Thursday, May 31, 2007
School Of Two
Adelaide, South Australia
Tripping back to Adelaide has become a Sandwich Club habit. Stumbling across an extremely small musical institution (of sorts) in School of Two I felt compelled to share yet another tasty Adelaide tid bit. In a freakish display of talent the musical pair of Jason Sweeney (Pretty Boy Crossover) and Harry Whizkid (Radio Spectacular!!) have an LP ready for release after only collaborating since March 2006. Not stopping there, a film called Disappointment is in the works also! Combining everyday noise with synths, hand claps, drum machines, pianos, and layered guitars School Of Two mesmerize the senses. There is a touch of feel good sunshine in every note. School is out for this pair that don't seem to know when to stop.
MP3: School Of Two - The Rays
MP3: School Of Two - Adelaide Matters
myspace
MP3: School Of Two - The Rays
MP3: School Of Two - Adelaide Matters
myspace
Labels: School Of Two
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Sly Hats
Melbourne, Australia
As a big fan of Crayon Fields I was stoked to hear about Kamerah 'Hats' Darling's solo project. Apparently around since 2004, Sly Hats sticks to the same 'so-twee-it-hurts' formula that they have made popular. The melodies have the same cutesy appeal and the same use of quirky instrumentation/percussion, but it does make his personal contribution to Crayon Fields very apparent. He's been playing some shows around Melbs, and is up in Sydney at the Hoey on June 9 after release of his debut album.
MP3: Sly Hats - Liquorice Nights
MP3: Sly Hats - Vampire Sips
myspace
Labels: Sly Hats, The Crayon Fields
Monday, May 28, 2007
Leroy Lee
Sydney, Australia
Sitting, waiting, nervously toe tapping before our little fBi segment the other day, one of Sydney's number one solo artists meandered over the office airwaves. Next to my irratically bouncing knee The Paper Sleeve EP caught my eye. Leroy Lee is definitely one to watch in these coming months. Containing skill and harmony reminiscent of a solo Paul Simon his songs are easy to listen to and would provide you with a 00:04:31 escape should you require it. Its titled On Her Way.
The The Paper Sleeve EP is available from the following stores
So Music
183 King Street Newtown
Sydney (02) 9519 8622
Recycled Records
Shop 2/37 Glebe Point Rd Glebe
Sydney (02) 9660 1416
Each outlet is able to post you a copy so give them a call.
The cost? $10
MP3: Leroy Lee - On Her Way
myspace
Labels: Leroy Lee
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Young & Restless - New single and tour with Cut Off Your Hands
Canberra, Australia
After a short stint in the recording studios putting the final touches together on their forthcoming debut LP, Young & Restless are back with a Batman 'Kapow!' and will be playing a few dates around the country with fellow maniacs Cut Off Your Hands. Manager and fellow blogger Jerry Soer has sent us the link to their new single of the yet to be named forthcoming album. This is a great little bass line driven track that's sounding much more polished than their previous stuff. In fact judging by this alone, I'd say the band's coming of age and I'm excited to hear what this album has in store.
After a short stint in the recording studios putting the final touches together on their forthcoming debut LP, Young & Restless are back with a Batman 'Kapow!' and will be playing a few dates around the country with fellow maniacs Cut Off Your Hands. Manager and fellow blogger Jerry Soer has sent us the link to their new single of the yet to be named forthcoming album. This is a great little bass line driven track that's sounding much more polished than their previous stuff. In fact judging by this alone, I'd say the band's coming of age and I'm excited to hear what this album has in store.
MP3: Young & Restless - Kapow
myspace
Tour Dates with Cut Off Your Hands
Fri 8 June - Rocket Bar, Adelaide
Sat 9 June - Northcote Social Club
Thur 14 June - Oxford Tavern, Wollongong
Fri 15 June - Transit Bar, Canberra
Sat 16 June - Spectrum, Sydney
Sun 17 June - Beach Rd Hotel, Bondi
Sat 30 June - The Bakery, Perth* (Cut Off Your Hands not playing)
Labels: Cut Off Your Hands, Young And Restless
Saturday, May 26, 2007
My Sydney Riot
Sydney, Australia
And as if Itty Bitty was not enough... yet another festival to join the ranks of the not so big. Tomorrow the boys of Fait Accompli are putting on a show featuring 20 bands from around Australia with a plethora of local DJs to boot. Held at East Village the festival boasts two stages, three levels and city views of the fabulous Sydney (and all this for a measly $20!). Bloody hell! Unless you're having a family Sunday roast, this is not to be missed. Moreover it's your last chance to catch MTV Kickstart Winners Yves Klein Blue while they're in Sydney. I've seen them play twice in the last two days and both sets have left me completely gobsmacked. In fact even the least musical interested people should go just to see them. They are that good.
