Q's House - Voted one of their Top 10 Artists for 2009

More from our friends at Q's House radio from Orlando Florida in the USA.

Q himself sent us a message today saying that we had been voted one of the station's top 10 artists of 2009. This was voted by fans of the station at a recent listening party.

We're the only non-American band in the top 10.

On January 6, Q will hold another listening party to have people vote for the top 5. After that, it will go to a panel of industry judges who will decide on the Artist of the year.

We're really grateful that people we've never met are voting for the band in this way.

Thank you guys... and thanks also to Q for his ongoing support of Tonk.

Cheers!

We'd encourage you all to support Q's House and tune in. Here's the link to Q's site:

http://www.qshouse.com/

His myspace:

http://www.myspace.com/qshouse

Hard Rock Passion - Review from Greece

These guys from Greece have rated the album.

Cheers!

http://hard-rock-passion.blogspot.com/2009/12/tonk.html

HARD ROCK PASSION'S website: updated regularly, slowly but surely by fans from France, Belgium and Canada.

Rating on Hard Rock Passion Site 4 out of 5.

The site is connected to several hard rock radio shows, most notably (that we could find) On BeRock radio station out of Athens, Greece.

Show Times

Athens >> 22:00 . Paris >> 21:00 . London >> 20:00

Next Show, Saturday, January 2, 2010, special Melodic Power Metal!!!!!!!!!!

Summernats

We've been selected to play the opening slot at Australia's biggest car show.

We'll be supporting two Aussie legends Noiseworks & the Screaming Jets as well as fellow local louts - our mates in Night Train.

Summernats is known for it's raucous party crowd and an incredible collection of stunning cars.

Check it out at: http://www.summernats.com.au

We were selected to play the show by our local FM radio station - FM 104.7.

These guys have been incredibly supportive of us through the last four years, particularly when we launched our album, and we're really grateful to Scotty Masters, Nige, Knuckles & all the good people at FM 104.

To this day they're still the only Australian radio station that's played anything from the album and we love them for it.

Kudos guys!

We owe you many beers.

We'll post photos of the show when we have them.

More UK Radio Play

Playing us last weekend.

Overloaded@CRMK

Classic Rock on-line at www.crmk.co.uk Fridays 8pm UK time

Thanks Guys!

100,000 and counting

Good news!

Our myspace site recently hit 100,000 views and we now have over 24,000 friends.

We've done many cool things and met many awesome people through myspace and are grateful for all the support we've received and the new friends we've made.

Thanks guys!

More radio play in France

We Just got an email from our friends in the UK - Two Sided Moon Productions, saying that we're getting airplay on Activ Radio in Paris, France.

So if you live in the area, tune in and support these guys!

Thanks to Activ for supporting us and thanks to the TSM guys for letting us know.

Get Ready To Rock - UK Review

Thanks for reviewing us guys.

Cheers!

TONK Sister Switchblade www.myspace.com/tonkrocks

A very retro sound here - updated for the 21st century. There's a distinct sleaze sound with an indie edge; think 80s sleaze a la Hanoi Rocks but much more mainstream trad metal. Yes it's blistering, with a hint of blues metal in there.

There are some big guitar sounds, especially in the song endings, a strong touch of AC/DC there, but much more extreme. The first break from this is 'Libertine' with a moodier indie metal opening. Even so, it's rifftastic. The intro to the album's title track will see Motley Crue and AC/DC fans uniting in their headbanging.

It's a little samey, but a lot of fun. ***½

Review by Joe Geesin

Photo from our first gig.

We love this photo, from our first gig with good mates Airbourne. We know they're now smashing it overseas. Good on ya boys!

Digital Steel review

Digital steel review. They're from the Netherlands. Thanks guys!

http://www.digital-steel.com/DS/index.php?headpage=albumrevs&id=1371

“What is it with these Australian bands? The guitarsound is só recognizable in the style of AC/DC and the raw uncompromisable blues rock/metal is great.” This is the first thing that crosses my mind after the fist two songs of Sister Switchblade. Enough room for clear guitar solos, with the hysterical vocals of frontman Jinks and funny lyrics about: sex, sex Looze Yer Load and even an Aussie Menage a Trois!

That’s why I get surprised by the hitpotential of the next songs, to start off with the sleazy and melodic Golden Girl, where the wa-wa effect is dug up again, yes! It is used as well as Ritchy Sambora uses it on Bon Jovi-albums. The somewhat simple title track is again more into the direction of AC/DC and you want to sing along right away. The guitar power chords give it the simple but effective touch. Needle in the red knows the same touch, but seems funky influenced by Rage Against The Machine/Audioslave. Predator is a pounding melodic rocksong with nice solo work. I´d say the finger tipping solo is influenced Eddie Van Halen. The intro of Stick with my Blood has some resemblance with Guns ´n´ Roses´ Welcome to the Jungle´. So with all these American bands I´ve mentioned above, the typical Aussie band thing by me was exaggerated.

The cover with a vintage tattoo make you think that Tonk is an older band, but the photo in the middle makes sure that these youngsters are up for more and that’s nice to know. In some songs the influences of other bands are a bit on the surface, but it are all well-chosen influences. All the songs are short, catchy and it makes that this 11 song album is done before you know it after some 37 minutes. Tonk is not too easy to find on the internet, but that will probably be because the band knows influences of the pre-internet times haha! Well the link below does work you know. So if you’re into good solid hardrock with some funky influences little compromise you should try it!


Rating: 83 /100

Fans

We love you guys more than we can say.




