The State (band)

The State were an Australian band, which formed as The Cutters. Their second single, "Real Love" (October 1988), was nominated for the 1989 ARIA Award for Best New Talent. They released their debut album, Elementary, in February 1989. After the State disbanded, all four members formed Southern Sons with Jack Jones late that year.

The State
Also known asThe Cutters
OriginMelbourne, Victoria, Australia
GenresPop
Years active1987 (1987)–1989 (1989)
Labels
Associated actsSouthern Sons
Past members

History

The Cutters were formed in Melbourne by Peter Bowman on guitars and vocals (ex-Talk That Walk), Phil Buckle on vocals and guitar, and Geoff Cain on bass guitar.[1][2] They were joined by Virgil Donati on drums (ex-Cloud Nine, Taste, Peter Cupples Band, the Cosy Connection) and changed their name to the State in 1987.[2]

By 1988 the group were signed to Glenn Wheatley's label, Wheatley Bros Records, and released their debut single, "Responsible", in June.[1] It was followed by "Real Love" in October.[1][2] At the ARIA Music Awards of 1989 they were nominated for Best New Talent for "Real Love".[3] They issued their debut album, Elementary, in February 1989.[1][2]

The Age's Mike Daly observed, "[there] is some polished playing on [the album] but it is undermined by predictable material. The quartet... produce hi-tech pop dominated by Donati's hard-edged acoustic and synthesised rhythms. Buckle is an accomplished guitarist, a jazz fusion veteran like Donati, which gives this group more chops than most contemporary bands. The opener. 'Responsible', is catchy, while some flashy guitar is unleashed on 'Real Love' and 'One Step', with strong vocal back-up. But the songwriting is superficial and short on melodic hooks."[4]

During 1989 the State supported the Eurythmics Australian tour.[1] According to Australian musicologist, Ian McFarlane, "[their] future looked promising, but there was one vital ingredient required to make the push into the big time (i.e. a good frontman and songwriter)."[1] The State members formed Southern Sons with American-born guitarist-vocalist, Jack Jones (a.k.a. Irwin Thomas), in 1989, who became their front man.[1][2] Jones "had auditioned for the band previously but was considered too young."[5]

Band members
  • Peter Bowman – guitar, vocals
  • Phil Buckle – vocals, guitar
  • Geoff Cain – bass guitar
  • Virgil Donati – drums

Discography

Albums
Title Details
Elementary
  • Released: February 1989[4]
  • Label: RCA Victor (VPCD0739)
  • Format: Vinyl, CD

Singles
Year Title Album
1988 "Responsible" Elementary
"Real Love"
1989 "So Lonely Now"

References
  1. McFarlane, Ian (1999). "Encyclopedia entry for 'Southern Sons'". Encyclopedia of Australian Rock and Pop. St Leonards, NSW: Allen & Unwin. ISBN 1-86508-072-1. Archived from the original on 29 August 2004. Retrieved 12 January 2019.
  2. The State related entries at the Australian Rock Database:
    • The State: Holmgren, Magnus. "The State". hem.passagen.se. Australian Rock Database (Magnus Holmgren). Archived from the original on 10 October 2012. Retrieved 12 January 2019.
    • Southern Sons: Holmgren, Magnus. "Southern Sons". hem.passagen.se. Australian Rock Database (Magnus Holmgren). Archived from the original on 8 October 2012. Retrieved 12 January 2019.
  3. "ARIA Awards – History: Winners by Year: 3rd Annual ARIA Awards". Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Retrieved 12 January 2019.
  4. Daly, Mike (18 May 1989). "Records: New Notes". The Age.
  5. Nimmervoll, Ed. "Southern Sons". Howlspace – The Living History of Our Music. White Room Electronic Publishing Pty Ltd (Ed Nimmervoll). Archived from the original on 27 January 2008. Retrieved 12 January 2019.
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