With a band name that’s ‘one heavy animal away from the blues’, Smoke Stack Rhino are celebrating a bumper year and a new single at The Toff in Town on Thursday December 22.
“We always get asked where the band name comes from. Some people think it’s a reference to a new psychedelic drug, or an environmental statement, but the weirdest one was definitely the pizza-flavoured aphrodisiac,” says Ash King, singer-guitarist of blues-rockers Smoke Stack Rhino.
Taking their name from legendary blues vamp ‘Smokestack Lightning’, the Yarra Valley-based trio is still buzzing after their recent appearance at Blues at Bridgetown, Western Australia’s premiere blues and roots festival.
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“Being our first time in WA, I’m not sure anyone had ever heard of us, but as an audience they were so appreciative and into it, it was amazing: wild, crazy, positive energy,” Ash says.
Smoke Stack Rhino isn’t afraid of getting a little rowdy. Unapologetically old school and sometimes as heavy as their namesake itself, the band are bringing the heat on latest single, Old Silver Bullet.
The track, released by the band’s own JAMALAMA record label, is a party anthem for those who like to get groovy. With a classic blues-rock vibe, it has a satisfying bite to it. Crunchy guitar riffs are peppered over a thudding kick drum pulse. It’s the kind of rev-up music Thomas Shelby would listen to before a backcountry shoot-out in the next season of Peaky Blinders. Singer-guitarist Ash King’s voice is precise, with a bluesy twang that feels right at home alongside Shane Andison’s 5-string bass and Jeremy Berg’s funky drumming (even though Jem’s brother Matty has now assumed duties on the kit).
In 2022 the band also found airplay on Triple M & triple J, placed on Spotify editorial playlists and wowed audiences at Rock The Valley Music Festival (which they also ran), Moruya Blues & Roots Festival, Rock The Turf and Airey’s Inlet Music Festival, playing alongside Bluesfest artists like The Teskey Brothers, Pierce Brothers, Hussy Hicks, Roshani and 19-Twenty.
The band will be celebrating the release of Old Silver Bullet with a show at The Toff in Town on December 22, with support from Nathan McCormick Band and Bill Barber Trio. When it comes to their live set, these guys do not disappoint – coming off a whole stack of Aussie tours and festival rounds, they know how to get the party started.
The upcoming show will finish off a banger year, with an even brighter one on the horizon (we’ve heard whispers about an album coming in early 2023). With the release of Old Silver Bullet, Smoke Stack Rhino is staking its claim as one of Australia’s most exciting up-and-coming blues and roots rockers.
Tickets via https://www.thetoff.com.au
