SONIC REDUCER | SQUEEZE

I grew up in Canberra. With hindsight, I remember it fondly.

Outsiders have a tendency to dismiss Canberra. They see it as sterile and boring, full of politicians and public servants (we called them “pubes”). A university town where everyone’s dream was to leave. But for me, Canberra was a place that was actually full of greenies, academics and creatives – people who really valued things like art and music (and organic veg). When I was a teenager, you could see live music every night of the week if you knew where to go. We used to go to beat poetry and open mic nights at a cafe called The Front where someone was once arrested for riding a horse inside the venue. Every house party had at least one band playing. Nirvana played at ANU Bar. So did The Cure, Sonic Youth, Suicidal Tendencies and The Dead Kennedys. Apparently, Nick Cave once said he didn’t like Canberra because there were too many punks. 

All of which is to say: Canberra is more punk than you’d think, and when a new punk band emerges (triumphant) from the Bush Capital, I feel a warm, fuzzy mix of pride and pleasure. 

Sonic Reducer is one such band.

Cormac (vocals), Lachlan (drums), Louie (bass) and Ryleigh (guitar) were kind enough to indulge me with a little Q&A – which you can read here:

Is ‘Sonic Reducer’ a Rocket from the Tombs reference ? 

Yes, although we were more familiar with it as a Dead Boys song — I didn’t know Rocket From The Tombs wrote the original until about a year ago, we probably should’ve researched a bit more beforehand.

What other performers inspire you ?

I think getting into music as teenagers we were all super inspired by a lot of early punk like The Ramones, The Clash, Black Flag, Television etc. However I feel we’re a lot more inspired by good songwriting. The Beatles of course, The Strokes, The Libertines, Bob Dylan and a lot more non-rock/guitar music. 

Why all-caps ? 

I THINK WE GO FOR THE BOLD TITLES BECAUSE THEY BETTER REFLECT THE ENERGY OF OUR SONGS, WHEN YOU SEE THE TITLE IN CAPITALS YOU INSTINCTIVELY READ IT IN A STRONG TONE AND IT REFLECTS THE SOUND OF OUR SONGS WELL.

Do you think that growing up in Canberra influences the punk viewpoint of the band ? 

I think partly so. Canberra is the political capital but I wouldn’t argue that it’s more “political” as a city than Melbourne or Sydney beyond the presence of politicians and Parliament House. I think if anything, the relative apoliticism of Canberra drove us more in that direction; having a city full of upper-middle class professionals and public servants produces an atmosphere of respectability politics and an aversion to the politics of protest which are associated with punk. In Canberra you’re probably more likely to be viewed as a radicalised juvenile for adopting that kind of worldview than you are in other cities, and I think we try to accept and lean into that rather than try to have a “mature” Canberra mindset. 

What (do you think) makes punk music so compelling ? 

I think for me getting really into punk at 15, 16ish, it was the feeling that I was capable of participating in music. It didn’t have to be this unattainable thing for people who could read sheet music or do solos.

Seeing videos of The Clash, Ramones, whoever, changed my life completely.

What advice would you have for a band that is where y’all were at 12 months ago ?

Truly keep focusing on it as much as you can. Especially at the age we were, when you're 19 - 20 you only have so much time to take up as many opportunities as you can. The rest of the world's gonna keep moving whether you like it or not, so seize that moment and keep it moving until the wheels fall off. Don't worry about the brakes.

What has been the pinch-me moment for Sonic Reducer so far ?

I think the entirety of the Royel Otis tour last year was a major pinch-me moment, specifically the Paris show. I think we can all agree it is by far our favourite show we’ve ever played just down to the beautiful venue. The crowd was so receptive and were showing us so much love and we played super well. Seeing the videos afterwards we were all just in awe, definitely a moment that I think all of our younger selves would be proud of. 

Is there a parent figure in the group ?

Not really, Ryleigh sometimes, but it depends. All of us have our moments I suppose. He’s a sensible boy though. A good egg.

Where are you finding joy right now ?

I’d say in the day-to-day of being a band and the feeling of progress. It’s really exciting for us to play and write with each other ‘cause we’re all friends and [we’re] really passionate about playing. It’s a great feeling when you can feel improvement as a unit.

Who would you book for your dream festival ?

We’d have Benson Boone open for us but the crowd HAS to throw rotten fruit at him until he leaves. Following Benson we’d have a public Rod Stewart head shaving, once his head is bald and shiny we’d swiftly escort him off the stage. We will then resurrect John Lennon and George Harrison and have the Beatles perform Carnival of Light for nine whole hours and then of course we’d headline the festival. 

Can you write me a haiku ?

John, paul, ringo, george

Don't you love the beatles too?

I know we sure do 

SEE MORE FROM SONIC REDUCER HERE / SQUEEZE OUT NOW / WORDS BY ISABELLE WEBSTER / PHOTOS BY SIMONE TAYLOR

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