Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
This band has no press
Discography
A Year in a Pub - 8 track EP
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
If you wanted to sum up the music Shanks Pony plays into a general classification you could easily say it was folk/rock. But when you put four musicians on a stage with varying influences, one could look much deeper and say that their style is much more than that. This four piece band from Perth, Western Australia has celtic roots fuelled by beer chugging choruses, full-bosomed bar wenches and the finest lyrics ranging from the sensitive to down right rowdy. Shanks Pony is a band that knows how to have fun, and this is clearly seen on stage with their up-tempo music and rowdy antics. This unique sound can be compared to the likes of Weddings Parties Anything, The Pogues, Flogging Molly and to a lesser extent the Dropkick Murphys. With a Paul Kelly influence and a hint of the old Australian bush folk tunes, Shanks Pony is the new sound the Australian folk-revival has been looking for.
Shanks Pony's debut CD titled "A Year in a Pub" is set for release in March, 2007. Containing a total of eight tracks, six of which are their own originals is a great representation of what this band is all about. Not only has Shanks Pony spent the best part of a year (or so) in pubs plugging away at their music, the title track "A Year in a Pub" written by front man Pete Varcoe, is an absolute belter of a tune and is a true count of events that occurred in his life when his family owned a pub (The Yorkshire Stingo) in Melbourne, Australia. With a catchy tune and very moving lyrics, this song is one you'll be singing in your head for days. The CD also features songs about packing up your life in the country to move back to the city; a take on Australian business values; and Friday night pints with your mates. It also has a great modern rendition of an Aussie traditional bush tune "Lachlan Tigers" and some great harmony work in an old sea shanty "Whip Jamboree".
Shanks Pony are currently gigging within the city of Perth and Fremantle, but also like to spread their brand of music and head to the country areas. With a line-up of gigs at the Nannup Music Festival and some gigs in the areas of Quindanning and Denmark, you're bound to catch up with these guys soon.
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