It was in 2017, with the release of their album Lion Head, that we were first introduced to the soulful rock sounds of Mornington Peninsula-based outfit The Chris Commerford Band. Since then, the band have gigged extensively around Victoria, honing a sound that feels simultaneously grounded and explorative. It’s rooted in blues and rock, but reaches far wider.
Now, with the release of their new EP Mood, they continue to establish themselves as one of Australian music’s more exciting emerging acts. Here’s a hot tip from the Happy Mag team: keep an eye on these guys, we’re expecting big things.
On their new EP Mood, Mornington Peninsula-based outfit The Chris Commerford Band present a dynamic slice of genre-bending brilliance.
Throughout the new EP, The Chris Commerford Band—made up of vocalist/guitarist Chris Commerford, bassist Tearnu Graham, guitarist Lennie Farchione, percussionist Harry Monaghan, saxophonist Sebastian Farchione, and keyboardist John Buggy—glide through a dynamic concoction of indie-rock, blues, soul, and jazz to deliver a sound uniquely their own.
With rich instrumental arrangements and soaring vocal hooks, Mood is brimming with infectious sonic gems. Across the EP’s five-track duration, Commerford and his band pull in myriad sonic directions—they never sit in one place for too long. EP opener Roller Coaster is a perfect example of this. One moment you’ll be immersed in groove-laden guitar lines, and the next you’ll be getting smacked in the face by searing guitar solos.
This explosive fusion of genres is a common thread throughout the EP. Let It All Go is a slow-burning slice of soulful rock, while Surfin’ The Free Life plays out like some serene, beach-side dream. By the time the EP’s closing track By The Water reaches its conclusion, you’ll have been roped in completely by The Chris Commerford Band’s textured, immersive sounds.
These are still relatively early days for this Victorian band, but judging by the quality of what we’ve heard so far, I think we can safely expect plenty more great tunes. In the meantime, do yourself a favour and listen to Mood above.
