Splendour through the eyes of YKB

the courier mail has posted an interview of the boys just after their successful second stint at Splendour in the Grass

http://player.video.news.com.au/couriermail/#UpzVJxOPaAWpp7xC509H1DJlI46BhsBL

The Australian: Song of the Week


Every week The Australian Newspaper will be offering readers an exclusive song by an Australian artist to download, and this week it is our indie darlings! Get your free track here!

http://media.theaustralian.com.au/multimedia/2009/07/18-song/song-of-the-week.html

News: YKB wrap up tour!

The boys have finished all their live show on the "Ragged + Ecstatic" tour!




They still have a spot at Splendour in the Grass this coming Saturday! They will be on the main stage at 2.00 and of course will being preforming at the Dew Process pre-Splendour Party at the Great Northern Hotel in Byron Bay!

And will also be paying tribute to english rockers the Clash on August 11, along with a host of other bands at the Troubadour, Fortitude Valley... more on that to come.

RIP IT UP Magazine

Their name alone conjures up vividly colourful images of luscious purity. As well it should, given that they took it from a shade of blue popularised by a post-modernist French artist in the 1950s. The title of their debut album is also inspired by an artist, this time by American poet Jack Kerouac and his novel, On The Road. Add to the mix their highly expressive lyrics and cutting edge musical style and you’ve got one of the most artful and inventive musical groups currently plying their trade in Australia.

To the locals, they’re known as Yves Klein Blue.

“As a person, I need to either write out things or draw or play music,” Michael Tomlinson, frontman of the irrepressibly chic indie four-piece, explains. “It’s a kind of outlet that I need, otherwise I feel very frustrated and kind of unwell. I feel like I’m unfulfilled.”

It’s comments like these which give an insight into the uniquely artistic streak that runs through the band.

“I really admire writers like Lou Reed, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Waits,” he continues, “but their lyrics are very storytelling kind of lyrics and it’s very visual. I realise that I almost don’t have any visual aspect to my lyrics, it’s more conceptual. But I really enjoy it when songs are able to articulate something that you already understand but you weren’t able to articulate before. I like people to somehow come away with some sort of a response or an opinion.”

These are the words of a true artist; someone who’s not just in it for the fame or fortune, but for some intrinsically higher purpose. If they wanted a response to their music, they certainly got it with Polka, possibly the coolest four minutes of music about the clandestine excesses of teenage nightlife ever put down on tape. Ever since that song it’s been a whirlwind journey to the top, although Tomlinson speaks modestly about where his band currently sits.

“Well I wouldn’t say by any stretch of the imagination that we’ve risen to fame or anything like that. Every time we got somewhere, so to speak, we were lucky enough to be afforded other opportunities. What’s the saying? You know, the goal posts keep moving forward. We’ve had our heads down and I guess we’ve still got our heads down. And that’s the most important thing for us, to make the most of all these incredible opportunities we’re given.”

Recently these opportunities have included recording a debut album in LA, touring America and the UK, before returning home and bringing the party to most capital cities and regions in Australia.

“It’s been incredibly supportive. Three out of the four shows [in Queensland] sold out and Canberra was really well attended. The crowds everywhere are singing along so it’s very reassuring. It’s wonderful to see Australia - being on tour is quite homely.”

The reason for this tour is to promote their newly-released debut full-length, Ragged And Ecstatic. The album is truly one of the finest Australian releases of the year, displaying a mish-mash of musical influences and styles, ranging from the bitingly rocky Digital Love to the psychedelia-tinged Queeny and the country-fried Gin Sling, all fuelledby Tomlinson’s charmingly snarly vocals. But producing such an accomplished work came off the back of months of hard work in the studio, as Tomlinson explains.

“It was tough. It was a matter of tearing the songs down to their basic parts and assessing almost everything about them, which wasn’t a comfortable process for anyone seeing as we’d lived with the songs for so long. But looking back, I’m so pleased we did because we learnt so much about songwriting and about making music.

