61 posts tagged “australia”

Patience Hodgson, from the Grates, tells me for Halloween, she dressed up as a cowgirl. She went into a store and saw a guy working there, all decked out in a cowboy outfit. She complimented how great his costume was, only to realized that it was how he's normally dressed. That's Texas for you.

That's the kind of weird stories you hear from her, even on stage, they're referencing strange things like trying to hi-fi-ing the "fat guy with the beret" or asking if there were any vikings in the audience. But before I get to all those crazy details from the 7th Street Entry last night - opening up for them was Zoo Animal (official / myspace). I had seen singer Holly Newsom before, but as a soloist. This time, she's doing Zoo Animal songs, not just her solo material.

Holly made some jokes, like how 'grate' the Grates should be to noticing that They Might Be Giants were playing next door and how "we might be miniatures". Most of the audience that showed up early, I think showed up because of Zoo Animal and possibly Ice Palace.

Unfortunately, at the last minute, Ice Palace canceled (I am told the singer was sick), they were replaced by Story of the Sea (official / myspace). Bassist John admitted that they only had a five hours notice. Despite the feedback and false starts, I thought they held up pretty well all things considering.

I will say that they seem older, for the kind of crowd that was there last night. Their music sounds like classic progressive rock. I don't know any of their songs, but I did like the song that had something to do with eyes and being gone. 

The Grates came on with full energy with their often-intro song "Trampoline". Yes, Patience does do that weird rabbit hopping dance, as seen on their Til Death Do Us Party: Live At The Forum DVD. Patience is now a blonde, dressed in a gymnastic outfit.... making her look even more child-like than ever. Which may sound quite weird to hear her talk about wanting a baby of her own (I thought to myself, well there's always cloning...)

Other things I learned from Patience: if you eat enough of your hair, you'll have to take a pill to poop out the hair. Hence "hair butt". Fist-bumping, she tells us is called "boning". She likes to climb onto things, or jump into the audience and singing... while using a twirling baton. Fun to watch, but they also require audience interaction.

"It was this big!"

I thought the highlight of their set was either "Howl" or "19-20-20". I'm not that familar with their new material, but I did recognize their single, "Burn Bridges", from the setlist.

If you are looking for a good time or see cuteness in action, check out Brisbane's export, The Grates touring through your area. They are quite approachable, so please have a friendly chat with them after the show. Their lastest album is called Teeth Lost, Hearts Won, which if you get it on vinyl, will come with a bonus CD. I might also suggest checking out their debut album, which four singles from that album made it onto Triple J Hottest 100. I'm sure Sally will keep us informed of the 2010's Hottest 100.

The Grates - Trampoline

 11/04/2009 04:57:32 ♥ vu () ♥ thegrates.com ♥ myspace.com/thegrates 

Jarvis - Dont Let Him Waste Your Time

If you know me in person, you've probably heard me drunkenly describe the first time I laid eyes on this man. In fact, you'd be lucky to have not heard my story at least thrice. 1995? 2am? Two teenage girls watching Rage on a Saturday night (surprisingly, we weren't trying to get into some pub somewhere, considering the city we grew up in - only I'm allowed to bash Newcastle because I'm from there), only to be presented with a film clip for what is still one of my favourite songs, Babies. 

Jarvis Cocker: this pasty, lanky man from Sheffield, what is it about him?... it's not a traditional attractiveness; it's a combination of about seven things (give or take a few). That awkwardness, those frantic dance moves, and of course... those flailing limbs.
You have to hand it to him, others would have given up long ago, but Jarvis stuck it out. I probably don't need to say it, but Mr Cocker started his career as the frontman for the amazing English band, Pulp. If you are familiar with them, i reckon like me, you probably first heard them around 1995/1996? But NO! Pulp's first gig was at a Rotherham Arts Centre in July 1980 (the month I was born - yeah scary). So really, they'd been at it 16 years until they released Different Class, causing a vast number of people to jump on the (literal) bandwagon.

My theory for why these songs are instantly likable is not just because of the catchy tunes, but because Jarvis has  an amazing knack to lyric writing. He has an acute talent for writing songs with lyrics that are clearly from experience as opposed to the usual "I'm pining for lost love" or "I've got a girlfriend, she's super lovely, she's not yours, you lose" drivel. These are all songs that the average person can identify with in some way or another. Another thing that I'm sure I mention a lot, is that I love the fact that if you happen to be listen to any Jarvis-written songs on earphones... you have to be quite careful who you sing out loud (and how loud) in front of.... "so she bought a toy that can reach the places he never goes".

