history

Formerly known as One Man Down, dynamic Wollongong 4 piece Powerplant have just embarked on a new wave of touring; bouyant and confident after an immensely satisfying and successful inaugrual year.

Launched in October '96 with a blistering live gig at Wollongong's central music venue, the Oxford Tavern, Powerplant proceeded to impress patrons and critics alike throughout the year while refining and extending their musical capabilities.

After splitting amiably with one of their guitarists, the band went to the studio to record their first E.P., "Peppered With Pain", a 5 track showcase of their personal brand of punchy Aussie rock. With this E.P. behind them Powerplant have stepped up a gear with explosive performances already this summer at the North 'Gong, Huskisson, Berry, The Whitehall, The Bat & Ball Hotel, Caringbah`s Bizzos, The Lakeview Hotel, The Intersection and an outdoor gig at Brandon Park.

Rewards were forthcoming, with their hard work on the road and in the studio, culminating with airplay on Sydney's 2MMM, both in the evening "Rubber Room" and "Home Grown" programmes. Two months later, Wollongong's top rating station I98FM also began featuring their music, and have continued to do so over the Christmas break and into the New year. In fact, track 4 off the E.P., "Fool" became the station's ninth most requested song a mere fortnight into the New Year. This year, 2MMM began playing Powerplant's music again on their"Home Grown" show.

Powerplant's music has been described as "moderate to hard rock", and booking agents have referred to the South Coast Quartet as "the definitive Australian rock band". Though determined to make a name nationally, the band, backed by a repertoire of about thirty songs, has also set its sights on the international market. To achieve both goals, Powerplant - who have recieved nothing but praise for their original music - recently put together a number of covers in order to further broaden their appeal.

Powerplant who aspire to make a living from their music, have played numerous gigs around the South Coast and Sydney, including areas (Such as Berry and Huskisson) that have traditionally been the habitat of covers' bands. Venues include the Oxford Tavern, Berry's Great Southern Hotel, Huskisson Hotel, North 'Gong Hotel, Wollongong Uni Bar, Bourbon St at the Forest Inn, The Cage at the Arncliffe Hotel, Steelers Club, Windang Bowling Club Auditorium, Gosford City Showground, the Rocks Rhythmboat, Wentworthville Hotel, The Whitehall, The Bat & Ball Hotel, Caringbah Businessmen's Club (Bizzos), The Intersection and Wollongong's Brandon Park. Under the name of One Man Down, Powerplant was the feature Act at an overwhelming majority of these venues.

Powerplant's aim is to win over as many people as possible with their enthusiasm and brand of original rock