Bendigo band Four Lions will release their fourth album in four years next March.
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But before then, the five-piece band will launch their first single from the album at Handle Bar on November 17. It is their first show for six months.
Lead guitarist Keith MacQueen said the band had spent a lot of time crafting the new album (Hard Days) and had produced a broader sound that any of their previous efforts.
“Our third album was literally recorded in four days,” he said. “So this one, we did the first sessions in January and thought we should take our time and do something we are really proud of for a long time.
“Each album is different to the others. We started with country on the first album then mixed more to an alt-country sound. Our third album was post-punk and now this album is a really broad sound.
“The new album (Hard Days) is going to be a real cornucopia of music – a real mix of styles and almost tributes to the influences band members had growing up like the Go Betweens, Church and other bands like that.”
The single from Hard Days – titled Cash Grab – is reminiscent of the Rolling Stones circa 1970s.
“Cash Grab is about the greyhounds, so naturally the Bendigo Greyhounds are a bit of an inspiration for that,” he said.
“We've worked harder on it, and got some horns involved on this song. In some ways it’s a bit of a step forward and not so rushed.”
Four Lions began four years ago when Shann Lions, Gav Moncrieff, Greg Perry, Stephen Briggs and MacQueen got together for a music session.
“We played some good music and really gelled and that kept us together,” MacQueen said.
“It is important that we enjoy it and we definitely still do. We have also got some good attention around the place.”
“Musically, we gel really well. Everyone brings something different and has good contributions which has allowed the songs (on the new album) to take us in directions.
“Rather than us saying ‘this song is this’, we have suddenly discovered what sounds good (for each song).”
Next year, Four Lions will feature at Bendigo’s newest music event – the Bendigo Autumn Music Festival.
But before then they are planning a short tour up the east coast to coincide with the release of the album.
“We will ramp up the shows before the album is launched. Hopefully we will get up to Sydney on a mini-tour,” MacQueen said.
“We have a show in December out at the Cornella Brewery and will be a part of (Bendigo’s annual) Summer in the Parks event as well.
“We’re just really proud to be a Bendigo band giving it a go.”
Four Lions will launch their new single – Cash Grab – at Handle Bar on November 17 at 7pm.
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