AWAY FROM NOW were:
Luke - Vocals, Darren - Guitar / Vocals, Chris - Bass / Vocals, Bondy - Drums, Mark - Guitars / Vocals

Compilations:
Action Against Cruelty (Helltrack Records)
Pee Approved 2 (Pee Records)
State Of Affairs (Pee Records)
Punktual (Parkway Records)
Poison The World (Poison City Records)
Where There Is Life... (Back Alley Records)
Pee Approved Vol. 3 (Pee Records)
Triple J's Short.Fast.Loud (ABC / Warner Music)

OFFICIAL WEBSITE:
www.awayfromnow.com | www.myspace.com

REVIEWS:

Othmer
AWAY FROM NOW - Blackout
I was always a big on the these Aussies even before Pete got on the bandwagon and decided to sign these guys. Jokes, jokes, Im a joker OK! Far from a disappointment this is a great album, too bad the band is no more RIP. Good songs is all I have to say, this band is really good and there is really nothing bad about them, maybe the fact that they are dead is the only bad thing. Never say never let's hope these guys keep playing music. One of the better bands I've known in Australia for the last 5 or 6 years. Location is a big reason why these guys may of never "taken off" in North America. Without the support of bigger labels to take them out of Australia it is really unfortunate that these guys never had the chance to play elsewhere. I almost hate to say it but if these guys came from let's say California forget about it! They would have been on every Warped Tour date and would be going to Australia to play stadium shows, not the other way around. So what does this tell you people, us all tools necessary to exploit your local scene though the internet and zines or even write an old school letter in the mail to a band you think rocks and say hi!
RATING: 93%

somethingFM
AWAY FROM NOW - Blackout
First off, this digipak has some sweet art in it, photos of graveyards, piles of skulls, a guy about to be decapitated. It's all here.
The first song on this album, which, coincedentally is also the title track, comes pumping out, at what feels like a fairly restrained pace, like there will be a big payoff coming on up, however, it doesnt seem to happen, it just keeps chugging along. However, dont let this make you think that it isnt worth a listen, its really one of those songs that you know people sing along to live. Due to in part to the heavy use of "whoooaaa"'s and the like. The kind of stuff to get you pumped.
The second song on the disc, "Peace Could Take Forever" has a bit more metallic feel to it, what with the backing screams paired with some double kick action. As the dosc powers on, you can really see why Away From Now get tagged with Melodic Hardcore, and not just Hardcore (I could rant for hours about genre's, but thats not what this is about now is it?).
Whereas your average hardcore band will just power on the whole time, conveying nothing but sheer aggression, Away From Now, use that aggression, coupled with some softer sounds, and actual singing in amongst the growls. They really do make you want to listen to what they have to say, instead of scaring you off by being far too violent. They use things like double kicks, in a reserved way, not just hammering the thing as fast as humanly possible. They dont just growl at you the whole time, they sing too. So hard to believe for a band with the word Hardcore attached, ain't it? But it's true, so very very true.
The disc includes some great hardcore punk (i mean hardcore punk too, not just half-arsed metal, which is what a lot of hardcore feels like now) sounds, and I am glad to have given the band the chance they clearly deserve. Too bad they decided to call it a day, in my book. If you want your punk to go that step further, without resorting to being a shite attempt at metal, i throughly recommend Away From Now.
Rating: 73 / 100

