The Finkers play catchy power-pop, seasoned with garage nous, the perfect band to drive or dance to. You may even find yourself doing both! Australia's powerpop supergroup, featuring Michael Carpenter (Pyramidiacs / Solo), Mick O'regan: (Pyramidiacs / Intercontinental Playboys / Thurston Howlers), Matt Allison (Spurs For Jesus/The Slaters) and Mickster (The Stoneage Hearts, Crusaders, Pyramidiacs, The Slaters), deliver the goods once more on their latest recording "Stance"!! 6 tracks running the gamut of the powerpop genre!! Featuring an ode to Chris Bell "Drugs & Jesus" and a cover of The Scruffs' "Break the Ice."

Tracklisting:
Drugs & Jesus
Break the Ice
Lights for Angela
Sweet November
Night Time Fun
Crying Out

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Although these Aussie Power poppers offer no suprises across Stance’s six tracks, at least they sound like they’re having a good time. Highlights: a nice cover of “Break The Ice” by mid 70’s Memphis based Big Star protégés The Scruffs and the just perfect Undertones-isms of “Night Time Fun”

Terry Banks The Big Takeover Issue 53

The release of a "Finkers" record is a kind of event that makes you up with life so......great opportunity for Scotty to have them for the third release of his Popboomerang label. Six songs of power-pop like only bands of this land (and the Finkers in particular) are able to play; compared to the previous releases there's an emphasis on more acoustic and softer melodies.
The EP starts in style with the guitar rock'n'roll of "Drugs and Jesus" (an ode to Big Star's Chris Bell) and "Break the Ice" (very good cover of Noth-Americans "Scruffs", year 1977); then we go through the ballad "Lights for Angela" and the acoustic "Sweet November", in marked contrast with the garage-r'n'r of the following ultra-brief "Night Time Fun"; last of all, the top of the disc, the awesome "Cryin' out" (power-pop Finkers' style). Get this record, because it's difficult to think to spend fifteen minutes of your time in a better way.
www.catchweb.net (Italy)

After two albums and a coupla singles of garage power-pop extravaganza, the “pop boomerang” gets back with another ‘Finkers' release, mostly remaining “under the light of the Big Star”.

The opening track “Drugs & Jesus” is a Chris Bell-tribute, takin' you right out “in the street”, and it's followed with the cover of “Break The Ice”, a song written by the fellow Big Star devotee from Memphis, Stephen Burns, that could be found on ‘The Scruffs' eponymous debut from 1977.

My personal fave is “Lights For Angela”, made of all the essential ingredients that comprise the Chilton/Bell works, like the irresistible melody, Beatley harmonies, crunchy power-chords and the Byrdsy jangle, “Sweet November” is a ballad with an overall feel that's not too far from No.1 record's acoustic stuff, interrupted with the punky little headbanger “Night Time Fun”, before it gets back into the line with Cryin' Out, a kind of a song that the early Stones' fans would love to hear from them these days.

Just a bit too late for the inclusion on the recent Japanese Finkers' compilation of the same title, this set is sure to provide a “whole lotta fun” !!!
Goran Obradovic (Popism – Yougoslavia)
www.torpedopop.com

"There's also a new record out from the afore-mentioned Finkers. Not a new album, but a fine mini-CD/EP titled Stance (PB003). It's released by an Australian newcomer in the label business called Popboomerang Records, from whom we can, judging by the first 2 releases, expect great material in the future, too. Stance kicks off with a superb tribute to Big Star's Chris Bell titled “Drugs + Jesus”, recorded on the band's recent European tour in Hamburg, Germany. It's followed by the perfectly poplicious Scruffs cover
”Break The Ice” and the 3rd track “Lights For Angela” follows with similar grace. Also the other sides of The Finkers are heard - the acoustic “Sweet November” and the bubblegum rocky “Night Time Fun” portray the band's versatility. The Finkers are a great band, and any fan of pop should check out their records, any of them is a good one to start!

(Mikko Lappalainen - SUE Magazine- Finland)

The first three Finkers CDs apart from power Pop contained also garage rock, almost Punk, Jangle Pop, folkies, drinking songs and pub rock like that are pure its new work "Stance" power Pop. Fine harmony singing, light jangle guitars and a driving rhythm section. Only once Michael Carpenter and company let the guitars rebel somewhat savages: "Night time fun" is long garageier power Pop. Five self-compositions and a cover ("BREAK the ice "of The Scruffs), is" Stance "a mad affair, which may measure with the best things of DM3. Unfortunate it is actually only that "Stance" is so short.

