|
|
|
|
Bio
Girls Germs are an energetic 3-piece band from Brisbane, who have risen through the ranks of the independent music scene to be in an enviable position of amazing CD sales and a widespread fanbase. Blending many styles and with members with roots in both jazz and classical music, the band has combined the sum of their parts to create a uniquely Australian blend of rock, power-pop, punk, reggae, ska, jazz and metal.
Forming
in the balmy summer of 1995, the first incarnation as a four-piece (only
for 2 shows) debuted on the
eve of Livid at the Melbourne Hotel, where they were watched by Livid
performer, Jello Biafra (Dead Kennedys).
Starting with fewer than 10 originals, the band hit the stage
from scratch, honing their skills with weekly performances and finding
their feet with a song, “The Door” released on the seminal Bris-punk
compilation – Brisbane Calling. The
ensuing air play secured the band gigs at Crash n Burn (ground-breaking
indie venue), with their first major support slots with The Voodoo Glow
Skulls and Strung Out.
After
the overwhelming success from the first EP, the band developed a
broader, more mature sound. Maintaining
the pop sensibility and close harmonies, the second EP/Mini Album delved
into a darker space. The
recording bettered its predecessor, selling 1500 copies in 6 months and
charting in the A.I.R top 20 for 12 weeks, peaking at no.3 (below George
and the John Butler Trio). Slow Burning Fuse was released in 2000 and
saw the band spread its fan base from North Queensland to Melbourne and
Sydney, via many smaller regional centres.
This touring was further supported by the Queensland Arts
Council, where the Germs are now a regular part of their “On Demand”
program, which besides being advertised in a glossy magazine which is
sent to all Qld schools, has seen the band toured as far west as Winton
and as far north as Cairns.
At
the beginning of 2001, Ben Lockens, the original drummer departed the
band for overseas, leaving a period which saw Angus from the Blood Idols
fill in. A permanent new
member was found in Jeff Paton, an 18-year-old jazz student studying at
the Queensland Conservatorium (where Bernie studied for his BMus).
Jeff has brought new energy, tightness and professionalism to the
band, bringing complex jazz fills and invigoration to the line-up.
In
the last 6 months, the band has performed many major shows including
Rocket Festival (Resin Dogs, Soma Rasa), Rapid Festival (sub-headlining
below Superheist), Hoogie (Frenzal, Shutterspeed, Rhubarb), Vans Warped
(Pennywise, Vandals etc), Unwritten Law (main-support), Bad Manners
(main-support), Mach Pelican (main support) and Screamfeeder.
Currently
half-way through production of their new CD, the new songs are a
testament to the bands evolution. Having
well and truly developed their own “sound”, the band moves through
many musical styles, while still maintaining their roots. Bernie
explains,”after 6 years of playing with similar styled bands, you
realise the importance of being yourself and developing and believing in
your own sound. Pop-culture
is fickle and trends quickly change, leaving the imitators behind.
With these new tracks, we’ve tried to write good solid songs in
many styles. A good song will survive all trends and transcend time”
The
initial single, “Summer Melts” is a great indication of things to
come, blending reggae and pop, while catching the feel of the Queensland
Summer and the end-of-holiday sentiment – “Why can’t we stay on
the beach and watch summer melt away/ Call all your friends/ and quit
your job today.”
With
one of Brisbane’s largest fan bases, great CD sales, a strong
marketability, DIY ethos and indie credibility, Girls Germs have
developed themselves into one of Brisbane’s premier self-managed, self
financed and best known acts.
The
Album, “Germ Warfare” is due for release in early 2003, but in the
meantime watch out for a Summer release of the single – Summer Melts.
|
|
|
