WHEN fire ripped through The Edwards in June it left a charred hole in the Newcastle music and arts scene. While the future of the Newcastle West restaurant and venue remains uncertain, The Edwards name is living on through teenage psych-rock band Fungas.
The three-piece of St Francis Xavier students Charlie Ross (vocals/guitar) Kevin Flegg (bass) and Frazer McDonald (drums) have released the first album through The Edwards label, called Crocadilla Bonepipe.
“It was a shame the shop burnt down, but we were all pretty keen to go through with it and make it a good little release to show The Edwards is still around,” Ross said.
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It’s a riff-heavy explosion of psych-rock weirdness, inspired by Black Sabbath and King Gizzard & The Wizard Lizard.
The Edwards’ record shop manager Chris Dunn previously worked as an Sony A&R man and is credited with discovering bands like Something For Kate and Jebediah, so he has a proven ear for talent. After hearing a demo of Fungas, Dunn agreed to co-finance Crocadilla Bonepipe’s vinyl release.
“It was pretty big coming from him because he’s a such a knowledgeable person,” Ross said.
Fungas plan to announce a run of dates to launch the album once Ross and Flegg have completed their HSC exams.
