Cartel bring bag of new tricks

Psychedelic electro-roots legends Tijuana Cartel return to the Capes next weekend for a trio of headline shows.

The Byron Bay band, pictured, have developed a reputation as gig junkies, mixing Middle Eastern scale influences with electronic drums and alternative rock.

Lead guitarist and vocalist Paul George said the band envisioned themselves as audience members when writing music and wanted to ensure crowds danced the night away.

“It was never our aim to put the psychedelic spin on our music. We were just writing music we enjoyed and we wanted to make sounds that really moves and explodes,” he said.

“We’re always searching to cultivate the perfect set and we draw from some really different influences.”

The duo will also bring a violinist for their WA shows, among “an array of new songs and new tricks”.

After developing a loyal worldwide audience, George and rhythm guitarist, electronic production and trumpeter Carey O’Sullivan will tour Europe again in June, with plans to release an album in May.

“We’ve been together as a band for about 15 years and gigging for the major part of the last decade,” George said.

“We still love it. We seem to get weirder as we grow older and it still feels new.”

O’Sullivan is known as a climate change activist and every year chooses several charities for which to raise funds via different concerts.

This year, O’Sullivan and George will travel to Richard Branson’s Necker Island to perform at a UN-backed climate change concert.

Tijuana Cartel play Karnidale tonight, Settlers Tavern Margaret River on Thursday, January 23 and Clancy’s Dunsborough on Friday, Dunsborough 24.

Tickets are $25.