Here's a couple of pics by way of thanks. The tattoo of the album cover belongs to a friend of ours called El. She's been at pretty much every show and we love her dearly. Thanks El!

Greenroom reviews

Here's some old reviews from shows we did at the Greenroom (RIP), which was Canberra's best music venue by a long way. It's gone now and we miss it heaps. Special thanks go to Gary Peadon for his effort and dedication, and to Rory McCartney, the resident Greenroom band reviewer, for his kind words.

http://www.greenroomcanberra.com/default.cfm?action=reviews

Tonk is a death or glory rock outfit that rejects sophistication in favour of energy and showmanship. With plenty of leather in evidence, and a mini-stage upon the main stage for vocalist Jinks, they display garage rock at its finest. From opening number ‘Menace’ to the last strains of ‘Rusty’ at the close, they gave the punters all they wanted in an aggressive, no compromise performance.

*******

The mood turned angsty as Young & Restless screeched through their set, before returning to rock again with local favourites Tonk. The band blitzed the strong crowd of supporters with a storming performance. Jinx had the adoring ladies lined up all along the railing, and the blokes were kept happy too with numerous beer giveaways.

*******

Punters streaming out of the ANU from the Butterfly Effect gig were surprised to see a yellow double-decker bus offering a ride to the after-party. Coming directly from the three band lineup at the ANU, the majority of the large crowd at the Green Room did not need any warming up when Tonk took the stage at about 1:30 AM. With the intro theme consisting mainly of loud bangs (sounded like a bad day in Beirut) and a great Yeaaaaaaaaaaaah from the vocalist, Tonk launched into their opening song. From the crunching beats of ‘Menace’ to the wailing fish-tail guitar playing of ‘Switchblade’, the boys demonstrated why they have been voted Canberra’s best rock band (no mean feat considering the quality of the local talent). Stick’ and ‘Needle’ were set highlights. It was cool to see Clint, front man for Butterfly Effect, mixing with the audience by the stage. Rory McCartney

Rory McCartney

Local masters of rock Tonk put on a blistering finale to the night. Jinks, the human ball of energy, hyped-up the crowd and cracked on with ‘Menace’. ‘ Stick’ was a set highlight and they threw in a surprise cover of the Top Gun theme. The last song ended, the party poppers fired and that was it! Their tight, polished act was a fitting salute to Canberra’s best rock venue.

Rory McCartney

Melodic Rock

Melodic rock.com - one of the most notable websites for melodic rock in the
world.

http://www.melodicrock.com/news2009.html?bcsi_scan_80CA22F9AD71C623=0&bcsi_scan_filename=news2009.html

Tonk formed in late 2005, with the sole purpose of delivering their own brand of hard gritty tunes and stage dynamics to anyone that would listen and observe. Launched in March 2007, at the ANU Bar to a sold out crowd, Tonk's debut album Sister Switchblade defines the harder edges of life and the harder edges of rock. The first single Redback, gives a true indication of the bands attitude - firmly putting forward their Classic Rock intentions. Sister Switchblade was recorded in late 2006, at Megaphon and Standing Wave Recording Studios (Sydney) and mixed at The Vault (Sydney); all with renowned ARIA nominated Australian producer Phil McKellar (Grinspoon, Silverchair, Frenzal Rhomb, The Butterfly Effect and more). The CD was mastered at Studios 301 by the talented Steve Smart (28 Days, Grinspoon, Kasey Chambers, Muse, Regurgitator, Spiderbait, The Living End, Tim Rogers and more). Tonk have secured distribution through Modern Music/SONY/BMG.

Radio Play

Something we should mention about radio play. We've included a number of playlists in older posts, but in most cases, we don't get a playlist. Usually we get an email from someone overseas saying that they've either pleyed it or heard it played.

So far we've received airplay in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Germany, Italy, France, Holland, Spain, Portugal, several stations in the UK & Ireland, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and several stations across North America, including in New York and Los Angeles.

We're really grateful to all stations across the world that have played our music. Thank you.

Q's House

Last week we were interviewed by Quentin from Q's House by an American hard rock radio show based in Orlando Florida. Q's House plays a whole bunch of good hard heavy rockin music, and we were lucky enough to be a featured band.

We also had the honour of being the first Aussie band they'd ever interviewed, and we had a few laughs with Quentin despite his very late night and early morning interview.

Thanks mate!

The interview & a bunch of our songs will be aired sometime in the next month or two - we'll advise you when it's coming up.

In the meantime - we'd encourage you to support them and tune into Q's House for some of the good stuff!

http://www.myspace.com/qshouse

More photos

Here's another bunch of random shots.

Enjoy!



Showing veins @ Helmet support






Mikey @ Greenroom finale





Live @ Band Explosion


Photos by Lisa Tolcher.







Band Explosion 2.

Photos

Here's more photos. Enjoy!

Live @ our album launch.

New Review - Metalville UK

Here's a new review from Metalville in the UK.

Thanks guys!

http://www.metalliville.com/

A decent bunch of riff rockin’ tunes to be found from these young guys from Sydney, Australia though they sound like they could as easily hail from the UK, USA or the rock orientated parts of Europe.

Highlights include the Airbourne (who they have actually shared a stage with) like title track, ‘Sister Switchblade’; the opening hard rocker ‘Redback’; the woman to forget about that is ‘Predator’ and ‘Stick with my blood’ with the rather interesting banjo-phased guitar sound - impressive.

Great band – like to see ‘em over in the UK some time soon.

Photos

More random photos from the collection. Enjoy!

Here's Ben.

