Fourplay started out reinventing rock songs for strings in a UNSW band comp almost two decades ago – yet they recently released their first album of entirely original fare, This Machine.

The record emerged from a period of productivity and acclaim that saw the longstanding locals catapulted around the world as musical backing to English author Neil Gaiman, a collaboration originally commissioned for the Graphic Festival at the Sydney Opera House. Jack Shit caught up with the band and found them still awestruck at having had the chance to perform on hallowed stages from Carnegie Hall to The Barbican.

All four members of the group have multiple pursuits beyond the group – and this burst of activity has partly been enabled by Tim Hollo stepping down from his role as Communications Director for Australian Greens leader Christine Milne. Discussion ranged from consideration of the demands of such jobs, to possible means of offsetting the environmental costs of recording and touring. There was also a fascinating debate over the relative merits of compact discs as opposed to vinyl – promulgated by Tim’s brother (Fourplay cellist and host of FBi’s Utility Fog) Peter Hollo.

Listen back for controversial opinions, two live renditions and laughs aplenty.

Fourplay are performing next at Camelot on December the 6th

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