Melbourne-based post-rock instrumental three-piece Badinage launch their brand new album Once Upon A Time at the spiritual home of George Lane. Badinage play Garage Lounge music: lush multi-instrumental tunes that blend elements of psychedelia, smoky jazz, lazy grunge and cello rock.
Badinage —comprising Dave Reid on guitar, Simon Capp on electric cello and fretless bass, and Matt Omond on percussion — are relatively new, having formed during lockdown and released their debut EP Meander in 2023. While the six-track Meander served to establish the band’s distinctive ambient-oriented Garage Lounge sound, the full-length Once upon a time sees the band exploring new directions: the first single Mustang is a more driving rock-oriented track that builds to an exciting crescendo, while the second single Imagination is a lilting alt-country number that evokes a gentle stroll through the cornfields.
A defining feature of the Badinage sound is that there really isn't a lead instrument. Simon’s cello often leads the way and acts as the emotional compass, while the more dynamic songs are driven by Matt’s uniquely expressive and textural drumming. And always holding the core of the music together is Dave’s guitar, which runs the gamut from simple strumming to rhythmic riffing and spiralling fretboard fireworks.
So how to define the Garage Lounge sound? Try drawing a hazy, atmospheric line from the early psychedelia of Jimi Hendrix, Peter Green and Pink Floyd, through the 90s jazz-tinged slowcore of Spain, to the turn-of-the-century post-rock of groups such as Dirty Three, Mogwai and Sigur Rós. Add in a splash of Bach and you’re nearly there!
Check out the some of Badinage below:
"Badinage paint a massive pulsating sonic painting in their music: glittering, shining and anthemic with an instrumentation that recalls the music of bands like Died Pretty with the emotional impact and pulse quickening thrills of Sigur Rós or Mogwai." Backseat Mafia EP Review 8.5/10
With support from the fabulous Blackbirds FC. Featuring members of The Hollowmen, Helvelln, the Vanda's and Flicker, Blackbirds FC play their own brand of new wave, country rock inspired by The Go-Betweens, REM, Wilco, and The Church.
“Melbourne's Blackbirds FC create beautifully layered lush sonic journeys that make you nostalgic for some of the great Australian bands of yesteryear. The Church springs to mind, but it's also for fans of The Chills, REM, and Prefab Sprout, for starters”.
Doors open at 3pm and tickets can be purchased below:
Badinage - Album Launch Tickets, George Lane, St Kilda | TryBooking Australia
See you there :)