Namaste: (hindi - nam'us'stay) honour the divine within.
Jason Firkin: drums, percussion, vocals
Kevin Smerdon: bass guitar,
vocals
Eddie K:
lead vocals, guitar
"Delivering a hybrid of psychedelic indie pop and groove-based funk, fused with strong blues and jazz influences, Namaste Jake are building a reputation as one of Australia's most intriguing emerging talents."
The trio recorded their debut demo EP in December 2000 which was met with enthusiastic local radio support and respectable sales.
In the year 2001 Namaste Jake was showcased in an abundance of energetic performances at multitudes of pubs, clubs, universities, festivals and tours throughout Australia.
An impressive debut year culminated with a New Year’s Eve set at the 2001 Woodford Folkfest where they played alongside George, Alex Lloyd and the John Butler Trio.
Their versatility has also afforded them the opportunity to play alongside artists as diverse as Motor Ace, Screamfeeder, Frenzal Rhomb, Diana Ah Naid, Primary, The Butterfly Effect, Rhubarb, Rollerball, The Porkers and You Am I.
The band has also contributed to several film soundtracks, including the feature film “Moneyshot” which was released in Australia in February 2003 and soon after, released in Europe.
“The Underground Groove” is Namaste Jake’s second EP.
Spearheaded by the tracks “Sayonara” and “Just Like Eve and Adam”, the EP immediately received extensive airplay on independent and commercial radio in Australia, the United States and Britain as well as the Australian Triple J network.
At the end of 2002, Namaste Jake forged a new career path touring extensively through Great Britain and the Netherlands. Over the two month tour the band received an overwhelming response to their music and live stage shows.
Since their return to Australia in February 2003, the band has cemented their place within Queensland’s live music scene with regular appearances in venues up and down the coast.
With the release of the new EP “The Underground Groove”, Namaste Jake are set to spread their infectious, genre-crossing, fresh style across Australia and Worldwide. Catch the groove at a venue near you soon!!
What the critics are saying.......
"Did you ever see that 3D episode of the Simpsons where Homer gets sucked into that parallel universe and yells, "I'm somewhere where I don't know where I am!" Well that's what it feels like for a rock chick like myself listening to Namaste Jake's EP, "The Underground Groove". They're very much in a niche of their own here.
Completely and utterly unique, I dare anyone to try and pidgeonhole it. There's some keyboard jamming, tinny sounding guitars and wild lyrics in a sonic swirl of retroism. "Just like Eve and Adam" has tinkling piano and a catchy chorus, whilst "Bask in the Sunshine" has an Austin Powers style groovy vibe. "Sayonara" is the lazy kick-back ballad (if you could call it a ballad!) and is the pick of the bunch.
It's definitely a grower as there's waaaay too much to take in here on the first listen. I've spun the disc three times: I'm dazed, I'm confused, I'm disorientated
but I feel I've expanded my musical horizons somewhat. For those who like their music with a very large dose of quirk."
Kristen Veltmeyer, Tsunami Magazine - January 2004
"The new Namaste Jake EP is a compelling mix of funky, groovy guitars and indie pop sounds. Breezy rhythms, delicious melodies and quirky vocals define this 5-track release. The first single from this ep is the catchy, laidback "Sayonara" (which features on the soundtrack of the movie "Moneyshot"). The first track "Just Like Eve and Adam" is a jaunty little number that will have your feet tapping from its outset. "Bask in the Sunshine" is a fresh, light tune, featuring funky guitars, snappy drumming and quirky samples. "98k Whore" is a wah-wah wonderland of upbeat grooves and smart basslines. Namaste Jake are regulars on Brisbane's live scene and have toured alongside everyone from Frenzal Rhomb to You Am I. One listen to "The Underground Groove" is sure to convince you to get out and catch their fresh, infectious grooves first-hand. My only complaint? That there are only five songs! You'll be hungry for more of Namaste Jake by the end of the mellow, funky closing track "Just Because"."
Bec Stafford, Skinny's Music - July 2003
"Another Brisbane band with an individual sound, Namaste Jake peddle a brand of funky guitar pop with a fetching quirk factor that puts them in the same ballpark as Custard. Eddie Kriletich's irrepressible I've-had- too-much-red-cordial vocals, in particular, bring to mind Dave McCormack, and spring about the place with glee. Highlights include Just Like Eve & Adam, with its bouncy, chorused guitars and breezy melody, and 98K Whore, a vibrant, uptempo dissection of the rich/poor divide with funky wah-wah guitar and locomotive bass. A groovy, smart, catchy collection, aided by some great band performances.”
Brett Collingwood, Rave Magazine - December 2002
"Recently we were at the Queens Arm's in New Farm and have no doubt
seen Brisbane's best band: Namaste Jake. THESE GUYS ROCK! From the start
of their set to the end, they played music that just blew our minds away.
Funky jazz beats to songs that are still in our heads. Forget about other
bands, this band is awesome!"
Time Off - April 2001
"With a blend of jazz beats, borderline punk style vocals with funky
rhythms, Namaste Jake are a definite must-see. If you like what borders
on the different, these three quirky characters will provide you with music
you'll want to move to…..
These guys aren't afraid to get up there bringing their own personal style
to the scene. They are carving a new way for a new sound and doing very
well."
The Music Platform - November
2000
"What do they sound like?
Unique.
These guys have created their own style. Outstanding and different vocals
that will have you funkin'. If it's musical innovation you want, this dynamic
trio will not disappoint. Riffs that will invade your mind."
Rave Magazine - October 2000
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