“We’re happy to be flying the southern-psychedelic-horror-blues-rock flag in VIC,” Watson says, while confessing that they “made up that genre name as a bit of a piss take”. That said, it encapsulates their sound and the many elements that make their live shows so explosive, chaotic and musically enthralling. “It’s just an outlet to blow off some steam,” says Watson. His onstage persona not merely a rock’n’roll fabrication, but rather reflective of Watson’s relaxed, care-free personality. It isn’t difficult to understand how their shows regularly swerve into complete anarchy. Watson has been known to navigate a ceiling fan while sitting on his mates shoulders, or rip a mad solo and simultaneously play the Theremin with the head of his guitar. But when you have been taking to the stage day in and day out, stunts like this become the norm and simply the product of putting on a memorable performance.
With the one year anniversary of Sheriff’s acclaimed 7” single The Ghosts Of Saturday Night quickly approaching, it seems fitting to enquire about the band’s any upcoming releases. While Watson admits to a few internal hiccups along the way, he assures that the plan is to finally record a full length album. “The album is written, we know who we are recording it with. It’s Cam Trewin, who recorded our last EP and 7”.” Though no specific time has been set for the anticipated release, when Watson discusses their plans an impassioned sense of devotion and drive can be heard, both of which point to an album that is set to impress.
You will get a chance to see Sheriff at this year’s Wallapalooza Fest on a massive bill comprised of other scintillating live acts such as Electric Mary, The Mercy Kills, and Watson’s personal pick of the event, Dallas Frasca. As expected, Watson anticipates the show to feature their usual blend of madness and wild musicianship, while hinting that they have a few hidden surprises in store for the lucky crowd. “We’re planning to just get extra weird,” he says. “Josh, who plays drums for Frasca, is a monster. Maybe we’ll get him up to do some percussion or something.” Aside from that, Watson doesn’t elaborate any further, other than adding with a cheeky grin and mischievous tone: “[We will be] allowing people onstage to get loose.” When it comes to the rock’n’roll, in all its intensity and ferociousness, Sheriff deliver on every front.
BY STEVE WILLIAMS