Review: Home Of Rock (Germany)

From German site Home of Rock. Thanks guys. Apologies for the loose translation. The original is in German and the old google translate didn't really do the job all that well.

Thanks to Home Of Rock and apologies for murdering your review in translation.

***********

http://www.home-of-rock.de/CD-Reviews2/Tonk/Sister_Switchblade.html

With its Internet presence, these guys from Down Under Problems (the Web site in the booklet, there is not at all), but not with their music, because they know almost exactly where you want to go and meet with her Australian debut in typical type breitbeinig on. And even if it is rocking and kracht is not in the more distance to beat AC / DC (as in the Hard Rock today is at all possible), but rather to Jaded and ANSWER THE SUN.

To make it abzuhandeln: textually, we are moving in the 'This thing with the girls' and here tend not to subtly, Suff'n'Drugs. Outstanding is the nightmare and the Libertine Hassode Needle In The Red, where Four short a frightening mood is created.

The TONK - Tonk is a card game similar to Gin Rummy and the band is not to be confused with the German band the same name (if the legal problems might have led?) -Have made AC / DC in the blood, but that belongs, which is currently (the CD is from 2007, but now when we arrived) is in vogue in the classic hard rock, and then have the right answer.

Redback is still the typical Hauruck opener with Stadionchorus offers Track Numero two with a smooth triple already tightened killer wah-wah guitar in the intro - and the song structure is no longer quite so simple. Good, entertaining solo, because I had the wah-wah expected from the beginning, but it is not. Golden Girl AEROSMITH has one of these riffs will never want to stop and offers the next enhancement.

Someone has to build the Boys of the album well. And here is the wah-wah - was'n go, young '? Verpennt? Well, what he does, he makes the competition then, and this reef anyway,and - chop - it's gone.

Mentioned Libertine very nasty creeps up, adjusts well to the text to the middle then to explode. Exciting. From Switch Blade rockt it full pipe, Needle In The Red is a Shuffle and Jinks threatens the world over a knurrigen bass to harm - he is just like the needle in the red zone ... first Predator has something magical, but it is over quickly. As they are not, but the lady trips to a predator. And so it continues well, and to take something out of tempo (Stay - a love song to Tonkisch a desperate).

This is perhaps not quite the class of THE ANSWER, but it is also a yardstick to which most bands would fail. Worth listening to all cases.

Review - Fireworks Magazine (UK)

Here's an album review from the most recent edition of the UK's glossy Hard Rock Mag - Fireworks. This is a qulity mag goes all around the world and we're stoked at the review. Thanks heaps to Duncan, Nicky and all at Fireworks for their support.

*******

Aussie’s Tonk play stripped back to the bone barroom boogie music which doffs its cloth cap to fellow countrymen AC/DC and Rose Tattoo. Hardly the first to emulate Angus and co but these boys do it with genuine vigour; less plagiaristic than Airbourne and with more grit than Koritini.

‘Redback’ sets out their agenda from the off; big riffs, pulsating rhythm section and vein popping vocals. It’s a simple formula but when it’s done well, as it is here, it’s difficult to beat and as AC/DC have just recently proved, it’s music that
transcends fashion and as the name Rock suggests, it endures.

The songs all come, lyrically speaking, from a region, like the band, south of the equator, if you catch my drift. It’s all girls, girls, booze and girls. ‘Ménage A Trois’ and ‘Golden Girl’’ use a vocoder effect which reminds me of the young cocky Tesla, and on ‘Libertine’ drummer Tristan Davies does a good John Bonham impression, while Stevie Gray and Wayne Wither’s guitars spew out low slung Jimmy Page riffs.

Looks like The Answer have got some serious competition. The most attention seeking song of all is the title track which packs a chorus that’ll knock your teeth out and knee you in the crotch. With a modern production that adds a Nickleback wallop to the riffs, it updates the Aussie rock sound for a new generation. Also, it’s all over in thirty odd minutes, not long enough for it to outstay it’s welcome but long enough for you to want to sew their patch on your denim jacket.

The riffs are good and solid, if not quite in the same league as early AC/DC (but then what is?). However, it’s the way the rhythm section puts the foot on the gas, then shifts gears that gets your heart pounding and you can feel a surge in your testosterone levels when the guitar solos bang in. Does it make you want to writhe on your back and play air guitar? Yes, it does. Mission accomplished. Expect another record soon as this one has been floating around since 2007. For fans of no frills heavy rock n roll keep your eyes on these boys. I know I will.

Duncan Jamieson

Tonk on Metalnet Radio (Canada)

The guys at Metalnet have played us a few times I think.

Thanks!

http://www.metalnetradio.com/PlayLists/PlaylistAdds.htm

More Tonk on KRXX

Thanks go again to the guys at KRXX who have shown us a lot of support!

Good to see fellow Aussie rockers Koritni get a spin too.

**********

Dope - Nothing for me (Kotch Records)
Hardline - Give In To This Love (Frontiers Records)
Joe Bomamassa - Feeling Good (Premier Artists Records)
Johnny Lima - Hate to Love You (Shock Pop Music)
Koritni - Roll The Dice (Bad Reputation Records)
Placebo - The Never - Ending Why (Dreambrothers Records
Product Recall - Question my Judgements (Romulus X Records)
The 69 Eyes - Dead Girls Are Easy (Nuclear Blast Records)
Tonk - Sister switchblade (Modern Music - SonyBMG Records).

Review - Strutter Magazine Holland

Here's a new review from Strutter Magazine in Holland.

Cheers for the kind words guys.

