Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Vespers say bon voyage!
Sydney, Australia
And before the month was out, one last Sydney band literally dropped the bomb and blew themselves up... into two. Vespers have split (for the time being). For anyone who knows me, you'd understand how upset that's made me. I warm to their sound in a loving, almost gay way. Of course, it's not everyones cup of Amyl but they are, as I said, incredibly appealing to me - an infusion of Dallas Crane and Interpol - two of my favourite bands. As such, I always recommend Vespers to any non-Sydneysider willing to take the plunge into our rich music scene.
On an email send out the other day, they stated it was a temporary split while two members head OS to "pursue rainbows". But Eddie, one of the guitarists, reckons the "goose is cooked" so to speak (no shortage of metaphors here).
Well whatever the case, it's a crying shame. First Pinky, now Vespers. At least there is one last chance to farewell the latter. Vespers are headlining MUM this Friday night and it's certainly not to be missed.
And before the month was out, one last Sydney band literally dropped the bomb and blew themselves up... into two. Vespers have split (for the time being). For anyone who knows me, you'd understand how upset that's made me. I warm to their sound in a loving, almost gay way. Of course, it's not everyones cup of Amyl but they are, as I said, incredibly appealing to me - an infusion of Dallas Crane and Interpol - two of my favourite bands. As such, I always recommend Vespers to any non-Sydneysider willing to take the plunge into our rich music scene.
On an email send out the other day, they stated it was a temporary split while two members head OS to "pursue rainbows". But Eddie, one of the guitarists, reckons the "goose is cooked" so to speak (no shortage of metaphors here).
Well whatever the case, it's a crying shame. First Pinky, now Vespers. At least there is one last chance to farewell the latter. Vespers are headlining MUM this Friday night and it's certainly not to be missed.
Playing at:
MUM
Vespers + Lucy & The Pheromones
This Friday @ World Bar, Kings Cross
Details here
MP3: Vespers - Lucky Punks
MP3: Vespers - Elegance
myspace - interview
Labels: Vespers
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Once upon a time when Will Smith was actually cool...
Sydney, Australia
So are you looking for something to do this Saturday? This gig looks like being an SClub fave. The Paper Scissors, The Holidays and Cloud Control all hit the stage at Sols Deck Bar??? Sols Deck Bar. Yeah apparently, they are starting up some nice indie band nights on Saturdays.
Later on in the evening the Djs shall be spinning appropriately delightful indie tunes in a party vein. The lads from Red Riders and Pivot will combine with Anna Lunoe (who some readers might know), Gussengarth, Pone, Lost in the Kross and (appropriately titled kiddy porn group) Uncle Fuck.
Word on the street is there will be episodes of the fresh prince of Bel Air Screening throughout all dj sets for the viewing pleasure of those who thought Carlton was way underrated in the coolness division.
So don your dancing pants and bring a spare pair. It all kicks off at 8pm and runs till late. SClub have managed to get their readers a special $5 discount to the gig, so email andrewrosebookings@hotmail.com to have your name on the discount list for the night.
So are you looking for something to do this Saturday? This gig looks like being an SClub fave. The Paper Scissors, The Holidays and Cloud Control all hit the stage at Sols Deck Bar??? Sols Deck Bar. Yeah apparently, they are starting up some nice indie band nights on Saturdays.
Later on in the evening the Djs shall be spinning appropriately delightful indie tunes in a party vein. The lads from Red Riders and Pivot will combine with Anna Lunoe (who some readers might know), Gussengarth, Pone, Lost in the Kross and (appropriately titled kiddy porn group) Uncle Fuck.
Word on the street is there will be episodes of the fresh prince of Bel Air Screening throughout all dj sets for the viewing pleasure of those who thought Carlton was way underrated in the coolness division.
So don your dancing pants and bring a spare pair. It all kicks off at 8pm and runs till late. SClub have managed to get their readers a special $5 discount to the gig, so email andrewrosebookings@hotmail.com to have your name on the discount list for the night.
Details:
Bel Air
The Paper Scissors + The Holidays + Cloud Control + DJ's
This Saturday @ Sols Deckbar 8pm
$10/$5 for SClub readers - email guest list here
See flyer
MP3: The Paper Scissors - Alright OK
myspace - interview
MP3: Cloud Control - Free Love
myspace
MP3: The Holidays - Both Hands (Demo)
myspace
Labels: Cloud Control, The Holidays, The Paper Scissors
Red Cybers
Sydney, Australia
Cyber-geeks Defhead are back in 2007 streaming top Aussie acts live to the masses via the internerd. Tonight, indie darlings Red Riders are taking the stage and will be showcasing their excellent debut LP, Replica Replica.
Log in to www.defhead.com at 7:30pm AEDT to watch the broadcast.
Red Riders myspace Cyber-geeks Defhead are back in 2007 streaming top Aussie acts live to the masses via the internerd. Tonight, indie darlings Red Riders are taking the stage and will be showcasing their excellent debut LP, Replica Replica.
Log in to www.defhead.com at 7:30pm AEDT to watch the broadcast.
Labels: Red Riders
Monday, January 29, 2007
Sandwich Club Party
Sandwich Club was dragged into 2007 by the balls last Thursday night as Walrus shook Candy out of her own Apartment, and the entire crowd out of their tree. 4 days later and only now can my little ears hear the birdies chirping again.
Russian Brides opened the night, and won me over early with a rant against purple sneakers, a tribute to Timmy Rogers, and the inclusion of a melodica in the mix. Mind you, Guy Sebastian could have redeemed an otherwise atrocious rendition of Wonderful World if only he'd used a melodica. Those things are magic.
Later on, fellow Sydney siders Walrus showed why "they're on the radio more than Richard Kingsmill", with a wall of blues-infused rock that near knocked me off the edge of the earth. They probably frown at the comparison, but I couldnt help but be reminded of Wolfmother. The difference is, Walrus wreak of the blues, and I can still say they're cool, and not be laughed at by my 'indie' friends.
For while Wolfmother fly around in their private jets, Walrus have stepped into the gap they left in the Australian indie music scene, which other promising bands like The Mess Hall have struggled to fill. Guitarist Joel said himself "they'll be talking about this for years".
I know I will be.
Wrapping up the night, the Sandwich Club DJ Collective (professional name for a very unproffesional outfit) took over the back room til the wee hours of the morning. Not sure where all those hours actually went, but I know it had something to do with bad dancing and awesome tunes.
Thanks to all who came to see Walrus "way back then".
Photos by RJ are up in the gallery...
And thanks to Sean for beating our arses to review our own night, yet again! Some Walrus MP3's and more photos are available for download over at his blog, A-Reminder...
Labels: Sclub Party, The Russian Brides, Tom, Walrus
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Swoop Swoop
Perth, Australia
Swoop Swoop (aka Streaky Jake) sounds like he fell down a deep old well, and couldnt get out. At the bottom, he had alot of time to think about life and people and how irrational they can be. He cried out for help, over and over, but noone heard him. So he just started singing.
While others have compared him to The Soldad Brothers, Devendra Banhart and Mazzy Star, his weightless sound reminded me of fellow well-dwelling contemporaries, Zach Rogue and Damien Jurado. Incorporating a gritty lo-fi 60s sound, his songs would have also slotted in nicely somewhere on The Forest Gump Soundtrack, maybe for that classic shot of Jenny out the bus window...
With releases already in the States and UK (as Streaky Jake), and judging by his My World Vistor Map on myspace, it would seem this sneaky little surfing sandwich from Perth has snuck under all our noses.
