Management:
Joe Woolley at Alien Lane Mgmt
jwoolley@tpg.com.au
Record Label:
Coolin' By Sound coolinbysoundrecords@gmail.com
Tape/Off are a Brisbane alt-rock powerhouse, blending intricate and intense songwriting with caustic, catchy lyricism. Their third album, Fort Sensible, is a labour of love - opinionated, heart-on-sleeve rock’n’roll that captures not just a place but a time, with meticulously-crafted guitars, robust rhythms, and socially-conscious storytelling.
Since their acclaimed debut Chipper (2014) and the ferocious follow-up Broadcast Park (2018) - both longlisted for the prestigious Australian Music Prize - Tape/Off have cemented themselves as a vital force in Australian independent music. Their live shows are a masterclass in controlled power, blending thunderous grooves with gleaming garage pop hooks. Over the years, they’ve played alongside an impressive roster of artists, including Royal Blood, Kurt Vile, Jeff Rosenstock, Pity Sex, Earthless, and Future Of The Left, as well as homegrown icons like Violent Soho, DZ Deathrays, Screamfeeder, The Peep Tempel, Batpiss, and Harmony.
With Fort Sensible, the band takes their sound to a new level, pushing their collective chemistry further than ever. Guitarists Nathan Pickels and Ben Green weave intricate yet powerful soundscapes, while Branko Cosic (drums) and Cameron Smith (bass) provide a formidable rhythmic backbone. Excitingly, this album sees Green and Smith stepping up on vocals, adding fresh textures to their sonic arsenal.
The album has already delivered standout singles Paris, Texas, Queensland (which placed #6 in the 2024 4ZZZ Hot 100), Flat Earthers, and the scathing title track Fort Sensible, set for release on February 21 alongside the announcement of national tour dates.
Critics have praised the band’s sharp lyricism and dynamic sound:
“Half love letter, half furious screed… caught between nostalgic fondness for the familiar and a simmering anger at its many downfalls.” – Various Small Flames (UK)
“The message is delivered with a combination of defiant punk and rousing ’90s alt-rock, complete with a singalong chorus that somehow combines simmering frustration and carefree joy.” – Various Small Flames (UK)
At a time when our leaders seem lacking and the world needs the redemptive powers of art and music more than ever, Tape/Off announce themselves to the world as a serious force to be reckoned with, via the uncompromising power and beauty of Fort Sensible!