A musical duo that performs comical punk songs on folk instruments is providing a much-needed laugh in a world struggling with the effects of the pandemic.
The unique music of Screw Acoustics, featuring songs about zombie mutant puppies and flatulence, has struck a chord on Western Australia's south coast.
The band features Albany-based acoustic bassist and vocalist Graeme Booth and djembe player and co-vocalist Daniel Whitehead, who have performed together for the past 14 years.
"People need a laugh," Mr Booth said.
Music gives sense of purpose
Beneath the light-hearted and off-beat music, Screw Acoustics' origins can be traced back to a much darker place.
Both members have struggled in the past with substance abuse issues and said the band had been instrumental in their respective recoveries.
"Music really changed my life," Mr Whitehead said.
The band's serious side is evident in songs such as Alcoholier Than Thou, which tackles the self-destructive pain of alcoholism in unflinching honesty:
"Give ma a swig of that misery juice, so I will be feeling alright. I know tomorrow I'll be feeling like, 'Blurgh', but this will get me through the night."
The words "punk rock" and "sobriety" tattooed on Mr Booth's knuckles are a permanent reminder of his 24-year recovery from addiction.
"I gave up everything around my 30th birthday … the only thing I was still doing was playing the bass," he said.
"I helped me quite a bit; it gave me something to do.
Duo takes silliness seriously
Comedy remains a central theme of Screw Acoustics, with both members citing Monty Python and The Goon Show as big influences.
Aside from the band's unique musical style, the duo's striking appearance also ensures the men stand out from the crowd.
Mr Booth has tattoos covering more than half of his body and no fewer than 44 facial piercings.
Mr Whitehead has a metre-and-a-half-long dreadlock — the result of not having had a proper haircut for 27 years.
"I drape it over my shoulder in order not to get headaches … I'm in too deep to get it cut now."
Originality trumps popularity
While Screw Acoustics has made its mark on the Great Southern music scene, paid gigs have so far proven quite elusive.
Both members accept their niche appeal could ultimately keep them underground, but they're not about to dilute their art in exchange for mainstream success.
"There's a lot of people who really like it, and there are these people who look at us like, 'What are you doing up on stage?'," Mr Whitehead said.
"If they're indifferent about it, then really you've failed as an artist. You have to elicit a response."