MP3: Swoop Swoop - Tomorrow We Triumph
MP3: Swoop Swoop - It's Spring
myspace - Red Eye Records - Metal Postcard records (US)
Labels: Swoop Swoop, Tom
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Optus ONE80 Project Final
The Temper Trap
Sydney, Australia
A nice way to finish the Australia Day Long weekend would be to head down to Yurong Street East Sydney to watch the 10 finalists of the Optus ONE80 project. Basically, entrants had to put together a short pilot for a drama with the basis that if they win, they'll have the show shaped into a multi episode series to be screened on MTV Australia.
There are bands on show too. Sandwich Club favourites, Temper Trap, will be performing as well as Something With Numbers. It's all catered by Wagamama noodles and there will be drinks (as if this weekend hasn't been big enough already!). Should be a fun night...
A nice way to finish the Australia Day Long weekend would be to head down to Yurong Street East Sydney to watch the 10 finalists of the Optus ONE80 project. Basically, entrants had to put together a short pilot for a drama with the basis that if they win, they'll have the show shaped into a multi episode series to be screened on MTV Australia.
There are bands on show too. Sandwich Club favourites, Temper Trap, will be performing as well as Something With Numbers. It's all catered by Wagamama noodles and there will be drinks (as if this weekend hasn't been big enough already!). Should be a fun night...
Details:
One80 project final w/ The Temper Trap + Something With Numbers + PhDJ
Yurong St, East Sydney
6:30pm
See the finalist's videos here
Video: The Temper Trap - Sirens
myspace - interview
Labels: The Temper Trap
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Free Beer (and tunes) for Australia Day
Actually it's one KB lager through the door, but it is free. Anyway, something worth checking out if you're free tomorrow. Our friend Keiran is a regular in the Martini Club - well known to many barflies for their fun, danceable tunes.
Have a great Australia Day everyone, and remember, be wary of people waving Australian flags. They will hurt you
Lots of love, SCLUB
P.S. hope to catch a few of you tonight!
Have a great Australia Day everyone, and remember, be wary of people waving Australian flags. They will hurt you
Lots of love, SCLUB
P.S. hope to catch a few of you tonight!
Sydney Gig Picks
Angus & Julia Stone
Thurs 25th
Walrus + The Russian Brides
The Sandwich Club @ Candys Apartment - $10/$5 students
More info
Fri 26th
Angus & Julia Stone + Tice & Evans + Lana De Angelis + Hirst & Greene + Michael Spiby
1pm @ Rocks Square, The Rocks - Free
More info
The Whiskey Go-Go's + To The Throne + Sandwich Club DJ's
Mum @ World Bar - $10
More info
Sat 27th
Bertie Blackman + Sparkadia + Michael Paynter
Annandale Hotel -$15
More info
Sun 28th
Holly Throsby + Andrew Bird
The Brass Monkey- $22
More info
MP3: Bertie Blackman - You Kill Me (from artist's website)
myspace - website
MP3: To The Throne - A Critical Condition
myspace
New Gallery: The Basics + Cloud Control 19/1/07
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
OUR 2007 OPENING PARTY!
BIG DAY OUT SCHMIG DAY OUT!
Well sambo lovers we are at it again. Come and join us for our 2007 Opening Party. Walrus and The Russian Brides will be out to entertain you. Then we want you to come and be part of the musical lurve. For the first time Sandwich Club is introducing 'Podwars' into its line-up. Bring that tiny white piece of mp3 carrying goodness along with you and see if you can match it with DJ BLT in our first mp3 faceoff. Dont worry, we know it wouldn't be real lurve without reciprocation so Sandwich Club is offering up prizes to the winners. Here is a taster to whet your sugar coated craving appetite:
Walrus:
Rock 'n' Roll through and through but so thoroughly bent in their approach as to be unlike anything I have heard before. Very Worthy.
THE BRAG
Way Cool.
DRUM MEDIA
WALRUS ARE UNREAL! This band is going to be big, keep an eye on them!
ANNANDALE HOTEL
You can tell these guys would be fantastic live.
Richard Kingsmill, TRIPLE J
The Russian Brides:
I thought the heat and sleep deprivation had finally caught up with me because I saw a she-devil and a sky pilot take the stage as rhythm section for openers The Russian Brides. This impression was not laid to rest as Darth Vader strode out to appropriate theme music, plastic light saber brandished to hush the people. Two songs in and the Sith lord act was cast aside, admittedly just a ploy by the singer/guitarist to 'get chicks'. The Russian Brides played a good humoured mix of '50s sweetheart rock 'n' roll, garage punk and good time rockabilly that had the people up front dancing early on (drinks with dinner or something much more sinister?). Strangely enough, it was boys on the left and girls on the right side of the festively decorated room, giving the whole set and air of 'school social stuck in a weird time warp. DRUM MEDIA
MP3: Walrus - Lips
MP3: The Russian Brides - Daggerfield (a song dedicated to Kings Cross)
MP3: The Russian Brides - Hunter
So come on down to Candy's Apartment:
22 Bayswater Road
Kings Cross
We would lurve to see you there!
Labels: The Russian Brides, Walrus
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Eagles of Death Metal want you...
East Coast, Australia
Well maybe. You have to play in a band and you have to be good. Josh Homme's side project, Eagles of Death Metal, are touring the East Coast in March and have teamed up with Triple J Unearthed to pick their support slots for each state (NSW, QLD and VIC). You can check out more details at the unearthed site.
And for a little treat, you can download an entire live set from the Eagles of Death Metal website:
Well maybe. You have to play in a band and you have to be good. Josh Homme's side project, Eagles of Death Metal, are touring the East Coast in March and have teamed up with Triple J Unearthed to pick their support slots for each state (NSW, QLD and VIC). You can check out more details at the unearthed site.
And for a little treat, you can download an entire live set from the Eagles of Death Metal website:
Eagles of Death Metal Live @ Sims 2003
MP3: Eagles of Death Metal - Intro
MP3: Eagles of Death Metal - Bad Ream Mama
MP3: Eagles of Death Metal - Kiss The Devil (Who Will?)
MP3: Eagles of Death Metal - So Easy
MP3: Eagles of Death Metal - Wastin' My Time
MP3: Eagles of Death Metal - English Girl
MP3: Eagles of Death Metal - Already Died
MP3: Eagles of Death Metal - Stuck In The Metal With You
MP3: Eagles of Death Metal - Miss Represzzentin' (Miss Alissa)
MP3: Eagles of Death Metal - Whorehoppin' (Shit Goddamn, I'm a Man?)
MP3: Eagles of Death Metal - Speaking in Tongues
MP3: Eagles of Death Metal - I Only Want You
myspace - website
Monday, January 22, 2007
And the winner is Brisbane?
Brisbane, Australia
I heard today that Brisbane was named by Billboard Magazine (USA) as one of five music hotspots in the world. What!? Get out. No they're serial. As a Sydney sider it seems my eyes have been pointed in the wrong direction all this time, I should be envious of Brisbane not Melbourne! Admittedly I was surpised, so I decided to look a little deeper into Billboard's claim and found that in large part it was due to the recent overseas successes of Powderfinger, The Veronicas and solo artist Pete Murray. Perhaps not everyone's cup of XXXX. Still, there are a plethora of great indie acts pouring out from Brisbane these days: I [Heart] Hiroshima, The Boat People, Yeo, The Rocketsmiths, The Medicine Show, The Bakery, Summer Cats, The Zebras - oh these are all off the top of my head but you get my point.