**********

TONK ‘SISTER SWITCHBLADE’ (MODERN MUSIC/SONY BMG AUSTRALIA)

Somehow this release passed us by 2 years ago, but better late than never to discuss it. TONK is an Australian band signed to a major label and with ‘Sister switchblade’ they deliver a very impressive huge sounding raw Rock and Roll release. The band has 2 excellent guitarists (WAYNE WITHERS and STEVE GRAY), whom are both delivering superb guitarsolos all throughout the CD, although Steve comes up with the best ones in the songs “Libertine” and “Predator”.

The music itself is basic raw rough rock and roll, a little different than for example THE ANSWER and AIRBOURNE, although not that far away either. Thanks to the guitarists, this release is standing high above all the similar releases in this genre and I’ll bet these shredders will become rockstars someday soon, because they are really good at the guitar,
very sensational to say the least… Definitely a band to check out in case you missed them the first time around. More info at: www.myspace.com/tonkrocks.com

(Points: 8.4 out of 10)

Review: Shakenstir Mag USA

Here's a review from Shakenstir Mag in the USA. It was a little while ago, and we've got nearly 100,000 visits to the myspace, not the 80,000 listed below.

Thanks guys.

*********

http://www.shakenstir.co.uk/index.php/news/tonk-sister-switchblade/news/7462/

Tonk formed in late 2005, with the sole purpose of delivering their own brand of hard gritty tunes and stage dynamics to anyone that would listen and observe. Launched in March 2007, at the ANU Bar to a sold out crowd, Tonk’s debut album Sister Switchblade defines the harder edges of life and the harder edges of rock. The first single Redback, gives a true indication
of the bands attitude - firmly putting forward their Classic Rock intentions.

Sister Switchblade was recorded in late 2006, at Megaphon and Standing Wave Recording Studios (Sydney) and mixed at The Vault (Sydney); all with renowned ARIA nominated Australian producer Phil McKellar (Grinspoon, Silverchair, Frenzal Rhomb, The Butterfly Effect and more). The CD was mastered at Studios 301 by the talented Steve Smart (28 Days, Grinspoon, Kasey Chambers, Muse, Regurgitator, Spiderbait, The Living End, Tim Rogers
and more). Tonk have secured distribution through Modern Music/SONY/BMG.

Tonk have shared the stage with: Airbourne, Helmet, The Butterfly Effect, Gyroscope, Shihad, Grinspoon, Mammal, Dead Letter Circus, Karnivool, MM9, Behind Crimson Eyes, Screaming Jets and Jimmy Barnes to name drop a few.

Tonk have appeared on FlyTV when performing at the Newton’s Playground festival (Bathurst). Tonk have a very strong MySpace following.

They have received over 55,500 plays of their songs listed, and over 80,900 visitors to the site. Through MySpace, Tonk are selling CDs on a weekly basis to overseas fans including Germany, Sweden and Norway. Tonk continue to build their fan base through dynamic live performances.

Their music crosses demographic categories with their audience ages ranging from the young to the young at heart. Tonk are currently negotiating international distribution of Sister Switchblade.

Rock City Magazine Germany

Here's another review from Germany, this time form the guys at Rock City Magazine. Sorry about the weird translation - the original was in German.

Rock City rates their reviews in order of the top 3 albums for the month. Our album came second behing Marilyn Manson's new album. Thanks guys!

*********

The perfect wheel for those of you who are melodic heavy rock (Cinderella, Mötley Crüe) and Rock and Roll (AC / DC, Danko Jones) equally like.

TONK go Somehow this Direction, but definitely pursue its own identity. Songs like "Golden Girl", "Predator" or "Redback" is fun, disseminate real Rock and Roll Party feeling.

From this band we will hear a lot ..... can you believe me (13 points).

ACTIV RADIO / FRANCE

Activ Radio in France have been kind enough to play us alongside great bands like Clutch, The Quireboys and UFO. Thanks guys!


ARTISTES
AKENTRA
BAI BANG
BALTIMOORE
BITCHFIRE
BLACK SAND
CLUTCH
COOL CAVEMEN
CORNERSTONE
DAME FORTUNE
DIRTY LOOKS
DOLLHOUSE
FAIR WARNING
FAITHFULL
GEFF
GHZ
HOLY WATER
HOURGLASS
INFINITE TONE
INNOCENT ROSIE
IQ
JOYFOCUS
KB
KOB
LOUDBLAST
LUCIDFLY
MAEVEN
MAGNUM
NH3
NOTHING
NYMPHO
ODIN
PEGATAUR
PERICARDIUM
PLANETE ASPHALTE
QUANTICE
REECE
RICKY WARWICK
SAGA
SANCTION X
SEYMINHOL
SHORTINO
STEAMULATOR
TALIAN
THE PASSIVE AGGRESSIVES
THE QUIREBOYS
THIRD EYE
THREE QUARTER STONE
THUNDER
TIM RIPPER OWENS
TONK / SISTER SWITCHBLADE
TOP JOHNNY
TOYS
TWINS CREW
UFO
VAL KINZLER
VOICES OF ROCK
WILLS 49
XXX
ZUUL FX

Funny fan review

Here's a review we were sent by a fan. It's funny as... and thanks!

http://panpig.allgoo.net/reviews-f18/sister-switchblade-tonk-t24.htm

I suggest you check this album out, It's pretty awesome.. I mean... all of Tonk is awesome... But... It's not an album you can listen to on repeat for 30 hours OK? It's a great album, but some of the songs sound pretty similar when it comes to lyrics...

