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THE JOHN STEEL SINGERS / LITTLE SCOUT / OH YE
DENVER BIRDS
The Old Museum - Sat Nov 7
Oh Ye Denver Birds, a young, local sextet tend to play
alternative, somewhat experimental folk music. Their set
tonight is lively, alert and impressive; leaning slightly towards
early-Grizzly Bear, the sound encompassing violin,
keyboard and synthesisers. Frontman Dominic Stephens
pulls the performance together, alternating between
microphone, synth and guitar throughout the show, his
shrill voice off set by some sweet harmonies with that of
their violinist.
Illustrating a softer take on indie-folk, Little Scout spin
on the axis created by the boy-girl harmonies of Melissa
Tickle and Patrick Elliott. Their delicate songs echo around
the vast hall with a sound that is simple and uncluttered,
and when augmented with a guest – Denver Bird violinist
Katherine – beautifully compliments their keys and spare
percussion. Engaging the swelling audience, the Scouties
seem more assured in their growing sound, and it’s this individual
take on pop that marks the quartet apart as one
of Brisbane’s more exceptional bands.
Halfway through their set, The John Steel Singers’
frontman Tim Morrissey curses the gifted supports for
making them look bad. This couldn’t be further from the
truth, with this tour-hardened sextet a tremendously talented
group who seem incapable of performing poorly.
With new bassist Damien Hammond joining their ranks
tonight, the JSS take on pop proves endlessly energetic
and joyful. The set gives a sneak peak at their anticipated
debut long-player Tangalooma, but also brims with older
favourites like Strawberry Wine and Evolution. Their
impressive brass section has become something of a JSS
hallmark, lifting the performance above any indie-pop
norm and creating an infectious dance fl oor. In a mass
rush the stage is engulfed by their supports, friends and
a few randoms for the grand fi nale, until there are roughly
20 people on stage, dancing, singing and playing any
instrument that isn’t nailed down to create a gambolling
musical circus. The future looks bright indeed.
NINA ATKINSON
- Rave Magazne, Brisbane
Discography
The Beagle and the Dove EP
In Colours EP
Masochist single
The John Steel Singers won the Triple J radio "new artist of the year" j award.
They have had the singles masochist, luxembourg, rainbow kraut, evolution, strawberry wine on high rotation on the station
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Bio
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE JOHN STEEL SINGERS RELEASE NEW SINGLE 'MASOCHIST' IN OCTOBER 2009
DEBUT ALBUM 'TANGALOOMA' TO FOLLOW EARLY 2010
The collision of art-rock, classic pop and indie has never sounded as lush as it does on 'Masochist', the first single lifted from Brisbane six piece band The John Steel Singers' forthcoming debut album.
Recorded under the guidance of producer, mentor and fellow Queenslander Robert Forster of The Go-Betweens, new single 'Masochist' sees The John Steel Singers blend rich vocal harmonies and horns to create a woozy, psychedelic soundtrack for the lyrics of writer Scott Bromiley. 'Masochist' has The John Steel Singers apply what is becoming their trademarked psychedelic, observation of a disfunctional relationship; the story here of a man who can't apply himself to love. The band keep things upbeat though, moving between Beatles'eque horn arrangements and orchestral pomp. It's a fluid, appealing sound.
Following the high-rotation Triple J radio success of previous singles 'Rainbow Kraut', ‘Evolution’ and ‘Strawberry Wine’ the John Steel Singers took the opportunity to record their debut album with Robert Forster in Melbourne’s Sing Sing Studios. Forster has drawn a live, energetic performance out of the group, allowing them freedom to wander and experiment. The album will be tied together by Brooklyn-based producer Nicholas Vernhes, renowned for working with US indie giants Animal Collective and Dearhunter. He is due to complete mixing the album at his Rare Book Room Studio in Brooklyn by the middle of October.
New single 'Masochist' showcases The John Steel Singers' bent sense of color and versatility in composition, their effortless pastiche of classic pop and warped indie. The John Steel Singers hit the road in October to celebrate the launch of 'Masochist'. Joining the band will be the faint but irresistible folk hues of Little Scout, whose are launching during the tour their second EP “ Different in the Distance”.
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