Montero is quite the supergroup, led by comic book/video artist, songwriter and frontman extraordinaire Ben Montero with long time collaborator Gerald Wells on synths, Geoffrey O’Connor on guitar, Guy Blackman on piano, local producer Robert Bravington on bass and Cameron Potts (Ninety Nine, Baseball, Brighter Later) on the drumkit. With an emphasis on clear vocals, Gibb brothers style harmonies, soaring melodies, lush instrumentation and dreamy glam pomp, Montero’s lyrics venture into gently abstract, sometimes surreal realms of romance, yearning, and wonder. Expect thundering drums, vintage synths squiggles, Liberace piano interludes and Ben Montero’s mystic frontman presence, combining to deliver a richly numinous musical experience. Montero’s latest epic devotional, ‘Passions’, is lifted from their debut LP The Loving Gaze, due August 16 on Mistletone / Inertia.
For the Newcastle launch, Montero will be joined by homies Early Woman, a new and swaggeringly catchy collaboration between Hannah Brooks (ex Young Professionals, St Helens, Spider Vomit) and Ben Montero, with Bobby Bravington on bass and Caitlin Perry on drums. This will be Early Woman’s first interstate tour, after a string of Melbourne dates with Love of Diagrams, Scott & Charlene’s Wedding, Lost Animal and Peak Twins. Expect big choruses, out-of-work Bjorn and Agnetha harmonies, depraved lyrics about loving your brothers, tarot cards, spies in love, desperation, feathers and believing in the power of love.
MONTERO “PASSIONS” SINGLE LAUNCH TOUR DATES
SYDNEY: THURSDAY JUNE 20 @ GOODGOD
with Early Woman (first Sydney show), Drown Under + DJ Marcel Whyler (buzz kull) + Circle Pit DJs.
Tickets $12+BF from Moshtix or $15 at the door.
NEWCASTLE: FRIDAY JUNE 21 @ TERRACE BAR
with Early Woman + guests TBA.
CANBERRA: SATURDAY JUNE 22 @ FRONT GALLERY
with Raus, Spartak and Shisd, tickets $10 at the door.
FRIDAY JUNE 28 @ THE LUWOW
with The Ancients + Swim Between The Shags.
Tickets $12+BF from Moshtix or $15 at the door (pre-bookings strongly advised).
More info: www.mistletone.net/label/montero