Bolting straight out the gate with triple j airplay for new single Free Will, Hobart’s Verticoli are following up their EP launches and Falls Festival appearance with a slot at the equally massive Party In The Paddock, thanks to winning Unearthed’s competition.
Australia has produced some of the world’s most progressive artists and the Tassie three-piece are the latest to contribute to this honoured lineage. From their unique melodies, to their unconventional structures and thought-provoking lyrics, Verticoli are a literal alternative band of the highest order.
Enlisting the services of heavyweight sonic masters Jake Long (Red Planet Studios) and Forrester Savell (Karnivool, Cog, Dead Letter Circus), Verticoli have sculpted Free Will into a thing of beauty. Layering powerful riffs and soaring vocals over the top of monstrous rhythms; each song is built on strong, simple foundations from which the band wield an impressive musical dexterity.
Following on from their 2015 debut album Punching Bag (spawning the singles ‘Happiness’ and ‘Head Things), and supporting the likes of British India, DZ Deathrays, Cog and Kingswood, Free Will marks a distinct step forward in Verticoli’s evolution and ascension to the ranks of Australia’s already impressive alt-rock family.
“You’re getting some real girth outta those guitars, making them sound crunchier than a packet of chips in a quiet cinema.” (Free Will) Tommy Faith, Unearthed.
“Punching Bag is an album that really shows Verticoli as an Australian band to celebrate… Maybe it’s the musicianship, the production or the intrepid sense of humour, but there’s something special about Punching Bag that demands repeated play.” 4/5, The Music.
“The songs are exceptionally strong, sticking in your mind for a long time afterwards; the riffs are huge; the grooves are fat as fuck, and you get the sense this stuff would rock the hell out of small, sweaty live venue.” 4/5, Beat.
Free Will EP out now via Firestarter Distribution
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