Corkskrew | tl

Corkskrew is a band based in the Mediterranean Island of Malta, Europe. The band was formed in 1997 and consists of a Diane Micallef on vocals, Cliff Smith (bass guitar), Lincoln Spiteri (keyboards/ guitars), and Franco Aloisio (drums).

Corkskrew's music is described as “power pop” - a mixture of electronic sounds and guitars, fronted by Diane's powerful and melodic voice. The band thrives on varied musical tastes ranging from 1990s and 2000 rock acts such as Garbage, The Cardigans and Placebo – to earlier bands like The Velvet Underground, Depeche Mode and Kraftwerk. Such bands all form part of the equation that gives Corkskrew it's own unique sound.

In June 2002, Corkskrew released the debut album entitled "Micromania". The CD, available in all music stores in Malta as well as on a number of Internet shop sites, includes previously - released singles (“13”, “Manic” and “Slap Me”) as well as latest singles "Another Day", “Love & Paradise” and “Spyro Gyra”. These tracks have all made it to the top spots of Maltese radio charts. Micromania contains 14 tracks and was recorded at Temples Studios in Mistra, Malta.

Overall, the album highlights the band's development and musical maturity with a blend of melodic tunes, powerful riffs, catchy choruses and dance beats. CD sales have been very encouraging, and Corkskrew’s Micromania was one of the top-selling local CDs in 2002.

Over the years, Corkskrew have enjoyed considerable radio airplay and the band has featured on a number of TV shows. In 2001, the band won the best band award during the Hopleaf Smooth & Creamy Award on Red TV, a local program airing on NET TV.

Apart from writing and recording new tracks, Corkskrew love playing live and in the five-year period between 1997 and 2003, the band has performed in over 220 gigs and events in Malta and Gozo – a considerable amount of gigs for a Maltese band. Corkskrew have performed in a number of major events such as the Heineken Jammin' Festival 2001 (an audience of 8,000), the Free Music Festival 2002 (7,000 people), Malta Fashion Awards 2002, Song for Europe 2003 (performing as guest artist in front of 4,000 people). Corkskrew have also supported local performance of acts such as Faithless, Kosheen, Ian Van Dahl, Eiffel 65, Fragma and Antonello Venditti.

Corkskrew have also been credited the Best Score Award in the New York film Festival 2001, having contributed six tracks to the soundtrack of the locally produced movie "Genesis". .