Naked Dwarf
AWAY FROM NOW - Blackout
Away from Now hail from Victoria and have been on the punk scene for around 5 years. They have supported bands such as Against Me, Goldfinger, Good Riddance and Blueline Medic. Blackout is their debut album, they have previously bought out EPs which have been very well received. So I believe this is a long awaited debut album.
The band's sound is melodic, hardcore and sometimes could be described as a bit emo. Lead singer Luke’s vocals sound grunty and can easily go from melodic to hardcore with ease. The band members are all influenced by different bands and you can hear that in this album. The title track 'Blackout' is a raw sounding energetic punk track with some chunky riffs, a great starter track to pull you into the album. The album continues in a similar manner throughout all the tracks, some however do focus more on the hardcore or on the straight out punk.
'Drought Line' is a good example of the emo sound I was hearing slightly coming through from the band, It’s a slightly softer track with really melodic vocals, I could even see this being done acoustically and sounding really good for a bit of a change, another of these tracks is 'Integral To Life' it’s a nice change from the hardcore sounds of the album and slows it all down a bit and you can really hear how decent the vocalist Luke is on this track.
The next track 'Hit The Ground' starts with quite a traditional rock sounding riff, however you can still hear the punk influence coming through. I quite enjoyed the riff of this song and think it would be a good live track. 'The Legend of the Lone Pine' starts out with some interesting guitar sounds before going into the traditional punk chord progression we are used to hearing.
This is a fantastic debut album from the Victorian band and I’m looking forward to catching them live next time they are playing in my area. My only critisicm of this album is especially when I listened to it on my stereo at home it seemed the vocals were very much overridden at times by the band. I still do recommend this album though if your into punk/hardcore and even if your not its great especially to support your local Australian talent.

Bizoo Zine #24
AWAY FROM NOW - Blackout
Melbourne based punk act, Away From Now have been slogging it out over the past five years releasing a swag of EPs and splits on their way. To be honest, I haven't heard any of their work before. Think along the lines of Bodyjar with a mix of Hot Water Music. Currently there's so much music out there that calls itself hardcore but if you strip it back you'll find a bunch of spoilt little rich kids with fancy hair cuts, a tonne of body tatts and melodic vocals with screamo elements. I like to call it "fashioncore" as it's more focused on image than anything else. Anyway, those bands have given the hardcore genre a terrible name. Away From Now aren't one of those bands. So, I'm extremely hesitant in categorising them, or even mentioning the word "hardcore". I found it hard to pinpoint a sttandout track as all the songs are super solid! I have to say that it's one mighty fine debut album and I'm definitely interested in checking out their live show
Dr Jerm

HardcoreSounds - Finland
AWAY FROM NOW - Blackout
After 6 years of hard work the five piece melodic punk/hardcore band has finally produced thier debut album "Blackout". Before the full length, they released 3 ep's of which were 'How The Beau Monde Breathe' (2001) and soon after releasing 'Shadows Allude Invade' (2002) then following up with 'Sic Semper Tyrannis' (2003). In 2004 they were placed on a split cd along with well-known australian hardcore bands named "The Amity Affliction" "Hi End Audio" "Miles Away" "Perish the Thought".
While "Blackout" only being out for a short time sales have hit sky high with stores being out of stock, showing what high demand AwayFromNow has and such a large fan base. This album is full of catchy riffs and strong vocals. The music that continues to be made by this talented band is amazing, and forever out doing their previous releases with songs such as "blackout" "Drought Line" "Integral To Lie". This album is not all about fast music and screaming vocals, theres more to it, with soft tunes and songs with meaning.
Finally, to all respected punk/hardcore fans, this album is a good choice. With many bands being overlooked in the days of today, AwayFromNow are breaking through and making themselves more successful. Good Work AwayFromNow, and to Pee Records, keep up the awesome work.
POSTED BY: deadm1ne on 2006-01-16
RANK: 4 / 5

Bombshell Zine
AWAY FROM NOW - Blackout
In 2005, the word hardcore to some people means something totally different to what it was in '04, which was different to '03, you can pigeonhole things till the cows come home, but when I personally think hardcore, this album comes pretty close to its meaning in my mind, you want wanky guitars, not so understandable squelches and your chugga chugga breakdowns, you file under metal. You want energetic, passionate, hard hitting sounds one step further on from punk rock you get to hardcore, you can fuck all that though, because ultimately it is music, why should it be categorised and looked upon differently because some cool kid calls it 'insert some stupid term'core? Why i mention this is because it is lost in my mind as to why a band like these guys can practically go unknown, while wave after wave of steaming turds can float on by, bands that worry too much about catering for the masses and what other people will think about them, when right here you have a band with guts. A live show that will stand up to, and probably kick the arse of most internationals touring, and now an album that captures all they are about to a tea. If you want to listen to a band, doing it for no other reason than something they are passionate about, then forget about that bloodsplat covered disc of the band that spent 5 hours fixing their hair for the promo shoot, they'll be forgotton come next year, pick up this 12 track gem. It's melodic enough vocally to understand the lyrics that have meaning, yet musically it's powerful enough to give your balls a shake. Hopefully now with an album behind them, people will take more notice, that there is more to it than your generic bands being idolised that all sound the same, you might not be able to time your precious windmills to the breakdowns, but you'll hear a fucking great album and see a fucking great show.

