Psychedelic Porn Crumpets is an Australian psychedelic rock band formed in 2014 in Perth. The band are made up of English[2] guitarist and singer Jack McEwan, guitarist Luke Parish, drummer Danny Caddy, bassist Wayan Biliondana, and keyboardist Chris Young, who began playing together in "an old horse barn in Leederville".[3] Their genre and sound has been compared to that of other popular psychedelic rock bands in Australia, such as King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard and Tame Impala. They have self-described their sound as "an energetic mess of colour and tone".[4] Concerning the reasoning behind the name of the band, its members have given little explanation. The band claims it was chosen at random because they thought it was amusing.[5]
Psychedelic Porn Crumpets | |
|---|---|
 Jack McEwan performing live at Music Hall of Williamsburg in October 2019 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Perth, Western Australia |
| Genres | |
| Years active | 2014–present |
| Labels |
|
| Members |
|
| Past members | Luke Reynolds[1] |
Band history
editThe bandmates were friends prior to the creation of the band. It has been suggested that they became acquainted through their mutual drug dealer.[6] The band began initially as a university project for a unit that Jack McEwan was taking at the time.[7] They then continued to make music for their own enjoyment, as well as for that of their young local community in what has been described as “garage rave” type settings.[8] They have made a point of retaining a 'DIY' band mantra, recording most of their own songs, as well as aiming to be very hands-on in their own advertisement.[9]
The band went on in 2017 to create their own record label, What Reality? Records. They have made clear that they chose to do this for reasons of "getting stuck into existence, taking a risk, pursuing ideas, setting goals and trying to dream big."[10] The first release on this new label was a twin reissue of both parts of their High Visceral albums.[10] One year after the release of their label, though, the band still had not signed any other musicians due to financial reasons, despite the fact that they still held an ideal vision for What Reality? Records as "a support structure for upcoming bands".[11]
In 2018 came the release of their single, "Social Candy", which was overall well received and led to a brief national tour through October of the same year, passing through Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth.[12] This tour was when the band first introduced the back-up drummer Peter Coyne.[13]
In May 2019, the band played in the UK at the All Points East music festival, at the Victoria Park event.[14] In July 2019, following the release of their album, And Now for the Whatchamacallit, they embarked on a national tour passing through Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, as their hometown of Perth.[15]
In October 2019, the band released "Mundungus", which was described by Music Fest News as "beautifully chaotic and explosive".[16]
On 5 August 2020, the band released the single "Mr Prism".[17]
On 5 February 2021, the band released the album Shyga! The Sunlight Mound.[18]
On 15 October 2021, they released "Lava Lamp Pisco", the first single from their album Night Gnomes. Night Gnomes was released on 22 April 2022.
On 17 May 2023, the band released the single "Nootmare (K-I-L-L-I-N-G) Meow!" from their album Fronzoli. Three months later, on 24 August 2023, a second single from the album was released, called "(I'm a Kadaver) Alakazam".
On 10 November 2023, the full album Fronzoli was released.
On 14 November 2024, the band released the single Another Reincarnation.
