Anton Franc

With so many artists mixing folk and electronica, it takes a special kind of band to stand out from the crowd. Western Australia’s Anton Franc are certainly up to the task.
Recorded in basements and bedrooms in the Kimberly, their debut EP balances just the right amount of warmth with haunting isolation, resulting in a rewarding and memorable listen.
Lead single Letting Go came out of a failed fishing adventure. It was nominated for WAM song of the year contest in 2010, as well as featuring in two European advertising campaigns and it’s easy to hear why. The slow build-up and delicate electronics work to create a song that is highly memorable and possibly one of the best tracks of the year.
Other songs such as Jessy combine world music influences with standard indie, resulting in an interesting take on a well-trodden genre. Lady of the Night is atmospheric with unexpected harmonies. Despite the slower tempo it feels much shorter than it really is, which if anything, is a sign of a good song.
EP closer Memo was also nominated for WAM song of the year, in the love category. The song is well and truly bittersweet, with the most noticeable electronic elements on the entire EP. Like Letting Go it shines above most of the current indie fare and deserves plenty more attention.
The one flaw in the EP is opener Oh, Darling which doesn’t sit well with the other tracks. While the instrumentation is interesting and it is undeniably catchy, the tongue in cheek lyrics fall a bit flat compared to the rest of the record. But then again, considering this is a debut EP, it still lives up to even the highest of expectations.
There’s no doubt Jaimie Kuzich and James Bowyer, the pair behind the music have great things ahead of them. The Anton Franc EP could put many more established bands to shame and is a definite must-buy.
9/10 - Electric skeleton

With so many artists mixing folk and electronica, it takes a special kind of band to stand out from the crowd. Western Australia’s Anton Franc are certainly up to the task.
Recorded in basements and bedrooms in the Kimberly, their debut EP balances just the right amount of warmth with haunting isolation, resulting in a rewarding and memorable listen.
Lead single Letting Go came out of a failed fishing adventure. It was nominated for WAM song of the year contest in 2010, as well as featuring in two European advertising campaigns and it’s easy to hear why. The slow build-up and delicate electronics work to create a song that is highly memorable and possibly one of the best tracks of the year.
Other songs such as Jessy combine world music influences with standard indie, resulting in an interesting take on a well-trodden genre. Lady of the Night is atmospheric with unexpected harmonies. Despite the slower tempo it feels much shorter than it really is, which if anything, is a sign of a good song.
EP closer Memo was also nominated for WAM song of the year, in the love category. The song is well and truly bittersweet, with the most noticeable electronic elements on the entire EP. Like Letting Go it shines above most of the current indie fare and deserves plenty more attention.
The one flaw in the EP is opener Oh, Darling which doesn’t sit well with the other tracks. While the instrumentation is interesting and it is undeniably catchy, the tongue in cheek lyrics fall a bit flat compared to the rest of the record. But then again, considering this is a debut EP, it still lives up to even the highest of expectations.
There’s no doubt Jaimie Kuzich and James Bowyer, the pair behind the music have great things ahead of them. The Anton Franc EP could put many more established bands to shame and is a definite must-buy.
9/10 - Electric skeleton

