A record with its eye on the future, its feet in the present and its imagination crossing astral planes throughout it all. Introducing: Children Collide and their debut album The Long Now.
After two years of relentless touring and slogging their guts out, Children Collide have finally detonated onto the Australian rock scene in a massive way. “It’s about time!” exclaims bassist Heath Crawley – and he’s not wrong. With two EPs under their belt and the undeniable reputation of a captivating live show, debut album The Long Now was, as Crawley points out, a “natural progression” for Children Collide.
Having had the pleasure of catching three Children Collide live sets, I can confirm that every whisper about their enthralling shows is undoubtedly true. Heath reveals there is no particular secret to their onstage chemistry. After excusing the pun Crawley elaborates, “It really is a collision of three people with differing opinions.” Every time CC present themselves on stage it feels like a “battle.”
He assures us though that the band does share similar opinions on some things, but it is the conflicting musical nuances that make Children Collide what they are. With a “less structured approach” to all of their live sets, Heath exposes it’s about getting out there and “having a thrash.”
The Long Now illustrates that Children Collide have multiple dimensions. Producer Dave Sardy (LCD Soundsystem, Wolfmother and Oasis) proved to be a perfect fit, as he became an equal collaborator in the recording process. “He looked into the band but also got to know us as individuals,” which earned major points with Crawley. Through the album, CC wanted to communicate more to their audience. Heath declares that replicating the atmosphere of a Children Collide show was never the intent. “We could’ve recorded and put down a live show if that was the case.” Collectively, they felt that Sardy unquestionably encompassed the “nature and essence of Children Collide”.
When questioned of his favourite track from The Long Now, Heath shares that “it’s difficult because it’s not as if you are picking from a bunch of songs that sound the same. Each song is like one of our children each with its own characteristics.” This aside, Chosen Armies stands strong with Crawley, being one song that has been played at every Children Collide gig.
The first single, Social Currency, was Heath’s choice from day one. The disco-political frenzy was mutually agreed on because it has a distinct sound and style. It was an unrestricted way of re-introducing themselves in a “banging way.”
Having just come off tour with long time Aussie rock and roll outfit, The Living End, Heath says it was a treat to play “bigger, better, more professional shows, to bigger crowds.” The Enmore Theatre was a personal highlight for Heath, as it had always been a personal ambition to play there. The next venue on Heath’s to-play list is Melbourne’s famous Forum. “It’s a good feeling because it doesn’t seem so far away,” says Crawley.
With little time to catch their breath, Children Collide will be taking their high-energy maelstrom of rock out on the road once again to promote The Long Now. Playing seven dates around the country, Heath likes to think, “that every show will be as fresh as the next.” With songs from their debut reinventing the set list, we have no reason to believe otherwise…
The Long Now is out through Universal. Children Collide’s tour stops by the following venues.
Saturday 18 October – Sounds In The Ground Festival, Manning Bar, Sydney
Friday November 14 – Revolver Upstairs, Melbourne
Saturday November 15 – The Producers Bar, Adelaide
Thursday November 20 – Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane
Friday November 21 – The Annandale Hotel, Sydney
Thursday November 27 – Prince Of Wales, Bunbury
Friday November 28 – Mojos Bar, North Fremantle
Saturday November 29 – Amplifier Bar, Perth
