For a couple of years, Jay and Lindsay (The Doctor) had a daily show on Australia's Triple J radio station. Although Jay left in 2009, The Doctor continues to have various roles on ABC radio and television.
All original members except Jason have been replaced. Ben, the original guitarist, supposedly left to become an animal rights activist. Nat, the drummer, left to focus on another band, Quadbox. Lex, the bass player left under controversial circumstances. This lead the band to consider changing their name. They even posted a press release suggesting that they would take over the name Shihad, which had been vacated by the New Zealand hard rock band in the wake of the September 11 attacks in 2001.
Jay also spent time as the bass player for Nancy Vandal under the name Jason Jason Beers, a play on Gary Gary Beers from INXS.
The band famously antagonized Today-FM breakfast show hosts Kyle and Jackie-O, starting at a festival in Darwin and ending in an on-air phone interview with Jay. With the exchange being documented by Media Watch. (see here and here)
Frenzal Rhomb's first EP 'Dick Sandwich' was produced in bassy grunge style and included a cover of the theme to 'Home and Away', a popular but uncool Australian serial drama; as well as a song about Roger Climpson, a TV news presenter. Their seminal album Coughing up a Storm followed. The original version, which included an abusive and threatening voicemail as its secret track, is now out of print.
The band's records have been released through a variety of labels in Australia and most notably Fat Wreck Chords internationally.
Mum Changed the Locks
Frenzal Rhomb Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Of another lecture or another pointless drill.
Ascend the front steps dreading further war
Why the fuck is my key not fitting in the door?
I guess I'm not wanted, I wonder what I'll do
I've already been banned from my friends houses too.
I wonder what I did to make my mum so mad
No perfect homelife but the only one I had.
Oh my god, mum changed the locks.
Now I've got my freedom but no place to go
No prospects or money to go to a show.
I haven't got on well with my mum all year
Can't use the phone to call my friends for a beer
The lyrics to Frenzal Rhomb's "Mum Changed the Locks" tell the story of a rebellious and troubled youth who returns home, expecting to face the usual confrontation with his mother, only to find that she has changed the locks and locked him out. The singer seems resigned to his fate, admitting that he has already been banned from his friends' houses, and wondering what he did to make his mum so angry with him. He is now free from his home life, but he has no prospects, no money and nowhere to go. He can't even use the phone to call his friends for a beer. The song captures the sense of isolation, frustration and hopelessness that can come with being a disaffected youth with no direction, few resources and little support.
The theme of youth rebellion and parental conflict is a common one in rock music, and "Mum Changed the Locks" is no exception. The song is notable for its punk-rock sound, with fast, furious guitar riffs and pounding drums. Frenzal Rhomb was known for their high-energy, fast-paced performances, and this song is a prime example of that. The lyrics are also notable for their honesty and rawness; they paint a vivid picture of a troubled youth who is caught between his desire for freedom and his need for support.
Line by Line Meaning
Returning home, I look forward to the thrill
I go home with excitement and anticipation.
Of another lecture or another pointless drill.
But I know there will be a sermon or task waiting for me.
Ascend the front steps dreading further war
I climb the steps to my house filled with dread of what's next.
Why the fuck is my key not fitting in the door?
My key is not working, and I don't know why.
I guess I'm not wanted, I wonder what I'll do
I feel unwelcome, and I am uncertain about my next move.
I've already been banned from my friends houses too.
I am not allowed to visit my friends' homes either.
I wonder what I did to make my mum so mad
I am curious about what I did to upset my mother so much.
No perfect homelife but the only one I had.
My home life is not ideal, but it's the only one I have.
Oh my god, mum changed the locks.
My mother changed the locks on the door.
Now I've got my freedom but no place to go
I am free, but I have nowhere to go.
No prospects or money to go to a show.
I have no future plans and no money to enjoy myself.
I haven't got on well with my mum all year
I have not had a good relationship with my mother this year.
Can't use the phone to call my friends for a beer
I cannot use the phone to contact my friends and have a drink.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: FELTHAM, MCDOUGALL, NYKYROJ, WHALLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
medullaoblongata21
90's punk.....better than 99% of todays "punk"
Jimmy Dgaf
Genres are for punks
Maddies Gaming Channel!
Ever since Tony Sly died...Punk seemed to die with him.
Grangis Jefe
lol you've become your parents
silentriders
Nerdlinger? Local Resident Failure? Batfoot? The Decline? Topnovil? Wolfpack? Clowns? Plenty of current aussie punk bands that are cracking out good stuff..
TheGreenAvenue
There's still a lot of good punk bands today, they're just more in the underground as it's not a popular genre. Check out the bands that play at Wonkfest, good stuff.
centralscrutinizer66
I read that this song is about the guitarist telling his mom he was going to the movies, but actually leaving to go on tour. On his return......
EDO264
2021 still rockin this song. Love it
psy06
ah the song that got me into Frenzal all these years ago. completely forgot about them for a very long time!
Kate n Andrew Peary
awesome luv this song but havent heard it in yrs thx for uploading