I can't help but think that if Pulp kept on going at it, it wouldn't have ended gracefully in any way (although I'll probably get physically beaten for saying that Pulp aren't together anymore by a certain crazed Pulp fan i know). Anyway, i could talk about Pulp all day.... the purpose of this here article today, is to talk about Jarvis and his solo albums. 

Jarvis

Just when we'd all thought we'd never hear from him again 2007 saw the release of Jarvis's debut solo album... imaginatively named "Jarvis". It's brilliant because of the fact that the tracks are not too different to Pulp, both musically and lyrically, but it's also great because it's just Jarvis, no frills. That's right... you still have to think twice before singing some of the lyrics out loud in public places around pensioners, but there's also excessive potential for some of that old school loungeroom underpants dancing we all love (well... I love).

The songs themselves are less poppy than Pulp, a bit more laid back and slightly depressive. Without a doubt, there are a few gems that need to be mentioned. 

Dont Let Him Waste Your Time, is one that catches my attention. As a "lady" who is getting on a bit and being occasionally hassled by a certain nanna who is constantly wondering "am i going to ever see you get married?", the lyrics of this song grab me, and more than anything, make me laugh. I think nanna and Jarvis could have a good conversation about the topic though.

Black Magic is another that stands out. This song has probably the best chorus on the album. It's one that slightly sneaks up on you. The versus are quiet and minimalist, but the chorus then hits you, loudly.... nice. Gosh, I'm listening to the album as i write this and although i loved the album before, I'm listening and picking up on things I'd never noticed before.

The song that only made is as the "secret song" at the end of the album is probably one of my favourites. Even though it contains the only word i will not say out loud, Cunts Are Still Running The World, is both catchy and speaks the truth lyrically. It's true, when are nice people going to get a look in?

"Sometimes a well chosen swear word is the only thing that will do" Well put, Mr Cocker.

Jarvis Cocker - Angela

Jarvis Cocker

The newer album, Future Complications, is his second helping. I realise that it's not overly new anymore, but with Jarvis imminent arrival on our fair shores someone needs to mention it (although, I'm sure I'm not the first). Further Complications is much the same as the previous album. With all those years of musical experience, there's not a whole lot of growing musically that Jarvis can do. He's got the whole "writing catchy songs" thing down pat. I would like to say that Further Complications has a different feel to Jarvis, it's slightly more dramatic sounding. More of those sad sounding minor chords, slower and more quiet.

The first single, Angela, hated by some, loved by others, could easily be a Pulp song. In my opinion, it's quite danceable, but the element that makes it Pulp-esque is the subject matter. "Making four-fifty an hour, Complimentary shower" Is it what I think it's about? (I'm always the first person to miss the point)

I must admit though, reluctantly, that there are a few songs on Further Complications that almost bore me (this is a product of my lack of attention span rather than the songs actually being boring). Slush is long and slow. It's not a bad song by any means, it's just a bit too mellow for it's own good. You're In My Eyes.... what's going on there? My dislike of this song could have something to do with the disco-ness of it all. Admittedly, it is quite danceable, so it claws back a few points in that respect.

Listening to both of these albums, I feel as though I'm slightly seeing into the private life of Jarvis. I wonder "Did fat children really take his life?". But what about the beard, Jarvis? That's the real question.

Tour dates?.. oh yeah, he's coming to Australia...

9 Nov - Village Underground, London

10 Nov - Village Underground, London

11 Nov - Village Underground, London

2 Dec - Town Hall (Wellington), Wellington

4 Dec - Powerstation, Auckland

5 Dec - Hi Fi Bar, Brisbane

7 Dec - Metro (Sydney), Sydney

8 Dec - Metro Freo, Perth

10 Dec - HQ, Adelaide

11 Dec - Forum (Melbourne), Melbourne

12 Dec - Meredith Festival, Meredith

More info?

http://www.jarviscocker.net/

That's all?

sally@weheartmusic.com

The Drones

Just a quick one here. After being on the scene for quite a few years now, I've never been a huge fan of the Melbourne band, The Drones; just not my thing. But don't get me wrong, The Drones do what they do (epic, dreamy, well-constructed rock) extremely well. So they are very much worth a mention. The news that I'm wishing to share with you is that although their latest album Havilah was released months ago (March 2009) in Australia The Drones have added US dates to their upcoming Havilah Tour. Support includes Model/Actress (USA) and Bridezilla (Aus), so well worth nipping along.