And as if Itty Bitty was not enough... yet another festival to join the ranks of the not so big. Tomorrow the boys of Fait Accompli are putting on a show featuring 20 bands from around Australia with a plethora of local DJs to boot. Held at East Village the festival boasts two stages, three levels and city views of the fabulous Sydney (and all this for a measly $20!). Bloody hell! Unless you're having a family Sunday roast, this is not to be missed. Moreover it's your last chance to catch MTV Kickstart Winners Yves Klein Blue while they're in Sydney. I've seen them play twice in the last two days and both sets have left me completely gobsmacked. In fact even the least musical interested people should go just to see them. They are that good.
MP3: Fait Accompli - Ride (Rough Live Demo)
MP3: Fait Accompli - Shut Up & Dance
myspace - label: none
MP3: Yves Klein Blue - The Streetlight
myspace - label: none
MP3: The Scream - Hold On
myspace - label: none
Lineup
The Goons of Doom, Fait Acompli, Yves Klein Blue, Stature::Statue, Morals of a Minor, Talons, Violent Soho, Warhorse, Tokyo Blonde, Banshee, Ladyhawke, Lovertits, DJ Coco, Shambles, Fire In The Disco, Regular John, Army Ant, Porch Light Fiasco, Ripping Dylans, T Bone, Captain Franco, Ben Laden, Johnny Darko, Jack Shit, Kiku, My Fair Lady, Penny Lane, Soft Tigers, Cuthbert & the Nightwalkers, Ghosts of Television, The Scream
Details
My Sydney Riot
East Village, 234 Palmer st Darlinghurst
12pm tomorrow
$20
buy tix from moshtix
Labels: Fait Accompli, My Sydney Riot, The Scream, Yves Klein Blue
Friday, May 25, 2007
No Through Road
Adelaide, South Australia
It was under similar brisk conditions that we first wrote about Adelaide's No Through Road. Whispy cold winds blowing across the clearest of sky blues. Pass me my hot milo and my new favourite jacket that cost me five...slurrrrrrrp...ahhhhh...dollars. Re-releasing their latest album "Too Much or Not Enough" earlier this month, the thought had occurred to me that the creative juices which seemed to be free flowing through all their previous releases had somehow snap frozen. Not so. This limited edition contains treats for those frosty, numbed lobes that have developed upon the six piece's resounding Australian fervor. It is this very feature that wins me over everytime. Definately a must buy! The band tours in June/July. Don't forget to catch them. Details are on their myspace.
MP3: No Though Road - Crush This Town
myspace - website - unstable ape records - remote control records
It was under similar brisk conditions that we first wrote about Adelaide's No Through Road. Whispy cold winds blowing across the clearest of sky blues. Pass me my hot milo and my new favourite jacket that cost me five...slurrrrrrrp...ahhhhh...dollars. Re-releasing their latest album "Too Much or Not Enough" earlier this month, the thought had occurred to me that the creative juices which seemed to be free flowing through all their previous releases had somehow snap frozen. Not so. This limited edition contains treats for those frosty, numbed lobes that have developed upon the six piece's resounding Australian fervor. It is this very feature that wins me over everytime. Definately a must buy! The band tours in June/July. Don't forget to catch them. Details are on their myspace.
MP3: No Though Road - Crush This Town
myspace - website - unstable ape records - remote control records
Labels: No Through Road
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Sandwich Club This Thursday!
Sydney, Australia,
Once again the clubhouse is firing on all cylinders! Operating on the fairy bread induced sugar high from our Itty Bitty Festival we have bounced back with one of our best Thursday 'line-ups' to date! Its a triple headline extravaganza with three of the four bands arriving from interstate to show you how they throw down in their home town.
