Beasts of Bourbon

Beasts of Bourbon

Beasts of Bourbon, an Australian rock 'n' roll band from Sydney, New South Wales, formed in 1983. Despite limited commercial success, they are recognized for their significant influence and critical acclaim, helping to define the Australian swamp rock subgenre. The band's lineup has been fluid, with members frequently splintering off and reforming, leading to its description as a "supergroup" featuring prominent musicians from the swamp rock scene.

Musical Style and Influences

The music of Beasts of Bourbon has often been likened to a rawer version of The Rolling Stones, with whom they shared a cover of "Cocksucker Blues." They also drew comparisons to The Gun Club, with whom they shared stages and even band members, and The Birthday Party. In Germany, their sound was famously described as "Muddy Waters on crack." Their music is characterized by a potent blend of country, blues, rock and roll, and punk, filtered through the raw, garage sound reminiscent of The Stooges and the boisterous energy of Australian pub rock. Lyrical themes frequently explore depravity, morbidity, despair, drug abuse, and violence.

Formation and Early Years (1983-1988)

The band's inception was a practical solution by vocalist Tex Perkins to fulfill a gig his previous band, Tex Deadly and the Dum-Dums, could no longer attend. The initial lineup, considered by some to be the "classic" formation, included Spencer P. Jones (The Johnnys), Boris Sudjovic and Kim Salmon (The Scientists), and James Baker (The Hoodoo Gurus). Many of these members were recruited from the Southern Cross, a Sydney bar, and were already established figures in the local music scene. This lineup recorded their debut album, The Axeman's Jazz, in 1984. Produced by Tony Cohen in a single afternoon for a modest sum, the album was an exploration of Gothic country and western themes, delivered with a distinctive irony and irreverence. The cover of "Psycho" gained traction on alternative radio, and the album achieved underground success. For several years, Beasts of Bourbon remained a side project for its members.

Evolution into a Supergroup and Shifting Lineups (1988-1991)

The band transitioned from a side project to a significant force in Australian pub rock. The original lineup dissolved in 1984 when The Scientists embarked on international tours. Fill-in musicians included Stu Spasm (Lubricated Goat) and Brad Shepard (The Hoodoo Gurus). When both The Johnnys and The Scientists disbanded, the original members reunited in 1987 to record their second album, Sour Mash, released in 1988. This album marked a departure from the swamp-rock of their debut, embracing a fusion of blues-based pub rock and punk. Black Milk, recorded in 1990, further developed this sound.

International Recognition and Further Changes (1991-1997)

Touring Europe in support of Sour Mash bolstered the band's confidence and popularity. In 1991, Baker and Sudjovic departed, replaced by Brian Hooper and Tony Pola, the bassist and drummer from Kim Salmon's new band, The Surrealists. This lineup, considered by some fans as another "classic" configuration, recorded the successful album The Low Road in 1991. The band's European tour supporting the album ended with its disintegration. A double album, The Belly of the Beasts - Live '91 & '92 and shit we didn't put out the first time, was released to commemorate their ten years together, accompanied by extensive touring. Following this, the band appeared to be disbanding, with Salmon focusing on The Surrealists and Perkins' group The Cruel Sea achieving mainstream success. In 1996, the band reformed with Charlie Owen (formerly of Divinyls) on guitar, releasing Gone in 1997. While the album received mixed reviews, it produced the minor single "Saturated." The band went on hiatus again in 1997.

Later Reunions and Final Dissolution (2003-2008)

Beasts of Bourbon reformed in 2003 to record the live album Low Life, released on Spooky Records. In 2006, they reunited to perform at the Big Day Out Festival across Australia and New Zealand. In late 2006, Albert Productions signed the band to a worldwide recording deal, leading to the release of their album Little Animals on April 21, 2007. Tex Perkins expressed his enthusiasm for signing with the legendary Albert's label, viewing it as a significant honor and a "destiny." The group also participated in the "Rockin' for Rights" concert, protesting the Howard Government's Workchoices legislation. In April 2008, after a show in Berlin, the band canceled their remaining tour dates and effectively ended. Rumors suggest a heated argument between Tex Perkins and Spencer P. Jones led to Jones's immediate return to Australia, signaling the end of the Beasts of Bourbon project.