Melbourne/Surf Coast band Localles (Ted O’Neil, Paul Doery, John Waller and Michael Fitzgerald) are back to release standout single ‘Mercury Prize,’ on Friday May 23, with a free headline show at The Tote front bar on Saturday May 24.
This song is the first stone on the bridge of their upcoming EP, serving as a stirring single to remind their listeners of the punch they pack. Mercury Prize lays bare a droning guitar intro, followed by a quick build into an enthralling punk-rock ballad, reflective of an era where words hold weight: “We can talk the talk everyday; be the right kind of righteous, or be the face of change.”
The members of Localles each come with a reputable history within the Melbourne music scene, having played in The Vasco Era, The Exploders and Rat & Co. Their collective experience and mpersonal quirks build something enthralling. They are a well-seasoned act that looks, feels and sounds at home on just about any stage they’re thrown on: from the sticky urban grounds of The Tote and The Old Bar, to the festival stages of Kennedys Creek Music Festival, Loch Hart Music Festival, Grampians Music Festival and WinterWild, and back to the regional scenes of Birregurra Hall, Port Campbell Pub and the beloved Barwon Club.
Localles have previously released acclaimed singles and EPs, from ‘Wishing Well’ (2017) to ‘Standing on Thin Air’ (2023). They have again worked with producer Greg Rietwyk (Press Club, Neighbourhood Youth, The Pretty Littles), with mastering done by the Grammy-nominated Andrei Eremin (Hiatus Kaiyote, Baker Boy, Chet Faker).
Oozing wisdom: “Always look up from your phone when you are about to cross a road. Don’t wear glitter if you have shag pile carpet,” they collectively share their wit and honestly, as self- acclaimed ‘Dad Rockers.’
