THE GIFTHORSE are leading the way in the resurgence of melodic punk rock in Brisbane … hell, maybe even Australia. Guitarist STEVIE SCOTT chats to LINDSEY CUTHBERTSON about their new EP and how the virtues of friendship have helped push the band further than ever before.

Being in a band with a bunch of your mates can either be rocks or diamonds. On one hand, spending a month cooped up in a sweaty van driving around the country with them will soon let you know just how close you really are. On the other hand, the intimate nature of songwriting can galvanise the friendship and continually pull the concept of being in a band up into the sky each time it’s dragged through the dirt. One listen to The Gifthorse’s new EP, From The Floor Up, and it’s evident that this group of friends from Brisbane definitely fall into the latter category.

"We actually never stop writing new songs. I think that’s why we all stay so happy in the band, because it never gets monotonous," guitarist Stevie Scott says, when talk turns to the writing and recording process of the new EP – their first release since a well-received self-titled debut album.

"The process of doing the EP was fun actually! We spent a lot more time on the actual songwriting process than ever before. Sam Johnson from Melbourne produced, recorded and mixed the EP and he pushed us in a lot of ways to make a more interesting record," Scott says enthusiastically. "We also had our mates from Blueline Medic, Mid Youth Crisis and A Death In The Family sing a few songs, which was a massive honour.

"To a certain extent you know how it will turn out, but when you record you lose a lot of the energy of having the drums and amps in front of you. So the hard part is finding ways to replace that energy without compromising the melody or feel for the songs. I think we got there in the end," Scott says.

While the reception to their self-titled album by fans and critics was something they humbly appreciate, Scott maintains that any thoughts of having a follow-up release pander to public perception were well and truly thrown out the window with From The Floor Up. And it shows: the EP is a huge step forward for the band in all facets.

"It’s always nice to know that what you are doing is appreciated, but we have always written what makes us as a band happy and just hope afterwards that someone likes it," reiterates Scott. 

"We have all found our place in the band and give each other enough space to play in our own respective style. Previously we didn't have that kind of focus and some of our old songs suffered because of this." Scott pauses. "I think the fact that we are all really close mates helps."

There it is again: that aspect of friendship creeping into the conversation like a welcome third wheel. It isn’t rearing like an ugly head to create divides between members; it’s bringing out the best in them and, ultimately, giving The Gifthorse an edge over other bands in their genre. And in the world of musical greed, their story is not only a shining example to young bands, but also a positive one everywhere.

Go catch THE GIFTHORSE at Rosie’s on Saturday Jul 4, playing in support of their new EP, FROM THE FLOOR UP. It’s out now on Poison City Records. www.myspace.com/gifthorseband

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