There's no shortage of dates, so whether you be in the US or, it seems, in any city in Europe (slight exaggeration), you'll get a chance to see them in the near future. Some of the closer dates include:

September 9 - Bell House - Brooklyn, NY
September 15 - Schuba's - Chicago, IL
September 16 - Tractor Tavern - Seattle, WA
September 17 - The Echo - Los Angeles, CA
September 18 - Cafe DuNord - San Francisco, CA

Just a little sample to whet your appetite, have a listen to the tune, Nail It Down, from their live album recorded at The Hi Fi Bar in Brisbane. The live record is set to be released later this year. 

http://thedrones.com.au/
http://www.myspace.com/thedronesthedrones
http://atpfestival.com

Dappled Cities
I've always had a soft spot for Dappled Cities although I must admit I've kinda let me interest slide over recent time. Have they been hiding? or has living in suburbia alienated me that much?

What's to love about Dappled Cities? Well... many things. What I mostly value about their music is the variety in their songs. From mellow, soothing, chill-out type tunes to feel-good pop songs that force you to get up and have a little dance. I must also say that, as a bonus, they do put on a splendid live show.

So what's the news? It seems I haven't really been that out of touch after all, the band have been spending time in the US... I can't be expected to be keeping up with all this news!. The big news is that this Sydney band have recently released their third album, Zounds, which happened to debut at #1on the Australian Independent Music Charts... and will be released in the US on September 15th. (An interesting fact: all 12 songs on the album feature the sounds of a "Gakken" – a $40 build-it-yourself cardboard synthesiser from Japan)

The first single, The Price, has a bit of a disco feel. But what's new about this track, to me, is the inclusion of a string section, intermingled with that infectious indie pop that they are best know for. I'd have a dance. I have yet to hear the entire album, but off the back of their first single, I'm sure to be hunting it down in the near future.

If you happen to be in Perth, you are in luck. You can catch the final show of their Wall of Zounds tour tonight at the Norfolk Basement in Fremantle... run!

http://www.myspace.com/dappledcities
http://www.dappledcities.com

The Grates
Look at these guys, awww.... everything appearance-wise about The Grates oozes cuteness and fun (feel free to look at their website for further evidence), but don't be fooled too easily. There's a definite rawness to The Grates, guitar-rich pop songs, complimented by the voice of Miss Patience Hodgson, which can sway from sugary sweet to rock vixen-esque in a matter of seconds within the same song.

Since bursting on to the scene several years ago (with their debut album Gravity Won’t Get You High) The Grates rose to an immense level of popularity in Australia and not for the first time, they are set to head overseas on the back of their latest, self-co-produced album, Teeth Lost, Hearts Won. (Due to be released in Canada and the US on September 15th)

I can assure you that these guys put on a splendid show and i whole-heartedly advise you to pop along if they happen to be swinging through your neighbourhood. Check there website (or their MySpace page for show dates).

http://www.myspace.com/thegrates 
http://www.thegrates.com
http://www.twitter.com/thegrates

The Scare
Originally from Queensland, The Scare now spend a great deal of time in the UK. The other day i managed to pop along to the album launch of their new release Oozevoodoo. I must say I was concerned that I'd have a terrible time. Just reading about them before the show... "It is abrasive but clear, we like being noisey but channeling it in a fashion that you can still make out the melody", I was a little apprehensive that it'd be some kind of horrid punk monstrosity. But what do you know! It was excellent. I haven't heard the album itself, but what I can say is The Scare are an excellent live band. The tunes are a bit more heavy than i'm used to, but there was no absence of melody, which i loved.The frontman, Mr Kiss Reid, channels enthusiasm and entices the crowd to feel the tunes rather than just stand there watching like a stunned mullet.

So, on that note.... here are some live dates that I feel you should pop along to:
Sept 5 - Hobart - Republic Bar Sun
Sept 6 - Launceston - Hotel New York
Sept 9 - Albury - Sodens
Sept 10 - Wollongong - The Harp
Sept 11 - Sydney - Gaelic Club
Sept 12 - Central Coast - Coaster Festival
Sept 17 - Adelaide - Fowlers Live
Sept 18 - Perth - Rosemount Hotel
Sept 19 - Bunbury - Prince of Wales
Sept 20 - Fremantle - Newport Hotel
Sept 24 - Maroochydore - Sands Tavern
Sept 25 - Gold Coast - Miami Tavern
Sept 27 - Brisbane - The Step Inn

http://www.myspace.com/thescare
http://oozevoodoo.blogspot.com/

And with that... it's time to bake some scones.

