It seems Australian audiences can’t get enough of Texan darlings Okkervil River, as the band make their fifth journey to our shores this October. The five-piece come armed with a swag of new songs from their recently released sixth album, I Am Very Far, which is a startling break from anything the band has ever created before. Terrifying and joyous, violent and serene, grotesque and romantic. It’s a celebration of forces beyond their control.
Lead by the commanding and charismatic Will Sheff, who Pitchfork described as “one of the best lyric-writers in indie rock”, Okkervil River deliver a realness and raw quality that makes their audience feel at home in the room, taking the crowd from rowdy sing alongs to silent intense listening.
In addition to their previously announced Melbourne Festival shows, Okkervil River will bring their gritty lyricism and rambunctious blend of country, folk and rock to audiences in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.
“On the six-piece’s busy new record, the band take a shot at creating their own signature hits, offering up songs such as the thrilling Rider, where a sweeping rhythm and contained, propulsive strings combine in the manner of Arcade Fire” I Am Very Far review in The Age / Sydney Morning Herald
“The noise they make is thrilling.” Uncut
Okkervil River – October 2011 Australian tour
On sale: pre-sale Monday August 8 for handsometours.com subscribers, general on sale Thursday August 11
Presented by: Street Press Australia and FasterLouder
Wednesday 12th
Perth – Capitol
Tickets: handsometours.com, 78 Records, Mills, Planet Video, Star Surf, heatseeker.com.au, moshtix.com.au
Tuesday 18th
Sydney – Metro Theatre
Tickets: handsometours.com, Metro Box Office or 02 9550 3666, ticketek.com.au or 132 849
Wednesday 19th
Brisbane – The Hi Fi
Tickets: handsometours.com, thehifi.com.au, 1300 843 434, Kill The Music, Butter Beats, Gooble Warming, Atlantis Music Southport
Also appearing as part of Melbourne Festival at the following venues:
Friday 14th – Melbourne – The Forum Theatre
Saturday 15th – Meeniyan – Meeniyan Town Hall
Sunday 16th – Will Sheff solo show – Melbourne – Toff In Town
Tickets: www.melbournefestival.com.au
I Am Very Far is out now through Inertia