Yeah Zac, bass players, speak their own language dont they

Thomas Hore: same
as in for the jazz interludes not the language

Why not have both?
*plays El Paso ad in background*

Thomas Hore: ...and i'm a drummer....

Would you guys say you have good presence while on stage?
knew it!
So you speak drummer then?

Damiean Dutchy Fogden: Thomas is NOT a drummer.
He pretends he is.

Mitch Dalzotto: Yeah.

Damiean Dutchy Fogden: And it annoys the shit out of us.

Zac Bell: arh the language of the grey beards
(skyrim reference)

Damiean Dutchy Fogden: <3

Does he always get on the kit at practice?

Thomas Hore: Me? Not always.

Zac Bell: Lies!

Damiean Dutchy Fogden: Preferably never.

Thomas Hore: I'd love to be a drummer, if only i had the mental capacity...

Damiean Dutchy Fogden: Well, Tom is not gonna be the drummer lets get that out of the way

Mitch Dalzotto: Enough drummer talk let the man do his interview

Maybe Zac could try out for vocals?

Zac Bell: Nah, too easy.

Tom could be the new drummer.

Damiean Dutchy Fogden: Fuck no.

Zac Bell: I'd just get really drunk and yell at the audience

Damiean Dutchy Fogden: True!

Thomas Hore: Do I sense a Marilyn Manson coming through?

Have you ever thought about having one song where you all swap instruments?

Mitch Dalzotto: (laughs) Yes!

Damiean Dutchy Fogden: No.

Mitch Dalzotto: That would be awesome.

Damiean Dutchy Fogden: But we should.

Zac Bell: Yeah that'd be dope.

Mitch Dalzotto: Although tom would have to leave the stage

Damiean Dutchy Fogden: Yes!

Mitch Dalzotto: Couldn't play a triangle.

Damiean Dutchy Fogden: Mitch, I want to kiss you.

Thomas Hore: I play bass too lads...

Mitch Dalzotto: Yeah, but keeping time isn't one of his strong points.

Damiean Dutchy Fogden: I know something he can play!... His ****...

Mitch Dalzotto: (laughs hysterically)

Damiean Dutchy Fogden: That always cheers him up...

As far as stage presence goes, how would you guys rate yourselves?

Thomas Hore: Average. Dutchy needs to move more
and so does Zac...

(laughs) Yeah, Zac just sits there the whole time...
Drummers...

Mitch Dalzotto: I think Dutchy needs to take the pole out of his ass and move around (laughs).

Thomas Hore: I think he should do some crab walks.

Mitch Dalzotto: Oo yeah.

Thomas Hore: That would be masa

Get his Rob Trujilo on?

Thomas Hore: Mad, yeah!

How's has it been recording your demo?

Thomas Hore: So far we have drums...

So... It's going quite well then?

Thomas Hore: Getting there.

Where are you recording?
And when do you think the demo will be out?

Thomas Hore: Sam?

Mitch Dalzotto: Next couple months its should be done.

Sam De Lorenzo: What Mitch said.

Which songs are you recording? Mostly new. many old tracks?

Sam De Lorenzo: Got a mix of old, new and old/turned new.

Will older tracks like The Disease or Out of My Head make an appearance?

Sam De Lorenzo: Not on the EP, but I would love to play The Disease live again and maybe one day record it. Brings back a lot of old memories of when it was just mem Zac and Corey [sic].
For now those tracks will be sitting on the back burner to the new stuff we have.

Maybe at the next gig?
OK!

Sam De Lorenzo: Probably not, but never say never, if Corey ever again made it to one of our shows I'd put my money on that song being played with him as a guest (laughs).

Would you or Thomas sing lead on the oldies?

Thomas Hore: Sam.

Sam De Lorenzo: I'd force Tom! Nah, I don't mind singing that song, I like it.

Would you just take a rest Tom?

Thomas Hore: Now you know why I hate Sam..

Sam De Lorenzo: The bitch can sing backup...

And play tambourine?

Sam De Lorenzo: He hasn't got the timing...

Maybe just triangle then...

Thomas Hore: Yeah, i'll just play the siting down and relaxing instrument...
I have the timing just lack the effort.

Thomas Hore: Chair... I could be our first mosher...
Mitch and I.

You could crowd surf!

Sam De Lorenzo: Mitch can guitar it, song is simple.

Thomas Hore: Off what?

Mitch Dalzotto: Mad!

Thomas Hore: Do you suggest we go round jumping on people?

Sure, why not!

Thomas Hore: Fair enough.

Once you get bigger crowds it might a bit better (laughs)
Umm any funny stories from band prac to share?


Thomas Hore: Jeez do you think we're that fun....

Well any unfunny stories then..?

Thomas Hore: There is always Sam's incredibly slow eating.

Sam De Lorenzo: We caught Tom listening to other bands while he was pretending to be sick at practice (laughs)

Thomas Hore: I was sick... still listening to Sabbath is better than Inside Reality if you ask me.
By the time Sam finishes one slice of pizza each of us have eaten about 5.

Sabbath is the best cure!

Thomas Hore: Amen to that.

(laughs) I think I've almost run out of questions here, umm marvel or DC??

Sam De Lorenzo: That my friend is an entire interview in itself.
It's no secret I am very passionate about the Superhero genre.