Hosting the three 'interstaters' and launching the night, Sydney band Debbie are set to bring the thermal moves onto the stage with them, quickly making you forget about the current chill in the air. Their onstage antics are something you must see!
Morals of A Minor first stamped authority on our 'Bands to Watch In 07' list when they finished runners up in the MTV Kickstart competition. All reports from our correspondents in their hometown of Adelaide name these lads as the most polished young act Adelaide has seen this year. Take a listen to Running Late to get you in the mood!
With a string of gigs upon them in Sydney this week, Thursday will be the night for Brisbane band Yves Klein Blue to impress Sydney. Candys Apartment possesses the optimum sound capabilities for the MTV Kickstart Winners to demonstrate their raw talent across their retro flavoured tunes. Definitely the most anticipated performance on the bill.
The band that, in past Sandwich Club gigs, has persuaded the masses into having that one last beer, to keep jiving and partying with complete disregard for their well being is Adelaide favourites City Riots. They are armed with new songs, attract a slew of lovely people to venues, receive regular airplay and always put together a show indicative of the top live indie elite.
So come and join us for our last school night at Candys. From this Thursday on we now own Friday!!!
MP3: Debbie - Blind
myspace
MP3: Morals Of A Minor - Running Late
myspace
MP3: Yves Klein Blue - The Streetlight
myspace
MP3: City Riots - My Favourite T-Shirt
myspace
Once again the clubhouse is firing on all cylinders! Operating on the fairy bread induced sugar high from our Itty Bitty Festival we have bounced back with one of our best Thursday 'line-ups' to date! Its a triple headline extravaganza with three of the four bands arriving from interstate to show you how they throw down in their home town.
Hosting the three 'interstaters' and launching the night, Sydney band Debbie are set to bring the thermal moves onto the stage with them, quickly making you forget about the current chill in the air. Their onstage antics are something you must see!
Morals of A Minor first stamped authority on our 'Bands to Watch In 07' list when they finished runners up in the MTV Kickstart competition. All reports from our correspondents in their hometown of Adelaide name these lads as the most polished young act Adelaide has seen this year. Take a listen to Running Late to get you in the mood!
With a string of gigs upon them in Sydney this week, Thursday will be the night for Brisbane band Yves Klein Blue to impress Sydney. Candys Apartment possesses the optimum sound capabilities for the MTV Kickstart Winners to demonstrate their raw talent across their retro flavoured tunes. Definitely the most anticipated performance on the bill.
The band that, in past Sandwich Club gigs, has persuaded the masses into having that one last beer, to keep jiving and partying with complete disregard for their well being is Adelaide favourites City Riots. They are armed with new songs, attract a slew of lovely people to venues, receive regular airplay and always put together a show indicative of the top live indie elite.
So come and join us for our last school night at Candys. From this Thursday on we now own Friday!!!
MP3: Debbie - Blind
myspace
MP3: Morals Of A Minor - Running Late
myspace
MP3: Yves Klein Blue - The Streetlight
myspace
MP3: City Riots - My Favourite T-Shirt
myspace
Labels: City Riots, Debbie, Morals Of A Minor, Yves Klein Blue
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
The Holidays dish demos!
Sydney, Australia
After some sessions with Soundworks Studios, The Holidays have put some demos together. Their sound is one of pure sunshine pop/rock, kinda like The Strokes if they were 10 years younger, from the beach, and on anti-depressants. They've just been to Melbourne and back supporting Jamie T and will be trying to get up Bris-Vegas later this year. The Holidays might not be re-inventing music, but they're doing something different to the rest of Sydney, and their live sets are putting the fun back into a scene which can take itself waaaaaayyyy too seriously. Make sure you catch them and get your jive on..
MP3: The Holidays - Nothing Apparently
myspace - label: none
Labels: The Holidays
Monday, May 21, 2007
The Anyones are back!!!
Sydney, Australia
Writing original pop hooks that don't come across as cliched is a near impossible task these days. I once thought that we must surely be reaching some sort of melodic 'saturation point' where bands would run out unique tunes and revert to simply mixing old songs together to form new ones. I saw the 'mash-up' as just another sign of this impending apocalypse. And then a couple of days ago I saw that The Anyones are back. After 3 years of silence and hanging out in the US (as The Everyones), they're back in Australia with a new single and plans for a third album.