Sally
sally@weheartmusic.com

THE CHURCH
thechurchband.com ♥ myspace ♥ twitter 

The first time song I heard from the Australian band, The Church, was "Ripple", which remained my all-time favorite Church song. Of course, even at that time, in 1991, they were well on their second wind from their big "come back" in 1988 with the brilliant "Under the Milkyway". No doubt about it, the band's old, as old as the church they are named after. It's really amazing that in 2010, that the band have existed, in one form or another (they were briefly known as The Refo:mation), in 30 years. 

Although, admittedly, I am not a mega-fan, as I haven't kept up with the band in the mid-90s, I am happy to report that with Untitled #23, their 23^rd album, that Steve Kilbey's songs have not much changed. And that's very comforting to me. Kilbey's voice is so familar and friendly, that Untitled #23 feels like it was written in 1996. 

Some of the things I've noticed is that Kilbey seems to really like medieval themes (for Pete's sake, he sings "Minotaur" in "Sunken Sun"). Another really good example of Kilbey's "past tensed" can be found on my favorite song, "Deadman's Hand":

On our way to crush the revolution
Camp by a lake in the blackened lands
Dealing out love and retribution
Dealing out the deadman's hand

The lyrics are like poetry to me. And, really, who writes lyrics like that anymore? Colin Meloy would be jealous. 

As I have previously mentioned, I have not kept up with the band, but reading quotes online, I got the impression that this might be The Church's best album in a long time. Australia's Rolling Stone gave the album a 5 star review calling it "[a] return to form with a stunningly ambitious album of shimmering rock". 

Not much to add to this, except if you love and remember The Church from the late 80s to the 90s, this latest album will fit comfortably in your discography. You can pick up the album, released in May via Second Motion Records, from amazon. 

PS, too bad I don't live in New South Wales, as that intimate "dinner & acoustic show" sounds deliciously awesome. 