WHAT WAS I THINKING WHEN I WR0TE THIS REVIEW?????
*SLAPS HERSELF IN THE FACE*
TONK ROCK PEOPLE!!! BUY THE DAMN ALBUM NOW!!!
LISTEN!!!

KRXX.com plays Tonk

More airplay in the USA & the UK (these guys somehow broadcast both sides of the Atlantic.

Thanks guys for playing Golden Girl!

Here's the playlist for the set - we're down near the end.

After Midnight Project - The Becoming (Homegrown),
Axel Rudi Pell - The Masquerade Ball (SPV Records),
Black Label Society - Doomsday Jesus (Eagle Rock Records),
Dirty Looks - Let there be Rock (Live @ Warner Theater2008) (Perris Records),
Dope - My Funeral (Kotch Records),
Firefalldown - Commissioned (2009 Sonic Juan Records),
Franky Dee - Sexy Dancer (Featuring Fred Durst) (Home Grown Records),
Geff - Innervations (Metal Heaven Records),
Hoobastank - My Turn (IDJM Records),
Hurt - Wars (Amusement Recordings),
Johnny Lima - All I Wanna Do (Shock Pop Music),
Kingdom Come - Hey Mama (Twilight - EurZoom Records),
Midnight To Twelve - Moment (Jkh Entnc Records),
New Device - Mothe to the Flame (Power Age Records),
Odin - Shining Love (Perris Records),
Rise to Addiction - Cold Season (Mausoleum Records),
Staind - This is it (Roadrunner - WEA Records),
The Morning After - In the Heart of the Young (Rising Records),
The Veer Union - Over me (Universal Motown Records),
The Vibes - Whiskey, sex & rock'n'roll(Homegrown),
Thornley - All Fall Down (604 Records Canada-Zoom Records ),
Tonk - Golden girl (Modern Music - SonyBMG Records),
UFO - Saving me(Warhammer - SPV Records),
Under The Flood - The Bottom (Kotch Records),
XXX - Wall of fame (Perris Records).

Quick review from Overloaded Radio in the UK.

Here's another review from the UK. Our friends at Overloaded Radio.

Ta fellas!

Tonk – Sister Switchblade
Aussie rockers Tonk deliver in that proven Aussie style of hard hitting Rock n Roll that dosn’t try to be anything else. 100% Feel good rock nroll, a great offering
Dave Watts - http://www.overloadedrocks.com/

Our first live review Tonk, Airbourne & AKF in '05

This is way back from 2005 I think...A little nostalgia. We played with Australian Kingswood Factory in support of Airbourne that night and had a great time! They're awesome guys and an incredible live band. Good on ya lads!

This review is from the old Greenroom website. God we miss that place...

With much anticipation Tonk arrived on stage. A band in the making several months – there had been whispers that this was going to be big… and in the African American sense it was. Intro’d by a bloke with more hair than the Chinese swim team and as much stye as ABBA, I started to get this gut wrenching feeling that I was in for an alcohol infused evening – why because when Im happy I drink, - I drink for just about every emotion and every occasion – but this was different.

Tonk hit the stage and from the very first chord they struck it was on with a vengeance. Every song they played it seemed was taken from the classics of rock instruction book…. Every lick was drenched in fat, every roll of the drum played with intensity not seen by a local band for a long time!!! The band exuded energy, professionalism and most of all good times and great tastes – and the crowd returned the favour with some serious rolling and/or rocking… genuinely appreciating the
efforts put in by these men of rock.

Overall they played a fantastic set that left me hanging for more…. And I know I will because these boys have got something that has been missing from the Canberra scene for a long time. I’m just not sure what it is, because I certainly don’t have it…. And most local bands I see don’t have it.. but it’s something and I am very willing to watch learn!

Recent German Review

Here's a review from a german magazine. I'm not sure what the mag is called, sorry guys. No link because the review is in German. Crappy translation I know, but hopefully you'll get the gist of it.

In typical style of good old rock and roll of the 70s and 80s move a combo called Tonk. Coming From Down Under you can hear the influences directly out the disc on the Sister Switch Blade aufgepeppt and a new cast of it made.

Musically, the songs move in blues rock, the sound is a bit like AC/DC, the Licks have been so similar for Blue Öyster Cult, and the singer has something of Ian Gillan. Not the worst role models. Skillfully made Tonk An-like style, but on its own barrel.

Always nice rock, with dirty sound and very cool grooving to the Australians that. Imaginative realm, the songs and make listening fun. From faster uptempo rock number until mid-Halbballade found anything on the album. Very atmospheric and stylish solos are the finishing touch on the I.

A production official rounds the whole thing very nicely and gives the music the sound of the time. A very nice thing as I think, because you have so to speak - say exaggerated - with a kind of remastering of old favorite songs can be compared.

For starters, had a phase in which it is the rock of the old school was
cool, or is still in there - which I personally think much more likely -
should the Sister Switch Blade necessarily listen. Sure, the great role
models and emotions of a Vergangenzeit will not be achieved, but it is
very cool to hear that a bit of spirit and get into the present has saved.

Review - Babylon Magazine from Italy

This is a recent review of the album from an Italian magazine called Babylon. I didn't link it because the review is in Italian. Excuse the poor translation (courtesy of one of the free online translators). Thanks guys.

The Tonk, Australian band of sleazy rock, come to the first full length, suggesting a rock classic in tone and overridden, linear and squared: something that manages to bring to life a little 'sleazy of the Ugly Kid Joe, the LA Guns, the first Skid Row and Poison. The debut album will convince us of energy and loads of fun, melodic themes, set in the structure of the typical song, with well-conceived songs, riff and a houted hoarse and enthralling.

