

Journey Through The Land of Shadows
20th Anniversary Tour
Mikelangelo and the Black Sea Gentlemen are an Australian quintet known for their compelling songs, their irrepressible style, and their wildly entertaining performances. After 3 years away from the live circuit, they are touring to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their definitive album Journey Through The Land Of Shadows in 2025, and in 2026 to mark the 25th anniversary of the band.
Mikelangelo is the stage persona of Croatian/Australian singer, songwriter, bandleader and musical maverick Michael Simic. Mikelangelo and the Black Sea Gentlemen formed in November 2000, and the group have gone on to earn widespread acclaim, releasing four highly regarded albums and packing houses around the globe. From headlining at the Sydney Opera House to sold-out shows on London’s West End, to and playing major arts and music festivals nationally and internationally.
Their second album Journey Through the Land of Shadows, released on their own Black Sea Spice, Tea and Music Trading Co. label, showcases their distinctive blend of storytelling, dark humour and musical mastery.
Featuring fan favourites such as ‘The Wandering Song’, ‘One of those A minor Days’ and the unforgettable ‘A Formidable Marinade’, which has become a centrepiece of MBSG live shows.
Musically, there are echoes of European folk rhythms and melodies, mid-20th century popular song, spaghetti western soundtracks, sea shanties, old world circus music and other eccentric styles and old world instrumentation. These elements are masterfully blended to create an arcane recipe that brings the Gents music into vibrant life for the present day.
Lyrically, these are poetic story-songs, equal parts playful, sorrowful, absurd and life-affirming. Simic’s love of words, his affinity for the natural world, and his very emotional core can be felt within his idiosyncratic poetic musings. Early influences of Cave, Waits and Cohen can be traced in these, some of his first compositions as a songwriter in his early-20s, introducing a unique songwriter in the making.
Journey Through the Land of Shadows, has been described as “a thoroughly delightful, unashamedly melancholic, stomp-around-the-room-drunk sort of album, the kind that stays close” by Captain Fez of FasterLouder, calling it a “rare, cherished record that doesn’t come around often”.
The ‘Journey’ tour in 2025, will see MBSG bring the full epic scope of the album to the stage as an immersive, theatrical adventure. Featuring Mikelangelo – acoustic guitar and vocals; Rufino – violin and vocals; The Great (T.G.) Muldavio – clarinet and vocals; Guido Lidibo – piano accordion and vocals; ‘Little’ Ivan – double bass and vocals.
For bookings, contact Sean Simmons: sean@pressplaypresents.com


