The NEO
Gig Seeker Pro

The NEO

Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia | Established. Jan 01, 1999 | INDIE

Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia | INDIE
Established on Jan, 1999
Band Blues Reggae

Calendar

This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

Music

Press


"They’re back with a Neo Mojo"

The hype and excitement began the moment Timmy Martin touched down in Darwin, culminating in the much anticipated Brown’s Mart gig on Friday, 12th August.

Since my first Neo encounter at Bass in the Grass 2003, complete with orange jumpsuits and crazy stage antics, I have come to realise the importance of Neo to the Darwin Music scene…a scene dominated by cover bands servicing the tourists and unadventurous general public alike. Neo stories abound. Energetic performances, an obsession with Tommy, crazy multi-track recording processes for the second album, a loyal Neo following here in Darwin and a tour of the southern states with a funky photographer. It was clear Neo provided that glimmer of hope, that energy needed to captivate audiences and instill a thirst for something original, something local, something relevant!

Brown’s mart was packed with 30-40 people waiting outside hoping to catch a long awaited glimpse of the band. Two video camera operators and the original Neo photographer were standing by ready to capture the momentous occasion….and the crowd was excited! The new comer, Crafty, complete with flattering Witchdoctor dress ala mini skirt, greeted the audience. Immediately we knew the boys would live up to their reputation for fun.

Stranded in a small border town on the Stuart Highway, the Neo front men, enticed by bright lights, embarked on a mission to busk their way to Darwin, working their mojo where needed…as you do. The band endured the usual obstacles to musical expression including a failing public transport system and an overbearing, self-proclaimed director of the town. Luckily though, the witchdoctor could keep a beat, an amazing bass player happened to have been waiting at the bust stop for 5 years and out of thin air a snap frozen guitarist, resembling Daniel Johns, emerged complete with gator-esque style doofer pants. The long dead bus stop was alive and kicking, complete with a guest appearances by another wandering minstrel, Sunshine and Ooli and Dooli, the German backpackers keen to learn about this “Mojo”.

The Theatre was full of energy and excitement, lifting the audience out of their seats. Neo band members and fans flooded out of the theatre into the open air, where the band rocked it with their signature sound. The set included Neo favourites from previous albums and some newies by Timmy Martin. Roger, capable of some impressive break dance moves back in the theatre, absolutely shined on the bass…I love a good bass line. Brown’s Mart has never appeared so alive. The crowd loved it, Neo loved it! Jack and Tim embraced at the end of their encore…Neo were back. Here’s hoping there are big things to come!

Reviewed: 16th Aug 2005
- Top End Arts


Discography

The Near Earth Objects - album (airplay tracks: Marrtjina)
Stay Alive - EP
Bus Blues - EP and video clip (Airplay tracks: Bus Blues)
Serotonin - double album
Wreckingball - single and video clip
Darwinism - album

Photos

Bio

The northern frontier in Australia's soul revolution! Back in 2000 from a naked millennium celebration came the NEO. Mixing funk, blues, reggae and rock, the NEO has the groove to make you move and the show you'll keep talking about.

Released in 2012 the much anticipated new album, The Near Earth Objects is the NEO's best yet. the first single, Marrtjina is currently being played on ABC local radio all over Australia.

In 2010 the NEO made their second appearance at "Bluesfest" in Byron Bay as part of their huge Playmode Tour, which included shows in the Adelaide Fringe, Darwin, the East Coast and the Snowy Mountains.

Indeed, touring is a big part of what keeps The NEO rocking. 6 national tours including 2 Bluesfest, 7 Adelaide Fringe Festivals, appearances at the Darwin festival, 2 Adelaide Fuse Festivals, Woodford, Wallaby Creek, and even the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Scotland

Previous releases by the NEO include the hugely successful 'Bus Blues' EP, which is still played on Triple J, and the film-clip of which appeared on RAGE and Channel V.