“(Bernard) is a naturally engaging performer, with an endearing stage manner that is never short of humour, but more than anything it is his voice that commands attention.” The Australian With the imminent release of Brutal Dawn, companion album to 2016’s Civil Dusk, Bernard Fanning and The Black Fins are again pulling out the road cases to showcase new songs live in some of Australia’s most cherished and revered rock venues. This October, touring will take in all Australian states in venues handpicked to showcase the on-stage musical chemistry between Bernard and The Black Fins; Salliana Campbell on fiddle and backing vocals, Matt Engelbrecht on bass, Andrew Morris on guitar and Declan Kelly on drums. In addition, every state will feature a different powerhouse local female artist to open the show. Making waves in not only their local scene, but internationally, Oh Pep! will help kick off the tour in Adelaide on Friday 6 October and also join the Melbourne shows, followed by Teischa in Perth, Tia Gostelow and Sahara Beck in Brisbane, Sahara Beck for an encore in Sydney and winding up with Maddy Jane in Hobart. This tour is a culmination of a busy two years for Bernard Fanning – writing Civil Dusk and its follow up Brutal Dawn – and recording with producer Nick DiDia and the Black Fins in La Cueva studio in Byron Bay.