Doomed Confessionary: Charlie Eggleston (Iron Blanket)
Blending 70’s inspired psychedelic grooviness with unmistakable driving stoner rock riffs and Mars Volta-esque vocals, Sydney, Australia based Iron Blanket are a band like no other right now.
Their much heralded live show that has drawn them new fans at every venue they’ve played down under is now translated to their debut LP, »Astral Wanderer«.
Released on April 5th, 2024 through UK’s Copper Feast Records and legendary Athens, Greece based label Sound Effect Records.
Iron Blanket are Mark Lonsdale (guitar), Tom Withford (guitar), Nick Mathews (drums), Johan Ingemar (vocals) and Charlie Eggleston (bass).
Can you say a few words about your band?
We’re 70’s inspired heavy psych band from Sydney Australia.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
It was for sure keeping momentum in our early days with everything getting shut down due to lockdowns.
Soon after recording our first demo the whole state shut down for like 4 months which just slowed down the entire process from mixing to release and inevitably playing our first show.
Mark and Nick started putting the band together in 2020 but we didn’t play our first show until December 2021.
What can you be most proud of so far?
The release of our record »Astral Wanderer«. We poured a lot of ourselves into writing these songs and we couldn’t be happier with how they turned out.
Copperfeast and Sound Effect records did a great job with the record pressing and release.
What was your biggest regret?
I dunno, I don’t think we have any regrets. Since we started we’ve had nothing but support from our peers and broader music scene. We’ve worked hard to make the most of every opportunity, there isn’t a lot we have had to turn down.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Our most recent show at Snake In The Grass festival (put on by Redbelly Records). It was a 3 day DIY festival showcasing a over 40 bands and artists from across Australia, held on top of a mountain between Byron bay and Gold coast. It was truely as much of an amazing experience as it sounds.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
No massive surprises. We’ve all played in different bands throughout the years. After a while nothing surprises you haha.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Couch Wizard, Mudwagon, Robot God, Ugly Mug, Astrodeath, Turtle Skull.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Don’t be afraid to put your name in the mix for something you want, whether that be a band you want to play with, a venue you want to book, or a tour you want to play… if you’re not a dickhead about it, the worst thing people can say is no. If they do, don’t let that dishearten you, just keep writing and playing shows and throwing your name in and eventually people will take notice.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Seal – Kiss From A Rose.
Can you say something more about the music scene in Sydney?
Sydney and more broadly Australia has an amazing scene growing. This year alone we’ve seen incredible releases from Hekate, Robot God, Bifter, The list goes on… It’s great to see people internationally listening!
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
At the time of writing this we are mid tour and have two shows left on the 17th at the Lady Hampshire in Sydney and 18th in Port Kembla.
After that we are taking a lil break while a couple of the guys go overseas. Once they’re back we’re looking to round out the year by going down to Melbourne and over the Perth.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Writing writing writing, we want to get more music out sooner rather then later.
How can people best support your band?
Follow us on Instagram, buy a shirt/record on Bandcamp or just say hey and have a chat at a show.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Thanks for the support!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well