Wolfmother was awesome live
by Cheeeese on 11/7/09The Electric Factory - PhiladelphiaWolfmother was amazing. One of the best live shows I have seen. The heartless bastards were pretty good. The New number twos were very forgettable.
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The trio known as Wolfmother is one of the most exciting and unique rock groups to emerge from Australia in recent years. Their music, while entirely fresh and original, recalls such pioneering '70s-era bands as Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and AC/DC. Wolfmother's spectacular live shows and retro sound have already won them a devoted following in their native Australia. U.S. audiences now have chance to enjoy this incredible band with the release of a new EP, Dimensions, on January 31, 2006, followed by the group's debut full-length Wolfmother in May and a U.S. tour in support of the two releases.
Wolfmother's bassist Chris Ross recently spoke with Ticketmaster about the band's history, the new EP and full-length album, and one of the group's favorite pastimes—pinball.
Ticketmaster: There's a nice jam-band quality to the music on your full-length album. Why did you choose to keep a looser, live feel to the recorded songs?
Chris Ross: That's a key element for us. I think that's how we did the EP, and that's pretty much what we wanted to do (with the album). Then (producer) Dave Sardy heard it as well, and he realized these guys are a jamming kind of band and he wanted to keep that vibe in there. So we were always about making is as live sounding as possible and as big as possible.
Chris Ross: That's a key element for us. I think that's how we did the EP, and that's pretty much what we wanted to do (with the album). Then (producer) Dave Sardy heard it as well, and he realized these guys are a jamming kind of band and he wanted to keep that vibe in there. So we were always about making is as live sounding as possible and as big as possible.
TM: Do you enjoy performing live more than recording in the studio?
CR: We really like both, which is cool. We love playing live. That was the thing with the EP as well. People would come and see the show and go, "Oh my God, it sounds so much bigger live." So for the album we had to make it sound as big as we sound live, which we didn't manage to do with the EP. We're quite comfortable working in the studio and playing on the stage. So we're both. We'll do anything.
CR: We really like both, which is cool. We love playing live. That was the thing with the EP as well. People would come and see the show and go, "Oh my God, it sounds so much bigger live." So for the album we had to make it sound as big as we sound live, which we didn't manage to do with the EP. We're quite comfortable working in the studio and playing on the stage. So we're both. We'll do anything.
TM: Tell me how the band got together. Were you all friends before the band formed?
CR: No, we weren't. We met through friends of friends. We should have called our band "Friends of Friends." I met Myles our drummer, who lived with a guy who collected synthesizers...who my girlfriend introduced me to. Myles and I were playing together for a little while. Then we moved into a house together, and we had a jam room. We used to have a lot of parties and Andrew came to a party, because he was a friend of a friend that came to a party, and that was about it. Then we had like three or four years of just hanging out and jamming and trying to avoid doing work. And drinking lots of coffee and just jamming. And then eventually we decided to do a show. Actually, Andrew and Myles decided to do a show. I was never really interested in playing a live show, which is very bizarre now that I think about it, because once we actually did it, I loved it. I loved being put on the spot. You got to do it right here and now or that's it—no one's going to like it. I really enjoyed playing music with them and I didn't realize how exciting it would be to put it in front of an audience. So once we kind of did that I was fully addicted and we all started working on doing more shows.
CR: No, we weren't. We met through friends of friends. We should have called our band "Friends of Friends." I met Myles our drummer, who lived with a guy who collected synthesizers...who my girlfriend introduced me to. Myles and I were playing together for a little while. Then we moved into a house together, and we had a jam room. We used to have a lot of parties and Andrew came to a party, because he was a friend of a friend that came to a party, and that was about it. Then we had like three or four years of just hanging out and jamming and trying to avoid doing work. And drinking lots of coffee and just jamming. And then eventually we decided to do a show. Actually, Andrew and Myles decided to do a show. I was never really interested in playing a live show, which is very bizarre now that I think about it, because once we actually did it, I loved it. I loved being put on the spot. You got to do it right here and now or that's it—no one's going to like it. I really enjoyed playing music with them and I didn't realize how exciting it would be to put it in front of an audience. So once we kind of did that I was fully addicted and we all started working on doing more shows.
