The Ergot Derivative

Psychedelic / art rock band from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Active during the 1990s, but reunited for performances on July 3rd 2022 and October 15th 2023.

Creative, inventive, contrasting and above all entertaining, The Ergot Derivative was unquestionably one of Australia's original bands during the early 1990s. An innovative six-piece (and its collective entourage). The band's trait lies within a carefree but professional approach that sees it successfully master a number of music styles, ranging anywhere from catchy Irish-sounding fold ('Get Your Head Off My Pillow') to elements of jazz ('Foot') to up-tempo country ditties ('I've Crossed That Line'), and sullen contemplative instrumentals.

The myriad of styles allow themselves to thrive on originality and vision alone, as one element shrewdly replaces another. Violin, piano, viola, mandolin, organ, harmonica, conga, tabla, reed, cello, percussion and a host of other delightful instruments are played with conviction to provide what would otherwise be an unusual array of sounds.