When it comes to playing classic surf rock, Brisbane instrumental quartet The Wet Fish are not only the 'big kahuna', they're the 'reel thing'.
Hang ten with The Wet Fish as they carve their way through blazing renditions of classic surf, spy, soul and high-energy rock & roll.
Whether it's a light paddle to the strains of 'Aloha Oe', dropping in to the gnarly surge of 'Misirlou' or sneaking through the shallows with 'Secret Agent Man', it's hard to be bored when The Wet Fish are onstage.
We hooked one of the band members, Brendan Murphy, to chat about live shows and their plans for this year.
What kept the band busy in 2018?
About 35 gigs and 2 restless babies; supporting Albert Lee at two Queensland shows was a major highlight. He was brilliant and he said that he really enjoyed our set. I’d say that will be the most gratifying compliment we’ll ever get.
As musicians, what attracts you to the sound and style of surf rock?
It can be fun and exciting to play when it’s done well. Other instrumentalists and bands are often our biggest fans. Maybe they’re envious that we can put our instruments in the spotlight without a singer hogging all the melodies.
For the gearheads out there, how do you achieve that distinctive, twangy surf rock tone on the guitars?
I’ve tried most of the guitar makes associated with surf rock: Mosrite, Burns, Jags, Jazzmasters, Strats. I won’t get started on amps and effects. We keep it pretty clean and basic, just like the pioneers would have done all those years ago.
Holy blast from the past! You guys do a rocking cover of the classic 'Batman' TV series theme; do audiences like to bust out the old 'Batusi' on the dancefloor?
Yes, we do get a bit of that. Once, a portly young fellow in a Batman shirt performed a number of interesting 'stunts' for a large, outdoor audience while we played the 'Batman' theme. I wish we captured it on video, it’d be a YouTube sensation.
Your cover of the 'Mission: Impossible' theme... not calling it 'Fishin' Impossible' kind of seems like a missed opportunity, don't you think?
Geez, haven’t played that for two years. Thanks Matt, now I know what to call our next surf original.
As well as covers you also play original music; any new material in the pipeline?
Indeed, we do have many originals mixed in with the classics. Sometimes they get a bigger crowd reaction than covers and that’s always nice. Hoping to get more down this year, mostly for our own sanity. We don’t really need more material.
What can audiences expect from your live performances?
We never know what to expect. I’d like to say that every gig is a big party, but that’s just not reality. A lot of styles get thrown in the mix but audiences can mostly expect to hear surf, country and rock and roll instrumentals.
Music that you won’t hear elsewhere, we’re pretty different. High energy and volume at some gigs and a much mellower mood at others. We have to be versatile in order to play a wide range of gigs.
Laurence Fishburne or Fisher Stevens?
I’ll go with Fishburne. I saw him in the critically acclaimed 'Death Wish 2' recently. A classy role that I’m sure he’s very proud of.
Favourite fish-related pun/ joke?
What do you get when four men go fishing and one returns without catching anything? Three men and a baby.
Where can punters see The Wet Fish live over the next few months?
Our fourth Brewsvegas Pool Party, that’s always fun. A big outdoor Tiki-themed night at Burleigh Town Tavern. The excellent Miami and Mt Gravatt markettas for our biannual visits. Regular favourites like Greaser and Greenmount Surf Club. A debut performance at Advancetown Hotel. Some 'yet to be confirmed' things coming up too, but I can’t mention them.
What else is happening for the band in 2019?
We would love to do more private parties. Get in touch. Keen to add more festival slots to the list in 2019 and we’re always keen to try out new locations in Brisbane and beyond. It gets us out of the house.
The Wet Fish 2019 Tour Dates
Sat 9 Feb - Brewsvegas Pool Party (Brisbane)Sun 10 Feb - Greenmount Surf Club (Gold Coast)
Fri 15 Feb - Burleigh Town Tavern (Gold Coast)
Sat 2 Mar - Mt Gravatt Marketta (Brisbane)
Fri 15 Mar - Greaser Bar (Brisbane)
Sun 31 Mar - Advancetown Hotel (Gold Coast)
Sat 6 Apr - Miami Marketta (Gold Coast)
