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Kisschasy
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Kisschasy are an Australian rock band that formed in Melbourne, Victoria in 2002. Their line-up consists of lead vocalist Darren Cordeux, bassist Joel Vanderuit, guitarist Sean Thomas and drummer Karl Ammitzboll. The band released two gold certified studio albums, two extended plays, a documentary DVD and a compilation album in their initial 10-year career, selling in excess of 90,000 records.[1]
Key Information
Band history
[edit]Formation and early releases
[edit]Kisschasy formed in 2002. Three of the four members of the band grew up near the small country town of Balnarring in the Mornington Peninsula of Victoria. Darren Cordeux, the lead singer and guitarist, grew up in Cranbourne, Victoria, a large town north of the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria. Joel Vanderuit, Sean Thomas and Karl Ammitzboll played in a local band called Tenpin, who achieved a little local success. The formation of Kisschasy happened when Tenpin met Cordeux's band at the Arthouse in Melbourne in early 2002. The band name ended up being a "toss-up between Kisschasy and "Other Stuff".[2]
In 2004, Kisschasy released two EPs on indie label Below Par Records, the first titled Darkside / Stay Awake, the second Cara Sposa. The band toured in support of these EP's right up to the point of recording their first album United Paper People.
United Paper People (2005)
[edit]Kisschasy's debut album United Paper People was recorded and produced by Phillip McKellar (Silverchair, Grinspoon) in Sydney during February 2005. The band then flew to Seattle in March of the same year to mix United Paper People with Barrett Jones who had worked with the likes of Nirvana and the Foo Fighters.
The first single from the album was "Do-Do's & Whoa-Oh's", which gained heavy rotation on both commercial and alternative radio. The band received an ARIA Award for Breakthrough Artist - Single at the ARIA Music Awards of 2005 nomination for "Do-Do's & Whoa-Oh's", as well as a Channel V Oz Artist of the Year nomination in 2005.[3] Kisschasy were also nominated for the "Spankin' New Aussie Artist" award at the MTV Australia Video Music Awards 2006.
Hymns for the Nonbeliever (2007–2008)
[edit]In late 2006, Kisschasy went into pre-production for their follow up to United Paper People, titled Hymns for the Nonbeliever. They recruited British producer Chris Sheldon, who had previously worked with acts such as Feeder, Pixies, Biffy Clyro, Therapy?, Anthrax and Foo Fighters, to produce, engineer, and mix. The album was recorded at The Grove Studios in the Central Coast of NSW and Rockinghorse Studios just outside Byron Bay throughout December 2006 and January 2007. The album's first two singles, "Opinions Won't Keep You Warm at Night" and "Spray on Pants", were mixed by Jerry Finn.
Hymns for the Nonbeliever was released on 21 July 2007. Hymns for the Nonbeliever was Kisschasy's second album to be certified gold in Australia. The third single off the album was "Strings and Drums".
In May 2008, EMI released a 16 track Kisschasy compilation album, titled Too B or Not Too B. The album includes acoustic tracks and b-sides, with a bonus DVD of all their music videos from United Paper People and Hymns for the Nonbeliever (excluding "Ugly Birds in a Beautiful Cage" as it was released just after the DVD).[1]
Seizures and split (2009–2015)
[edit]Kisschasy's third studio album, Seizures, was released in August 2009 and recorded in Los Angeles with producer Rob Schnapf (Beck, Powderfinger, The Vines)[4] In June 2009 they launched a new website in conjunction with the album's theme.
The album's first single, "Generation Why", was released to radio airplay and as a digital download on 7 July 2009.[4][5] The song's music video was released onto YouTube prior to the single on 24 June 2009.[6] It was released as a CD single on 24 July 2009.[7] The song is about "armchair philosophers who love to complain," according to songwriter Darren Cordeux, who also said, "The title kind of came after the song was written so its not exactly specific to 'my generation' but I do spend the most time with people around my own age so I guess it could be taken that way". The album's second single, "Turnaround", was released in September 2009 and the video was shot at the Darlinghurst Community Centre, Sydney. In mid-January 2010 it was announced that the band's third single of the album would be 'Dinosaur'. The music video was created by a university student and featured two animated dinosaurs.
