Macondo Blowout

I could start off this article using the standard introductory formula: ‘Macondo Blowout, a local Torquay punk rock band are just about to launch an amazing EP, so keep an eye out for them…blah, blah, blah’ but not only is that boring as bat shit, they also deserve more. It became pretty obvious while sitting around talking to these guys how bloody into music they are and how much they love making music, as a result a standard introduction would be completely sub-standard.
The beers had been cracked open and the conversation with lead singer, Colin (Col), drummer and ex-drummer for Magic Dirt, Adam, guitarist, Dishy and bass player, Marty started to flow. There were no egos around this table, just a crew doing what they love, for the love of it, nothing more, nothing less.
“Playing in a band is just heaps of fun. I love being on stage, love the entire process, love the writing and putting it all together and when you go on stage and you see everyone tapping their feet along to a riff, that’s the driver really,” Col explains.
Macondo Blowout came about like most good ideas in life: at a party. Marty, Dishy and ex-drummer Mick were at a mates 40th and started to talk about how they all missed playing. All three had played in bands for the most part of their lives, Marty in Canada and Dishy picked up a guitar after seeing The Angels in Geelong when he was 17. ‘‘I remember seeing those guys and thinking that’s cool, so I just hacked away at it. I didn’t get into a proper band until I went to do a season at Hotham. We only had three months to get a staff band together and we used to play all the ’90s grunge stuff, that’s when I started to get really into it.”
Unlike most ideas that crop up at a party, this one stuck. They got together a week later and started jamming. About a month after that, at an Eddy Current Suppression Ring show, they met Col, who was no stranger to being in a punk band himself. He had once played with the band Tracta and like the rest was missing the buzz he got from performing and writing music.
Drummer Mick moved overseas and was replaced by Adam, still affected by the break up of Magic Dirt and the death of bass guitarist Dean Turner, Adam explains his hesitation to play music again until he heard Macondo Blowout playing in a rehearsal studio he was working at. They all got talking and the guys asked him to play with them, “If it wasn’t for these guys I never would have played again.” Macondo Blowout was complete again and it was time to kick some serious arse!
The first gig they all played together was one of their most memorable, it was Rock the Mole at Torquay Hotel, a night organised by a good friend of Macondo Blowout and dedicated to raising funds for the Melanoma Institute of Australia. The night was not only a success in raising cash, it was also one of the best gigs they can recall playing, “Everyone was there for such a good reason, there was no bullshit. Everyone loved the music, loved the night and we just had an absolute ball.”
Luckily for you Rock the Mole 2015 is just around the corner and Macondo Blowout will be ripping it up with the likes of Battle Axe Howlers and a truck load of other awesome bands at the Torquay Pub. The night will also be the launch of Macondo Blowout’s EP, they were nice enough to give me a listen and let’s just say that if you like punk, rock n’ roll or just getting loose in general, you’ll love Invisible Enemy. High energy and drenched in attitude, listening to this EP is like being at a Macondo gig, soaked in sweat, jumping around and rocking out – top optional.
These guys know their music, are driven by music, appreciate music and are all round great blokes. If you think rock or dirty arse punk is dead, you obviously haven’t heard of Macondo Blowout. Be sure to like them on Facebook for future local gigs.
When & Where: Rock the Mole @ Torquay Hotel, Torquay – May 23
Release: Invisible Enemy EP out May 23
Written by Montana Agustin. Photo by Mitsukasov Photography