Punk N Metal
STATE OF AFFAIRS - Split CD
I highly anticipated this cd, wouldn't any Australian hardcore fan? A band from each state across Australia bring together three tracks each to release a five way split cd which would have to be one of the best releases this year for Australian hardcore. Five bands and three record labels, from what I have seen this has never done before. Lots of credit to the labels involved, Pee Records, Common Bond Records and Lifetime Records for coming together and making a memorable release. Miles Away (Western Australia) being one of my favourite bands, kick the cd off with their melodic old-school hardcore sound and keep consistent throughout their part of the cd. But I personally think that this is not the boys best, but it is still some great music. Next, we have The Amity Affliction (Queensland) which were a surprise to me. This is first time for me hearing this band, they bring the in the goods. Melodic singing combined with screechy screams and charismatic riffs. They play a punk brand of hardcore, if you are into Poison The Well and From Autumn To Ashes then The Amity Affliction are for you. Six tracks in and we have Perish The Thought (New South Wales). I personally like their older stuff, but their new material for this split is quite a change and is has improvements from their current release. Out of all the great hardcore bands coming out of Adelaide, Hi End Audio were chosen to fill the spot of South Australia on the split. I have heard of them, but not their music up until this cd dropped into my hands. And they couldn't of made a better choice. To complete the split, Away From Now (Victoria), one of the bands that I expected to dominate the split. Their songs are so diverse and is definitly a highlight in the split. Their sound is subjugated by punk but the hardcore is still there. If you liked their previous cd then you'll love these three songs. What more could Australia ask for? This is just a taste of what hardcore has in plan for Australia, with cds like this the scene will expand and bands like these will succeed. I just discovered two new bands from this split, if you haven't heard of any of the bands on this cd then give a try, cause you are sure to find something that'll you will like. This young fresh talent will definitly rise in this scene. Hopefully, later on another State Of Affairs split will come out, showcasing some more great young talent.
Rating: 4/5

Antivantage #3
STATE OF AFFAIRS - Split CD
The concept behind this 5-way split was to get a bunch of under-rated hardcore bands from around Oz and chuck them all on one cd to raise awareness of their existence. Fits in with my way of thinking pretty perfectly, because that's pretty much the reason I started Antivantage and the thing that drives me to keep producing issues of this little sucker. On this shiny round disc you will find nothing but the finest hardcore from WA, QLD, NSW, SA and VIC, with Miles Away [Perth] opening strongly to make way for The Amity Affliction [Brisvegas] and Perish The Thought [Sydney]. Talk about leaving the best till last though, with Hi End Audio [Adelaide] following and one of my personal favourites, Away From Now [Melbs] serving up a perfect ending to a great cd. Each band donates three new tracks, so this makes for a warranted addition to any hardcore fan's cd collection, especially if you're already a fan of one / some of the bands featured on this 5-way split. The other great thing about State Of Affairs is that it brings the best of three record labels together; Pee, Lifetime and Common Bond. It's not often that you see a five-way split, and compilations like this with such a worthwhile cause / concept are well worth supporting. Even if you're not familiar with any of these bands all the more reason to get your hands on it, because they are all fantastic bands in their own right.

