Neo launches 'Wrecking Ball' during refugee week

DARWIN — The Top End's power-funk outfit Neo has timed the release of the band's new song, "Wrecking Ball", and its film clip to coincide with Refugee Week.

The launch will be held at Darwin's Deckchair Cinema on October 21, at 7pm and will be broadcast on several TV stations during Refugee Week. "Wrecking Ball" reminds listeners that refugees are human.

The first single from their Serotonin album, "Wrecking Ball" portrays a powerful combination of emotions, from compassion and understanding and to climactic anger. It is a call to action.

Set in a World War II concrete gun turret, the video depicts imprisoned refugees visited by a renegade band that infiltrates the fortress in order to bring music to the people.

"War makes refugees", Neo says to the Australian government. "If you are going to make them, be prepared to take them."

Drawing inspiration from the culturally diverse tropical lifestyle of the Top End, Neo has been entertaining locals with its unique synthesis of funk, rock and blues for the past three years.

Neo will be touring the southern states of Australia in January. For more information, please contact Paul Bates at <paul@powerfunk.com>.

From Green Left Weekly, October 15, 2003.

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From GLW issue 557