This is the story of Bang Lasso…

The road to any glittering destination is a long, rocky, dirt track.

Young friends Kieran Waters and Helen Cunningham formed Brisbane indie pop outfit, Saga Barbies, around the turn of the century. Establishing themselves in the burgeoning local scene of the time, the band quickly captured the attention of music fans and the industry with their whimsical, folk-pop melodies and were well on their way to somewhere important when school teacher Helen was diagnosed with voice issues and ordered to stop singing immediately or risk permanent damage. The band folded, devastated that the promise of their early years would never be realised.

Kieran never stopped playing, gracing stages and releasing material with acts such as The Young Casuals, Shutterspeed and Brisbane hillbilly rock juggernaut, The Demon Drink who he co-fronted with brother Adrian. When Adrian and slide guitarist, Mick Destiny, left ‘The Drink’ to pursue other interests, Kieran (recognising the frightening chemistry drummer, Leigh ‘The Lord’ Nelson, and bassist, Sean O’Shea, had developed over 12 years playing together) suggested the trio push on under a new name - Bang Lasso.  

2024 and Helen, vocal cords restored, 3 kids in tow and a relationship in her rear-view, reached out. 

The magic returned instantly, Helen’s warmth/light bringing a levity to Kieran’s darker impulses. They looked away from their early folk roots to a harder, post punk sound, reminiscent of acts like Pixies.  

Entering the studio in late 2024 with legendary producer Jeff Lovejoy (Powdderfinger, Tex Perkins), the result is breathtaking! Life experience shines through the early singles in the band’s ability to rationalise the turmoil of the moment in the context of time.  

Bang Lasso now know something for sure:  

Some dreams are never meant to be, but some we must wait for. And sometimes we won’t know either way until the very end.