CHURCH myspace  Church - Aquamarine Someone should tell these Portlanders that there is already a band called The Church. Well, they did drop the "the". Still, naming a band after a common word might not be the best move? I know from interviewing so many bands that coming up with a name for your band is possibly the hardest thing in the world. And when you do settle on a name you absolutely love, people might destroy your hard work with a simple "that name sucks".  Ignore that first paragraph, Church's album is called Song Force Crystal and it comes from my favorite silk-screening record label called Tender Loving Empire. I have mentioned before that I think their products are very attractive and reasonably priced (most albums are handmade and under $10).  I'll be honest, I don't really get this really spacey, psyschedelic album. There's a lot of weird noises, "organic" sounds, and electronic farts inserted in their music, which sort of distracts me from their music. When I do like the band, it's when they're doing simple songs like the first part of "Golden Girls", which is mostly (I think) the two brothers, Brandon and Reechard Laws singing over some acoustic plucks. But since they're more focused on the layers of Moog synthesizers and experimental noise, there's plenty of those on the track "Aquamarine".  Where I think the best will be best experience is seeing them play live, I've read they've got quite a "sizable following along the West Coast... with their intense tour ethic". So check them out live if you get a chance: 08/29/09 Missippi Studios Portland, OR  09/04/09 Berbati’s Pan Portland, OR  09/11/09 The Woods Portland, OR  09/19/09 MFNW 2009  Portland, OR  09/23/09 Northern Olympia, Washington  09/24/09 The Silver Moon  Bend, OR  09/25/09 The Crawlspace  La Grande, OR  09/26/09 Visual Arts Collective Boise, ID  09/27/09 Backyard Show Bellevue, ID  09/28/09 Idaho State Pocatello, ID  09/28/09 SHO Salt Lake City, Utah  09/29/09 Flying Goat Boulder, Colorado  09/30/09 Rhinoceropolis Denver, Colorado  10/01/09 Everyday Joe’s Fort Collins, CO 10/02/09 Velour Provo, Utah  10/03/09 Beauty Bar Las Vegas, Nevada  10/04/09 The Smell Los Angeles, CA  10/05/09 Che Cafe San Diego, CA  10/06/09 Dtown Brewery SLObispo, CA  10/07/09 Muddy Waters  S Barbara, CA  10/08/09 Boo Boo’s Record SLObispo, CA  10/09/09 The Crepe Place Santa Cruz, CA  10/10/09 Amnesia San Francisco, CA  10/12/09 North Bay Art Santa Rosa, CA  10/13/09 UC Davis   Davis, CA  10/13/09 Luigi’s   Sacramento, CA  10/14/09 Downtown Eatery Redding, CA  10/15/09 Lil’ Red Lion Eureka, CA  10/16/09 Jambalaya Arcata, CA  10/17/09 Sam Bond’s Garage Eugene, OR 10/18/09 The Space Salem  10/27/09 Portland State Portland, OR  10/30/09 Doug Fir Portland, OR Song Force Crystal is available in CD/digital from TLE and vinyl fromsohitek.com		THE LOW ANTHEM lowanthem.com ♥ myspace  The Low Anthem-Charlie Darwin 2 comments Rhode Island's The Low Anthem seem to have won a few hearts and fans (such as NPR and selling out at popular venues in the UK) with their rootsy, folksy sound. I briefly mentioned them earlier because I thought it was cool that someone was interested in Charles Darwin's 200th. Plus I thought the title, Oh My God, Charlie Darwin, was oxymoronic clever.  Their all-things Americana record label, Nonesuch Records, re-issued the album for a second printing, due to their popularity, with new silkscreening artwork.  The Low Anthem - (Don't Tremble) So, Oh My God, Charlie Darwin, deceptively starts off quite quiet - starting with the title track and to the almost Garfunkelesque singing on "To Ohio" to distorted guitars on "Ticket Taker". But soon enough, the foot-stomping "The Horizon Is A Beltway" and "Home I'll Never Be", they suddenly turned into a good-time, high-energy Americana jam band. I'm sure those two songs are crowd pleaser when they play live... but unfortunately, most of their songs are very soothing. "(Don't Tremble)" is a perfect example of the soothing gentleness, I mentioned earlier. The vocals aren't too sweet, and the song does come off as sounding kind of like Bob Dylan - complete with harmonica.  Looks like the band is still on tour! 08/30/09 Nixon Park Kennet Square, PA  09/03/09 Gaiety Theatre Dublin  09/04/09 Gaiety Theatre Dublin  09/05/09 Electric Picnic Stradbelly  09/06/09 Deaf Institute Manchester  09/07/09 Oran Mor Glasgow  09/08/09 Cluny 2 Newcastle  09/09/09 Glee Club Birmingham  09/10/09 Bullingdon Arms Oxford  09/11/09 End Of the Road Festival 09/12/09 End Of the Road Festival 09/13/09 Bestival Isle of Wight  09/15/09 La Salumeria Della Musica Milan  09/16/09 Atomic Cafe Munich  09/17/09 El Lokal Zurich  09/18/09 Broftabrik Frankfurt  09/19/09 Gebaude 9 Koln  09/20/09 Lido Berlin  09/21/09 Knust Hamburg  09/23/09 De Duif Amsterdam  09/24/09 Ancienne Belgique Brussles  09/25/09 Doornroosje Nijmegen  09/26/09 La Maroquinerie Paris  10/02/09 Austin City Limits Austin, Texas  10/15/09 Avon Cinema Providence, RI  10/17/09 Chop Suey Seattle, WA  10/18/09 Lola’s Room Portland, OR  10/19/09 The WOW Eugene, OR  10/21/09 Great American SF, CA  10/23/09 Troubadour Los Angeles, CA 10/24/09 Casbah San Diego, California  10/25/09 Plush Tucson, Arizona  10/27/09 House of Blues Houston, Texas  10/28/09 Granada Theater Dallas, Texas  10/29/09 The Parish Austin, Texas  10/30/09 Spanish Moon Baton Rouge, LA  11/02/09 Club Downunder Tallahassee, Florida  11/03/09 The Social Orlando, Florida  11/04/09 Earl East Atlanta, Georgia  11/05/09 Mercy Lounge Nashville, TN  11/06/09 University of NC Asheville, NC  11/07/09 Attucks Theatre Norfolk, Virginia  11/09/09 Cats Cradle Carrboro, NC 11/11/09 Black Cat  Washington DC  11/12/09 Paradise Rock Club Boston, MA  11/18/09 The Tabernacle London  11/20/09 Crossing Border The Hague  11/22/09 Crossing Border Antwerp Oh My God, Charlie Darwin is out now, you can buy it on Nonesuch oramazon.
DONOHOE donohoemusic.com ♥ myspace ♥ twitter  Donohoe - St. Francis of Assisi Colin O’Donohoe seems like a very cool, open-minded kind of guy. I mean, look at his debut album, Shi Jing: Ancient Book of Songs, are songs from Asia. This is followed by a Christian-themed album about some of the Saints, while his latest work is middle-eastern themed called Lyrical Sutras.  In keeping with the Christian/Church theme of my own article, Songs of the Saints, as a whole, sounds very world electronica, especially because there's the traditional soaring singing and Italian chants combined with dance music.  My favorite of the saint songs is St Francis of Assisi, who is known as the patron saint of animals and Italy - which would explain the vocals (but does not explain the wika-wika warped sound). In many ways, the mixing of old and new makes for an interesting album.  Songs of the Saints is definitely worth checking out if you're into dancing with the spirits. You can purchase O'Donohoe's albums (and sheet music!) directly on his website.		NICHOLAS HOWARD beliefandhustle.com ♥ myspace  Nicholas Howard - God is in the City 1 comment Nicholas Howard is a soul-singer from New York, who seems to be influenced by many musical styles, based on listening to his album called God is in the City. The album is full of urban soul, blues/jazz, salsa songs with lots of backup singers.  The title track, and opening song, is basically two songs: the first part with a smooth Howard vocals and the second part that turned into gospel dance floor. That second part comes out of nowhere and, I'll have to admit, it surprised me at how much I enjoyed the unexpected.  Also surprising is that I thought the vocals are by a woman. In fact, it's Howard singing in a weird falsetto... he'll sound normal when he slows down to a talk-like singing, like on "Life is a Mystery".  You can purchase God is in the City directly from CD Baby or via amazon.