It was their 2000 debut album, Lonerider, which first led me to believe that the 'saturation' theory might be a little premature... It was chock-full of jangly guitars and infectious harmonies, and I still consider it one of Australia's greatest pop outings. Their second LP (self-titled) in 2003 was an extension of their debut, and I'm pretty sure from listening to their new single, Leader of the Gleaners on myspace, that we're in for more of the same with the new album. And that doesn't bother me in the slightest.
They're playing their first gig back, at the Hopetoun this Saturday 26th May.
MP3: The Anyones - Orange Bubblegum (Lonerider 2001) - (super incredibly highly recommended)
MP3: The Anyones - Come Around (The Anyones 2003)
myspace
Labels: The Anyones
Friday, May 18, 2007
Itty Bitty Festival Timetable! 1 More Sleep!!!
Sydney, Australia
That's right one more sleep till you sample some of the best bands Sydney has to offer! The Clubhouse has been frantic over these past few days putting the finishing touches on what we hope will feel like a festival in your lounge room. You have seen The BRAG ads, heard us rambling on fBi, and read all the 'write-ups' on the bands (bar one, read below). Now all that is left is to come and enjoy the $4 beers, tasty sandwiches and even tastier tunes!
One word of advice, we are limited with numbers so please get there early. However if our friendly security guards turn you away, chances are we can let you in later as people come and go. So please come back after a beer or two.
Finally the band that will make you swoon. The beautifully talented folks of Cloud Control will be gracing the stage at 9.50pm with their effervescent guitar hooks and captivating harmonies. If one band were to claim resposibility for bringing out the perfect weather tomorrow, it would be these guys!
MP3: Cloud Control - Buffalo Country
mypace
That's right one more sleep till you sample some of the best bands Sydney has to offer! The Clubhouse has been frantic over these past few days putting the finishing touches on what we hope will feel like a festival in your lounge room. You have seen The BRAG ads, heard us rambling on fBi, and read all the 'write-ups' on the bands (bar one, read below). Now all that is left is to come and enjoy the $4 beers, tasty sandwiches and even tastier tunes!
One word of advice, we are limited with numbers so please get there early. However if our friendly security guards turn you away, chances are we can let you in later as people come and go. So please come back after a beer or two.
Finally the band that will make you swoon. The beautifully talented folks of Cloud Control will be gracing the stage at 9.50pm with their effervescent guitar hooks and captivating harmonies. If one band were to claim resposibility for bringing out the perfect weather tomorrow, it would be these guys!
MP3: Cloud Control - Buffalo Country
mypace
Labels: Cloud Control, Itty Bitty Festival
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Walrus at Itty Bitty Festival
Sydney, Australia
If there was one band to aid in your drunken tom foolery at this upcoming Itty Bitty Festival it would be a band obtusely named Walrus. Contrary to the attributes of a band you would usually associate with such a name, these guys hit the stage and explode into a frothing, gritty, addictive form of bluesy rock. In fact I hope you start to feel sleepy just before these guys come on as I will sit, point and laugh at the expression on your face when you are shocked into an incoherent 'rock-out' dance without so much as a rolling start. Enjoy them, they are on at 11.45pm.
MP3: Walrus - War!
myspace - label: none
If there was one band to aid in your drunken tom foolery at this upcoming Itty Bitty Festival it would be a band obtusely named Walrus. Contrary to the attributes of a band you would usually associate with such a name, these guys hit the stage and explode into a frothing, gritty, addictive form of bluesy rock. In fact I hope you start to feel sleepy just before these guys come on as I will sit, point and laugh at the expression on your face when you are shocked into an incoherent 'rock-out' dance without so much as a rolling start. Enjoy them, they are on at 11.45pm.
MP3: Walrus - War!
myspace - label: none
Labels: Itty Bitty Festival, Walrus
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Cuthbert & the Nightwalkers at Itty Bitty
Sydney, Australia
If two is company, then Cuthbert's a crowd. There's so many people on stage you can't count them all without taking your shoes off. Frontman and singer-songwriter, Richie, likens their sound to Flaming Lips and The Polyphonic Spree which is pretty accurate considering their quirky lyrics and country-pop sound. They also have a contingent of cute female vocalists all crowding the mic, that reminds me of The Supremes. Except that they're white, and they sound more like the kids who sang back-up in Pink Floyds "The Wall" (sans English accents).