Kisschasy undertook the Seizures tour around Australia in late 2009,[4] and in the same year the band was voted the Channel V Oz Artist of the Year.[8] Kisschasy were part of the first announcement lineup for the 2010 Big Day Out. After their 2009 national tour, they also performed at Southbound, MS Fest, Pushover and Groovin' The Moo.
On 17 July 2015, the band announced on their Facebook page that they were disbanding, following the 10-year anniversary of their debut album. They simultaneously announced a farewell tour, which would see their debut album played in its entirety, alongside other crowd favourites. This tour ran throughout the month of October 2015.[9]
Reunion (2022–present)
[edit]On 15 June 2022, Kisschasy were announced as one of the acts for Good Things Festival, with the band playing United Paper People in full on the tour.[10] Following the completion of the run, the band announced a national Australian tour for May 2023.[11]
In May 2025, they released "Lie to Me"; the first new music in 16 years[12] followed by the release of "Parasite" in August.[13]
Personnel
[edit]- Darren Cordeux – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
- Joel Vanderuit – bass, backing vocals
- Sean Thomas – lead guitar, backing vocals
- Karl Ammitzboll – drums, backing vocals
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]- United Paper People (2005)
- Hymns for the Nonbeliever (2007)
- Seizures (2009)
- The Terrors of Comfort (2026)
Awards and nominations
[edit]ARIA Music Awards
[edit]The ARIA Music Awards is an annual awards ceremony that recognises excellence, innovation, and achievement across all genres of Australian music. They commenced in 1987. Kisschasy were named for three awards.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | "Do-Do's & Whoa-Oh's" | Breakthrough Artist - Single | Nominated | [3] |
| David Homer & Aaron Hayward, Debaser for Kisschasy United Paper People | Best Cover Art | Nominated | ||
| 2007 | Kisschasy: The Movie | Best Music DVD | Nominated | [14] |
Channel V Oz Artist of the Year
[edit]The Channel V Oz Artist of the Year was an annual award presented by Channel V Australia and is voted by the Australian public. It ran from 1997 to 2014. Kisschasy won one award from four nominations.[15]
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Kisschasy | Channel V Oz Artist of the Year | Nominated |
| 2007 | Kisschasy | Channel V Oz Artist of the Year | Nominated |
| 2008 | Kisschasy | Channel V Oz Artist of the Year | Nominated |
| 2009 | Kisschasy | Channel V Oz Artist of the Year | Won |
References
[edit]- ^ a b Kisschasy. "Too B or Not too B". Musichead.com.au. Retrieved 14 May 2008.
- ^ "triple j - jmag". Abc.net.au. 15 April 2005. Retrieved 23 March 2012.
- ^ a b "ARIA Awards 2007 : History: Winners by Year". Archived from the original on 26 September 2007. Retrieved 29 September 2020.
- ^ a b c "New albums from Lisa Mitchell, Kisschasy and Dodos". Triple J. Retrieved 9 July 2009.
- ^ "Kisschasy". Kisschasy. Archived from the original on 14 February 2012. Retrieved 23 March 2012.
- ^ "Kisschasy - Generation Why". YouTube. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 8 July 2009.
- ^ "Generation Why | CD & DVD Music, Music Genres, Alternative: JB HI-FI". Jbhifionline.com.au. Retrieved 23 March 2012.
- ^ [1][dead link]
- ^ "Kisschasy". Facebook.com. Archived from the original on 26 February 2022. Retrieved 29 September 2020.
- ^ Bring Me The Horizon Headline Stacked Good Things 2022 Lineup. Sosefina Fuamoli, Music Feeds, 15 June 2022. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
- ^ Robinson, Ellie. "Kisschasy announce national headline tour for 2023". NME Australia. BandLab Technologies. Retrieved 6 December 2022.
