Best Intentions

The Dark Ales are an indie/alternative rock band founded by singer-songwriter Matt Ellis, along with drummer Dave McDonald. Equally referencing vintage rock, post-grunge and the psychedelic era, they blend blues, soul, rock and prog into sinister but beguiling melodies. With rich, chilling vocals and apocalyptic visions, they explore dark and thrilling aspects of the human condition.

Citing strong and diverse rock influences like Something for Kate, The Black Keys and Tool, the band features the gritty and energetic ballads of singer and guitarist Matt Ellis, with Sam Ellis on electric organ, Richard Grace on electric bass and Dave McDonald on drums.

An independent four piece hailing from Melbourne, the band formed in July 2009, and has been bringing their large and unabashed rock style to the local scene ever since. The Dark Ales have been gigging around Melbourne for four years at popular venues like The Tote, The Old Bar and The Empress Hotel. They released their debut EP Edges of the Day in 2012, which was distributed to community radio via AMRAP and received radio play on over a dozen community radio stations around Australia.

They released a zombie-apocalypse themed film clip for the song Holding Patterns in December 2013, a re-mastered single from Edges of the Day. In February 2014, they released Everything (And Nothing), an advance single from an EP to be recorded later in 2014.

“It appears that the sounds of the early 90's are trying to make a comeback, but for The Dark Ales, it's in the best and most welcoming way possible. The latest single "Everything (And Nothing)" possesses a dark (Pedro The Lionesque) 90's chorus, with Psychedelic key sounds reminiscent of Jefferson Airplane. Lyrically thought provoking and poetically delightful. The Dark Ales are right in line with the best of Aussie bands.”
- Mike Borgia, Hit Makers Music (Apr 16, 2014)

I don’t think I’ll ever be able to hear an organ in rock again without thinking of The Doors. Aussies The Dark Ales put a nice spin on not-too-grungy grunge with that organ. Also, rockin’ name, guys.”
- Stephen Carradini, Independent Clauses (Apr 13, 2014)

“With its dark deep opening, EVERYTHING (AND NOTHING), dispenses a prescription for the future, which few will adhere to. It is anthemic, bold, ecologically sensitive with great lyrics and a very sound backing which fully supports the lead vocal. The rolling sound of the keyboard playing, fused with the usual rhythm backing takes this track and band to a place where Midnight Oil left off. 'Protest' songs are few and far between these days but The Dark Ales pull this one off with full sincerity and no banality. A track for our times.”
- Tony Bates, 3MDR 97.1 FM (Mountain District Radio) (Mar 21, 2014)

“Delicious to the last drop. Something curious about their sound (not in a bad way); not something that you can particularly put your finger on, but a clear indication of solid Australian "rock songwriting". Very 'Something for Kate' meets 'Crowded House'.”
- Josh Forner, Melting Pot (May 25, 2012)