TM: The album art for Wolfmother was done by Frank Frazetta (a respected science fiction and fantasy illustrator). What made you choose his artwork for your album cover?
CR: I remember in high school I had a friend who loved his stuff. I was never really a big fan, but I had always been exposed to it. Then we were in the studio, talking about what we were going to do for the artwork and Sardy said, "Have you seen Frank Frazetta's stuff?" And I said, "Oh, I remember that. I had this friend in high school who really liked him." We couldn't really visualize any pieces. So Myles and I went to a bookshop and I pulled out a book. As soon as I started flipping through it, I was like, "My God, this is perfect." And I showed it to Myles, and he was like, "Oh my God, this is perfect." And then we showed it to Andrew and it was the same reaction. And everyone who knew us and the music...was like, "Yeah, that's perfect." So that's kind of how it happened.
CR: I remember in high school I had a friend who loved his stuff. I was never really a big fan, but I had always been exposed to it. Then we were in the studio, talking about what we were going to do for the artwork and Sardy said, "Have you seen Frank Frazetta's stuff?" And I said, "Oh, I remember that. I had this friend in high school who really liked him." We couldn't really visualize any pieces. So Myles and I went to a bookshop and I pulled out a book. As soon as I started flipping through it, I was like, "My God, this is perfect." And I showed it to Myles, and he was like, "Oh my God, this is perfect." And then we showed it to Andrew and it was the same reaction. And everyone who knew us and the music...was like, "Yeah, that's perfect." So that's kind of how it happened.
TM: Some of your influences include rock bands such as Pink Floyd, Black Sabbath and AC/DC. You've also cited influences that may not be as apparent: Boards of Canada (experimental electronica), Bob Marley (reggae) and Jon Spencer (indie rock). How do you feel those bands have influenced your own music?
CR: That's something that a lot of people don't realize...we do have a lot of contemporary influences as well. People kind of make the obvious associations...Andrew listens to a lot of folk, Devendra Banhart and things like that. A lot of lyrical, melodic, inspirational stuff. And I listen to a lot of electronic (music)...I like really solid bass lines with a kind of groove that you can dance to as well. And Myles listens to a lot of Boards of Canada and Warp Records stuff and abstract hip-hop...I can see how different elements bring something. We all bring something different. You know, Myles has a very organic style on the drums. It's not something very straight up. There are just little tinges of something different, but I think that it all comes together. It all adds up. It's not very apparent at first, but I think once you realize that, it kind of makes sense.
CR: That's something that a lot of people don't realize...we do have a lot of contemporary influences as well. People kind of make the obvious associations...Andrew listens to a lot of folk, Devendra Banhart and things like that. A lot of lyrical, melodic, inspirational stuff. And I listen to a lot of electronic (music)...I like really solid bass lines with a kind of groove that you can dance to as well. And Myles listens to a lot of Boards of Canada and Warp Records stuff and abstract hip-hop...I can see how different elements bring something. We all bring something different. You know, Myles has a very organic style on the drums. It's not something very straight up. There are just little tinges of something different, but I think that it all comes together. It all adds up. It's not very apparent at first, but I think once you realize that, it kind of makes sense.
TM: You've won tremendous praise from fans and the press. Many have proclaimed Wolfmother Australia's best new rock band. What do you make of the band's success?
CR: It's just great. It was nearly two years ago that we had our first show. It was just the three of us in a room playing this music, going, "Wow, I really love this." All three of us really loved it and we were kind of thinking, "Is anyone else going to like it?" But we liked it so much we didn't really care...No one else was really doing anything like that, especially not in Sydney. So we really didn't know how it was going to do down. And we were on the bill with some glam metal band, which was really cool, because they really loved us. Everyone said that the three of us were like rabbits in the headlights. We were so used to playing these songs. A song would finish and we'd go, "Yeah, I think we should change that song to a G." But instead we had this whole audience going, "Yeah!" And we were like, "Far out!" It's positive. It's cool. It just encourages us to keep doing what we're doing, which we would probably do anyway, but I guess with more intensity.