“I think the one thing we learnt was not to have any hang-ups about pop sensibilities. I think the greatest skill you can have is to be free and create without boundaries and then switch from the mode of creator into a destroyer, or editor.

“Coming out of that experience, we wouldn’t change a note on that record. We’re extremely proud of it and we feel very confident in what we came up with.”

They’re not the only ones who are confident in their abilities however. Ever since their inception, Yves Klein Blue have attracted audiences not only in Australia, but all around the world. Having recently returned from a tour in the US and UK, Michael says he cannot explain why Yves Klein Blue have a foreign flavour.

“I guess you just can’t put your finger on it. You can’t put your finger on why a certain band’s your favourite band or your least favourite band. I guess we’ve always tried to have a fairly open sound, a sound that isn’t necessarily Australian but isn’t necessarily any other place either.

“I wonder if we in Australia have such a thing as a sound,” he ruminates, “because the American and British scenes certainly have a very cohesive kind of a sound. And we’ve always been told that we have a kind of British sound but when we got there, we realised it really wasn’t the case. But it was very exciting. We just felt like we could have a go at cutting it with everyone else.”

Upon returning home, Yves Klein Blue have kept their creative juices flowing, wasting no time jumping back into the rehearsal room and writing new material. Inspired by his trips to America and the UK, Michael says the new songs have taken on a number of influences ranging from Primal Scream to The Happy Mondays and Elvis Costello. Like a creative bubble ready to burst, Michael is struggling to restrain himself and his ability.

“In many ways, I wish we could go straight back and record again because I just feel like I've got so many ideas. But I guess we’ll have to wait.”

Yves Klein Blue, Philadelphia Grand Jury and The Shiny Brights play Jive on Sat Jul 11. Ragged And Ecstatic is out now through Dew Process/UMA.

taken from: http://www.ripitup.com.au/interviews/13913

Yves Klein Blue @ Northcote Social Club 10/07/09

WORDS BY: SALLY TRAN

IMAGES BY: SOPHIE MASSAROTTI

A first timer at NSC, it took a good couple of minutes to wander the (ultimately simplest) maze and find the band room. Thinking it was possibly a bit too late to catch the first supporting act, I wandered in to the mellow pop sounds of Melbourne outfit - Hoshi in the Clouds. A few songs into the set and after slight discussion with a friend, it was decided that Hoshi are quite superb newcomers to the indie scene. Their songs are somewhat Bloc Party-esque with a dreamier vibe…possibly a love child with the unique keys of the Shout Out Louds, nonetheless, definitely catchy. The cosy Northcote room was only partially filled with bodies sitting down in random clusters at this stage, although I can say that heads were swaying and feet were tapping along. It was a shame to have missed the start of their set, then again, debut single “Panda Express ” in its sweet melody instilled the right amount of pleasure and contentment to kick start the night.

On the other hand, each time these zany boys come on stage with their fist-pumping shows, Philadelphia Grand Jury never fail to leave some sort of lasting impression. They have the ability to get an entire crowd moving despite interrupted sets in which song intervals are filled with a chipmunk voice plugging the band’s ’awesomeness’ or announcing news (psst: The Philly Jays kick off their first headlining tour this week in Brisbane, followed by a re-enactment of their antics back at NSC on Saturday 18th July, and the chipmunk says he’s worried no one will come back to watch).


Taking a peek at the set list with its kooky, alternative spelling, proceedings began with “Redi to rohl ” (Ready to Roll). No longer sitting down, people were geared up to secure prime viewing spots for the next two acts, joining in to sing along -for those who knew the words- to crowd pleasers “Going to the Casino (Tomorrow Night)” and “Growing up Alone ”. Featured on the EP and quite conveniently the name of their next tour, “I’m Going To Kill You ” raised the energy of the room to a palpable level (I’m gunna keel u, ded!). It’s certainly hard to watch the trio whilst they jump and bounce around with the most highly animated faces to keep still yourself; so kudos to front man Berkfinger, happy drummer Dan W Sweat and the bearded all rounder MC Bad Genius. (Fact: Dan’s other side project Art VS Science is also rapidly gaining popularity, you may have heard of them already).

