THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Australia’s Skegss — Ben Reed (vocals, guitar), Toby Cregan (bass, guitar, vocals) and Jonny Lani (drums) — are on the cusp of global domination with their riotous rock that has sparked circle pits and stage dives all over: dingy pubs, skate parks, sold-out shows in the U.K., N.Y.C. and L.A., and 20k cap festival stages alike.
Rehearsal is a 13-track thrill ride through the band’s laid-back lifestyle and sunkissed narratives of love, friendship and youthful musings — and follows the meteoric DIY success of a few self-released singles/EPs (now certified platinum in Australia), and their 2018 debut LP My Own Mess (which peaked at #2 on Australia’s ARIA album chart).
“I was pretty scared that I was going to lose my job at a brewery because I was spontaneously taking off for gig opportunities,” Reed recalls. “I remember talking to Farmer Greg, who used to come in to get the wheat malt for his cows. He used to work for 60 Minutes, filming on the helicopter. He asked what I got up to and I downloaded my predicament to him and he goes: ‘Do it. This is no rehearsal. You go for that, you can do this later.’ I fully needed to hear that.” It’s an explanation that summarizes the Skegss attitude: Roll the dice, roll with the punches, and you’ll make it out on top.
Rehearsal was recorded at The Grove Studios with producer Marks, who added a veteran’s finesse and expanded upon the rustic charm of demos Skegss tracked at The Music Farm using vintage gear from the ’60s and ’70s. From Reed’s self-made lyrical philosophies inspired by his favorite stand-up comedians, to Cregan’s reflections on life and his dog, Rehearsal is the most candid and electrifying snapshot we’ve seen of Skegss yet.”