Here's another one to watch out for: Hip Pocket. I heard their single, 'Kick Ya', on Triple J the other day and was pretty taken aback. A nicely layered funk track with loads of synth you'd expect from a band of the eighties. I've been trying to work out who they remind me of... maybe some Duran Duran, Cure and dare I say it, older Jamiroquai? Hmm, I'm slightly lost and there's no point trying to explain their sound - just listen to the mp3s for god sake!
I heard today that Brisbane was named by Billboard Magazine (USA) as one of five music hotspots in the world. What!? Get out. No they're serial. As a Sydney sider it seems my eyes have been pointed in the wrong direction all this time, I should be envious of Brisbane not Melbourne! Admittedly I was surpised, so I decided to look a little deeper into Billboard's claim and found that in large part it was due to the recent overseas successes of Powderfinger, The Veronicas and solo artist Pete Murray. Perhaps not everyone's cup of XXXX. Still, there are a plethora of great indie acts pouring out from Brisbane these days: I [Heart] Hiroshima, The Boat People, Yeo, The Rocketsmiths, The Medicine Show, The Bakery, Summer Cats, The Zebras - oh these are all off the top of my head but you get my point.
Here's another one to watch out for: Hip Pocket. I heard their single, 'Kick Ya', on Triple J the other day and was pretty taken aback. A nicely layered funk track with loads of synth you'd expect from a band of the eighties. I've been trying to work out who they remind me of... maybe some Duran Duran, Cure and dare I say it, older Jamiroquai? Hmm, I'm slightly lost and there's no point trying to explain their sound - just listen to the mp3s for god sake!
MP3: Hip Pocket - They Kick Ya So Hard (Highly Recommended)
MP3: Hip Pocket - Gonna Give In
myspace
Labels: Hip Pocket, I Heart Hiroshima, Pete Murray, Powderfinger, Summer Cats, The Bakery, The Boat People, The Medicine Show, The Rocketsmiths, The Veronicas, The Zebras, Yeo
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Goodbye Pinky!
Split! - pic c/o of Daniel Boud
Sydney, Australia
Devastating news! Pinky Tuscadero have split. The band that reinvented boom crash pop in Sydney and bought back the 'big hairdo'.
I am/was a big fan. Their debut EP, Look Your Best, was easily in my top 5 favourite aussie records of last year. B-52's inspired theatrical rock that was and is wholey unique in the Australian scene. They were also renowned for their incredible stage presence: "Try to imagine being drawn directly to the front of a room by a stage musical with punk rock A.D.D. Instantly we were amazed as their frontwoman howled, poured and projected her show-stopping voice into our ears with enough 'cool' to snap freeze Fonzie's cucumber." - Stuey from SClub.
The reason for the split? Let's just say things weren't so peachy in the world of Pinky. Hayley Foster, the flamboyant female lead has left to try other things while the remaining four have started a new band (which for the life of me I can't remember what they're called).
It is a shame, but it happens. We'll be keeping a close eye on the new group(s) progress but for now, RIP Pinky.
MP3: Pinky Tuscadero - Priscilla
myspace - previous post - Buy EP
Devastating news! Pinky Tuscadero have split. The band that reinvented boom crash pop in Sydney and bought back the 'big hairdo'.
I am/was a big fan. Their debut EP, Look Your Best, was easily in my top 5 favourite aussie records of last year. B-52's inspired theatrical rock that was and is wholey unique in the Australian scene. They were also renowned for their incredible stage presence: "Try to imagine being drawn directly to the front of a room by a stage musical with punk rock A.D.D. Instantly we were amazed as their frontwoman howled, poured and projected her show-stopping voice into our ears with enough 'cool' to snap freeze Fonzie's cucumber." - Stuey from SClub.
The reason for the split? Let's just say things weren't so peachy in the world of Pinky. Hayley Foster, the flamboyant female lead has left to try other things while the remaining four have started a new band (which for the life of me I can't remember what they're called).
It is a shame, but it happens. We'll be keeping a close eye on the new group(s) progress but for now, RIP Pinky.
MP3: Pinky Tuscadero - Priscilla
myspace - previous post - Buy EP
Labels: Lions At Your Door, Pinky Tuscadero
Saturday, January 20, 2007
We're the opening act...
Sydney, Australia
Ahh the opening act. The poor bunch of sods who play to no one, yet pretend that those three people at the back corner of the room (probably bar staff) really give a shit. It's unfortunate but a fact of life for any band. The trick is to make that time playing first supports as short as possible. One band this shouldn't be a problem for is The Small Hours opening tonight for Dappled Cities and Belles Will Ring. After a heart felt email to a number of Sydney bloggers begging for us to make the show early, one is left feeling slightly sympathetic to the cause and is swayed to attend. In fact, The Small Hours were even so nice as to send us a copy of their demo (hard copies will be handed out free tonight). Three excellent well-written folky pop songs. It's impressive for a group of 18 year olds (? - I'm guessing from their myspace site 'The Small Hours have just become legal'.)
So on the back of the email and the excellent three songs, I will be there with Belles on (pardon my pun).
Playing tonight at the Hoey. (Also, as I said, a short time at the opening slot: they're headlining their first show next Wednesday at the same venue)
Ahh the opening act. The poor bunch of sods who play to no one, yet pretend that those three people at the back corner of the room (probably bar staff) really give a shit. It's unfortunate but a fact of life for any band. The trick is to make that time playing first supports as short as possible. One band this shouldn't be a problem for is The Small Hours opening tonight for Dappled Cities and Belles Will Ring. After a heart felt email to a number of Sydney bloggers begging for us to make the show early, one is left feeling slightly sympathetic to the cause and is swayed to attend. In fact, The Small Hours were even so nice as to send us a copy of their demo (hard copies will be handed out free tonight). Three excellent well-written folky pop songs. It's impressive for a group of 18 year olds (? - I'm guessing from their myspace site 'The Small Hours have just become legal'.)
So on the back of the email and the excellent three songs, I will be there with Belles on (pardon my pun).
Playing tonight at the Hoey. (Also, as I said, a short time at the opening slot: they're headlining their first show next Wednesday at the same venue)
MP3: The Small Hours - Arks
MP3: The Small Hours - Another Girl (Une Autre Fille)
myspace
Labels: The Small Hours
Friday, January 19, 2007
The Moldy Peaches
After arriving back to Sydney from Woodford Folk Festival, it took me one week to have a shower, another week to wash my hair, and only today, 3 weeks after my return, to actually unpack the car.
A wet musky tent, gumboots encrusted with candlewax and solidified cowshit, and a box of neglected moldy fruit. I suppose my subconscious was just desperate to hold onto to any memory of Woodford anyway it could, hence my reluctance to unpack the car, and pack up another unforgettable summer.
But the mouldy bread, the mouldy oranges, and the mouldy mushy collection of... i think it was banana, has stained the car interior with a ghastly stench which, ironically, will always remind me of the sweet vegetarian aroma of woodford 2006.
So to celebrate my peculiar momento here's some music from none other, than The Moldy Peaches, featuring the warped and wonderfully witty, Kimya Dawson and Adam Green, who never cease to amaze with their equally peculiar and fascinating perspectives on life.
A wet musky tent, gumboots encrusted with candlewax and solidified cowshit, and a box of neglected moldy fruit. I suppose my subconscious was just desperate to hold onto to any memory of Woodford anyway it could, hence my reluctance to unpack the car, and pack up another unforgettable summer.
But the mouldy bread, the mouldy oranges, and the mouldy mushy collection of... i think it was banana, has stained the car interior with a ghastly stench which, ironically, will always remind me of the sweet vegetarian aroma of woodford 2006.
So to celebrate my peculiar momento here's some music from none other, than The Moldy Peaches, featuring the warped and wonderfully witty, Kimya Dawson and Adam Green, who never cease to amaze with their equally peculiar and fascinating perspectives on life.
