Alcotomic Unplugged: From 90s Demos to the 8 Second Empire

For Fans Of: Ash, The Lemonheads, You Am I, Weezer, Screamfeeder

Host Aaron chats with John Freeman Baxter of Alcotomic about his backyard studio, the band’s new album 8 Second Empire, and the 90s Melbourne music scene that shaped their sound.

They discuss songwriting rooted in old demos, authentic recording approaches, standout tracks like "Bridges," "Sunshine," "Tom Lee Park," and "Ruby Shoes," plus video-making, mental health themes, and plans to return to live gigs — with a reminder to support local venues and call a mate.

 "Alcotomic not breaking left or right but enjoying the front-facing fun of singing over the revolutions of spinning guitars ...a ‘90s sound that might have slept under the Glebe Point Bridge." Bernard Zuel Alcotomic formed in Melbourne in 1996 after singer John Freeman Baxter left Holocene. Backed by producers Lindsay Gravina and David Price, the trio developed a distinctive blend of power pop and melodic rock, gaining airplay on triple j and community radio.

Their track Living in Luxury featured on TV shows like Stingers and Good Guys, Bad Guys, and they were offered a record deal with Polygram, which fell through due to restructuring. Despite setbacks, the band continued recording and touring, appearing on ABC’s Recovery, signing with US label Not Lame Records, and showcasing at the 1998 Pacific Circle Music Conference. After disbanding in 2001, Alcotomic returned two decades later, sparked by Baxter rediscovering old demo tapes.

Joined by Doug Lee Robertson (Icecream Hands) and Jay Pinfold (Juke Kartel), the band began recording again, releasing the comeback single Bridges, which gained over 10,000 Spotify plays in six weeks. Their new album, 8 Second Empire, reflects on the short attention spans of modern listeners. Tracks tackle serious themes: Hanging Out explores addiction, Pale & Thin addresses bullying and body image, and Tom Lee Park reflects on teenage struggles. Seventeen and Ruby Shoes showcase their melodic rock roots, while Sunshine—the lead single—deals with mental health and the longing for light. Rejecting AI and overproduction, the band focused on raw, authentic performances. 

Their sound blends 70's influences like Big Star with 90s' acts such as You Am I and Weezer, proving Alcotomic’s enduring relevance in 2025.

Join us for a LIVE chat with John Freeman Baxter on Tuesday 7th October from 8:00 pm AEST.