"Sister Switchblade", already recorded in 2006 and only now landed on the shelves in Europe (there is always this problem of communication between the old and the new continent), has its roots in the rock of the 80s and 90s, but the in context with the current scene (modern one in all, Nickelback). A highly charismatic performance as the singer: his voice is never flat, unable to shake with continuous changes and customizations. Excellent work of the other musicians. The guitar is absolutely solid, stripe on the neck, makes us feel the strings that tremble, and would expect anyone who wants to listen to something "real."

The songwriting on tracks runs solid without sbandare ever. The prevalence of tight playlists and pushed the album makes for an excellent company who needs injections of adrenaline. If what you have just said does not convince you until the end, you need only know that the band is produced and promoted by Sony BMG: This is always a guarantee ...

Steve Mikey & Tristan live shot

Steve Mikey & Tristan onstage at Canberra's Bushfire Fundraising show.

BMA Review 2

Another review from BMA - our excellent local street press.

Thanks guys.

“The ‘Berra’s new darling’s of rock, Tonk, took to the stage after their usual cacophony of bomb sirens and bullets; a most effective introduction that alerted the ears of the black-shirted militants who swarmed the barrier. The loyalists lapped it up. Jinks led a right little army of ballsy rockers who unapologetically flaunted their classic rock influences but were in dire need of long blonde locks to lash.

Battering riffs, showy licks some very skilful and well-deserved solos and thundering drum crescendos amounted to one hell of a rip-snorting rock show”.

Julia Winterflood

City of Dreams - Played on Spanish radio

This is from a Spanish hard rock show called City of Dreams.

Cheers guys.

La Ciudad de los Sueños
Viernes en Vox UJI Radio 107.8FM Castellón www.radio.uji.es
Lunes y Miércoles en www.tntradiorock.com

19-06-2009

TNT - (1992) Realized Fantasies - Downhill Racer
Jorn - (2009) Spirit Black - Burn Your Flame
MOB - (2008) The Greatest Enemy - The Greatest Enemy
ReinXeed - (2009) Higher - Magic Still Remains
Mind Key - (2009) Pulse For a Graveheart - Crusted Memories
Crash Street Kids - (2008) Transatlantic Suicide - Cigarettes And
Starf_ckers
Tonk - (2007) Sister Switchblade - Redback
Stateline - (2009) Stateline - Enough Is Enough
Santers - (1984) Guitar Alley - Black Magic
Oz Knozz - (2008) 10,000 Days And Nights - You Can' Win
Channel - Channel (Remastered 2009) - It's Not Enough
Night Ranger - (1987) Big Life - Color Of Your Smile
Stan Bush - (2000) Capture The Dream - Until I Was Loved By You
Fair Warning - (2009) Aura - Here Comes The Heartache
Constancia - (2009) Lost And Gone - Fallen Hero
Vindictiv - Ground Zero - Reach Out
Infinite Tone - (2008) Impossi-Bull - Burn!
Baltimoore - (2009) Quick Fix - I'm All About Me
Moonstone Project - (2009) Rebel On The Run - Sinner Sinner
GEFF - (2009) Land Of The Free - Living Generation
Praying Mantis - (2009) Sanctuary - Restless Heart
The Lou Gramm Band - (2009) The Lou Gramm Band - I Wanna Testify
Crash The System - (2009) The Crowning - Fight Fire With Fire
The Poodles - (2009) Clash Of The Elements - No Tomorrow
Heartlyne - (2009) No Retreat No Surrender - Stay With Me
Alyson Avenue - (2000) Presence Of Mind - One Desperate Heart
From The Fire - (1992) Thirty Days And Dirty Nights - Love Struck

http://www.cityofdreamsweb.com

Overloaded - UK radio show.

Here's another radio show from the UK playing our stuff. This time we're humbled to have our stuff played alongside legends like Aerosmith,the Scorpions, Ratt, Great White and so on. They played a lot of awesome music on this show and We're grateful that they thought to play our song in such great company. Thanks guys.

Overloaded Playlist 19/6/09
1st Hour

Scorpions – No one like you, Tonk – Sister Switchblade, Faithfull – Light this city, Aerosmith – Dream on, Fury UK – Game over, Alexisonfire – Young cardinals, Nickelback – If everyone cared, Koritni – “155”, Lynzee – Lonely one, Ratt – Round and round, Korpiklaani – Vodka, Theory of a dead man – Bad girlfriend, Great White – Once bitten
2nd Hour

Bryan Adams – Cuts like a knife, Queensryche – Eyes of a stranger, Bon Jovi – Wanted dead or alive, Boston – Something about you, Whitesnake –Would I lie to you, Heaven & Earth – Don’t keep me waiting, Wildboys – Let it out, Gary Moore – Midnight Blues, Johnny Lima – Hard to say goodbye, Wired Desire – No one sleeps, Deep Purple – Child in time

Rock & A Hard Place - USA Radio Show

These guys have been kind enough to play us alongside really awesome bands like Steel Panther and the New York Dolls. Thanks!!