- ^ Tyler Jenke (25 May 2025). "Kisschasy Announce First New Single In 16 Years "Lie to Me"". The Music. Retrieved 8 June 2025.
- ^ Kennedy, Jade (14 August 2025). "Kisschasy". The Music Network. Retrieved 15 August 2025.
- ^ "ARIA Awards – History: Winners by Year 2007: 21st Annual ARIA Awards". Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Archived from the original on 18 November 2007. Retrieved 13 June 2012.
- ^ "AND THE 2009 [V] OZ ARTIST OF THE YEAR IS..." auspOp. 10 October 2009. Retrieved 17 July 2016.[permanent dead link]
External links
[edit]- Kisschasy.com Official website
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![[1]](http://www.vmusic.com.au/images/microsites/2009_ozartist/winner/ozwinner_keystone_top.jpg){kind=link}
Kisschasy
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
History
Formation and early releases (2002–2004)
Kisschasy formed in 2002 in the suburban Mornington Peninsula area near Melbourne, Victoria, amid Australia's burgeoning alternative rock scene. The band originated from a collaboration between lead vocalist and guitarist Darren Cordeux and bassist Joel Vanderuit, who soon recruited guitarist Sean Thomas and drummer Karl Ammitzboll to complete the lineup; this core group remained stable through the band's initial years without any changes. Drawing from the energetic pop-punk and emo styles prevalent in early 2000s Australian music, Kisschasy quickly developed a sound characterized by catchy hooks, introspective lyrics, and high-energy performances that resonated in local venues.[6] The band's early momentum built through grassroots efforts, including demo recordings in 2003 such as "Captain Obvious" and "Overdose," which showcased their raw pop-punk edge and helped generate local buzz. Their official debut came in 2004 with the independent EP Darkside / Stay Awake, released on March 1 via the Australian indie label Below Par Records; the five-track release featured songs like "Darkside," "Stay Awake," and "Anger Is the Brand New Thing," blending upbeat riffs with emotional depth and including acoustic and demo versions for added intimacy. Later that year, on October 4, Kisschasy followed up with the EP Cara Sposa, also on Below Par Records, containing tracks such as "Reminder," "A Love Affair With Distance," and "One Mistake," which further honed their melodic rock style and expanded their regional following through initial live shows at Melbourne-area clubs.[7][8][9][10][11] By late 2004, Kisschasy had secured a deal with Below Par Records, positioning them for broader exposure as an emerging act in Australia's indie rock landscape; this partnership paved the way for their transition to full-length album production in the following year.[12][13]United Paper People era (2005–2006)
In early 2005, Kisschasy recorded their debut studio album United Paper People at Megaphon Studios in Sydney with producer Phillip McKellar.[14] The sessions built on the band's prior independent EPs, capturing their pop-punk energy across 13 tracks, including an interlude.[15] Mixing was handled by Barrett Jones at Robert Lang Studios in Seattle, with mastering completed at Sterling Sound in New York.[14] The album was released on July 31, 2005, through the independent label Below Par Records, distributed by Eleven: A Music Company and Virgin.[14] It featured lead singles "Do-Do's & Whoa-Oh's," "With Friends Like You, Who Needs Friends?," and "The Shake," each accompanied by music videos that helped introduce the band to a wider audience.[15] United Paper People marked Kisschasy's entry into the mainstream Australian music scene, debuting at No. 15 on the ARIA Albums Chart and eventually certified gold for sales exceeding 35,000 copies.[16][17] Promotion centered on a national headline tour, including shows in Western Australia alongside Horsell Common, and festival appearances such as Homebake 2005, where the band performed hits like "Do-Do's & Whoa-Oh's."[18][19] Kisschasy also gained exposure opening for international punk acts like No Use for a Name and Against Me!, broadening their fanbase during this period.[20] The singles received consistent rotation on Triple J, contributing to the album's radio presence and live draw.[21] Critics highlighted the album's catchy pop-rock hooks and youthful vigor, positioning Kisschasy as a promising force in Australian pop-punk, though some noted its reliance on familiar three-chord structures reminiscent of Blink-182.[22][23] Reviews praised tracks like "Water on a Stove" and "Black Dress" for their melodic appeal, while acknowledging the record's role in elevating the band from local indie status to national recognition.[23]Hymns for the Nonbeliever era (2007–2008)
