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An in-depth look at the rise of enigmatic Australian rock band TISM, the unexpected success of their 1995 album, Machiavelli and the Four Seasons , and the continued trajectory of their storied career. TISM''s third full-length album was almost destined to fly under the radar. A noted sonic shift from a band whose very existence seemed based around pushing the limit and avoiding the spotlight, the record would ultimately storm the charts, be certified Gold, and go so far as to win Best Independent Release at the 1995 ARIA Awards. The record''s unexpected success was a testament to the band''s unconventional and groundbreaking approach towards music; eschewing popular rock trends as they adopted their unique brand of dance music, which in turn translated to greater success.As subversive as they were unique, TISM had a unwieldy and antagonistic approach to music that cemented them as literate, pop-culture smashing icons in the worlds of Australian rock. Their live shows made them an act to be feared across the country. Despite an apparent aversion to succeed within their chosen field, Machiavelli and the Four Seasons helped to foil TISM''s modus operandi, aiding them in reaching legendary status amongst fans of Australian music. This volume tracks the history of TISM, exploring the development of Machiavelli and the Four Seasons against the backdrop of local and international music trends and delves into the unexpected successes that the group would experience as a result. Using first-hand accounts and cultural analysis, this book charts how one of the country''s most enigmatic rock outfits managed to become one of its most noted success stories.>
About the author
Tyler Jenke is a Melbourne-based freelance music journalist, podcast host, musician and lecturer at the Box Hill Institute, Australia, who previously served as Editor of Rolling Stone Australia from 2019 to 2022. Alongside TV, radio and podcast appearances, Tyler has written extensively for numerous publications both locally and internationally..