Robert Pally – Swiss Records (Germany)

Australia's "powerpop supergroup" (featuring Michael Carpenter and Mickster Baty, among others) have done it again on their new EP, “Stance”, a disc with all the earmarks of great powerpop including tight harmonies, lusty playing, and more hooks than Captain Bly. No self-respecting power pop fan worth his or her salt could resist a title like "Drugs & Jesus" (the song ain't bad, either), while "Light For Angels" jangles incessantly and "Cryin' Out" features tantalizing chord changes, "disappearing" vocals, and melodies reminiscent of the best bands on Titan Records. As a diversion, the boys offer up some yin and yang by placing the somber "Sweet November" back-to-back with the garage raver "Night Time Fun," and their cover of The Scruffs "Break The Ice" is downright nifty. One of the best bands to come from Down Under!

David Bash – Amplifier Magazine (USA)

Stance brings us 6 pop rock treats from the boys that brought us such bands as Pyramidiacs, Intercontinental Playboys, Thurston Howlers, Spurs For Jesus, The Slaters,The Stoneage Hearts & Crusaders. from the rockier tunes drugs & jesus & the scruffs cover break the ice to the more cruisy stripped back sweet november it keeps your toe tapping right to the end. i love the glockenspiel in break the ice!
darren smallman
http://www.lowtransitindustries.com/thecitysun.htm

It’s all well and good to be carrying the torch for Aussie power pop, but when you get to the seventeenth band this week mixing the same generic brand chirpy riffs and boyish vocals, you start to realise that the Teenage Fanclubs of the bunch are few and far between – that most will be content to smile and jangle without ever bothering to open the envelope, let alone push it.
Beat Magazine

"I've got drugs & jesus". That's a good way to kick off a record. This song is for the most part in the mold of Exile-era Stones and Tim-era Replacements, with a chunky riff and a swaggering charm. The melodic bridge is from somewhere else and makes "Drugs & Jesus" a grand opener to this EP. Things hit a more straightforward pop stride on the solid cover of The Scruffs' "Break the Ice" and two slower numbers ("Lights for Angela" and "Sweet November") featuring tender vocals by Michael Carpenter. This is a band that can be very rag tag and then clean up real well. The disc ends on a grittier note, with "Cryin' Out" which mixes punchy guitar riffing with some well placed jangle. This is a spiffy taste of more quality Australian music. popboomerang.com
Mike Bennet www.fufkin.com

Clocking at about 15 minutes, Stance is another short and sharp exploration of the Finker's sweet melodic guitar crunch and is in the best traditions of Oz garage power pop. Having a few releases under their belt already, this Oz powerpop um 'supergroup' - consisting of members of The Pyramidiacs, Spurs for Jesus, Slaters, Epstein, Lawnsmell and the InterContinental Playboys, not to mention Not Lame recording artist, Michael Carpenter, never disappoints especially if you love your guitar pop with huge dollops of infectious choons! The six tracks here cement The Finkers' standing as fun-loving proponents of big-B pop viz. Beatles, Beach Boys, Byrds, Badfinger & Big Star as the likes of the Chiltonesque “Break the Ice”, the mid-tempo “Lights for Angela”, the retro balladic “Sweet November”, the punky “Night Time Fun”, the twangy 'Mats-like “Cryin' Out” and the vaguely Stonesy “Drugs and Jesus”. Fans of 70s power pop and 80s alternative rock will be thoroughly pleased with The Finkers' latest handiwork. Nothing earth-shattering but a entertaining & competent run-through nonetheless.
Kevin Matthews Bucketful Of Brains Issue 64 Summer 2003