In late 2006, Kisschasy entered pre-production for their sophomore album, Hymns for the Nonbeliever, working with British producer Chris Sheldon to refine their sound. The recording took place primarily at The Grove Studios on Australia's Central Coast and Rockinghorse Studios in Byron Bay during 2006, with select tracks—specifically "Opinions Won't Keep You Warm at Night" and "Morningside"—mixed at Glenwood Studios in Los Angeles in 2007. This collaboration introduced a more polished alternative rock aesthetic, featuring layered production and emotional depth that evolved from the raw pop-punk energy of their 2005 debut United Paper People, emphasizing introspective lyrics and dynamic arrangements.[24][25] Released on 21 July 2007 through Eleven: A Music Company, Hymns for the Nonbeliever debuted at No. 5 on the ARIA Albums Chart and remained on the ranking for nine weeks. The lead single, "Opinions Won't Keep You Warm at Night," achieved commercial success by peaking at No. 10 on the ARIA Singles Chart upon its June 2007 release, bolstered by a narrative-driven music video that highlighted the song's themes of vulnerability. Follow-up singles "Spray on Pants" (November 2007) and "Strings and Drums" (March 2008) further supported the album's rollout, with the latter performed live at the 2008 MTV Australia Awards. The record's tracklist, spanning 12 songs and 42 minutes, showcased Kisschasy's growth in blending melodic hooks with thematic exploration of relationships and self-doubt.[24][26][27] Promotion centered on an intensive Australian tour throughout 2007 and 2008, including headline shows and festival appearances that solidified the band's domestic fanbase. A highlight was their performance at the inaugural multi-city Soundwave festival in March 2008, where they shared stages with international acts like Incubus and Killswitch Engage across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth. This era marked Kisschasy's push toward broader exposure, with the Los Angeles mixing sessions signaling early international ambitions, though activities remained primarily Australia-focused. The tour emphasized live renditions of new material, fostering audience connection through energetic sets that balanced the album's emotive tracks with crowd favorites from their debut.[28] Critically and commercially, Hymns for the Nonbeliever earned ARIA gold certification for sales exceeding 35,000 units, reflecting its strong reception as a mature follow-up that elevated Kisschasy's profile. Reviewers praised the album's songwriting evolution, noting Sheldon's production lent a sophisticated sheen to themes of heartbreak and resilience, distinguishing it from the band's earlier, more youthful pop-punk roots—though some longtime fans debated the stylistic shift toward alternative rock introspection. The release boosted the band's media presence, with features in outlets like Rolling Stone Australia highlighting their rising status in the local scene.[3]Seizures and hiatus (2009–2015)
Following the release of their second album Hymns for the Nonbeliever in 2007, Kisschasy began developing material for their third studio album, Seizures, with songwriting led primarily by frontman Darren Cordeux. The album was produced by Rob Schnapf, known for his work with artists such as Beck and Powderfinger, and recorded primarily in Los Angeles during 2009. Released on 21 August 2009 through Below Par Records—an imprint of Eleven: A Music Company distributed by Universal Music Australia—Seizures marked a shift toward a more experimental indie rock sound, incorporating mature lyrical themes of personal reflection and relationships while retaining the band's pop-infused energy.[29][30] The album debuted at No. 15 on the ARIA Albums Chart, a respectable but lower peak compared to the band's prior releases, reflecting a period of commercial stabilization amid evolving musical landscapes. Key singles included "Generation Why," the lead track emphasizing generational disillusionment; "Turnaround," which explored emotional pivots; and "Dinosaur," a reflective piece on band dynamics that reached the ARIA Singles Chart top 40. Promotion was centered on a national Australian tour in late 2009, though the band's schedule was constrained by growing fatigue from over a decade of continuous activity since their 2002 formation. Critical reception praised the album's authenticity and production polish, with reviewers noting its departure from earlier pop-rock accessibility toward introspective indie elements, though it underperformed commercially relative to Hymns for the Nonbeliever.