大象传媒

The Ballistics

The band formed in 2002 and released their first CD, Go Ballistic, the following year. This was followed up in 2006 when they released second album The Spirit Of Kelso Cochrane.

"Members of the band have been working together for years," explained Graeme, the band's alto sax player and backing vocalist.

"Mike (bass and backing vocals) and Rocky (guitar and backing vocals) are friends from old, and we've picked a few new members along the way, reducing the average age of the band quite considerably."

The Ballistics range in age from 45 to 18 years and are no strangers to music. Between them, the band's members have performed with 13 other groups including Ipswich based Kinksi and Red Flag 77.

Being such a large group may have its down sides (mainly in finding venues large enough to accommodate them and their instruments) but it also has many advantages, not least a wide variety of influences.

"The mix within the band works really well, everyone is very serious about their music and the age range adds a different dimension," said Graeme.

"The stuff we listen to (which includes 'old jazz blokes', Operation Ivy, and fellow local act The Adicts) is pretty weird and wonderful."

The Ballistics

The Adicts are credited by the band as providing inspiration and friendship and The Spirit Of Kelso Cochrane album features a cover of the Adicts track, Easy Way Out.

"We're working on new material right now, and have six new tracks which we'll be featuring in our next gig," said Graeme.

"Another CD is hopefully on the cards when we can afford it, so that (often difficult) third album isn't beyond the realms of possibility."