Noise Theory
STATE OF AFFAIRS - Split CD
There are so many awesome bands throughout the country now who continually struggle to get recognised outside their local city venues. The people behind the 'State of Affairs' split, and the tour held for it's launch, are doing their bit to break down these state divides. Featuring 5 different bands from 5 different states, this effort spews out 50 minutes of some of the better hardcore music Australia has to offer.
First cab off the rank is WA's very own Miles Away. The band's CD release earlier in the year gained them a huge amount of interest and has seen them pull off successful East Coast tours as well as playing Hardcore '04. Their energetic brand of hardcore punk will have you singing along while two-stepping around your bedroom.
The Amity Affliction fly the QLD banner on this split. With massive riffs littered with some intricate guitar work and a combined vocal attack of screams and cleanly sung passages, their crushing melodic hardcore style could be seen as a heavier From Autumn To Ashes.
NSW is represented by Perish The Thought. Veterans of the split, their last release was alongside Means To An End (now Omerata) and it created quite a stir amongst ears it fell on. Continuing on in the same fashion, the band's aggressive hardcore sound is laden with gritty guitars, a grooving rhythm section and thoughtful screams.
Hi End Audio are playing for SA on this release. The band's interesting and excitable take on the combination of melody and force sees their 3 donated tracks grab the listeners attention instantly. As many bands fail to do, Hi End Audio manage to pull off the ever-popular inclusion of having melodic vocals layered with agonising screams over the top.
VIC's Away From Now bring a close to proceedings with their fast punk feel. With dirty singing over quick guitar strums and blistering rock beats, these guys bring an end to it all with just as much energy as the split was kicked off with.
With labels from 3 different states backing this effort, the overall result symbalises and promotes comradeship between bands and labels alike from all over Australia. With a good range of styles showcased, the State of Affairs split makes for a fun listen and will open your eyes to new talent from your backyard and also across border lines. The Amity Affliction and Hi End Audio are my picks from the split. Support Australian music and grab yourself a copy...
4 Stars
Review By: Andrew

Inside Metal
STATE OF AFFAIRS - Split CD
The concept for this 5 way split came very simply, to gather 5 underrated bands from each state of Australia and put them all together on one CD, this (as far as I know) has not been done yet and what better bands to do it than the 5 featured on this split.
The split kicks off with Miles Away (Western Australia), the truth about this band is that they have definitely backed themselves into a corner, musically. It just seems to me that if you have heard anything form their previous work then you have already heard what Miles Away have to offer, don't get me wrong Miles Away are one of my favourite Australian artists and have one of the most energetic live shows I've ever seen, but I am curious as to how long they will last and where their direction is next.
Next to show the world what they've got is The Amity Affliction (Queensland). Not having heard anything from them before, my expectations were not high, and they superseded my expectations, I was completely blown away by their music! Their balance of melody, screeching vocals and chugging guitars is sheer brilliance. One thing to note about this band is the breakdown in their first track (track 4) 'Poison Pen Letters', truly brutal. I do not know how I had not heard this band before now, I am definitely going to investigate the band.
If you have heard Perish The Thought's (New South Wales) previous stuff then their new tracks are an awesome change from their past sketchy music. The vocals have improved the riffs and guitar harmonics are huge and the double bass will get your ears hurting.
Hi End Audio's (South Australia) upbeat, melodic approach to hardcore is more than welcome. Their melodic parts are reminiscent of Horsell Common combined with From Autumn To Ashes but they truly make their sound their own. By this time on the CD you will have realised the amount of talent in these young bands and you will get a feeling that you are proud to be Australian (not that you weren't already).
The split finishes off with Away From Now, a Victorian band who are a band that do not follow any trends, a band who simply play their own music and don't worry about the bullshit that comes with it. Away From Now's first track 'Roller Pigeon' has all that is needed in a hardcore song to get you pumped and make you happy at the same time. A very noticeable change in their music is the HUUUGE melody, they had some of it before but none as blood pumping as these three songs, if the band keeps progressing like this, who knows what brilliance they will come up with next.
IN SUMMARY: If a foreign person came up to me and said "Show me what Australia's hardcore underground scene is all about" this would be the one and only CD I would give them. It truly showcases Australia's young talent in the music scene.
Rating: 8½ / 10

