The Violets Announce ‘Leased Regret’ 30th Album Anniversary Gig at The Gov

This marks The Violets’ first live performance in two decades.

Image Pete Nutchey

20 years on since their last live performance, Adelaide rockers The Violets have reunited to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their debut album, Leased Regret.

Taking to the stage at The Gov on Friday 29 August, The Violets gained a large following during the ‘90s thanks to tracks such as ‘Somewhere’, ‘Mary Who?’ and ‘Sleeping Eyes’, which all received airplay on triple j and SAFM.

The Violets are set to perform a host of tracks from their award-winning debut album Leased Regret, along with material from throughout their career, including their most recent release, 2022’s Smoke, Mirrors & other half-truths.

The Violets won’t be doing it alone, with indie pop act Batteries Not Included and The Jaynes (performing an acoustic set), sharing the stage with them.

Tickets for this memorable occasion are on sale now via oztix.com.au.

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Formed way back in 1990, The Violets made waves with their compelling indie rock sound, signing with legendary Sydney label Phantom Records and dropping their acclaimed 1995 debut, Leased Regret.

The Violets soon found themselves on the bill of the Big Day Out and supporting the likes of The Cruel Sea, Spiderbait and The Fauves. They even worked with some big-name industry vets, including Tony Cohen (Nick Cave, The Cruel Sea) and Chris Dickie (Depeche Mode, Sinead O’Connor). But on the cusp of superstardom, things took a turn for the worse when personal and contractual issues halted the quartet’s momentum, causing The Violets to take an extended hiatus during the mid-‘90s.

The band managed to overcome their difficulties towards the end of the decade and released the Asphyxia EP before following up with their much-anticipated sophomore record, Unwelcome Digital Visitor.

Things went quiet on The Violets’ front throughout the ‘00s until their triumphant return in 2022 with their third long player, Smoke, Mirrors & other half-truths. The album was a welcome surprise for fans, with Jam Sphere calling the record “meticulous and scintillating”, going on to write that The Violets are “extremely good at crafting incandescent, multi-textured tunes, regardless of tempo, that captivate at every turn.”

Now signed with Paper Rock Scissors Records, The Violets are back in the studio working on their fourth album as they gear up for a return to the live stage next month.

Catch The Violets with Batteries Not Included and The Jaynes at The Gov on Friday 29 August. Tickets are on sale now via oztix.com.au.

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