The Native Cats launch their new 7" single, with a show at Altar with special guests Chamberwoman and Woolworths\\Flushot.

Out now on Rough Skies Records: a 7” with two new songs from Nipaluna/Hobart post-punk lifers the Native Cats. Two ways forward, two ways of looking back. “Aces Low” is something of an outlier in the duo’s repertoire, a sultry, reflective number, a song for lovers and for anyone trying to love their own life and lore against strong odds. “Lose Count” may not be a devil but it does sit on the opposing shoulder. Time depicted as a whirlwind of disappearance and negation. Both songs can be given a platform, both songs can be true.

The Native Cats formed around 2007. Julian (bass) had been recording some four track instrumentals and suggested to Chloe Escott, who was primarily a solo artist, that it could be interesting to collaborate on these ideas. They played their first show in January 2008, eschewing a lot of the live instrumentation of previous ventures, stripping it down to vocals, melodica, bass guitar and a rhythmic/synthy backing track, which was then replaced by various drum machines and most importantly, a Nintendo DS with a Korg MS-10 synth emulator, powerful and diverse sounds that could be carried in a hoodie pocket.

“Aces Low / Lose Count” is the fifth seven inch by the band. Recorded by Zac Blain (A.Swayze & the Ghosts, who also drums on the record) at Julian’s home in West Hobart over a weekend in Autumn 2025. The artwork for the record is by New York artist Bachelor Soft, who previously did the design for the “The Way On Is The Way Off” LP & the band’s first ever t-shirt.

This is their tenth release, their first since the album “The Way On Is The Way Off” came out in November 2023 on legendary independent label Chapter Music. The record was album of the week on RRR, 2SER & Edge Radio.

“Hobart duo The Native Cats are one of Australia’s most wonderful post-punk bands, putting out record after brilliant record. Their fifth full-length album, ‘The Way On is the Way Off’, may be their best - a perfect blend of sneering petulance, janky but tender piano numbers, and urgent, tightly wound bass.” Isabella Trimboli - The Guardian

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We acknowledge and respect the Palawa people as the traditional and ongoing owners of the skies, land, and water of Lutruwita. We pay our respects to their elders both past and present and acknowledge that sovereignty has never been ceded.

SAFE SPACE
We believe in safe and positive spaces where all people are welcome and respected. If you experience or see something that doesn’t look right, please report it to one of our friendly staff.

ACCESSIBILITY
Level access is available from 112 Murray Street via the black and white laneway leading to the Garden. There is one accessible toilet. There is braille signage and tactile ground surface indicators throughout the venue. Please contact us via info@altarhobart.com.au prior to the show day or speak to staff at In The Hanging Garden for assistance.

If you hold a government-issued Companion Card for people with disabilities who require a companion and are purchasing a full-priced ticket to our event, you may be eligible for one free ticket for your companion, please contact Moshtix here.