Skinny Jean’s debut album ‘Dolce Doggerel’, is en route to its release in Brisbane mid March, and nationally in August. It is a long awaited release, which ensures not to disappoint. Together with the help of Stephen Bartlett (White Horse Audio) and the special contribution of Chris Perren (of Mr. Maps), they have produced a cracking bit of wax. Those who purchase the album can look forward to twelve emotive, eclectic and antipodal songs - most of which have garnered favour already with Brisbane audiences. The band’s hitherto three-year journey peels out of the player in an aural voyage invoking themes of elation, woe, privation, felony and lethargy.
Since their catalytic inception into Triple J’s Unearthed ‘feature artist’ spot, Skinny Jean have worked hard at gradually finding their feet in the Australian music scene. They released their first E.P. ‘Shiny Disc’ in 2007, alongside a film clip of the single ‘Anhedonia’. That same song recently reached No. 2 in 4ZzZ’s 2008 Hot 100 broadcast. They’ve supported The Boat People, The John Steel Singers, Yves Klein Blue, Dead Letter Chorus and Jamie Hutchings (Bluebottle Kiss) to namedrop but a few, and have hosted an assortment of sell-out shows in Brisbane. In 2009, they set their sights to releasing their exciting first album, venturing throughout Australia and getting to work on a follow-up record.
Skinny Jean’s quiddity lies in their multifarious repertoire of avant-pop. They delve into both post-punk and post-rock, not yet making the commitment to post-music. Their various respective backgrounds and training in classical, jazz and rock-piggery manifest themselves in a tapestry of music, which has been described as provocative; challenging and introspective, as well as fun; boisterous and cathartic. Their live show is captivating and energetic. They are enthusiastic nerds, and when nerds get aroused, atoms are split; and theorems are formulated; and progressive rock albums are released; and multinational conglomerates arise - but for these nerds, it could mean that some tangerine music finds its way to your ears
Skinny Jean are a band that know how to use their members’ idiosyncrasies to dramatic effect. They have a bubbly and boisterous vibe, yet mixed in with it are some more introspective, almost dark elements that are really fascinating. Stew Riddle - fasterlouder.com.au
"Skinny Jean are quickly earning their chops as one of the higher priority local must-sees. For those who only go to gigs for the main act, Skinny Jean is a great excuse to leave the house a little earlier." Simon Topper - Rave Magazine
"The band creates an air of intrigue, taking us on a melodic journey: at times, the music is joyful, with Allen and Hicks weaving magic with their vocals; at other times, dark and brooding, channelling elements of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. They pace the set amazingly well, with carefully controlled dynamics showing light and shade – building up the intensity, dropping it back just in time for you to take a breath, before beginning a fresh onslaught. When they finish the set, there is a buzz in the room and I almost turn to leave, half-forgetting that there is still another act to follow." Tian Zhang - fasterlouder.com.au
ALBUM REVIEWS
"Far too accessible to be out-there, yet far too original to be mainstream, Skinny Jean refuse to play it safe or make the obvious choices musically. And that’s what ultimately makes them so fascinating, and Dolce Doggerel a record that holds your attention from beginning to end."
**** TIMEOFF MAGAZINE
"A groundbreaking Australian album." SCENE MAGAZINE
"As a debut album from a pretty much unknown young Australian band, its damn impressive, and I hold out a lot of hope that they can only get better." user 'deGit' - sputnikmusic.com
wow! thanks for the add! you guys are great! if you're looking to come down to melbourne sometime, let us know and we'll book some gigs together :) xo mit the good china
Hey Shem,, I love the drive to brisbane.. maybe love is an over statement but i get that little nostalgic feeling when you get to the the sugar cane stretch.. got to love the north coast Australian landscape... Yes i've heard but don't own a copy of Tabula Rasa. You've reminded me... Spiegel im spiegel is one my favs... Take care and catch you guys next time.. :)
thanks sam for your reply, thats cool... yeah it went pretty good although the time slot wasn't the greatest. I'm defiatly keen to see your band play sometime in brisbane- i look forward to it
yo saw you play at the valley studios on sunday i was there handing out some free music. i was going to give a copy to one of you guys but i ran out, so i thought the net might be the place to try.
hi, actually, i'll be playing a gig at the music kafe-west end at 6.30pm on monday (29th). it'd be really cool if you came along and had a listen, i'd love to support you guys sometime and if you came you'd know what i was like live...MUCH better than those recordings! -Yi
Hi skinny Jean, thanks for the add. I really love your music! please come and say hi and check out my music when you have the time. i'd love to see you guys play in bris sometime!
Hi Shem, Greetings from the south, Yeah Thanks ,we're glad you like our music, we like yours too:) We'll be shoutin aloud when the time comes for us to venture north:) - Peace for now, - Sole Stickers.
i saw you guys play at radar last year, and i was like, "wow, that guy looks like the dude who used to have me for after school care" and kinda forgot about it
then i just looked at your myspace and saw your name was sam and so began my investigation, consisting of a myspace comment and preemptive bragging