Musical duo Joshua Bowyer and Jamie Kuzich are no strangers to the world. Combined, their travels span Eastern Europe and most of Australia, and it is from these experiences that a musical relationship began - bringing us Anton Franc and their debut self-titled EP. It’s about time the world got to know them a little better.
With its heart set in the outback of the Kimberley, Anton Franc seems to capture both the connectedness the road can bring as well as the isolation. The vocals in the EP are versatile and unique, and every now and then have an old world quality. Paired with the mix of folk and electronic sounds, they create songs which are occasionally eerie and seductive, and sometimes reminiscently joyful.
The first track of the album “Oh Darling” pulls off an unusual combination of instruments (these being the xylophone and saxophone for one thing) to create a sound which seems both new, and completely natural. Imagine listening to the catchy and melodic harmonies while lying down on the warm sands of the beach, or driving with the window down in the car. Or actually do those things. This song is the perfect accompaniment to the coming Australian summer.
“Letting Go” is the first release from Anton Franc, and was nominated as a finalist in the 2010 WAM Song of the Year Contest. There is good reason for this- this song is now competing with other favourites of mine for the “most played” title on my iPod. With both catchy, meaningful lyrics, and a creative use of electronic, playful percussion there isn’t much to dislike about “Letting Go” (except maybe if people don’t like to watch you dance).
Seeming to come from more of an old school rock influence, “Jessy” is memorable, but never intrusive. While they make use of a myriad of instruments in this song, the duo still retain the husky, and unusual qualities to their voices, as well as their use of chiming percussion. “Lady and the Night” has a beautifully soft melody, that resonates long after it is played. This song seems to feel like a dark lullaby, soothing and lyrical, but not always uplifting. Being an avid reader it is nice when a song can take you to another place. This song, while it may have been created in the depths of Australia, reminded me of the dark streets of Victorian England (not that I have lived that long or anything).
The last track “Memo” remains more abstract than the other songs, making greater use of the electronic percussions and melodies that weave their way through the other songs. The result of this is a whimsical song, which completes the EP faultlessly.
Review Score: 7/10 - The AU review

Musical duo Joshua Bowyer and Jamie Kuzich are no strangers to the world. Combined, their travels span Eastern Europe and most of Australia, and it is from these experiences that a musical relationship began - bringing us Anton Franc and their debut self-titled EP. It’s about time the world got to know them a little better.
With its heart set in the outback of the Kimberley, Anton Franc seems to capture both the connectedness the road can bring as well as the isolation. The vocals in the EP are versatile and unique, and every now and then have an old world quality. Paired with the mix of folk and electronic sounds, they create songs which are occasionally eerie and seductive, and sometimes reminiscently joyful.
The first track of the album “Oh Darling” pulls off an unusual combination of instruments (these being the xylophone and saxophone for one thing) to create a sound which seems both new, and completely natural. Imagine listening to the catchy and melodic harmonies while lying down on the warm sands of the beach, or driving with the window down in the car. Or actually do those things. This song is the perfect accompaniment to the coming Australian summer.
“Letting Go” is the first release from Anton Franc, and was nominated as a finalist in the 2010 WAM Song of the Year Contest. There is good reason for this- this song is now competing with other favourites of mine for the “most played” title on my iPod. With both catchy, meaningful lyrics, and a creative use of electronic, playful percussion there isn’t much to dislike about “Letting Go” (except maybe if people don’t like to watch you dance).
Seeming to come from more of an old school rock influence, “Jessy” is memorable, but never intrusive. While they make use of a myriad of instruments in this song, the duo still retain the husky, and unusual qualities to their voices, as well as their use of chiming percussion. “Lady and the Night” has a beautifully soft melody, that resonates long after it is played. This song seems to feel like a dark lullaby, soothing and lyrical, but not always uplifting. Being an avid reader it is nice when a song can take you to another place. This song, while it may have been created in the depths of Australia, reminded me of the dark streets of Victorian England (not that I have lived that long or anything).
The last track “Memo” remains more abstract than the other songs, making greater use of the electronic percussions and melodies that weave their way through the other songs. The result of this is a whimsical song, which completes the EP faultlessly.
Review Score: 7/10 - The AU review

By the time Anton Franc hit the stage, the bar was well and truly packed.

Made up of med school pals Josh Bowyer and Jamie Kuzich, the set opened with a screening of the music video for the band’s first single Letting Go. Directed by Bowyer, the clip is set in the unique surrounds of the Kimberley, where the duo first decided to join their talents and write songs together. The audience responded enthusiastically to each song in the set with thoughtful explanations of the song meanings provided by Bowyer throughout. The night was extra special as the duo was complemented by a full band. Vocals were pitch perfect, resonating throughout the venue, offsetting instruments like the ukulele and saxophone to great effect. Even without the song explanations, it would be easy to recognise that some of the music was inspired by the Kimberley. Lady Of The Night felt so Australian, this duo could be the forerunners for resurrecting the Australian folk scene. Reacting to the energetic vibes coming off the audience, Kuzich announced the next song Oh Darling would be a “fun, dancey one”. The crowd agreed, letting loose and even singing along. The set ended in the same way it started – with the full band playing new single Letting Go. The crowd erupted into cheers and welcomed an encore which the band was more than happy to oblige to. Looks like Anton Franc have a lot to thank the Kimberleys for.