MP3: The Moldy Peaches - Anyone Else But You
myspace
MP3: Kimya Dawson - Underground
myspace
MP3: Adam Green - What A Waster
myspace
Labels: Adam Green, Kimya Dawson, The Moldy Peaches, Tom
Carriageworks
If you happen to be in Sydney this weekend be sure to don your spectacles and poke your head into Carriageworks, with free events this Saturday & Sunday from 11am - 4pm. It used to be a train workshop, but now its "Sydney's new home for contemporary arts".
How post-modern...
245 Wilson St, Everleigh - website - Redwatch article
Labels: Tom
Thursday, January 18, 2007
The Hero Cycle & The Digital Label Age
Perth, Western Australia
With the term "digital music label" becoming used as more of a household term in the music industry nowdays even the punter's awareness has been raised to sites such as iTunes. What the average joe has not been made aware of is the quality and talent that is being released on our very own shores by labels without the intent of world domination such as Hidden Shoal Recordings. This Perth based label is my new favourite thing for the fact that they simply showcase some of the most tasteful, original artists without waving the 'record label' hat around yelling "wooooohooo we are an indie record label and we are making money from our artists". Their site is clearly set out with a pure love for music in mind. Streaming links for you to try tracks before you buy are encased in a simple layout that allows artists such as Chris Mason, CSR and most importantly The Hero Cycle to impress you with what they do best.
Bands like The Hero Cycle don't come around that often. Infact a collective would be the most accurate term used to describe such a band. Seven members, a whole ensemble of instruments and varied style make for an intriguing sound that bounces from the light and melodic, to a darker, full bodied roar. These guys from Vermont have just released "Lakes and Ponds", an EP that demonstrates across the board how much talent they possess. From the saga of "You vs Them" to the effervescent pop rock of "Lovers Crime" I was left licking the scraps off my fingers, hungry for more. The way that THC play their music doesnt need to be brought to a screaching halt with a 'classification'. Just know that you will be able to hear the enjoyment the band members get out of playing their music.
MP3: The Hero Cycle - You vs Them (sample only)
myspace - buy & listen to "Lakes and Ponds" EP
Labels: Hidden Shoal Recordings
Sydney Gig Picks
do the Rastawookie chant!
Thurs 18th
Clogs
Sydney Festival @ Spiegeltent Hyde park - $35
More info
Fri 19th
Vendettas + Teenagers in Tokyo + The Ghosts + Bridezilla
Future is now @ the Gaelic club - $10 (all ages)
More info
The Basics + Cloud Control
Mum @ World Bar - $10
More info
Sat 20th
Dappled Cities Fly + Belles Will Ring + The Small Hours
Hopetoun -$15
More info
Sun 21st
Rastawookie
The Vanguard - $12
More info
MP3: Belles Will Ring - The Coldest Heart
myspace
MP3: Dappled Cities Fly - Within Hours
myspace
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
I [HEART] Tucker B's
Tucker B's c/o of Boudist
Perth, Australia
I've seen Tucker B's a couple of times in my travels and everytime I've had to look twice at what I was seeing. A seemingly bunch of misfits - a balding older guy in a filthy beard mixed with younger, better looking members in flannies with the oldest, most worn out guitars I've ever seen. They're just an interesting bunch. Both gigs, I might add, were as different sounding as you could get - one heavy and thrashy, and the other, just nice and folky. You can't but help love this band.. and they are sentiments shared by most.
Seeing how many gigs this lot seem to play in Sydney, you could excuse many for thinking they are actually from our town. In fact, they're from Perth and have been on a year long tour which is about to end after a few dates in Melbourne and Sydney including the Big Day Out. A sad loss for us eastern seaborders. Farewell Tucker B's (for now).
Some mp3's... Unfortunatley their single 'The Turning' isn't available for download but make sure you check it out on their myspace site... it gives Midlake a big run for their money.
I've seen Tucker B's a couple of times in my travels and everytime I've had to look twice at what I was seeing. A seemingly bunch of misfits - a balding older guy in a filthy beard mixed with younger, better looking members in flannies with the oldest, most worn out guitars I've ever seen. They're just an interesting bunch. Both gigs, I might add, were as different sounding as you could get - one heavy and thrashy, and the other, just nice and folky. You can't but help love this band.. and they are sentiments shared by most.
Seeing how many gigs this lot seem to play in Sydney, you could excuse many for thinking they are actually from our town. In fact, they're from Perth and have been on a year long tour which is about to end after a few dates in Melbourne and Sydney including the Big Day Out. A sad loss for us eastern seaborders. Farewell Tucker B's (for now).
Some mp3's... Unfortunatley their single 'The Turning' isn't available for download but make sure you check it out on their myspace site... it gives Midlake a big run for their money.
MP3: Tucker B's - Brown Dog
MP3: Tucker B's - The More You Smoke
myspace
*postscript:
shhhh, don't tell The Baron, but i've snuck behind his back & put The Turning.mp3 up here : ) t&d.
Labels: Tucker B's
Photos: 2 New Galleries - Cloud Control & Marching Room + Laura & Pivot
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Ghosts of Television
Sydney, Australia
After seeing Ghosts of Television way back in June last year I emailed the band to grab some tracks so I could write a post. There was a quick response back saying they'd mail the demo/EP as soon as they were finished and then I heard nothing. Months went by, the new year approached and just as their name sake suggests, they'd seemingly vanished. But that wasn't the case. They'd been spooking a truck factory out in western Sydney where they were busy working on their first polished demo recorded by Burke Reid of Gerling fame and Dappled Cities keyboardist, Ned Cooke.
The results are impressive. Spooky, lofi electro especially for those times when you feel like trapping people in your basement and feeding them to Scarbrough, the man bear pig who lives on the other side of the mirror. To sum it up from the band itself: 'Ghosts of Television is 5 young boys making hypnotic, accusatory music for frightened angry people. Their music is party music for subterranean prisons and bedtime music for rabid insomniacs.'
Here are a couple of tracks. I'm quite a fan of Cash which features a dreary monologue that is surely putting bad thoughts into my head.
After seeing Ghosts of Television way back in June last year I emailed the band to grab some tracks so I could write a post. There was a quick response back saying they'd mail the demo/EP as soon as they were finished and then I heard nothing. Months went by, the new year approached and just as their name sake suggests, they'd seemingly vanished. But that wasn't the case. They'd been spooking a truck factory out in western Sydney where they were busy working on their first polished demo recorded by Burke Reid of Gerling fame and Dappled Cities keyboardist, Ned Cooke.
The results are impressive. Spooky, lofi electro especially for those times when you feel like trapping people in your basement and feeding them to Scarbrough, the man bear pig who lives on the other side of the mirror. To sum it up from the band itself: 'Ghosts of Television is 5 young boys making hypnotic, accusatory music for frightened angry people. Their music is party music for subterranean prisons and bedtime music for rabid insomniacs.'
Here are a couple of tracks. I'm quite a fan of Cash which features a dreary monologue that is surely putting bad thoughts into my head.
MP3: Ghosts of Television - Cash
MP3: Ghosts of Television - Hezbollah
myspace
Supporting Dappled Cities this Friday night (19th) at the Hopetoun
Labels: Ghosts Of Television
Monday, January 15, 2007
The Stomps
Wellington, New Zealand
They claim to have invented a new style of music called Stomp, even though the genre was established 80 years before them. They break the cardinal musician's rule and cite The Beatles and Radiohead as influences. They are self-proclaimed 'angry young men'. And they are from New Zealand.