Bombshell Zine
STATE OF AFFAIRS - Split CD
It's been talked about for a while, now it has arrived, 5 bands, 5 states, 3 labels, 1 big cd. Each band building up fanbases all around their towns and now with this cd through other states too. Miles Away follow up their awesome EP with 3 even more impressive tracks, this band is gonna be huge. 'Holding On' being their standout. Up next is The Amity Affliction, the mix their screaming with melodic vocals not unlike some of the early Irrelevant material, i like the parts much better when they're singing, it sounds great, a bit like a harder Pilot To Gunner vocal sound, good production too, judging by the picture they're only really young too, probably good things ahead for this band. Perish The Thought have a much more developed sound from what I have heard in the past, they do melodic hardcore and do it damn well too, lots of backup vocal action, very tidy guitar work and a solid production, these tracks are leaps and bounds better than what i have heard previously, Hi End Audio's flows well right after Perish, perhaps a touch more melodic, The Struggle For Identity is their best. Closing up is Away From Now, these guys just keep delivering, why they aren't already huge outside of the southern states is beyond me, listen to this band folks they are awesome, and again these tracks are some of the best i've heard from them, the best melodic hardcore band in the country right now, the perfect ending to a corker of a cd. 5 bands with big futures ahead. Own this cd.

Punk International
AWAY FROM NOW - Sic Semper Tyrannis
Straight from Melbourne comes Away From Now´s third effort and their first one on the shiny new Australian label Pee Records (handled by the straight-shooting punks at Pee Zine) which took me completely by surprise. At a first listen, it reminded me quite of Thrice´s "The Illusion Of Safety", because without sounding obnoxiously overproduced (almost as if the pro-tools did all the playing for the band), "Sic Semper Tyrannis" is heavy, believably energetic and unleashes some real talent on it´s structures and smart writting. Kicking with "Scorned and the feelings of...", ending with "Sic Semper Tyrannis" and all the way through it: Away from Now equally discharges metal-driven melodic (emphasis on) hardcore with it´s propper share of anguishing breakdowns (which in many other cases tend to be so anti climatic) accurately placed amongst the firing guitar riffs and the pounding rhythms as the vocals do a flawless work all over this record. From the hordes of melodic punk/metal-core/screamo bands now assaulting each corner of the earth (scary, uh?), Away From Now delivers a 6 track onslaught that truly stands out for having really well-crafted and heartfelt songs, in wich you´ll find punk catchiness that´s isn´t loose from the overall aggressive atmosphere of the record. Well, i can´t write anything bad about "Sic Semper Tyrannis" (the artwork is simple and twisted which is cool) since it´s just the way an EP has to be: a non-stop, blasting display of the band that definitively keeps you waiting for a full length. Standout Track: "As Far as Mothers Go"
Grade: A

Punk n Metal
AWAY FROM NOW - Sic Semper Tyrannis
The chorus from the first song of this sic tracked EP left me hooked, no doubt it is the best song off the EP. Away From Now play melodic hardcore with a majority of their sound could be classified as punk, fuck they are hardcore. Apparently they are the talk of the town, one of the best bands out of Victoria. When I got this CD it was probably the first time that I've heard of them, but i guess the talk circulating Australia is right, these guys rock and I can't wait for some more addictive tunes from the guys. The bio of the band that accompanied this cd described Away From Now as 'Brutal', I was expecting then to here some metal-core but instead this melodic hardcore quintet. I guess you could call them 'Brutal', but just expect a raw and softer sound than it suggests.
4/5

Inside Metal
AWAY FROM NOW - Sic Semper Tyrannis
There isn't much to say about this band, other than, they play passionate, original hardcore-ish music. Away From Now are quickly becoming one of Victoria's most talked about and talented bands and the release of their 3rd EP, the first for Adelaide-based label Pee Records, will shoot them up to be well known nationally. With the help of Shock Records/distribution, and it always helps to have a good release as well, will get their music heard to the audience it deserves. One thing that stood out on this 6 track EP was the production, a professional sound CD which stands out from everything else.
9/10

