Ninetynine
Ninetynine was originally founded as a solo project by Laura MacFarlane in 1996 and now exists as a Melbourne based band with other members including Cameron Potts, Meg Butler and Iain McIntyre. Ninetynine's music has been described as art-pop, combining elements of indie rock, post punk, along with its unique instrumentation of tuned percussion, layered Casio keyboards and drum beats.
Ninetynine have released several albums in addition to many singles and compilation contributions. The band have toured Australia and overseas numerous times to places including UK, Ireland, Germany, France, Netherlands, Finland, Spain, Russia, Iceland, USA, Canada, Mexico, Japan and New Zealand. John Peel acclaimed Ninetynine to be ‘some kind of wonderful’ and Rolling Stone explained the bands sound as ‘exotic pop’.
Music Releases
Ninetynine have released 7 albums spanning over 20 years. All albums have been reissued through Patsy Records and are on Bandcamp as well as other distribution and streaming services.
‘99’ by Ninetynine (1996 Patsy Records)
Was the debut and self-titled release by Ninetynine. The album was recorded in both Melbourne Australia and Portland USA at Horsekitty by Radio, with Laura playing the majority of instruments. The album was the first release on Patsy Records, MacFarlane’s own label and the album was also released in North America through Endearing Records. CMJ wrote ‘Laura MacFarlane is best known as Sleater-Kinney’s drummer, but she’s also a talented songwriter and multi-instrumentalist on her own’. Magnet US reviewed MacFarlane’s voice to be ‘winding through any given track like a seem of gold compressed between rock layers.’
‘767’ by Ninetynine (1998 Patsy Records)
This was the second album by the band. It was recorded in Melbourne with Nick Caroll at 486 Victoria St and Neil Thomason at Victoria Docks. Ninetynine became an established band with other members toward the end of this recording, as such 767 has a combination of solo performances as well as whole band recordings. Chapter Music released a 12 inch vinyl version of this album and Endearing Records released the album in North America. Rolling Stone Magazine wrote that Ninetynine ‘sound like good musicians from another planet’, and CMJ reviewed 767 to say the album ‘Successful transcends genre.’
‘180 Degrees’ by Ninetynine (2000 Patsy Records)
Has a fuller sound with greater use of keyboard and vibraphone instrumentation, as well as guest appearances by members of Sea Scouts. The album was released through Patsy records and vinyl version through Radio One. The band had developed more of an overseas following after international touring. The Age claimed Ninetynine to be one of the best Australian bands and Best wrote that the band were one of ‘Melbourne best kept secrets.’
‘Anatomy of Distance’ by Ninetynine (2002 Patsy Records)
The album is a collection of contributions to compilations, 7 inch releases, cover versions and outtakes from previous recordings. Was a joint release by Stickfigure (US) and Patsy records.
‘The Process’ by Ninetynine (2002 Patsy Records)
The album was recorded at Birdland studio in Melbourne. The album was originally issued through Trifekta and a vinyl 12 inch version through Appliances and Cars. ‘The Process’ received much critical aclaim and was named album of the week by both 3RRR and Beat who claimed Ninetynine to be ‘one of Australia’s most exciting rock bands’ and the album to be ‘nervy new wave art rock’. Inpress reviewed the album to say its ‘Pop alright but not as we know it’.
‘Worlds of Space, Worlds of Population, Worlds of Robots’ by Ninetynine (2006 Patsy Records)
The album was originally issued through Unstable Ape. The album was recorded at Headgap Studios and Sing Sing in Melbourne. Inpress wrote this ‘Latest masterwork is best to date with hypnotic keyboard hooks and pounding drums’. Beat magazine simply reviewed the album to be ‘Immaculate.’
‘Bande Magnetique’ by Ninetynine (2010 Patsy Records)
Was recorded by Laura MacFarlane and features lush string and piano arrangements alongside guitar and keyboard tracks. Inpress reviewed ‘It’s hard not to feel that Bande Magnetic is the greatest album Ninetynine have yet made’ and ‘Bande Magnetic will likely become a high point in a lengthy discography.’
‘Further’ by Ninetynine (2016 Patsy Records)
Was released in conjunction with the bands 20th anniversary shows and poster exhibition. Further was a self recording and self release including a special limited edition 7 inch.
Videos
Ninetynine video for ‘The Process’ 2002
Ninetynine ‘Polar Angle’ (live in Reykjavík, Iceland) 2006