The Mabels began in 1996 as a folkie trio from Lismore, New South Wales, before relocating to the tight-knit indie scene surrounding Melbourne's Candle Records. Original members Anthony Atkinson (vocals/guitar), Kim Parker (bass/piano accordion/vocals) and Warwick Lobb (guitar/trumpet/vocals), experimented with a couple of drummers before meeting David Kneale late in 1996.

Five months later the band released a six-track EP entitled Caravan Park Girlfriend, produced by Mick Thomas from Weddings Parties Anything and recorded in the heat of the Australia Day long weekend, January 1997. The laid back feel of the recording process is reflected in the folk tinged, almost naive sound of the songs, blended with a distinct roots and acoustic influence.

After a split 7" and tour with The Lucksmiths and an Australian tour with The Simpletons, Ryan James was recruited to fill in on drums, and almost 18 months after the release of Caravan Park Girlfriend, the band delivered their debut long player, Scenes from a Midday Movie, in 1998.

The album was recorded at Happy Valley studios in Melbourne with the assistance of Darren Hanlon (ex-The Simpletons), and combined established live favourites (Sitting in a Cyclone, 44 Reasons for Leaving, Seasoned Forgiver) alongside newer tunes (Tennis Players Girlfriends, Everything's Different). Lyrically the usual personal stuff is covered from relationships both hurtful and helpful, as well as made up stuff thrown in about stale stages and tragic cases.

The year 2000 saw The Mabels release their second album, The Closest People, with songs of longing, loving and long-distance relationships. Continuing to tour around growing family and work commitments, The Mabels split amiably in early 2002, with a six-track EP and two albums under their collective belts.

Despite his day job as a primary school teacher, Anthony Atkinson embarked on a post-Mabels solo career, before settling into a new role as bandleader of Anthony Atkinson & the Running Mates, which features fellow Candle Records alumni Marty Donald (The Lucksmiths), Louis Richter (Mid-State Orange, The Lucksmiths).

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