The NEO's New Tune
NORTH AUSSIE SEROTONIN stimulators, The NEO, descend on the Darwin Railway Club stage this month with a creative entourage in tow to launch their new single, ‘Out of Place’.
By Tierney Seccull
The now 13-strong band formed in 1999 just before the turn of the millennium, their beginnings perhaps a little… unconventional.
“We had a big nude party! We got a bit passionate about it at the time because I remember someone got arrested for being naked going through the drive-through at McDonalds. I remember thinking, of all the things to be upset by, that was so ridiculous,” says NEO frontman Tim Sinclair.
“Jack (Tinapple) and I thought – you know what – it’s Darwin, it’s extremely hot at New Year’s, and it was the Millennium, right, so people were thinking planes might fall from the sky, maybe the whole international banking system will collapse, we’ll all be living in caves. We just decided to enter the new millennium the way we entered the world. We’ll just be naked!”
22 years later, the band is set to party with the release of single ‘Out of Place’ from their album 10 years in the making, FOTU – an acronym for Fear of the Unknown. The single explores fears of being manipulated and feelings of not belonging.
“I guess it seems like a dark concept for such an upbeat band, but we’ve always kind of tackled issues that we think are really important in a way that is almost celebratory and irreverent. But we have a good time and bring people together – people can be less afraid together.”
In true Vaudeville style, The NEO hosts this wild cabaret night with some of the finest performance artists in the NT. Featuring outrageous and brilliant comedian Leah Potter, the sensational Rix Kix Dancers, dazzling and miraculous magician David Lim, and juggling comedy from Michael Connell, it’s set to be a big night on the Top End calendar.
The band’s also collaborated with internationally renowned animator Dan Hartney on a stunning fully animated film clip.
“It’s funny, Dan actually used to play bass with us – he was our first ever bassist for Nude 2000. He left us to go pursue an animation career in Melbourne. He’s now an international award-winning filmmaker, so I guess you could say things have turned out for him. It’s been awesome to be able to work on the film clip together, we’re very lucky.”
For a huge night of music, dance, comedy, film and raucousness, round up your mates and get ready to make new ones as The NEO unleash their new tune.
“Come out, have a good time and be together with friends. This is the best thing we’ve ever done.”
The NEO Single Launch Cabaret & Concert
WHEN FRI 8 APR | 8PM
AT DARWIN RAILWAY CLUB
COST $16.50
INFO facebook.com/theneoband instagram.com/theneomusic
Thumbnail, header & inset: Photo: Steve Kelk for Foldback Media NT