It may be a secret to people don't know you personally. Does it influence your songwriting at all?

Sam De Lorenzo: Not yet, but maybe it should? We could write Superhero songs instead lovely emotional ones? (laughs)

What superhero would you write about?

Sam De Lorenzo: All of them, they are all great!

Except aqua man..
Would you invent your own?

Sam De Lorenzo: Guitar Guy? Featuring Bass Boy; his sidekick.

What are their powers?

Sam De Lorenzo: Bass boy? No talent... He just slaps people!.

And guitar guy must have the powers of super awesomeness!

Sam De Lorenzo: Yes, indeed, stronger that Superman! Don't forget Guitar Guy's arch nemesis Mr. Vocalist! Or the once sidekick of Guitar Guy, who inexplicably returns from the dead as The Byron Bay Soldier!

And Mr vocalist's friend Drummer Dude?

Sam De Lorenzo: Oh, don't get me started on that mad scientist.

I think you're onto something here!

Sam De Lorenzo: I really think I am (laughs)


You read it first here (laughs)
Any tips for people who wanna start a band?

Sam De Lorenzo: Find people who you genuinely like, enjoy spending time with, and that are committed as much as you are to the said band.

And ...Mac or PC?

Sam De Lorenzo: All true musicians love Mac

Because of Pro Tools?

Sam De Lorenzo: Just cause Macs are great.

Thomas Hore: PCs for gaming, Mac for anything else.

Any last last words?

Sam De Lorenzo: I support gay marriage?
I dunno felt I should say something meaningful...

Oedipus Rex interview

If you don't know who Oedipus Rex is, you're not the first. With their explosive live shows and undeniable energy the word is bound to spread. Oedipus Rex are a 4 piece hardcore//insanecore band from the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. They are brought together by Shane Watson (lead vocals), Josh Cuss (guitar), Nathan Cuss (bass) and Matt Francis (drums). Having formed in 2012, the band have released a demo, split EP with fellow Melbournites Break the Wall. They are blazing are trail in the local scene; leaving a trail of destruction, partying, chaos and good times in it's wake. If you build it they will come, as someone once said.. We recently got the catch up with Josh.

Firstly, this might seem like the most obvious question. How did you band form and where does the name Oedipus Rex come from?

So the band formed early 2012 when I started writing some tracks after my old band went to shit. I wrote a couple of tracks and showed them to my mate Shane, who I knew has always been keen to be a vocalist for a band. He dug the tracks, we made a drunk phone call to Dave, the ex guitarist, and within one night we had half a band. Then the ex bassist Daniel jumped on board and we found Matt on Melband[ausband.com]. The whole process went really quickly, within a couple of months we had a 6 track demo and we were playing our first gig!
Daniel came up with the name. Dave and I were chatting, and came up with Oedipus Complex. For people who don't know; it's an old theory that Sigmund Freud came up with, which is pretty much the theory that at a very young age a boy wants to have sexual relations with his mother, so he kills his father. Daniel then found a play/story about it called Oedipus Rex and we thought that sounded more hardcore, so we went for that! (laughs)

As far as influences go, who do you look up to?

It varies a fair bit between members. Personally, a few that really influence me with this band are Dillinger Escape Plan, Every Time I Die, The Chariot, letlive, Between the Buried and Me, Converge, Trash Talk etc. The list could go on for ages but they're the first that come to mind. All those bands have really pushed themselves to make interesting music in a genre that can be very bland at times and flooded with bands that are just doing the same thing time after time.

Also Freud was a bit of a nut job, but I think it fits in well with the chaotic nature of the music. How would you describe your sound?

Yeah he was a bit of a nut job, but as you said, it probably represents us well (laughs). I'd just call it hardcore. You could sub-genre it as much as you want because it's pretty bipolar in parts, but as a general over view i'd just call it hardcore.

You definitely have something unique going on, striving not completely fit in with the pack.

Thanks man, appreciate it. I think that in a way it wasn't really a conscious decision to be "different" from the outset. The music I write just comes out and our stage presence pretty much came to us naturally. Standing still on stage is boring (laughs). It just evolved over time but it is a bonus that we're set apart the tiniest bit from the general run of the mill hardcore band(s).

I was about to ask whether it came naturally or if you practiced the way you act on stage... but there you go!
Any unusual influences outside the hardcore area some people might not expect?

Not really, most of our other influences that aren't heavy, I find that other kids that listen to the heavy stuff enjoy too. Gorillaz is one that I really admire, their album Demon Days is awesome. Panic at the disco!, Fall Out Boy, My Chemical Romance, you know, all those bands we frothed as teens. Nathan, the bassist really enjoys white man reggae, which I really cannot stand for the life of me (laughs). He also loves Aussie Rap, which kills me inside. Most of us sweat Kanye West, enjoy some Odd Future too, but what hardcore kid doesn't these days?

Personally I don't know Odd Future, what am I missing out on?

Yeah (chuckles). It took Shane a bit to get into a first, seeing as it was his first band. Have some footage of the first show we played, and it's hilarious. He looks so cute and nervous up there. But after he found his comfort zone, we can't stop him flipping off shit, breaking shit, jumping off anything he can find (laughs).
Tyler the Creator, Earl, Hodgy Beats? You're pretty much missing out on some dirty ass dank beats, with a touch of lyrical genius.


