Salmon's latest project delivers a deliciously unhinged sonic feast.
At the end of Smoked Salmon’s 2023 tour de France – with their French lineup composed of Kim Salmon, drummer Douglas Galbraith and vocalist/guitarists Delphine Ciampi and Dimi Dero – they booked some studio time in Perpignan, near Dero’s home.
During these sessions, (We’re All Going To) Hell In A Handbasket – which has been “brewing since Brexit” – was on the boil. As if illustrating the song’s title, a descending guitar riff leaps several octaves, squealing like a trapped demon during the chorus.
Smoked Salmon 2025 Tour
- Mar 7 – Lyric Lane, Perth
- Mar 8 – Gerry’s Gold Neighbourhood Laneway Music Festival, Gerry’s Lane, Freo (Kim solo)
- Mar 8 – Mojo’s, Fremantle
- Mar 9 – The River, Margaret River (Kim solo)
- Mar 14 – Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine,
- Mar 20 – Smiths Alternative, Canberra
- Mar 21 – La La La’s, Wollongong
- Mar 22 – Petersham Bowling Club, Sydney
- Mar 23 – Hamilton Station, Newcastle
- Mar 30 – Barwon Club, Geelong
- Apr 4 – Bearded Lady, Brisbane
- Apr 5 – Vinnie’s Dive Bar, Gold Coast
- Apr 6 – Bangalow Bowlo, Bangalow, NSW
- Apr 11 – The Grace Emily, Adelaide
- Apr 12 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
- May 10 – Republic Bar, Hobart
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Salmon (The Scientists, Beasts Of Bourbon, Beasts, Kim Salmon & The Surrealists, Antenna) struts and snarls throughout this doomed prophecy, channelling Iggy Pop.
These Grooves Are Haunted – which is elevated by crisp handclaps, lung-busting high harmonies and punchy drumming – sees Salmon backed by Galbraith, Claire Birchall (guitar, keys) and bassist Jeff Hooker.
Smoked Salmon’s “Melbourne Chapter” was also recruited for How Did They Ever Manage?, which poses its titular question to rockstars, politicians, psychopaths, managers and absent fathers (plus more). This track’s theatrical, sprawling guitar solo is gobsmacking.
Salmon clearly loves rhyming lyricism and Swamptacular Vernacular, with its bucket-of-clank percussion and high-pitched synth squall, transports us back to St Kilda’s Crystal Ballroom in its heyday. Standout track Flawed derails into a chaotic, unapologetically discordant instrumental dervish.
Elsewhere, the voodoo magic of Untrue is infused with Ray Manzarek-meets-The B-52’s keys and the loping Just A Little Bit Of Rain acts as down-tempo palate cleanser, during which Salmon shows off his vocal depth.
What a thrilling ride! Be sure to check your gig guide for Smoked Salmon’s upcoming Australian tour dates.
LABEL: CHEERSQUAD RECORDS & TAPES
RELEASE: 28 FEBRUARY
