Just being human

By AMY MARSHALL : Warrnambool Standard 17th Feb. 2005 - ©Copyright Warrnambool Standard  2005.  All rights reserved

 HUMAN nature and its inconsistencies create the bluesy funk rock sound of Warrnambool band, Makeshift Groove’s first album Demographic. Lyric writer and front man Nigel Wearne described himself as cynical and optimistic the same time. He said the first song on the album Decency and Love was originally called Cynical. Ironically, he said the song was about human nature and how inconsistent we can be. Makeshift Groove consists of Wearne, 24, on electric, acoustic and lapsteel guitars, harmonica and lead vocals, Jason McMahon, 25, on bass and John Moorfield, 25, on drums. The band has produced a smooth debut album consistent with its name. The simple and unwavering chord progressions provide a solid base for groove freedom which the members make opportunity of with slapsteel slides, reggae beats, rambling and funky bass solos. The band’s blend of evocative lyrical and vocal structure with instrumental improvisation work well for their performances. “When we’re out playing and I break a string I just go ‘Right guys, drum and bass solo’,” Wearne said. “Sometimes in a band the front man can be the focal point but I really want the other guys to stand out. “Jason’s so damn funky on bass and John’s an excellent groove drummer. He’s just so solid.” While each of the album’s tracks has a similar sound, a closer inspection could put greylead circles around standout blues and funk selections while folky rock sounds creep into others. Nigel said the band had a mixture of influences but he had a real feel for blues. He said Jason was into The Red Hot Chili Peppers, James Brown, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin and Skunkhour. “John sort of likes his ’90s grunge and Primus,” he said. Nigel said they already had another album ready to go which was more “dirty” than their current album. Makeshift Groove will play its album launch at The Loft on Saturday night, at Capricorn Records on Sunday morning and at the Hotel Warrnambool on Sunday afternoon.