By Cam Lucadou-Wells
There’s been little time to sit back and relax for Berwick band Social on the Veranda.
The four-piece indie rock outfit made up of Conor Bermingham (vocals/guitar), Ben Rohy (guitar), Brent Morrison (bass) and Jesse Porter (drums) have been together for just 11 months.
In that time, the up-and-coming 18-year-olds won the Casey Battle of the Sounds, progressing to the regional heats of the FReeZA competition.
They have created their first single, and are set to launch their first EP, Caught in the Chaos.
Bermingham, who grew up in Ireland, said the group was influenced by British rock band Catfish and the Bottlemen.
As they played, the band quickly congealed into a “really cool energy”.
He says Social on the Veranda thrives on live shows. Its albums are a platform to play to an audience, and provide feel-good music with universal appeal.
“It’s not a really ‘me’ genre. We try to make it so that everyone will listen to it and enjoy it.
“It’s simple songs that people can relate to.”
At the recent Battle of the Sounds, the audience reciprocated by voting the band as the crowd favourite – along with winning the favour of the judges.
Some of the group are finishing off Year 12 studies but they’ve managed to cram in a few gigs across the breadth of greater Melbourne.
Sadly, none in Casey as yet – but Bermingham hopes they can play at Hallam Hotel after its revamp.
“We’re going to take it as far as we can.
“Our main goal is to write good music and meet as many good people on the way.
“We’d love to travel the world, I suppose.”
Social on the Veranda launches its EP, Caught in the Chaos at Matthew Flinders Hotel on Friday, 13 October at 8pm. Bookings: trybooking.com/book/event?eid=319590
More details: facebook.com/socialontheveranda
