Full Scale Revolution (formerly known as Full Scale Deflection and then just Full Scale) are an Australian alternative metal band that formed in Perth in 1998, before relocating to Melbourne in 2001.
Fronted by Ezekiel Ox, a frequent performer at protests, Full Scale are an intense live experience. As Full Scale Deflection, the band released their debut album, Symptoms of Chaos in 2000. As Full Scale, they released in 2003, two EPs — Black Arrows and White Arrows — and a self-titled album in 2005.
Full Scale toured heavily with songs like "Party Political" and songs like "Sixteen today" — about refugee children in prison — are unfortunately still very relevant.
The band are reuniting, with Ox joining up with founding Jimmy Tee, for a few shows in February after re-discovering a lost track (“1945”). When Sony took the song offline, the band named their tour “Fuck Sony”.
鶹ý Weekly's Chris Peterson spoke to Ox about his old band — and its political message.
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Have you been able to gauge the impact of Full Scale? Can music change the world?
Music is just there. It is the world, no one imagines a world without music. The system needs to change, but they use music to spread their messages too. It's just about making your music better than the songs of your oppressor.
With new line up changes, what can we expect from the show?
Well we welcome Jimmy Tee back into the fold for the first time since 2005, so that's exciting. He took some time out playing with Helmet and Sleeping Giant. It's like having a brother back for me, which is a great time.
Melbourne is fast losing its live music venues. In a time of cutbacks, do people have a right to art?
They don't just have the right to art, they have the right to make art. On the streets, in their homes, in the bars, parks and theatres. The fight for venues like the Palace and The Tote shows that Melbourne's music community is strong and ready to fight for the ongoing diversity of our city's culture.
Any plans for new tracks in the works?
Sony just took the new Full Scale track down, apparently they own it and don't want the fans to hear it. Fuck Sony!
I am releasing a new solo track called “Propaganda” in late February. It's my new solo stuff, and it's here to fill the clubs and smash the state.
[Full Scale Revolution are playing in Canberra on February 10; Sydney on February 11; Melbourne on February 13; and Perth February 14. Check out their Facebook page for full details.]
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