[16][30] In the years following Seizures, Kisschasy maintained a sporadic touring presence, including festival appearances, but produced no new full-length material as internal tensions mounted. Reports highlighted creative differences, with members' musical tastes diverging—Cordeux expressed interest in a more subdued, Teenage Fanclub-inspired direction that did not align with the group's collective vision—compounded by exhaustion from years of relentless touring and recording. These dynamics culminated in the band's announcement of an indefinite hiatus on 17 July 2015, framed as an amicable decision to pursue individual paths after 13 years together. The split was preceded by final performances on a farewell tour in October 2015, celebrating the 10-year anniversary of their debut album United Paper People, after which members engaged in sporadic side projects, including Cordeux's early solo endeavors.[31][32]Reunion and recent developments (2022–present)
In June 2022, Kisschasy announced their reunion via social media, confirming appearances at the Good Things Festival in December that year, their first shows since the 2015 hiatus. The original lineup—Darren Cordeux on vocals and guitar, Joel Vanderuit on bass, Karl Ammitzboll on drums, and Sean Thomas on guitar—reconvened, motivated by the festival invitation and a shared sense of nostalgia among members and fans alike.[33] The band's post-hiatus performances began with sets at Good Things Festival in Melbourne and Sydney, where they played their 2005 album United Paper People in full to enthusiastic crowds. This momentum led to the announcement of a national headline tour in December 2022, which took place across May 2023, visiting major cities including Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Sydney, and Melbourne to mark the band's 20th anniversary since formation in 2002.[34][33] After over a decade without new material, Kisschasy released their first single in 16 years, "Lie to Me", on May 23, 2025, produced by frontman Darren Cordeux in collaboration with Richard Stolz at Woodstock Studios in Melbourne. The track blends the band's signature alt-rock energy with contemporary production elements, signaling the development of a fourth studio album. Follow-up single "Parasite", released on August 14, 2025, continued this revival, recorded across Melbourne and Cordeux's Los Angeles studio, mixed by John O'Mahony, and featuring raw, introspective lyrics about emotional dependencies. "Uncomfortably Numb", released on November 13, 2025, further previews the album.[35][36][37] In 2025, the band launched the "Hymns for the New Believers" national tour in June, a six-date run starting in Perth and ending in Melbourne, where they performed their 2007 album Hymns for the Nonbeliever in full to celebrate its first-ever vinyl pressing. They made further appearances at the BIGSOUND industry conference in Brisbane in September, including a performance at the Oztix Official After-Party. In October 2025, Kisschasy were confirmed as support for Good Charlotte's Motel Du Cap World Tour dates in Australia, scheduled for February 2026 across Perth, Brisbane, Bendigo, and Sydney.[38][4][39] As of November 2025, Kisschasy remain active, with the fourth album, titled The Terrors of Comfort and featuring 10 tracks, scheduled for release on February 13, 2026, reflecting a matured evolution of their sound while reconnecting with longtime fans and attracting a new generation through streaming and festival circuits.[3][40]Musical style and influences
Genre and evolution
