Following on from the 2022 release of the acclaimed SUN Sessions album (recorded at the legendary Sun Studios in Memphis), Checkerboard Lounge have just announced the upcoming release of Roller Coaster on the 8th December, with the new album being co-produced by Jeff Lang and released via Cheersquad Records. The album is preceded by the release of the double-A sided single, Uncivil Compliance/Rollercoaster.
Checkerboard Lounge is a cult-like institution within the Australian and Melbourne blues scenes. Formed over 30 years ago, the band has seen a who’s who of the Australian blues scene pass through its’ ranks, with the likes of Rev. Mick O’Connor, Ian Collard, Jeff Lang, Broderick Smith, Steve Teakle, Richard Tankard, Andrew Ogburn, Garrett Costigan, Nigel MacLean and Dave Boyle (USA) having been associated over the years.
The new album is the first record to feature the band’s current line-up, which features Zoë Frater on bass alongside group founder Carl Pannuzzo on vocals and drums, Shannon Bourne on guitars and Tim Neal on Hammond Organ.
The group’s last album, Sun Sessions, won four of six available awards at the Melbourne Blues Awards and Best Blues Album at the Music Victoria Awards in 2022. It was in Rhythms magazine’s Top 10 Albums of the Year and it spent more than a year on the Australian Blues & Roots Airplay chart, including multiple months at #1.
Roller Coaster is available for pre-order on limited-edition red vinyl/black vinyl/CD/digital download here.
Feature Image: As supplied
