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dave the band return with Steve Albini-produced scorcher ‘Ultrahard’

dave the band (formerly just dave) have reemerged, and they’re coming in hot. The Newcastle three-piece have spent some time overseas, recording their debut album Slob Stories with a man who needs no introduction, Steve Albini (Nirvana, Pixies).

It’s a blinder of a Cinderella story for the lads, who have been picking up steam ever since they picked up the instruments back in 2016. Now notorious amongst their local Steel City brethren, brand new single Ultrahard has them poised to take on the rest of Oz.

dave the band newcastle ultrahard steve albini justin ma photography
Photo: Justin Ma Photography

dave the band are back in force with Ultrahard, a grainy rock track that chugs along like a steam train. It’s a darling taste of what’s sure to be a killer debut album.

Albini’s grunge pedigree shines through on Ultrahard, a track led by powerful drum lines and thrumming, consistent guitars. According to the band, Albini pushed them to record Slob Stories with minimal overdubs, allowing them to properly reproduce the emotional timbre their live shows are renowned for.

Like most of dave the band’s releases to date, the tune also bears a bittersweet sense of melancholy, realised in the lyrics.

“It’s too late to wake up early,
I’m too tired to sleep right now.
Got my sheets clean but I feel dirty,
I just hope it all works out.” 

Since kicking off a few years back, dave the band have cemented themselves as darlings to the New South Wales DIY scene. They’ve released a string of EPs including 2016’s Sunny Days in Winter and 2017’s Yoch! Bangers, Vol. 1 —  a single from which we named our third favourite song of 2017.

To celebrate the new single and impending album, dave the band have booked a string of show throughout NSW and Melbourne, including the Happy Mag Issue 13 Launch on Friday the 13th of December in Sydney.

Catch the full run of shows below, and look out for Slob Stories in 2020.

Tour Dates

Nov 30 – Straight To The Pool Room – Kelly’s On King, Newtown
Nov 24 – Ultralaunch – The Lass, Newcastle
Dec 11 – Ultralaunch – The Tote, Melbourne
Dec 13 – Happy Mag Issue 13 Launch – The Marlborough Hotel, Newtown
Dec 12 – Support for Snake Valley – The Espy, Melbourne
Dec 15 – Ultralaunch/Yours & Owls Sundays – North Gong Hotel, Wollongong
Dec 19 – Ultralaunch – Freda’s, Sydney
Jan 9 – Hotel Steyne, Manly

More info here.