Melbourne/Surf Coast band Localles are set to release their standout single Mercury Prize, featuring a free headline show at The Tote front bar.
Described as the first stone on the bridge of their upcoming EP, Mercury Prize serves as a stirring reminder of the punch this four-piece band packs. Comprising members Ted O’Neil, Paul Doery, John Waller and Michael Fitzgerald, Localles have crafted an enthralling punk-rock ballad that begins with a droning guitar intro before quickly building into something powerful.
The song reflects an era where words hold weight, with lyrics that cut straight to the bone: “We can talk the talk everyday; be the right kind of righteous, or be the face of change.”
Localles
- Mercury Prize released on Friday May 23
- Free headline show at The Tote front bar on Saturday May 24
- Check out their Bandcamp and follow them on IG here
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Melbourne music veterans
Each member of Localles comes with a reputable history within the Melbourne music scene, having played in The Vasco Era, The Exploders and Rat & Co. Their collective experience and personal quirks build something enthralling that translates perfectly to the stage.
Localles 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.
The band have previously released acclaimed singles and EPs, from Wishing Well (2017) to Standing on Thin Air (2023). For their latest offering, they’ve 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).
Band banter
The self-acclaimed dad rockers also offer pearls of 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”.
“We thought about doing a world tour, but the front bar at The Tote has better acoustics and cheaper beer. Also we forgot to book flights. See you May 24!” says Michael Fitzgerald.
Ted O’Neil adds, “This song has everything: guitars, drums, lyrics, probably a chord or two. We’ll play it with passion and minimal rehearsal. May 24. Tote front bar. Free. Let’s make bad decisions together.”
“We tested Mercury Prize on a small group of friends. They said it made them feel feelings. We took that as a win. Come feel your own feelings live with us at The Tote. It’s free, unlike therapy,” reveals John Waller.
Paul Doery concludes, “We called the single Mercury Prize in the hope someone would accidentally send us one. Until then, we’ll be handing out basslines and bad jokes for free at The Tote, May 24.”
Check out their Bandcamp and follow them on IG here.
This article was made in partnership with Localles.
