Following graduation from the Queensland Conservatorium, Katie Noonan formed pop-rock outfit george with her brother Tyrone Noonan. After a couple of successful EPs, the band released Polyserena in 2002, helping them snag the ‘Breakthrough Artist’ ARIA. Much has followed, including time in the solo sun, but with new album Transmutant, Noonan returns to band mode under Katie Noonan’s Vanguard – a place she feels most at home. According to press, the album’s inspiration is “the musical realisation of a journey, of the personal changes that she’s gone through over the past few years”. It was recorded with assistance from a successful Pledge campaign and expands on a familiar sound. Katie: “The Captains had electronics in that there were samples and stuff, but this explores that world a little more. I bought this very cool vintage drum machine and we played around with a lot of vintage keyboards and synths – it’s been about opening up the sound a little more.” Theatre Royal, Castlemaine – October 16. Kate Noonan’s Vanguard features The Captains bandmates Stu Hunter and Declan Kelly, along with a new face in New Zealand guitarist Peter Koopman.