Benzene burst onto the Melbourne scene in 2002 with shows supporting Powdermonkeys and Shihad. The band picked up airplay on most FM stations including Triple J with their first single 'Fairytale' and played relentlessly all over Melbourne and regional Victoria...... In 2003 an Arts Victoria grant enabled them to record an E.P and continue touring. 'In The Red' was released independantly a few months later and an East Coast tour followed...... More dates were added, eventually taking in South Australia and again regional Victoria. At the end of the tour a few line-up changes were made. On returning, the band's songwriter Michael Bonanzinga and drummer Ben Ferrara were the only remaining members..... The momentum slowed during replacement auditions, but the songwriting continued and Benzene's sound developed from straight out grunge rock influences, to a more streamlined rock edge. In late 2004 Benzene returned with new members, guitarist Paul Hillier and bassplayer Jason Armstrong, for shows at The Green Room and The Public Bar.....Benzene have been in the studio with Matt Gearing-Thomas (The Fireballs, Fez Perez) since December 2005 recording a debut album which will be released in a few months. A recent show at The Palace with Brisbane's Shifter provided an opportunity for them to test new songs on a rock loving audience. Stay tuned for a single release very shortly....meanwhile check our gig guide for upcoming shows in Melbourne.
Bryan McCarthy 01 maggio 2007 08:16