So expectations weren't exactly soaring upon first finding out about The Stomps. In my experience, young men who claim to be angry, are only trying to justify a cliche rock'n'roll frown in a deseperate attempt to look cool and hide the fact their music is shit.
So I sweated on the first 10 seconds of One More Night, worried it was just another rehashed indie dancefloor beat. Then suddenly... a lazy voice drenched in whiskey twisted my arm. Clever lyrics, harmonies, and a fantastically simple middle section. I listened some more, and more, and more. And to cut a long story short, I'm still listening, 3 days later.
I was wrong to judge so quickly. This duo can cite any influence, pull any facial expression, and call their music whatever the fuck they want. This is bitter-post-modern-antipodean-stomp at its finest.
"The bitch has done it again. She's leading to the heart of another good man".
ps... that Splendid Grass thingy is on 4-5 August this year (unofficially)...
Labels: NZ, The Stomps, Tom
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Blow Up The Pokies
"Imagine the folly of allowing people to play elaborate games which do nothing whatever to increase consumption."
- Brave New World
Melbourne's music scene is arguably the most prolific in the country. They also have one of the most liberal live music liqour licenses in the country. Even a subterranean mongoose could figure out the two go hand in hand.
Sydney, however, is a town obsessed with profit and material consumption. Citizens have been conditioned to believe that spending is better than mending, that ceramic floors are better than carpet, and angles are better than architraves. Unfortunately live music has also become a casualty of this cultural suicide, a mere distraction from 'progress' & profit-making activity.
But here's hoping that proposed changes to the NSW live music laws will shift the focus away from poker machines and back to the stage. The changes would make licenses much cheaper and much more accessible to smaller venues.
In an article in the Sydney Morning Herald last week, the NSW president of Australian Hotels Associaton, John Thorpe, was quoted as saying "the effect [the changes] would have on our industry would be substantial. It would hurt". It's bureaucratic twits like this that are contaminating Sydney with a cancerous, profiteering attitude. They don't give a shit about culture or live music.
So it's a relief that people like Richard Ruhle of Music Union NSW and John Wardle are taking steps to recover Sydney's shrivelled soul. With any luck, the growth in jazz and lounge bars will get alot more feet tapping and a much needed kick in the arse for Sydney's live music scene and cultural landscape.
Take 30 seconds to go and sign the petition setup to fight the cause, click here.
Also visit John Wardle's blog for updates on the issue.
SMH article - other articles: 1 2 3 4 - comments by John Wardle on SClub
SMH article - other articles: 1 2 3 4 - comments by John Wardle on SClub
Labels: Tom
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Weir
Sydney, Australia
"You heard it here first on N**a 96.9" barked my car stereo as I was trying to tune into our friends at fBi. In a fit of ape-like rage, I fumbled across the buttons to correct the error. However before I could do so, my opposable thumbs and I 'experienced' a snippet of what had to be the best (worst) example of what can only be described as a record label's snap crackle and pop. Over produced, cliched, infected tunes from this idol-like female "artist" (if you can call her that) oozed out of my grossed out stereo for a brief moment before the right thumb hit the right button. Thankfully I was saved by the angelic voice of Jess Beston and moody tunes produced by her band Weir. These unsigned Sydneysiders have been around since '02 and carry more talent and potential in their thumbs than the aforementioned "artist" does in their whole hollow carcas of a musician's body. Like the steady motion of a tide, Weir's tunes rise, flow and receed between the darkness and light of their clearly identifiable feel that has found its way onto Triple J and fBi quite frequently. Honestly it baffles me how these natural wonders are yet to be signed. Playing Come Together Festival, reaching #20 on the music network's "Most Added to Radio" charts, surely it all adds up to a band that deserves much more credit than any "idol" does. Decide for yourself.
mp3: Weir - "The Believer"
mp3: Weir - "Could Be Right"
myspace - website - unearthed - reverberation records
Labels: Weir
Friday, January 12, 2007
TGIF: The Annandale and MUM
Me at 4am tomorrow morning
Sydney, Australia
Only 2 more hours... I'm hanging out for the end of work. The second Friday after the new year is always a return to the normal weekend. It seems that everyone has recovered from the onslaught of xmas and new year's and is ready for the return of the regular weekly booze fest that's been eating away at our liver for years.
So tonight involves a few cans somewhere... but where? I feel like seeing some gigs (to be honest, I haven't seen many lately -I decided to give my ears a rest after Falls). Two come to mind. There is the Sandwich Club Reunion party at the Annandale (at least we termed it that because all the bands on show have played at an Sclub night in the past) or I could go check out MUM (insert your own Mum joke here), a new night at World Bar where Newcastle band The Common Code is headlining. I am undecided and will probably do both - even so, my decision won't be made by the time I finish this post so I've decided to construct a little Friday afternoon playlist of the bands playing at both gigs. Happy Friday!
Playing tonight @ MUM; World Bar; 24 Bayswater Rd Kings Cross
MP3: The Common Code - All Systems Go
myspace - website
ALSO Playing tonight @ The Annandale 17 Parramatta Rd Annandale
HUGE lineup...
MP3:Cloud Control - Buffalo Country
myspace
MP3: Marching Room - Knee Jerk Reaction
myspace
MP3: Tokyo Blonde - Megalomaniac
myspace
MP3: Bird Automatic - Comfortably Optimistic
myspace
MP3: Bright Red - You Can't Change
myspace
Labels: Bird Automatic, Bright Red, Cloud Control, Marching Room, The Common Code, Tokyo Blonde
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Yeo
Brisbane, Australia
While you might not be seeing Yeo on a stage near you anytime soon, you will be hearing his music. Having only worked on his own material for 6 months, this 20-year old technophile from Brissy may just give Gotye's genius a real squeeze over the next year.
Applying a similar approach, Yeo likes his own company, his bedroom,
An unpredictable and exciting solo pick from Triple J's Next Crop.
MP3: Yeo - Two Sides of a Door
MP3: Yeo - Different (demo)
myspace - next crop bio - unearthed
MP3: Yeo - Two Sides of a Door
MP3: Yeo - Different (demo)
myspace - next crop bio - unearthed
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Kaki King v Brian Campeau
I was complacent upon seeing a recent discovery gracing the cover of Sydney's Drum Media this week, but also a little disappointed that this "heroine of a new acoustic guitar movement" should overshadow a local prodigy of our own. I caught Kaki King at the Woodford Folk Festival in December and was duly mesmerised, along with the rest of the audience.
But I could not help but compare her to Sydney's own Brian Campeau (originally from Canada), and question why her "innovative style" should hog the media spotlight. Perhaps it's because she's from New York, or because she's an angry lesbian, or because she has a lip ring, but her live performance, albeit original, should deserve no more attention than Brian's.
While I highly recommend you catch Kaki King on her Australian tour, I would also suggest you credit the equally impressive genius and refined art of Brian Campeau at one of his upcoming Sydney shows.
MP3: Brian Campeau - Montreal.mp3
myspace - upcoming gigs - sclub review
MP3: Kaki King - Solipsist.mp3
myspace - australian gigs
Labels: Brian Campeau, Sydney
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Bird Automatic & Deerhoof New Songs
Sydney, Australia
Looks like Cait beat me to it but I was going to plug that gig sometime this week. Anywho Bird Automatic ,who are one of my faves and happen to be supporting Cloud Control this Friday, sent us a newbie which I really like. A nice little uplifting tune - yes I'll be fine.
