CIVIL DISSIDENT

Formed in Melbourne in the early 80's, Civil Dissident and their friends Mad Flowers and Society's Victim started jamming around 1982, and after line-up changes between the three bands (Tracey Skepper and Dave Ross leaving Mad Flowers for Civil Dissident and Grant and Andrew leaving Civil Dissident for Mad Flowers), the Civil Dissident line-up was finalised with: Tracey Skepper on bass, Wayne Mosdall on guitar, Dave Ross on drums and Mat Bisset on vocals. This line-up would last until they played their final gig on the 20th of April 1985 at the Animal Liberation Benefit in Glen Iris. The band were regulars at The Seaview Ballroom and The Prince of Wales hotel in St. Kilda.

Their influences, from Discharge to Terveet Kädet, from Depression to Raw Power, from Minor Threat to The Stalin and so forth, came through on all their releases. While the above bands were an influence, Civil Dissident still retained a distinct Australian flavour, from their first demo in 1984, up to their tracks on USA label Pusmort's 'Cleanse the Bacteria' compilation. After a self-financed record and two tapes (Stone the Flamin' Crows was put out by the drummer), plus a string of cuts on international compilations, Civil Dissident called it a day. Every song was to the point, energetic, hardcore punk rock with a straightforward personal/political approach. Civil Dissident were a prime example of how Australian bands could very much hold their own in the world of hardcore.

Members

Mat Bisset (vocals), Tracey Skepper (bass), Wayne Mosdall (guitar), Dave Ross (drums)

EPs
'First Blood' 1985 No Masters Voice

'Is This Australia' 1991 Revolation

ALBUMS
'Fourth Rate American Thrash' 1984 

THE SHARP

In 1991 The Sharp was formed as a three-piece rockabilly, pop group in the Melbourne suburb of Collingwood by Allan Catlin on double bass and lead vocals, Piet Collins on drums and Charlie Rooke on guitar and lead vocals. Rooke had formed 59 Sharp, a "good-time bar-band", in 1988; he was later joined by Catlin, and alternating drummers Danny Simcic (also a member of Real Life, a new wave-synth pop band) and Tony Day (ex-Broderick Smith Band). They played 1950s rock'n'roll and rockabilly covers to a hardcore Melbourne following.

Piet Collins, who was writing Neighbors episodes at the time, joined on drums in 1991 due to other commitments for both Day and Simcic. The group were renamed as the Sharp, which according to Australian musicologist, Ian McFarlane "Boasting double bass, stand-up drums, rockabilly-tinged guitar licks and musicians dressed in all black... they presented a united front and an interesting twist on 1990s pop... their aesthetic push incorporated frisky pop melodies, tight arrangements, strong harmonies and grungy guitar riffs." For the Sharp Catlin and Rooke wrote original tracks, both individually and jointly. The group acknowledged the influence of the Kinks, the Beatles and the Easybeats.

In June 1992 they issued their debut CD three-track extended play, 'Love Your Head', on Mushroom Distribution Services. It was produced by Nick Mainsbridge (The Triffids, Tall Tales and True, Ratcat). They were signed to East West Music/Warner Music Australasia later that year. Their first hit single, "Talking Sly" (from the 'Spinosity' EP), was written and sung jointly by Rooke and Catlin, which received plenty of radio support and high critical acclaim. It reached the ARIA Singles Chart top 30. Their third EP, 'Train of Thought', which appeared in May that year, was co-produced by Mainsbridge with Peter Farnan (of Boom Crash Opera).

The Sharp released their debut album, 'This Is the Sharp', in September 1993, which was co-produced by Farnan, Mainsbridge and the group. It peaked at #13 on the ARIA Albums Chart. They promoted the album with an Australian tour as a support act for United States group, Spin Doctors. At the ARIA Awards of 1993 the Sharp received two nominations for "Talking Sly", Breakthrough Artist – Single and Best Video (directed by Chris Langman).

The Sharp singles/EPs which appeared in the top 50 of the ARIA Singles Chart include 'Train of Thought' (May 1993), "Scratch My Back" (October), and Yeah I Want You (November). The latter EP had five tracks with an original, "Yeah I Want You", followed by four cover version of work by The Cure ("The Love Cats"), Blondie ("Hangin' on the Telephone"), Lou Reed ("Vicious") and The Violent Femmes ("Add It Up"). Collins explained "We've been playing these songs in our live set on and off for the past two years and we've created our own versions of them."

A world tour followed in 1994 across the US, the United Kingdom, Sweden and Germany. 'This Is the Sharp' was released in 14 international territories, and their live shows received favourable reviews. At the 1994 ARIA Awards they received two further nominations, Breakthrough Artist – Album for 'This Is the Sharp' and Engineer of the Year for its tracks, "Scratch My Back", "Yeah I Want You" and "Train of Thought" by Mainsbridge and Kalju Tonuma.

'Sonic Tripod', the band's second album, was released in August 1994, which also reached #13 and was co-produced by Farnan, Mainsbridge and the group. Jacqueline Fuller of The Canberra Times felt it was "a foray into the new lyrical themes of social comment and psychological turmoil rather than The Sharp's typical love and party songs." It provided their highest charting single "Alone Like Me", which peaked at #20. The group were known for their image of black high neck skivvies, and energetic live shows, including Catlin balancing on his double bass while playing, and Rooke leaping off the drum kit mid-guitar solo.

Early in 1995 Adam May replaced Collins on drums, however in August the group announced their proposed disbandment due to burn out. Rooke explained to Liz Armitage of The Canberra Times in that month how the Sharp had decided to break up: "It was a round-table discussion. A lot of people like to think there was (a conflict) but there wasn't, otherwise, we wouldn't be doing a tour." Rooke reflected on their legacy "I think people will remember us for being a bit different... I'm sticking with the simplicity... I seemed to go for that vibe in the first, and I've always believed in it. I think you can do so much with that approach, but most groups these days are into bigger production." According to Armitage "Both Catlin and Rooke are expected to release something (separately) at the start of next year."

A compilation album, 'Single File (The Best of the Sharp)', was released in September. They performed their last gig on 22 October 1995 at the Hallam Hotel. The label issued a posthumous collection, 'Skeletons in the Closet', of previously unreleased studio tracks, in 1996. Caitlin formed a group, the Rush Effect and wrote music for ads; Collins took up a career in journalism and writing; Rooke formed a group, Earlobe. Rooke was later a studio session guitarist for Cezary Skubiszewski. In 2000 the Sharp performed a sole reunion gig in Melbourne, and in July 2010 they reunited for a series of shows playing in Melbourne and Adelaide. On 4th March 2024, The Sharp announced via their Facebook page that they would be reuniting without Catlin. Joining Charlie and Piet on double bass is The Living Ends' Scott Owen and vocalist Louie Lee Feltrin. They intend on touring the band's 'This Is the Sharp' album in its entirety.

