IF there is one band who knows a thing or two about the ups and downs of success it is SPIDERBAIT. Spiderbait peaked in 1996 when their album Ivy and the Big Apples sold 170,000 copies.
But their follow-ups failed to attract a similar response Grand Slam sold 80,000 copies and The Flight of Wally Funk stalled at 20,000.
The pop-rock trio consisting of drummer and singer MARK ``KRAM'' MAHER , bassist and singer JANET ENGLISH and guitarist DAMIAN ``WHITT'' WHITTY took a two-year break and left fans wondering where they went.
Last month Spiderbait burst back when they entered the ARIA charts at number 12 with their infectious version of RAM JAM'S hit, Black Betty. ``A friend reminded us that we used to sit around and jam on it 10 years ago,'' Whitty said.
`We thought we could make a good rocking track out of it - it has a real sense of fun.'' ``It went number one in the '70s so you can't really go wrong, it's pretty catchy.'' Black Betty is just a taste of the powerful fuzzed-up guitar pop found on Spiderbait's comeback album Tonight Alright.
Recorded in California in late 2003 with producer SYLVIA MASSY SHIVY, who has previously worked with TOOL, PRINCE and JOHNNY CASH, Whitty said it was a quick process.
``For a while there we were experimenting with technology and incorporating it into recording.``This is going back to a much more organic rock approach and, as far as live goes, I don't think we've ever played better.'' Spiderbait's return to the live scene has begun with a mammoth national tour supporting the HOODOO GURUS , arriving at NEWCASTLE PANTHERS on Saturday night.
The band will embark on their own headline tour later this year, including a performance at the SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS festival in July.
Tickets to Saturday night's show are on sale from Newcastle Panthers on 4926 2700.
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