A little backlog seems to be building up in my earpod recently... but now it is time... to spread some love. The love i'm spreading today is for a group of english boys and one of Sydney's favourite ladies.

Favours For Sailors

It's definitely not your poncey indiepop, which is kinda of odd, because when i imagine giving favours to sailors..... no Sally, don't go there.

Not arriving on my radar until recently, it seems again, I am one of the last to know. According to their MySpace page, Favours For Sailors are attracting quite a lot of the right sort of attention from a number of notable British radio personalities (Zane Lowe and Steve Lamacq) and magazines (Uncut and Clash). What I have here is a delightful set of songs from a particular radio session.... of unknown date or relevance, but anyway..... all the same they're a set of songs with well rounded sounds, ripe for a sing along and a little jig session. Profound lyrics? No, not really. But still, very catchy indeed. I Dreamt That You Dreamt That I Loved You In My Dreams .... good to hear everyone has odd dreams occasionally.

So who are they? The word is Favours For Sailors are a group of four, four boys, four English boys, some from Cornwall, some from London. Meeting somehow, somewhere and there you have it. A band is born. One point I've read that gets me more interested is that Scottish band Dananananaykroyd (another band to belatedly hit my radar) handpicked Favours For Sailors to tour with them on the southern leg of their recent tour. Rumour has it that the boys are currently recording the follow up to their debut mini album ‘Furious Sons’.

If you head back over to their MySpace page, you'll notice a few live dates coming up. It might be an idea that eyes and ears are kept peeled for word on these guys because, in my opinion, we'll be hearing more from Favours From Sailors at some point in the near future.

Sarah Blasko

A lovely young lady with an amazing voice, based in Sydney, well worth a listen or three. I wont spend a lot of time talking up Miss Blasko, I'll save that for another time. What I have to share with you now however, is a little listening treat. If you click here you will be transported to a place where you can get.... FOR FREE.... a track, No Turning Back , off the new album by the lovely Sarah Blasko. I wont say much. Just listen.

Also, if you'd like to hear more (and quite a few live shows coming up to keep track of), this is where you need to go: http://www.myspace.com/sarahblasko
 

Until next time.

Sally
sally@weheartmusic.com

After floating around for quite some time, under the radar, to a certain extent, it's evident that Yves Klein Blue have slowly been rising, gaining momentum, popping up, then hiding again for a little while. Yves Klein Blue, formed from a high school boys shared love of music and named after quite a pleasant blue colour, first mixed by french artist Yves Klein, are a four-piece out of sunny Brisbane.

