The Australian Independent Music page that Leaping Larry L should see most of (?!)(maybe) or "By gosh is that right"
Non Melbourne, Incendiary Rock bands -
Asteroid B.612 (1991-) :- Interviews and Articles  (A lot more still to come!!!)
 
Gray, Col, 199-?, 'Asteroid B-612', Vicious Kitten Magazine, Issue 4
Recently I told a friend I was going to see Asteroid B-612 and their next question was "what do they sound like ?". I replied with a definite "they sound like Asteroid B-612 !"
If I ponder this question a bit further I reach a conclusion that they do indeed have their own distinctive sound. Crunching rock music which is big on hooks and even bigger on melody. People are always tending to label bands, and the Asteroid’s sound has been compared with Radio Birdman and various other Detroit or post Detroit influenced bands. If I am pressed though, the Asteroids sound is more reminiscent of vintage Alice Cooper, and they are definitely more Rolling Stones than Birdman.Asteroid B-612 features the uncompromising John Spittles and Leadfinger on tag team guitars, the irrepressible Grant McIver on vocals, Benny Fox on drums and Scott Nash on rock solid bass. Leadfinger also serves time in the very cool Brother Brick.
   Asteroid B-612 have been together since early ’92 and since that time have forged a reputation as arguably the premier guitar based outfit on the live circuit. They have built up a strong following through their tough live stance and consequently through word of mouth. Unlike a lot of other bands, they have largely been ignored by the majority of the music press and the commercially alternative sounding Triple J, who unfortunately can now make or break bands in this country. Yet the Asteroids remain unfazed and undeterred. If anything they are more resolute, and have dug their collective heels in a little deeper.
    Through an unerring belief in themselves and their music - coupled with a DIY philosophy, they have quietly gone about releasing two quality albums in ‘Asteroid B-612 and ‘Forced Into A Corner’, both on Melbourne based Destroyer records, as well as a handful of singles. Recently though, the tide has begun to turn in their favour. Last year they were picked up by Au-go-go records, who recognised the obvious potential in the band by signing them to a four album deal before they were snatched away by any rival major labels ! Au-go-go are not however the only label who predict a bright future for Asteroid
B-612, as they have also secured overseas distribution via Canada’s Lance Rock records, who last year released ‘I’ve Had You’ as a single, lifted from the vastly underrated ‘Forced Into A Corner’ LP.
    ‘Forced Into A Corner’ is a block busting affair that includes the best rock song I have heard in the last ten years in ‘Edge A Bit Closer’. Short and sharp, big on melody and driven by big, fat guitars. An absolute monster ! Crank it UP ! Since their formation the Asteroids have gigged extensively in their native Sydney and also to the more receptive punters in Melbourne, yet with their recent signing to Au-go-go has seen them play their first shows in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the North Coast and across to Adelaide where they went down a storm.
    The recently released ‘Teen Sublimation Riffs’, their first outing for Au-go-go is without doubt the band’s strongest release to date. Opening with ‘Straight Back To You’ this in-your-face rocker really burns and goes straight for the jugular. The big riffing ‘You Know I’ll Never Be Good’ - complete with slide guitar is simply unadulterated bliss. Think Alice Cooper’s ‘Under My Wheels’. The tempo is again lifted on the anthemic title track ‘Teen Sublimation Riffs’, a tune dedicated to legendary rock journalist Lester Bangs. In fact the cover of the Coop’s ‘Is It My Body’, a mainstay of their live set, only serves to
illustrate Grant McIver’s raucous vocals which rip and tear like barbed wire. The re-working of ‘Undertow’, originally released on their debut LP is an unexpected highlight. Slow, purposeful guitars united with incisive harmonies wind up to reach a thunderous crescendo before rolling away as quietly as they came. Asteroid B-612 are on the verge of something big. Their future as vast as the universe itself. They hope to crash land on a Canadian / American jaunt in the not too distant future - and
hopefully then onto Europe where I am sure audiences would warm to them favourably. Global
domination is but one galaxy away, so c'mon people, let's go space truckin' !!!

Gray, Col, 199-?,  'Asteroid B-612 / Brother Brick - Crashlanding / Rock Action, Split 7"', Vicious Kitten
Magazine, Issue 2
Two of the coolest guitar bands on the scene at the moment, and it’s taken the foresight from the very hip vinyl-only label Brain Salad Surgery, to package them both together in the form of a split single. Brother Brick and Asteroid B-612 are two of the finest exponents of Detroit inspired rock n roll going around. Yet it’s not stale - they play with a groovy nineties feel, that allows both bands to invariably stand on their own merits.
    Brother Brick hit us with ‘Rock Action’ and this tune really burns. Fast and furious rock n roll, with a distorted cross between The Stooges and Bored, Brother Brick really deliver. You want satisfaction...get ‘Rock Action’. Yeah-hup !
    Onto the flip side - More motor city rock with Asteroid B-612 offering ‘Crash Landing’. This is such a cool song from Sydney’s BEST live band. Choppy rhythm, catchy chorus, slide guitar - I’m thinking Alice Cooper’s ‘Under My Wheels’. Same driving guitars, same ferocious groove, this should be top ten! This is without doubt the coolest, most rockin’ single of the year ! If you don’t already own a  copy - you should!

