After announcing their reformation for a tribute concert in their native Melbourne, it seems there’s more good news for The Poweder Monkeys fans.
Released through the Freeform Patterns label (Thee Oh Sees, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Moon Duo, Joe Gideon & the Shark) on Friday July 12th, Smashed On A Knee is the first in a series of deluxe reissues from the legendary Australian rock outfit, the Powder Monkeys.The Powder Monkeys were one of the shining lights of Australian rock & roll in the 1990s, and for a brief moment were tipped to break it big in the US when they signed to Rick Rubin’s Onion label, but unfortunately nothing concrete came of that deal.
They released two albums on the renowned Melbourne-based Dog Meat in the ‘90s, then one on the Swedish House Of Kicks label later that decade (they toured Europe with The Hellacopters and the MC5’s Wayne Kramer), as well as a couple of EPs and live discs on various labels.
Their recording history starts with 1993’s Smashed On A Knee. The Powder Monkeys were formed in 1991, originally as a 5-piece, and featured members John Nolan (ex-Bored!) and Tim Hemensley (ex-GOD, Bored!) throughout their whole lifespan (1991-2003). Their sound was a dynamic combination of Detroit rock & roll (Stooges/MC5), ‘70s Aussie hard rock (Coloured Balls/ Aztecs/Rose Tattoo), American punk (Dictators/Black Flag) and the bass-heavy roar of prime Motorhead. As an organic musical unit, they were a force of nature.
Out of print for 15 years, this special edition of their debut album has been newly remastered by Mikey Young (Eddy Current/Total Control), giving it the definition and punch the original unfortunately lacked, as well as three fantastic bonus cuts: a rare version of Isaac Hayes’ ‘I Thank You’ (played ZZ Top/Motorhead style), as well as markedly different versions of album tracks, ‘Another Nite In Hell’ and ‘Atomic Resolution’.
The booklet also features 20 pages of rare/unseen photos, flyers and essays fromMike Mariconda, David Laing (of Dog Meat Records), GOD/Hoss’s Joel Silbersher,Radio Birdman’s Deniz Tek, blogger/ writer Dave Lang and the band’s John Nolan.
The album will be launched on Sunday the 21st of July at the Tote, an all-day affair (sold out in a couple of hours) which pays tribute to the band, marking 20 years since their debut album was released, but also 10 years since the tragic death of singer Tim Hemensley.
Both events are part of the recently announced Leaps And Bounds Festival, a series of music events curated for Melbourne’s inner-north suburbs and put together by the City of Yarra council. As previously reported, Music Victoria and PBS community radio announced details of the inaugural Leaps And Bounds Festival last month, confirming plans first announced in January that local music industry figures and venue heads were plotting a new cultural event.
The Powder Monkeys were rightly considered one of the best Australian bands of their era, and now you get hear and enjoy them once again both recorded and live, sounding better than ever.
Smashed On A Knee is due on July 12th on Freeform Patterns records.
The Powder Monkeys 10th Anniversary Show
I THANK YOU: The Powder Monkeys / Tim Hemensley 10th Anniversary Gig
Sunday 21st July 2013
The Tote, 71 Johnston St, Collingwood.
Doors 2pm, 2 stages, free BBQ
The Powder Monkeys set with guests
Hoss
Seminal Rats
Bored!
The Casanovas
The Spazzys
The Onyas
Power Line Sneakers
Hits
Digger & the Pussycats
Bittersweet Kicks
Swedish Magazines
Wrong Turn
Fortress of Narzod
Leadfinger
The Undecided
plus more to be announced
Please note: This is not the playing order, times will be revealed closer to the day.
Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/events/495792143824857/
Tickets $35 +BF from www.oztix.com.au on sale Wed 22 May 2013
Leaps And Bounds Music Festival 2013
July 5th – 21st, 2013
Details for applications for venues, bands, events, and sponsors available at leapsandboundsmusicfestival.com