I recall seeing them in Sydney almost exactly one year ago (see the proof), and even then I was significantly more impressed than I thought i would be. Now, a lot has gone down in the past year. You may know their first single, Polka, which features so predominantly in that advertisement where people are throwing things out of their house into a car.... silly ad, but catchy catchy tune. They've also recently seen jaunts to the US and the UK (you may have seen them in your travels, yes?)

Anyway, the boys debut album Ragged & Ecstatic, captures the youthful vibe that is present at their live shows. It's the feeling of being young and free, having fun, exploring life, it's ups and downs and doing just whatever you bloody well want to. Reminds me specifically of the days, first time out of home, beer money was more important than rent money and work... pfft (not that they were paying me anyway). As an example, the recently released single, Getting Wise, gives out the exact vibe that I have just attempted to describe.

"We're getting wise trying to find our feet"

With respect to the tunes themselves, it's quite impossible to simply slot these boys into a single genre, which is by no means, a bad thing. I can hear many similarities with various styles both old and new, rock, ska, indie, country-style slide guitars... but I hesitate to label them. So I wont.

But does Ragged & Ecstatic meet the expectations of someone who can't go past seeing Yves Klein Blue live? Simply... no. There is a certain energy that is lacking when comparing the album to a live show. There's no intense stares from frontman, Michael Tomlinson, less of a feeling of need to bounce around in a crowd full of people, and no giant glasses of wine (hang on a minute!), but I guess that's the same for many bands have such an excellent stage presence.

However, Ragged & Ecstatic has it's own unique charm. Less of an opportunity to relive live shows, more of an opportunity to sit down an get inside the heads of four young boys (does that sound seedy?), an opportunity to listen to the lyrics and transport back (depending on how old you are) to times when things felt complicated, but you'd not give it up in a million years. And it must be mentioned that there's definitely several opportunities for a little bit of loungeroom dancing.

With that.... if you happen to be anywhere in Australia, you're in luck. There's a plethora of tour dates on the horizon and most importantly, June 26th you can own your very own copy of Ragged & Ecstatic.

JUNE

THU 25TH Bon Amici, Toowoomba

FRI 26TH Powerhouse Theatre, Brisbane

(ALL AGES SHOW)

SAT 27TH Sound Lounge, Gold Coast

SUN 28TH Woombye Pub, Sunshine Coast

JULY

WED 1ST ANU Bar, Canberra

THU 2ND The Harp Hotel, Wollongong

FRI 3RD Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle

SAT 4TH Oxford Art Factory, Sydney (all ages)

SAT 4TH Oxford Art Factory, Sydney (18+)

WED 8TH Karova Lounge, Ballarat

THU 9TH National Hotel, Geelong

FRI 10TH Northcote Social Club, Melbourne

SAT 11TH Jive Bar, Adelaide

FRI 17TH Norfolk Basement, Fremantle

SAT 18TH Amplifier Bar, Perth

Links
Official website: http://www.yveskleinblue.com/
MySpace: www.myspace.com/yveskleinbluemusic 
Record label: http://www.dew-process.com/




Sally
sally@weheartmusic.com

Winner. is the latest on offer from Adelaide band, No Through Road. What's it like? Well, I'm glad you asked. Well, basically, it's an album of dirty, brilliant indie rock tracks. Took a bit of warming to, but it got there. Mostly guitar heavy, short and punchy, with the occasional interlude into something more melodic and quiet, bordering on cute (I'm talking about sounds that can be made by some sort of 70's Yahama organ (or more probably some sort of new-fangled synthesizer)). Not an excellent hangover album, but brilliant vacuuming music (don't worry, that's a good thing).

Seemingly well sought after on the live scene; looking at the list of support slots they have scored (eg. Okkervil River, The New Pornographers, Ben Kweller, The Microphones, M Ward, The Tallest Man on Earth, New Buffalo, Love of Diagrams, Wolf n Cub), it might just be an idea to check them out live.

As well as that, they're getting airplay in the UK; the track Berlin Wall nearly causing Mr Steve Lamacq to cry. So you know it has to be either excellent....or tear-inducingly bad. I'll let you decide.

Check their MySpace page for shows... there's a few coming up (and a few excellent shows that have recently happened - when you get that teleporting machine working, let us all know).

....and yeah, they're right.. Girls ARE the devil.

