Returning with his sophomore release under the Romeo Walker moniker, Benjamin Witt continues to evolve alongside his compositions. ‘Transformer’ sees Walker channeling his comprehensive range of influences to draw from the ambient darkness of Nick Cave, fusing it with the harmonic influence and timbre-rich elements of Mulatu Astatke.
This unique unison allows Romeo Walker to continue to maintain his evolution into a sound, instantly recognisable as his own.
Diving into lyrical depictions of alarm and dismay, Walker carries the listener through a scene of confusion, describing a disorientated pilot unable to steady a shaking plane.
Visions of rodents roasting on an oil drum, a doberman growling on a passenger seat and a car racing off on bald tyres are all conjured up through Romeo Walker’s arrangement. These panic scenes are rectified in the refrain “But tonight, I’m going to transform”.
“I was going for a Nick Cave meets Mulatu Astatke vibe. The verses are portraits of panic and a loss of control, however, the refrain is about overcoming & breaking on through to the other side. It’s just a 3 minute espresso shot for the soul.” Romeo Walker
Having shared connections with a multitude of artists over an already illustrious career, Romeo Walker rejoined close friend & producer Sam Ford (Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, POND, Abbe May) to record the final arrangement of ‘Transformer’. Joining them in the studio was Grievous Bodily Calm’s Alex Reid to add the drums and percussive elements.
“It was recorded at Tone City Recording Studio by Sam Ford & features Alex Reid on drums. I tracked it in a suit because in my experience, it always sounds better when you wear a suit.” Romeo Walker
Romeo Walker sees acclaimed Australian musician Benjamin Witt return with a collection of new songs & a further development of his exploratory approach to music. Renowned for initial work in The Chemist & two solo LPs (touring with Methyl Ethel & The Drones), demand for his studio prowess led to Pond, Empire of The Sun & Meg Mac, all seeking collaboration.
Alongside the enigmatic ‘Transformer’, Romeo Walker is today also announcing his debut self-titled LP. Scheduled for an April release, the album is a culmination of Walker’s influences, experiences and exploits throughout an on-going, illustrious career. Guided by psychedelic pop, experimental music & Ethiopian Jazz, the album forms a noir-esque, rock record to be released in collaboration with Perth label Tone City Records.
“The Romeo Walker self-titled LP is an independent release in collaboration with Tone City Records, with Sam Ford as engineer/co-producer. I like to think it’s a kind of film noir sci fi rock record informed equally by Ethiopian jazz, experimental music & psychedelic pop.” Romeo Walker
Romeo Walker will be performing to celebrate the release of ‘Transformer’, launching the single in conjunction with the launch of Sam Ford’s independent record label, Tone City Records. Joining Walker on Saturday, February 26th at Freo.Social will be a multitude of emerging Western Australian artists, including; Supathick, Dice, Siobhan Cotchin, Nectar, Bexx, King Blue & more!
“I’m super stoked to have Josiah, Alex & Zac (Grevious Bodily Calm) playing these songs with me, they are total weapons. Our last gig was a lot of fun, so I’m looking forward to round 2.” Romeo Walker
ROMEO WALKER ‘TRANSFORMER’ RELEASE SHOW
Tickets available through Moshtix.
With special guests: Supathick, Dice, Siobhan Cotchin, Nectar, Bexx & King Blue.
Sat Feb 26th Freo.Social Perth