FREE MOVING CURTIS

 

One of Australia's most underrated guitar acts of the 90s, Free Moving Curtis, emerged from Adelaide with a strong musical pedigree, featuring former members of The Plague, Bloodloss, Primevils, and Hot Tomatoes. Their name might have been inspired by a black male doll called Free Moving Curtis, introduced in 1975 by toy manufacturer Mattel as a friend of Ken. If anyone can confirm this theory, it would be intriguing.

Free Moving Curtis gigged around Adelaide's pub scene and in 1992, they opened for The Rollins Band along with Mark of Cain at the Old Lion in Adelaide. The band released two EPs, 'Blind' in 1993 and 'Persuader' in 1994, through Melbourne's Hippy Knight Records. On May 27, 1994, the band recorded four tracks for a live album with Headache and the Seaweed Gorillas at The Great Britain Hotel. In 1996, they worked on their debut full-length album with engineer Mick Wordley, who used techniques inspired by Steven Albini's visit to Mixmaster Studios during the production of The Lizard Train's album 'Everything Moves'. The resulting album showcased Free Moving Curtis in top form, particularly its opening track "Surface Tension," which highlighted Jim Selene's swirling guitar, Dave Plague's distinctive bass, and Steve Collinson's gritty vocals. A lineup change followed, and the band relocated to Sydney, leading to their eventual breakup. Despite being largely overlooked for pursuing a unique musical direction, they remained steadfast, refusing to cater to mainstream trends or pander to the rock press.

Members

Dave Plague [Dave Christopher] (bass), Jim Selene (guitar), Stuart Silcox (guitar), Warwick Savvas (drums), Steve Collinson (vocals)

EPs
'Blind' 1993 Hippy Knight Records
'Persuader' 1994 Hippy Knight Records

ALBUMS
'Free' 1996 Hippy Knight Records