In The MEANtime Zine - Issue #3
AWAY FROM NOW - Sic Semper Tyrannis
Pete Pee would have to be ecstatic with Away From Now being the first band to sign to Pee Records. And all the more so now that the bannds third EP and debut release for Pee is out. Two previous releases; 'How The Beau Monde Breathe' and 'Shadows Allude Invade' have brought Away From Now the much deserved and earned respect and local support and now with all three releases depicting growth and maturity in their music AFN can expect bigger things to come and nothing short of a promising future at Pee. 'Sic Semper Tyrannis' is a huge step forward from the great 'Shadows Allude Invade' and would have to be AFN's most intense and complex music to date, shaking off the constant although respectful comparisons to tthe llate Mid Youth Crisis. Listening to this CD you can hear a band that has evolved into a tight-knit unit that over time has developed such a mature and intense style of hardcore-punk. Away From Now have definitely beared their large manly balls with this new release. Whilst maintaining the emotion AFN are famous for, in comparison to their prior release, the guys have exploded with aggression. Guitars are heavy yet so melodic, bass is pummelling so perfectly in the distance while the drums are steady and in parts punishing. Vocally, this is where the emotion is, revealed from a distincttive husky vocal style that tears at your emotions and feelings... By far the best AFN release to date and only a sign of great things to come from this Melbourne outfit. A bloody beauty!

Demolish Zine - Issue #4
AWAY FROM NOW - Sic Semper Tyrannis
The third release for Melbourne hardcore/emo rock outfit, Away From Now. This EP is definitely a step up from the 'Shadows Allude Invade' cd. Not just the songs, but also the whole quality. Well produced, heavier, and the artwork is a lot more interesting. My favourite tracks are "Hollow Empty Vessel" and "Apron Strings Around The Neck". When I heard Pete was signing a band, I was really curious to see who it would be, and when I found out it was AFN I was intrigued, and knew it would be a solid first release, no short cuts here. Can't wait to see what else Pee Records has installed for us this year, besides the Pee Approved comp.

Rip It Up - Issue 765 Feb 12 '04
AWAY FROM NOW - Sic Semper Tyrannis
You'd have to consider that SA based Pee zine's first excursion into label territory has been a good one in Melbourne's Away From Now. Sic Semper Tyrannis is it's [the band's] third release and sees it pursue a pretty diverse punk hardcore sound that's mature and intelligent in it's musical scope and songwriting. It's first release was a very fast and furious melodic punk musically and it's follow-up, Shadows Allude Invade saw this formula become more extreme whilst still incorporating it's melodic intricacies. Sic Semper Tyrannis sees this being refined with the first offering, Scorned And The Feelings Of, opening up with a dynamically mellow intro before ripping into powerful hardcore riffing and explosive melodic parts in tthe chorus sections. The second song, Hollow Empty Vessel, is one of the best tunes here and is constructed to a tee with some big riffs and great back-up screaming. The next couple of songs, As Far As Mothers Go and Mind Not Matter, continue the whole dynamic focus of the EP and on the last few tunes belt out some hardcore-leaning material that is explosive. This is while also being imbued with a fine sense of melody, helped along superbly by Luke Wilson's domineering vocal style. Away From Now somehow seem to slip effortlessly between hardcore and melodic punk song structuring of which the over shadowing factor is the EP's zesty and crafted songwriting style. This, coupled with a distinctly Australian punk and hardcore musical style simply make Sic Semper Tyrannis a hellishly good piece of work. - Shayne Charlesworth

screamingbloodymess.com
AWAY FROM NOW - Sic Semper Tyrannis
I first saw Away From Now a couple of years ago at an all ages show with some other local punk/hardcore bands, and was excited by the band's enthusiastic and energetic set. So when I saw their 6-track EP "Shadows Allude Invade" at Missing Link a few months later, I immediately snapped it up. Its melodic, energetic and heartfelt sound kept it spinning in my discman for months. Roll a year or so forwards, and the band has released another 6-track EP (this time on South Australian label Pee Records), following on from the last with the same energetic, melodic punk/hardcore sound in the vein of MYC/One Inch Punch. There's plenty of variation of texture, tempo and vocal style(spoken/sung/yelled/screamed), which allows the band to overcome the boredom factor that some bands playing a similar midpaced style of music seem to suffer from. I greatly enjoy this CD, and hope the band get a full length done in the not-too-distant future. - Pete

