With a new album due for release in the middle part of 2015, Geelong's The Murlocs are gearing up for another round of live dates next month.
Frontman Ambrose Kenny-Smith coloured outside the lines while answering our questions. We didn't mind.
The band have had a busy summer: Ty Segall and Mac DeMarco tours, recording your new album… has there been a highlight among that lot?
The last few months have been great to finally get our shit together. Playing both with Mac and Ty was unreal, we would have gone to see them anyways so sharing the stage was something else indeed.
Touring with other bands… are you a social band that enjoys going on adventures with your fellow travellers?
Going out for ice-cream after a show is always a treat.
The follow-up album to 'Loopholes'; how is it coming together?
It has a June release date, right? It's all recorded, so just been sorting out the mixes with our faithful producer Stu Mackenzie. Hopefully it will all come together soon. The title has been hard as always to agree on.
Where does it differ from 'Loopholes'?
I guess I picked up the guitar and figured out a few more of my tunes than usual with the lads. It's all a bit more uptempo than 'Loopholes', but still pretty simple and to the point.
Where did you record? What affect did that have?
We recorded it over a Saturday/ Sunday at the secret warehouse in Fairfield, Melbourne. I did my vocals, harp, acoustic and some keys as overdubs with Stu as well as some backing vocals from some of the fellas. Recording all the tracks though over that weekend was really productive for us, for a change.
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Your new single is called 'Adolescence'. Can you tell us an amusing/ funny story from your own teenage years.
The one night when I wasn't home and some dero chicks egged my house and lit a gas cylinder on fire in the driveway for fun.
The April, national tour… what's life like on the road with The Murlocs? Who usually drives the tour van?
Well we're gonna be flying most places, but three of us have got licenses. I'm hoping it will be pretty mutual, as I'm sure no one will want to put their hand up after shows to drive. Lead guitarist Cal 'Carlos Shortana' Shortal is always a handful of joy and the newest addition Mladen 'Bump Don't Grind' Lalic Milinković keeps us on our toes.
Food on the road can suck; if you don't like truck-diner meals. Do you guys pack cut-lunches etc?
We're usually pretty poor so Aldi is a smart option that we never really think of till it's too late. Hungry Jacks is often the case. But it ain't shit without the mandatory spicy and ranch sauce on the side.
If a member of the public wants to hang with The Murlocs post show, what's the best method to get your attention?
Potent body odour, a lovely laugh like Fran Drescher and a bull ring.
The rest of 2015 for the band… what's on the menu?
Release this album, hopefully make it overseas at some point, start recording the next thing and collaborate with Raed.
Was the dress #blueandblack or #whiteandgold?
Black and blue dude.
The Murlocs Tour Dates
Fri 3 Apr - Northcote Social Club (Melbourne)Sat 4 Apr - Northcote Social Club (Melbourne)
Thu 9 Apr - Newtown Social Club (Sydney)
Fri 10 Apr - Elsewhere Bar (Gold Coast)
Sat 11 Apr - Woolly Mammoth (Brisbane)
Sat 18 Apr - Four5nine (Perth)
Sun 19 Apr - Mojos (Fremantle)
Fri 24 Apr - Barwon Club (Geelong)