Members

Allan Catlin (double bass, vocals), Charlie Rooke (guitar, vocals), Piet Collins (drums, vocals), Adam May (drums), Scott Owen (bass), Louie Lee Feltrin (vocals)

SINGLES

"Love Your Head" 1992 Wow Productions
"Talking Sly" 1992 EastWest
"Train of Thought" (#32) 1993 EastWest
"Scratch My Back" (#40) 1993 EastWest
"Yeah I Want You" (#44) 1993 EastWest
"Alone Like Me" (#20) 1994 EastWest
"Honest and Sober" (#99) 1994 EastWest
"Spider" 1994 EastWest

EPs
'Spinosity' (#28) 1992 EastWest 
'Thank You Good Night' 1995 EastWest

ALBUMS
'This Is the Sharp' (#13) 1993 EastWest 
'Sonic Tripod' (#13) 1994 EastWest

References

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sharp

https://www.top100singles.net/

HOSS

Hoss was formed in 1990 in Melbourne as a hard rock band with the line-up of Scott Bailey on bass guitar, Todd McNeair on drums (ex-Seminal Rats), Joel Silbersher on guitar and lead vocals (ex-God) and Michael Weber on lead guitar (ex-Seminal Rats, Slush Puppies). Their name was chosen "because Joel likes monosyllabic names." They signed with Au Go Go Records, which issued their debut single, "Green", and their first album, 'Guzzle'. Australian musicologist, Ian McFarlane, described it as "a rushed affair (recorded in one session, the day before the band played its debut gig), and consequently lacked appealing ideas." Silbersher told Steven Corby of The Canberra Times that their sound was "stripped down, raucous rock 'n'roll."

'You Get Nothing', their second album was released in April 1992, for which McFarlane felt, "The band was at its best as they mixed Detroit rock action with Exile on Main Street-era Rolling Stones raunch." By that time they were one of a string of 1990s hard rock bands on Melbourne's Dog Meat Records, alongside label mates, Powder Monkeys and Splatterheads. Just before the album's appearance McNeair and Weber had returned to Seminal Rats; they were replaced in Hoss by drummer Michael Glenn (ex-Joysticks, Forbidden Planet) and guitarist Jimmy Sfetsos (ex-Nice Girls From Cincinnati), respectively.

For their third album, 'Bring On The Juice' (August 1993), the group used Charlie Owen (of Beasts of Bourbon) on lap slide guitar and dobro for a track, "Lip from Lip". Silbersher was the main song writer for the group, he also released a solo album, 'Melonman' (1994) and has collaborated with Owen as the Tendrils to issue their self-titled album (June 1995). He has toured as a backing musician with other acts, including Tex Perkins and with Dirty Three.

In March 1994 Hoss issued an EP, 'Gentle Claws', which was followed by their fourth album, 'Everyday Lies', in November 1995. Joachim Hiller of German magazine, Ox-Fanzine felt that Silbersher  "must have had a lot of suffering in his young life, otherwise he would not be able to rouse his pain with such hoarse blues." During 1995 Glenn was replaced on drums by Dean Muller (ex-Voodoo Lust, Macho Clowns).

On their early albums, Hoss were influenced by 1970s garage and boogie hard rock such as Aerosmith, Blue Öyster Cult and The Stooges. However, by their fifth album, 'Do You Leave Here Often?' (February 1998), they had developed a more complex sound, which continued to exhibit hard rock influences but also used more sophisticated arrangements reminiscent of bands such as the Afghan Whigs. McFarlane opined that they had "earned a solid reputation by consistently living up to audience expectations with well-honed songs and uncompromising gigs. By taking inspiration from the likes of The Rolling Stones, Kiss, The Stooges, AC/DC and Black Sabbath, Hoss came up with a near-perfect blend of melodic power chords, hyper-kinetic guitar riffs and hard driving rock beats."

Hoss performed at the Meredith Music Festival in December 2010; they were described on the festival website as "Powerful, tough, natural-sounding rock’n'roll with a brain as well as a rump. They don’t make videos, they don’t play very often (took them 15 years to go to Perth), they don’t compromise, and as far as I can tell they don’t care; they ain’t careerist." They had previously played at the festival in 1992, 1993 and 1996. Michael Weber died in 1992 from an accidental heroin overdose, aged 32.

Members

Joel Silbersher (guitar, vocals), Scott Bailey (bass), Jimmy Sfetsos (guitar), Dean Muller (drums), Michael Weber (guitar), Todd McNear (drums), Michael Glenn (drums)

SINGLES
''Green / Bright Light Fright / It's All Over Now, Baby Blue'' 1990 Au-go-go 
''It's Everywhere / Ark (Live At The Tate)'' 1992 Dog Meat 
''The Tiredest Man Awake / Token Kiss (Live)'' 1995 Death Valley 
''The Goddess Has Time / Towed'' 1998 Wig Wam 

EPs
'Cave Me In' 1992 Dog Meat 
'Gentle Claws' 1994 Dog Meat 

ALBUMS
'Guzzle' 1990 Au Go Go 
'You Get Nothing' 1992 Dog Meat 
'Bring on the Juice' 1993 Dog Meat
'Everyday Lies' 1995 Dog Meat 
'Do You Leave Here Often?' 1998 Mongrel

References

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoss_%28band%29

REBECCAS EMPIRE

Rebecca's Empire was based around Rebecca Barnard and Shane O'Mara, which formed in 1994 in Melbourne as a rock, pop duo. They recorded a cover version of Pearl Jam's "Alive" for an album by Performers Releasing Information about Clean Syringes (P.R.I.C.S.), 'Do It Safe' (1994). P.R.I.C.S. was a government project for AIDS prevention and education.  The band signed with Polydor's newly created Eternity label and the duo were expanded to a four-piece by the addition of Peter Luscombe on drums (ex-Stephen Cummings Band, Black Sorrows) and Bill McDonald on bass guitar (ex-Hot Half Hour, Deborah Conway Band). This line-up released their debut single, "Atomic Electric", as part of a four-track EP, late in 1994. "Atomic Electric" was an indie success, which was listed at #38 on the 1994 Triple J Hottest 100 listener's poll.

Early in 1995 Michael DenElzen on bass guitar replaced McDonald, who joined Frente!. Their label released another four-track EP in June of that year with remixed and re-recorded versions of "Atomic Electric" together with "Red Dress" and "Wasting Time" from the first EP. In September they followed with a six-track EP, 'Take a Look at Happiness', which included the tracks, "Empty" and "Alive". "Empty" was listed at #62 on the 1995 Triple J Hottest 100.

The band's breakthrough occurred in August 1996, when their first full-length album, 'Way of All Things', was released to relative critical acclaim. It was produced by O'Mara. Australian musicologist, Ian McFarlane, opined, "it was brimming with quality songs like the ballads ''In Deep'' and ''Talking Star'', tough rockers like ''Way of All Things'' (with its funky Lenny Kravitz-styled riff), ''So Rude'' and ''Atomic Electric'', plus two sterling slices of Badfinger-style guitar-pop, ''Empty'' and ''Mirage''." Jonathan Lewis of AllMusic rated it at four-out-of-five stars and explained, "an example of melodic power pop, similar to both Belly's Star, though without the quirkiness, and Teenage Fanclub's Grand Prix, though more influenced by Led Zeppelin than by The Byrds. Infectious, well-written guitar pop songs were the order of the day and few bands do these as well."

The album was successful in indie circles and had some minor success on the mainstream charts. It provided three singles, "In Deep" (May 1996), "So Rude" (July) and "Way Of All Things" (February 1997). "So Rude" was listed at #57 on the 1996 Triple J Hottest 100; while "Way Of All Things" polled at #94 in the 1997 list. 'Way Of All Things' was followed by a two-year relative hiatus, although they played some concerts in this time. They released a three-track CD single, "Car Radio", in November 1997, which was only available from concerts. In mid-1998 DenElzen left to join deadstar and was replaced by McDonald returning.

