Methyl Ethel—the nom de plume of Western Australian songwriter, producer, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Jake Webb—embarks on a ‘New & Old’ Australian Tour this November/December.
Following a sold-out 2022 Australian tour in support of acclaimed fourth album Are You Haunted? and hypnotic performances at Splendour in the Grass, Party in the Paddock and Golden Plains, Methyl Ethel’s upcoming shows in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide are fans’ only opportunity to see Methyl Ethel outside of a festival setting in 2023.
Since first adopting the fibreglass-referencing moniker almost a decade ago, Webb has shepherded Methyl Ethel through many iterations; from a humble solo bedroom recording project, to three-piece band, and later, a six-piece ensemble with two drummers.
Performing two sets on the ‘New & Old’ Australian Tour, Webb and his new live band will play gems from Methyl Ethel’s glittering back catalogue—from ‘Ubu’ to ‘Drink Wine’, ‘Proof’, ‘Twilight Driving’ and more—alongside brand new, never-before-heard songs. Fans will also have the opportunity to submit a set list request at the time of ticket purchase.
Though Webb’s songs often tackle knotty, difficult themes—mortality, irretrievable time and heavy presences—his knack for exhilarating arrangements, addicting hooks, curious textures and propulsive, syncopated rhythms add up to a joyous, giddy listen, even where there are threads of melancholy and anxiety woven through.
Strange and beguiling, thought-provoking and danceable, deep and immediate, Methyl Ethel’s rare and special combination of elements always comes together in a transcendent live show.