Brisbane rockers The Iron Eye are playing tonight at the Crowbar in Fortitude Valley. In support of the Crowbars cover series the boys will be performing song from Queen Of The Stone Age’s third studio album ‘Songs For The Deaf’. We had a quick chat to find out more about the band, their favourite QOTSA song and a whole lot more!
What is the Crowbars cover series all about?
I guess it’s Crowbars way of celebrating not only the amazing and influential bands that have spoiled us with their tunes, but also the local pool of talent on hand to cover their favourite artists and recreate albums/songs that maybe the bigger bands don’t perform so much anymore.
How did you become apart of it all?
We were asked by Crowbar to take part a little while ago. We’ve played quite a few shows there and we feel humbled that they asked us!
Why did you chose Queens Of The Stone Age as your artist to cover?
We love QOTSA, and maybe half-jokingly we suggested we could cover them, and then we just kind of rolled with it. Stylistically we look up to them as performers – very dynamic and dramatic, but their “loose” playing style is actually quite technically challenging, and we do love a good challenge.
What album by QOTSA will you be covering?
We’re playing their groundbreaking album ‘Songs For The Deaf’.
Does the band have a specific song from that album they are most excited to play?
Individually I think we all have our favourites. Some songs that you wouldn’t think are very exciting to play actually become your favourites once you work out the intricacies of the parts and capture that vibe. I think Song for the Deaf is pretty haunting and beautiful, but honestly they’re all exciting to play in their own weird ways.
Do you prefer covering songs or playing your own music?
Covering someone else’s music can be pretty polarising; some people hate cover gigs, others love them. Generally if we’re setting out to cover a song we’ll try to morph it into our style, so we usually pick songs that aren’t from that ‘rock/alt-rock’ vein so it doesn’t sound so same-same. In this instance it’s more of a celebration of QOTSA’s music and their existence, rather than just your average Sunday arvo cover band sesh at the local tavern (which we all grew up and cut our teeth doing..) so it’s an exciting opportunity for us. But nothing beats people singing along to your own songs..
What has The Iron Eye been up to lately?
Lots! We’ve been a bit underground, digging our way through some new material, as well as polishing these QOTSA songs.
Is there any new music in the works?
We’ve been exceedingly busy working on some new music! As in there will very shortly be some searing and tasty tracks heading your way..
When you are relaxing what music do you listen to in the background?
To be honest, I enjoy peace and quiet most of the time! If I’m at home drawing or hanging out I might put on something chill like new Arctic Monkeys, Fleetwood Mac or Roxy Music, but these past few weeks has been QOTSA non-stop!
How do you overcome being nervous before a show?
I rarely get nervous before a show anymore (thankfully..) or at least the nerves manifest themselves differently nowadays. I have an urging sense of excitement and I just want to get on stage and fire up!
What is your go to after show snack?
Usually very hungry after a show as I don’t like eating much beforehand, so would usually destroy some Dumplings!
What’s next? Any more gigs lined up?
Plenty of stuff in the works, so make sure you’re around in the next couple of months as we’ve got some announcements on the way!
QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE || QUESTION SPEED ROUND
Favourite member from QOTSA?
Oooh come on, that’s a tough one! The obvious choice is Josh, as he’s just the King of Cool. But I also feel Troy is one of the suavest, dandiest and gentlemanly guitarists on the planet.
Favourite album from QOTSA?
Obvious choice is ‘Songs for the Deaf’, but it’s neck and neck with …Like Clockwork – that whole album is perfect.
Favourite single from QOTSA?
Feel Good Hit of the Summer because first hearing that when I was 13/14 made me wonder how all of those drugs didn’t cancel each other out..
Favourite music video from QOTSA?
Tough choice! No One Knows is pretty great with the deer beating up Josh and stealing his car.I can’t go past “Go With The Flow” though because of the colours and the imagery, it’s fairly.. memorable!
