Bansheeland

This band is an excellent representation of some of the wildly innovative indie and experimental rock coming out of Tasmania. When I was compiling the list for the article, I was wary of sharing the love around geographically, but Launceston’s Bansheeland were far too good not to include. Formed in late 2013, they show a cohesion and collective songwriting prowess which is far beyond the short amount of time they’ve been together.
Combining everything from grunge, psych, indie, punk, and garage, they come across so credible and devoid of pretension that it naturally evokes an endearing and emotionally primitive response. It reminds me of early Claire Bowditch (back in the day), when she was a champion of truth and lyrical authenticity. Bansheeland demonstrate a similar spirit in the vivid and lucid imagery projected through their lyrical content. Their grunge influences spike through beautifully by way of some dark and pensive soundscapes, distinguishable in songs like Death Of A Surfer and Breeders, alongside a more stripped-back alternative/punk feel with songs like Plain White Toast.
I like to think I’m reasonably accurate with my predictions of Tasmanian bands breaking out of the state, and I have absolutely no doubt Bansheeland will make waves in Australia and overseas – they’re a band who will appeal to an extensive array of musical tastes, purely by being so genuine. People value and respect authenticity, and will champion bands that show no forceful agenda. Bansheeland is an extremely talented and young band producing amazing original content who, in time, will truly have the world at their feet.
Recently supporting Dallas Frasca on the last show of their European & Australian tour, and playing several music and arts festivals in Tas, they are already beginning to gain recognition from bands and industry figureheads alike. Their bassist has taken a break from SLAPPIN DA BASS to nip over to Europe quickly, so there’re no upcoming shows just yet – but their debut EP is due to be released in a few months and you can check out their demo material during the wait on Soundcloud. - I Probably Hate Your Band (John Mason)

ONE of Launceston's newest all-girl bands is all about having a good time.

Five-piece Bansheeland have been gigging solidly around Tasmania since forming late last year.

Bansheeland are Yasmin Reece on drums, Mary Shannon on vocals and guitar, Lucinda Shannon on bass and vocals , Tori Rattray on vocals and lead tambourine, and Sheridan Kerr on lead guitar.

Kerr said Facebook, word-of-mouth and family ties brought the band together, the all-girl group a concept borne of singer Mary Shannon.

"When we were first starting out, we really weren’t sure how people would respond to our music, especially since we’ve always struggled with conforming to just one genre," Kerr said.

"We organised our first gig in April, and much to our surprise, we have received a huge amount of support ever since. We’ve been quite busy, having played around 10 shows since then, and have made some great connections for the future."

The band have been booked in to play at next month's Junction Arts Festival, and are in the process of recording an EP, which Kerr said would be ready for release later this year.

This Saturday, Bansheeland will play alongside Sydney band Monte and fellow Tasmanians Lyke Giants at Club 54.

Lucinda Shannon waxed lyrical on just what makes Bansheeland tick.

"With their feet firmly planted in the legacy of 90s indie rock, they believe that music is about having a good time," she said, via Kerr.

"A damn good, loud time. You’ll dance, you’ll thrash, you’ll sway, you might cry a little, you’ll definitely want to quit your job and you’ll probably want to eat some toasted bread."

Want more Bansheeland? Find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bansheeland - The Examiner (Zona Black)