Kingston, Pennsylvania natives Title Fight are your all-American band. Signed to ANTI-, one of the US’ premier alternative labels, the hardcore outfit have been charting a path of destruction around the world since the release of their 2011 album, Shed.

They recently unveiled third full-length effort, Hyperview, and they’re now slated to bring the record Down Under, where this all-American group say many of their favourite bands and formative influences reside, including the likes of giants such as AC/DC and beloved locals like Royal Headache.
To get the skinny on Title Fight’s favourite Australian bands, Tone Deaf recently caught up with bass player Ned Russin, who shared what he likes and loves about some of our best bands and artists, even dropping a few stories here and there, too. Currently in the country on an Aussie tour, don’t miss the guy when they roll into your town.

Total Control

This Melbourne post-punk outfit has been going from strength to strength since forming in 2008 and they’ve released to critically acclaimed full-length efforts. “Typical System was one of the best records of last year. A subtle, simple work of memorable moments,” says Ned.

Royal Headache

“Royal Headache are back in the news for getting on the road again, which is exciting. Their soul-influenced-stylings caught my ear from the very beginning and I’m sure will continue to with their new work,” says Ned. These Sydney lads are always exciting whenever they hit a live stage, so it’s little wonder they have one of the most committed followings in the country.

Break Even

“Our first Australian tour was with Break Even,” Ned recounts, “who play a sort of anthemic hardcore alternative mashup. They are a band again after a break.” Indeed, after playing their last run of shows as part of Soundwave 2012, Perth’s favourite sons called it a day. They returned last year with a new song, a new tour, but the same classic sound.

Nick Cave

The unofficial great bard of the Australian music scene. Few artists could ever hope to command a career as long, influential, and varied as Nick Cave. From enfant terrible in The Birthday Party, to the baritone behind some of Australia’s most timeless tunes, everyone loves Nick Cave. “We were on a plane with Nick Cave once in Australia,” Ned recalls.

AC/DC

Obviously, no list of anyone’s favourite Australian bands would be complete with arguably our biggest. “I regularly watched AC/DC’s live DVD as a beb, most of those songs are still classic,” says Ned. What young budding musician wouldn’t be inspired by the sheer power and fury of AC/DC in their prime, playing tunes that still stand the test of time?

Upcoming Shows

Tuesday June 23 The Small Ballroom, Newcastle
Wednesday June 24 Factory Theatre, Sydney Lic / AA
Thursday June 25 City Club, Canberra Lic / AA
Friday June 26 Corner Hotel, Melbourne
Saturday June 27 Phoenix Youth Centre, Melbourne AA
Sunday June 28 The Brisbane Hotel, Hobart Lic / AA
Tuesday June 30 Uni Bar, Adelaide Lic / AA
Wednesday July 1 Amplifier, Perth
Thursday July 2 YMCA HQ, Perth AA

Tickets and info at www.epitaph.com

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