Finally, to follow the softer “Wet Winta Horlidai ” (pronunciation and correction speaks for itself by now), the Philly Jay’s threw out to the crowd: cymbals, drumsticks, guitars and even the keyboard for everyone to have a jam as ironic “Partie Partie ” (I Don’t Want To Party) wrapped up their time slot. With each appearance, they will always do something different to amaze and surprise the punters, making them one of the most memorable bands to watch live.

Worried to lose front spots, the very dedicated fans stayed rooted to their claimed space in waiting for the Yves Klein Blue lads. From behind the obscuring black curtain, snippets of songs for sound checks teased those not focusing on ‘Pretty Woman’ and the various other cheesy songs of the 90’s blasting through the speakers in the background. Having seen these guys incidentally on a trip to Ballarat earlier in the week, it took effort not to be bias and prematurely conclude that the night would also be fantastic.


After what seemed like too long a wait, the curtain drew back, a sold-out room condensed and YKB quashed all anticipation with a track from their 2008 EP “Silence is Distance ”. Yet another group of performers who exude infectious stage presence (in adorable facial expressions and crowd involvement), debut album “Ragged & Ecstatic” was well showcased throughout the night.

Yves Klein Blue have been riding on a gradual whirlwind of success since they broke into the alternative music scene a few years back. Busily compiling songs in between performing both nationally and internationally, they have managed to secure a legion of fans that no doubt span from their hometown of sunny Brisbane all the way to North Hollywood where they shacked up for some months to undertake serious recording. Even my mum likes their music, perhaps a little cliché in that she endearingly recognises their sound first from a television campaign but this goes to show just how versatile vocalist Michael Tomlinson’s penned songs can be, and how many age groups can appreciate the subtle indie/jazzy/soul/punk influences contained within each track. At least having their music cranked up won’t fall on deaf ears in my household.

Together with drummer Chris Banham, bassist Sean Cook and guitarist Charles Sale, this genre hopping four piece have produced an album with such a delicious variety of songs that the entire thing can be enjoyed from beginning to end. All the better for providing a fresh performance in person with different moods, when Michael sings the likes of dopamine referenced “Digital Love ” or ‘a song about good sex‘ with very uplifting beats in “Summer Sheets “ (makes you wonder in what way “it’s like great conversation“).


Each one of these tracks has its own distinctive lick, leading to the audience cheering enthusiastically as they recognise the next on Yves’ set list - from “Dinosaur ” to “Queeny”, to the highly touted tracks “Getting Wise ” and “Make Up Your Mind ” that were popularized in the lead up to the album release date late June. There is a lot of lyrics and verses or choruses that change slightly, a reflection of the abundant thoughts that Tomlinson has whenever he goes to write, and with which he acknowledges those front row fans who know every word.

Stepping off for a well-deserved breather, the room immediately broke out into a chant for ‘Polka’, trying hard to get the boys back on stage to perform what has become their band’s signature. To everyone’s delight, “About The Future ” -performed acoustically without the lights and backing vocals attraction unlike the earlier songs- packed a most evocative and meaningful punch to the three song encore. An energetic cover of Springsteen’s hit “Born to Run” was dedicated to drummer Chris for his recent birthday before “Polka ” brought the Victorian leg of the Ragged & Ecstatic tour to an end.


A bunch of really good-natured musicians, YKB delivered in style, smiles and witty stage poses for photographers as the light and shade in their very first album demonstrated the tonne of talent that these four encompass. Those who are very aware of music can understand how difficult it can be to master multiple instruments, however, these four seem to swap them with ease. Highly entertaining to watch, they continue to charm guys and girls alike, and it will be quite interesting to follow their whereabouts to see what new material comes up in future - surely more lyrical genius. As they remain after gigs to personalise album covers and sign arbitrary items, sincere thanks is expressed to each fan, but I’m sure that the thank-you’s remain with them for a fun night.

taken from: http://www.ravereview.com.au/category/new-reviews/

Here it is! The cover of Born to Run!

