SASKWATCH

It’s fair to say that in the eyes of the world, Sydney would be the unofficial capital city of Australia. However, no amount of sail-shaped buildings or curvaceous bridges can counteract the musical might that has risen out of Melbourne for the best part of this year. The nine members of soul spinners Saskwatch are another string to Melbourne’s musical bow.

“There’s such a great music culture ingrained in Melbourne,” boasts the band’s trumpet tyrant Liam McGorry.

“There have been a lot of great bands like The Bamboos and Dynamo, but having music so readily available through all of the clubs and bars that have bands playing pretty regularly makes it amazing. It’s a great feeling to see such good music. We’re pretty spoilt in Melbourne.”

The year that these guys have had is the stuff dreams are made of. From their manic national touring schedule to a spot on the legendary stage of the UK’s Glastonbury Festival, this band have had nothing but love for their smooth, yet danceable sound.

“It’s a tough thing going from our sort of gigs which are generally in a lot smaller venues, to huge festival stages [like Glastonbury],” muses McGorry.

“Somehow, we try to bring that sort of live small club atmosphere to a bigger stage. But for us it’s about having fun and hopefully it translates to our audience.”

With the upbeat optimism of their sound it’s hard to believe that their audience could be lost in translation. Their new single Hands in particular is one that showcases everything to love about this band. Soaring brass, a groove-laden bass line and the powerful vocal magic of sole female member Nkechi Anele, make the perfect soundtrack for the two fur-friendly stars of their music video.

“It’s typical Jason [Galea, director] I think,” laughs McGorry.

“We approached him and asked him to come up with an idea for a video, and he decided to use his own rabbits on a green screen so they could be on a back drop of their own American road trip!”

Saskwatch’s latest national road trip will make a Sydney pit stop that audiences can’t afford to miss. With the promise of tunes debuting from their forthcoming album, it’s fair to say that this animal band (including saxophonist Sam Boone, whom McGorry dubs the “token Saskwatch” for being “a big hairy man”) and their infectious swing will eat audiences alive. (CD)

Nov 29, Goodgod Small Club, 53-55 Liverpool St, Sydney, $20+bf (18+ only), moshtix.com.au