Musical influences
editThe band has been cited saying that some of the inspiration for their music comes in part from classic rock of the 1960s and 1970s, such as Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and the Beatles.[19] However, they have been influenced by more than just the rock genre, getting inspiration also from experimental electronic jazz.[7] Jack McEwan, the band's vocalist, has also mentioned that their influences are "pretty much identical" to those of Pond and Tame Impala, bands that are often viewed to be in the same sphere.[20] McEwan has also stated that he believes Australia, and his hometown of Perth in specific to be a hotspot for rock music, and attributes the growth of the band partially to the live music scene in the city.[21] Besides the Porn Crumpets, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard and Tame Impala, two of the band's influences, also hail from Australia.[22] Some have given credit to King Gizzard and Tame Impala for creating the current Australian psychedelic rock scene.[23] Many consider psychedelic rock to be Australia's main musical export in modern times, also citing the bands such as Pond, Orb, Gum and more as evidence for this claim.[24][25]
The band is also commended on their music videos, which follow the same trance-like genre as their music, and have quoted a myriad of influences in this sphere such as Monty Python, TED Talks, and Woody Allen.[9] As for the inspiration for the name of the band, Jack McEwan has quoted Mighty Boosh as a partial influence.[26]
Members
edit- Jack McEwan – vocals, main songwriter,[23] and the member credited with being the main pioneer behind the band. He was born in 1993.[23] Upon the release of the band's own record label, What Reality? Records, Jack told press that its creation was "only a matter of time".[27] McEwan grew up in England, where his passion for music was kindled both by his father and through playing in bands from the age of nine onwards. His family migrated to Australia when he was thirteen.[23] He also has a degree in graphic design, which he uses in creating the band's artwork.[23]
- Luke Parish – lead guitar[28] He has been quoted stating that the biggest influence on the guitar playing was David Gilmour of Pink Floyd.[5]
- Danny Caddy – drums
- Wayan Biliondana – bass guitar
- Chris Young – guitar, keyboards
- Peter Coyne – back-up drummer
Former members
- Luke Reynolds – bass guitar
Former touring members
- Jamie Reynolds – filled in as bass player during the band's 2022 tour
Discography
editStudio albums
edit| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions |
|---|---|---|
| AUS [29] | ||
| High Visceral (Part One) | 61 | |
| High Visceral (Part Two) |
|
82 |
| And Now for the Whatchamacallit |
|
31 |
| Shyga! The Sunlight Mound |
|
4 |
| Night Gnomes |
|
48 |
| Fronzoli |
|
72 |
Extended plays
edit| Title | EP details |
|---|---|
| High Visceral {B Sides} |
|
Awards and nominations
editARIA Music Awards
editThe ARIA Music Awards is an annual ceremony presented by Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), which recognise excellence, innovation, and achievement across all genres of the music of Australia. They commenced in 1987.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Shyga! The Sunlight Mound | Best Hard Rock or Heavy Metal Album | Nominated | [37] |
National Live Music Awards
editThe National Live Music Awards (NLMAs) are a broad recognition of Australia's diverse live industry, celebrating the success of the Australian live scene. The awards commenced in 2016.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019[38][39] | Psychedelic Porn Crumpets | Live Act of the Year | Nominated |
West Australian Music Industry Awards
editThe West Australian Music Industry Awards (WAMIs) are annual awards presented to the local contemporary music industry, put on annually by the Western Australian Music Industry Association Inc (WAM). Psychedelic Porn Crumpets have won three awards.[40]
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result (wins only) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Psychedelic Porn Crumpets | Most Popular Live Act | Won |
| "Social Candy" (Psychedelic Porn Crumpets) | Best Music Video | Won | |
| 2020 | "Mr Prism" (Psychedelic Porn Crumpets) | Best Music Video | Won |
References
edit- ^ "Facebook". Facebook. Retrieved 1 September 2020.
- ^ "Jack McEwan: "I want to forget every natural convention in guitar playing and find things that are stupid… but actually make it musical!"". 3 February 2021.
- ^ Monger, Timothy. "Psychedelic Porn Crumpets Artist Biography". Allmusic.
- ^ "Psychedelic Porn Crumpets: On Doing It Yourself and Touring Europe". LunchBox. 2 October 2018. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
- ^ a b Lavell-Lee, Jackson (2016). "5 minutes with Jack and Luke from Psychedelic Porn Crumpets". PILERATS. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
- ^ Wright, Lisa (16 November 2018). "Toast of Perth: Psychedelic Porn Crumpets". DIY Magazine. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
- ^ a b Healy, Coel (16 March 2016). "Psychedelic Rock Influenced By Experimental Electronic Jazz". The Music. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
- ^ "Psychedelic Porn Crumpets". triple j Unearthed. September 2018. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
- ^ a b Clarke, Tom (2 October 2018). "Psychedelic Porn Crumpets: On Doing It Yourself and Touring Europe". LunchBox. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
- ^ a b Cameron, Tom (6 July 2017). "Psychedelic Porn Crumpets announce their own label What Reality? Records". Happy Magazine. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
- ^ Webb, Dan (20 October 2018). "Psychedelic Porn Crumpets talk labels, drugs and touring — Sungenre Interview". Sungenre. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
- ^ "Psychedelic Porn Crumpets enjoy UK radio success, touring extensively with 'Social Candy'!". Beehive PR. 17 August 2018. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
- ^ "Psychedelic Porn Crumpets | triple j Unearthed".