In October 1998 Rebecca's Empire issued a single, "Medicine Man", which preceded their second album, 'Welcome' (August 1999) via Festival Records. Again, it was produced by O'Mara. It provided two more singles, "Big Smoke" (April 1999) and "Bad Blood" (July). 'Welcome' was not as well received by critics as their earlier efforts. Although, McFarlane observed, "the three-year wait had been worth it; it was another slice of pop perfection." Despite the band's profile, none of its singles made the Hottest 100 that year. The album and its accompanying singles were their last releases as they announced their break-up in June 2000.

Members

Rebecca Barnard (vocals, guitar), Shane O'Mara (guitar), Bill McDonald (bass), Peter Luscombe (drums), Michael DenElzen (bass)

SINGLES
''Atomic Electric'' 1994 Eternity

"Empty" 1995 Eternity
"In Deep" 1996 Eternity
"So Rude" 1996 Eternity
"Way of All Things" 1997 Eternity
"Medicine Man" 1998 Festival
"Big Smoke" 1999 Festival
"Bad Blood" 1999 Festival

EPs
'Atomic Electric' 1994 Eternity
'Rebecca's Empire' 1995 Eternity
'Take a Look at Happiness' 1996 Eternity

ALBUMS
'Way of All Things' (#75) 1996 Eternity
'Welcome' 1999 Festival

References

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebecca%27s_Empire

AUTOMATIC

Automatic began as the Spinouts when Matt Fenton met up with Alex Jarvis in high school in 1987. The two attended Queenscliff High School in Victoria. Their professional career initially included social school gatherings and beach parties. Along with members of Automatic, several other influences graduated with the two, including members of Magic Dirt and Seaweed Gorillas. With their pop/rock style, Automatic strove to move to Melbourne, where their sound would be more widely accepted. After seven years, the band settled on members Fenton, Jarvis, drummer Leigh Marlow, and bassist Rich Taylor. In 1994, the band made its first album, 'Automatic', which was released independently. The album led to much success for the band and produced a new group of listeners. With its punk rock sound, the group signed with the Murmur record label in 1995. Their first release for the label was the EP 'Sister K'. Their single, "Sister K" was engineered by Tom Whitten who earned a nomination at the ARIA Music Awards of 1996 for Engineer of the Year for that and two other releases. "Pump it Up" was engineered by Magoo who earned a nomination in 1999 for the same category for that and one other release. 

Under the guidance of producer Nick Launay, Automatic released their second album, 'Transmitter', in 1997. Launay produced such music legends as PiL, the Idiot Box soundtrack, Slits, and Silverchair and changed the sound of Automatic from pop/rock to a harder, louder sound, which paid off for the group. 'Transmitter' included such rock favorites as "Blown," "Does She Kiss Like You?" "What If...," and "Girl with a Million Minds." According to the band members, the success of Automatic relied heavily upon the diversity of their songs. The group performed everything from hard rock to dance music. Their last recording was the album 'Get Together' and the single ''Psychic Cats'' in 1999.

Members

Matt Fenton (vocals, guitar), Alex Jarvis (guitar), Rich Taylor (bass), Leigh Marlow (drums), Danny Plant (drums), Stu McFarlane (drums)

SINGLES
''It's Like Sound (#98) / What If...'' 1996 Murmur
''Five'' 1997 Murmur
''Another Up'' 1997 Murmur
''Pump It Up'' (#95) 1998 Murmur
''Psychic Cats'' 1999 Murmur

EPs
'Sister K' 1995 Murmur

ALBUMS
'Automatic' 1994 MDS
'Transmitter' 1996 Murmur 
'Get Together' 1999 Murmur

References

Kim Summers

http://top100singles.blogspot.com.au/

THE SUNSET STRIP

The Sunset Strip was born out of the ashes of Geelong's Behind The Magnolia Curtain in late 1985. The initial lineup was Warwick Brown (vocals/guitar), Wayne Arnold (bass/vocals), Matt Cadusch (guitar) and Lee Butrims (drums). The Sunset Strip started well with the release in 1986 of the single on AuGoGo called ''Going Home''. Both critically and commercially successful (particularly in Europe), Warwick decided to beef up the sound and recruited ex-Magnolia Andy Turner on second guitar in 1986. Despite the initial success the band found itself ploughing a lonely field of Buffalo Springfield, Neil Young and 60s influences at a time when the scene was dominated by Detroit-style guitar riffarama. Prior to recording their debut album 'The Sunset Strip' in 1988 Ian Hill was added on keyboards. Kerrie Hickin replaced Wayne Arnold before the EP 'Holocaust' was released in 1989. The band played at The Prince of Wales, The Tote, The Punters Club, The Evelyn, The Richmond Club, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Great Britain and so many more long forgotten names.

The band released the acclaimed 1990 album 'Move Right In' and EPs 'Scrape It Out' ('92) and 'Nothing Lost Nothing Gained' ('93). All of these releases showed a dramatic hardening of the band's sound and widening of its' influences. Paul Ryan on bass and Michael Glenn replaced Kerrie Hickin and Les Butrims respectively and they recorded the album, 'Stone Lazy', which was finished and slated for release in '95. Instead, the band's label and then the band itself folded. The album finally gained release in 2015 on Greville Records. Andy Turner and Warwick Brown kept the Sunset Strip name going. A slew of releases followed with albums: 'Music From The Endless Sea' (2017), 'Chrystal Ships Infinite Arrivals' (2018) and 'Open City' (2023).

Members

Andy Turner (guitar, vocals, percussion), Warwick Brown (guitar, vocals, keyboards), Wayne Arnold (bass), Matt Cadusch (guitar), Tim Hemmensley (bass), Ian Hill (keyboards), Kerrie Hickin (bass), Les Butrims (drums), Paul Ryan (guitar, bass), Rod McMurrich (drums), Michael Glenn (drums)

SINGLES
''Going Home / Yesterdays Gone'' 1986 Au-go-go 

EPs
'Holocaust' 1989 Au Go Go
'Scrape It Out E.P' 1993 Dog Meat
'Nothing Lost, Nothing Gained' 1993 Dog Meat

ALBUMS
'The Sunset Strip' 1988 Au Go Go 
'Move Right In' 1990 Au Go Go 
'Stone Lazy' 2015 Greville Records 
'Music From The Endless Sea' 2017 Greville Records 
'Crystal Ships Infinite Arrivals' 2018 Greville Records 
'Open City' 2023 Greville Records 

KLINGER

Klinger are a rock band from Melbourne named after a character from M*A*S*H. Their "Sayonara Anyway / Ben Lee" single reached #22 on the ARIA Alternative singles chart. They had two songs in Triple J's Hottest 100 in 2000. They supported Green Day, Unwritten Law and Everclear and toured nationally. The band were one of several dozen to appear in the TISM music video "Thunderbirds Are Coming Out". The band released one album 'Shooting for the Chorus' three EPs and two singles. They finished up in 2003. Klinger played their first show of over 10 years at the Northcote Social Club in Melbourne on Australia Day 2014. The band continue to gig as at 2023.

