The VinesThe Australian rock band, The Vines, has a new album coming out and the OZ newspapers recently talked about that and the diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome for Vines frontman Craig Nicholls three years ago.
The Vines release their fourth album, Melodia, on July 12. The quartet from southwest Sydney blasted onto the Capitol record label seven years ago, and Nicholls became a star. They were the first Australian band in 20 years to make the cover of Rolling Stone magazine, as an illustration of the re-emergence of serious rock bands.
Entertainment writer Andrew Murfett explains in The Age how the band's vibe has changed after Nicholls' diagnosis:
Three years into their ascent, Nicholls was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, a form of autism which affects the sufferer's ability to function in social situations. And now the Vines' tumultuous history can be succinctly split into two periods: pre and post-diagnosis.
Finally, long-suffering bandmates and management had an explanation for his erratic behaviour.
But the damage was done. The band was splintered, their US deal in tatters and most goodwill with fans and media expunged.
Today, however - gathered in their management's Sydney offices before the video shoot for their comeback single, He's A Rocker, a fiery, commercially appealing, but brainless two minute stomper - the band insist they are looking forward.
At their prediagnosis peak, the Vines spent $500,000 per American video shoot for Get Free; the He's A Rocker shoot, in a cavernous hall in Parramatta, costs less than 10% of that.
When Nicholls fronts up for the shoot, there's still a sense of wildness and unpredictability about him. In a world of smooth, manufactured music and shiny personalities, he is a refreshing rarity: a genuine loose cannon. And live, the Vines remain a glorious shambles. There's little uncertainty left in rock music, but there's plenty around Craig Nicholls.
Nicholls talks about his diagnosis in a Herald Sun interview, where you can also see a video of the studio session for the new album.