YKB Album Launch - Brisbane Powerhouse



you are instructed to try and spot yourself! I spotted my friends 15 seconds in, but as for myself, I desire a life behind the lens and therefore avoided it! LOL!

Behind the Scenes - Polka

Yves KLEIN BLUE – Ragged & Ecstatic


Dew Process: 2009]
Young and exciting Australian indie four-piece Yves Klein Blue are set to release their much-anticipated full length debut on June 26. The album title ‘Ragged and Ecstatic’ came from the words of Jack Kerouac describing the meaning of life as “the ragged and ecstatic joy of pure being” – a befitting choice of words for a record that overflows with addictive pop hooks, youthful vigour and impressive musicality. After a tiring year of continuous touring and recording, the boys are home for a national tour ending with a spot at Byron Bay’s Splendour in the Grass festival. We caught up with super enthusiastic and charming bass player, Sean Cook, to discuss the band’s amazing year as well as talk about red hair, champagne and who he’s listening to...
The band recorded ‘Ragged & Ecstatic’ in Fairfax Studios in LA with Kevin Augunas (Cold War Kids) – a far cry from the small local studio in Brisbane where they self-recorded their EP. Sean told us the experience was humbling for the band. “It was a shock for us – having Kevin there constantly wanting something better, re-working the melodic parts, always interested in a better way or a different way of approaching a song… Initially we were really taken aback having someone challenging us constantly”. So did anyone get their feelings hurt? “Ha ha! Yeah absolutely – we all had our moments. The process was a kind of non-stop whirlwind, really a creatively bizarre time. We were spending 24-7 with each other and thinking, breathing, dreaming about this record”. But obviously great things came out of it? “It was an education, because we were challenged and our ideas of how to make a song were challenged… but I think as a result of that we made the best record we possibly could.”
‘Ragged & Ecstatic’ is a really impressive album – especially considering it is the debut of a group of guys that are so freaking young. The album - and the Yves Klein Blue sound in general - is difficult to categorise as it doesn’t stick to one obvious genre. In fact, the album veers from the piano-driven pop swagger of single ‘Getting Wise’ to the acoustic call-to-arms of ‘About the Future’ and the The Hold Steady-esque rock storytelling of ‘Dinosaur’. The diversity of sound is linked to the huge catalogue of bands and songs that the band listens to. “We have a pretty scattered list of influences, but I guess at the heart of it we are into good songs – not necessarily die-hard supporters of particular bands.” At the moment he said he’s been listening to Nick Cave’s “Boatman’s Call”, Led Zeppelin II, Elvis Costello’s “Armed Forces”, among endless others.
It was straight-up rock ‘n’ roll talent that led to Yves Klein Blue signing with Australian label Dew Process in 2008. Sean said to celebrate they went out for steak and champagne, “it was extremely civilised, actually.” Champagne is pretty rock and roll though? “Yeah! And we didn’t use glasses either. Put that in!”
Now a year later, the band will play before the green fields at Splendour in the Grass, for the second time after gracing the stage in 2008. “It was probably my favourite gig we’ve ever played – to put it simply. As kids we used to go there and it’s a great festival to be at – it has a pretty unique feel. So being up on the stage and looking down into the crowd… that is completely surreal! We just love playing music together, and now we are getting to travel around and play our music to people…. It’s like a culmination of all this rehearsing and recording and playing our instruments and actually being rewarded for it. I have to pinch myself!”
We asked Sean what his favourite album of the week is and he said a new album that he’s been listening to called ‘North Hills’ by a band called The Dawds - sunny Laurel Canyon-style California pop. We would like to say thanks to Sean for the tip - and for being such a delightful, down-to-earth guy.
Yves Klein Blue have gained a reputation as an exciting live band, and they certainly have genuine charisma and a stage presence that belies their youth, so keep an eye on their tour dates to check them out for yourself. “Ragged & Ecstatic” will be released to the masses on 26 June. For more information on the band visit their website

taken from: http://www.albumoftheweek.com.au/2009/06/yves-klein-blue-ragged-and-ecstatic.html