Members

Ben Birchall (vocals, guitar, synthesizer), Shayne Willey (guitar, vocals), Dave Rogers (bass, vocals), Glenn Arnup (bass), Darren Dean Vlah (drums)

References

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Klinger_%28band%29

CATWITCH

Catwitch was a Melbourne band that blended some late LA sleaze influence with contemporary power metal, Goth rock and vampiric imagery with sometimes mixed results but their Gothic imagery and style was actually quite ahead of its time. Live, Catwitch was known for rather theatrical performances, a facet highlighted by a questionable TV documentary about them that was aired on the ABC but musically their albums showed Catwitch to be a solid band with good musicianship. The line-up for the first album 'Phobophilia' at least was Kieren O'Reilly on vocals, Rob Charlton on drums, Paul Tipping on bass, Aaron Salt and Hanny Mohammed on guitars. Tipping later joined Cryptal Darkness and Mohammed later went on to Black Majesty.

After the second album 'This Haunted Lullaby' the band virtually ended as O'Reilly was the only member left but in late 2003 Catwitch re-emerged with Charlton back in the group along with four new members, Josef Stanley (guitar), Rudi Paoletti (keyboards), Riley Strong (guitar) and bassist Quaagar X and a musical direction now geared solidly toward Goth metal. The 'Faces' album appeared in November 2004. Catwitch's line-up was in constant flux. Charlton switched to bass, Glenn James joined on drums, Kent Ross on keyboards and Andrew Shepherd on guitars with original guitarist Lawrence Rhoads returning to the band. Catwitch returned to the studio and released the EP 'Burn' in late 2007. A fourth album and a live DVD were mooted for 2008, but neither surfaced. Riley Strong formed Desecrator in 2010.

Kieran O'Reilly was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2009 but despite his condition Catwitch continued to work regularly on the Melbourne live scene. In February 2010 Catwitch opened for Wednesday 13 in Melbourne. O'Reilly's illness deteriorated in mid-2011 and he died aged 40 on July 28, 2011, five days after the rest of the band played a benefit to help raise funds for his medical costs.

Members

Kieran O'Reilly (vocals), Lawrence Rhoads (guitar), Stephie Prosthetic (bass), Kent Ross (keys), Rigidy Rourke (drums), Josef Stanley (guitar), Glenn James (drums), Andrew Shepherd (guitar), Robert Charlton (bass), Riley Strong (guitar), Rudi Paoletti (keys), Quaagar X (bass), Aaron Salt (guitar), Hanny Mohammed (guitar), Mike Forsberg (drums), Helen Sabo (drums), Paul Tipping (bass), Daniel Bunn (guitar), Naim Kirk Ibrahim (guitar)

SINGLES
''The Hidden'' 2003

EPs
'Burn' 2007

ALBUMS
'Phobophilia' 1997 
'This Haunted Lullaby' 2000 Icon Promotions
'Faces' 2004

References

http://www.ausmetalguide.com/Catwitch

EVEN

Future members of Even, Matthew Cotter on drums and Ash Naylor on lead vocals and lead guitar, played music together at a high school in Melbourne. They formed an indie band, The Swarm, with Francis Leach on vocals and David Rowland on bass guitar. The Swarm issued three independent singles between November 1988 and April 1991 before disbanding. In March 1994 Cotter and Naylor were joined by Roderick "Wally" Kempton (also a member of The Meanies, as Wally Meanie) on bass guitar to form an indie guitar pop group, Even.

From 1993 to 1997 Naylor was also a member of another indie pop group, Rail (originally named Sleeper, then Fragment and finally Rail), which issued two albums, Bad Hair Life (1995) and Goodbye Surfing Hello God! (1997). Naylor is a fan of 1960s and 1970s pop music. Even played their first gig in March 1994 at the Empress of India Hotel in Fitzroy. Ten years later Naylor told Michael Dwyer of The Age that "It was very exciting, because we did a soundcheck and people were applauding us... We were bristling to play, absolutely bursting with energy. Flaming youth, Kiss would have called it." 

Even signed to an independent label, Rubber Records, home to The Casanovas, Offcuts and 1200 Techniques. In May 1995 Even issued a six-track EP, 'In Stereo', on Rubber and distributed by Shock Records. It was produced by Andy Baldwin, Andy O'Beirne, Lindsay Gravina and Bruce Mowson. National youth radio station, Triple J, added the track, "24 Hour Cynic", to high rotation. In late 1996 they provided a live-in-the-studio version of "24 Hour Cynic" for a various artists' compilation, 'Triple J – Live'. Even followed in November 1995 with a five-track EP, 'Ten to Forty-Six', which included the lead track, "Stupid Dream".

The band released their first studio album, 'Less Is More', on 10 June 1996 via Rubber Records/Shock Records. It was co-produced by Even with Greg Wales (Drop City) and mixed by Wales with Nick Launay. Australian musicologist, Ian McFarlane, felt it was "brimming with exceptional tunes ('Karmic Flop', 'Stop and Go Man', 'Dear Morris', 'She Told Me So' and 'Eternal Teen' to name but a handful), a timeless feel and pop hooks by the truckload." He declared that the group had released "one of the best Australian debut albums of 1996." 'Less Is More' provided three singles, "Don't Wait" (June), "Stop and Go Man" (September) and "Peaches and Cream" (February 1997). After supporting international acts, The Presidents of the United States, The Posies, Ash and Everclear, in Australia; Even toured the United States and then Europe from March 1997. At the ARIA Music Awards of 1997 in September 'Less Is More' was nominated for Best Independent Release.

In November 1997 they issued a third EP, 'One Side Not', with four tracks. It was recorded at Seed Studios by Wales with Tim Johnston. The group issued their second studio album, 'Come Again', on 28 September 1998, which was produced by Tony Lash (The Dandy Warhols, Eric Matthews). McFarlane felt it "fulfilled the promise of the debut with its full quota of bright guitar melodies and top-flight songs." AllMusic's James Damas described it as "one of the most overlooked and consistent rock & roll albums of the late '90s." Tim Rogers of fellow Australian group, You Am I, quipped that it was his "favourite Beatles album". It provided three singles, "No Surprises" (August 1998), "Black Umbrella" (November) and "Sunshine Comes" (September 1999).

From early 1999 Naylor collaborated with alternative country artist, Sherry Rich, to form a folk pop duo, The Grapes. They issued a self-titled album in October which McFarlane observed was "full of rich sixties melodies, catchy guitar hooks, perfect harmonies, jangling guitars and country influences." Even's third studio album, 'A Different High', was issued on 14 May 2001, which peaked at #48 on the ARIA Albums Chart, and reached #10 on the ARIA Alternative Albums Chart. Guesting on the album were Renée Geyer on vocals, Graham Lee (ex-The Triffids) on pedal steel guitar and Bruce Haymes (of Paul Kelly Band) on organ, piano and Wurlitzer.

James Damas opined that for 'A Different High', "the scales begin to tip more heavily toward the more bloated side of '70s classic rock and away from modern pop." David Simons of On Stage Magazine noticed that it "finds Naylor sharpening the hooks, tightening the grooves, and multiplying the guitar sounds like never before. The result is an album's worth of the most tuneful pop you're likely to find on any continent." The album's lead single, "Shining Star" (April 2001), peaked at #21 on the ARIA Alternative Singles Chart.

