New Australian Music: Richard Lawson’s Punk Rock inspired classical song cycle performed by Acacia String Quartet What do you get when you combine a ferocious rock drummer from one of Australia’s foremost punk bands with a leading Australian string Quartets? Flights of energy, compassionate grief, and a cinematic, original Australian sound. Richard Lawson was the first drummer ever heard on ABC RAGE, with his ARIA nominated punk Lime Spiders, supporting Iggy Pop, Blondie and global performances with 10,000 member audiences. His multi-instrumental career features 25 recordings ranging from electronica, folk, soundtrack and ambience. His new project features the Acacia Quartet in his first explosion onto the classical music scene. Lawson’s debut writing for string quartet was recorded at the Four Winds pavilion on the Sapphire Coast. The result is about as far from punk as imaginable. “Picture yourself floating through the opulence of la Belle Époque, where the spirit of Ravel is elevated by the virtuosity of the Acacia Quartet, danced through dissonant harmonies with a hint of Phillip Glass,” Lawson says. Lawson’s full album How To Read a City (Your Place of Last Resort) drops on streaming services July 2024. Lawson’s first release from the new recording, How To Read a City drops 13 May. A further collaboration with visual artist Jay Manby for the cover artwork creates an evocative visual alignment with Lawson’s edgy new sound.