Both Something for Kate and Frenzal Rhomb are known for their somewhat odd tastes in music and their stage performances. At differing ends of the spectrum in terms of musical style, they’re linked by the fact that they are masters at the music they play. If nothing else, they’re both capable of whipping a crowd into a frenzy at any festival across the country.
This is of particular importance considering both bands will be taking part in the Under The Stars festival this New Year’s Eve at Davies Park. Joining acts such a Buffalo Tom, iNsuRge and Not From There, Something For Kate and Frezal Rhomb are certainly among good company.
While both bands say they’re looking forward to Under the Stars, they’re having to divert some of their attention elsewhere - both have new albums looming just around the corner.
As Something For Kate vocalist Paul Dempsey explains, recording their second album has been the band’s primary concern.
“The last few months we have spent getting songs written and recorded,” Paul explains. “[It] sounds easy enough, but we have really wanted to make an interesting record. I think it’s sometimes too easy for bands to do what they find easy instead of trying to push themselves and see what they can produce. This time we have tried to break down our sound and make something different out of it.
“It’s like when you have this equation of bass, guitars and drums; you have to look at ways to make it sound fresh and interesting. There are so many other bands that use these tools, that making something that feels new is difficult. So that’s pretty much where we are at.”
Because SKF are working on the notoriously difficult second album, you’d expect them to be feeling some pressure. Fortunately, that’s not the case.
“I think that’s more to do with how the industy makes things,” he clarifies. “You hear about all these bands that are having trouble making a second album. Really all that is, is the fact that a band has to match the success - commercially, I mean - of their first record. It can be really hard for bands to do that. Especially if they are under pressure from their record company to produce singles that will sell.
“Fortunately for us there’s mainly support from our label. Everyone wants to hear what we are doing. They are interested in us doing what we want in terms of creativity. That’s been really reassuring for us and I think people will be able to hear it when the album comes out.”
Frenzal Rhomb are also wrapping up their new punk rock bomb blast trapped on magnetic tape. Starting the recording process while in-between tours in the US, the band feel that this could be an album to remember them by. Especially considering the esteemed company that has recorded in the studio prior to them.
“What drew us there was the classy name bands that had been there before us,” laughs Jason. “When we got there they had all these gold records on the walls by bands like Dokken and Ratt. That was when we knew this was the place for us to record our epic 80s metal album. I think Guns And Roses had also recorded some stuff there, which was cool. I mean, if those guys are willing to give it a go then we are too!
“We’ve got about another third to record in January. I’m not sure what’s going to happen with that. Today we are rehearsing trying to get some more songs writted. That way some of it will be new. The stuff we did in America sounds really good, but I just want to get more songs finished up, so when we go back in the studio there’s a lot of material for us to choose from. Like we had a stack of songs to choose from when we did the recording in the States and I want that again.”
Frenzal Rhomb, like most Australian bands, are looking to make further moves to solidify their place in the American music scene. Returning to the States next year, the band will be once again be touring on the Vans Warped tour.
“Warped want us back! That’s cool, especially because it’s such a great tour to be a part of. We’ve also worked out what’s happening with our new record over there. Fat Wreck Chords are going to be doing it. I’m pretty happy about that. They are a good label because they’ll get your records in the shops wherever you are touring. To me taht’s the most important thing. Without that you kind of don’t have any way of people getting a hold of your music. The other advantage is those guys have offices all over the world now: South America, Europe, down here. They have it covered and that’s great because they can always help us out like that. Of course, Shock will be doing it here in Australia.”
Frenzal Rhomb and Something For Kate play Under The Stars on New Year’s Eve at Davies Park. See the concert calender for the full line-up. Tickets for the all ages even ($30 +bf) are available from Rocking Horse, Skinny’s, Flex Your Head, Inferior Records and Time off.
Under The Stars is an all-ages event - photo ID is essential to consume alcohol.