Smoke On The Hill
During January 2026, bushfires were raging in a number of locations across regional Victoria (Australia). The news services were there, breakfast programs were broadcasting their programs from the regions and after a few days, they all walked away as though everything was OK.
Being regional Victorians, even though we are virtual, we understand that fires take forever to recover from. In our small way, we wanted to acknowledge that and the wonderful people who come around afterwards and help rebuild families, towns and communities.
This EP is our tribute.
1. Fireline Town
Vocals: Artie Fishall
Imagine living in a small town or village and watching a bushfire, out of control and bearing down on you.
The wonderful volunteer fire brigade - in our state, the Country Fire Authority - snap into action, not just for their own community for communities across the state. Without these incredible people, untold harm would happen to people, animals and buildings.
2. The Wind Was Kind (featuring Polly Phonic)
Vocals: Artie Fishall & Polly Phonic
Released as the single from the EP, this tells the story of a friend of the band who, one night during a bushfire, sat and waited for the wind to change. Without a wind change, there was every likelihood that his how and his town would be obliterated by the fire.
Thankfully, the wind was kind.
3. Hay Runners
Vocals: Artie Fishall
If they are fortunate (and/or well-prepared), farmers may be able to get their livestock to safety before a fire arrives. But once the fire has been through, there is usually nothing for the farmers to bring their stock back to.
The amazing Aussie Hay Runners rally a number of trucks and drivers and deliver hay to affected farms. This is more than simply feeding animals - it is also protecting the mental health of our people on the land.
4. Building Fences
Vocals: Artie Fishall
Like our previous track, this track is also a tribute - this time to the amazing team at BlazeAid.
Imagine being a farmer after a fire has been through your property, taking your fences with it. Hundreds, sometimes thousands of kilometres of fencing. Where would you start?
BlazeAid are also a volunteer-led organisation who base themselves in fire-ravaged communities and re-build fences.
Vocals: Artie Fishall