"I think maybe some bands do just go into the studio and cut a record," explains lead singer Michael Tomlinson from the divinely talented YVES KLEIN BLUE. "But making our first album Ragged and Ecstatic was the most challenging thing the band has ever done."
The four lads from Brisbane penned their distinctive name from French artist Yves Klein who created a shade of blue which Michael describes as having a timeless quality. "It reflects our focus to make timeless music that can stand on its own two feet," with latest single Getting Wise a true testament to their focus.
With an EP that gained considerable triple j airplay, Yves Klein Blue worked with a producer for the first time on their full length record, which Michael describes as a confronting and rewarding experience. "The way our producer viewed things was sometimes different to how we did," explains Michael. "We had to discipline the songs and decide what was and wasn't necessary, whether there was something missing or a problem with an arrangement. It was a new concept that we hadn't gone through before."
As they tore apart arrangements and songs when they got into the studio, I ask Michael how he felt during that time. "Everything became uncertain and only the strongest parts of songs survived. It was hard, there's no denying it was very difficult to remain calm and not panic," Michael reveals.
"This record wasn't fun all the time, but because it was hard it was so wonderful when it worked out. The process literally was ragged and ecstatic. It was really, really fucking depressing, incredibly euphoric and triumphant, all at the same time." It's clear that recording was a major influence on the album title. Michael is extremely honest and upfront about the difficulties they had recording and discussed them with me at length, which is something to be respected.
The ecstatic:
"We know so much more about music than when we walked through the studio. We couldn't be happier with the result, we're really proud of it. We listen to the record and can't believe it's us! We don't have any insecurity about it," he squeals.
With their nationwide tour looming, Michael recalls meeting two fans at their ANU gig who later drove to Sydney to attend their single launch. I suggest that such activity may lend itself to groupie behaviour, which really wouldn't be surprising given Canberra has the highest number of saucy minxes per capita, in addition to the lure of the band's suave exterior.
"Well Callam and Izzie are going out so I don't know whether they really are," says Michael. However amidst speculation on the topic and Michael entertaining different scenarios ("Callam could be homosexual for a night?") we settle for 'quasi-groupies' with Michael bashfully concluding "I think you've given me a little too much credit."
Michael's obviously paid attention in media training 101, employing the age old and quite lovely 'butter up the journo' tactic by saying he'd catch up with me at his show. True to form it's another quality that makes Yves Klein Blue purely timeless.
Yves Klein Blue play the ANU Bar on Wednesday July 1. Get your tickets through Ticketek.
