Something For Kate

Something for Kate has earned devoted support among Australian alternative rock listeners through its introspective post-grunge intensity. Central to the group’s output are the lyrics and sentiments of vocalist and guitarist Paul Dempsey, who positions himself at the microphone with guitar in hand and delivers his imagery-rich verses in measured, contemplative fashion. Even as the atmospheric instrumental textures reach forceful peaks, every syllable stays audible, allowing audiences to follow or sing along with the memorable melodies while forming their own mental images.

The Melbourne trio took shape in 1993 after Paul Dempsey, who handles vocals, guitars, and songwriting, met drummer Clint Hyndman at school and found common musical ground. The name Something for Kate originated from a handwritten message discovered on a kitchen table.

Sony’s Murmur label, home to Silverchair, offered a recording contract after hearing the mini-album The Answer to Both Your Questions, the interim EP Intermission, and the singles “Dean Martin” and “Captain,” all of which moved steadily through word-of-mouth generated by nonstop touring.

For the first Murmur full-length, Elsewhere for 8 Minutes, the band recruited American producer Brian Paulson, whose credits include Archers of Loaf, Superchunk, Uncle Tupelo, Slint, Son Volt, the Wedding Present, Wilco, and the Jayhawks. Sessions were held in New Zealand to distance the musicians from friends and outside pressures. Although the album they wanted was completed, founding bassist Julian Campbell left soon after the group returned home. The same emphasis on detail and quality control that defines their work has also created strains. During the next two years the lineup fractured, another bassist departed, and the remaining members reversed course to record Beautiful Shark in their hometown, still with Paulson at the helm. Despite occasional second thoughts, the result was another set of songs distinguished by jagged grace.

After bassist Stephanie Ashworth joined, the band promoted the album across Australia and then traveled to Japan and the United States to meet online supporters and prepare the way for an American release. While on that tour, reports circulated that Ashworth had been approached about filling Hole’s bass position.