Skybombers
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Skybombers

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Band Rock

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This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

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"Thursday, July 16 2009 @ Revolver, Prahran by Kelly Swift"

Telling people you’re heading to Revolver always coincides with either a little chuckle or an immense cringe, for a number of obvious reasons. So sick I am of trying to explain to others how the band room is a completely separate entity and that I’m not some trash fiend clubber, I now just travel incognito. Such was the case last night when I climbed ye old staircase and made a sharp left to see Melbourne rockers Skybombers prepare to rip it up in what was slated to be a very, very important gig for the boys.

The vitality of this gig was clearly felt with the swiftly packing venue and the distinct taste of ballsy excitement, possibly even some minor nerves, in the buzzing atmosphere. Nerves from a band that has toured both Japan and The U.S.A might seem a tad bizarre, until it is understood that this gig could see them performing alongside, arguably, one of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll bands in the world. Even if they’d soiled themselves in anticipation, all would have been forgiven.

Fortunately they managed to keep everything in tact as they mounted the stage and sorted through some unsettling microphone issues with a poorly organised and gear-grinding sound manager. It was not the smoothest of starts for a night worth so much. However, lead singer, Hugh Gurney, made quick to appease the frustration with his droll wise-cracks and natural showmanship; revving up the punters with that deep loud-speaker voice, the one that demands nothing but full blown attention.

Before another swig of my beer they were already tearing in to their set, belting out songs from their 2008 LP, Take Me to Town, as well as a handful of new material. That was all it took to keep the stuffed venue rubbing sweaty shoulders and shuffling ever forward with their beverages in hand. Lead guitarist, Sam Bethune, proved as entertaining to watch as any of the finest gone before him, completely shredding his way, and his strings, through the well-rehearsed and killer tight execution; while Gurney made his vibes felt with some self-assured sexual innuendo and ever-so-captivating stage presence. Luckily for him, he has both the face and voice to pull off such a confident demeanor, even despite the band member shout-outs getting a little repetitive and tired.

Both boys were reliably backed by Scott McMurtrie (drums) and new member, Will Brown (bass), who recently replaced original member, Ravi Sharma, to round the taut show through to the finish line. Overall, their set was strong, loud and polished appropriately- each song executed from record to stage with meticulous precision. Skybombers seem to be a band that cares to sound solid and sought-after, without hindering their own mass appeal. Their songs are definitive of equal amounts garage-rock ‘n’ roll instrumentalism and equal amounts melodic-pop sensibility, both combined and laid bare without any glimpse of restraint or apology.

If Skybombers don’t get the support slot they proved they so rightly deserve, their booking agent must be deaf. - http://www.thedwarf.com.au/nd/livereviews/melbourne/skybombers_revolver


"Album Review - Take Me To Town"

Australia's Skybombers don't sound like AC/DC, but they've got enough rock n' roll swagger and attitude to make the Aussie rock gods proud. Another common thread with the brothers Young and Co. is the band's penchant for straight-up, slamming riffs. Skybombers' Take Me To Town is cocked and loaded with dirty power chord driven fuzz and arena-ready choruses. "Always Complaining" has got the gusto to spark up any kegger with a big undeniable hook and an even ballsier riff to back it up. "It Goes Off" segues from a garage rock chord break to a Guns N' Roses-style buildup, and the band reaches heights of classic hard rock ecstasy. This is the kind of rock that's been missing in these days of eyeliner and emo, and the world needs more of it. It's dirty, raw, fun and ripe for anything from a party to cruising down the Sunset Strip. Even when Skybombers slow things down on the ballad-y "If You Want to Be The One," they still channel a raw edge from the vintage amp sounds and tones. The acoustic "My Morning's Gone" is another highlight with its visual lyrics and undeniable, little melody.

Granted, the latter half of the album leaves a little to be desired in the diversity department. The band masters the art of hook n' groove during the first half of the record, and they don't stray from it much thereafter. Still, the last track, "Reason to Live," has enough punch for a prizefight. Ultimately, Take Me Town fires off enough consistent rock and roll hits to make you put Back In Black back on the shelf for at least half of your next kegger.

—Rick Florino
05.29.08 - http://www.artistdirect.com/music/review/0,,4700978,00.html


Discography

EP - Sirens
Single - Always Complaining
Single - If You Want To Be The One
Debut Album - Take Me To Town
Single - Love Me Like You Used To Do

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Bio

Youth. Energy. Rock and Roll. Since the 1960’s this combination has propelled thousands of youngsters into garages, with borrowed guitars, broken drums and a swiftly taught power chord.

The story for Skybombers is no different; it begins with the ejection of one member from his high school orchestra, as a result of some ‘living end’ style double bass standing. The word went out, guitars were borrowed, drumkits were dusted off and re-assembled. The first rehearsal began with silence; two boys, having hated each other since a fistfight in year eight, now found themselves sitting in awkward silence, waiting for the remaining two members to arrive. Four words were said: “How are you?” Good, how are you? Good.”

The lads wrote songs based on those of the bands they loved, 1960’s garage pop, 1970’s rock and roll, early punk, 1990’s grunge and Britpop. The Kinks, The Clash, You Am I, The Easybeats, Oasis, The Hives. The racket echoed outta the suburban garage and straight into another era. The youth and the energy still remained.