Written by Melissa Coci - Drum Media Perth

By the time Anton Franc hit the stage, the bar was well and truly packed.

Made up of med school pals Josh Bowyer and Jamie Kuzich, the set opened with a screening of the music video for the band’s first single Letting Go. Directed by Bowyer, the clip is set in the unique surrounds of the Kimberley, where the duo first decided to join their talents and write songs together. The audience responded enthusiastically to each song in the set with thoughtful explanations of the song meanings provided by Bowyer throughout. The night was extra special as the duo was complemented by a full band. Vocals were pitch perfect, resonating throughout the venue, offsetting instruments like the ukulele and saxophone to great effect. Even without the song explanations, it would be easy to recognise that some of the music was inspired by the Kimberley. Lady Of The Night felt so Australian, this duo could be the forerunners for resurrecting the Australian folk scene. Reacting to the energetic vibes coming off the audience, Kuzich announced the next song Oh Darling would be a “fun, dancey one”. The crowd agreed, letting loose and even singing along. The set ended in the same way it started – with the full band playing new single Letting Go. The crowd erupted into cheers and welcomed an encore which the band was more than happy to oblige to. Looks like Anton Franc have a lot to thank the Kimberleys for.

Written by Melissa Coci - Drum Media Perth

Last night for the first time in a while i went out with a group of friends… or more dragged out as i had other thoughts on a nice cosy night it. But I hardened up and committed to what i thought was going to be just another average night out on the town. Well, i was wrong. In what i thought had to be one of the dullest cities- it turned out that it actually had something pretty cool to offer. We started out at on a rooftop bar at The Aviary, with mango and pineapple cocktails called La Rossa while standing next to fires staying perfectly warm- incredibly with a magnificent view of the streets below. The different perspective you get from up high is remarkable- the details on the old buildings and the embossing is beautiful.

We then went on to see a friend of a friends band play at The Bird. As we were waiting outside in line for an age (in which time the pros and cons of staying or going somewhere else/ the closest bottle shop for wine, were discussed at length) we finally got in. I was really not fussed at all about going- after all i knew nothing about them or their music. And so i went in with no expectations. No hint of what i wanted from the night or the music. I felt so impartial to the whole situation.

Then they played their music video as it was the launch, and my jaw dropped. These guys are good i thought. Then they actually stared playing and i could not have enjoyed it more. From the melodic guitars to the bass kicking in with the sweet synth overlay and a voice raw and honest- it was like falling in love. I honestly think my thorough enjoyment came from my total lack of prior conjecture.

So thank you Anton Franc for a wonderful night, you made me smile. - 12 Straight Lines

Last night for the first time in a while i went out with a group of friends… or more dragged out as i had other thoughts on a nice cosy night it. But I hardened up and committed to what i thought was going to be just another average night out on the town. Well, i was wrong. In what i thought had to be one of the dullest cities- it turned out that it actually had something pretty cool to offer. We started out at on a rooftop bar at The Aviary, with mango and pineapple cocktails called La Rossa while standing next to fires staying perfectly warm- incredibly with a magnificent view of the streets below. The different perspective you get from up high is remarkable- the details on the old buildings and the embossing is beautiful.

We then went on to see a friend of a friends band play at The Bird. As we were waiting outside in line for an age (in which time the pros and cons of staying or going somewhere else/ the closest bottle shop for wine, were discussed at length) we finally got in. I was really not fussed at all about going- after all i knew nothing about them or their music. And so i went in with no expectations. No hint of what i wanted from the night or the music. I felt so impartial to the whole situation.

Then they played their music video as it was the launch, and my jaw dropped. These guys are good i thought. Then they actually stared playing and i could not have enjoyed it more. From the melodic guitars to the bass kicking in with the sweet synth overlay and a voice raw and honest- it was like falling in love. I honestly think my thorough enjoyment came from my total lack of prior conjecture.

So thank you Anton Franc for a wonderful night, you made me smile. - 12 Straight Lines