Geelong indie sensation Greenhouse returns strong with debut album ‘Centre of The Universe’

Greenhouse, a staple of the Australian indie music scene since 1989, reclaims its spotlight and honours a friend with their 2023 debut album, 'Centre of The Universe'.

Geelong’s own indie guitar marvels, Greenhouse, are poised to take their musical journey to new heights, as they make their triumphant return to the Australian music scene with their highly anticipated debut album, Centre of The Universe.

Having weathered a hiatus due to family commitments and venturing into new business ventures, the band found themselves at a crossroads. However, their initial spark has reignited, and they’re ready to harness their creative potential once more with their debut, due for release on 1 September 2023.

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Lead guitarist Jon Helmer shared that the driving force behind this comeback was the heartbreaking loss of their close friend and longstanding drummer, Glen Galloway. Galloway’s regret of never seeing the band’s album released struck a poignant chord with the band members.

“He passed away suddenly from cancer and his one abiding regret was that the band had never released an album. This struck a heartfelt chord and over coffee, we decided that we would set things right and record it in his honour,” Helmer said.

“The songs were all still there in our shared memory. Some unfinished tracks from rehearsal jams on cassette were just waiting there for a spark to reignite them into reality.”

Michael Robinson, the band’s frontman, embarked on a mission to capture the album’s essence at his home studio, teaming up with Helmer. The drums found their place through the hands of Nik Hughes, a member of the renowned US rock band ‘Bush,’ recording remotely from across the Atlantic.

Adding star power to the mix, the album boasts collaborations with notable guest artists. The UK-based mixing maestro ‘Barny’ Barnicott, celebrated for his work with Sam Fender, Coldplay, Kasabian, Arctic Monkeys, and Placebo, lent his expertise to the project. Robinson expressed his excitement, saying, “We are stoked to have had giants working on our project.”

Three singles from the forthcoming album have already gained impressive traction, amassing over 300,000 streams and receiving rave reviews. The momentum shows no signs of slowing, as the singles continue to find their place on online and international radio playlists. Their recent live shows in Melbourne, Geelong, and Ballarat have captivated audiences, offering a fresh encounter with the band’s distinct sound.

To mark their return, Greenhouse is set to inaugurate the newly revamped band room at The Eureka Hotel, previously known as ‘The Westend Hotel,’ on Saturday, September 9. The event will not only celebrate the album’s long-awaited release but also raise funds for the band’s upcoming UK tour, culminating in a standout performance at the iconic UK Indie music festival, ‘Shiiine On,’ this November.

If that wasn’t enough, the band will also be heading out on a national tour in October, supporting Happy Mondays greatest hits Australian tour.

https://fortemagazine.com.au/greenhouses-unfinished-business-geelong-90s-cult-favourites-on-triumph-tragedy-and-a-long-awaited-debut-album/

Greenhouse’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and the enduring power of music. Originally forming in 1989, they cultivated a devoted fanbase across Australia.

The band’s success story began with their 1990 debut single “See Saw,” which swiftly found its way into the triple j playlist, claiming a spot in the Top Ten of the National Alternative Charts. The momentum only grew from there, with two more Top Ten singles making their mark alongside the band members’ musical heroes. Greenhouse was the cusp of their big break but sadly lost their way, calling it quits in 1993.

Parallel to Greenhouse’s resurgence in 2020 was the rise of the ‘Sound As Ever’ (SAE) music label and Facebook sensation. Conceived by industry stalwarts Jane Gazzo and Scott Thurling, SAE commemorates the 1990s Australian Indie music scene, embracing acts both big and small. This initiative, evolving from humble beginnings, transformed into a bastion of support for artists of that era, rekindling appreciation and enthusiasm for their art.

The SAE compilation album ‘Stuck on the 90s’ featured a remastered demo from Greenhouse titled ‘Pray,’ enjoying airtime on independent radio and sold-out live performances. A retrospective collection titled ‘Full Circles’ was also released on the SAE label in 2021, offering a blend of early Greenhouse recordings, including previously unreleased demos.

As Greenhouse prepares to shine brightly on the stage once again, the band’s indomitable spirit and dedication to their craft continue to inspire, making them an enduring force in the world of indie music.

Centre of the Universe is out 1 September. You can pre-order the album here. Keep up with the latest from the band here. 

Words by staff writer