(laughs) I refuse to believe the man I saw do a back-flip off the stage and nearly got banned from a Youth Centre was ever shy.. Also, could you tell us more about what happened at EV's?

He was never shy as a person, just the first gig I guess! (laughs)
Not much really happened. We just played as we usually do, and the council guy didn't like Shane doing the back-flip. That was pretty much it (laughs)

These guys in suits just don't know how to have a good time.

They don't! Fun police were definitely out that night.

You have a split EP out with Break the Wall, have you done any shows with them to promote it?

Yeah, we held a split launch show on August 2nd at Gertrude's Brown Couch in Fitzroy. The turnout was amazing that night, every one was enjoying the music and we had some real rad support bands that we have played some shows with before too! Jurassic Penguin, Laser Brains and Loser Denial. They all killed it.
We've regularly been playing shows with Break The Wall since the start of the year, so there's always been constant promotion of it. We were always going to do a split together sooner or later (laughs)

Are they similar to you guys stylistically?

They're a lot more straight up punk compared to us, but it always felt right to do it with them, because both bands have the same mentality as far as the DIY approach comes to our music. They're also funny bastards with the same sense of humour, so everything matched up perfectly (laughs)

What is your stance on bands playing covers and what are your favourite songs to play live?

A cover in among-st a set of originals is fine, it's pretty useful when you're not that well known. Get's the crowd involved. Cover bands don't do much for the music scene, but they're fun when you're drunk and partying (laughs)
One of our newest songs off the split, Fuckable Messiah, has quickly become one of my favourites to play live. Winter Nights/Satan's Mum's Dick is always fun to play live too. We have a couple of new songs in the set that will be on our EP that are still pretty fresh and exciting to play live.

Do you like to honour the way the covers were originally played or find it necessary to breath your own life into them?

I like covers that bands put their own spin on, it's enjoyable to see what they come up with. In saying that, I've seen bands live that have played covers really well that are near to the original and it's just as fun when it's a song you really like.

I guess it can go both ways really. Your song titles are fairly tongue and cheek, what kind of lyrical ideas does your singer like to explore?

You'll have to read the lyrics to find out that one. All of our lyrics to the demo are on our Bandcamp page (oedipusrex.bandcamp.com). Some are about how shit religion is, money, loss we experience in our lives, whack dreams, the end of the world and much more.
Satan's Mum's Dick is actually about Satan's Mum's Dick though. That's how we described the band to Dave when we first convinced him to join, so we thought we'd write a song about it (laughs a bit)

I'll just go with that one even though I have no idea what you're talking about (laughs),
but in a way it does make some sense if you've seen this band live before.

Yeah, pretty much. To quote the almighty Shane, "A revolting atrocity not to be witnessed by the mortal". That pretty much sums up the band live (laughs a bit)
But as much as we take the piss live and with some of our song titles, the contents of the lyrics and music are both taken pretty seriously.

Yeah, in the end you need to take things seriously sometimes.. Having fun is always good though

Yeah definitely. I don't think there's much point acting like you're playing at Rod Laver Arena when you're playing in front of 20 people at a dingy little venue in Melbourne. Then again, it's always good to have some professionalism about you no matter where you play.

What was your weirdest gig experience and why?

Probably one of the weirdest gigs we've had to date was when we played the IDGAFF Bar earlier this year. We had a gacked as chick walk in screaming that Mick Malthouse was going to Carlton when he had already been at the club for quite some time. She then stayed for the whole gig, sinkin' Melbourne Bitters like a champ. She also tried to fill her whole back with demo's and other promotional material. Top sheila..
Pretty weird but also fucking hilarious (laughs)


Has your guitar every come loose when you swing it around like a madman on stage?

Fortunately not. The only thing that has gone the slightest bit wrong when I've tried to guitar swing is whilst I've been jumping off stage at the same time. It always seems to smash the the top of my head when I land, but I never learn (laughs)

That would hurt! Any other injuries or mishaps while on stage with the other band members?

Nathan cracked his bass on my face just the other night when we were playing at the Tote. Dave went to hospital twice when he was in the band, Shane has fucked up his feet numerous times as well as other cuts and bruises along the way. Y.O.L.O.

How have the crowds been so far? Any circle pits?

Yeah the crowds have been relatively good so far! Our split launch was awesome, a few people there all gettin' rowdy. We've had circle pits a couple of times consisting of three or four people, including members (laughs vigorously)

What is your dream venue to perform at?

Don't really know man. A small venue packed with a fuckload of people losing their minds would be plenty (laughs)

What advice can you give up and coming musicians?

I think the best advice I could give to musicians/bands these days is to get some sort of music out there and start playing shows ASAP. It's no good having thousands of likes on Facebook before you even play your first show or release your first song. I feel those bands tend to explode onto the scene and die just as quick. Obviously some hype around social media is good because that's the main focus for any band these days, but it will grow over time if you keep persisting with local shows and putting out music.

What will the future bring Oedipus Rex?

The future for Oedipus Rex is looking pretty good at the moment. Heading to Adelaide to play with Statues, Life Pilot, Mara Jade, A Ghost Orchestra and One In The Chamber. That show will be our first show interstate so we're stoked about that! Then I guess we'll keep playing shows and writing more music. We're in the early stages of sorting out our debut EP, which we'll hopefully start recording early next year if it all goes to plan.

