High Pass Filter were a live electro-dub band formed in Melbourne, Australia. The band was active from 1995–2006 and supported many major touring artists such as Beastie Boys, Blues Explosion, Tortoise, Fugazi, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, The Boredoms and Mad Professor.[1][2]
The group began as a live dub outfit playing local clubs and bars around Melbourne’s Fitzroy area. They quickly became known for their experimental sound and mostly instrumental songs.[3] Live concerts regularly involved the use of unconventional instruments such as looped tape machines, conch shells, telephone receivers, air tubes and a variety of toys. During early shows, guitarist Kelly Ryall regularly played one of the infamous Travis Bean aluminium neck guitars – a TB1000 owned by bassist Anthony Paine. High Pass Filter played the ‘Hot House’ stage at the Sydney leg of the Big Day Out Festival in 2000.[4] Two of their songs were broadcast from the festival on local radio station Triple J. The band also played several live sessions for the ABC’s Radio National public radio service.[3][5]
