After a 2020 that saw them release four singles as well as build their reputation as a live act locally, Adelaide alt-rock punks Nocturnal Animals begin 2021 with newest single 'Articuno Makes Waves'.
Released late last month, the track finds Nocturnal Animals further exploring the indie rock landscape that's heavily doused with their punk-rock attitude. "The song is about a relationship falling apart," the band says."It was written at the time of the relationship, but from the perspective of if it had already come to an end.
"The chorus lyrics really sums it up, but it's that weird situation when you know the relationship is over (or doomed to be), but don't want to admit it yet."
Ahead of their show at Adelaide UniBar on 20 March, Nocturnal Animals sat down for an introductory chat.
Who is Nocturnal Animals... We formed in 2019 from the break-up of three previous bands: Chasing Claire, Baja Bleeders and Roacher Poacher. Four friends got together to form a new band.
Soon after one member decided to move on, and Nocturnal Animals became a three-piece (Dyl, Bamm and Stu). Taking the rest of 2019 to regroup the band started big in 2020 releasing four singles, three music videos and four SOLD OUT single launch shows in Adelaide.
We sound like... If you took Nirvana, Placebo, Blink-182, The Pixies and Children Collide, put them into a blender you get a touch of Nocturnal Animals. Loud drums, big bass and distorted guitars followed with raw yet harmonious vocals – we have a unique alternative-rock sound.
Our first gig was... With the current line-up, we played our first show at the Exeter Beer Garden for the 'Rocket Girls' single launch. Our first sold-out show and first single.
When did you settle on the group's name, and was it a unanimous decision... The name process took time as we wanted something that was unanimous, representing our sound faithfully but with true intrigue simultaneously. We came to the choice of 'Nocturnal Animals' early in the jam sessions and demos.
In the studio we usually... Are scratching our heads on how to get the recoding software to work, haha! We DIY record, so it's a process of learning the software sometimes before even playing music.
If we could tour with anyone... International act: Biffy Clyro. The Scottish trio are a favourite and to tour with them would be amazing. Local would be DZ Deathrays; one of not only our favourite Australian acts, but acts ever. Can't wait to share the stage with the kings of the pit.
Social media is... A large part of the modern music world. You need to give people a reason to be interested; we strive to make content to keep fans entertained. Go to our Instagram and find out what we mean yourself; check the story highlights particularly.
My favourite app at the moment is... Dyl: I won’t lie. . . TikTok. It's ruining my sleep pattern. Bamm: Disney+ app; I'm addicted to anything Disney. Stu: Definitely not Duolingo; I've been getting harassed by that owl for months now.
To date, our most embarrassing moment was the time... We have interludes in our live show; once the opening interlude didn't trigger properly and we were left in silence.
Life on the road can be... Imagine fun! Since COVID, we are yet to travel on the road. We are itching for shows outside Adelaide.
If you'll have us on your bill, all we ask is that our rider contains... We're not hard to please, few beers are nice. Pack of Sour Skittles and you're a golden venue indeed. Milk is required also – as three skeleton boys we need calcium.
The most scary scenario we've found ourselves in, was... Two of us had a harrowing experience in America, but for the full story you'll have to find us in a bar sometime and share a couple of bevvies.
What celebrity/ famous person would you love to be spokesperson of the band... I think the music speaks for itself, but if you're twisting our arms – Jake Gyllenhaal. Why? Why not! It's bloody Jake Gyllenhaal! Also Ryan Gosling – is there a trend here?
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why? Dyl: New York – the city has a pulse to it. Everything feels alive and exciting. Bamm: Chicago or Washington D.C. – best places I've ever been too.
Stu: Adelaide is an amazing place to call home, but somewhere with a little more excitement would be nice every now and then. I mean you never see supervillains destroying Adelaide do you?
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party... Dyl: Easy, three members of my family. Mum, sister and her husband. Why? Who’s better than family to break bread with!
Bamm: Three people for dinner? Dylan can have his family, I see mine every night. If I had it my way it would be Einstein, Jack Sparrow and Sherlock Holmes at the dinner table. Stu: Dylan, Brandon and baby eel aka Tyler. Little offended neither of these two picked me to be honest.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? We wouldn't cook, we'd have a big bucket of KFC ready and a wide range of rum-based drinks made by ourselves for your tasting! Only question is... what sauce with the chicken?
When it comes to pets are you a lover or hater of our furry friends? LOVERS. Go through our Instagram story highlights, and you will find a cast of our furry pet friends performing in skits, haha.
No matter the expense, send me a case of... Dyl: Tough one. Kraken rum. Bamm: Send me a case of Pringles or potato gems. Also Ratu Rum, how could I forget the rum? Stu: Bubonic plague. Fresh.
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... Dyl: Early 2020. Yikes. Bamm: Yesterday and while writing this in the next hour. Got to keep those bones strong. Stu: Probably the start of last year, getting thrown around by a black belt in a jiu-jitsu class.
What's the one chore you dislike the most? Dyl: Since childhood it hasn't changed. Dishes. Bamm: Chores: I love doing the dishes! I don't mind being the cleaning slave of the family. Chores are a hobby. How good of a feeling is it to have a clean house. Stu: I find chores meditative, so nothing really applies for me here.
Do you have any phobias... Dyl: Heights, yet I've jumped out of a plane (and loved it) so figure that one out. Bamm: Open water. By god if I was a Pokémon, I would be an earth or fire Pokémon. You'll never see me repping for water. There's too much of it on this planet; just doesn't vibe with me Stu: Large insects. Nobody likes large insects.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? As a band, if they ever did band 'Fear Factor' sign us up!
If you could prank any of your friends, who's your target, and how are you bringing them down? If we write that here, we'll never be able to get them.
Best local takeaway joint for a 2am feed that will leave you with a food coma? We recently found an all-night Indian restaurant which we are dying to try; our prediction is food coma. Otherwise 2am Nando's, yes please
Which fictional character best describes your personality? As a band not a character as such, as a Monty Python skit would sum our personality up. For the sake of it, Bamm believes he would be the driver from 'Drive' with Ryan Gosling. "He's just like me, a real human being."
Last show you binge-watched (and what kept you glued to the screen)? Dyl: 'Girls' on Binge. Old favourite; the humour just gets me. I recently converted Stu onto the show too, which I’m proud of. Bamm: 'Night Stalker' murder documentary. Stu: 'Neon Genesis Evangelion'. The shows lack of fear for letting scenes breathe and be silent I found super refreshing, although it hasn't aged terribly well.