- ^ Skinner, Tom (28 May 2019). "Psychedelic Porn Crumpets on their "raucous" UK shows: "There were people on the ceiling" NME". NME. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
- ^ Mack, Emmy (9 April 2019). "Psychedelic Porn Crumpets Announce 2019 National Tour Dates". Music Feeds. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
- ^ Cardillo, Maria (11 October 2019). "Psychedelic Porn Crumpets in Concert • MUSICFESTNEWS". MUSICFESTNEWS. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
- ^ "Mr Prism - single". Apple Music. 5 August 2020. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
- ^ "SHYGA! The Sunlight Mound". Spotify. 5 February 2021. Retrieved 4 March 2021.
- ^ "Get To Know... Psychedelic Porn Crumpets". DIY. 16 August 2018. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
- ^ "Psychedelic Porn Crumpets". Little Wing Collective. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
- ^ Cowen, Bruno (21 July 2019). "Filling the Void With Psychedelic Porn Crumpets". Monster Children. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
- ^ "6 Australian Psychedelic Rock bands that have conquered the genre, Something in the water?". Savage Thrills. 27 August 2018. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
- ^ a b c d e Leach, Darren (16 April 2017). "Interview: Psychedelic Porn Crumpets". Glam Adelaide. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
- ^ Streader, Kate (23 February 2018). "The Australian psychedelic revolution as told through eight bands". Beat Magazine. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
- ^ Elliott, Kevin J. (4 October 2019). "Yes, this band's name really is Psychedelic Porn Crumpets". Columbus Alive. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
- ^ Llerena, Carmen (20 September 2019). "Psychedelic Porn Crumpets Interview Highlight | KALX 90.7FM Berkeley". www.kalx.berkeley.edu. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
- ^ "Psychedelic Porn Crumpets Launch New Label, What Reality? Records". The Music. August 2017. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
- ^ Jenke, Tyler (19 August 2018). "4 things you didn't know about Perth's Psychedelic Porn Crumpets". Tone Deaf. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
- ^ Peaks in Australia:
- All except noted: "Discography Psychedelic Porn Crumpets". australian-charts.com. Retrieved 13 February 2021.
- High Visceral (Part One) and (Part Two): "The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 15 August 2022". The ARIA Report. No. 1693. Australian Recording Industry Association. 15 August 2022. p. 6.
- Fronzoli: "The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 20 November 2023". The ARIA Report. No. 1759. Australian Recording Industry Association. 20 November 2023. p. 6.
- ^ "High Visceral {Part One}". Apple Music. 2016. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
- ^ "Feature, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets – High Visceral {part 1}". Savage Thrills. 28 March 2016. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
- ^ "High Visceral {Part Two}". Apple Music. 14 April 2017. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
- ^ "And Now for the Whatchamacallit". Apple Music. 14 April 2017. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
- ^ "SHYGA! The Sunlight Mound by Psychedelic Porn Crumpets". Apple Music. Retrieved 18 January 2021.
- ^ "Psychedelic Porn Crumpets – Night Gnomes / Marathon from Piccadilly Records". Piccadilly Records. Retrieved 2 February 2022.
- ^ "High Visceral {B Sides}". Apple Music. December 2017. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
- ^ Kelly, Vivienne (20 October 2021). "ARIA Awards nominees revealed: Amy Shark & Genesis Owusu lead the charge". The Music Network. Archived from the original on 20 October 2021. Retrieved 24 October 2021.
- ^ "HERE ARE YOUR 2019 NATIONAL LIVE MUSIC AWARDS NOMINEES!". NLMA. 22 October 2020. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
- ^ "AND THE WINNERS OF THE 2019 NATIONAL LIVE MUSIC AWARDS ARE…". NLMA. 5 December 2020. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
- ^ "2019 WAMAwards Winners". scenestr. 1 November 2019. Retrieved 28 March 2021.
Further reading
edit- "Get to Know... Psychedelic Porn Crumpets". DIY. 16 August 2018.
- Guilbault, Kristy (12 September 2019). "The disorienting sphere of Australia's psych-rock revival – Perth's Psychedelic Porn Crumpets want to take you on a journey". Boulder Weekly.