Good natured fun for the drunk and the sober alike. Come and join in. They hit the stage at 9pm at Sandwich Club Itty Bitty Festival.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Brian Campeau at Itty Bitty Festival
Sydney, Australia
I've been a little concerned of late, fearing a few showers would ruin the festival come this weekend. After predictions for a low chance of rain this Saturday during the past week, I'm pleased to announce that the weather futurists are now predicting a fine day and night of autumn shine. Pheuw, official Guinness World Record Holder Brian Campeau just wouldn't sound the same inside.
Yes, he'll be performing on the beautiful courtyard stage at dusk and I couldn't think of anything better to do on a Saturday afternoon than to listen to Brian with a cold beer in hand as I settle into a night promising an array of Sydney's finest talent.
For those of you who somehow missed Brian over the last year, he is an eclectic musical genius citing similarities to Rufus Wainwright, Radiohead, Bjork and Nick Drake. His intense, abstract and playful performances have been been a hit with us for some time and no doubt will dazzle the crowd come this Saturday as he rips into one of his awe inspiring tunes.
Brian takes the stage at 6:30pm. Get there early to catch him and avoid the crowd.
MP3: Brian Campeau - Reinventing Myself
myspace - label: none
Playing at:
Sandwich Club Itty Bitty Festival
Saturday 19th May
6pm till late
The Loft @ UTS Broadway
I've been a little concerned of late, fearing a few showers would ruin the festival come this weekend. After predictions for a low chance of rain this Saturday during the past week, I'm pleased to announce that the weather futurists are now predicting a fine day and night of autumn shine. Pheuw, official Guinness World Record Holder Brian Campeau just wouldn't sound the same inside.
Yes, he'll be performing on the beautiful courtyard stage at dusk and I couldn't think of anything better to do on a Saturday afternoon than to listen to Brian with a cold beer in hand as I settle into a night promising an array of Sydney's finest talent.
For those of you who somehow missed Brian over the last year, he is an eclectic musical genius citing similarities to Rufus Wainwright, Radiohead, Bjork and Nick Drake. His intense, abstract and playful performances have been been a hit with us for some time and no doubt will dazzle the crowd come this Saturday as he rips into one of his awe inspiring tunes.
Brian takes the stage at 6:30pm. Get there early to catch him and avoid the crowd.
MP3: Brian Campeau - Reinventing Myself
myspace - label: none
Playing at:
Sandwich Club Itty Bitty Festival
Saturday 19th May
6pm till late
The Loft @ UTS Broadway
Labels: Brian Campeau, Itty Bitty Festival
Monday, May 14, 2007
Marching Room Bid Us Farewell!
Sydney, Australia
One of the bands that we have followed, supported, blogged, listened to and loved is finishing up as of May 19th. We feel completely honoured however to be hosting their final gig at our Sandwich Club Itty Bitty Festival. Come and give the guys from Marching Room the send off they deserve.
We look forward to hearing them throw down for the last time. Best of luck lads for the future. We will miss you.
MP3: Marching Room - Knee Jerk Reaction
myspace
We look forward to hearing them throw down for the last time. Best of luck lads for the future. We will miss you.
MP3: Marching Room - Knee Jerk Reaction
myspace
Labels: Itty Bitty Festival, Marching Room
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Jack Ladder - playing Itty Bitty!
Sydney, Australia
I can't wait to get my folk on this Saturday.. I'm gonna line up a few beers, get myself a beanbag and plant myself up close when Jack Ladder gets onstage. At 23, Jack has a lyrical depth most musicians never find. With the sparse use of instrumentation he is able to create a focus on his poetry, which is delivered with a honeyed baritone. Nick Cave springs to mind immediately, mostly for the similarity in voice and delivery, as the music has a more uplifting quality than most of Caves work. Don't miss him.
MP3: Jack Ladder - Two Clocks
myspace
Labels: Jack Ladder, Nick Cave
Friday, May 11, 2007
Fabulous Diamonds
Melbourne, Australia
Spacious electronic music rests somewhere between the hours of 3 and 5am on the musical timescale. It has its place.. its just that you're rarely there to appreciate it. When I concentrate really hard and try to visualize Fabulous Diamonds, I see a bald man in a shiny white spacesuit walking through a rainforest. The reality is a boy and a girl, wearing robes and living in Melbourne. Its just that they seem to meld the tribal and futuristic with such little effort, and the results are kinda chilling. Strange? Sure, but most definitely original.
