Ernest Ellis & The Panamas will release their second album, Kings Canyon, tomorrow.
Like all the best recordings this one was born out of the worst circumstances. Drummer and vocalist Mathew Gardner was struggling with the serious illness of his mother, and the band were butting heads with a record company that didn’t share their creative vision.
But out of troubling times often comes great music, and that’s definitely the case here. Ernest Ellis & The Panamas was committed to creating a complete album, rather than the handful of singles surrounded by fillers we so often get. The recording obviously means a lot to the band, but frontman Ernest Ellis is philosophical about its reception.
“We just hope you take something from this record that gives you that thing that only music can. We hope you dance naked to it, and forget the other shit for a little while,” he said.
Look out for Kings Canyon in good music stores tomorrow.
Image used with permission from Two Fish Out of Water
I don’t blame them, because until the weekend neither had I. It’s not a festival that attracts big name international acts, or even the local household names. It doesn’t get effusive write-ups in the media. But it’s a great little event with a whole lot of heart.
Gotye has done it again, taking the top spot on the 
Gold Coast pop-rockers 
I was smiling before anyone even graced the stage, with my belly full of Lizotte’s tasty soft shell crab and delicious herby battered fish. But that smile got even wider when Mahalia Barnes was introduced as our support act. Jimmy’s daughter is always good value, and I lapped up her soulful set. Her modern take on “You Are My Sunshine” was a real highlight, as was the closer which saw Jimmy make an early appearance to sing with his daughter. The name of the song escapes me, but I was singing along in earnest.
It wasn’t too long before the Aussie legend was back on the stage with Mahalia and band in tow. He delivered a surprising set, but one that suited this venue perfectly. Anyone who came hoping to hear Jimmy’s greatest hits might have been disappointed. “Khe Sahn” and “Working Class Man” were notably absent, although he did treat us to a few Chisel and solo singles. The focus though was on songs that shone acoustically, especially those from one of my favourite Barnesy albums, Flesh and Wood. To hear some of my favourite cuts from that recording, especially “Guilty” and “Brother of Mine” was really special. Personally I enjoyed the opportunity to hear some of the songs that don’t usually get a work-out in the live arena; I’ve heard him sing the big numbers enough times at other shows.
Faker fans have been waiting three long years, but the band is finally ready to head back on the road for a headlining tour. They’ll travel around the country through October and November, introducing fans to some new music and treating them to a swag of hits.