This October, McKisko aka Helen Franzmann is set to embark on an extensive tour to celebrate the release of her eagerly anticipated new album, Eximo.
Eximo is the follow up to her sparsely beautiful and critically acclaimed 2009 debut Glorio, which the Sydney Morning Herald awarded 4 stars calling it “a totally engaging and thoroughly exhilarating listen.” It also saw her chosen to support the likes of Tiny Vipers, Juana Molina, Jose Gonzales, Bon Iver, and J. Mascis. In 2010 she was awarded the Grant McLennan Fellowship for excellence in songwriting, providing her with time to develop her music abroad in Berlin. She was also invited to compose for and accompany two silent films on The Gallery of Modern Art’s Wurlitzer organ as part of the ‘Contemporary Australia: Women’ exhibition.
On Eximo, produced and recorded with drummer/engineer Kurt Read at his home in Woolloongabba, Brisbane, McKisko exhibits a newfound confidence, a relaxed assurance, and a willingness to stretch out. The strength of Eximo lies in the exploration of experimental tendencies while keeping the raw emotions in the fore, letting songs slowly unfold and evolve.
First single ‘Good Grief’ and accompanying clip, a collaboration with Franzmann’s sister Caitlin, effortlessly twists between haunting and hopeful, setting the mood for what’s to come.
Eximo is out October 11 through El Niño El Niño records.
MCKISKO EXIMO TOUR
Fri Oct 11 – The Terrace Bar, Newcastle NSW
Sat Oct 12 – Newsagency, Marrickville NSW
Sun Oct 13 – Front Bar, Canberra ACT
Thu Oct 17 – Toff in Town, Melbourne VIC
Fri Oct 18 – Frankie’s Empire, Hobart TAS
Sat Oct 19 – Mona, Hobart TAS
Sun Oct 20 – Grace Emily, Adelaide SA
Thu 31 Oct – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane QLD
Fri Nov 1 – Cooran Municipal Hall QLD
Sun Nov 3 – Bangalow Church Hall NSW