HOLLOWS Interview!!

Its an unusual way to figure out the running order for the night, all the bands are told to pull their names out of a hat, as it turns out Hollows have picked the headlining slot. That could be been seen as either a good or a bad thing. If the bands opening the show are great then you can expect the crowd stick around for the full night, if not then there may only be a handful of people left by the end of the night. 

With most of the previous bands and friends of the band in the crowd; Hollows take to the stage and blast through punk fueled set of high octane hardcore. There's a stage presence you can really feel emanating from front-man Kieran and the rest of the band members all compliment this in their own way. Even with drummer Zach Cummings having to sit out the latest performances (Transit Gloria guitarist Nick Sayers filled in) the band still delivered.

Having formed back in 2011, the lineup originally consisted of Cian Marogos - bass, Lucas Cronin - guitar, Kieran Bowkett - vocals; they took a break to study during year 12. In the summer of 2012/13 they started practicing again, a show that took place in Cians backyard was the first performance in quite a while and this time Lucas and Cian had the idea to swap instruments, Kieran stepped up to play guitar and a new Hollows was born. The guitar thing did, however, turn out to be a short stint as former Frontline guitarist and current Void of Vision lead vocalist (you can you read our interview with Frontline here:http://
bit.ly/1aa3pDp) Jack Bergin stepped in to umm, fill the void.

A few days after the performance we got the chance to catch up with the guys for a chat. 
 
Are you guys ready? 

Cian Marangos: Whenever you're ready boss.

Jack Bergin: Hold on, i'm not ready yet.

Cian Marangos; Okay sailor, are you wearing socks? make sure you're wearing socks.

First off, how did this band form and where did the name come from?

Jack: I'll give this one to Kieran, take it sailor!

Cian: I got dis.

Lucas Cronin: Yeah, go on Kieran.

Cian: Kieran and Cronswag started I believe, or came up with the first idea,  then i was asked to do a join of band and we asked Jack to do a playing this year. I think we had a list of names we liked and we just went for this one, and probably because we're all heartless beasts, empty and void on the inside.

Would you say Jack's vision is a bit void?

Cian: He's clinically blind yes… I think that's where their name (check out Jack’s other band Void of Vision on Facebook) comes from.. But that's another story (smiles with a crazy grin).

That must make moving around on stage rather awkward.. but yes, moving on. How would you describe the music the band plays and who are your main inspirations/influences?

Cian: Ye Jack’s weird. We play hardcore/rock/punk vibes with aspects of Motown. As for influences probably letlive, defeater, heights and danzig. But we all have different influences that come up when we write, like in KYD theres some jazzy and mathy influences coming through. Our genre of music though i'd have to say is Medio-core.

What do you think of the local scene right now?

Cian: Local scene is rad, plenty of grouse bands out there and each of them getting the recognition they deserve!

Do you think popularity of hardcore is peaking, or is it continuing to grow?

Cian: Hardcore’s still popular, more kids are getting into heavier music these days i reckon and then from there they're taking a bigger interest in local hardcore which is good stuff because it means more shows!

What are some of your favorite shows/places you’ve performed at?

Cian: Favourite place would be Bang and my house for sure.

And what is the worst venue you’ve played?

Cian: We haven't played anywhere bad, every shows been stacks of fun, having said that we haven't played in many different places yet.

Lucas: Just that, we're always trying to get on more shows so hit us up if you like our sounds.

Cian: Yeeeeee.

Does the band like to add interesting intros to shows for a bit of tongue and cheek? I noticed you played the opening part of Eye of the Tiger at Saturday's show. Would you say humor is a key ingredient into what makes Hollows?

Cian: I think we like to make jokes and not take ourselves too seriously. Jokes are fun and we like fun.

That's a good attitude, some bands seem to take themselves way too seriously these days.

Kieran Bowkett: There is a pretty fine line between taking the piss out of everything and taking things too seriously. We're all good mates and enjoy having a laugh especially in that sense. But our music and lyrics are totally serious so having a sense of humor helps make us not look like a bunch of super serious dudes that write sad/emotional songs.

Jack: Bonox.

Is there anything you’d like to add since you just got here Keiran?

Kieran: All answers are bonox

Okay! (laughs)

What songs do you like to put into the set most often and what do you think about bands playing covers during their show?

Cian: Covers are rad, but cover bands aren’t

Jack: We play a bit of a different set everytime really, we have a bunch of songs, so we try to mix it up.

Kieran: My favorite is Visions, and I wish we could play Respite every show for Godwin but time doesn't always allow for it.

Cian: I really like to play Reflect/Revolt

Isn’t that a Void of Vision song?

Kieran: We've started playing a cover of October 27 by Break Even and that's heaps of fun. But Searching by Frontline is my fave.

Cian: Good covers get the crowd amped and its always cool to see involvement from people, rather than just wall huggers.

Any pre-show rituals?
Kieran: For pre-show rituals I drink/eat heaps of honey… and Bonox.

Cian: Bonox showers are a pre-show must

Jack: We call him Kieran Bee-kett. Coz we're funny

Cian: (laughs) lolhehehe

The real question is do you mix the honey and the bonox?

Jack: With my…

... Moving on. Who writes the songs and what kind of topics do they like to explore in the lyrics?