Their fourth studio album, 'Free Kicks', appeared on 6 June 2004 on their own label, El Reno Records, and distributed by Shock Records. They had recorded some of the tracks in the United Kingdom in 2002. Dwyer declared that it "spearheads a new lease of life for Even... it features a couple of guest appearances by former Small Faces/Faces keyboard player Ian McLagan and follows a watershed London adventure." For the Hoodoo Gurus tribute album, 'Stoneage Cameos' (August 2005), Even covered "Arthur", with Kempton as co-executive producer with Jason Evans. In June 2008 Even's debut album 'Less Is More' was voted number 30 of the greatest Australian albums ever in a poll by The Age readers.

Ned Raggett of AllMusic reviewed their self-titled, fifth studio album which showed they "love their Beatles, their ELO, their power pop, their hints of roots music appreciation. It's all in there and they're not only not hiding it; they revel in it."  'Even' was issued on 29 March 2008, which the group co-produced with Wayne Connolly (You Am I).

Even released their sixth studio album, 'In Another Time', on 9 December 2011. Mess+Noise's Patrick Emery felt it displayed how "a celebration of the glorious riffs, melodies and elegant style of the ’60s and ’70s doesn’t need to be an exercise in turgid nostalgia." Edouard Morton of theDwarf.com.au caught their live gig in May 2012 at The Tote, where they "made an all out attempt to burst every eardrum with their endlessly popular, and recognisably Melbourne power rock." In December 2014 the group celebrated their 14th annual Xmas Even at the Gasometer Hotel (in Collingwood) with Jasmin Kaset as their support act. In May 2018, Even released their seventh studio album, 'Satin Returns'. Even's eighth studio album, 'Reverse Light Years 'was released in October 2021 and peaked at #18 on the ARIA charts; the band's highest charting album.

Members

Ashley Naylor (vocals, guitar), Wally Kempton (bass, vocals), Matthew Cotter (drums)

SINGLES
''Stop And Go Man'' 1996 Rubber Records
''Peaches & Cream'' 1996 Rubber Records
''Don't Wait'' 1996 Rubber Records
''No Surprises'' 1998 Rubber Records
"Black Umbrella" (#85) 1998
''Rock And Roll Save My Life / Shakin' Street / Last One'' 2000 Full Toss
''Shining Star'' 2001 Rubber Records
''Electric Light'' 2001 Rubber Records
''Keep On Burning'' 2001 Rubber Records

''Rainbows / Racing To Christmas'' 2006 El Reno 
''I Am The Light / Superstition Blues'' 2008 El Reno 
''What You Wanna Do / Beverly Drive'' 2011 El Reno 
''Love Bomb / The Memory'' 2015 El Reno
''Falling Down (Pt. 1) / Jet Black'' 2016 El Reno
''Don't Wait / Little Piece'' 2017
''Six Monkeys / I Have Nothing'' 2021 El Reno 

EPs

'In Stereo' 1995 Rubber Records
'Ten to Forty-Six' 1995 Rubber Records
'One Side Not' 1997 Rubber Records
'Return to Stardust' 2020 Even

ALBUMS
'Less Is More' (#85) 1996 Rubber Records
'Come Again' (#57) 1998 Rubber Records
'A Different High' (#48) 2001 Rubber Records
'Free Kicks' 2004 El Reno Records
'Even' 2007 Rubber Records
'In Another Time' 2011 El Reno Records
'Satin Returns' 2018 El Reno Records 
'Reverse Light Years' (#18) 2021 El Reno Records 

References

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Even_%28band%29

http://top100singles.blogspot.com.au/

THE WRECKERY

One of the more important bands on the Australian post-punk scene of the 1980s, Melbourne's the Wreckery played dark, atmospheric music informed by the blues and the same sort of chemical and cultural obsessions as their contemporaries Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds in fact, co-founder Hugo Race had been an early member of the Bad Seeds. Joining Race was Robin Casinader (drums), Edward Clayton-Jones (guitar), Tadeusz O'Biegly (bass) and Charles Todd on saxophone and organ (ex-Wild Dog Rodeo, Cattletruck). Australian musicologist Ian McFarlane described the group as "inner-city angst kings which proffered a lurching brand of gutbucket St Kilda blues by way of the Mississippi delta. It was a fiery sound totally unique in Australia at the time". Race was described as "enigmatic, petulant ... whose bleak visions stabbed at the heart of the human condition".

The group recorded their debut five-track EP, 'I Think this Town is Nervous', which was issued by Rampant Records in December 1985. After the release of the EP  O'Biegly had been replaced by Nick Barker on bass guitar (ex-Curse, Reptile Smile). Race wrote most of the the group's material. They issued and two studio albums, 'Yeh My People' and 'Here at Pains Insistence'.

Despite the Wreckery's success, Rampant Records was having financial problems, and after Rampant released a Best-Of set titled 'The Collection', the band jumped ship for Citadel Records, who in late 1988 brought out 'Laying Down the Law', regarded by many as the group's strongest work. However, tensions within the band, exaggerated by touring and health issues, came to a head, and by the time 'Laying Down the Law' was released, the Wreckery had already chosen to split up after a brief tour, with guests standing in for Barker and Casinader. Nick Barker went on to a successful solo career, and Race, Clayton-Jones, and Casinader remained active in music with a variety of projects. In 2008, Memorandum Records issued 'Past Imperfect', a two-CD anthology drawn from the group's catalog, and the Wreckery reunited to play a handful of shows in support. In 2023 The Wreckery released 'Fake Is Forever' on the Golden Boot label with the lineup of Hugo Race, Ed Clayton-Jones, Nick Barker, Charles Todd, Robin Casinader and Frank Trobbiani. 

Members

Hugo Race (vocals, guitar), Edward Clayton-Jones (guitar), Charles Todd (saxophone, organ), Tadeusz O'Biegly (bass), Nick Barker (bass), Robin Casinader (drums, piano), Peter Jones (drums), Frank Trobbiani (drums)

SINGLES
''No Shoes For This Road / You Is My Smoke'' 1986 Rampant 
''Everlasting Sleep / Damned Is Hard'' 1987 Rampant 
''Good To Be Gone / Laying Down Law'' 1988 Citadel 

EPs

'I Think This Town Is Nervous' Rampant 1986

'Ruling Energy' 1987 Rampant

ALBUMS

'Yeh My People' 1987 Rampant
'Here At Pains Insistence' 1987 Rampant
'Laying Down Law' 1988 Citadel
'Fake Is Forever' 2023 Golden Robot Records

THE EARTHMEN

The Earthmen was formed by Scott Stevens and Aaron Goldberg in 1991 as a jamming band in Melbourne and were influenced by 1960s pop music and late '80s American and UK indie noise-pop. After winning JJJ-FM's national 'J-Sessions' competition they recorded their debut single, "Stacey's Cupboard / Roll" late that year with the line-up of Aaron Goldberg on guitar, Stephen Nash on guitar, Glenn Peters on drums, Eric Prentice on bass guitar and Scott Stevens on vocals. Nash left in December and was replaced by Nick Batterham (ex-Blindside) as The Earthmen made their first live performances.

