The Touch Moves for the launch of their Christmas single. Photo: Supplied.
When it comes to the festive season, Australia is an anomaly. Families travel further to be together, it’s far too hot for a roast and our Christmas songs break the traditional mould.
While everyone up north is wishing for a white Christmas and Santa Claus, we’re singing about closeness and making gravy. So when it came time for Canberra-based rock band The Touch Moves to write their first single, there was no hesitation to write using this blueprint.
All members hailing from the capital, the thought of a white Christmas is few and far between. For lead singer and guitarist Rowan Kane, this was all he needed to formulate our next Australian Christmas classic, Noel. To him, the concept of the track is a right to all rock bands.
“The theme of Christmas in rock music is a long-standing tradition,” according to Rowan. “It’s a fun way to celebrate this time of year despite what your philosophical outlook may be. Writing Noel was a right of passage moving into December.”
Borrowing from the likes of Paul Kelly, Bob Dylan and 90s brit-pop, The Touch Moves have a refreshing sound, playing around with a number of musical elements. Of these, most notable is a taste of nostalgia and Australian pub rock, a modern twist on your dad’s favourite radio station. Sing-a-longs, catchy fills and licks, and above it all an angelic voice and soothing harmonica.
Their sound and style is the result of years of practice behind the scenes. While only new to the scene, for years Rowan has been working to ensure when they’re out on that stage it’ll be a show to be remembered with quirky remarks to the audience and a big presence on stage.
Rowan, Alex, Joel and Jeff of The Touch Moves are starting Christmas early
On 30 November at The Polish Club, The Touch Moves will be launching Noel as part of a charity show. All funds raised will go to YWCA Canberra to ensure as many people as possible are safe during the festive season. For Rowan, it’s a way for the band to provide any help they can.
“While many of us will be doing what we can to stay safe, there are many people in Canberra who will be doing it rough on the streets. If we can play some music and raise money to help out homelessness in Canberra the event will be a success.”
They’ll be playing with two other Canberra-based artists. First, their drummer Jeff Hardwood will be playing a solo set. Fitting in with the theme of Australian rock, Jeff writes within those boundaries, with a strong narrative approach to contemporary rock. The other act is singer/songwriter Esther Neptune. Also new to the scene, Esther makes infectious alt-pop music, definitely an upcoming artist to catch.
Tickets are $10 and all funds raised will go to YWCA Canberra to help people on the streets stay safe. When asked why should people attend, Rowan says it’ll be “good old-fashioned fun”.
“Bring your family and friends,” he advises, “and enjoy a night of entertainment that will pull at the heartstrings and inspire. All money will be donated to YWCA so make the effort and help raise some much-needed funds for homelessness in Canberra”.
You really can’t argue with that.
For more information about the show, visit the event page.
What’s your favourite Christmas song? And why?
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