the retreat

Last year some time I was passed a demo by a couple of mates who used to be in this rock and roll band but secretly wanted to be in Limbeck. I wasn't sure what to expect but low and behold it was actually pretty good. They were recruiting members at the time and had asked two girls I knew to join on drums and keys. This spruiked my interest a bit so I was always keen to hear where the band was at and what the plans were and all that other crap that comes along with friends' band. Anyway they finally got their shit together when this other dude from the Gold Coast or Brisbane or somewhere in Queensland moved down and brought his bass along with him. They started practicing in the lounge room of this massive house in Neutral Bay and were soon playing shows.

Their first show sold out Spectrum.

Since then they have started and almost finished putting together their first EP which is going to be amazing. I was lucky enough to drop in on recording a few times and it has all the charm of the original demo but already sounds bigger and better and is going to be one of the gems of the year. Amid all this excitement we started talking about the demo and how the actual release is a little while off and it would be nice to put something together to show everyone what the band is about. We wanted to do something interesting, something a little out there and something fresh. I think we hit the mark.

Ladies and gentlemen, THE RETREAT...

UP TO OUR HIPS is honoured to be bestowed the privilege of releasing THE RETREAT Demo Tape. Limited to 100 copies, the first 50 will feature artwork personally designed by individual members of the band. We have no idea what to expect back but are confident that each of the five designs are going to be special and suitably sentimental. Sure, one may be a shrine to Lindsay Lohan and another a homage to the Spectrum Special Spot (SSS) but that is half the fun. With four tracks on each side, including a cover of The Eagles 'Take It Easy', you'll be wearing this baby out in no time.

In celebration of this release THE RETREAT will be playing a show at The Hopetoun Hotel on Thursday July 17 with some special guests. The tape will be available at this show and is expected to sell out rather quickly (particularly those first 50) so put it in your diary now to get down early and snap one up.

To hear some of THE RETREAT'S music, including two songs off the tape stop by their myspace:

www.myspace.com/ilovetheretreat

Hope to see lots of familiar faces there!