By MICHELLE HERBISON
RETURNING to Bellarine Secondary College to play with students from their old school will be “scary” for the young members of The Murlocs despite their band’s recent successes.
Ambrose Kenny-Smith (lead vocals, harmonica) and Matt Blach (drums, backing vocals) are preparing to face former teachers and community members since completing the school’s year 12 VET music program in 2010 and 2011.
The Murlocs have since played such high-profile gigs as Meredith Music Festival and alongside Californian psychedelic group Thee Oh Sees – “a big inspiration” for the blues band, Kenny-Smith told the Independent.
But he admitted to feeling nervous about headlining a FReeZA concert at Queenscliff’s The Pavilion on 12 May.
His live performance at a school assembly for an assessment was “the most terrifying experience I could ever imagine”, Kenny-Smith revealed.
“I don’t think anything will compete with 400 or 500 students looking at you like they’re going to belt you or laugh at you.”
Kenny-Smith said these days the band, also including Geelong and Surf Coast locals Callum Shortal (guitar, backing vocals), Andrew Crossley (bass guitar) and Jamie Harmer (guitar, backing vocals), were enjoying being “full-time dropkicks” chasing their musical goals.
“We always intended on playing in bands and doing it ourselves. We got to the end of high school so we could please our parents then just pursue the dream.”
The Murlocs’ traditional blues sound has attracted audiences as far away as Sydney and Adelaide, with Triple J playing the bands’ new single, Rattle the Chains.
“The weirdest part is when you hear yourself on the radio,” Kenny-Smith laughed.
Despite spending increasingly more time in Melbourne, The Murlocs stay true to their Geelong region roots, having been regulars at local live music venueThe National Hotel until it closed in November.
“Since the Nash died I don’t venture into the CBD at night. They need to get a proper music venue going again,” Kenny-Smith said.
“It’s all about having a dirty pub that everyone can go to.”
The Murlocs are also planning a 7 June gig at The Barwon Club as well as a national tour and a new album later in the year.
