Australian singer-songwriter, musician, Tobias Wonderdog is prepping for a return to performing live in 2024 with plans to also record an acoustic album.
The rock-pop project of Mat Weaven, Tobias Wonderdog is currently working on the second half of the four-part song and video series 'Death Of Intimate Listening' – which scenestr premiered the music videos for 'Strike' and 'Skeleton Key'.Prior to the next instalment being released, Mat has revisted his musical past digging up the studio recording of a track from his days fronting Melbourne band Upstream (2004-2008) and giving it the Tobias Wonderdog treatment.
Landing at just over two minutes, thirty seconds, 'Battle Chess' is a whirlpool of intensity that'll unleash your inner mosher.
A thumping, chaotic, punchy energy ignites in a blaze of '90s-sounding alternative rock, drums, guitars and hearty vocals welded together in a forceful display of muscular, aggressive rock & roll.
Like knocking back three or four Jägerbombs, 'Battle Chess' flows between 'Black Betty' Spiderbait, Sabbath riffage and the lively spirit of The Angels.
scenestr is thrilled to give you the first opportunity to stream 'Battle Chess' today. Turn it to 11.
"I thought it a good idea that in between the release of our new four-part video series 'Death Of Intimate Listening'," Mat says, "I release a few old studio tunes that were never released from the earliest days of my career with Upstream.
"'Battle Chess' was one of the first studio tracks I was proud of, for it seems to pump along nicely from start to finish. Upbeat rock with a story comparing life to a game of chess. 'I'm about to get mean, so you better move your queen, check!'"
Mat's plan is to take the covers off some of the other work of Upstream, which was only available on CDs back in the day.
"Over the next year, I plan to release a few more of these rare beauties because they are well-produced and people who supported me in the earliest days should appreciate them being available in online stores.
"At the time of recording these tracks around 2004 there was no Spotify. Only CDs from the boot of a car out behind the pub.
"This was the first track that led the way for over 200 shows from 2004-2008. Rockin' out in various venues like The Espy, The Tote, the Peli Bar, Chelsea Heights, and the Hallam Hotel. We did some shows supporting The Screaming Jets and Airbourne and it was stacks of fun. Real sweaty stuff.
"Looking forward, I aim to get back on the live scene in Perth with some acoustic shows next year and record an acoustic album featuring a few more old classics from that time."