MP3: Bird Automatic - In A Minute (I'll Be Fine)
myspace
Upcoming gigs:
Jan 12: Annadale Hotel, Sydney
Jan 13: The Pitz, Sydney
Jan 24: Spectrum, Sydney
Feb 9: MUM@ World Bar, Sydney
Feb 22: Hopetoun, Sydney
San Francisco, United States
Also just found out my favourite Japanese fronted, American band, Deerhoof, are about to release their new album, 'Friend Opportunity' on the 23rd of January. This is perfect timing considering they're playing some dates out here in April (including The Great Escape).
Make sure you check these guys out - they've got a great unique sound that may take a couple of listens - but once you're in, you're hooked. Check out +81 from their upcoming album and Wrong Time Capsule - my favourite off their last.
MP3: Deerhoof - +81 (off label website)
MP3: Deerhoof - Wrong Time Capsule (off label website)
Labels: Bird Automatic
F*ck this, I'm going to have a sandwich...
Sydney, Australia
Firstly, I don't think my head has entirely recovered from Falls. That's how good it was. My feet definitely haven't. (Imagine my shock when I tried to wash the dirt off my feet on Monday night only to find half of it was bruising from the gigantic sweaty lovefest that was Franti.) (Also, Josh from Canberra, I have your jumper still. I didn't mean to steal it.) (That is so not what it sounds like by the way, you lot.)
The weirdness is not improved by the fact that Blogger has decided to be all in German today. Given that the only German I speak is "Das ist meine hamburger" it took me a few minutes longer than usual to log in. So a quicker post, as I'm on my way to work, but I feel the need to plug a certain event happening at the Annandale Hotel this Friday.
It had to happen eventually. The band I have resolved to spend 2007 plugging even more mercilessly than last year, Cloud Control, are headlining their very own gig at the Dale. Stoked! But imagine my shock'n'awe when, as I wandered Belle-like up Australia Street with my nose buried in this week's Drum, to scan the gig listings for what is now my local (huzzah!) and find that they are being supported by no less than four entirely awesome bands - all of whom have played SClub nights at Candy's.
Spooky? Or are we just so cool now that every other kid in the playground wants to be JUST LIKE US? Who gives a flying cumulus - just get there.
The weirdness is not improved by the fact that Blogger has decided to be all in German today. Given that the only German I speak is "Das ist meine hamburger" it took me a few minutes longer than usual to log in. So a quicker post, as I'm on my way to work, but I feel the need to plug a certain event happening at the Annandale Hotel this Friday.
It had to happen eventually. The band I have resolved to spend 2007 plugging even more mercilessly than last year, Cloud Control, are headlining their very own gig at the Dale. Stoked! But imagine my shock'n'awe when, as I wandered Belle-like up Australia Street with my nose buried in this week's Drum, to scan the gig listings for what is now my local (huzzah!) and find that they are being supported by no less than four entirely awesome bands - all of whom have played SClub nights at Candy's.
Spooky? Or are we just so cool now that every other kid in the playground wants to be JUST LIKE US? Who gives a flying cumulus - just get there.
Gory details (click band names for Myspace):
CLOUD CONTROL
supported by Marching Room, Tokyo Blonde, Bird Automatic and Bright Red.
Annandale Hotel, Friday 12th January
$12 on the door or $10 presale with b.f.
Labels: Cloud Control
St Jeromes Laneway 2nd Lineup
Dan Kelly & The Alpha Males
And here be it:
Melbourne Sat February 24 (SOLD OUT) and Sunday February 25: Curse ov Dialect, Uber Lingua DJs, Friday Night Fighters DJ Team, Snowman, Gersey, Bumblebeez, Holly Throsby, Dan Kelly, The Shaky Hands, The Crayon Fields & Love of Diagrams.
Brisbane Sat March 3: Snowman, Gersey, Dan Kelly, Holly Throsby, The Shaky Hands, Kate Bradley, Dappled Cities Fly & The Outpost DJ Teams.
Sydney Sun March 4: The Bellrays, Gerling, Snowman, Gersey, Bumblebeez, Holly Throsby, Dan Kelly, The Shaky Hands, The Crayon Fields, Dappled Cities Fly, Expatriate, My Disco, Uber lingua DJs.
1st Lineup:
Yo La Tengo (SYD & BNE), The Walkmen, Peter, Bjorn & John, The Sleepy Jackson, Youth Group, Camera Obscura, Archie Bronson Outfit, Love is All (MEL & SYD), Fionn Regan, Macromantics (MEL), Ground Components, Midnight Juggernauts, The Temper Trap.
That's very solid....
What I love about Laneway are the range of indie buzz bands that are on show from around the world and Australia. Many of them wouldn't be playing here unless they were supported by a festival so a big thumbs up to the organisers.
Just a quick note, if you haven't bought a ticket to Sydney or Brisbane then I suggest you do it fast. I was speaking to an organiser late last week who said the Sydney show was nearly sold out and Brisbane not far behind.
Melbourne Sat February 24 (SOLD OUT) and Sunday February 25: Curse ov Dialect, Uber Lingua DJs, Friday Night Fighters DJ Team, Snowman, Gersey, Bumblebeez, Holly Throsby, Dan Kelly, The Shaky Hands, The Crayon Fields & Love of Diagrams.
Brisbane Sat March 3: Snowman, Gersey, Dan Kelly, Holly Throsby, The Shaky Hands, Kate Bradley, Dappled Cities Fly & The Outpost DJ Teams.
Sydney Sun March 4: The Bellrays, Gerling, Snowman, Gersey, Bumblebeez, Holly Throsby, Dan Kelly, The Shaky Hands, The Crayon Fields, Dappled Cities Fly, Expatriate, My Disco, Uber lingua DJs.
1st Lineup:
Yo La Tengo (SYD & BNE), The Walkmen, Peter, Bjorn & John, The Sleepy Jackson, Youth Group, Camera Obscura, Archie Bronson Outfit, Love is All (MEL & SYD), Fionn Regan, Macromantics (MEL), Ground Components, Midnight Juggernauts, The Temper Trap.
That's very solid....
What I love about Laneway are the range of indie buzz bands that are on show from around the world and Australia. Many of them wouldn't be playing here unless they were supported by a festival so a big thumbs up to the organisers.
Just a quick note, if you haven't bought a ticket to Sydney or Brisbane then I suggest you do it fast. I was speaking to an organiser late last week who said the Sydney show was nearly sold out and Brisbane not far behind.
More info here
Monday, January 08, 2007
The Rocketsmiths
Brisbane, Australia
Richie from Cuthbert & The Nightwalkers mentioned The Rocketsmiths to me over myspace this morning. I am completely addicted and gobsmacked that I haven't heard of them before. Catchy indie rock songs lying somewhere between country, rock and pop. It appears they're quite the popular band in Brissie having supported the local shows of We Are Scientists, The Presidents of the USA and fellow Brisbane indie rockers, The Boat People. I'm hoping to catch them on the 8th of February when they're scheduled to come down to Sydney but they are yet to book a venue (hint hint). Anyway, check out these little numbers. 'Worth it' is an excellent track.
MP3: The Rocketsmiths - Worth It (highly recommended)
MP3: The Rocketsmiths - Some Time of Mine
myspace
Richie from Cuthbert & The Nightwalkers mentioned The Rocketsmiths to me over myspace this morning. I am completely addicted and gobsmacked that I haven't heard of them before. Catchy indie rock songs lying somewhere between country, rock and pop. It appears they're quite the popular band in Brissie having supported the local shows of We Are Scientists, The Presidents of the USA and fellow Brisbane indie rockers, The Boat People. I'm hoping to catch them on the 8th of February when they're scheduled to come down to Sydney but they are yet to book a venue (hint hint). Anyway, check out these little numbers. 'Worth it' is an excellent track.