PLAYLIST WEEK OF JUNE 29, 2009
THIS WEEK’S GUEST – Sal Scoca of Sweet Cyanide and Michael Larsson of
Coldspell

Vengeance-Soul Collector-2009-Rock And Roll Band
New York Dolls-Cause I Sez So-2009-Cause I Sez So
Toilet Boys-Toilet Boys-2001-Heartstopper.mp3
The Erotics-Rubbish-2009-Dead Last In The Rat Race

Jekyl-Ireland-2009-Face your Fears
Dimmz-This Is Life-2009-Abomination
Jet-Shaka Rock-2009-She's A Genius
Illium-Ageless Decay-2009-Omnipaedia
In Malice's Wake-Eternal Nightfall-2009-Man Made Death


Darker Half-Duality-2009-Darker Half
American Dog-Hard-2007-Little Short
Sweet Cyanide-Sweet Cyanide-2009-SLM
Sweet Cyanide-Sweet Cyanide-2009- Between Us
Tonk-Sister Switchblade-2008-Redback
X-World5-New Universal Order-2008-Charge to War
Raven-Walk Through Fire-2009-Grip
Gun Barrel-Outlaw Invasion-2008-MILF
Hero-Immortal-2009-Rock The World
Milan Polak-Myrphy's Law-2009-No God


Triggerfinger-Triggerfinger-2005-Hunt You Down
Cage-Science Of Annihillation-2009-Stranger In Black
Steel Panther-Death To All But Metal-2009-Death To All But Metal
Sister Sin-Switchblade Serenades-2008-One Out Of Ten
Spider Rockets-Spider Rockets-2009-No Place To Hide


Touchstone-Winter Coast-2009-Zinomorph
Jorn-Spirit Black-2009-Below
Nigel Dupree Band-Attraction-2009-Screaming
Coldspell-Infinite Stargaze-2009-Strait Things Out
Saint Deamon-Pandeamonium-2009-Fear Of A Fragile Mind
Spice And The RJ Band-Shave Your Fear-2009-Waves We Form
Marshall Law-Razorhead-2008-Nothing Lasts Forever

ROCK AND A HARD PLACE
6060 Hwy 18
Walcott, ND 58077
USA

http://www.rockhardplace.com
http://www.myspace.com/rockhardmusick
http://www.myspace.com/powerheadradio

Playlist from UK hard rock station

This is recent:It's awesome to have our songs played alongside killer bands like Metallica & the the Answer. This was the first of the show's playlists for that night so I won't list them all... Thanks for playing our stuff!

The Answer ‘Demon Eyes’ 4:10 album
Everyday Demons 2009
Albert JASCDUK050 www.theanswer.ie

Vengeance ‘Dance’ 4:05 album Soul
Collector
2009 Metal Heaven 00062
www.vengeanceonline.nl

Metallica ‘The Unforgiven III’ 7:48
album Death Magnetic 2008
Mercury 1784020 www.metallica.com

Tony Martin ‘The Kids Of Today (Don’t
Understand The Blues)’ 4:09 album
Scream 2005 MTM Music MTM0681149
www.tonymartin.net

Tonk ‘Menage A Trois’ 3:03 album Sister
Switchblade 2007 Modern Music
MMTONK001 www.myspace.com/tonkrocks

Roine Stolt ‘People That Have The Power
To Shape The Future’ 11:00
Album Wall Street Voodoo 2005 Inside
Out SPV 48682 DCD
www.flowerkings.se

Wishbone Ash ‘Pay The Price’ 3:30 album
Just Testing 1980 MCA
www.wishboneash.com

Chariot ‘Burning’ 3:08 album Burning
Ambition 1986 Shades Records
SHADE4 2004 Majestic Rock Records
MAJCD025 www.chariot-rocks.com

Savage ‘Babylon’ 6:26 album Holy Wars
1995 Neat Metal NM004
www.myspace.com/savageuk

Lauren Harris ‘Your Turn’ 3:41 album
Calm Before The Storm
2008 DR2 Records DR2CD 005
www.myspace.com/laurenharrisuk

Melodicrock.com

Here's a mention from Melodicrock.com, an awesome website for lovers of hard rock.

Melodicrock.com

http://www.melodicrock.com/news2009.html?bcsi_scan_80CA22F9AD71C623=0&bcsi_scan_filename=news2009.html


Tonk formed in late 2005, with the sole purpose of delivering their own brand of hard gritty tunes and stage dynamics to anyone that would listen and observe. Launched in March 2007, at the ANU Bar to a sold out crowd, Tonk's debut album Sister Switchblade defines the harder edges of life and the harder edges of rock.

The first single Redback, gives a true indication of the bands attitude - firmly putting forward their Classic Rock intentions. Sister Switchblade was recorded in late 2006, at Megaphon and Standing Wave Recording Studios (Sydney) and mixed at The Vault (Sydney); all with renowned ARIA nominated Australian producer Phil McKellar (Grinspoon, Silverchair, Frenzal Rhomb, The Butterfly Effect and more). The CD was mastered at Studios 301 by the talented Steve Smart (28 Days, Grinspoon, Kasey Chambers, Muse, Regurgitator, Spiderbait, The Living End, Tim Rogers and more).

Tonk have secured distribution through Modern Music/SONY/BMG.
Sister Switchblade Release Date May 2009 (UK).

Tracklisting: 1 Redback 2 Menage A Trois 3 Golden Girl 4 Libertine 5 Sister Switchblade 6 Needle In The Red 7 Predator 8 Loose Yer Load 9 Stay 10 Stick With My Blood 11 Sick 'n' Depraved.

WebLinks: www.myspace.com/tonkrocks.

Fireworks Magazine UK

This from Fireworks - a quality glossy Hard Rock Magazine from the UK. These guys have been kind enough to mention us a few times. Thanks lads!

Nicky Baldrian, the writer of this little piece has been instrumental in exposing the band to new audiences all over the world, but more about that later... Cheers Nicky!