CR: It's just great. It was nearly two years ago that we had our first show. It was just the three of us in a room playing this music, going, "Wow, I really love this." All three of us really loved it and we were kind of thinking, "Is anyone else going to like it?" But we liked it so much we didn't really care...No one else was really doing anything like that, especially not in Sydney. So we really didn't know how it was going to do down. And we were on the bill with some glam metal band, which was really cool, because they really loved us. Everyone said that the three of us were like rabbits in the headlights. We were so used to playing these songs. A song would finish and we'd go, "Yeah, I think we should change that song to a G." But instead we had this whole audience going, "Yeah!" And we were like, "Far out!" It's positive. It's cool. It just encourages us to keep doing what we're doing, which we would probably do anyway, but I guess with more intensity.
TM: I hear the band loves to play pinball. How did your pinball obsession begin?
CR: Oh, this is good question. You directed this at the right person, because I love pinball. I remember as a kid going on family holidays down the coast and I remember my brother used to like pinball. I liked my brother and I wanted to be like him, so I wanted to play pinball. I remember he used to listen to The Who and the song "Pinball Wizard" and stuff. I kind of was idolizing my brother and all The Who music. So that's where it really came from for me. And I love it. I just feel an affinity with the machine.
CR: Oh, this is good question. You directed this at the right person, because I love pinball. I remember as a kid going on family holidays down the coast and I remember my brother used to like pinball. I liked my brother and I wanted to be like him, so I wanted to play pinball. I remember he used to listen to The Who and the song "Pinball Wizard" and stuff. I kind of was idolizing my brother and all The Who music. So that's where it really came from for me. And I love it. I just feel an affinity with the machine.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Rating: 4 out of 5 they rocked!
by mulle on 11/7/09The Electric Factory - Philadelphiawolfmother was amazing, they really rocked and they got the audience on their feet!
Rating: 5 out of 5 Totally Awesome
by JudoJoe on 11/7/09The Electric Factory - PhiladelphiaThis was the loudest, most powerful, most painful, and overall best show I've ever attended. The opening bands were great and had some great sound, although much of the crowd was getting antsy before the Heartless Bastards finished. My point of view is that Wolfmother had brought us these bands for our listening pleasure and to pretty much tell us: Hey, we like these guys. So I respected them and I actually really enjoyed both groups. When Wolfmother came out on stage, like most shows at the Electric Factory, the crowd went rabid. I've never heard a fuller sound live than I did at this show. Even the opening bands had impressive sound quality, which is usually saved for the main act. The bass and the drums were enough to cause your chest to cave in. The guitars were just out of this world and everything came together perfectly as if you were listening to a perfectly practiced recording. Of course that live aura was still there and the way they delivered both new and old songs was just unbelievable. Would I see Wolfmother again? I would definitely not give up the chance. This was one of the best experiences of my life.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Wolfmother is a great live band
by StuckBehindTheCrowd on 11/7/09The Electric Factory - PhiladelphiaThe band sounded great. The fans got their money's worth with a 2 hour set including 4 encores. The band really connected with the fans.
Rating: 4 out of 5 wolfmother & heartless bastards what a combo!
by aussie123 on 11/7/09The Electric Factory - Philadelphiaawesome show! being an aussie I was torn between thinking i was going just for Wolfmother - but Heartless Bastards rocked at Lollapalooza....and they did it again last night. These two bands playing together fed off each other and absolutely rocked Philly last night - am still on a high!! Bruises on kneecaps from being pushed up against the barrier to prove it!! come back again soon...
Rating: 5 out of 5 Wolfmother Rocked the House
by JPJP20 on 11/7/09The Electric Factory - PhiladelphiaGreat show guys...I will be back every time you play in Philly.
Rating: 5 out of 5 DUDES!!!! YES
by HolyFuck320 on 11/3/09House of Blues Dallas - Dallaswell, i bought my tickets about 2 months in advance because i knew for a fact i wanted to see this show. when i actually got the HOB, the atmosphere was set for a complete rock experience. the music kicked ass, although there was a bit of moshing, it never exceeded to a dangerous level. I would recommend this venue or this style event to anyone. Thank You for the experience, and PLEASE bring Wolfmother back next year
Rating: 5 out of 5 wolfmother was amazing
by debe104 on 11/2/09House of Blues Dallas - Dallassound was great like a cd they had great stage energy that kept everyone dancing very great show!!!!