Kieran: We all write the songs, some individually and others as a band. But in every song there's generally an input from each member in one way or another. Lyrically it's all just speaking from experience, and representing situations in our lives through song. Aka Bonox.

Cian: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJbmB9k2Y88

What comes first? Music or lyrics and which is more important to the band?

Kieran: Oh and on a serious note, music and lyrics are definitely equally important in our songs.

So you all write the lyrics, or is that mainly up to you as the singer?

Cian: nah we all have inputs for lyrics. I know when i write im trying to do it as a way of expressing how im feeling at that moment and im sure thats the same with the other dudes. We try to make all the lyrics have some kind of important meaning and for me theres always some emotional attachment to what i write.

Kieran: Half the songs I've written then kind of brought to the band for revision or to add to, but the other half either Cian or Jack have written them. Lyrics are usually fairly personal so it's hard to have 5 dudes sit in a room and pour their hearts out... As Cian said we all have an input. It's generally just a bit more personal than writing songs musically

Yeah I get what you mean; lyrics are probably one of the hardest things to really collaborate on.

Kieran: Yeah exactly.

What’s an average band practice like for Hollows?

Cian: FUN! Band pracs always a laugh and usually involves Dr Peppers and babs.

Kieran: …and sometimes music… But only sometimes.

Cian: Yee.

I heard Dr Pepper wasn’t very good? Maybe I'm missing out on something there.

Cian: Put it with a bab and band prac and you’re having a good time.

Jack: Dr Pepper is milked from God's tenderloins, it's is incredible

Don't want to sound like a fool here, but what exactly is a bab?

Cian: GARLIC ZAUSE. Kebabs!

Jack: GARLIC ZAUSSSSSSSSSS

Ohh... (laughs) ..What’s the big goal for the band? Fame, gold plated Hummers, fortune or just recognition?

Cian: I just want Garlic Zause showers

Kieran: Fame, gold plated Hummers and fortune would be nice… Nah fuck that, I just want some friends to sing along with really. That'd be the best thing ever, to have people to know the songs that we wrote.

Cian: Yeee definitely.

Kieran: And enjoy them for whatever strange reason. But we enjoy playing them, so hopefully people will catch on soon. That'd be all I want.

Circle pits?

Kieran: (laughs) whatever, as long as people are having fun. But for people sing along is what I'm hoping for. ..I'm not sure, I kind of become fairly oblivious to my surroundings while I'm on stage. Anyone else know?

Cian: Not as yet, but any type of involvement is always appreciated! I'd like to see more mic grabs, those are fun.. We had a dude throwing down the other night which was fun to see!

What has been one of the biggest challenges for the band so far?

Cian: But real talk, biggest challenge has been trying to get our music out there and getting bmth toanz ..And as for band goals, I think we all just wanna play as many shows as possible and get some tunes released.. Playing interstate would be stacks of fun too, i think that's something i'd want to do.

Ok, we're almost done here guys, any advice for people who want to start their own band?

Jack: Use a noise gate on your amp for fuck sake!

Cian: Do it. Have fun with it and make sure you're happy with what you're doing, fuck everyone else, just please yourself.

Where can fans find your music?

Cian: http://www.facebook.com/Hollowsband or http://hollows-aus.bandcamp.com

Any last words?

Cian: Hopefully we'll have some more tunes out real soon and more gigs coming up in the near future. So get down to a show and chuck a mosh cause we really appreciate it. And also if Dr Pepper or Jumbo Kebabs wanna give us an endorsement hit us up please.

Jack: HYPEHYPEHYPEHYPE

Zach Cummings: I like to play.

Cian: (laughs vigoruously)

You can catch Hollows at a gig for Emergenza in October, but they're always looking to play as many shows as they can so you may very well see them around before then (like their Facebook page for more info). Also some new music might be out soon so keep an eye out.

Prosthesis of Mind @ The Espy (Basement) 21/06/13

Prosthesis of Mind don't want to fit into the pack, if you're into the technical side of things, then this band's right up your alley. They throw a lot of cool things in the mix, so you're never quite sure what to expect. From death growls to two-handed finger tapping, rapid fire solos, delayed guitar and atmospheric clean vocals. Their forte is long instrumental sections and dramatic build-ups to epic proportions.

Friday night at the Espy was lead singer Collin’s last show with the band, after having performed with them for over 2 years since its inception he has been forced to part ways because of unforeseen circumstances. 

The band sound tight on record, but with the new drummer Dav it just adds that little something wasn't there before. As soon as their lead guitarist Matt played the first notes it seem almost had been put into a trance, all was silent and then.. boom it went into overdrive!!

The crowd that night weren't really getting into it as much as they could, besides a few enthusiastic friends that at the side, Prosthesis still played to the best of their ability. Besides the fact that the vocals were virtually inaudible part of the set, this was the best performance I’d seen by the band. With it being only the 3rd gig for the new drummer it seems like they just keep getting better and better, a highlight was the performance of a new song called Liquid State.

It was a battle of the bands, and my vote goes to Prosthesis of Mind. Most bands had a lot to say; but they said it best, if not for the problems with the vocals I’d have been sure they would blow the competition out of the water.

Twelve Foot Ninja @ Next 9/06/13

                               

 (picture (c) Destroy All Lines)

This review comes a bit late, but still I thought people should know what a great live show these guys put on.

