From
their scintillating live performances with dual vocalists,
Andrea Kenny and Neil Murray providing a twisted take
on the Lennon and McCartney pairing, and with the rearguard
of Craig Smith (bass) and Matt Woolman (drums), Two
Day Rule look set to conquer...or do they?
"We were visualising champagne breakfasts, world tours
and Top of the Pops and it didn't happen," states Neil
Murray looking a tad dejected but definitely not beaten.
"I think it's better for our sanity that we didn't get
everything we hoped for; I mean, it has to get better
from here, right?"
Despite the band's undoubted ability and unwavering
confidence, not forgetting the glowing reviews from
various publications, a chink has appeared in the Two
Day Rule armour due to a recent drubbing in one of the
music weeklies. Hardly a cause for concern, but a reason
to rethink and regroup before the official launch of
the Two Day Rule long player next year.
"I've said this a couple of times before, but it bears
repeating; take the music seriously but don't take yourself
seriously. I hate bands who think too highly of themselves
and I'd hate to think I'd ever become like that. Obviously,
the magazine in question gave us a big hand in keeping
our egos in check."
Taking the positive from the negative has seriously
boded well for Two Day Rule. With recent inclusion as
the support for Australia's Hard-Ons, and Metal Hammer
and rock sound magazines praising these skate-punks
on a frequent basis, the Two Day Rule banner is flying
high once more.
"We get that reaction a lot," says Neil reflecting on
the vast amount of rave reviews Two Day Rule has received,
making the aforementioned review somewhat insignificant.
"People either love us or hate us, and I definitely
prefer that to people being meek when it comes to making
a decision on us. We're really going to have to prove
ourselves and win people over regarding the support
slot with the Hard-Ons, otherwise it will be a wasted
opportunity. Still, I like to think we can perform under
pressure, and we're certainly practising hard to make
sure we're up to the job."
There is a definite 'strong' work ethic within the band;
a driving determination that is often concealed due
to the jovial banter that often takes precedence whenever
the band is on stage. This, however, is part of the
Two Day Rule charm; a facetious exterior with a serious
inner core as their forthcoming album reveals.
"I think we're perceived as an upbeat good time kind
of band, which we are, but the actual lyrics are...not
exactly dark, but more personal than people think. What
I think will surprise people who may have heard Had
a Good Thing (Two Day Rule's debut single) is that most
of the lyrics on the album are more serious and personal."
Two Day Rule's album is scheduled for release next February
and rather appropriately titled, When Your Ready. Again,
those more accustomed to the power pop of Had a Good
Thing are in for a few surprises!
"The album has got much personality to it," says Neil
with much enthusiasm. "It (When Your Ready) doesn't
sound quite like anyone else, and although we're probably
better musicians now, personality is the thing that
counts."
Despite Two Day Rule's belief that their forthcoming
album will separate them form the rest of the herd -
that herd being the usual suspects of Blink-182, Sum
41, New Found Glory et al - there will be various detractors
who will think otherwise, something of which Neil Murray
is aware of.
"We do whatever we like, and I think we've set our stall
out rather well with this album," states Neil defiantly.
"When Your Ready is not all straightforward pop-punk
because there's some swing jazz on there (Johnny &
Loretta) and even a calypso break in, Are We Having
Fun Yet? As it happens, I think much of the songs we've
written since the album have been in a more punk direction.
However, if we'd chosen to expand on the jazz or reggae
side to our sound we could have, and still might in
the future. Two Day Rule are definitely not constrained
by the present scene; hopefully, this will be reflected
when our album is released and people will be prepared
for whatever direction we decide to take."
Nathan Haines (Sugar Shack
Records) Oct 2001
|