Rating: 5 out of 5 Wolfmother
by CStevens on 10/31/09House of Blues Dallas - DallasVery good concert-the opening acts were longer then I would have liked.
Rating: 1 out of 5 thenewno2 very disappointing
by man5ell on 10/30/09House of Blues Dallas - DallasI bought tickets and went to this show strictly to see the opening act of thenewno2 and it is their overall impression which was such a disappointment. Their performance on stage was nothing like the slot music of their CD I have in my collection. Where it is both enjoyable and different, the show was basically noise. I tried to overlook my disappointment in the show and decided to try to catch a word with them outside as we left. The drummer, bass and guitar player were very nice and treated the half a dozen fans with some appreciation. Dhani Harrison, however, who I thought I adored, acted like he was superstar, and avoided any contact he could with the fans. For a guy who is not even signed to a label, he has a lot of nerve thinking he will retain any fan base he currently has. I don't intend to waste any more of my time or money on them.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Wolfmother at House of Blues-Dallas. Awesome!!!
by mrblack28 on 10/30/09House of Blues Dallas - DallasWow!!! Sounded great and of course all the songs were great!!!! One of the greatest bands of the Decade by far and they showed it.
Rating: 4 out of 5by Anonymous on 10/30/09House of Blues Dallas - Dallas Overall, the show rocked. The lead singer brings a ton of energy! It was also very interesting to see the crowd that showed up - it is quite apparent that Wolfmother appeals to a wide audience as I saw people young and old, men and women all rocking out together. Very cool! One thing I was confused about was the band members look different. I only recognized the lead singer, and the other members looked different than footage I have seen of the original band. Has there been some shakeup in Wolfmother that I was not aware of? Either way, Wolfmother was excellent and I really enjoyed seeing them in this smaller venue of House of Blues rather than an Arena Rock setting. Keep rocking, boys!
Rating: 5 out of 5 Surprised!
by Chick3n on 10/30/09House of Blues Dallas - DallasI love Wolfmother so there was no doubt they would rock, what surprised me was how awesome The Heartless Bastards and thenewno2 were. Normally I don't like the opening bands but both of them were really good. I'm looking into finding CDs? And then Wolfmother totally kicked ass. Like always.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Blown Away
by Lajoie on 10/30/09House of Blues Dallas - DallasI walked in expecting a decent show. Instead I received a gift - the honor of watching one of the better rock n roll performances I had ever experienced. The show started the same way it ended - with high energy. Each song was filled with intricate guitar riffs the drove strait through your soul. I'll make every attempt to see their shows any time they are near Dallas in the future
Rating: 5 out of 5 Wolfmother = Bad A**
by Ladyamc on 10/30/09House of Blues Dallas - DallasI'm so glad to have seen these guys! Playing base lines on Keys, rocking the drums, and Wailing on the mic! Love it! If only I could afford to see these guys in Australia w/ AC/DC... man o man I wouldn't know what to do w/ myself. One more thing... the Danny Clinch pics, Doc Video and Rock edition "meat tenderizer" Absolut Bottle ... Brilliant!
Rating: 5 out of 5 WOLFMOTHER and the Horse they rode in on...
by phlack on 10/30/09House of Blues Dallas - DallasPLEASE BRING THEM BACK!!!! GREAT SHOW! H.O.B. was made to rock and it does. You gotta lower those drink prices....don't punish designated drivers with 4 dollar 6 ounce sodas! but great show to have there!
Rating: 5 out of 5by TorTor222 on 10/30/09House of Blues Dallas - Dallas Great concert! They rocked the entire time! Loved the new material!
Rating: 4 out of 5 Good Show
by dancepunk on 9/24/09Fillmore - DenverI saw Wolfmother with Placebo in Denver at the Fillmore. This was my first time seeing Wolfmother, and they put on an amazing show! Very good band that has a lot of energy and spunk.