THE RUMINATERS

Forming in 2011 The Ruminaters immediately set about establishing themselves on the Australian live music scene. This saw them touring up and down the east coast with the likes of Sticky Fingers and Wolf and Cub. Unusually, the band was able to generate a loyal following of fans without ever releasing anything more than a single here and there – that was until recently with the release of their debut album I Hate The Ruminaters.

“We had the opportunity to do the whole EP thing a few years back but the vibe in the studio wasn’t there then,” says drummer Teddy Brennan. “So we held off to spend more time playing shows and writing. I’ve also always preferred the idea of a full record because it shows more depth. Itended up working out really naturally in that sense.”

Recording the album on a secluded farm north of Byron Bay the band had originally intended to only lay down four tracks but that eventually grew into eight and finally into the 13 that made the final release.

“Working in Byron was really cool,” Brennan explains. “Living in the studio really helped because it meant we got to surf every morning, cruise and if something wasn’t working we could leave it and circle back on it later.”

With this freedom the band was able to refine the sound that has evolved with them over time. Starting out they had been known as a fun, surfy, garage rock band but now have a much more matured and slightly darker presence.

“I prefer the new sound because it’s not so straight up and down and in terms of songwriting there is a bit more depth to it, but it’s still really fun to play,” Brennan continues. “It’s pretty surreal to have the finished album in our hands, but we’re itching to get back on the road and in particular play the new tracks to a live crowd. It’s where we feel the most comfortable.”

For fans intending to head out to see the show you can expect the boys to let it all hang out. “Sometimes we see bands that care too much about what people think or how they look but we’ve always just gone up there and played. So it can get pretty rowdy and fun.” (JA)

Dec 19, JAM Gallery, 195 Oxford St, Bondi Junction