The single was released in April 1992 on the indie label, Summershine, as well as on the JJJ-FM compilation album the 'J sessions'. Aside from Sydney band Glide, the Earthmen were the only band to make any industry impact from a pool of nearly 15 bands. Their second single, "Flyby / Too Far Down" in August was followed by an EP, 'Flyby' and a third single "Cool Chick #59 / Elephant" in October. They released another EP, 'Teen Sensations', in May 1993 on Summershine. For United States (US) and European markets, Atlantic Records subsidiary Seed released an expanded LP album, 'Teen Sensations' in July with earlier singles added to the Australian EP version.

In April 1994 they released, "Figure 8 / Tell The Women We're Going" and by May, Peters was replaced by Ben Bleechmore and Prentice by Robert Cooper, The Earthmen had their last Summershine release, 'The Fall and Rise of My Favourite Sixties Girl' EP. Following their tour of the US and United Kingdom in July, Goldberg quit the band, and was replaced by Stephen Moffatt at the behest of the 'Black Pig' Publishing Group. The band signed a contract with Warner's Australian label East West Records by early 1996. In Australia they released, "Scene Stealer" in April and "Hug Me Tighter" in August, then they entered the recording studio with Batterham and Stevens joined by Matt Sigley on bass guitar and keyboards, and they used session drummer, Derek Yuen (Underground Lovers).

By year's end they had recruited Craig Mitchell on drums and Nick Murray on guitar. "Whoever's Been Using This Bed" was released as a single in January 1997 with the album 'Love Walked In' following in April. The album was nominated for 'Breakthrough Artist - Album' at the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Music Awards for 1997. It spawned two more singles, "Coloured In" (June) and "Love Walked In" (November). The Earthmen covered Hal David and Burt Bacharach's "I Just Don't Know What to Do with Myself" for a tribute album, 'To Hal and Bacharach' in April 1998. 'The War Against Rock and Roll' EP, appeared in January 1999 with their final gig following on 12 February.

In 2014 the band announced plans to release a retrospective compilation album on the Popboomerang Records label. At the time of the band's demise, they had been writing songs towards their second album for Warners. The band broke up during the first recording session and many of the songs never got past the demo stage. In looking back through all their material for this retrospective, these demos were uncovered and judged to be worth inclusion. The band got together in late 2014 and recorded four new tracks for the compilation album 'College Heart' that was released in September 2016. In 2021 the Sound As Ever label released the album 'Periscope'. It contains tracks recorded in 1995.

Members

Craig Mitchell (drums), Matthew Sigley (guitar, bass, organ, cello), Nick Batterham (guitar), Scott Stevens (vocals), Nick Murray (guitar, bass), Aaron Goldberg (guitar), Glenn Peters (drums), Eric Prentice (bass), Ben Bleechmore (drums), Robert Cooper (bass), Steve Nash (guitar), Stephen Moffatt (guitar),

SINGLES

"Stacey's Cupboard / Roll" 1992 Summershine
"Flyby / Too Far Down" 1992 Summershine
"Cool Chick No.59 / Elephant (Demo)" 1992 Summershine
"Figure 8"/"Tell The Women We're Going" 1994 Summershine

"Scene Stealer" 1996 Warner
"Hug Me Tighter" 1996 Warner
"Whoever's Been Using this Bed" (#85) 1997 Warner
"Coloured In" 1997 EastWest
"Love Walks In" 1997 Warner

EPs
'Flyby' 1992 Summershine
'Teen Sensations' 1993 Summershine
'The Fall and Rise of My Favourite Sixties Girl' 1993 Summershine
'The War Against Rock and Roll' 1998 Shock

ALBUMS
'Love Walked In Released' (#78) 1997 Summershine
'College Heart' 2016 Popboomerang Records

References

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Earthmen

http://top100singles.blogspot.com.au/

NOTHING SACRED

One of the earliest Australian bands to play thrash metal, Nothing Sacred formed in Melbourne, Australia in 1983. The lineup was Mark Woolley (guitar), Karl Lean (bass), Richard Snape (guitar) and
Sham Littleman (drums). After recording a demo, they released their first EP 'Deathwish', an independent release, and played a large number of shows around Australia. Snape left the band and was replaced by vocalist Mick Burnham. An LP was released in 1988, titled 'Let Us Prey'. Despite brilliant songwriting and musicianship on the album, 'Let Us Prey' suffered from poor production quality in comparison to its predecessor. Before disbanding in 1991, Nothing Sacred's lead guitarist Mark Woolley, bassist Karl Lean and drummer Sham contributed to Hobbs' Angel of Death's early work in the late 1980s. Although their tenure was short-lived, Nothing Sacred still remains as an underground metal phenomenon in Australia. 

Songs from the 'Deathwish' EP still get airplay on several Australian metal radio programmes from time to time. Although branded as a thrash metal group, Nothing Sacred's music had more of a melodic sound, at times reminiscent of Iron Maiden. Vocalist Mick Burnham had a voice that sounded very similar to early Iron Maiden singer Paul D'ianno. Despite the success, the band agreed not continue and returned to retirement. In 2015, the band decided to re-activate with a lineup of Sham, Karl Lean, George Larin, Ross Percy and new vocalist Chris Stark. A slot on Melbourne's Brewtality Metal Festival received positive reviews before the band embarked on a short tour of Japan which inspired them to continue.

In 2021 the band released their second album 'No Gods' making it a 35-year gap between releases. Ross Percy would be replaced my Stu Bedford on guitar and Chris Stark would be replaced by James Davies on vocals. Three videos and singles were released prior to the album's release date on Rue Morge Records. March 2023 the band was on a roll and would release the follow up to 'No Gods', A 6 track EP titled 'Leviathan' released in Italy. The EP would contain a mixture of new and old rerecorded tracks stemming back to their early days.

Members

Mick Burnham (vocals), Mark Woolley (guitar), Karl Lean (bass), Richard Snape (guitar), Sham Littleman (drums), George Larin (guitar), Ross Percy (guitar) Chris Stark (vocals), Stu Bedford (guitar), James Davies (vocals)

SINGLES
''First World Problems / Oracle'' 2020 Rue Morgue Records 

EPs
'Deathwish' 1985 NCM Records

ALBUMS
'Let Us Prey' 1988 Cleopatra
'No Gods' 2021 Rue Morgue Records 

 

References

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nothing_Sacred_%28band%29

JOHN SANGSTER

John Grant Sangster was born in 1928 in the Melbourne suburb of Sandringham as the only child of John Sangster (1896–1975), a clerk and World War II soldier, and Isabella Dunn (née Davidson, later Pringle) Sangster (1890–1946). He attended primary schools in Sandringham and Vermont, and then Box Hill High School. While at high school he taught himself to play trombone and, with a friend, Sid Bridle, formed a band. In 1946 he started a civil engineering course at Melbourne Technical School.

In 1948 Sangster performed at the third annual, Australian Jazz Convention, held in Melbourne. By the following year he led his own ensemble, John Sangster's Jazz Six, which included Ken Evans on trombone. Sangster provided trombone for Graeme Bell and his Australian Jazz Band, later taking up the cornet and then the drums. He toured several times with Bell from 1950 to 1955, playing in Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan and Korea. In the late 1950s he began playing the vibraphone, which he found "combined the percussive qualities of the drums with the melodic capability of the trumpet". He played with Don Burrows in the early 1960s. Sangster formed his own quartet and experimented with group improvisatory jazz, after he became interested in the music of such musicians as Sun Ra and Archie Shepp. He rejoined the Don Burrows Group briefly in 1967 when they represented Australia at Expo 1967 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

In 1967 Sangster released his debut album 'The Trip' on Festival. Produced by Pat Aulton it had some great players on it: George Golla on guitar, Sven Laebek on keyboards, Ed Gaston on double bass and Len Hutchison on electric bass. The next album 'The Joker Is Wild' followed in 1968. Assisting him on this one was: George Thompson and Ed Gaston bass, Graeme Lyall and Don Burrows on woodwinds and George Golla on guitar. Also, in this year he released the single ''Going Out Of My Head / Love Is Blue''.

