Bendigo roots rockers Four Lions have just released their fourth album, Hard Days – and the band says it is their best work yet. “It’s something I listen back to, and there is nothing I would change,” frontman and chief songwriter Shann Lions says.
Four Lions are currently undertaking an album launch tour of regional and metropolitan Victoria – taking in Daylesford, Kyneton, Ballarat, Geelong, Castlemaine and Melbourne – that will wind up in a special homecoming show at the Golden Vine on Saturday, June 1.
As a big thank you to local fans and supporters, the band will perform the Hard Days album in full, with special appearances from some of the local musicians who played on it – including singer Mariah McCarthy, pedal steel guitarist Dave Moore, saxophonist Harry Godfrey, and trombonist Brendan Bartlett.
Midweek Blues guitarist Paul Robins will also join the band on stage for a couple of numbers.
Lions says the band is relishing the opportunity to take the new album on the road and introduce it – and themselves – to brand-new audiences.
“We are excited by playing new rooms and hopefully converting people into becoming fans,” he says. “We love playing to new people, that’s a thrill for everyone in the band. And for those in the crowd, it’s about playing an unforgettable show for them.
“I enjoy being able to see some of our country, and to share in that with the band will translate into forever lasting memories.”
The tour will be moving interstate during the next six months, with shows planned in Sydney, Canberra, Adelaide and Tasmania. Lions says the rest of the year is about seeing where the album takes the band in terms of shows and festivals – “whatever presents itself,” he adds.
And while touring is the band’s focus in 2019, they are already considering their next album. “We might start demoing some new tracks, but already there are many new songs for album No.5,” Lions says.
They are also looking to the future. “If we dream big, some of those things are going to happen. It’s those dreams and/or goals that we hope to build upon,” Lions says. “But just being a band that is able to keep recording and getting good crowds to shows so we all can be full-time musicians would be monumental.”
All members are involved in musical projects outside of Four Lions. Lead guitarist Keith MacQueen fronts his own original band, The Bridesmaid, and plays in popular covers outfit The John Grossman Project; keys man Stephen Briggs is a member of local favourites Funk Junkies; bassist Bradley Bradford also plays with prog virtuosos TH3, and drummer Gav Moncrieff wields the sticks in covers band Regular Joes. Lions says he has a few projects on the go, but his priority is the band he formed in late 2014 and after which he named himself. “I’m happy to focus on Four Lions only for now,” he says.
When & Where: Major Tom’s, Kyneton – May 25, The Printer’s Room, Ballarat – May 30, The Door Gallery Cafe, Geelong – May 31, Golden Vine Hotel, Bendigo – June 1 & The Taproom, Castlemaine – June 2.
Written By Brix Gordon