A band who embrace the rock & roll lifestyle, Melbourne-based Vermantics latest release is the single 'Rome'.
First forming early last year between Adelaide brothers Stefan (vocals/ guitar) and Daniel Fedele (bass/BVs), the pair headed to Melbourne to forge their own rock & roll path.After adding Jack Stevenson (guitarist), Julian Perrotta (drummer) and Damian Rustico (multi-instrumentalist), the band released a pair of twin singles in 2021: 'Vermantics Vol. 1' ('I Wanna Be You' and 'Architects') and 'Vermantics Vol. 2' ('Chained' and 'Mortality').
This year, they've played a sold-out show at Adelaide's Fat Controller and released their debut music video ('Chained').
'Rome' is about the back-and-forth thoughts of a breakup, between regret, wanting them back, to know there's no hope.
"Everyone has a place that they use to love, but it's now 'unliveable'," Damian says. "Wishful thinking doesn't help (confusion starts with satellites).
"The line 'I don't wanna be there' is a plead that you want to be anywhere else, but you're still drawn to those memories and places, even though you know she's not thinking of you or feeling the same."
Ahead of headline shows in Melbourne and Adelaide, the band share a few thoughts about their music as well as some more random stuff.
Who is... Vermantics are four Adelaideans and one Melbournite. Or four Italians and a Scot. Or sometimes four bearded people and one without: Stefan Fedele (vocals), Daniel Fedele (bass), Jack Stevenson (guitar), Julian Perrotta (drums), and Damian Rustico (guitar & keys).
We sound like... You're asking the wrong guys! We all have different musical backgrounds and influences; it's all melted into one sound over the past 18 months of writing. We'll leave it up to the audience to tell us what that sound is.
Our first gig was... The infamous Cherry Bar; a 1am slot no less! Could it get any more rock & roll?
When did you settle on the group's name, and was it a unanimous decision... Stef had the idea years ago, but it wasn't until Julian joined the band that we felt ready to settle on the name. It definitely wasn't a unanimous decision though – Daniel had his heart set on King Cashew and the Pistachios.
In the studio we usually... Wear pants. Except for Stef, he's different like that.
If we could tour with anyone... Mike Tyson and his tiger would be fun.
Social media is... Not the same since the MySpace and MSN days!
My favourite app at the moment is... We all use Nokia 3310s.
To date, our most embarrassing moment was the time... Dan getting pulled over by a cop on a horse.
Life on the road can be... Smelly.
If you'll have us on your bill, all we ask is that our rider contains... If it's Julian and Dan anything with an alcohol content. Jack requires Ceylon tea.
The most scary scenario we've found ourselves in, was... Driving up Mt Hotham in a van with a trailer with zero trailer experience.
What celebrity/ famous person would you love to be spokesperson of the band... Christopher Walken of course. Purely for the awkward pauses.
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why? LA purely because none of us have been there.
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party... Dave Grohl for the stories. Dustin Martin for the over the table fend-offs. Gordon Ramsey to keep us humble.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? Stef: Spaghetti marinara for sure. Jack: Chicken tikka masala.
When it comes to pets are you a lover or hater of our furry friends? We love pets, always dogs.
No matter the expense, send me a case of... Pickles.
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... Last week hehe, gotta do something to offset all those KFC Crunches.
What's the one chore you dislike the most? Stef: I really dislike doing the washing. Jack: Yeah, hate washing. Daniel: Filling up the car with petrol, not a fan.
Do you have any phobias... Jack: I definitely have tropophobia.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? 'Keeping Up With The Kardashians' because us getting ready is very dramatic, especially the guys with long hair.
If you could prank any of your friends, who's your target, and how are you bringing them down? Daniel: My target would definitely be Damian and it wouldn't be a prank it would be a contest of strength.
Best local takeaway joint for a midnight feed that will leave you with a food coma? Goofy's Pizza (Essendon) on a Friday night with the footy on!
Which fictional character best describes your personality? Don't know about fictional characters, but we're kinda like a family of meerkats.
Last show you binge-watched? 'Pam & Tommy' – Julian is a little obsessed. . . with Tommy.
Vermantics 2022 Tour Dates
Fri 29 Jul - Penny's Band Room (Melbourne)Fri 12 Aug - Low Life Bar (Adelaide)
