The Living End: Australian Punk Rock with Rockabilly Roots and Sociopolitical Themes

Words: 1140 Pages: 4

Table of Contents

Introduction
Personal Significance
Biography
A Narrative Section
Analysis of Structural Components
Conclusion
References

Introduction

The Australian punk-billy band consisted of Chris Cheaney on guitar and vocals, Joe Piripitzi on drums, and Scott Owen on double bass and backing vocals. The band was formed in 1994, starting with performing covers of rockabilly bands of the 50s, such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Burnett, and Buddy Holly, as well as the popular 80s band the Stray Cats.

The name of one of the band’s songs they named themselves Runaway Boys. However, Chris soon decided to take the band to the next level and started working on the EP “Hellbound,” which included eight songs, changing the band name to “The Living End” simultaneously. In 1996 a new drummer, Trevis Demsey, replaced Joe Piripitzi in the band. The success came with the second EP, “It’s for your own good.” The song “From Here On In” began to be played more and more often on local radio stations.

Personal Significance

The punchy video sequence contained shots of rugby games and their hardcore medley, as well as the band itself, which consisted of 3 guys who played upbeat pop-punk with a touch of rockabilly. I was also hooked by their energetic demeanor in the video. After searching for something decent to listen to, I accidentally stumbled upon their eponymous album, which I bought immediately. This is their first full-length work, which includes 14 songs. Overall, the album turned out to be interesting and juicy, kept in a punk rock style in general but with a touch of ska, rockabilly, surf, and rock’n’roll. The guys mix it all well without limiting themselves to just one thing.

Biography

This band was formed considerably earlier than the 1990s. Runaway Boys, a youthful cover band, performed rock’n’roll tunes from the 1960s in Australian bars. The boys played practically every weekend for three years, and the band, The Living End, was formed in 1994. The men did not bother with a name and borrowed it from the classic film “Rock Around the Clock.” The eager individuals joined bands that swamped Green Day with recordings and T-shirts, hoping that Billy Joe Armstrong would take notice.

The Living End, on the other hand, was considerably luckier than the other bands. Aside from the legitimate dream of performing with Green Day on their Australian tour, the men recorded their debut song, “Hellbound,” in 1995. The media noticed the eight songs and the band began performing simultaneously on the radio. They returned to the studio in 1996, this time with a new drummer, Trevis Demsey, to record their second EP, It is For Your Own Good. Following the release of this EP, the band was invited to several shows and open airs.

In 1998, The Living End released the album “The Living End.” The preceding EP, “Second Solution,” foretold its popularity, which contained true singles that dominated numerous radio stations. That EP was certified platinum many times and set the best-selling record in Australia in 1997. So, after such a successful debut, all the band needed to do was begin traveling. They began in their home in Australia, where they were encouraged by the well-known pop-punk band Green Day. The Warped Tour throughout America followed, where the new band gained many more followers.

The Living End returned to their native nation after nearly two years of a difficult existence on the road. It began work on the second album, although anxieties of not having the same success that followed them until the release exceeded all expectations. The success of “Roll On” had hardly faded when an unexpected but terrible occurrence occurred: Chris Cheanie was involved in a serious vehicle accident.

Chris was out of commission for the next six months; even holding a guitar on his lap became painful. Cheanie went on a binge for a spell due to sadness about his handicap and a creative crisis, but his trust in his skill pulled him out. He began writing songs, though, for him, the process always began and always has begun with finding a melody and riffs on the guitar.

When Chris’s condition improved, and he could return to the instrument, the literal chemical process of matching the words he had written with the melodies he had once composed began. In early 2006, The Living End released their fourth studio album, State Of Emergency, whose success prompted the American record label Adeline to even count TLE among their artists. The re-released album appeared in the U.S. by mid-July, amid the band’s participation in the now-familiar Warped Tour.

By January 2007, TLE had temporarily abandoned performing, deepening their search for ideas for a new album. In February, they recorded a song by the Australian rockabilly band Cold Chisel, “Rising Sun,” on the forthcoming tribute album Standing On The Outside – The Songs Of Cold Chisel. On July 19, 2008, the trio’s new album, “White Noise,” was released.

A Narrative Section

The music of The Living End is quite complex and not like the standard punk rock standards, so they stand up to many second-rate, monotonous pseudo-punk bands that are fashionable nowadays. The catchy, outrageously melodic songs with the poignant and excellent vocals of vocalist and guitarist Chris Chaney sink into your brain. Vocally, Chris is assisted by Scott Owen on double bass and Travis Demsey on drums. A band is rarely truly talented, but the guys from The Living End can be put in that category of people who make great songs without getting hung up on one thing.

Analysis of Structural Components

I will highlight such songs: Prisoner of Society and Growing Up (Falling). I also want to mention the songs’ themes; although they did not open up anything new to me, I liked how they were performed. The songs are generally about people who stumble in this life, learning from their mistakes, suicide bombers, feuds and friendships, injustice and rebellion in working society, and youth problems.

For example, in the song Prisoner Of Society, the rhythm is quite even, and the song is quite harmonious. It is also worth noting that the visuals and the song match perfectly. The form in this piece is repetitive and simple. The song Til’ the End – The Living End is quite melodic; the form is repetitive, and the rhythm is smooth. The lead singer’s voice sounds good enough with guitar accompaniment. This song is different from the band’s other works as it is more melodic (after that, the song plays).

Conclusion

Thus, the band’s music has an original sound and deep meaning. The band members confront society, contributing to building a new, just community. They show the problems they face in the course of their lives. This group has great potential; they bring people hope for a new future in which society will be lenient and understanding. Listening to the songs helps the listener think about important societal themes and issues.