Like every other normal Australian, I know that Adelaide is famous for two things: The Chappell brothers and the Adelaide oval. After watching Poly & The Statics and The City Riots at the last Sandwich Club night, however, I began to realise that Adelaide may have something more to offer than a game of Test Cricket - yes, there seems to be some life in this city, albeit of the dirty skanky rat kind that is spawned from the shreik of a shredding guitar and the thump of a drum pedal. Rock is thriving in this town.
While Poly were up here, they recommended a few bands. Chuck a la Sandwich scribbled down the treasured list written on a napkin, poured over by the rest of us, now lost - probably curry stained hiding down the side of the couch somewhere. But heading that list, and the only band I can remember, was No Through Road. What a recommendation! This could well be Australia's coolest band (I mean not to offend anyone here - if you are in a band and you just got offended, then I think you're equally as cool). Prolific songwriters and as diverse as their Adelaide brothers Poly; beautiful lo-fi acoustic numbers to catchy pop/rock songs - they've even recorded a covers album which includes an acoustic version of Outkast's Hey Ya... very cool.
Unfortunately I missed these guys when they were up in Sydney last week - As it happens all too often, they're one of those bands I get into after they've toured. Next time gadget.

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Upcoming Shows
10 Nov 2006; Prince Albert; Adelaide
18 Nov 2006; Rob Roy; Melbourne
24 Nov 2006; Jive supporting Bob Evans; Adelaide

A word of warning: If you are a fan of Belle & Sebastian or Peter, Bjorn & John, the following music from Pipas may give you an erection... best to cover yourself with a jumper or towel.
Pipas are Lupe Nunez-Fernandez (London) and Mark Powell (ex London now Brooklyn). The duo churn out psychadelic pop songs you'd almost expect to hear during a love scene in an Austin Powers movie. Actually that doesn't really do them justice but you get the point right? No? Listen for yourself then: