Loving Local Music- Frenzal Rhomb

These Sydney punk rockers formed in 1992 and have a rough ocker sound with refreshing lyrics that are at times painfully honest. However, these guys are the real deal and not your typical 'punk' that seems to be being created in unoriginal mass these days. These guys are animal activists, into politics and not afraid to speak their minds.

However, this trait has placed them at the centre of controversy on more than one occasion! Perhaps the most famous of these occurred in 2004 at the 'Bass in the Grass' festival in Darwin, at which Jackie O (of Kyle and Jackie O fame) was the MC. She was running 9 hours late (they had to cut 9 songs from their set in the end) and at being introduced began speaking to the crowd. So guitarist Lindsay McDougall began playing ACDC's Thunderstruck over her voice.
Jay Whalley "I would like to proceed by saying F**k Australian Idol and Popstars" (of which Kyle and Jackie O have both been heavily involved)- which he later amended to saying that original bands in Australia are being shoved 'to the side' to make way for cover artists off these programs.


Kyle Sandilands then told them that they would not be able to play on any Austereo networks again. Jay also claims in a conversation that they called their record company threatening to 'bury the band'


To hear the heated discussion played on radio following the event between Kyle and Jackie O and Jay from Frenzal Rhomb click this link :
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EJkJi_yHHE&feature=related


On a different note, their music is reflective of youth Australian culture, which is relevant and fun.  They have supported huge American bands such as Blink 182 and The Offspring on their respective Australian tours. Their lyrics can be offensive but they definitely put a creative spin on taking the piss out of those who they feel deserve it.


One example is their track "Russel Crowe's Band":


'Don't get a million bucks for getting out of bed
Don't get a million fucks when I punch folks in the head
But even if we know we never get a billboard top 10 hit
At least we know Russell Crowe's bands' a fuckin pile of shit'


There are plenty more examples to get into, but other tracks worth listening to of theirs include Dr Lindeman's Adventure Family Theme Park World, Run, War, Mum Changed The Locks, Punch in the Face and You Can't Move Into My House.


Check out the Link Below to see Frenzal Rhomb rocking out Punch in the Face at Sydney's Big Day Out in 2001!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_BJE6U3mVk&feature=related


They are playing at the "No Sleep Till" Festival alongside bands such as Atreyu, NOFX and A Day To Remember. This festival hits Sydney on Saturday 18 December this year. For more info :


http://www.songkick.com/artists/307952-frenzal-rhomb


Referencing:
Photo taken from http://www.songkick.com/artists/307952-frenzal-rhomb
Information from www.wikipedia.com/Frenzalrhomb