RPG Radio

RPG Radio
Rpg.radio@gmail.com
www.myspace.com/rpgradio
+61 414 891 824

Biography
“Gonna rant and rave, misbehave if I want to.
All of our excuses could be put to better uses.”

“Our Excuses put to better Uses” is an independent release by Melbourne based band RPG Radio. The EP displays the bands hallmarks of passionate songwriting and storytelling. This combined with an inspired contemporary approach to Rock ‘n’ Roll generates a compelling experience. The EP is filled with a rich, contagious energy that is both captivating and musically definitive of the present time.

This debut EP is a complete RPG Radio production with all songs written, performed, recorded, mixed and mastered by the band. “We wanted to self produce this first EP to present an undiluted depiction of our ideas, and develop and define our style”. The recording exemplifies the breadth of creative musical talent within the band, which lays clear foundation for further major studio releases.

A major ingredient of the band’s raw-edged charm comes from front man, former Londoner Darren Reston’s vocal delivery. His harsh London spoken word gives way to melodic chorus sections that provoke thought and the odd wry smile. Think Arctic Monkeys meet Pink Floyd jamming with Tom Waits. RPG also draws influence from classic bands such as Led Zeppelin and Radiohead, with elements of The Dirty Three and Jamie T. This lyrical style of story telling and character based songs is very popular in the UK with artists such as Just Jack and Lilly Allen.

The band has the innate ability to translate this lyrical styling into a musical adaptation. Darren’s lyrical content draws from character based story telling and social commentary, and you don’t have to look too far to discover that there is meaning beyond the literal.

The band has performed in many of Melbourne’s foremost music venues, such as:

• The Evelyn Hotel
• Cornish Arms Hotel
• The Empress
• Brunswick Hotel
• 303
• PBS FM Radio
• Bay FM (Byron Bay)
• The Rails (Byron Bay)

“They have a great vintage rock sound mixed with hip-hop and blues grooves, If I had to sum them up in two words…. Geezer Rock!”
(Jim Walter PBS Fm production manager.)

Further Background Information

Lead singer/guitarist Darren Reston moved from London to Portishead and became part of the emerging Bristol scene that included Portishead, Massive Attack and Tricky. “Some great music came from that area and period and I was lucky enough to jam with some of them along the way”.

Reston holds the position of head engineer at PBS FM Radio and is well known for audio production, live and studio mixing. He has worked with many national, international and local artists such as Plutonic Labs, The Audrey’s, Billy Bragg, Clare Bowditch, Supersuckers, Tex Perkins and Arrested Development to name a few.

The members of the band hail from ethnically diverse backgrounds including British, Italian, Jewish and Australian, and have been performing individually for over 10yrs. This influence and diversity, along with the experience gained from travel can be heard in their music and lyrics.

Kein Jenkin (Kit), Frank Pearce (Bass), Gidon Symons (Guitars) and Darren have all completed Formal music training across many institutions and disciplines at: Monash University, Box Hill Institute and NMIT. The band is a result of these musical networks. Frank says, “When we were looking for a drummer for RPG I knew who would be perfect. I had filled in for a double bass player in a jazz band and Kein was also filling in on the kit”.

The band is track laying for a full-length album in late 2009. They have also recorded a live Acoustic set of material including a Bay Fm Live Radio set in Byron Bay. RPG acoustic features brushes on a cut down kit, double bass and slide.

A live show concept for larger venues and theatres is currently being developed with Tourmeister and Powa that includes visuals effects, real time interaction of lighting and set to further the experience of the songs. If you’re looking for music with substance, and content to get your teeth into, then look no further.