I think this might have been mybe thir first mention of us.

“From Australia come hard rockers TONK who formed three years ago. The band has already been on the road with the likes of Airbourne and are really stoked by the positive energy the band is receiving worldwide.

The band’s new CD Sister Switchblade is awesome from start to finish, with cranking rocking songs like ‘Lose your load’ and Ménage A Trios’ proving the band have the stakes to reach the same levels as the aforementioned Airbourne.”

Nicky Baldrian

Fireworks (UK Melodic Rock Magazine)

BMA Review

Canberra's awesome street press mag BMA have been really supportive of the band from Day 1 and we love them for it. Thanks guys.

Here's an older live review.

“Led from the front by the redoubtable Jinks, the “seedy underbelly of the Canberra Music scene” Tonk were really in explosive form in support of Shihad last week.

Aided and abetted by the appearance of new wielder of the six-string razor Ben Roberts, whose pyrotechnic approach to guitaring gives a scarcely-needed melodic crunch to the at times incendiary playing of fellow axepert Steve Gray, the whole unit, (rounded out in the engine room by bassist Michael Rosser and drummer Tristan Davies) have a comparatively simple modus operandi – the purveyance of what Jim Morrison, God bless his leather strides, would have called ‘the big beat’.

And purvey it they do. Those of you in the know will already be familiar with such stone classics as Predator and Stick With My Blood, but the good news is that the new material aired that night all came equipped with even bigger choruses, bigger riffs and bigger attitude.”

“So come on: if, by any stretch of the imagination you consider yourself a fan of heavy music, I implore you to get down the front next time you’re alerted to Tonk’s presence in your area. They deserve it, and your ears look like they are sorely in need of a treat. Make it so.”

Scott Adams

Review: All Access Magazine (USA)

Tonk :: Sister Switchblade
Modern Music/Sony BMG
CD Review
By The Atomic Chaser

You very rarely hear it anymore, an album that grabs you from the start and doesn't let you go. Listen up mates, 'Sister Switchblade' the debut release from Australia's Tonk is one such album. Bred on a healthy dose of Rose Tattoo, The Angels and AC/DC, these boys from Canberra, know how to rock and these boys rock HARD!! Riff upon riff, Tonk build upon their Aussie hard rock heritage and bring it screaming and stomping into the modern age!

The band is fueled and powered by, Jinks on vocals, Steve Gray on guitar and vocals, Wayne Withers on guitars, Michael Rosser on bass and vocals with Tristian Davies bringing the thunder on drums. Not only will their music grab you by the throat it will put you in a stranglehold. 'Sister Switchblade' is exhausting, I mean that in the best way possible. It's brimming with swagger and raw energy.

By the time it's over, you will have burned as many calories as if you would have run a marathon. After rocking out to tracks like, "Redback", "Libertine," " Ménage A Trios" and "Needle In The Red", you will understand where I'm coming from.

The bottom line, this is good stuff, people. These boys come at you like a freight train. Pure hard rock fury! Period.

ATTITUDE, POWER & PASSION, Tonk are the genuine article. I highly recommend this album to anyone who wants to be blown away by balls to the wall in your face rock and roll! I for one can't wait to hear what Tonk come up with next.

Glitzine Mag review

An album review from Glitzine mag. Thanks Becki K!

http://www.glitzine.net/recensioner/tonk.htm

Abiding by the age-old themes of sex, drugs and rock and roll that appeals to millions, and complete with an album full of filth and fun, it's no wonder that Tonk have a steadily growing fan-base.

Hailing from Canberra, Australia, these boys pull no punches, serving you a kick in the teeth from the word go.

The first track - and a stand-out one at that - "Redback" delivers you with a catchy riff and an addictive foot-stomping beat, so rowdy that you can almost smell the attitude through your speakers. Infusing sleaze with a dosage of punk, this song writhes with attitude and boasts the right amount of mischief, without going overboard with the typical rock and roll clichés.

From the first guitar chords of "Sister Switchblade" - the track that shares the name of the album - you know exactly what to expect. And it doesn't disappoint. Guitars with plenty of swagger to boot, vocals that trudge over you with a strutting confidence, and lyrics about cocaine, switchblades and champagne - it's pretty easy to spell out what this band
is all about.

Without losing pace towards the end of the album, track "Stick With my Blood" keeps you interested, and has subtle hints of debauchery, whilst final track "Sick and Depraved" serves as a satisfying album-closer.

Potentially Buckcherry and Crystal Pistol's love child, this album's hard edge cuts through you like a switchblade.

by Becki K

First Post - Dirty Rock Mag review

Hi Guys - First post. Welcome aboard!!

Here's a recent review of the album from the Aussie mag - Dirty Rock Magazine. Thanks!

http://www.dirtyrockmagazine.com/

This, Tonk's debut album, was recorded in 2006 with ARIA award nominated producer Phil McKellar, but it only seems that now that Sister Switchblade is doing the rounds, at least internationally, as the canberra natives look to break out beyond our borders.

Even though it's been available for some time, it's a stellar, timeless,
hook laden, Aussie rock hard album about loose women and fast times.

Capable of out and out rockers or slower, dramatic mid tempo melodies such as Libertine or Stay, Tonk's ballsy classic rock comes off best during party ode Looze yer load, or the v8 engine rev of single Redback. But perhaps it's the title track Sister Switchblade where the band are at their best. Flying vocals, big choruses, razor sharp guitar shreds and tonnes of brash, sleazy overtones combine for one of the best this album has to offer.

Rated 7/10