Surprise Surprise – Nostalgia Central

This Australian mod-pop, ska, and neo-psychedelic band formed in Sydney in 1983.

Bizarrely, the band functioned in both the alternative and Christian rock music scenes, mixing 1960s paisley-infused British Invasion pop covers with quirky, faith-based original material.

The band released three independent singles – including the excellent The Sounds of Now – between 1983 and 1986. They also appeared on (and won) an episode of Network TEN’s national television show Star Search, performing their original track, Walking With A Zombie.

They independently released a cassette-only debut album in 1985 titled Welcome to the Snake Village.

Lance Muir and Glen Blackley departed in 1987, and were replaced by Allan Dowthwaite on drums and Charlie Lee on bass (who was later replaced by Mark Kiely).

The group also expanded their sound by adding vocalists Lisa Parsons and Catherine Ryan.

In the late 1980s, the band shortened their name to The Surprise and signed with the American label Refuge Records, transitioning from their early mod/ska roots to an avant-garde alternative rock sound blending elements of new wave, folk, country, and heavy metal.

Eventually abandoning their indie roots for their Christian beliefs, they released two full-length studio albums: Fish and 1990’s Reformation.

Alex MacDonald
Vocals, guitar
Glen Blackley
Bass
David Welch
Keyboards
Lance Muir
Drums, vocals
Charlie Lee
Bass
Allan Dowthwaite
Drums
Mark Kiely
Bass
Lisa Parsons
Vocals
Catherine Ryan
Vocals