Mick Thomas and The Roving Commission release new single ‘A Mighty Ride’ before…
Mick Thomas has always been a musician who challenges the norm and refuses to conform to industry standards. As the former lead singer of the ARIA Award-winning band Weddings Parties Anything, Thomas has continuously emphasized the significance of songs as communal experiences. Currently leading Mick Thomas’ Roving Commission, he is highlighting this concept through the release of a new single, ‘A Mighty Ride’, and a series of in-store performances to showcase the true essence of human connection within music.
Set to precede the new album ‘GoComeBack’, scheduled for release on October 31 via Coolin’ By Sound, the single ‘A Mighty Ride’ is a tribute to Melbourne, featuring the distinct sound of a No. 96 tram bell followed by an energetic rock anthem that symbolizes the city’s north-south connection. According to Thomas, the song aims to bring people together and unite them in a time of societal division, acknowledging the value and quality of both perspectives presented. Sung by Brooke Taylor, the track introduces a fresh dynamic to the band’s repertoire, underscoring the Roving Commission’s ability to blend individual voices into a harmonious collective sound.
Leading up to the album’s launch, Thomas and selected band members will embark on a series of promotional appearances dubbed as GoIn-StoreComeBack. The initiative aims to break through the clutter of digital platforms and algorithms by engaging directly with fans in authentic spaces where music is discovered and purchased. Thomas expresses his firm stance against the negative impact of companies like Spotify, advocating for a return to the roots by performing in record stores, resonating with audiences on a personal level.
‘GoComeBack’ continues the tradition of narrative-driven albums by Thomas. Recorded at Neil Finn’s Roundhead Studios in Auckland in collaboration with esteemed producer Steven Schram, the record embodies two distinct themes. The ‘Go’ segment explores themes of travel, distance, and alienation, while ‘ComeBack’ celebrates the beauty of the mundane and the significance of home. The album follows the successful EP ‘First Step in a Homeward Direction,’ which topped the AIR Chart in June and was supported by a nationwide sold-out tour.
Featuring an ensemble of talented musicians including Dave Foley, Ben Franz, Jen Anderson, Mark “Squeezebox” Wallace, and Brooke Taylor, the Roving Commission delivers a blend of raw intensity, melodic nuances, and folk-rock sensibilities that have been synonymous with Thomas’ musical endeavors since the late 1980s. Thomas, a co-founder of Weddings Parties Anything, has been a central figure in Australia’s pub-rock scene, incorporating punk energy with folk elements in the band’s iconic tracks. Since the band’s disbandment in 1998, Thomas has established himself as a prolific songwriter, earning a permanent place on Australia’s touring circuit, particularly during the holiday season, where his Christmas shows are a cornerstone in the live music calendar.
As ‘GoComeBack’ marks another chapter in Thomas’ illustrious career, he reflects on the journey, recognizing the album as a transformative experience. The album is set to be released alongside a national tour, ensuring that audiences across the country get to experience the magic of Mick Thomas’ Roving Commission live in action.