The Belligerents - Less Arty More Party EP

Aussieland continues to justify its standing as one of the strongest independent music scenes.  Boasting rapidly popular acts to the tune of Cut Copy, Empire of the Sun, and Temper Trap; worthy new competitors seemingly emerge from the country every week. 

Enter The Belligerents.  Reinforcing Australia’s reputation as a hotbed of musical talent, this aptly named quintet resides amongst Brisbane’s burgeoning youth culture.  Formed in 2010, the band's debut EP, Less Arty More Party, hit shelves earlier this year and the rockers have become quite the buzz band as their synth-infused punk rock consistently energizes and inspires crowds.

After supporting notables such as Metronomy, Neon Indian, and Breakbot late last year, The Belligerents are now taking their act on the road.  With a nation-wide tour beginning Saturday, stops touch all across the eastern coast ranging from Melbourne, to Sydney and Newcastle. 

The Belligerents - "Such A Crime"

Now to the mates from The Belligerents themselves and Andy's admission to troysnoise of his admiration for Mozart and how the bandmates' sisters helped bring the band together. 

Enjoy the above EP promo video as well, edited by all one workers @troysnoise.com. 

Lewis Stephenson - rhythm guitar, vocals
James Griffin - lead guitar
Konstantin Kersting - bass
A'Oh Balzat - keys
White Stag - drums

TN: How did the five of you meet and how did the band’s name arise?

Andy: We met through a shared love of music festivals, late nights, each other's sisters, partying hard, and getting down to boogie.  We didn't have long to find a name cuz we had our first gig a month after jamming together. Few of us even knew what the word Belligerents meant ... love it now though 

TN: Your first EP, released earlier this year, is called Less Arty More Party; does that mean you guys don’t exactly frequent the Australian museum circuit?

Sam and Andy: Haha good one. We love museums!  They're so peaceful and quiet - sometimes that's a nice place to be. 

TN: Who are the group’s strongest musical influences and why? 

All: All the rad dance bands that get people moving; Architecture in Helsinki, Money Mark, Paul Mac, Tin Can Radio - a sweet local band, The Rapture, Foals, LCD Soundsystem, also love Vengaboys though, they really know how to write pop. 

TN: If you could play alongside musicians, dead or alive, who would they be? 

Andy: I'd like to play alongside Beethoven, with Mozart on keys.

 Stag: I'd love to play with Devendra Barnhart, he's got sick stage antics.

TN: The Belligerents have worn Ghostbusters costumes and featured dancers in animal costumes on stage, how much thought do you give to energizing the crowd and maintaining that stage presence? 

Andy: Heaps, every jam we think about our stage energy, what we give to the crowd. High energy = way more fun for everyone. Gotta have a good time

TN: What’s planned next after your upcoming Australian tour? Back in the studio? Time off?

Stag:  We want to bang some tunes out before a couple of us head overseas on holiday, and just keep playing shows. Who knows, we're up for anything really. 

TN: Triple J (Australian radio) recently added some of your EP to the rotation, besides that, what’s can y’all point to as being the earliest sign of success?

Andy:  Hard to say, I suppose releasing a tight EP feels pretty successful. The whole thing has been really fun and we're stoked to be touring nationally to release it.  And getting a sicko manager has been a big help keep us outta trouble ahha

TN: Who amongst you five parties the most?

Stag: Last month it was me and Andy, last week it was Lewis and James. Konsti's still adjusting to the Australian party scene after growing up in underground doof-doof dens in Berlin.  "If there's one thing I know, it's techno" - Konstantin

Buy the entire EP at their bandcamp page right here.

Less Arty More Party EP Tracklist

1. These Hands

2. Such A Crime

3. Bye Bye Bye

4. Take Me Back

5. These Hands (Timeshare Remix)