Twelve Foot Ninja play what only can be described as "heavy fusion", it's the best way the band can describe themselves.. But for reference, think what it would be like if Faith No More, Meshuggah and João Gilberto collided in outer space and something similar but its own creature emerged.
I ran into lead singer Kin before the show, this was the first time meeting him in person since we interviewed him via email for this blog.

It was nothing but good spirts (pun intended), $3 bourbon and cokes all round..  the best part about a night like it was everyone was just there to have fun. The opening bands at the Next venue tore the stage apart and got the crowd going. DJs spun some tunes from acts such as Butterfly Effect, Karnivool, Slipknot and Papa Roach over the speakers before all went dark... 

No fancy theatrics here, the band took to the stage and it was their music that really spoke. With greatly felt stage presence, each band member look they were fully enjoying themselves up on stage and the crowd could feel it. They opened the show with the lead single from their debut full release [Silent Machine] "Mother Sky" and the crowd literally went mental. The setlist also included some older tracks from their EPs such as F.E.A.R. and Clarion aswell as more from the album including Kingdom, Silent Machine and Vanguard. No matter if it was a song that everyone knew or not the band really played it like the meant every note.

Finally they pretended to walk off stage, Kin told the crowd to just imagine that they had left and were coming back on for the encore. After a small wait they abruptly broke into arguably their most well known song; Coming for You to close the show. Besides a few minor slip-ups during the intros on Kin's part, the band put on a very solid performance.

I got the feeling it was as if this band could be playing 10,000 people and you'd still experience the same intimacy from this small club. These songs were big songs though, they felt like they needed to be heard by many more people.. I think it's only a matter of time before these guys really hit it big.

Inside Reality @ Kate's Party - 17/05/13

It's cold outside, but inside the Barn Live it's heating up for a good night. Friday night, it's Kate's Party, the DJ is playing and everyone is out to have a good time. Inside Reality are side stage getting ready to go on. In light of the general good vibe, it'll be a hard audience to please. Being the first band for the night and it only being 9pm, things haven't quite gotten going yet.

The band takes to the stage, former lead vocalist and guitarist Sam De Lorenzo (now just guitar and backing vocals) introduces the band, you can tell he feels a certain amount of pressure.This is the first show with new vocalist Tom Hore and guitarist Mitch since the departure of guitarist Corey so they've got something to prove, if not to anyone else but even themselves and their friends.

As they break into "Enough is Enough" the energy can already be felt off the stage, people in their chairs turn around as Tom croons the first lines of the song. The band call everyone to the front of the stage as a few friends and interested on lookers move the forward. They keep it at full throttle and you'd think it'd be an onslaught until the end of the set, but no I was caught off guard. Next thing you know Sam is taking out his Martinez for an acoustic rendition of a track called Give Me a Look. The set then leads into a ballad type song thing which is known as Stay With Me.. a favourite by some friends of mine who are fans of the band. It starts off slow, but kicks into full overdrive by the end. They close with an old song called Drift with the Tide, one could imagine mosh pits going to that intro in future.

Overall there was awesome energy from the band, the presence could be felt in the room. Everyone seemed to be paying attention even if not many got up and danced. The sound was decent, although the vocals lay a bit low in the mix for my liking.
The reality is, that being the first and fairly unknown band on a night is hard, these guys did an excellent job of it and kudos to them. 

Interview with The AvD from The Defiled

Chaotic middle finger metal from the streets of London, UK. The Defiled have blasted off in recent years to be one of the newest hopefuls in the local scene. After tearing up the Pepsi Max stage at Download in 2012, they have just released a new song from their 2nd studio album, entitled "Sleeper".
We got the chance to catch up with resident keyboard wizard/backing vocalist The AvD (Alex Avdis)

Hey man, how are you?
I'm alright man thanks.

For those who don't know, how did this band form?
None of us are actually originally from London and I guess we all met here after the same thing in life. We didn't take it seriously at all in the beginning but as the years went by we realized that we had something really special that we decided to call "the defiled"

And how has the ride been so far?
Hard... We have never got anything for free and have had to fight for every inch ever got.  It's amazing to finally see people appreciate and in some cases love what we do

As far as influences are concern, who is your main inspiration to do what you do?
We all listen to very random things,  my all time favourites are nine inch nails where as Stitch's heroes are the  Foo Fighter witch on both accounts is not very metal at all!

Any influences you wouldn't expect?
Refer to my last answer ;)

What kind of topics do you like to tackle when it comes to lyrics?
I like it to be quite serious at times and playful at others.  I take the Lyrics very seriously and it's usually about something me or the band are going through at the time.  As the years go on they become more and more personal.

Heard your new single "Sleeper", ripper track if I must say myself.
Thank you.

What was the experience like recording the second album compared to the first?
The first record was recorded in my house and produced by me and Stitch.  For this one we got flown out to sunny Florida to record with the legendary Jason Suecof.  Night and day really.

I discovered your first album "Grave Times" through a little magazine by the name of Metal Hammer. How did that come about?
Well, we had the album ready to go and sent it out to a few people.  We then got a call from MH asking if we want to out it on their cover in it's entirety.  For us it was a no brainer.  We could either press 2,000 copies our self and sell them to... Well,  no one.  Or have it printed for free, put on the front of metal hammer and straight in to the hands of 50,000 readers.  It really couldn't get much better!

