After working primarily in their bedrooms, the American Public have finally zipzammed into the studio and hired a producer, in the form of Greg Wales, to lay down a record! The story goes something like this:

You can hear Dirty era Sonic Youth in there, but there's also a strong melodiousness that hallmarks Contract Killer as a definite AP track. It's stomp rock for the kids, with an episodic nature that gives the song a filmic sensation. With it's chorus of 'Warner Brothers Failed', one wonders what is really going on in the story, and all we'll say here is that this is not a song about a professional hit man.

Underground is a far more celebratory song and references Bowies China Girl in its arrangement, which features a ripping outro straight after the second chorus.

There is a sweet and quiet acoustic guitar version of Johnny Gangster, which is very elegant and melancholy - a far cry from the hyper live rock song that it comes from. An American Public record would not be complete without a little glockenspiel...

However, it is Angel's Wings Unfold, which really encapsulates the AP sound with its minimal production. Influenced by the New Wave English sounds of the late 70s and early 80s, this track could be aptly described as the "Evil Sesame Street" one.

Location:
Adelaide, Australia

Formed:
early 2000

Names:
Ben De Hoedt (bass, vocals), Matt Harris (guitar), Mel Horsman (drums)

Previous Releases:
2001 - Peachment EP (Pop Gun Records)

Previous bands:
After Mobile, The Mandelbrot Set and The Lift Dwellers called it a day, The American Public managed to magnetically forge a link between members of these excellent Adelaide bands, powered by newcomer to the scene Ben deHoedt, who wanted to form a band.

Played:
Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide.

What are we into:
The band are really into the classic pop sounds of bands like the Police, REM, New Order and the Go Betweens and enjoy forging a link between electronic beats and live instrumentation. We love acts like Mum, Matmos, Aphex Twin and De La Soul

Side Projects:
Ben also writes and performs as the Tender Jealousies, which becomes a full band when he's in Sydney with AP. The tunes are slow, careful and generally downbeat. There is a distinct "alt country" vibe to the Tender Jealousies, making it a good vehicle for some twisted tales of heartache and sadness... In Sydney the band includes Wes Crusher from the Devoted Few on bass, Lindsay Stevenson ( ex Faker) on guitar and Wurlitzer and Dave from Wes' side band Grace Emily on drums. They jam for a bit, then play what they've learned via correspondence.....