Interview by Chris Martin

THURSDAY’S PAGE have been hard at work for quite some time now. The band is gearing up to unleash their second EP, ‘In The City Tonight’ – the follow-up to 2009’s ‘Beyond Paradise’. Keyboardist/guitarist, Phil Watts has mentioned that the second EP is of a different nature to the first, as the band’s sound has further developed. “The EP was written by all five of us I suppose. There’s extra influences, we’re all butting heads to create an EP with all those influences.”

According to bassist, Ben Mathews the move away from the Muse meets Karnivool sound of ‘Beyond Paradise’ was due to the input of himself and Watts. But the newest members of the band who have different taste’s to the other three bandmates. “I know Jake (Hoskins, vocals) Glen (Hagger, guitars) and Ryan (Ammon, drums) are into your Karnivools and your Cogs – and that’s probably reflected in the last EP. There are still references to them on the new EP but it’s not as strong.” explains Mathews.

All the band members have made an effort to stretch out on, ‘In The City Tonight’ – Watts in particular. He has mentioned that his keyboard work has expanded. “There’s more keyboards on this EP. They’re still not a dominant force in the songs but when you play them without the keyboards they sound funny. You don’t realise how strong a part of the song can be until you try to play the song without it.”

With the band having formed back in Busselton in 2005, it’s obvious that they have come a long way. Tours to the band member’s hometowns (Busselton, Bunbury and Dunsborough) are an integral part of the Thursday’s plans. As Mathews explains, the band had to move to Perth out of necessity. “Down south you kind of miss out on the band scene. You get stuck in your own world. Three Bears Bar used to have live bands but now it’s more blues and roots. Settler’s Tavern still has the big gigs.” Watts has also mentioned touring plans for the EP. “Two weeks after the launch we’re playing at the Prince of Wales in Bunbury and then going on a massive road trip to Albany and then we’re playing Bunbury again. We haven’t played Albany before but we know people down there.”

Catch Thursday’s Page at Amplifier Bar on Friday May 20! Support comes from The Fags, Palatial Digs and Cat Black!

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