Kisschasy's music is rooted in alternative rock with prominent pop-punk influences, blending catchy melodies, power chords, and energetic rhythms typical of early 2000s Australian rock. Their sound draws from emo-pop and pop rock elements, featuring hook-driven choruses and a mix of upbeat anthems and emotive ballads.[2][41][42] The band's debut album, United Paper People (2005), exemplified their initial pop-punk style with simple, three-chord structures and infectious hooks reminiscent of Blink-182, emphasizing guitar riffs and youthful exuberance. By their second album, Hymns for the Nonbeliever (2007), production became more polished under Chris Sheldon, enhancing the pop-rock arrangements with tighter instrumentation and broader dynamic range while retaining melodic accessibility.[23][24][43] On their third album, Seizures (2009), produced by Rob Schnapf, Kisschasy demonstrated notable evolution toward a more mature alternative rock sound, incorporating introspective tones and varied textures beyond their pop-punk origins, though still anchored by powerhouse riffs and rhythms. The instrumental foundation throughout their career relies on Darren Cordeux's dynamic vocals—shifting from high-energy delivery to emotive phrasing—complemented by Sean Thomas's melodic guitar lines, Joel Vanderuit's rhythm-focused bass, and Karl Ammitzboll's propulsive drumming that drives the band's energetic live presence.[30][44][45] Following a hiatus and reunion in 2022, Kisschasy's 2025 singles like "Lie to Me" and "Parasite" reflect a post-reunion shift, adding a modern edge with '90s-inspired guitar riffs and refined arrangements that fuse nostalgic pop-punk hooks with contemporary alternative rock sensibilities, produced by Cordeux himself for a raw yet sophisticated feel.[46][47][48] The band's sound has been influenced by acts such as Weezer, Superchunk, and Fountains of Wayne, alongside the broader 2000s emo-influenced Australian rock scene, contributing to their blend of pop accessibility and emotional depth.[49][50]Lyrics and themes
Kisschasy's early lyrics, particularly on their 2005 debut album United Paper People, centered on youthful rebellion and romantic relationships, often capturing the angst and heartbreak of young adulthood. Songs like "This Bed" explore themes of emotional turmoil in faltering romances, using vivid imagery of longing and loss to convey the push-pull of love and independence. This period's songwriting reflected the band's formative experiences as Melbourne-based twenty-somethings navigating personal freedoms and relational conflicts, with a raw, confessional edge that resonated with Australian youth culture.[51] As the band evolved, their sophomore album Hymns for the Nonbeliever (2007) introduced motifs of spiritual doubt and personal growth, broadening beyond interpersonal drama to critique societal and existential issues. The album embodies skepticism toward organized religion and blind faith, juxtaposing irony-laced pleas for authenticity against institutional hypocrisy, while tracks like "Opinions Won't Keep You Warm at Night" emphasize self-acceptance amid external judgment. Lead singer Darren Cordeux described the album's content as addressing "global politics, animal cruelty, religion, love and deception," drawing from a growing disillusionment that marked a shift toward more introspective and politically tinged narratives.[43] By their third album, Seizures (2009), the lyrics delved into darker introspection on mental health and addiction, reflecting Cordeux's personal struggles during the recording process. The opening title track grapples with existential despair and suicidal ideation, questioning life's purpose with lines like "Everything seems so pointless in your life," while tracks like "Turnaround" examine the paralyzing weight of choices amid self-destructive habits. This era's themes of vulnerability and recovery contrasted sharply with earlier optimism, signaling a maturation in the band's exploration of inner turmoil.[30] Following a lengthy hiatus, Kisschasy's 2025 reunion singles signal a hopeful renewal, revisiting trust and deception with renewed energy. "Lie to Me" confronts the allure of comforting lies in relationships, advocating for blissful ignorance over painful truths, as Cordeux noted its inspiration from a post-writer's block epiphany that captured relational complexities without bitterness.[52] Similarly, "Parasite" addresses clinging to toxic influences—be they people or vices—that drain vitality, blending cautionary reflection with anthemic resolve for release.[53] These tracks evolve prior relational motifs toward empowerment and forward momentum, aligning with the band's post-reunion ethos of growth.[48] The songwriting process has remained primarily Cordeux-led, rooted in personal experiences and executed through home studio experimentation, as seen in the year-long solitary writing for Seizures.[30] While Cordeux handles core composition, the band provides collaborative input on refinement, infusing lyrics with metaphor and irony drawn from Australian vernacular for a distinctly local flavor—evident in cheeky, colloquial turns of phrase that ground universal emotions.[3] Critics and fans have praised Kisschasy's lyrics for their relatability and clever hooks, fostering deep fan connections through honest portrayals of youth and adversity that influenced subsequent Australian pop-punk acts.[30] However, some reviews noted occasional critiques of simplicity in more pop-oriented tracks, arguing they prioritized radio appeal over lyrical depth.[43] Despite this, the enduring appeal lies in their unpretentious authenticity, which continues to draw intergenerational audiences.[4]Band members
