The Jane Austen Argument are a Melbourne-based indie cabaret band with overtones of anti-folk and punk love. Their ‘swirling, heartbroken waltzes’ (ThreeThousand) are voiced with sharp tongues and performed with chaotic abandon.
Brought together through a chance cigarette break encounter, original duo Tom Dickins and Jen Kingwell discovered a shared love of Nick Cave, Regina Spektor, eyeliner and theatrical musical convention. The immediate creative chemistry between the pair has transformed into a visceral performance dynamic which ‘leaves the audience gasping for more’ (Broadway Baby).
Since the release of their debut record in February 2012, Dickins and Kingwell have been joined by band members Stive Collins and Jess O’Keeffe on drums and cello. The Jane Austen Argument are just as likely to be found playing intimate house gigs, Fringe festivals and haphazardly organised Twitnics (picnics with fans, instruments and MOAR WINE) as mega rock shows from London's Heaven nightclub to the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall.
