Prepare to be frilled by the true colours of Lace

STEP into the Black and White World of Sydney dark folk duo Arsenic and Old Lace this weekend, as they launch their debut album with shows in Cygnet and Hobart.

Arsenic and Old Lace is the latest project of former solo folk-pop artist Cilla Jane, who released the acclaimed albums When The Night Falls (2008) and Until Morning Comes (2011), and shared stages with big-name acts including The Audreys, Kate Miller-Heidke, Renee Geyer and Tim Freedman (The Whitlams).

She also visited Tasmania four times, supporting Luka Bloom, Brian Kennedy and James Reyne, and headlining her own shows at the Salamanca Arts Centre and the old Alley Cat Bar in North Hobart.

But, lacking musical inspiration, Cilla Jane eventually grew tired of the limitations of the folk-pop genre, and decided to abandon the project.

A few years ago, Cilla Jane found herself living in the same street of a small country town as songwriter Scott Gibson, who was also searching for a new creative outlet. Immediately drawn to each other’s music, the pair formed Arsenic and Old Lace and began rehearsing daily, with their jams often lasting the entire day.

In June the duo released their debut album, Black and White World, featuring the single 4am, and are touring the country to promote it.

Arsenic and Old Lace play at The Red Velvet Lounge at Cygnet from 6.30pm tomorrow; and at Hobart’s Brisbane Hotel from 7pm on Sunday, supported by Amy Kendall and Lasca Dry ($5 cover).