Meanjin darlings The Dandys are quickly become one of the 'it' bands to emerge from the banks of the Maiwar for quite some time, their riveting, irresistible, grungy indie rock appealing to ears and dancing feet alike.
After making their debut with the achingly raw, yet honestly laidback single 'Good Life' last year, The Dandys are ready to take it up a notch with newest single 'Lemons', a manic track (produced by Brock Weston of BUGS, so you know it's solid good) that swings from dark-pop, punkish indie rock to bruised, spoken-word ramblings as frontwoman Mads Protheroe detailing a highly personable moment in the lyrics."['Lemons' is] about a time where my mental health was at its lowest – a night where life had become an overwhelming prospect and I found myself running down the streets and blacking out," Mads says.
"The song reflects the surreal experience of mania and how sometimes we try so hard to be positive, but life keeps giving us lemons."
After selling out their Black Bear Lodge show last year (the day after 'Good Life' landed), The Dandys return to the stage next month at Tomcat to launch 'Lemons' officially.
Before they do, settle in with your fave cuppa tea (or adult beverage; it is Friday after all) and get to know The Dandys are little more. We're sure you'll be well impressed.
Who are The Dandys... Your local Meanjin darlings: Mads (vocals, rhythm guitar), Felix (lead guitar), Henry (bass) and Nick on the tubs.
We sound like... A combination of Courtney Barnett, Rolling Blackouts CF and Wet Leg.
Our first gig was... Either Tomcat or Vinnies; we don't remember, it's all a bit of a blur.
When did you settle on the group's name, and was it a unanimous decision... Mads and Bella (who sadly left the band early on) came up with the name sitting by the iconic Brissie River and everyone thought it was passable, hahaha!
In the studio we usually... Eat Maccas, over-caffeinate ourselves and it gets weird.
If we could tour with anyone... Courtney Barnett or Teen Jesus And The Jean Teasers.
Social media is... Only good for memes.
My favourite app at the moment is... Mads: NY Times Crosswords. Felix: Chess.com. Henry: QLD Check In App (COVID safe babayyyy).
To date, our most embarrassing moment was the time... When Felix went to rip a phat riff to open a song and his guitar was muted. Just silence. So bad.
Life on the road can be... We haven't been on the road, but we imagine it would be chaotic in the best way.
If you'll have us on your bill, all we ask is that our rider contains... Mads: Stone & Wood. Felix: Bahn Mi and a Viet iced coffee. Henry: Moose cheese.
The most scary scenario we've found ourselves in was... When Henry was chasing Felix with a cane toad; nearly caused a band breakup and potentially a societal collapse.
What celebrity/ famous person would you love to be spokesperson of the band... The train guy, Frances Bourgeois. Want his opinion on our tones.
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why? Either Manchester or San Francisco – the music scenes are insane there.
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party... Mads: Janis Joplin. Felix: Archy Marshall (King Krule). Henry: Greep from Black Midi.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? Mads: Nachos. Felix: Spag bol. Henry: Slow-cooked Osso-Bucco with a side of steamed lemon asparagus. [Ed's note: We'll go the slow-cooked option please; how's Tuesday night?]
When it comes to pets are you a lover or hater of our furry friends? Lover – we all got 'em.
No matter the expense, send me a case of... Mads: Stone & Wood. Felix: Grey Goose. Henry: Patron.
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... On Instagram?!
What's the one chore you dislike the most? Unanimously, mopping sucks ass.
Do you have any phobias... Mads: Spiders – too many legs, and eyes and they're hairy. Felix: Cane toads. . . immediately sprints away. Henry: Band aids in swimming pools. . . f... that!
Would you ever partake in a reality show? 'Geordie Shore', just to watch the chaos.
If you could prank any of your friends, who's your target, and how are you bringing them down? We'd absolutely target Felix, fill his guitar case with cane toads before a gig. Opens it up, boom.
Best local takeaway joint for a midnight feed that will leave you with a food coma? 5 Dogs for sure.
Which fictional character best describes your personality? Mads: Daria. Felix: Fezco but without the dealing. Henry: Ron Weasley.
Last show you binge-watched (and what kept you glued to the screen)? Mads: 'Euphoria', Zendaya. Felix: 'Succession', theme song. Henry: 'Archive 81', messes with your head.
The Dandys launch 'Lemons' ay Tomcat (Brisbane) 16 April.
