CREATURE FEATURE
BABY ANIMALS were formed in Sidney Australia at the end of '89. Now, having already conquered their homeland, they're ready to take on the UK with both their debut single, 'Early Warning' and the prestigious support slot on the BRYAN ADAMS tour.
The Oz four piece, are fronted by photogenic lead singer/guitarist and main songwriter Suze DeMarchi. The rest of the line up comprises of bassist Eddie Parise, lead guitarist Dave Leslie, and drummer Frank Celenza. They have toured extensively in Australia, opening for such other established acts as the SCREAMING JETS and the HOODOO GURUS and receiving rave reviews for their killer live shows. On the strength of their growing reputation as one of the best new acts around, the band caught the attention of the Chrysalis Records co-founder Terry Ellis, who signed them to his newly formed label, lmago records.
Following their recording deal, the band released its debut single on home turf, and it stormed into the top 20. This was subsequently followed by their eponymously titled debut album, which entered their native album chart at number three, having been kept off the top spot only by the Gunners 'Use Your Illusion' collection. Not a bad start. So now they're over here...
According to Suze, the band draws inspiration from a varied source of influences.
"I guess we all grew up listening to ZEPPELIN, DEEP PURPLE, and early QUEEN, quite heavy stuff really." She enthuses. "But I also listen to lots of female vocalists like the BILLY HOLLIDAY's and EDITH PIAF and people like that."
Suze shifted base to London for four and a half years between '85 and '89, but returned to Australia with the simple ambition of "getting a band together." And that's exactly what she did. She and the rest of the BABY ANIMALS are in no doubt that the land of Oz is nowadays one of the most happening places for rock bands to learn and perfect their trade and get a break into the international market.
"It's great there, it's the most healthy live scene in the world. All around Australia you can play every night of the week and the radio is now supporting rock bands as well. We have Australian MTV, but that's only at weekends."
Suze is no stranger herself to treading the boards, as she fondly remembers supporting a somewhat unknown rock combo called INXS around the pubs of the outback some ten years ago in her first band.
Just prior to their UK jaunt with BRYAN ADAMS, they spent some time in the USA.
"We played about 15 shows, they were kind of half showcase, half live gigs."
Apparently all did not go to plan.
"The show at the Concrete Foundations event in LA, was shit, just a joke. lt was really badly organised; it was just fucking bullshit LA stuff. I'm not a big LA fan anyway. I much prefer New York."
However, there were some high points on the trip.
"Our album's been out a couple of months in the states and it's been doing alright. We played mostly Roxy-sized venues and even sold out in Milwaukee!"
As for the UK, Suze is clearly excited about the prospect of opening for what will surely be one of the fastest selling tours this year.
"Yeah, we're hanging out, we're all nervous - Three Wembley's? All nerves aside though, we're really looking forward to coming over, and we're really pleased we got it. We just can't wait to get over there."
Nick Douglas
Riff Raff
November, 1991
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