Punk outfit Slow Down Sonic provide us with their one-stop shop for all things Tasmanian rock in the form of one hell of a playlist.
Slow Down Sonic is a three-piece punk outfit breaking out of the Tassie alternative music scene. With the release of their debut EP Depths dropping earlier this year, they quickly made a name for themselves despite being a young band in the scene.
However, they didn’t stop there, they shortly followed up from the release of Depths with their infectious single Merry Go Round, which capped off a tremendous musical year for the band.
Credit: Press
Proving themselves to be one of Tassie’s best exports, Slow Down Sonic are wanting to show the world that there are plenty of other epic punk rock acts bursting from Tassie’s alternative music scene.
They have talked us through their ultimate Tassie rock playlist, which comprises of 10-tracks that oozes with Tassie rock goodness. This playlist ranges from Tassie rock legends Luca Brasi, to more underground acts such as Knife Hands. Slow Down Sonic has made sure to have us covered with the lay down of the land when it comes to all things Tassie rock.
Luca Brasi – Benthos
Probably their most underrated track, but encapsulates everything that is great about Brasi, melodic guitar lines, passionate vocals, and catchy-as-hell choruses. No Tassie rock playlist would be complete without these legends of the scene, and rightfully taking the top spot on this list!
Enola Fall – We Become Wolves
This song made me fall in love with the Tassie scene. Glorious Five Year Plan is a seminal Tassie album and if we could put one song in a Tas music museum, it would be this one.
Meres – Talk Too much
A recent release from a powerful female-fronted northern Tassie band, Meres. I’ve only seen these legends once, but, it was truly a moment of “wow, this band needs to be playing to far bigger audiences”. Genuinely strong songwriting throughout all of their tracks, check them out.
The Sleepyheads – Always have, Always Will
An epic track from their new album. We’ve had the pleasure of Cam Locke (bass player) playing with us as our second guitarist recently; all legendary humans. This song captures what I love about The Sleepy’s, dynamic range: one minute Pat’s vocals are putting you into a warm blanket of comfort and familiarity, and the next it’s ripping that blanket off and slamming you into a wall of sound and energy. Top-notch.
Shoe – People and Their Bits
I was bartending on a Wednesday night in a Launnie pub (Irish Murphy’s) and a Devonport band by the name of Shoe played the local Top Shelf music night, I was instantly wowed and immediately bought their debut EP. This song captures the energy that this trio brings and the eclectic nature of their songwriting.
Captives – Gold
These guys are currently residing in Melbourne but are proud Devonport locals. Their sound encapsulates the blue-collar working community that Devonport is; it’s rough, it’s tough and it will definitely punch you in the face. Gold is one of their latest offerings, watch their accompanying film clip to have a look at the type of energy you might find at one of their live gigs.
EWAH & The Vision of Paradise – Vanishing Point
A band that has gone completely next level on what it means to explore music as an art form. Check out their music video for Arcadia if you want to see Tassie in all of its natural beauty. EWAH reminds me of a more art-rock version of The Jezabelles, and that can only be a good thing.
The Saxons – Blowhole
Launnie lads The Saxons gift us, literally, perfect indie rock. Enough said.
A. Swayze & The Ghosts – Connect To Consume
This track bangs from start to finish. There’s a reason why these guys have a cult following nationwide. Haven’t yet had the chance to see them live but it is number one on the list of things to do in terms of live music in Tassie!
Knife Hands – Bones
Made up of plenty of familiar faces in the Tassie punk and hardcore scene, Knife Hands are truly elite and their live shows are absolutely insane. These guys rival, if not outweigh, any touring band in the genre for their energy, precision, and most importantly songwriting ability.
Listen to Slow Down Sonic’s Ultimate Tassie Rock Playlist below via Spotify.
