THE TSARS

How long has their debut been in the making? “About as long as the Guns ‘n Roses’ Chinese Democracy,” says Reginald Harris IV, lead singer and bass player of Sydney psychedelic rock band, The Tsars.

The band remains coy about the release date of their unnamed debut and joke that “the album is currently the subject of a bidding war between Universal, Sony BMG and Warner Music.”

However, the quintet is a staple within Sydney’s live music circuit, preferring to do things at their own pace. Their music reflects a laid-back approach, with Harris IV describing the song writing process as a collaborative one based on jamming.

“It is inspired by countless nights spent jamming in our den – located in an undisclosed Sydney swamp – aided only by the light of a moderately sized disco ball and Europe’s The Final Countdown on loop.”

Citing an eclectic array of influences including drum’n’bass, hip hop and funk, The Tsars create visceral, hypnotic soundscapes – as illustrated by their first single, Realm, released last year.

Now, they’ve gone on to drop their second single, Names, and will be celebrating its launch at The Standard.

Hattie Carroll, Callithump and King Colour will join them on what will undoubtedly be a ripper of a night. (SY)

May 24, The Standard, Lvl 3, 383 Bourke St, Surry Hills, $10, wearethestandard.com.au