Featuring members of a whole bunch of sweaty indie pub bands (including Spurs For Jesus, Thurston Howlers, Pyramidiacs etc.) this is pure, ragged guitar pop at its finest. Drugs & Jesus lends a nod to Big Star’s Chris Bell, as it unravels its popervescent throes…jangly, raw and infectious to boot.
Their cover of The Scruffs’ Break The Ice throws in some feelgood harmonies, plenty of squelch on the guitar meter, nice little fade out, and has you swearing it came straight outa the Finkers own stable.
A little more snotty, but no less pop-riddled, Lights For Angela keeps the melodies dripping like blue-gum sap on a hot summers arvo. Sweet, sweet riffs, plenty of jangled six strings…a pop top pearler.
Sweet November winds it down so gently, before totally ripping out your heart with its sad, sad funeral organ inserts. Gorgeously melancholy.
Night Time Fun throws a bit of Banana Splits into the mix as it pops, bubbles and fizzes all over the canvas a-la early Dickies, whilst tail ender Cryin’ Out is just sheer popnificent charm in all its hook-riddled glory.
If you like it pure, ragged and popped, you’ll love the Finkers.
Mark Fraser www.redbackrock.com

A strong opening to this EP with ‘Drugs And Jeans’ definitely makes this EP worth listening right through to the end. All the other tracks follow in the same melodic, poppy style with both ‘Night Time Fun’ and ‘Cryin’ Out’ worth particular mention. It’s a good record to stick on if you’re going for a peaceful country drive on a Sunday afternoon. (SC)
Time Off Magazine July 9 2003

Another "down under" collective that has been deemed the "Powerpop Supergroup", the Finkers have recorded merely six songs for this release. But you get the impression that they have close to 400 of these somewhere in a can, perhaps not exactly the perfected power pop of these half-dozen, but damn near better than anything released on either side of the band in recent time. The band consists of Michael Carpenter (Pyramidiacs), Mick O'Regan (Intercontinental Playboys among others), Matt Allison (the Slaters), and Mickster (the Stoneage Hearts). As the Finkers, they get to the gorgeous heart of this too brief effort with "Drugs & Jesus". Starting off with a riff that Keith Richards might still have in his arthritic bones, the sound makes the listener wonder where in the world is former Replacement Tommy Stinson and when will he be free of that twit W. Axl. Oozing with a happy-go-lucky rhythm section, without being sounding too summery, the guitar solo might be the only slight flaw. Rudi Raschberger, who really isn't a member, is the person to thank for this awesome guitar playing.

"Break the Ice" has meaty guitar and is a touch retro. "All I want to do is play guitar", Mick O'Regan sings as the sweet harmonies result in overkill. This is what happens when a guitar riff is wasted with radio-friendly sounds and time-tested dance candy. Thankfully, the Wondermints have this down to a science and are in Brian Wilson's inner circle or back pocket. The Finkers give a good outlook on "Lights for Angela" with an opening the Georgia Satellites would have run rampant with, but once again the '60s airtight harmonies are thrown into the mix. "I always I wished that I could go to you and tell you I'll be there when you come on home", the Finkers sing with a deep amount of sincerity. The guitar solos work, but like hearing a Matthew Sweet B-side, the listener thinks of what might have been.

"Sweet November" is a ballad that is by far one of the best or second-best songs here. An Everly Brothers style is used throughout the number with harmonies to die for. If they ever decide to do an Unplugged episode, this would be the acoustic pinnacle of that show. An organ best left in a church is added over the middle section, sinfully diminishing the flow and detracting from the overall effect. The lyrics are average and cliched, especially "If you love me let me go / I don't know if I can take it". The Ramones influence can be seen on the gorgeous Radio Birdman-esque "Night Time Fun." Opting to up the ante, the noise and intensity, the Finkers resemble a bit of the Clash, a pinch of Manic Street Preachers, and a ton of other punk bands that (like Cyndi Lauper) just want to have fun. Unfortunately, the fun ends too quickly, which might be part of its attractiveness on multiple listens.

The Finkers seem to have a ton of talent at their disposal. The concluding "Cryin' Out" brings to mind the Rembrandts (who I prefer to associate with "That's Just the Way It Is Baby" as opposed to the theme from Friends) on a good day. Unfortunately, whether due to studio costs or a need for utter perfection, the six songs are all the listeners get here. The 14 minutes come and go far too quickly. However, this collection would placate fans of power pop on most continents.
Pop Matters Online Fanzine Jason MacNeil
http://www.popmatters.com
— 26 June 2003

Perhaps they're little known beyond the power-pop circle, but collectively, The Finkers' experience makes them an indie pop supergroup. Band leader (on guitar, bass, vocals and harmonium) Michael Carpenter, guitarist Mick O'Regan and drummer Mickster (Michael Baty) all played with the Pyramidiacs. Matt Allison, from Spurs for Jesus and The Slaters, completes the line-up on rhythm guitar and vocals. Other bands that The Finkers members have been involved in include the Intercontinental Playboys, Thurston Howlers, The Stoneage Hearts and the Crusaders. Stance is The Finkers' fifth release, following acclaimed albums such as Double Back & Go and their debut, Fresh Set-O-Prints. The Finkers know their stuff when it comes to guitar-fuelled pop, and it shows on this latest EP.