In 1969 Sangster began to work with rock musicians and he joined the expanded lineup of the Australian progressive rock group Tully, who provided the musical backing for the original Australian production of the rock musical Hair. He performed and recorded with Tully and their successors, Luke’s Walnut, throughout the two years he played in Hair. In 1970 he re-joined the Burrows group, this time for Expo 1970 in Osaka, Japan.

In the 1970s Sangster released a series of popular The Lord of the Rings inspired albums that started with 'The Hobbit Suite' in 1973. He was also the composer of a large number of scores for television shows, documentaries, films, and radio slots (including Hanna-Barbera's The Funky Phantom). In 1988, Sangster published his autobiography, Seeing the Rafters. He died in Brisbane, Australia, on 26 October 1995 at age 66. 

SINGLES 
''Going Out Of My Head / Love Is Blue'' 1969 Festival

ALBUMS 
'The Trip' 1967 Festival
'The Joker Is Wild' 1968 Festival
'Ahead Of Hair' 1969 Festival
'The Hobbit Suite' 1973 Swaggie
'Paradise Volume One' 1973 Trinity
'Dingo-King (An Australian Allegory)' [with Ivan Smith] 1975 RCA
'Lord Of The Rings' 1975 EMI
'Lord Of The Rings Vol. 2' 1976 EMI
'Lord Of The Rings Vol 3' 1977 EMI
'Double Vibes: Hobbit' [with Alan Lee] 1977 Swaggie
'For Leon Bismarck Volume 1' 1977 Swaggie
'Landscapes Of Middle Earth' 1978 EMI
'Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Doo-Wup Doo-Wup Doo-Wup Doo-Wup' 1980 Rain Forest
'Requiem (For A Loved One)' 1980 Rain-Forest
'Meditation' 1980 Rain-Forest
'Peaceful'3 1980 Rain-Forest,
'Uttered Nonsense (The Owl And 1980 The Pussycat)' [with Ivan Smith] 1980 Rain-Forest
'Fluteman' 1982 Rain-Forest

References

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Sangster

STINKY FIRE ENGINE

Very little was ever conventional about Stinky Fire Engine. The band was conceived in 1988 by Wayne Davidson for the Toytown compilation 'Fingernails'. At that stage the Stinky Fire Engine (SFE) sound was basically audio collage using nicked bits of records (mainly kid's albums) - each song formed a sort of story from the assembled bits and pieces. Originally SFE was going to be a magazine, and the sound collage tracks were an extension of that plan. Apart from the audio collage tracks a lounge-pop Casio track called ''Theme From Stinky Fire Engine'' was recorded and included on the 'Jiving In Ljubljana' compilation cassette.

In 1989 SFE were asked to perform live. An interesting prospect given that there was very little by the way of music, or indeed of band. Wayne had no desire to take to the stage by himself for this event - so Dianne Currier, Kate Dermody and Glenn O’Neil were recruited for the purpose of the live performance. Glenn was the only new SFE member who was technically a musician. Glenn only lasted in the band for this one performance (but not because of the reason that he was a musician).

After the show Wayne, Kate and Dianne continued on as SFE, although unconventionally all songwriting, recording and SFE product was made only by Wayne. Kate and Dianne were however an integral ingredient of the band, not only to help create the illusion that there actually WAS a band but with the enormous amount Kate and Dianne brought to live performance with visual concepts, themes, percussion and theatricality. Live performances were dotted over the years, usually in support of The Cannanes when they visited town. SFE never organised a gig on their own behalf, they were always asked to play - this in itself must be some sort of achievement. Every show was given a theme; Summer Fun, 1960’s Secret Agents, Glamour, Tiki, Halloween etc… Robina Sharp also joined the live line-up from 1994-1996.

SFE’s main recorded output was in the form of cassette LPs on Wayne’s label Toytown. Two full length cassettes were released - 'Picnic' and 'If It’s Tuesday This Must Be Melbourne'. There was also a different version of 'Picnic' (called Picnic USA) released in America on the Slabco label.

Apart from the various contributions to compilations (cassette, LP and CD) two proper SFE 7” records were released - ''Giant'' (Up Records 1997) and ''Disco City Holiday'' (Library 1998). SFE also contributed ''Flebus'' to the Australian Pop Series on USA label Spit And A Half and Penthouse Club (incorrectly titled Penthouse Suite to Melbourne Holiday on Japanese label Clover). Due to health reasons Stinky Fire Engine ceased all recording in 2000. However future product by way or retrospective compilations, previously unreleased material and maybe even new songs is a possibility. Most recently SFE had two tracks on a Library records CD compilation in 2003.

Members

Wayne Davidson, Dianne Currier, Kate Dermody, Robina Sharp

SINGLES
''Disco City Holiday / Bulldozer Capri'' 1998 Library Records 

ALBUMS
'Picnic' 1992 Toytown
'If It's Tuesday This Must Be Melbourne' 1994 Toytown

References

http://www.last.fm/music/Stinky+Fire+Engine/+wiki

SUBTERFUGE

Subterfuge was formed in Melbourne in the early 1990’s by Clifford Ennis, along with Rick Mullen and Brendan Toull, and despite being far from prolific they certainly left a lasting impression on the 1990’s goth scene. The 'Darkland Awakening' EP, released in 1994, has been described as “one of the most fantastic releases of the genre of that era”. The time was perfect for an album to capitalize on the success of the EP, sadly though, a follow up did not eventuate. Nevertheless, they still made an impact on the scene, so much so that they have since been described as being “Australia’s goth superstars of the 90’s”.

Previous biographies of Subterfuge have always stated that they formed in 1993; this was the year that their self-titled demo tape was released, the year of their first live performance and after a few name changes down the years it was in 1993 that they decided on the name Subterfuge, but if one delves a little deeper their roots can be tenuously traced to as far back as 1987.

It was at the beginning of 1987 when Clifford and Brendan first met at school and by the end of the year the two 17 years olds had started working together musically. They went from having punk leanings in 1987/88 (going by the dubious name of Dirt and the Mouldy Teeth) to having a slightly darker sound by 1989/90, taking their influences from the likes of Joy Division, The Sisters of Mercy, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Bauhaus and an array of other bands predominantly from the post punk era. During this period Brendan was developing a slight obsession with Depeche Mode and subsequently purchased a synthesizer; he took his obsession one step further by insisting on a French sounding name for the band and they were briefly called Faux Pas Extempore which they later shortened to simply Faux Pas. At this stage the band were still developing their sound while steadily gaining confidence in their song writing ability.

