Eclectic epic didactic diverse & original rock from the 90s Melbourne independent scene.

15 MP3 Songs
ROCK: 90's Rock, ROCK: Instrumental Rock



Details:
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Review by Sash - Rip It Up Magazine - 7th April 1994

Creative, inventive, contrasting and above all entertaining. The Ergot Derivative is unquestionably one of the most talented bands in the country at the moment. What a shame a major label hasn't yet signed this innovative six-piece (and its collective entourage). The band's trait lies within a carefree but professional approach that sees it successfully master a number of music styles, ranging anywhere from catchy Irish-sounding fold ('Get Your Head Off My Pillow') to elements of jazz ('Foot') to uptempo country ditties ('I've Crossed That Line') and sullen contemplative instrumentals.

Everything about The Ergot Derivative's sound falls impressively into place. The myriad of styles allow themselves to thrive on originality and vision alone, as one element shrewdly replaces another. Violin, piano, viola, mandolin, organ, harmonica, conga, tabla, reed, cello, percussion and a host of other delightful instrumnents are played with convistion to provide what would otherwise be an unusual array of sounds. However, each member's control of their chosen instruments allows The Ergot Derivative to expertly craft sounds brimming with appeal and imagination. The enchanting 'Zimbanana' is to The Ergot Derivative as 'Stairway to Heaven' is to Led Zeppelin or more accurately 'Satch Boogie' is to Joe Satriani. The majestic, epic instrumental sees the band excel in all its glory to perform one of the most engaging pieces of the modern era. It has previously appeared on 'The Elastic Tea Party' set but if you missed out on that, this is the ideal opportunity to make this superb piece your own.

'In Fear of a Flat Earth' is one of the most complete debut albums by an Australian band, signed or unsigned. It sets a standard that will be difficult to emulate - not only by The Ergot Derivative but any other band - but I'm certain these intriguing ladies and gentlemen have plenty more uncanny adventures up their sleeves.
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Review by Darrell Bassett - InPress - 30th March 1994

These people are one of Melbourne's most amazing live acts. Anyone who has been to an Ergot gig will probably spout in wonder at the sort of reponse that these guys extract from the audience. Scenes of mayhem and wild craziness are not uncommon.

Fear Of A Flat Earth is your chance to take a little of that craziness home to your very own loungeroom. There are fourteen tracks on this disc and represent the the band pretty much as they sound at the gig if played at volume.

On the disc are fourteen tracks many of them standards for those who know the Ergots and many surprises for those who don't. From the grind of Rhinehart Dolly Queen to the exhilaration of Zimbanana, the Ergot Derivative have managed to capture much of their live feel.

Their style is a disparate mosaic of influences and very hard to categorise. For mine I hear, at different times, sounds reminiscent of Pink Floyd, Sonic Youth, Jonathon Richmond, John Cale, well shit, the list could go on forever. Let's just say that is remarkably diverse.

It's hard to pick favourites off this release as each track has its own charm yet Rhinehart Dolly Queen will always have a place in my collection. An excellent disc that should put the Ergots beyond being merely a live phenomenon. Take some of the madness home today