Evergreen Aussie troubadour, Mick Thomas (former frontman for Australian icons Weddings, Parties, Anything) and his fellow Roving Commission bandmates have released a whimsical video clip for the title song of recently released EP, Back In The Day. The clip sees footage of the band on the road and live on stage which was taken from the band’s recent 2022 Christmas tour. Mick explains, “We filmed this one on the first day of the 2022 Christmas tour at Ararat Live – and on the Western Highway on the way up there. That’s James Macauley on the trombone. It was filmed by Cam Dale and Delsinki who also edited it for us. Colour grade was done by Peter Pilley.”
The song is also the first single from the group’s next album Where Only Memory Can Find You, which will be officially announced in coming weeks. The band’s sound has been bolstered with the recent addition of the effervescent Brooke Taylor, whose vocals perfectly compliment Mick’s slightly gravelly tones.
The EP sees an expansion on the theme of the title track/video regarding that song’s premise of looking into the rear-view mirror of life, with a perfect batch of beautifully chosen and executed covers and reinterpretations relating to that same theme.
New versions of Mick Thomas favourites “Houses” (originally from Weddings, Parties, Anything’s final studio album Riveresque) and “A Tired Old Hat” (from the Mick Thomas & The Sure Thing‘s 2019 album The Horse’s Prayer) shine fresh light on a couple of an undeservedly lost Thomas classics. The covers, which include the The Saints‘ late ’80s classic “Shipwreck” (something of a tribute to the late Chris Bailey), Neil Young & Crazy Horse‘s Ragged Glory highlight “Days That Used to Be“, and the unsung first album Cold Chisel gem “Home & Broken Hearted”, featuring a spunky lead vocal from Brooke Taylor, reveal something of the diverse influences on Thomas’ song writing and the band’s approach. Brooke Taylor also takes lead on a gorgeous version of Johnny Thunders’ heart-breaking 1978 ballad “You Can’t Put Your Arms Around a Memory”. One of those rare songs that is vividly remembered by everyone who has heard it and an unexpected delight awaiting anyone who hasn’t (having also been previously covered by Ronnie Spector, Willy DeVille, Celibate Rifles, Blondie, Billie Joe Armstrong and even Guns N’ Roses!).
The Back in The Day EP is the first product of Mick Thomas’ Roving Commission‘s new partnership with esteemed Brisbane indie label, Coolin’ By Sound Records.
The EP can be ordered here.
Featured image: ©fullonrockphotography/Andrew Fuller
