Grinspoon - The beginning not the end

It always sends off warning bells when a band’s singer takes a break to go and pursue “side projects”. Grinspoon’s Phil Jamieson has released an album and is off touring around the country with his new band The Lost Gospel with good mates Nick Wright (The Easybeats’ Stevie Wright’s son), Matt Strong and Lee Moloney. He also has his second child on the way. Could this perhaps spell the end for Grinners? No.

Grinspoon’s drummer Kristian Hopes explains that the band has in fact been busy writing for their next album which is currently in pre-production. They have just finished recording thirty-two new tracks which will be culled down to about seventeen for a new album to be released early in the new year. The first single will be out before Christmas.

The band's last album Thrills, Kills and Sunday Spills had a much more commercial sound than your earlier albums, Hopes explains the bands thoughts on where the new album sits.

"All our albums have been recorded when we’ve been in different head spaces. This album will be more like our first."

This should please the fans who were disappointed with the more radio friendly sound of Thrills....

Although the producer of the next album has not been confirmed as yet, Hopes said that working with an American producer, as they did with 2004’s Thrills, Kills & Sunday Pills, can be frustrating and time consuming.

"It takes too long for American producers to get the drift of the band," he explains.

So, what were the band influenced by this time around?

"I’m listening to a lot of us at the moment! Lots of Grinspoon. It’s a long hard process, writing an album. There’s no time to listen to other bands.’

However, front man Jameison has found time for his new project. Hopes remains diplomatic when asked about his band mates new project.

"It’s a good album. Not the sort of band I’d play in. I really like track 5, 'Limits'"

It is rare for the Grinspoon boys to take much time off from touring. So, after a three month break, Hopes and the band can’t wait to get back out on the road and up on stage again. Their touring drought will be broken when they headline their first ever Thank God It’s Over festival in Melbourne on 14th October at the Myer Music Bowl. The festival is an end of year, all ages alternative rock festival for schoolies which travels to both Melbourne and Brisbane. Grinspoon fans can expect a taste of the new.

"Yeah, we’ll be giving the kids a preview. We’ll road test three or four new songs and see how they go."

Hopes is also keen to catch a few other bands at the festival.

"Shihad are our best mates. Also there are some good young bands playing there as well like Kisschasy, Gyroscope as well as the Cassanovas who are touring with The Lost Gospel at the moment."

So, if you can’t wait until the new year to hear Grinspoon’s new tunes and you’re hanging to see Phil bust out some new dance moves, make sure you get yourself to the TGIO Festival in Melbourne on 14th October. Melbourne’s line-up includes Grinspoon, Shihad, Dallas Crane, Gyroscope, Karnivool, Behind Crimson Eyes, TZU, the Casanovas, Kisschasy, True Live, The Exploders along with a bunch of DJ’s. If you’re in Brisbane on the 15th you can catch a similar line-up, but with the Hilltop Hoods headlining. Go to the festival’s website at www.thankgoditsover.com.au/line-up for a full list of bands and info about where to buy tickets.

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