The Cabarellos

Thu 17th Dec, 2009 in Features

The music business is a tough one. It’s a cut throat world with few leg-ups where, as Hunter Thompson once observed, good men die like dogs. But perhaps not The Caballeros. The brand new Perth five-piece rock’n’roll band are clearly switched-on dudes.

Despite forming almost a year ago, The Caballeros have taken their time. Not content to dick around with the local circuit any more that they might necessarily need to, they have elected to kick off their career in a rather bombastic fashion with a two-stage show at the recently resurrected Civic Hotel.

They’re also, evidently, quite a bit of fun. Most of The Caballeros’ press so far has centred around singer Jake – œDr Green’ England’s stated quest to find “a truly handsome band”. Fittingly, FasterLouder’s interview with the man was full of such hyperbole, which is, realistically, to be expected from such a new band.

“The name is an interesting story,” explains Green “We had been drinking one night in a Mexican canteena somewhere on the outskirts of town, and some local types called us – œCaballeros’. With our Spanish not being up to scratch, heated words were exchanged. But before things got out of hand an explanation was provided… we were told that it meant we were – œgentlemen’. We decided that it fit the persona of the band and we were on our way.”

Factual story or not, a – œcaballero’ is indeed a gentleman, and it’s a word that fits the image of this band to a tee. Despite the fact that they are a new band, The Caballeros have a wealth of experience to draw from, with all four of the supporting cast members active in other high-profile acts around the Perth scene.

“The Caballeros are made up of 5 of the most handsome men in rock’n’roll,” Green claims again, Captain Graeme Handsome [Standard Deviants, The Kuillotines] on drums, Gentleman Jesse Fitzgerald [Project Mayhem] on bass, brothers Leroy Cowboy and Micky Rockets [both from Strychnine Cowboys] taking the duties of guitars and me Dr. Green singing along with the guys.

On a more serious note, Green describes process of putting together the band as “a great trip”, especially given their experience. “It’s been fantastic, working with a bunch of guys who know how songs are put together. When I bring ideas to the guys we just jam out the parts until they fit, which is a great way to write a catchy song.”

As for what audiences can expect at the launch this Friday, Green cites influence from The Rolling Stones, The Stooges, Turbonegro and The Hives; before claiming of the launch: “The Caballeros are a party band and we wanted to have a huge party.”

It’s hard to argue with that. The Caballeros’ launch is occurring at the Civic Hotel, Inglewood, on Friday 18 December, with support from Will Stoker & The Embers, Eye Spy, zxspecky, and the New Husseins.