Greetings, and welcome to the very first Artist Spotlight for The Soundcheck where I take you on a little behind-the-scenes look at some of the best bands kicking around the country. First cab off the rank is an absolute scorcher - ladies and gentleman, meet Osaka Punch.
OSAKA PUNCH
Not many bands can successfully open a live set with the Baywatch theme song blaring across the crowd before launching into grinding riffs and blistering beats. But Brisbane's very own Osaka Punch aren't really like other bands; with descriptions ranging from “pants-down-prog-rockers” to “a pop-metal-bastard-fun-daughter”, this devilishly debonair quartet are a group you either know intimately or will want to know asap.
Already legendary for their signature mix of brutal pop, these boys will straight up blow your face off with their genre-bending and all round bad-assery. Bringing all of the hair and flair to their frenetic recordings and live shows, it's a case of Karnivool meets Maroon 5, in a pay-by-the-hour hotel.
And with two releases up their sensual sleeves (2016's Death Monster Super Squad and 2011's Voodoo Love Machine), a heap of tour dates, as well as their own range of scented candles and "beauty cream", these unpredictable larrikins are showing no signs of slowing down, which is great news for anyone who likes a party in their ears.
This week the boys ever so kindly agreed to feature as my first artist spotlight - so sit back, ditch your pants (optional) and spend a few minutes getting to know these funk-rock firecrackers.
(also, do me a solid if you happen to see them live please request 'Dancetown Showdown' multiple times. Cheers xo)
NAME: Osaka Punch
LOCATION: Brisbane
MEMBERS: Jack Muzak - Vocals/Keys, Dane Pulvirenti - Drums/Backing Vocal, Brenton Page - Bass, Chrispy Town - Guitar
HOW DID YOU GUYS GET STARTED? 8 years ago when the world was created, 4 elements came together, earth, wind, fire & grapefruit...as a result Osaka Punch was born….. No really a few of us met at school way back in the day! After moving to Brisbane in 2002 we very slowly recruited additional members & became a real band!! We have gone through a few lineup changes over the years, but our current lineup kicks total arse & we all love each other :)
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PLAYING? About 12 years! That's scary!
INFLUENCES? Heaps! Kora, Meshuggah, dredg, Faith No More, Jaga Jazzist, Kimbra, Closure in Moscow, Tool, Karnivool, Snarky Puppy
DESCRIBE YOUR BAND IN THREE WORDS: Loud, Hairy, Men
WHAT’S YOUR MOST MEMORABLE GIG? Last week we supported Twelve Foot Ninja in South Morang, Victoria & Jack fell off the stage in the first song. It was amazing!
FAVOURITE OSAKA PUNCH SONG? Stonk, it’s heavy, groovy & super fun to play live (check the music video below)
WHAT ARE YOU GUYS CURRENTLY WORKING ON? ANYTHING NEW ON THE HORIZON? We’re writing for a new release & it’s turning out rather splendid! More funk, chunk & crunchy grooves! Some tracks have a Voodoo Love Machine vibe to them which is fun!
IF YOU ALL WEREN’T PLAYING MUSIC, WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING? Probably sitting on the couch watching movies ;)
IF OSAKA PUNCH HAD TO BE STRANDED ON A DESERT ISLAND WITH ONE OTHER BAND, WHO WOULD IT BE? Cypress Hill! They would be fun guys to hang out with & we could smoke all their stash!
PINEAPPLE ON A PIZZA, YES OR NO? Absolutely YES! Pineapple on everything I say!
CATS OR DOGS? Dogs because they can smile :)
WOULD OSAKA PUNCH SURVIVE A ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE? Yes, because we have Reggie Tuggnuts (meet Reggie Tuggnuts here)
AND FINALLY, WHAT'S THE GREATEST SONG OF ALL TIME? Africa by Toto, no explanation needed on that one!
So what are you waiting for? Stop what you're doing immediately and put seeing these guys live at the top of your bucket list. Touring dates and a whole lot more info below:
WEBSITE: http://osakapunch.com/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/osakapunch/
LABEL: Birds Robe Records
BY TIANA SPETER