Five Kelmscott Catholics found themselves in a somewhat unexpected place when they hit the stage on October 17 for the final of ABC 720’s Exhumed competition.
The String Tanglers, as they are otherwise known, were one of eight Perth bands to make the final, performing their own versions of folk classics Whiskey in the Jar and Dirty Old Town, to a packed Fly By Night Club in Fremantle.
Lead singer and ukulele player Steve Malin, 64, was joined on stage by daughter Lara, on vocals and guitar, and son Rick, on bass; and his two friends Paul Bogoni (guitar) and Record editor, Peter Rosengren (mandolin).
Dubbed a competition for the “never-were’s”, the band had not expected to place when they entered with a recording they had made of themselves.
Their surprise selection was followed up with two radio interviews in which band member Peter Rosengren spoke on air with 720 host John McGlue.
The band did not place in the winning three acts, facing stiff competition from punk, blues, reggae and a cappella outfits, but said they were, ultimately, just happy to be there. “It’s another thing to tick off my bucket list,” a contented Mr Malin told The Record.
Lara and Rick Malin, both experienced musicians, said it had been “a dream” and “an honour” to play on the same stage as their father.
The String Tanglers have been together around three years and formed through ad hoc musical get-togethers at one another’s houses.
Mandolinist Peter Rosengren said the idea for the competition had been inspired.
“Hats off to the ABC for running something so original. I really hope it takes on a life of its own and happens every year,” he said.