Although Stance's six tracks run just under 15 minutes all together, they aptly showcase the diverse talent and influences of the group. And they feature everything a good power-pop song should have - big hooks, jangly chords, skillful solos and catchy vocal harmonies that you can't get out of your head! That might suggest too much neatness for those who prefer an avant-garde sound, but one may also argue that to capture a diverse sound within a set genre is a more difficult musical challenge. And The Finkers succeed here splendidly.

'Drugs and Jesus' is a very radio-friendly opener. The bright chorus will have you singing along in no time! The song is credited as a tribute to Chris Bell, and has been a critics' favourite. The cover of The Scruffs' 'Break the Ice', and 'Night Time Fun' give the EP a nice retro flavour that is only enhanced by the cover art. Night Time Fun's call-and-response vocal style reminds the listener of Radio Birdman. The fun-filled tracks will make any pop lover want to get up and dance around the lounge room.

'Lights for Angela' and 'Sweet November' are the softer tracks that complement the louder numbers. The Finkers pull these off just as well, if better than the other songs – 'Sweet November' being the personal stand out track. The liquid vocals and melancholy harmonium capture the pain and intensity of relationships perfectly. It's a love song that isn't as saccharine as the title suggests.

'Cryin' Out' is a sound finishing track as they sing "Cryin' out, I've come this far, but I've still got much to do".

Stance leaves the uninitiated wanting to hear much more of The Finkers, and the converted to go back to their earlier releases. Those who got power-pop wrong could learn a lot from The Finkers - and will have a bopping-good time doing so! I look forward to hearing the next full-length album.

The Good: A lot of fun variety in a small package.
The Bad: But being so short it leaves you wanting more!
The Vibe: Will be loved by all power-pop fans!
• artist: The Finkers
• genre: Indie Power-Pop
• label: Popboomerang Records
http://www.vibewire.net/articles.php?id=1964

The cute intensity, and echoing ‘ohs’ could buck up any night next to the bar fridge. The opening track broadcasts the wounding message, ‘I got drugs and Jesus, I aint needing you’. Harsh stuff. But then, water into wine is a neat party trick, so I suppose it’s understandable. Break The Ice, a song originally by The Scruffs, is the bright sparkler of the album with its charming chorus and tumbling tinkles. After initially pondering whether the line was Love is a lifeguard, Love is a life cause, or Love is alive, cos... I finally discover the downcast truth, ‘Love is a lost cause’. Thankfully, they add ‘But we can give it a go’. Lights for Angela chugs along with straining vocals, full of effort and candour. Quite a different sentiment to Drugs & Jesus, the tale for Angela tells of dedication, togetherness, and devotion; ‘I’ll be there when you come on home’. Then, we have another seasonal change with the dulcet tones of Sweet November, ‘If you love me let me go. Here comes your replacement…December coming round’ Another rejection for some unfortunate girl. Move over lady, there are sunnier pursuits on the horizon. The lonely melody contrasts starkly to the laddish passion of Night Time Fun. The intensity reflects your typical boy’s night on the booze. The scrambling instruments and brawling vocals create the image of a happy gang stealing people’s hats, drinking other people’s beers, tripping in the gutters and running away in hysterics. The music halts abruptly, and we’re left blankly wondering what happened. The final tune cutely addresses the universal issues of work, tedium, and apathy, resulting in the pained wail we would all be familiar with ‘Cryin out, I’ve come this far, but I’ve still got much to do’. With the quality so far, I can’t wait to see what more The Finkers can do.
EMILY K PERKIN – Beat Magazine

What a fun pop band. This 6 song release has a catchy harmony playing off hard hitting riffs from the band. And a cover of “Break The Ice” by the Scuffs doesn’t hurt either. Way too short. Fave cuts are “Crying Out” & “Drugs & Jesus”. RBF (Shredding Paper #16)