The Evening Dolls - Disco Anonymous

The Dwarf recently spoke to axe-slinger Benny from Hobart’s own Evening Dolls to get the low down on all things down and dirty rock and roll from the Apple Isle.

You guys only formed last May, how does it feel to have played with some of the bands you have (Jet, Magic Dirt, Dallas Crane, The Casanovas)?

We feel very fortunate to have played along side some great Australian acts. We work really hard to get these opportunities and it does pay off. It’s all about your commitment to writing, rehearsals, recording and most of all exposure.

What's been your favourite gig to date?

Opening for Jet at City Hall to a few thousand people was amazing and one of those childhood dreams. But I would have to go with the first time we supported Magic Dirt at the Republic Bar. It was a sell out crowd and a night filled with the loudest, fattest sounding rock n’ roll and too much tequila – shot on stage, stage off stage and in mid air. A rock n’ roll slag off with The Whitlams’ Tim Freedman. It was a neverending night of outrageous antics and the best thing was we got to do it all again for a second night to another sell out crowd.

Is there anything detrimental to being a Tassie band?

Not at all, in fact, quite the opposite. Coming from Tassie gives us the opportunity to produce something really unique, without being bombarded by bands trying to produce similar sounds. Yeah, at times you can feel a little isolated, but I think that’s actually beneficial when it comes to creating original songs.

As far as the music scene in Tassie is concerned, let’s just say it’s about to get blown wide open! The bands here are really good at what they do and it’s only a matter of time before the mainland catches on.

You guys are currently recording your debut album, how's it coming along?

Coming Along?! It’s Coming Alive! We finished mastering it at Sing Sing Studios in Melbourne last week and plan on releasing it late November. It’s been a long time coming, 7 months in fact. But we’ve learnt so much throughout the process and Stewy Long at Red Planet Recording really helped to develop our songs and overall sound. The record will be named after the first song titled Coming Alive. It consists of 12 tracks that delves into such genres as Rock, Pop, Punk, Disco and also feature other local artist. We’ve also filled the album with a brass section, keys, more guitars and an amazing performance by the Salamanca String Quartet.

Your desert island discs: let's say, top three?

Ahh lets see!
Oasis – Stop the Clocks - Best of. When they were asked to do a best of they only agreed under the condition that they chose all the songs, not the record company. So it’s filled with the classics plus the great b-sides.

Travis – The Invisible Band. The sounds and quality of that record are fucking outstanding. If you sit and listen to it in a really quiet room you will hear something new in it each time. Therefore it will never get old and is ideal for a desert island.

Now I’m not going to say the cliché Sgt. Pepper’s. Yes it’s amazing. But I’d have to go with some good old Oz Rock! AC/DC – Back In Black. Big riffs, big vocals and the tightest, punchiest straight 8 drumming ever recorded. Oh, and it would have to be on vinyl.

Most prevalent influences? Ones we wouldn't expect?

One you wouldn’t expect…..Bee Gees. My parents are big fans and that’s all I would listen to when I was a kid. Their amazing harmonies, songs and melodies is what got me, with songs like ‘Massachusetts’, ‘I Started a Joke’ and even ‘Tragedy’ and ‘Stayin’ Alive’. …. Oh and ‘Night Fever’. I have to admit I’m a bit of a nasty disco junkie.

What can one expect from an Evening Dolls gig?

We try to create a high-energy and fast-paced set. We’re not shoe gazers and do try to put on a show. Live shows are 50% visual and this is really what helps make them more enjoyable for both the audience and the performer. Crowd interaction is also something we highly aspire to and so we prefer a smaller interactive venue.

Due to bands like Jet and Wolfmother, the classic rock scene is somewhat saturated. Do you ever feel any pressure to prove yourselves?

It’s all about improving, that’s what makes you successful as a band. Glenn and I are the song writers and it’s almost like a competition to see who can write the next killer tune. Which is great for our song writing. We don’t want to be clever musically we just want to write really good rock/pop songs.

Sex, drugs and rock and roll?

That’s why we all play in bands, right?

The Evening Dolls Launch Coming Alive at The Republic Bar, December 13th.

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