MP3: Fabulous Diamonds - 3
myspace - label: none
Labels: Fabulous Diamonds, Melbourne
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Lady Likes Lightning
Sydney, Australia
I'm very excited to bring you this band-under-construction. While getting swept up by their song 3ne dot knd, I kept thinking how a layer of passive female vocals would float perfectly over this arrangement. Then upon speaking with the guys, I discovered that's exactly what they plan to do! It's fair to say I was more than slightly aroused.
So I scribbled down a shortlist of ladies they should consider for the job: Yuki (Asobi Seksu), TracyAnne (Camera Obscura), Lenka (Decoder Ring), Juanita (Howling Bells).
I'll happily approach each one on their behalf : )
I'm very excited to bring you this band-under-construction. While getting swept up by their song 3ne dot knd, I kept thinking how a layer of passive female vocals would float perfectly over this arrangement. Then upon speaking with the guys, I discovered that's exactly what they plan to do! It's fair to say I was more than slightly aroused.
So I scribbled down a shortlist of ladies they should consider for the job: Yuki (Asobi Seksu), TracyAnne (Camera Obscura), Lenka (Decoder Ring), Juanita (Howling Bells).
I'll happily approach each one on their behalf : )
MP3: Lady Likes Lightning - 3ne dot Knd
myspace - label: none
Labels: Decoder Ring, Howling Bells, Lady Likes Lightning, Lenka, Tom
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Batrider - Pink Guitars, Yellow Stars
Melbourne, Australia
I've been hearing about Batrider the last couple of weeks in anticipation of their upcoming Sydney show. They're a hard rocking four piece originally from NZ, now living in Melbourne, and they spread some serious feminine angst. With their shrieking front-woman and crunching guitars this is a band to help you get your angry on.
The most recent recording I found (c/o Get Big Little Kid - thanks Geoff!) is actually an acoustic number that downplays their intensity. It's off their very limited acoustic 7-track EP, Pink Guitars Yellow Stars, which they will be selling tomorrow night (Thursday) at the Hoey in Sydney. Try to get down there, the live set is supposed to be a face-melter. (Playing with Yes Nukes, Say Cheese and Die, and Skullsquadron)
MP3: Batrider - Pink Guitars (acoustic)
myspace - website - label: none
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Fire! Santa Rosa, Fire! New EP
Adelaide, South Australia
Since our previous post on these 'Radelaidian' lads last year, they have supported the heavyweights such as Midnight Juggernauts, Red Riders, Something For Kate, Dappled Cities, Dead Frenchmen, Bit By Bats, Temper Trap, Children Collide and Expatriate to name a few. By all reports have 'K.Oed' their audiences every time. In addition to such an adrenaline shot of a live performance, Fire! Santa Rosa, Fire! have a brand new EP on the way called 'Boy Hush Yr Mouth. Grrrl Bare Yr Teeth'. It is audio candy for the musical diabetics. Layered, electrified, synthesized, and synchronised, the strings, keys and beats are sure to put you into rhythmic seizure. As a collective, you can hear that this young five piece truly love making music that begs you to move. I wait with bated breath to see it all live.
MP3: Fire! Santa Rosa, Fire! - I'm Here, Where Are You?
myspace (previous EP available here for free!)
Labels: Fire Santa Rosa Fire
Monday, May 07, 2007
The E.L.F.
Sydney, Australia
Not long after school, Gerling's second album When Young Terrorists Chase The Sun was providing the soundtrack to my life. A popular dance/house album that was blasted all over Sydney by aspiring DJ's from Greenwood to the pavilion at Bondi. As my music tastes changed, so did Gerling and their third record, Bad Blood!!! featured more rocky guitars yet keeping that dancey edge. By the fourth album, 4, Gerling further transformed into an all out rock band which was around the time my once flawless dance moves succumbed to alcoholic neuropathy leaving me only the ability to nod my head or tap my foot (despite the occasional 'awakening' of shear dance brilliance). So you could say I've grown with Gerling. But where to next?
