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Tycho Brahe came into existence in 1993, using a top secret base location to launch a two-piece attack on the Brisbane music scene. Absent were the usual three guitars and drum kit; instead TB used synthesisers, sequencing, live bass guitar and vocals to create a progressive synthpop sound. TB are a committed gig band; willing to go the distance and get onstage whenever possible. Their hard work paid off and TB developed a devoted following.
Performances at the annual Bloodlust Ball in 1997 and 1998 were something of a turning point - excellent performances to a large crowd, giving the band some good exposure. In the months following the 1998 ball, TB played frequently at stalwart Brisbane venues such as the Normanby Hotel, the Alliance Hotel and the dodgy ol' Orient Hotel.
With increased live performance came a desire to develop a slightly more organic structure; hence the inclusion of Stephen Birt on live drums in early 1999. The new lineup settled into place ready for a special gig - after a great deal of work, Ken brought together TB, Real Life and the re-formed Pseudo Echo. That night the Buffalo Club was very full, very loud, and very very hot. The gig involved the T-Y-C-H-O incident and was generally a great show. It was particularly good for Tycho fans to hear the band through a serious PA.
Late 1999 saw another change in the lineup and some Real Life vs. TB remixing. Alison Barclay joined the band, playing live keyboard bass and generally conspiring with Steve to play In Your Heart at double speed ("Hijacked again!" says Ken). Real Life chose to remix White Room.
2000 was dominated somewhat by the release of TB's debut album, Cassiopeia; not to mention a great run of gigs. The appearance of the long-await disc was well received not just locally, but globally; with synthpop DJs around the world discovering the TB sound. An impressive number of compilation inclusions followed.
In 2001 the band produced some stunning new tracks and mastered two EPs (aka MCDs); which were ultimately combined into a single-disc release. Late in the year Alison Barclay decided to leave the band; remaining close friends with the other members and departing with a fun sendoff gig. The call went out for another live synth player; and Lana Gishkariany joined the band shortly after, performing with TB for several months. TB finished the year with the release of Tasty, a "budget album" chock full of remixes and at least one purring cat.
In 2002 the band continued to impress; settling back into a three-piece lineup and playing new material at gigs to really get the fans champing at the bit for a new album. A lot of remix work went on in the Tycho Room, not just on TB tracks but on songs by Irish band Empire State Human as well. Tycho tracks earned their place in local club playlists, getting plenty of spins along with the standard fare of big-name acts. To top the year off, the short-run single Avarice was released.
2003 was the year of the remix, or at least it seemed that way for a while. Although helped along by a freshly rebuilt Tycho Room; the new album was continually delayed by sudden remix opportunities cropping up. The band allege that the new Tycho Room is "clean and tidy"; those who saw the old incarnation remain unconvinced. With remixes and album tracks flying in all directions; TB tracks found their way into all sorts of interesting places (like Human League launch parties). After covert rehearsals, it was announced mid-year that the band had been joined by "Special Guest" Andy Walls, on synth bass.
2004 kicked off with the new album's name, Atlantic, being announced; along with the news that Stephen Birt was leaving the band. Steve stayed on to finish studio work for Atlantic before pursuing new ventures. The band went back to a three-piece lineup for several months, before Francis Tohill joined the band as "Special Guest" drummer. Andy was promoted to "Very Special Guest" and Francis was thrown in at the deep end, as the band immediately went on a mini-tour to Melbourne; playing with Real Life and Ikon.
2005 saw some huge gigs including a support spot for UK industrial legends VNV Nation; a gig with interstate act Angel Theory; and another Melbourne tour playing with Real Life and Dead Inside The Chrysalis. A release date was finally announced for Atlantic, on Cohaagen Music and with distributors including the ever-popular Metropolis Records.
Tychfans, stay tuned! There's never a dull moment at Tycho central :)
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2005.11.02
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