Lion Island

With infectious melodies, a lush yet passionate sound, and pop songs that can become five-minute mini-epics without ever outstaying their welcome, it’s no wonder Lion Island are quickly making their mark on the Brisbane music scene.
A diverse group of musicians with a huge range of influences, Lion Island explore timeless alt-country, folk, and modern sounds. An enthusiastic choir backs songwriter Matthew Vale’s rich tenor vocals. Deftly played guitars interlock and provide the perfect foil for rousing trumpet and stirring violin. Behind it all the rhythm section groove like certified old timers who pump out a driving, relentless beat.
By recording and releasing their first EP, Berlin, and with international supports, Valley Fiesta main stage, and the Tooheys Uncharted competition final to their name, the band made the most of 2009, their first year together. In 2010 they’ve featured on the Brisbane Sounds compilation and played at the launch – they’re taking their live show to new heights with appearances at the Powerhouse, Youth Arts festival, Unconvention Music Industry Conference, the Zoo, the Hi-Fi and the Globe Theatre.
Lion Island plan to release their first full length album, an ambitious effort featuring the full band plus string and brass sections in 2011, with the help of engineer/producer Steve Bartlett (Mr Maps, Skinny Jean, Hungry Kids of Hungary). If the promise of the live show can translate on to disc they could be in for another very busy year.