After a relatively quiet year by their standards - which included shows earlier this year with Pantera - Australia's favourite slice of brutality, King Parrot, are set to end the year with a band with their When The Weed Meets The Speed Australian Tour which kicks off at Mo's Desert Clubhouse on November 6.
King Parrot have always done things their own way and at their own pace, and as such not too many rumblings have been heard from fans despite the band's inactivity on the touring circuit.
They know that the boys must be getting shit done.
And get shit done they have, bringing out North Carolina's stoner rockers Weedeater to join Australian acts Astrodeath and Choof for a tour that promises as much feverish musical chaos as you can stand. Between the four bands, there's elements of doom, sludge, thrash, stoner, grind and deathcore, and you don't have to be a scientist to know that that is a recipe just waiting for sonic disaster.
The reason for King Parrot's neglecting of their flock? A new album. And one which vocalist Matt Young promises will be everything you expect from King Parrot and more. Then there's the little things about a European and UK tour early next year with a band called Pantera. You might have heard of them?
Even when they're quiet, they are rowdy. Bless their Alisterus scapularis (look it up).
Not knowing where to start, HEAVY sat down for a chat with Youngy earlier this week to try and get up to speed on what King Parrot have been doing while they've been doing nothing.
"Mate, we're ready to go," he said of the upcoming run of shows. "It's good man, it's exciting. We had a couple of months off playing shows and all that sort of stuff because we've been really focussing on the new record and getting the finishing touches done. Just spending time in the studio and focussing on that. Now it's getting to that point where we're ready to play again. Ready to hit the road and do what we do, then hopefully start unleashing this new record next year. In the meantime, we're gonna smash out a big Aussie tour and get around the country and see our people."
In the full interview, Youngy expressed enthusiasm about supporting the music scene by bringing up-and-coming bands on tour. We spoke about the diverse range of bands on the tour, describing it as "fucking brutal" and "awesome". Matt also highlighted the importance of having time to hang out with the bands in different locations, which he believes will contribute to the tour's success.
Matt mentioned that they usually rehearse a few days before the tour, focusing on putting on the best show possible. He also shared that they have played many shows and tours, and have a good understanding of what works best for them. He also discussed the importance of audience interaction and energy during their performances. Matt confirmed that they love audience banter and feeding off their energy.
Matt discussed the progress of their new album, which has been in the works for the best part of a year. He mentioned that they have been working on it organically, with a focus on jamming and improvisation, which he believes adds to the fluidity of their songs. Matt also shared that they have been recording in a studio, taking their time with the mixing process and getting feedback from everyone involved. He expressed excitement about the album's release next year and the opportunity for fans to hear new songs at their upcoming shows. Matt also mentioned that they are unlikely to release a single before Christmas, preferring to roll out the album next year.
We also broached the exciting news that King Parrot is set to join Pantera and Power Trip for a run of shows in Europe and the UK next year, plus more.