Emerging from the heart of Newcastle, Dropsaw is a band that has quickly become synonymous with unrelenting intensity and raw, untamed energy in the hardcore scene. With a reputation for pulverizing live shows and a sound that bulldozes its way through the very fabric of what hardcore is, Dropsaw is redefining the genre for a new generation of fans.
It is less than 2 weeks until their long awaited return to the Gold Coast with a Headlining set at Merry Heavy Xmas Festival at Vinnies Dive, a festival where all proceeds will be going towards a great cause in RizeUp! who support those affected by domestic and family violence. Everblack’s own Josh Hobbins caught up with frontman Jarrod McIntosh to get the lowdown on their latest offering ‘Revive’ and what they’re most looking forward to at a Merry Heavy Xmas.
First of all just want to say thanks for taking the time to answer some questions and Congrats on the new EP. “Revive,” marks your first release in over a decade. What inspired this comeback, and how does “Revive” reflect the band’s current direction?
No worries at all mate, thanks for having me. I think the band was always going to do something again, it was just a matter of when.
At the time we disbanded, some of us were starting families, new jobs etc so the band just got put on the back burner. Fast forward to now, we’ve all got the itch and really enjoying ourselves.
Revive follows the storyline of the first 3 records, but also relates to the revival of the band. Matt Stikker did the artwork for us, and he captured exactly what we were after. He couldn’t have done a better job.
The EP features guest vocals from Newcastle legend Luke Dolan. How did this collaboration come about, and what was it like working together?
Luke is a really good friend of mine, and as soon as I started putting together the vocal structure for “Desolate Existence” I knew I had to get him in to do that end part. He hasn’t had to yell like that for a while but he crushed it. It was actually a really fun day in the studio, and we were so stoked on having him there with us. The NCHC Goat!
Dropsaw has been a significant part of the Newcastle hardcore scene for years. How has the band’s sound and approach evolved since your formation?
We really just want to write heavy music. One thing with Dropsaw is that we have never followed trends and we never will. We’re hardcore kids that love hardcore and metal. We won’t shy away from that.
Dropsaw’s sound blends hardcore and metal influences. Which artists or bands have significantly influenced your music, and how do you incorporate these elements into your work?
Bands that have been huge on us would be Ringworm, All Out War, Sworn Enemy. The perfect mix of Hardcore and Metal which is what we love and influences us when writing new music.
The Newcastle music scene has a rich history. How has being based in Newcastle shaped your music and opportunities as a band?
Newcastle like everywhere has it’s ups and downs but it has always been so good for us. When we first started the band in 05/06 most hardcore and metal tours rolled through town, so we always had great opportunities. I was pretty young when I first got into all this, but all the older heads took us young guys and gals under their wings and really looked after us. Forever grateful to the older crew!
Newcastle seems to be a breeding ground for killer new bands in recent years. Are there any new bands that you know of that the people should know about?
So many killer bands coming out of Newcastle at the moment, and the HC scene here is popping off.
A few of my favourite newer bands: Spat out, Vicious Instinct, Cut Throat & Feel The Pain.
You recently supported Killswitch Engage at Bar on the Hill in Newcastle. How was that experience, and what did you take away from sharing the stage with such a renowned band?
Absolutely killer show man. We had a 50 minute set so that was pretty brutal and by far the longest we have ever had to play.
Thought at one stage I was going to cark it on stage haha. Just watching how professional and tight they are as a band was so sick to see. We played really tight and got a great reaction so that was rad also. It was funny after the set people coming up and asking if we were a new band.
It has been 8-10 years I think since you have played on the Gold Coast and you guys are all locked and loaded to headline the third Merry Heavy Xmas Fest at Vinnies Dive Bar on the Gold Coast. What can fans expect from your set, and how do you feel about returning to the Gold Coast?
So excited to get back up to the Goldy. Especially being at Vinnies! We’ve had a tradition since the band started that we always hit up Dreamworld so hopefully we can find some time to keep the tradition alive! It has been a while since we’ve seen some of our mates up there too so that’ll be a nice time. The punters can expect some of the old classics, and we will definitely be doing the 4 new tracks off Revive. Who knows, we may even throw in a cover…..
Are there any bands on the Merry Heavy Xmas line up that you are looking forward to?
I love checking out bands I haven’t seen before and there’s a heap of them on Merry Heavy Xmas so I‘m fully pumped for it. Hopefully we can pack Vinnies out for all the bands!
With a bunch of shows already under your belt since reforming and now with “Revive” released, what are Dropsaw’s plans for the future? Can fans anticipate more new music or tours in 2025?
We have a couple of shows lined up for early 2025 and we’re in talks now to possibly do a 12” for late 2025.
Let’s see how life treats us though and how the song writing comes along. We don’t want to just put out songs for the sake of it. If we aren’t ready, it won’t happen. Would be nice to add a few shows for the back half of 2025 also.
Thanks so much again for your time man, really appreciate it and looking forward to catching you guys at Merry Heavy Xmas.Just want to finish on one last question, what are your top 5 releases this year?
Thanks again mate, look forward to getting up to the Goldy in a couple weeks!
Top 5 releases of 2024. This is tough because there were a lot of bangers.
High Vis – Guided Tour
Demon Spell – Evil Nights
Wraith- Fueled By Fear
Home Invasion- Enemy
Enforced- Leap Into The Dark
