Artist description Sub Lucis Ortum consolidates the rougher-edged Australian punk tradition with electronic/industrial precision. In touch with their dark, serious side, the band brings a lightness to songs of haunted despair; sweating out the secret pleasure of melancholy and the relief of disenchantment.

Music Style Dark, atmospheric, powerful, melodic

Musical Influences Birthday Party, Crime and the City Solution, The Swans

Similar Artists Crime and the City Solution, Nick Cave, Hugo Race,

Artist History Since Sub Lucis Ortum formed in 1995, vocalist/songwriter Michael Hallett has guided the band’s intense, visceral direction, while allowing fresh influences to boost the sound. The exact, energetic bass of Aus-goth veteran Peter Tabacchi was introduced in 1997. Recorded that year, the Temazepam EP launched Sub Lucis Ortum’s end-of-the-world grunge theatricality and two tracks were featured in the Australian movie Powder Burn. More recently, David Lawford on guitar and keyboard and Paul Rodwell on drums have pushed even greater power into an already integrated sound. Enhanced by rich keyboard chords, the band’s atheistic rage cools down at intervals to mock-pious meditation, and exuberant moods are made larger by gritty lead guitar. Fluctuating moods that make things interesting, both frenzied and calm are unified by Hallett’s strong vocals.

Group Members Michael Hallett - vocals, guitar and harmonica David Lawford - guitar and keyboard Peter Tabacchi - bass Paul Rodwell - drums

Instruments Guitars, keyboards, noises, vocals, bass and drums

Press Reviews (Sub Lucis Ortum) do make a dark and sometimes genuinely dramatic electronic tinged music. Renunciation is apparently more what they are about ... There’s a feeling of fists and jaws clenching as the pain increases, and the anger could be a release. Harm is slightly different, soft torment leavened with an almost Bad Seeds rush. Interesting. By Ross Clelland - Drum Media

Location Sydney, NSW - Australia

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