The Seabellies
The Seabellies music is rich and lush, full of ethereal electronic sounds, soaring guitars and Scandinavian influenced melodies. They tastefully orchestrate a wide array of interesting instruments – guitars, metalaphone, viola, melodica, trumpets, saxaphone, and accordion to create memorable sound scapes. With a live set renowned for its explosive energy and occasional devastating percussion breaks, it is no surprise they won the 2007 national Garage-to-V competition.
Since forming in late 2006, the Seabellies have already built up an enviable reputation based on their explosive live performances and acclaimed debut EP sold only at their early gigs. Swapping instruments throughout the set, the bands onstage presence is akin to Architecture in Helsinki, Broken Social Scene, Arcade Fire, Stars, and the Go! Team - those who refuse to be boxed into the traditions of four beat rock’n’roll.
The band originated with Singer/songwriter Trent Grenell, who together with younger brother Kyle began looking at the possibility of a new band with a fresh sound and unique approach to performance. They found they were not alone in their desire, and with Antony Martin and Eddie Garvan on board, the final additions of Stephanie Setz and Sean Kelleher saw the Seabellies embark on a busy 2006, touring heavily and recording their debut EP at the renowned BJB Studios in Sydney, with Producer Chris Townend (Lost Valentinos, Portishead) and assistant engineer Simon Berckleman.
the Seabellies have established themselves within the Newcastle, Sydney, and
Wollongong music scenes, playing some of Sydney’s bigger venues such as The Metro and The Gaelic Theatre. the Seabellies touring has also seen them play in Brisbane and Melbourne where they have supported artists such as The 1990s (UK), The Softlightes (US), Something for Kate, Augie March, The Cops, Expatriate, The Devoted Few, Bluebottle Kiss, Dan Kelly and the Alpha Males and of course played aforementioned V festival in Sydney and the Gold Coast, Peats Ridge festival 2006, and the Essential Festival 2007.
The bands live show has already developed a great reputation. Of their Softlightes support, Brag magazine said: ‘There aren’t enough superlatives to describe these guys show, but with five multi-instrumentalists, they quite literally owned the stage. [T]he band created gorgeous soundscapes and some stunning harmonies that translated just as well live…the crowd were utterly enraptured’ (Jonno Seidler).
With loads of new material and fresh ideas the ‘Bellies are planning on making more amazing music throughout 2008 as they continue to build a sound and vision to match their minds aspirations.
