World of Stone (EP)

World of Stone is a three-track extended play released by Australian rock group, Hunters & Collectors, in January 1982.^[1] The group had formed in the previous year by former members of Melbourne-based group, Jetsonnes: John Archer on electric bass; Doug Falconer on drums; Robert Miles as live sound and art director; Mark Seymour on guitar and lead vocals; and Ray Tosti-Guerra on guitar and vocals. They were joined by Geoff Crosby on keyboards and Greg Perano on percussion (ex-True Wheels).^[1][2] Initially they were "a collective rather than a band, an excursion into funk-rock rhythms and industrial Kraut-rock".^[3] Early performances included "banging of rubbish bin lids or fire extinguishers".^[3]

For some performances they were expanded by a horn section, later dubbed Horns of Contempt, which comprised a variable line-up including Nigel Crocker and Michael Waters, both on trombone; Jack Howard, Andy Lynn and Chris Malherbe, each on trumpet; and Jeremy Smith on French horn.^[1][2] According to Australian musicologist, Ian McFarlane, they were "hailed as the hip 'Next Big Thing' and the band to experience live".^[1] Mushroom Records specifically formed a new alternative label, White Label Records, when they signed Hunters & Collectors.^[1][3]

The EP was co-produced by Tony Cohen and the group.^[2] In February it reached No. 50 on the Australian Kent Music Report Singles Chart, with the title track also credited at the same position.^[4] The EP remained in the top 100 for eight weeks.^[4][5] According to Seymour, his fellow band member Crosby was heavily influenced by Brian Eno and used the Korg MS-20 on "World of Stone" to provide a "deep, almost subsonic synth drone". Seymour felt that the drone, which was used on several tracks during the band's career, "conveys a broad limitless horizon".^[6]

Credited to:^[1][2]

Production details

• Producer – Hunters & Collectors, Tony Cohen
• Engineer – Tony Cohen
• Mixer, cover art – Robert Miles