Gray, Col,  'Asteroid B-612- Not Meant for this World', Vicious Kitten Magazine, Issue 5
Asteroid B-612. The only band worth mentioning in an Australian scene unfortunately dripping with mid 90’s apathy. Finally the new LP from Asteroid B-612 has arrived, and it is definitely their best yet. The overall sound is a raw and powerful rockin’ dee-lite. Gutsy vocals sung against a wall of brutal electric guitars offering riffs a plenty, knee deep in melody and attitude.
    The unrelenting  ‘Destination Blues’ and high adrenalin ‘Emotional Tattoo’ show the boys in fine form.
    That stinging guitar attack has my ass well and truly kicked, as again demonstrated on the title tune ‘Not Meant For This World’, a frenzied assault with an unmerciful riff. ‘True Romance’ is a definite throwback to the early 70’s power pop tradition with an infectious melody and definite Flamin Groovies vibe.
    Reminds me of the glory days of Bomp! Records, and we all know what cool rocking stuff has come out on that label !! ‘Believe It’s True’ is another fine piece of raw, potent  sonic rock  played in that distinctive Asteroids style. The penetrating lead guitar is flavoured with a subtle, exotic Indian feel that would draw a smile to George Harrison’s face. Throw in some harmonica and a Hammond organ and you have yourself a song which demonstrates some very underrated song writing talent.
    The album rounds off with  ‘Where has all the fun gone’, another glorious piece of  melody laced riffomania, catchy hooks and definitely heading towards surf rock mayhem territory. A monster album from the band who are bringing rock n roll back to the masses. Shake it down people. Completely recommended

Gray, Col, 'Asteroid B-612 - September Crush', Vicious Kitten Magazine, Issue 7
A new year and a new EP of gut crunching tunes from Australia's best rock n roll band. Fresh from their state wide support stint of the Hoodoo Gurus, this EP sees the band returning to their roots.
    The first  tune ‘September Crush’ is  total high-energy rock action with a definite Groovies vibe and a
bitchin' blues riff which just won't quit.
    The earnest vocals of new singer Brother Grahame adding subtle qualities to this rock n roll machine. This tune is destined to be come a new live fave, and just another addition to their armoury of no nonsense, boots and all rock anthems.
    The band hits damage mode with a thorough re-working of 93's 'Gasoline' - that punishing bass crunch complimenting some screeching Glen Buxton-flavoured fret work. Killer song.
    The take of the Flamin' Groovies 'Second Cousin' is indeed a joy. Melodic and punchy, and catchy as all hell, with Deluxe Grahame’s vocals being the key here. If you haven’t already heard this band, then the 'September Crush' EP is a good place to start. I suggest you take Asteroid B-612 today for a better tomorrow!

Cosmo (The Cosmic Commander!), 199-3?, 'Asteroid B.612 - Teen Sublimation Riffs', Carbon 14 Magazine, Issue 9
For those of you who have you head firmly planted up your ass for the past decade you need not read on any further, but for the ones who are familiar with 'the lick' will be very interested in checking this one out.
    Hailing frin Sydney, Australia these guys have respectfully taken the rock and roll crowns off the heads of The New Christs and Celibate Rifles and put it on themselves.
    With 2 full length CDs behind them (both on Dave Thomas' [Bored! ] label, Destroyer) Teen Sublimation Riffs, a phrase borrowed from Lester Bangs, is a five song Ep and their first release on Au-Go-Go.
    This has all that you need, the Detroit/Australia crush is in full effect. If you rubes are tired of getting some watered-down, one-named band that's a never was, never will be then pick this up. There's no cute blond haired dude singing about how much heroin he did or what girl left him.
    Limited availability in the States kinda makes it tough to find (try Midnight Records) but expect a domestic release soon on Lance Rock.
    The Cosmic one doesn't put his stamp of approval on much so my advice alone, find this slab of rock action and get in line with the boys who are charging the rock and roll torch into the 21st century.

more Asteroid press

Back to
Main Page
or Back to
Non Melbourne, Incendiary rock
over to
Melbourne, Incendiary rock
Melbourne, Non Incendiary rock
Non Melbourne, Non Incendiary rock