This year The Timbers released their debut album Lawless and it’s been a wild ride ever since. They showcase a distinctive alternative folk flavour reminiscent of bands such as The Pogues and Mumford and Sons.
As a singer and guitarist with the band, Ben Roberts believes it’s the high-octane energy of the band that sets them apart.
‘We have a lot of songwriters and three lead singers. Basically everyone does a lot of songwriting on their own; the music gets jammed and reworked until it’s ready.
‘It generally starts with someone having an idea about how the song should sound, and people in the band are open to ideas.’
For The Timbers, it has been the festival circuit that has really helped grow a loyal fanbase.
‘We have done a fair few festivals over the last 18 months. We are heading off for the Caloundra festival, then up to Cairns, then to Adelaide. We are playing with John Butler and the Waifs. Festivals are great because you get a chance to display your music to people who wouldn’t usually see you play.
‘It’s your best chance to get to play to people who will like what you do. We strive to play festivals. It’s very creative – especially when you are camping and jamming and having fun with other musicians.
‘You grab ideas from other people’s performances!’
Right now The Timbers are working towards album number two.
‘It’s being written now,’ says Tim. ‘We are booked to record in December, and then we are looking forward to a few overseas opportunities, a bit more writing and recording.’
Back in 2013 The Timbers were awarded the SA APRA award for contribution to the music scene.
‘It was good to get that award, to be recognised – it has definitely helped put us forward!’
According to Ben, it’s restraint that makes a good musician.
‘A good musician should be able to show restraint. A lot of people can play a million notes a minute but it’s where you leave the space that is most important.’
Expect a live show where ‘you can work up a sweat, dance and expect to be visually and audibly impressed with the high-octane nature of our performance’.
The Timbers play Friday at the Rails.