MP3: The Rocketsmiths - Worth It (highly recommended)
MP3: The Rocketsmiths - Some Time of Mine
myspace
By the way, voting for Triple J's Hottest 100 has commenced. You can vote here. And on that note... I know this might be a year late, but did anyone else think that the 2005 Hottest 100 was slightly crapola?
Last year's top 10:
1 Wish You Well - Bernard Fanning
2 Catch My Disease - Ben Lee
3 Feel Good Inc. - Gorillaz
4 Best Of You - Foo Fighters
5 Dare - Gorillaz
6 Mind's Eye - Wolfmother
7 My Doorbell - The White Stripes
8 O Yeah - End Of Fashion
9 Joker & The Thief - Wolfmother
10 Do You Want To - Franz Ferdinand
St Jeromes 2nd Lineup
The St Jeromes Laneway Festival 2nd lineup will be announced at 8:10am tomorrow on Triple J... I'm guessing it will be mainly australian acts but really, I have no idea. Anyone have anything for the rumour mill?
Acts already announced:
Yo La Tengo (SYD & BNE), The Walkmen, Peter, Bjorn & John, The Sleepy Jackson, Youth Group, Camera Obscura, Archie Bronson Outfit, Love is All (MEL & SYD), Fionn Regan, Macromantics (MEL), Ground Components, Midnight Juggernauts, The Temper Trap.
Acts already announced:
Yo La Tengo (SYD & BNE), The Walkmen, Peter, Bjorn & John, The Sleepy Jackson, Youth Group, Camera Obscura, Archie Bronson Outfit, Love is All (MEL & SYD), Fionn Regan, Macromantics (MEL), Ground Components, Midnight Juggernauts, The Temper Trap.
More info here
UK charts now include downloads
United Kingdom
I was just reading an interesting little piece on changes to the ranking system used for the UK charts. In quite a shakeup to UK music, the charts now include downloaded songs (legal or otherwise) which literally puts the charts into the hands of the music lovers rather than labels. There are some interesting results here. For example artists such as Snow Patrol, Gnarls Barkley and Nelly Furtado with releases way back in 2005 and early 2006 are now boasting postitions back in the charts. I wasn't able to find anything on whether Australia would adopt a similar ranking system but fingers crossed - an Icehouse revival may be imminent.
I was just reading an interesting little piece on changes to the ranking system used for the UK charts. In quite a shakeup to UK music, the charts now include downloaded songs (legal or otherwise) which literally puts the charts into the hands of the music lovers rather than labels. There are some interesting results here. For example artists such as Snow Patrol, Gnarls Barkley and Nelly Furtado with releases way back in 2005 and early 2006 are now boasting postitions back in the charts. I wasn't able to find anything on whether Australia would adopt a similar ranking system but fingers crossed - an Icehouse revival may be imminent.
Read the article here
Sunday, January 07, 2007
The Preytells
Perth, Western Australia, AGAIN!
I realise I may be sounding rather like a faulty iPod that has a habit of skipping on your favourite track but The Preytells warrant every ounce of attention that has been hurtled their way in the past few months. Their melodically howling track Don't Leave Me Alone has just won them Triple J's prestigious Southbound Festival Competition which puts them alongside such artists as You Am I and Modest Mouse plus they are due to release their debut Could I Change Your Mind EP in early February. (Easy stuey....breathe.....).
This W.A. wonder are rapidly swooning the masses with their matured guitar melodies and soft, awakening vocals that seem to charm your eyes into closing and your ears into nirvana. Pay attention and buy their EP when it is released, the experience that awaits you....ooooooh tingles!
MP3: The Preytells - Don't Leave Me Alone (highly recommended)
MP3: The Preytells - Heart Attack
myspace - website
Labels: The Preytells
Photos: 2 New Galleries (more to come) - SClub Xmas Party + Cansei De Ser Sexy
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Josh from Poly & The Statics Guest Post: Lady Strangelove
Josh from Poly & The Statics (arguably the greatest Adelaide band in all of Adelaide) wrote us a guest post to help us push through the holiday season. Josh is going to fill us in on another Adelaide upcomer, the psychedelic rock band, Lady Strangelove.
By the way, a quick congrats to Poly & The Statics. They've been added to the Adelaide Big Day Out bill. Well deserved I say - these guys are some of the most impressive musicians we've come across in the last year.
Poly & The Statics
myspace
Adelaide, Australia
I remember meeting Azz at flinders uni through at mutual friend, we gots a talking about music over beers and him telling me he was jamming with a buddy from mildura (Josh) and a buddy he meet in Adelaide (Damo), I asked what kind of music they played, the answer= a mix of Chemical Brothers, Pink Floyd, Crystal Method, Supergrass and a few other names that escape me.
By the way, a quick congrats to Poly & The Statics. They've been added to the Adelaide Big Day Out bill. Well deserved I say - these guys are some of the most impressive musicians we've come across in the last year.
Poly & The Statics
myspace
Adelaide, Australia
I remember meeting Azz at flinders uni through at mutual friend, we gots a talking about music over beers and him telling me he was jamming with a buddy from mildura (Josh) and a buddy he meet in Adelaide (Damo), I asked what kind of music they played, the answer= a mix of Chemical Brothers, Pink Floyd, Crystal Method, Supergrass and a few other names that escape me.
Forward about six months later and we played with them at their first show at a dingey, but cool place, the Lizard Lounge (no longer exist because of emo threating to blow up the place long story.... police coming blah blah...Adelaide hey!),anyhow them as a three piece was cool, they were workin more the phsyc angle with both Azz and Josh singing, still awesome, but now forward about a year and half and these guys are fucking incredible, Azz's brother has now joined fulltime on vocals harmonica and percussion.. These guys live are intense no stop starting shit, they start and 45minutes later they stop, similar to a DJ spinning tunes only with the intensity of a live band.
The first time I saw them at Rhino Room with Brendan on vocals, I lost my shit the place was packed, his vocals sounded incredible, they all went fucking nuts on stage, and it left me asking 'wow what the fuck was that?', in comparison to the three piece I saw the first time it was nothing, it was complete, everything had its place, maybe because these guys are fucking ambitious and have been known to scrap entire sets of material because they no longer believe it holds up, now that takes guts! It's hard to explain without seeing them how extreme and intense the live experience is. Lady Strangelove make it tough for any band to follow them after they been on, go see them when there in your city, good time guaranteed!
Strangelove just put out their debut EP which consists of Rotate Parts 1, 2, 3 & 4; & Quebi Parts 1, 2 & 3; two songs which are split into seven individual tracks but which flow together as one seamless song from start to finish, just like thier live performances.
MP3: Lady Strangelove - Quebi (Part 3)
MP3: Lady Strangelove - Rotate (Part 2) (Highly Recommended)
myspace
The first time I saw them at Rhino Room with Brendan on vocals, I lost my shit the place was packed, his vocals sounded incredible, they all went fucking nuts on stage, and it left me asking 'wow what the fuck was that?', in comparison to the three piece I saw the first time it was nothing, it was complete, everything had its place, maybe because these guys are fucking ambitious and have been known to scrap entire sets of material because they no longer believe it holds up, now that takes guts! It's hard to explain without seeing them how extreme and intense the live experience is. Lady Strangelove make it tough for any band to follow them after they been on, go see them when there in your city, good time guaranteed!
Strangelove just put out their debut EP which consists of Rotate Parts 1, 2, 3 & 4; & Quebi Parts 1, 2 & 3; two songs which are split into seven individual tracks but which flow together as one seamless song from start to finish, just like thier live performances.