The band is currently on hiatus but Darren Cross aka one third of Gerling has been working on a new side project the E.L.F. This is the first tune as E.L.F., an excellent repetitive house track that may signal a return to the dancier days. This is on high rotation on my iPod at the moment.. it's a great start.
Not long after school, Gerling's second album When Young Terrorists Chase The Sun was providing the soundtrack to my life. A popular dance/house album that was blasted all over Sydney by aspiring DJ's from Greenwood to the pavilion at Bondi. As my music tastes changed, so did Gerling and their third record, Bad Blood!!! featured more rocky guitars yet keeping that dancey edge. By the fourth album, 4, Gerling further transformed into an all out rock band which was around the time my once flawless dance moves succumbed to alcoholic neuropathy leaving me only the ability to nod my head or tap my foot (despite the occasional 'awakening' of shear dance brilliance). So you could say I've grown with Gerling. But where to next?
The band is currently on hiatus but Darren Cross aka one third of Gerling has been working on a new side project the E.L.F. This is the first tune as E.L.F., an excellent repetitive house track that may signal a return to the dancier days. This is on high rotation on my iPod at the moment.. it's a great start.
MP3: The E.L.F. - Cockroaches
myspace - label:none
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Venus Shadow
Sydney Australia,
Staring into the luminous band of stars that makes up Sydney's musical 'up and comers' a few nights ago a Venus Shadow cast itself over me. Combining obvious influences from The Stereophonics, The Weakerthans and A.C Newman this young foursome captured my attention upon the first listen to "Playground" and "Candyland". Rasping vocals and rich, thick guitar riffs earn this band of unknowns considerable counts of merit. All this from a band who is only now becoming accustomed to cultivating their own five o'clock shadows. Scary.
MP3: Venus Shadow - Playground
MP3: Venus Shadow - Candyland
myspace - label: none
Labels: Venus Shadow
Friday, May 04, 2007
The Kissaway Trail
Odense, Denmark
As winter months creep into our midst here in Sydney, winds become crisp, leaves have fallen and we start to wrap on the layers. Whilst some you may scoff at our (Aussie) mild, lack of tolerance with the cold, I figure its all relative when bands like The Kissaway Trail release harmonious, cordial sounds that put you next to an open fire no mater what your winter climate brings. As a follow up to a beautiful album under the bandname 'Isles' they have just released a debut, self titled album under the cool cats at Etch 'n' Sketch. Below is a sample of what to expect. Prepare yourself.
MP3: The Kissaway Trail - Smother+Evil=Hurt
myspace - website - label: etch 'n' sketch
Labels: The Kissaway Trail
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Dappled Cities + Red Riders + tour = :)
Sydney, Australia
I feel like every second thing I write is about Dappled Cities... and that's because it is. Congrats on them pulling a support slot for the Silverchair tour, which should finally let the mainstream see what they've been missing (check Daniel John's texta-tat!). They have also just announced a tour over June with their good friends Red Riders. My favourite 2 live Sydney bands on the same bill, with the headliner decided by a coin toss. If you aren't wearing a woollen jumper/cardy, don't expect to be let in.
After their mind-blowing 2nd EP set such a high standard, I wasn't entirely sold on the Red Riders debut album 'Replica Replica'. Don't get me wrong, I've thrashed it, but what happened to Alex and Adrian's duelling guitars? Nonetheless, one of the immediate standouts on the album was the tune, In My Sleep, which has just been released as the new single. It's probably my favourite live song of last year, and generally used as a closer to their set. You remember it.. they all sing the outro while Al thrashes around like an epileptic at Chinese New Year. No?
Check the last minute of this live clip, it might jog your memory.
Video: Red Riders - In My Sleep
I feel like every second thing I write is about Dappled Cities... and that's because it is. Congrats on them pulling a support slot for the Silverchair tour, which should finally let the mainstream see what they've been missing (check Daniel John's texta-tat!). They have also just announced a tour over June with their good friends Red Riders. My favourite 2 live Sydney bands on the same bill, with the headliner decided by a coin toss. If you aren't wearing a woollen jumper/cardy, don't expect to be let in.
