Late last week, Melbourne indie rock trio Dover Island released their debut single, ‘Casey.’
The first single for the band received a warm response from the online community, with triple j’s Declan Byrne dubbing the track “punk-tinged goodness,”, with ‘Casey’ also jumping right up into #9 on the national youth broadcaster’s indie chart.
Listen to ‘Casey’:
Today, Tone Deaf can exclusively reveal Dover Island will release their first EP later this month. Titled ‘Participation Award’, and releasing through Melbourne youth-label, Jets Records, the EP will contain four tracks.
Writing and producing the EP has been somewhat of a lengthy experience, with Holly O’Kelly, the band’s lead vocalist, commenting to Tone Deaf, “some of these songs were written over a year ago, they’re all super close to my heart.”
She continues, “I feel like [the EP] represents our band really perfectly, we really are at heart, just a group of best mates who love to joke around, have a good time and play some music. It’s just about having a go and having a grouse time while doing it.”
“My lyrics are very blunt and to the point. I try to make all of them as personal and real as possible. At the core, it’s just a culmination of what’s in my diary – my way of venting out all the shit that constantly runs through my hyperactive brain.”, the singer said.
O’Kelly adds, “The band have worked so hard on this EP… I really hope people can connect with it. The EP really is about celebrating your flaws. We aren’t perfect but neither is anyone else, so why would we try to pretend like we are?”
Another representative for the band, Jackson Spessot, commented, “We’ve worked on this as a band for the best part of 6 months and I’m so happy to have the music we worked on to be up and out.”
Today, the band are also officially revealing details for their stacked EP launch event. Taking place at a Scout Hall and adjoining football oval in suburban Melbourne, the EP launch will bring Dover Island and three special guests together in a free, intimate setting.
The band are hosting a community football game as part of these celebrations, and it all takes place at the Montmorency Scout Hall.
Participation Award Tracklisting:
- Gin and Tonic
- Casey
- Lullaby
- 17
Participation Award is out Friday 29 March through Jets Records. ‘Casey’ is out now.
DOVER ISLAND ‘PARTICIPATION AWARD’ EP LAUNCH
Saturday 30 March
Montmorency Scout Hall, VIC
FREE, DRUG, ALCOHOL AND SMOKE FREE EVENT
Special guests:
UNCLE BEN’S LAST WORDS
FUNK DANCING FOR SELF DEFENCE
LOTTIE LIAMS
Dover Island are also playing:
Saturday 16 March
Twilight Sounds, Heidelberg, VIC
Thursday 21 March
Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar, Fitzroy, VIC
For all ticketing and information, please visit the official Dover Island page.
