R.I.P. Society’s Top Five Tracks to Start Your Week Loudly

Rough and tumble Sydney label R.I.P. Society have been hand delivering you the grungiest garage rock, darkest experimental fuzz and DIY post-punk electronica for five whole years — so they've got a few birthday toasts to give. Fronting up a chock-a-block lineup to The Studio, the beloved label has invited some of Australia's best to party down, with some iconic neighbours on top.

New Zealand's legendary trio The Dead C will arrive for an exclusive Sydney headlining spot, along with label buds Feedtime, Bed Wettin' Bad Boys, Woollen Kits, Native Cats, Rat Columns, Cured Pink, Holy Balm, Ghastly Spats, Housewives, Constant Mongrel, Half High and Wallaby Beat DJs. Kicking off from 5pm on May 24, this is sure to be one rambunctious afternoon-to-midnight affair at the House.

To celebrate the countdown to Vivid LIVE week, R.I.P. Society founder Nic Warnock has put together a solid playlist to kickstart your week and gear you up for the gig; from Melbourne's dark and stormy Constant Mongrel to Sydney's garage electro favourites Holy Balm with some wise words from Warnock himself. Crank it to 11 and bring your birthday wishes to the party.

Constant Mongrel — New Shapes

"Constant Mongrel are redefining the rules of cool. Once, it was a huge indie music no-no to wear your own band's t-shirt while performing. Now, it's all the rage in some progressive Melbourne fashion circles thanks to Tom Ridgewell. New Shapes, new styles and later this year there will be a new 7" EP from Constant Mongrel on R.I.P Society records."

Rat Columns — Another Day

"A new addition to the R.I.P Society family is Rat Columns, the project of David West who's also the man behind the chic electronic project Lace Curtain and one of the three guitarists in Total Control. While this label has generally been moving towards the darker or the weirder side of the Aussie underground, Rat Columns play earnest, unashamed guitar pop. That's the type of life balance I wanna promote. Their first Sydney show is at the Sydney Opera House, lucky ducks."

Feedtime — I Wanna Ride

"Feedtime are a band that feels like rock 'n' roll whilst creating a sound that's pure and unique to them. Feedtime sound fuckin' tough and but there's also a real depth and sensitivity to their music. 'Avant-garde pub rock' people have described them as, but it's not macho caricature stuff or in any way kitsch or whacky. Their songs are precise yet profound articulations of real life stuff, heavy stuff and everyday stuff. Hearing Feedtime for the first time, reading about their existence in Sydney, as well as how Aberrant operated as a record label was really inspiring."

Holy Balm — Holy Balm Theme

"Holy Balm have been a staple in my experience of Sydney music. Through a do-it-yourself attitude and not being afraid to experiment and evolve in an organic manner they've become a empowering, positive experience both live and recorded. A great intersection of DIY post-punk and dance music."

The Dead C — Outside

"This is one of my favourite songs ever. Kind has a similar quality to Brian Eno's 'Here Come The Warm Jets', although much more crude and deconstructive. Still, I think this song is really beautiful. The Dead C's music shows that experimental music can be as emotive and invigorating as your standard three minute pop ditty."

Catch the R.I.P. Society crew blasting amps at the Sydney Opera House Studio from 5pm on May 24. More details and stubs over here.