This month, WA's art-rock darlings Methyl Ethel appear live as part of QAGOMA's 'Fairy Tales Up Late' series in Brisbane, an immersive all-ages exhibition featuring fairytale-themed works from a selection of world-class artists.
The brainchild of Perth-based songwriter Jake Webb, Methyl Ethel have been consistently producing some of the most engaging, unique, and exciting music in Australia and across the globe. A progressive blend of pop and alternative influences, they often blend catchy vocal melodies and punchy beats with off-kilter synth and guitar atmospheres.
Since 2013 the group have released four full-length LPs, in addition to three EPs. In 2017, their dream pop-infused 'Everything Is Forgotten' featured contributions from James Ford (Arctic Monkeys, Kylie Minogue, Gorillaz); hitting #16 on the ARIA charts, the record made a seismic impression, with their infectious single 'Ubu' dominating alt airwaves for many months.
Other outstanding Methyl Ethel collaborations have included 'Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover' with Melbourne-based Hatchie, and 'Proof' alongside Stella Donnelly.
The band's latest album, 'Are You Haunted?', is perhaps their most compelling yet. On tracks like 'In A Minute, Sublime', Webb's lyrics combine the surreal with the personal, blending temporal relationships and experiences with lofty, poetic imagery.
When you went away / I got the word, I saw the wallpaper fade / As sheets in which you were placed / Burst into flames / I form a chain of coincidences / Without a name / See, in my mind I've pictures of our sacristy / You'll kneel, you'll pray.
Though predominantly recorded by Webb, the group plays as a full band, with several distinctive iterations. For a taste of their live power, check out their Like A Version fusion of The Avalanches and Sycco's 'Frontier Psychiatrist/Dribble', and the band's tastefully glitchy 2022 performance of their 'Are You Haunted?' record.
The group will be performing against the stunning backdrop of QAGOMA's 'Fairy Tales' exhibition. Performing on Saturday 16 March, they'll be joined by Tjaka and DJ Aunty Stan. Both Methyl Ethel and Tjaka's performances will feature Auslan interpretation, promising an inclusive and diverse setting.
The gallery highlights creations from well over a dozen artists, including modern works from the likes of Archibald Prize recipient painter Del Kathryn Barton, the sculptures of Anish Kapoor, and Brazilian mixed-media artist Henrique Oliveira.
Providing a rare opportunity to see historically revered works, the 'Fairy Tales' exhibit also showcases classic pieces from such celebrated artists as Gustave Doré, famed for his wood engravings of Dante's Divine Comedy.
Here, visitors will also discover incredible pieces across a plethora of mediums, such as papercuts by Hans Christian Andersen, film costumes from Tim Burton's 'Alice In Wonderland' (2010), ballet costumes by Henri Matisse for 'The Nightingale', and much more.
Throughout the exhibition (which runs until 28 April), you'll be able to enjoy free screenings of 'The StoryTeller' series by genius puppeteer the late Jim Henson at the Gallery's Australian Cinémathèque.
You'll also have the chance to see several real props and costumes from Henson's 'Labyrinth' (1986), starring David Bowie. Elsewhere, Benjamin Christensen's 1922 witch story 'Häxan' will be screened, accompanied by a live performance from post-classical composer Madeleine Cocolas.
Methyl Ethel's Saturday performance takes place on the second of two consecutive 'Fairy Tales Up Late' evenings, with the Friday event featuring QUBE Effect winner ZZADE.
Both nights are set to feature pop-up performances titled 'Once Upon A Chime' and 'A Villain's Tale', the 'Animal Attributes' drop-in workshop, a photo booth, performances from DJ Zed Mero, and the 'Fairy Tales' exhibition.
Methyl Ethel play 'Fairy Tales Up Late' at QAGOMA (Brisbane) on 16 March.
