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Music

Tyrannamen Are Soulful But Still Plenty Punk

Listen to "I Can't Read", a rugged and raw (but highly melodic) track from the Melbourne band's debut album.

Led by the charismatic and energetic Nic Imfeld, Melbourne’s Tyrannamen punch out a brand of punk that is heavy on meldoic soul and energry.

They sound like the kind of band who on scoring the keys to Memphis’ Ardent Studios, would rather pawn everything except the Big Star #1 Record test press, than record anything.

The five piece don’t play that often on account that members are involved in a bunch of other great bands including the Stevens, Twerps, Whipper and Fruit & Nut but when they do play, the show becomes quite the event. Their raging set at last years Maggot Fest was a definite crowd favourite.

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"I Can't Read", taken from their forthcoming debut album on local Melbourne label Cool Death, bursts with the sunny melodies and raspy vocals that brings to mind Greg Cartwright and the Reigning Sound. It's bloody good!

We had a chat to Nic to find out more.

Noisey: I like how your shows have become a bit of an event. Do you feel that?
Nic Imfeld: Yeah I guess in a way. We have never played often and I like that, I was always concerned of people getting sick of seeing our name around and stuff. I think some bands don't play enough and many others play far too much. That said, this band features some of the busiest musicians in Melbourne so playing often was never really on the cards.

I think one of the reasons people are into the energy of the band is you don't hold back. Same at other shows you are often at the front, drinking a beer and being supportive. Is the country lad coming out?
Well you gotta have fun don't ya? I enjoy music most when it's a live band situation. Growing up in the country seeing a band was really rare and so when I moved here all I wanted to do was go see bands.

You recently played with Greg Cartwright. How was that?
That was hands down the funnest show I have ever played, Greg is my favourite songwriter so playing with him was nothing short of amazing, it was shit scary but he was a really good dude and to play those songs with him was something I would have never expected to do. Dream come true sorta stuff.

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Time Bomb High School or Too Much Guitar?
They're both corkers. Maybe Time Bomb, but I'm a true sucker for Break Up, Break Down.

You could have probably chosen a few local labels to put the record out. Why Cool Death?
I love Cool Death. When they approached us about doing an album I was slightly apprehensive but when they told me why and how they wanted to do it I thought it would be stupid and maybe even a little selfish not to. We really couldn't have chosen anyone else.

Catch Tyrannamen and the Octopus Brothers performing this Saturday at the Tote Front Bar from 4:30pm. Free entry.

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