Do you guys feel like you're part of a new wave of metal coming out of Britain, kind of like the New Wave of British Heavy metal back in the 80s?
People keep asking us that or stating that we are.  I have no idea to be honest.  We just do our thing and work really hard at it.  There are quite a few hard working British bands out there right now I suppose so it might look that way.  The answer is I have no idea,  only history will tell.

What's the best thing about the British scene, what are us Aussies over here missing out on?
It's the only scene I know so I could not compare it to anything else to be honest... I don't think Aussies are missing out on anything.  There are so many people trying to make it here to ever get heard is nothing short of a miracle

It must have been huge to play the Pepsi Max at Download in 2012 along with likes of AxeWound and While She Sleeps, what was that whole experience like for you?
It was just one of those moments... The mud and rain where horrific, loads if bands where getting cancelled, the line up times where changing.  We just thought,  as long as we are not on at the same time as machine head it should all be fine.  We went to the office to find out when we are playing and off course we were on at the  exact time machine head where on.... We where like, fuck!!! No one is going to come see us.  But man.... When we walked on that stage it was fucking rammed! I couldn't believe it.  Then I got to scream "how the fuck you doing Donnington?!" I've been waiting to do that for years and there we where!

Who has been your favourite band to tour with, and why?
Dragonforce for sure.  They are just the coolest band in the world!  Before going on tour with them we thought they would be stuck up or something.  I don't know why?  Maybe coz they can actually play their instruments?  Anyway, they turned out to be the coolest, most accommodating guys we have ever been out on the road with.  Pure fun and games!


With your pledge campaign to fund the Grave Times live album, you did some house gigs for fans, what was the most interesting and/or weird experience at one of those shows?
We actually played a wedding party and got the bride and groom to dance to Call to Arms. that was pretty surreal.

You guys have been on tour for Jägermeister, would you recommend endorsements for other musicians?
It depends on if you are doing it for the right reasons. We are actually Jäger addicts so it felt natural.  Also, Jägermeister were actually the first people to believe in our band,  they used to print our T shirts for free so we could make some money on the road. We owe more than people might know to them.
So in short yea, I would definitely recommend endorsements

Speaking of which, what is your favorite drink?
Jäger!!!

One of the big questions here, is Elvis really dead? Opinions guys!
Dead.

Ok, moving on..
Any hilarious tales to tell from past shows?
I pissed in our sound mans suitcase thinking it was a toilet when we get back to the hotel.... He was not happy.... Sorry Garry

What ways do you like to connect with the crowds at your shows, do you over ask them seperate down the middle for a wall of death kind of arrangement, circle pits.. etc?
We talk to the crowd quite a bit.  I usually single out a person, ask their name and ask them how they are doing.  They usually just freeze.  I'm like.. come on man your killing me here!

How would you describe your band in one word?
Cunts

So, being an Australian, I'll ask this question. Any chance of us seeing this band on our shores in the near future?
Yeah man,  we just signed a world wide deal with Nuclear Blast so I'd say it's going to happen for sure,  can't wait!!!

What's a thing you'd look forward to most about coming to Australia?
Just coming to Australia man, it loos awesome from afar!  I've always wanted to come and to be able to come and play a gig would be amazing!

Thanks for talking, have you got a message to the Australian fans of this band?
Yeah man,  I'd like to thank everyone supporting us down there.  You are on our radar and we know where you live cause we send you the merch.  So be fucking careful or we'll come for you!!!!

Hope to see you guys down here soon!

Interview with Kin from Twelve Foot Ninja

Twelve Foot Ninja, how can you explain this band!?! How can you put into words who they and what they are about, you might aswell just watch this link (http://bit.ly/10DbJ8q), it's kind of self explanatory.
The Melbourne metal group consists of Kin - lead vocals, Steve "Stevic" McKay - lead guitar, Damon McKinnon - bass guitar, Shane "Russ" Russell - drums/percussion and Rohan Hayes - rhythm guitar/backing vocals. Having formed in 2007, they have been working their way through the local scene to bring their unique style to bigger and bigger audiences.
We recently got a chance to catch up with Kin.

First of all thank-you for taking the time to talk.

No worries.

Ok, usually I start off my interviews by asking a band how they formed and got their name, but I'm sure a name like Twelve Foot Ninja speaks for itself in a lot of ways.

It does. The story that the themes are based on, is about a Ninja who can become 12 foot at will, so it's kind of self explanatory.

How would you describe your music, on your Facebook page it's listed as "heavy fusion"?

I think that's the closest 'genre-based' term we've come up with, in regards to our sound.

Who would you cite as your main influences/inspiration for the music you create?

The inspiration comes from a myriad of sources. The musical concept was conceived by Stevic, who was inspired by the juxtaposition of soundtrack and visual content inherent in Quentin Tarantino films. It also draws its influence from each member of the band, and our own musical influences.

Who is the main songwriter in the band, what sort of topics do you like to tackle in your songs?

I don't feel we have a main song-writer in the band. We all work differently, and employ various methods to complete our songs. I've been working on complete songs recently, whereas Stevic will usually work on sections, or Damon will bring in some parts, or Russ will come up with some grooves. If it sounds good, I'll lay a vocal on it, and that will usually inform what comes next.