Current lineup
The current lineup of Kisschasy consists of its four original members, who reunited in 2022 for festival appearances and have remained active together without any touring substitutes as of 2025.[54][55] Darren "Daz" Cordeux serves as lead vocalist and guitarist, acting as the band's primary songwriter while handling most interviews and steering creative direction in the post-reunion era, including the development of new singles like "Lie To Me" and "Parasite."[56][3][55] Sean Thomas plays lead guitar, contributing to the band's melodic structures and participating in their 2025 national tour dates alongside support acts Sly Withers and Suzi.[57][58] Joel Vanderuit handles bass guitar, anchoring the foundational rhythm and joining Cordeux in key discussions about the band's resurgence and upcoming album.[59][4] Karl Ammitzboll provides drums, maintaining the high-energy live sets that have defined the band's performances since their formation, with his role unchanged through the reunion.[55][45] This stable configuration has facilitated seamless recent tours and the release of new material after a decade-long hiatus.[54]Former members and timeline
Kisschasy formed in Melbourne, Victoria, in 2002 with its original and stable lineup consisting of lead vocalist and guitarist Darren Cordeux, bassist Joel Vanderuit, guitarist Sean Thomas, and drummer Karl Ammitzboll.[2] This core quartet remained intact throughout the band's active years, with no permanent departures or additions to the recording or primary touring roster.[60] The band's timeline reflects a period of consistent stability from formation through peak activity in the mid-2000s, including the release of their debut album United Paper People in 2005 and follow-up Hymns for the Nonbeliever in 2007.[6] Following the release of Seizures, Kisschasy entered an informal hiatus amid creative and personal challenges, leading to reduced activity by 2009.[32] This phase culminated in an official announcement of their disbandment in July 2015, after which they embarked on a farewell tour celebrating the 10th anniversary of United Paper People.[32] During the 2015–2022 hiatus, the members pursued low-profile endeavors outside the band. Cordeux relocated to Los Angeles and launched a solo project under the moniker Daz & the Demons, focusing on alternative rock songwriting and production.[61][62] Vanderuit stepped away from music entirely, not touching his bass guitar until preparations for the band's reunion began.[63] Details on activities by Thomas and Ammitzboll remain limited, with both maintaining a low public profile during this period.[56] The original lineup reconvened without changes for a one-off performance at the 2022 Good Things Festival, marking the start of their return to touring and new music in 2023.[56]Discography
Studio albums
Kisschasy have released three studio albums, with a fourth forthcoming in 2026. Their discography reflects an evolution from pop-punk roots to more mature alternative rock, achieving commercial success in Australia through ARIA-charting releases and gold certifications for their first two efforts.| Album | Release date | Label | ARIA peak | Certification | Tracks | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Paper People | July 31, 2005 | Below Par Records | 15 | Gold (35,000+) | 12 | 42:00 |
| Hymns for the Nonbeliever | July 21, 2007 | Below Par Records | 5 | Gold (35,000+) | 11 | 42:22 |
| Seizures | August 21, 2009 | Below Par Records / Eleven: A Music Company | 15 | — | 11 | 31:17 |
Extended plays and singles