By 1991, Clifford was now asserting himself as the driving force behind the band and their musical direction became much clearer as they took on a more distinct goth sound. By 1992 they had also recruited a third member, Rick Mullen, on guitar. Rick was an old school friend of Brendan’s and had been a part-time member between 1990-91, occasionally providing guitar parts and writing the odd song. In 1991 he was involved with a band called Edie Sedgwick’s Overdose but he left them to join up with Clifford and Brendan on a permanent basis, thus freeing up Clifford to concentrate on playing bass. With this move towards more of a goth sound than previously, yet another name change was to be had and they were now calling themselves Rose of Fate.

In 1992 Clifford and Brendan were sharing the vocals but a decision was made to try to find a vocalist and fourth member. In 1993 they had planned on releasing a demo tape which was all written and recorded except for the vocals but finding a singer was proving to be more difficult than expected. A few were tried and subsequently discarded until in mid 1993 they had found what they thought would be a permanent solution in Jonathan Mee. A fifth and final name change took place just prior to the demo tape being manufactured and the name Subterfuge was agreed upon. The demo tape was finally ready to be completed and it was released in September that year.

In December 1993 Subterfuge played their first live show which was at a private party for a newly opened record shop in Melbourne called Heartland Records. On the strength of that live show and the demo tape, Subterfuge were approached by Heartland Records to release a CD, but not before the line up was changed once more. This time saw the departure of singer Jonathan, with his unreliability being stated as the reason for him being sacked. Instead of wasting more time in trying to find another singer, Clifford put aside the bass guitar to take on the role of vocalist and the recording of their debut EP 'Darkland Awakening' took place in March 1994.

Prior to the recording session there were rising tensions between Brendan and Rick, which resulted in Brendan refusing to go to the studio and the task of recording the EP was left to Clifford and Rick. There was a gig already booked so Brendan stuck it out and on March 18th 1994, Subterfuge played their first gig as a three-piece band at The Town Hall Hotel in Richmond. This was also their last gig as a three piece with Brendan swiftly leaving afterwards. Clifford and Rick decided to continue on as a duo from here on.

The EP, 'Darkland Awakening' was recorded at Toyland Recording Studios and was mixed at Toyland and another studio called Birdland. The EP was released in May 1994 to favourable reviews around the world. For the remainder of 1994 to promote the release of the EP Subterfuge played live in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Brisbane.

After such an impressive release, attention inevitably turned towards a follow up album, it was anticipated by some, expected by many, one reviewer even going so far as to predict that “given time Subterfuge could reach the mantle of greatness”. However, despite being promised by the band the follow up album never eventuated. Between 1995 and 1997 Subterfuge sporadically played live around Melbourne as well as Sydney and Adelaide while along the way releasing the odd song on various compilation CDs, enticing people into thinking that perhaps the album was imminent, but history tells us this was not the case.

Subterfuge had made their mark but became less active as the years passed; however, Clifford has stayed involved in the scene with other projects including Jerusalem Syndrome (which was a side project with Chris McCarter from Ikon in 1996/97). Clifford also has had two stints as a member of Ikon, playing guitar for them between 2004-2005 and again between 2010-2014. He has also had a foray into the electronic side of things with another side project, this time with Mark Tansley from Suspiria, called Razorfade and in 2014 joined up with Melbourne band, Friends of Alice Ivy to play guitar with them when they perform live as well as contributing guitar on the opening track of their album "The Golden Cage and its Mirrored Maze".

In May, 2013 a Subterfuge  album entitled 'Reflect<<Rewind' was released on European label, Strobelight Records, this was a comprehensive collection of material. The album contained 16 tracks including previously unreleased songs and mixes plus some demos. As Clifford has continually remained involved in music there was perhaps a sense of inevitability that some new material would one day surface, after all, Subterfuge have never actually “officially” ended...

And so it was, in 2016 Clifford found himself back in the studio recording brand new material and in March 2017 a brand-new album entitled "Blind to Reason" was released on CD and vinyl. And while the new album sees Clifford doing a majority of the heavy lifting, one third of "Blind to Reason" is co -written with Rick Mullen thus essentially keeping the 90's duo alive and the album would've included more Ennis/Mullen songs had the elusive Rick not gone to ground (again). The album was recorded at Toyland Recording Studio in Melbourne and released on the label Heartland Records and received much positive press:"A flawless goth rock album" SONIC SEDUCER MAGAZINE, Germany.
"We are facing one of the most beautiful and interesting albums of 2017" DARKITALIA MAGAZINE, Italy."A thoroughly satisfying journey into anguish and ire" VINYL CONNECTION, Australia.
"Where gothic takes a new dimension. Classy, catchy and addictive" DARK ENTRIES MAGAZINE, Belgium.

The next couple of years were quiet but 2019 saw a return to the studio and a new EP called 'Heat' was released on 2nd April 2020. This unfortunately coincided with the height of the Covid-19/Coronavirus pandemic which hindered the ability to focus on promotion as deliveries were affected badly around the world.

Members

Clifford Ennis (vocals, programming, guitar, bass, triangle, kazoo), Rick Mullen (guitar, programming), Brendan Toull , Jonathan Mee (vocals)

EPs

'Darkland Awakening' 1994 Heartland Records
'Heat' 2020 Heartland Records

ALBUMS
'Blind To Reason' 2017 Heartland Records 
 

References

http://www.subterfuge-au.com/biography.html

THE RELATIVES

Starting as a school blues band at Brighton Grammar School in 1975, the Relatives made their punk debut as The Velvet Underpants at their school dance in 1977. Covers included the Saints, Sex Pistols, plenty of Lou Reed and David Bowie, and a fnarr fnarr throwback to their blues roots - Chain's ''Grab A Snatch And Hold It''. After a name change to the Nooney Rickett 4 , the band made its public debut beyond school halls and parties in May 1978, opening for News at Bernharts (formerly the Thumpin' Tum in the 1960s, then commandeered by News as a regular haunt).

Post-school the six members stayed together, had a name change to the more serious Relatives in 1979, and gigged aplenty at the regular Melbourne haunts - the Crystal Ballroom, the Exford, The Tote, Prince Of Wales etc. Their first 7", released on Red Ash Records in June 1979 contained three tracks. Highlighted by ''Picasso (Private Collector)'' which encompasses all the things we love - instruments all racing to get to the end of the song first, 1-2-3-4s (including one to end the song), and lots of attitude: eventually, Pablo Picasso was called an arsehole. A simple riff and some nice acid guitar underpin ''Now She's On The Beat'', a tale of prostitution. ''Clock Struck One'' rounds out the record. Bassist Simon Kain recalls: "We pressed 300 of the first and gave them all away on our launch night- many were trashed then and there!" The band continued until 1982 with one more 7", which featured some more standard punk rock icons. Members ended up in the later garage influenced Wet Taxis, post-Sekret Sekret band Red Ochre, Chad's Tree and the Jackson Code. Andrew Dowd died in 2009.

Members

Ashley Davies (drums), Andrew Dowd (vocals), Rob Howard (vocals), Rodney Howard (guitar), Jason Kain (guitar), Simon Kain (bass) Ashley, Thompson (drums), Bruce Campbell (drums)

SINGLES 
''Now She's On The Beat / Picasso (Private Collector) / Clock Struck One'' 1979 Red Ash Records
''Emotional Moment / Summer Holocaust / The Collector'' 1979 Red Ash Records

References

http://wallabybeat.blogspot.com.au/2011/08/relatives-picasso-private-collector-7.html