After their mind-blowing 2nd EP set such a high standard, I wasn't entirely sold on the Red Riders debut album 'Replica Replica'. Don't get me wrong, I've thrashed it, but what happened to Alex and Adrian's duelling guitars? Nonetheless, one of the immediate standouts on the album was the tune, In My Sleep, which has just been released as the new single. It's probably my favourite live song of last year, and generally used as a closer to their set. You remember it.. they all sing the outro while Al thrashes around like an epileptic at Chinese New Year. No?
Check the last minute of this live clip, it might jog your memory.
Video: Red Riders - In My Sleep
redriders myspace - label
Labels: Dappled Cities, Red Riders
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
The Waysiders
Sydney, Australia
They define themselves as a band on the side of the road...
Bleak it may seem for some, but at least The Waysiders know where they are, and unlike many bands, they know their sound. This affords them a confidence that radiates through their rhythmical rattles, vivacious vocals, and gutsy guitar solos, reminiscient of fellow indie rock cowboys The Sleepy Jackson.
Pick them up tonight off a wowee zowee bill at the Annandale Hotel, Sydney, as they help the fabulous Cuthbert and The NightWalkers launch their ode to Newtown, in Annandale... be there by 8!
Pick them up tonight off a wowee zowee bill at the Annandale Hotel, Sydney, as they help the fabulous Cuthbert and The NightWalkers launch their ode to Newtown, in Annandale... be there by 8!
myspace - label: none - gig details
Labels: Cuthbert And The Nightwalkers, The Waysiders, Tom
The Bumblebeez - Dr Love Video
Canberra, Australia
Man there's been some great videos this year...
Video: The Bumblebeez - Dr Love
myspace - label: Modular
Man there's been some great videos this year...
Video: The Bumblebeez - Dr Love
myspace - label: Modular
Labels: The Bumblebeez
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Dead Letter Chorus: Fred Astaire Exclusive Download
Sydney, Australia
If you're a regular reader of this blog, then you'd be familiar with Dead Letter Chorus. A band held dear to our hearts, not only because they are some of the nicest people you will ever meet, but more because they are some of Australia's brightest emerging artists in a scene where folk music is too often overlooked.
Although Dead Letter Chorus have only been around for less than 9 months, they've become quite the buzz around town on the back of their energetic live performances which are highly acclaimed by both industry and punters alike. Co-fronted by ex-Midnight Swim member Cameron Potts and a new discovery in Gabrielle Huber, the two seamlessly switch from lead to backing making for a diverse sound that at times is similar to Dylan, Ryan Adams and early Rolling Stones and at others Emmylou Harris and Juanita of Howling Bells.
To coincide with their EP launch at The Sandwich Club Itty Bitty Festival, they've given us the exclusive right to post their first single 'Fred Astaire' (just forget that I jumped the gun and posted this yesterday). Also available is an interview with the band made by music lover's The Real Topeka People.
Catch Dead Letter Chorus amongst many others at The Sandwich Club Itty Bitty Festival, Saturday May 19th at The Loft, UTS Broadway
See the interview here.
If you're a regular reader of this blog, then you'd be familiar with Dead Letter Chorus. A band held dear to our hearts, not only because they are some of the nicest people you will ever meet, but more because they are some of Australia's brightest emerging artists in a scene where folk music is too often overlooked.
Although Dead Letter Chorus have only been around for less than 9 months, they've become quite the buzz around town on the back of their energetic live performances which are highly acclaimed by both industry and punters alike. Co-fronted by ex-Midnight Swim member Cameron Potts and a new discovery in Gabrielle Huber, the two seamlessly switch from lead to backing making for a diverse sound that at times is similar to Dylan, Ryan Adams and early Rolling Stones and at others Emmylou Harris and Juanita of Howling Bells.
To coincide with their EP launch at The Sandwich Club Itty Bitty Festival, they've given us the exclusive right to post their first single 'Fred Astaire' (just forget that I jumped the gun and posted this yesterday). Also available is an interview with the band made by music lover's The Real Topeka People.
Catch Dead Letter Chorus amongst many others at The Sandwich Club Itty Bitty Festival, Saturday May 19th at The Loft, UTS Broadway
See the interview here.
MP3: Dead Letter Chorus - Fred Astaire
myspace - label: none
Labels: Dead Letter Chorus, Itty Bitty Festival, The Real Topeka People