MBC Chats: Mac the Knife – Labour in Vain

The garage-punk heavy hitters take us through their latest release and what their new sound means for the future.

By Jack O’Connor

A couple of weeks ago, Sydney garage-punks Mac the Knife shared the first offering from their upcoming EP, with the track ‘Labour in Vain’. The song is a battle cry to overcome the fear of judgement of others, and is a love letter to becoming a better self. The band have been a staple in Sydney’s underground music scene for years and are finding strong form in 2022, fresh off some big supports for the likes of Johnny Hunter, and getting love from Triple J and FBI – perfectly preceding their upcoming EP ‘In the Shadow of it All’.

“It is a love letter to being a better you, to acknowledging your shit and working through it.” shares the groups guitarist, Curtis. “But more importantly, to being happy with who you are without the validation of others. A reminder that fear only holds control over you if you allow it to.” Regardless of how heavy hitting the band can be sonically, their unmistakable honesty and imagination shines through the thrilling music.

“We are so happy to finally show what we’ve been working on for what feels like forever and how far our music has changed from the first E.P. “

‘Labour in Vain’ is the bands first release since 2018, and it’s clear to see that the last few years have influenced their sound in 2022.

“We got a chance to redefine our music evolving it into something we’re really proud of.” shares Curtis, continuing “It’s made us more thoughtful about what we’re writing about and reignited the fire for live music. It’s so nice being back playing live!”

Mac the Knife manage to acknowledge their influences and reference some of the great bands of our time, whilst maintaining complete authenticity in their music. Citing Idles, The Murder Capital, Fontaine’s D.C., Press Club and The Strokes as the soundtrack to the studio sessions for In the Shadow of it All. The band also showed love for Sydney locals Muscle Mary, Barley Passable, Joseph Liddy and the Skeleton Horse and Marilyn Maria, stating that these acts are favourites at the moment.

One such act, Marilyn Maria are supporting Mac the Knife at The House of Music and Booze this weekend. “Some unbelievable bands are playing with us and if the show sells out maybe Bryn will remove his shirt.” Said Curtis. “If that’s not a selling point I don’t know what is!” Well, you heard the man. Tickets are moving incredibly fast and will sell-out! Get them now here and find out what all the hype is about for yourself.