Young Charlatans

The first ever official release by this legendary Melbourne post-punk band who only ever existed for a number of months in 1978, but who cast an important and influential light in Australian (and global!) music, influencing the likes of the Boys Next Door/Birthday Party and The Models, the group's membership and its diaspora reading like a who's-who of crucial Australian music of the past 50 years.

In the band was a young Rowland S. Howard, who would soon go onto join the BND/Birthday Party; Ollie Olsen (Whirlywirld, No, Max Q, Dogs In Space soundtrack and so much more); Janine Hall (Saints; Weddings, Parties, Anything) and Jeffrey Wegener (drummer extraordinaire for the Laughing Clowns and the Saints, among others).

The Young Charlatans recorded a demo with Ron Rude, and also surviving is a live recording from the Tiger Lounge in Richmond. With help from band manager Bruce Milne, we have sourced these two recordings to make up this LP, mixing the best of the both to document 45 minutes of inspired music as young players were still grappling with the fallout of punk rock, and wishing to push the music further into more experimental and adventurous directions. 

Contained is 13 original songs composed by Rowland and/or Ollie - including an early version of Howard's defining track, "Shivers" - remastered by Mikey Young and featuring extensive liner notes by author and friend/fan of the band, Clinton Walker. With photos, articles and ephemera provided by Bruce Milne and Phil Morland, it is housed in stunning artwork and design by Luke Fraser, including a 4-page booklet.