Kisschasy released their debut extended plays in 2004 on the independent label Below Par Records, marking the band's initial foray into recorded music following their formation in 2002. The first EP, Darkside / Stay Awake, featured five tracks including the title tracks "Darkside" and "Stay Awake," along with "Anger Is the Brand New Thing," and was distributed through Inertia. Shortly after, the band issued Cara Sposa, another five-track EP containing songs such as "Reminder," "A Love Affair With Distance," and "One Mistake." These early releases helped build the band's live following through supporting tours across Australia.[60][9] In 2005, Kisschasy expanded their EP catalog with two more releases under Below Par Records in partnership with Eleven: A Music Company and Virgin. Do-Do's & Whoa-Oh's included the titular lead track, which peaked at number 25 on the ARIA Singles Chart and spent five weeks in the top 100. The EP's energetic pop-punk sound contributed to the band's growing popularity. Later that year, Face Without A Name was released, with its title track reaching number 41 on the ARIA Singles Chart. A compilation of the band's first two EPs, titled Fire in the Breeze, was issued exclusively in Japan in 2005, incorporating additional early demo material.[60][64] The band's singles output began prominently in 2005 alongside their EP promotions but accelerated with their major-label signing to Virgin. Key early singles included "The Shake" in 2006, which charted at number 25 on the ARIA Singles Chart. From their 2007 album Hymns for the Nonbeliever, "Opinions Won't Keep You Warm at Night" became their biggest hit, peaking at number 10 and remaining on the ARIA Singles Chart for 20 weeks. "Spray on Pants," also from 2007, reached number 47. Later singles like "Dinosaur" in 2010 achieved gold certification from ARIA for shipments exceeding 35,000 units and peaked at number 38 on the chart. Over their career, Kisschasy has released more than 10 singles, several of which received significant radio play on stations like Triple J.[64][64] Following a lengthy hiatus, Kisschasy resumed releasing new music in 2025 as previews for their anticipated fourth studio album. The single "Lie to Me," released on May 23, 2025, marked their first original track in 16 years and emphasized streaming platforms with an official music video directed by Marcus Coblyn. Subsequently, "Parasite" arrived on August 15, 2025, topping the Triple J Unearthed chart and featuring a music video that highlighted the band's signature alt-rock energy. "Uncomfortably Numb," released on November 13, 2025, serves as the latest single from the upcoming album The Terrors of Comfort, with an accompanying music video. These releases have garnered attention for bridging their classic sound with contemporary production.[37][65][66][67]| Release Type | Title | Release Date | Label | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP | Darkside / Stay Awake | March 2004 | Below Par Records / Inertia | Debut EP, 5 tracks |
| EP | Cara Sposa | October 2004 | Below Par Records / Inertia | 5 tracks, early demo inclusions |
| EP | Do-Do's & Whoa-Oh's | July 2005 | Below Par Records / Virgin | Title track ARIA #25 |
| EP | Face Without A Name | November 2005 | Below Par Records / Virgin | Title track ARIA #41 |
| Single | The Shake | February 2006 | Virgin | ARIA #25 |
| Single | Opinions Won't Keep You Warm at Night | June 2007 | Virgin | ARIA #10, 20 weeks |
| Single | Spray on Pants | November 2007 | Virgin | ARIA #47 |
| Single | Dinosaur | March 2010 | Eleven: A Music Company / Universal | ARIA #38, ARIA Gold |
| Single | Lie to Me | May 23, 2025 | Independent | First post-reunion single, music video |
| Single | Parasite | August 15, 2025 | Independent | Triple J Unearthed #1, music video |
| Single | Uncomfortably Numb | November 13, 2025 | Independent | Album single for The Terrors of Comfort, music video |
Awards and nominations
ARIA Music Awards
Kisschasy received recognition at the ARIA Music Awards in the mid-2000s, accumulating two nominations with no wins. These accolades reflected their breakthrough in the Australian music scene tied to early releases. No further nominations have been received since 2007, including following their reunion in 2022, as of November 2025.[68] The band's first ARIA recognition came in 2005 with a nomination for Breakthrough Artist – Single for "Do-Do's & Whoa-Oh's", marking their entry into the awards following the release of their debut album United Paper People. Although they did not secure the win, the nod underscored their emerging presence on radio and in festivals.[69] In 2007, Kisschasy received a nomination for Best Music DVD for Kisschasy The Movie.[70]| Year | Nominee/Work | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | "Do-Do's & Whoa-Oh's" | Breakthrough Artist – Single | Nominated |
| 2007 | Kisschasy The Movie | Best Music DVD | Nominated |