MP3: Lady Strangelove - Quebi (Part 3)
MP3: Lady Strangelove - Rotate (Part 2) (Highly Recommended)
myspace
this tasty sandwich by Josh Poly
Labels: Adelaide, Lady Strangelove, Poly And The Statics
Friday, January 05, 2007
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
London, England
Damon Albarn really needs no introduction: singer of Blur, The Gorillaz and now The Good, The Bad & The Queen. The fine people at EMI in the UK have sent us a taste of his new band which includes the likes of Paul Simonon from The Clash on bass, Simon Tong from The Verve on guitar and Tony Allen from Africa 70 on drums. Here's the first single off their new album which will be released January 22nd.
MP3: The Good, The Bad & The Queen - History Song
myspace - buy
If you purchase the single, you'll be able to hear 5 tracks from the upcoming album
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Bishop Allen
New York, United States
Something that slipped my mind over the last half of 2006 was to grab copies of Bishop Allen's EP's as they churned out a new one each month. Throughout the first half I was an avid collector, keen to get my hands on them as soon as they were available - then I just stopped thinking about them.
Well since then another 6 have become available and I have a lot of catching up to do.
I couldn't recommend them more highly. Christian Rudder and Justin Rice (who make up the core of the band) are arguably two of the best singer/songwriters in the US. It's rare you'll find an average track on any of their recordings.
You can download a few samples from their website (and purchase their EP's electronically for next to nothing). Also while you're there, grab a copy of their awesome debut LP, Charm School. It's a personal fave...
MP3: Bishop Allen - Calendar (December EP)
MP3: Bishop Allen - Tea For Two (November EP)
myspace - website - buy
Something that slipped my mind over the last half of 2006 was to grab copies of Bishop Allen's EP's as they churned out a new one each month. Throughout the first half I was an avid collector, keen to get my hands on them as soon as they were available - then I just stopped thinking about them.
Well since then another 6 have become available and I have a lot of catching up to do.
I couldn't recommend them more highly. Christian Rudder and Justin Rice (who make up the core of the band) are arguably two of the best singer/songwriters in the US. It's rare you'll find an average track on any of their recordings.
You can download a few samples from their website (and purchase their EP's electronically for next to nothing). Also while you're there, grab a copy of their awesome debut LP, Charm School. It's a personal fave...
MP3: Bishop Allen - Calendar (December EP)
MP3: Bishop Allen - Tea For Two (November EP)
myspace - website - buy
Summer Cats
Brisbane, Australia
I like Jack White. But that prick made me buy a can of coke when I would have preferred a lemonade. I like Dylan, but that old wash up made me wear ladies panties, and now the doctors say I cant have children. So you can understand my caution upon first hearing Summer Cats and their song Hush Puppy. The last thing I needed was a catchy tune hijacking my subconscious and convincing me to waste my money on a pair of shoes i didnt need. It is summer in Australia after all, and tough bare feet are essential for an annual encounter with hot roads and the evil bindii (foreigners beware, these nasties are more dangerous than drop-bears).
But, alas, when one tinny demo from a little known Brissy band can muster up a 3.5/5 on Pitchfork, I was willing to listen and risk subliminal suicide. But, believe me, the music is worth it. The band has great potential and I fear, with a little studio time, they may well inspire a vigorous consumption of both their sound and their brand of shoes.
MP3: Summer Cats - Hush Puppy
MP3: Summer Cats - Super Computer
myspace
Labels: Summer Cats, Tom
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
The Sea Thieves
My New Years ViewAdelaide, South Australia
Heads are swelling with the dull crack of fireworks, the doof doof of commercial $150-a-day dropkick fests and the amber river of pain we insert into our bodies as we usher in the new year is now seeping from our pores. Im tired. I feel left behind by the fire filled water that was lapping at the foreshore last year (technically).Yesterday, in some sort of effort to go back in time to the thirty-first I cued The Sea Thieves as the next track. A resonating saw (yes the one used by lumberjacks!) blended with soft buoyant lyrics and lazy beat that kept me afloat for the rest of the day. This unsigned boy / girl duo from Adelaide provide the perfect seachange from the polluted carnage of the senses that is New Years Day with a crossbred sound somewhere between Sparklehorse, The Shins and Yo La Tengo. They have evolved from the days of 'Eldertown' and contain a certain ability to project the enjoyment they get from making their music into your ears. As a result of this I feel compelled to blurt a Happy New Year everybody! This year we hope to make more friends, enjoy more music and taste more sandwiches than ever before. Will you join us?
MP3: The Sea Thieves - The Only Piece of Mind Worth Remembering
myspace
Labels: Adelaide, The Sea Thieves
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
We're back (well some of us)
Lorne, Victoria
A New Year, a few extra kilos and the need for some routine in my life. I was sitting down trying to work out how many nights I actually slept in my bed in the last month - I counted three (and before you get any ideas, I'm not a xmas party man whore, but I appreciate the thought if that was the first thing that came into your head).
Oh I'm in pain. Please take me back to the fields of Lorne even if it is a decrepid mud bowl that resembles the third world. Falls was awesome and Modest Mouse did not disappoint. In fact I'm glad I'm catching them again tomorrow night... one sitting was not enough. Other notable performances: The Bees, The Sleepy Jackson and Cansei De Ser Sexy (although some commented they weren't the biggest fans.. more to do with their pronounciations rather than their live show. They had everyone dancing). Most disappointing: Dexter - A NY's resolution: stop trying to hang onto anything connected to The Avalanches. They're a one hit wonder... settled. Most peeved that I missed: Jamie Lidell. I blame that crappy bus service back to Falls from Lorne. New drinking game: naming the next song during a Wolfmother gig.
Ok so this is a slightly incoherent rabble of a recap... so please bare with me over the next couple of days while my brain kicks itself into 1st gear (or reverse).
A New Year, a few extra kilos and the need for some routine in my life. I was sitting down trying to work out how many nights I actually slept in my bed in the last month - I counted three (and before you get any ideas, I'm not a xmas party man whore, but I appreciate the thought if that was the first thing that came into your head).
Oh I'm in pain. Please take me back to the fields of Lorne even if it is a decrepid mud bowl that resembles the third world. Falls was awesome and Modest Mouse did not disappoint. In fact I'm glad I'm catching them again tomorrow night... one sitting was not enough. Other notable performances: The Bees, The Sleepy Jackson and Cansei De Ser Sexy (although some commented they weren't the biggest fans.. more to do with their pronounciations rather than their live show. They had everyone dancing). Most disappointing: Dexter - A NY's resolution: stop trying to hang onto anything connected to The Avalanches. They're a one hit wonder... settled. Most peeved that I missed: Jamie Lidell. I blame that crappy bus service back to Falls from Lorne. New drinking game: naming the next song during a Wolfmother gig.
Ok so this is a slightly incoherent rabble of a recap... so please bare with me over the next couple of days while my brain kicks itself into 1st gear (or reverse).
mp3: Cansei De Ser Sexy - Alala
myspace
subpop records
Cansei are playing at Bar Broadway tonight actually.
Sydney, Australia
So something to start the New Year from the band that will take 2007 by storm. The Holidays have posted a demo of their song Both Hands on myspace. Although the quality isn't great, the music is and it'll give you a taste of what's to come from this exciting new talent this year.
Sydney, Australia
So something to start the New Year from the band that will take 2007 by storm. The Holidays have posted a demo of their song Both Hands on myspace. Although the quality isn't great, the music is and it'll give you a taste of what's to come from this exciting new talent this year.
mp3: The Holidays - Both Hands (Demo)
myspace
Labels: Sydney, The Holidays