The story of the Twelve Foot Ninja is the underlying theme, which is a story of freedom from tyranny. So the songs tackle issues of War, Peace, Violence, Love, Fear, Tyranny, Corruption, Darkness, Light, Atonement, and Redemption...to list a few.

What do you think of the local scene in Aus, who's your favourite to come out of our country?

I think it's magnificent, however I am biased. It's a long list, but at the moment, I've been getting into Northlane. We had the pleasure of meeting them and catching a set at the Breath Of Life Festival in Launceston just recently. I was thoroughly impressed, to say the least. Cant wait for their new album.

I caught your set at Push Over Festival on the 11th, safe to say I was impressed. What was the experience like for you guys, was there any other bands you got a chance to check out?

Push Over was awesome. It was great to finally play for a younger audience, who all seemed to be having a ball, making it a pleasurable experience for us. I caught bits from a few different bands. The stand-out for me was Thy Art Is Murder. They were amazingly brutal, tight, technical, and just how I like it.

Late last year you put out a video for your track "Coming for You". I think it's great when bands inject a bit of humor in. In my opinion there's too much of that over-seriousness in metal these days. What was it like filming that video?

It was a great experience! It was a long shoot, but we had a great crew helping us out and overall, was a heap of fun. Fortunately we were all 'hopped up' on energy drinks and caffeine, so it was seemingly over in a blink of an eye.

You guys recently put out your debut album "Silent Machine" there are some killer tracks off of that, anything you'd like to say about the recording process.

It was a long 2 years from conception to completion. We focused primarily on songs this time, as opposed to tracks of riffs stapled together. I think I speak for the band when I say that we are content with the result.

Now, you did something interesting with the release of the album, putting out 1 song along with 1 comic book over 12 weeks, can you tell 

me a bit more about that?

The idea came about after throwing around some ideas as to how we would go about releasing the album. We wanted to do something different, a little left-of-centre.

The original fable of the Twelve Foot Ninja was co-written by Stevic and his partner, Fiona Permezel. The artwork for the comics was created solely by Keith Draws from the UK, who did an amazing job. The lyrics for the album are based on the fable, and the comics are based on the lyrics.

Do you think that a band can ever truly sell out if they're still enjoying what they do? 

Depends on what you mean by 'selling out'. I personally don't think so. My motto is 'To thine own self be true', so I think that first and foremost you have to write material that you enjoy. If you don't, then what's the point? There are some who think that 'selling out' has to do with corporate sponsorship, or when a band starts making a heap of money. The thing is, money doesn't grow on trees, and it costs a small fortune to run a band. I believe it has less to do with where the money is coming from, and more to do with changing your music to suit a demographic, only because it's popular or profitable.

With a lot of revolving door bands around in the local scene I personally find it quite impressive you've kept the same line-up for your career.

Thank you! It's probably the hardest thing about being in a band. It took us a while to find a chemistry and balance between all of our personalities, but I think we found it.

Having originally formed in 2007, what has the build up been like to finally get to where you guys are now?

The short answer is, it's been a roller-coaster ride. Never a dull moment.

What do you think about under-age gigs around Australia, having played Push Over, is it something you would like to see more of?

Well, I believe the children are our future, teach them well, and let them lead the way. Haha!

Under-age gigs are integral to the musical fabric in this country. They are a means for up-and-coming bands to cut their teeth, and hone their skills. It also breeds the punters of the future who will go out to venues and keep them, and the local music scene alive. There should be a lot more investment injected into it!

Any funny stories to share from the road or even just a band prac?

When we rehearse, Stevic likes to invent new ways of playing his guitar, and it usually involves some sort of bodily contortion. Cracks me up every time!

If the band were superheroes, who would you be and why?
This will sound cliché, but we'd be the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, as they probably best reflect our personalities.

Steve would be Leonardo, Russ would be Michelangelo, Damon would be Donatello, I would be Raphael, and Rohan would be Casey Jones.

What has been your favourite experience performing over the years, any shows that stick in your mind for a particular reason?

Whenever I'm asked this question, I can't go past our first Hi Fi Bar (Melbourne) show, supporting Tesseract and Periphery. It was the first time that I felt like we'd 'arrived' as a band, and for me, it was the best show we've done.

What do you guys like to do on your time off in-between playing shows or touring?
Make the most of it!

If a movie was made about your band in 10 years, who would you like to play the main roles?
There are no young actors that I feel would truly do a great job, so I’d resurrect actors from the past, in holographic or CGI form. Particularly the 'Rat Pack. I'd cast Dean Martin as Stevic, Sammy Davis Jr. as Damon, Peter Lawford as Russ, Joey Bishop as Rohan, and Frank Sinatra would play me.

I always make sure to ask this question, what advice can you give to musicians first starting out?
Write and play the music that you yourself would like to hear, and surround yourself with a band who share a similar vision, and sense of humour. And more importantly, be prepared to accept the fact that it probably won't turn out the quite the same way you may have envisioned, but it will be the ride of your life. Just remember to enjoy it while it lasts.

How can fans and fans-to-be find your music?
www.twelvefootninja.com, Facebook, YouTube...etc

And finally, any last words?

Anatidaephobia. The fear that somewhere, somehow, a duck is watching you.

Thanks for taking the time to talk to the Uproar, much appreciated.

Thank you!