Whether or not they’re fans of Shakespeare’s The Tempest we’re not sure, but with Brisbane-based six-piece Full Fathom Five one thing is certain: these guys groove with a deep, electronic-based sound that’s proven a hit with fans and critics alike, described as “the Chemical Brothers on Valium”. With mesmerising live sets that forgoe any sequencing or programming and instead focus on creating live beats, loops and melodies up on stage, Full Fathom Five are one of the most inventive and creative bands currently riding the scene.

In between them FFF members Ian Thompson (synths, samples, effects, guitars), Sam Korman (synths, samples, effects, vocals), Rob Mynard (bass), Tam Patton (synths, turntables, effects, slide guitar), James Capt (drums, percussion) and Ben Thomson (bass) create a hypnotic, energetic sound unlike anything else you’ll currently hear. It was their debut EP, Friend Or Faux, released through the Valve label back in 2000 that first brought the group to notice, with the single “Who’s Your Daddy?” rotating firmly on Triple J as well as across community stations including Triple R and 4ZZZ.

In late 2000 FFF began work recording their debut album, 07 Seven, with engineer Anthony Childs at the helm. Released in September 2001, the tracks “Anxiety” and “5 Minutes From The Machine” were mixed by Magoo at his Black Box studio and gave the band even more radio exposure, which saw them head out onto the road to promote the record. Kiss FM had this to say: “FFF blend disparate styles together – dub, techno, hip-hop, breaks and even house – but they do it in a manner that is neither contrived nor uninspired. Their musical concoction of everything and anything is a much needed shot of adrenaline amongst a music industry littered with pretenders.” Meanwhile The Age’ s Patrick Donovan wrote, “The latest funky, idiosyncratic band to emerge from Brisbane’s quirky hiphop-electronic epicentre (which has produced the likes of Regurgitator and Resin Dogs), Full Fathom Five are a band of the times, striking the perfect balance between rock, hip-hop and electronica.”

Full Fathom Five’s latest acclaimed release, Sides, hit shelves in July 2003 (out again through Valve/MGM) and was again recorded with Magoo taking on production duties. Hitting the road to take the album live to the masses, expect to see them on a stage near you sometime soon.

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