Total Control is an Australian post-punk band that formed in Melbourne, Australia in 2008. The band's line-up includes Mikey Young (guitar, keyboards), Dan Stewart (vocals), Al Montfort (guitar), Zephyr Pavey (bass), and James Vinciguerra (drums). After a series of singles, the band's debut album, Henge Beat, was released in August 2011. Their second album, Typical System, was released in June 2014.
Total Control | |
|---|---|
 Total Control in 2019 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Melbourne, Australia |
| Genres | Post-punk, garage rock, new wave, indie rock |
| Years active | 2008–present |
| Labels | Fuse, Iron Lung, Sub Pop |
| Website | hengebeat |
History
editTotal Control was formed in 2008 by Eddy Current Suppression Ring band member Mikey Young and UV Race's Dan Stewart. The pair, who came together over a shared interest of early 1980s acts such as Devo, Gary Numan, The Screamers, and The Adolescents, recorded some songs using a sampler and synthesizers at Young's home studio. They gained a following over the next few years after releasing a series of 7-inch singles and playing only a handful of live shows.[1][2][3] Total Control became a quintet with the additions of guitarist Al Montfort, bassist Zephyr Pavey, and drummer James Vinciguerra. Young explained the reason for the expansion to The Washington Post: "Bands with drum machines and three synths are just not as much fun to watch as bands with drummers and guitars," he said. "We realized it couldn't be good live, so we tried to adapt the songs to work in a rock-and-roll band."[1]
The band released their debut full-length album, Henge Beat, in August 2011 on Seattle's Iron Lung Records. They went on a US tour with San Francisco-based band Thee Oh Sees, with whom they also released a split EP, and performed at the All Tomorrow's Parties music festival in Minehead, Somerset in December 2011.[3][4] The single "Scene From a Marriage" was released by Sub Pop in October 2012.[5] The group released their second album, Typical System, in June 2014.[6][7]
Discography
editStudio albums
edit| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| Henge Beat |
|
| Typical System |
|
| Laughing At The System |
|
7" singles
edit- "Stare Way"/"Meds"/"Total Control"/"Full Moon" - Aarght! Records (2008)
- "Retiree"/"Meds II" - Iron Lung Records (2009)
- "Paranoid Video"/"Real Estate" - Smartguy Records (2010)
- "Pyre Island"/"Mineshaft" - Hustle Muscle (2011)
- "Scene From A Marriage"/"Contract" - Sub Pop (2012)
Compilations
edit- 7"s (collects tracks from first four 7"s) - Blinded Records (2013)
EPs
edit- Thee Oh Sees/Total Control [split EP] - Castle Face (2011)
- Carpet Rash - Home Loan Records (2012)
Awards and nominations
editAIR Awards
editThe Australian Independent Record Awards (commonly known informally as AIR Awards) is an annual awards night to recognise, promote and celebrate the success of Australia's Independent Music sector.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014[8][9] | Typical System | Best Independent Album | Nominated |
Australian Music Prize
editThe Australian Music Prize (the AMP) is an annual award of $30,000 given to an Australian band or solo artist in recognition of the merit of an album released during the year of award. The commenced in 2005.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014[10] | Typical System | Australian Music Prize | Nominated |
J Award
editThe J Awards are an annual series of Australian music awards that were established by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's youth-focused radio station Triple J. They commenced in 2005.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014[11] | Typical System | Australian Album of the Year | Nominated |
Music Victoria Awards
editThe Music Victoria Awards, are an annual awards night celebrating Victorian music. They commenced in 2005.[12][13]
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Typical System | Best Album | Nominated |
| themselves | Best Band | Nominated | |
| "Flesh War" | Best Song | Nominated | |
| 2016 | Al Montfort | Best Male Artist | Nominated |
References
edit- ^ a b Leitko, Aaron (23 May 2013). "Total Control's Mikey Young finds inspiration in all the right places". The Washington Post. Retrieved 12 April 2014.
- ^ Thomas, Fred. "Total Control - Biography". Allmusic. Retrieved 12 April 2014.
- ^ a b Leitko, Aaron (8 December 2011). "Fear & Mythologies: An Interview With Total Control". The Quietus. Retrieved 12 April 2014.
- ^ Bort, Ryan (11 January 2012). "Song of the Day: Total Control - 'One More Tonight'". KEXP-FM. Retrieved 12 April 2014.
- ^ Fitzmaurice, Larry (1 October 2012). "Tracks: Total Control - 'Scene From a Marriage'". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved 12 April 2014.
- ^ Hughes, Josiah (10 April 2014). "Total Control Return with 'Typical System'". Exclaim!. Retrieved 12 April 2014.
- ^ Pearis, Bill (9 April 2014). "Total Control ready 'Typical System' for June (stream a track); Lace Curtain released third EP". BrooklynVegan. Retrieved 12 April 2014.
- ^ "CARLTON DRY AIR AWARDS 2014 NOMINEES ANNOUNCED". speaker tv. September 2014. Archived from the original on 11 September 2014. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
- ^ "History Wins". Australian Independent Record Labels Association. Retrieved 18 August 2020.
- ^ "Winners & Shortlists". australian music prize. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
- ^ "The J Award 2014". Triple J. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 2014. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
- ^ "Previous Nominess". Music Victoria. Archived from the original on 19 September 2020. Retrieved 13 August 2020.
- ^ "Previous Winners". Music Victoria. Archived from the original on 31 July 2019. Retrieved 13 August 2020.