In big news for those of us with fond memories of the paisley-tinged jingle jangle scene in Australia in the eighties, the iconic Ups and Downs have announced they will be celebrating their 40th anniversary next year with a tour. To add icing to an already enticing cake, the hugely underrated The Crystal Set from that era will be reforming as support.
They were an indelible part of the paisley revolution in Australia in the eighties – drifting in the slipstream of The Church but along with bands like Crystal Set, Falling Joys and the Hummingbirds forging their own brilliant expression of jangly, chiming pop songs.
Lead singer and songwriter from the Ups and Downs, Greg Atkinson, says:
It is incredible to think we started on this journey 40 years ago – and it’s not over yet. The band is sounding better than ever.
Ups and Downs gained attention with their breakout single ‘The Living Kind’, which became a staple of the Australian alternative music scene, topping the independent charts. Their EP Sleepless and album Underneath the Watchful Eye showcase the band’s ability to blend heartfelt songwriting with infectious guitar-driven sounds, drawing comparisons to the likes of R.E.M. and The Church. Tracks like In the ‘Shadows’ and ‘Lit by the Fuse’ demonstrate their knack for crafting memorable songs that resonate with fans of thoughtful, melodic rock offering a distinctive blend of indie and post-punk.
Coinciding with the tour, Ups and Downs will be releasing a brand-new vinyl compilation album, Stained Glass Memories, a collection that spans their entire career, showcasing how the band’s sound has evolved while still retaining the essential elements that made them stand out. More information and pre-order details for Stained Glass Memories will be forthcoming soon.
The 40th anniversary tour will take Ups and Downs and The Crystal Set to key East Coast cities, including Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne, where they will perform a mix of their classic tracks, deep cuts, and some surprises that reflect their respective journeys through the years.
See them play at:
o Saturday 8 March: Marrickville Bowling Club, Sydney – tix
o Friday 14 March: Brightside, Brisbane – tix
o Saturday 22 March: Brunswick Ballroom, Melbourne – tix
It is exciting news to see that The Crystal Set will be reforming as support – I could be wrong but this might be first time the band has played together since the eighties/early nineties.
Exciting times ahead! This is an incredible double blast from an amazing time.
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