Bombshell Zine
AWAY FROM NOW - Sic Semper Tyrannis
Fast rising Melbournites Away From Now scored themselves some recognition on the back of their previous EP 'Shadows Allude Invade' slowing building on their fanbase with plenty of touring and hometown shows they have become known for their powerful melodic hardcore sound quite often being compared to the mighty One Inch Punch which i'm sure the guys don't mind one bit. This time around they deliver a more mature sound that people will find it hard to draw comparisons to, you can tell they took their time working on the tracks and each one stands out as great. From the humble beginnings of 'Scorned And The Feelings Of' right through to the absolutely brilliant closing title track 'Sic Semper Tyrannis' the quality doesn't drop an ounce. Production is crisp and punchy, nothing to fault there it's very well recorded with the vocals not lost in the powerful guitars and solid drumming. Many different sounds throughout the songs, most of the time when you least expect it the guitars will go from soft to absolute blazing, vocals from smooth to all out screaming. Highlights include the title track 'Sic Semper Tyrannis' and 'Four Mind Not Matter'. A must own for the melodic hardcore fans, check this one out.'. - Bomber

australiapunk.com
AWAY FROM NOW - Sic Semper Tyrannis
One of Australia’s fastest rising bands, Away From Now play an intriguing cocktail of melodic hardcore, punk and straight up rock n roll. Sic Semper Tyrannis is their third EP, and it shows a hugely mature sound. Opener Scorned And The Feelings Of sets the tone for the rest of the EP. The song is filled with time changes, heavy guitars and the trademark gruff vocals of singer Luke. Hollow Empty Vessel is another great track, that moves along at a steady pace with bouncing guitar and rumbling bass. As Far As Mothers Go is a slower song, with some great screams included. It is quite reminiscent of Hot Water Music, which is certainly not a bad thing! Mind Not Matter brings things back to a heavier level, with a steady guitar and poppier vocals. The song has an awesome break down in the middle of it, and breaks into a more frantic screaming session. Apron Strings Around The Neck is a more melodic number, but loses none of the intensity of its predecessors. Again, the songs finishes with some brutal screams. The title track of the EP finishes things off here, with a 90 second intro before screaming straight into the track. This is probably the highlight of the album, although it is hard to find a track that stands far above the others. If you are a fan of any style of punk or hardcore, you would be well advised to check out Away From Now. These guys are certainly one of the most innovative and fresh bands in the Australian scene today.

Pee Zine #28
AWAY FROM NOW – Sic Semper Tyrannis
Melbourne hardcore-ish outfit Away From Now has shown considerable improvement and progression with this, it’s third EP and first release for Adelaide-based Pee Records. On many fronts, Away From Now remind me of a heavier Small Brown Bike. The rough vocals, intelligent lyrics, catchy basslines and song structures all being comparison to Small Brown Bike, albeit a harder, stronger and more refined Small Brown Bike. Actually, if Away From Now was from the US, I am sure the boys would wind up on No Idea Records. Vocalist Luke Wilson has really improved his range, and his screams shred like never before. Another noticeable progression is the destructive breakdowns throughout the six tracks. This is a collection of songs that would tear apart a crowd in a live setting and adds a lot of anticipation to their upcoming visit to our fair city. Songs like “Scorned and the Feelings of…” and “As Far As Mothers Go…” are equal to anything released from an Australian hardcore outfit this decade, while “Hollow Empty Vessel” is a great rock track. This release looks and sounds professional, although the artwork in the booklet can give me a bit of a headache. Regardless, this should see Away From Now reach much greater heights than before and the distribution through Shock Records should see this release reach the audience it deserves.
RATING: 92 REVIEW BY: STEVE IGLOO