Sydonia

There is an inherent difficulty in defining a band such as Sydonia… They are commonly misaligned with one or another band, or within this or that musical style, or more often than not as “impossible to pin down to one particular genre, sub-genre or classification”. This diversity in portrayal stems from the fact that punters and reviewers often have trouble defining their sound and tend to refer to the first big band that springs to mind and then cross reference it with something else, for example: the mellowness of a Radiohead with all its dreaminess and vocal complexities, crossed with the alternative thinking of a Muse, add the fullness and depth of a Tool, and then mix in some heavy tribal drumming and percussion. A ballpark description but kind of hard to wrap your head around. But after witnessing a show it becomes clear how and why Sydonia are best defined by each individual listener’s imagination. The musical soundscape drifts effortlessly from clean and beautiful to rich and heavy, from big dreamy guitar melodies and vocal harmonies, to heavy percussion-laden passages, to hard-edge rip-your-throat-out sections, sometimes within the context of one song. You can see how the word-of-mouth can become quite colourful. Subsequently, the best way to describe Sydonia is to see them and/or listen to them for yourself.

Sydonia was born in 1997 and grew into its completed line-up on St Patrick’s Day 2003. Since then they have independently released 4 EPS, toured extensively, acquired a large, loyal, and appreciative fan base, and have become a much sought after band to play with.

After much time spent honing their craft and defining the Sydonia sound and experience, in April of 2006 the band headed into Backbeach Studio with producer dw Norton (Mindsnare, The Scare, Superheist) and spent 14 long and sleepless days professionally recording a full-length debut album. Offered distribution deals from various independent labels, Sydonia elected to release GIVEN TO DESTROYERS through their own label in September of 2006, having secured distribution through Green Media (MGM) Australia.

In 2007 they had a dream year for an independent rock band… the second single No Woman’s Land was received warmly by Triple J’s Home and Hosed. They toured nationally as a headline during which time they also supported LAMB OF GOD as the specially requested guests of Randy Blythe. Straight off the back of that tour they then supported STONE SOUR and were so well received by that band’s members they were requested as their guests to tour the east coast of the USA in August of 2007. During these supports they’ve had the pleasure of being joined on stage by Randy Blythe (LOG), James Root (Slipknot/Stone Sour), and Roy Mayorga (Soulfly/Stone Sour) – see these guest appearances on YouTube. They arrived home to then win the Sydney Alternative Noisies Awards BAND OF THE YEAR and GIG OF THE YEAR, and the end of 2007 into 2008 saw them with a well earned reputation as one of the most respected and well loved underground bands in Melbourne and Sydney. Just spend a bit of time on their myspace page to see what their local and international fans think…

With their three-part harmonies, their driving three-part percussive sections, their layered aural soundscapes, and their distinctive song writing capabilities – this is a band forging their own originality and defying genres – for want of a label you could say they’re the latest aficionados of intelligent rock – and they plan to be here for the long haul. Music to be appreciated for both its complexity and simplicity it commands a loyalty from its fans that only music that has a true soul can do.


”...generally anyone who loves high level musicianship, sound and songwriting will find many moments to love and devour on this local act’s extraordinary debut. This album is a veritable pandora’s box of musical delights… you just never know what you’re going to get. But it all works beautifully, and it makes GTD a debut album for the ages.”
BUZZ Magazine – March 2007


“Inside, a sea of black-uniformed punters grew rapidly as Melbourne-based Sydonia delivered a set more befitting a headline act then a support – a satisfying mix of textures swirled around a core of melody, with a willingness to experiment evident in a brief but explosive percussive orgy featuring (at least) seven drummers punishing the skins. Seriously, if you haven’t see Sydonia yet, then do so, and if you have seen them before, then join with me in puzzling over why they are yet to tour internationally with their own supports.”
LAMB OF GOD SUPPORT – Palace – INpress Magazine – April 2007