Batrider - Why We Can't Be Together

Batrider - Let Me In To Down Below Batrider

Slow and subtle. Melodic, but at times purposefully discordant. Sad and beautiful. It's a bit like an excellent gin and tonic. Tastes so good, but will leave you in tears at the end of the evening.

Why We Can't Be Together is the latest release from this group of individuals; originally from New Zealand, but popping up where ever the wind may take them (or something like that). For example, if you have a quick peek at their MySpace page, you'll see a list of Batrider show dates longer than your nose, much much longer. Germany, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark.... they're all there.

Why We Can't Be Together is not all sadness though. Look at that guy in a santa costume and another guy wearing a shirt i *cough* actually used to own (and bought for about $2). Laugh! No seriously, there are a few more upbeat-esque tracks... neither Let Me In To Down Below or the secret track on the end make me want to burst into tears.  All in all. Lovely.

Feel free to also look here, if a greater understanding is what you seek.

We All Want To - Back To The Car

We All Want To - Back To The Car We All Want To 1 comment

Just when you thought he'd vapourised off the face of the planet, Mr Tim Steward not only re-surfaces with a album re-issue and tour with excellent late-90's band, Screamfeeder, but also brings us this!

We All Want Too, according to various sources, have actually been floating around for quite some time; formed to play the songs of Tim's solo album back in 2007. (Trust me to be the last one jumping on the bandwagon)

Back to the Car is a cute little EP, but I'm sure is just a little taste of big things to come. A complete contrast from Batrider, We All Want To can only be accused of creating smiles. There's something about Tim's unmistakable voice, girls singing pretty harmonies and the sound of a melodica that make me want to giggle inanely (on the inside, of course).

We All Want To are slightly more poppy than Screamfeeder, but for obvious reasons would easily attract the same crowd. Cute indie rock at its finest. Look: http://www.myspace.com/weallwantto and/or http://www.weallwantto.com/

Margins - Margins

Margins - Dust Margins 1 comment

Do you feel a need to test your attention span? The debut, self-titled album Margins definitely does that for me. Margins is an album characterised by long instrumental tracks. Don't get me wrong, i do appreciate a well written song when i hear it, but Margins, slow, experimental, complicated, loud, soft, loud, guitars, guitars, guitars. It's slowed my mind to the point where I can't write much more.

The background behind the formation and writing of Margins, is far more interesting than the album itself. It seems that coming from a number of other bands (The Nation Blue, Blacklevel Embassy, Ricaine, Hardware, Rhythm Bell and Warped), bands I'm not familiar with, but bands i can only picture as being loud and abrasive (just look at that photo... don't they look angry? well.... no), i do agree that the feat that should be recognised is the production of a whole album of tunes of a soothing nature.

Anyway....Margins are playing a few shows in the coming months.... for information have a look at their MySpace page.

These releases (and many other little gems) are currently available in various places including the Low Transit Industries online store: http://artist.usync.net/lowtransitindustries

Have a good one.

Sally
sally@weheartmusic.com

1996.... perhaps you were not old enough to care or you didn't have an older sibling (or best friends older sibling) to guide you in the direction of Australian musical goodness. The re-issue of Screamfeeder's Kitten Licks may either transport you back, make you feel really old and/or make you say "wow, Screamfeeder are fairly splendid indeed".

Screamfeeder, Tim Steward, Kellie Lloyd and Dean Schwereb, were one of the staples of Aussie music for many years, but most notably in the mid-to-late 90's. If I am counting correctly, from six full length albums, Kitten Licks had to be the album that implanted the notion of Screamfeeder into the most number of human brains. Festivals and shows; touring for more than a year on the back of the success of the album, we now get to experience it all over again.

The original version of Kitten Licks (which according to their website was also released in the US in 1999 - so no excuses from anyone!) presented 12, punchy, to-the-point, oh-so-catchy poppy punk rock-esque tracks. If you haven't heard them before, now is your chance to be brought up to speed.

Kitten Licks Deluxe (sounds lovely, doesn't it?) has not only the original tracks, but an additional 7 tracks for your listening pleasure. These tracks are in the form of a number of b-sides, a demo version of the single Dart, and and and..... two covers Keep Hanging On (Husker Du) and Off To One Side (Come). So, perfect for those of you who didn't buy the original and even more perfect for you aficionados who can't bear to know where is a Screamfeeder release that you don't own (I know you people exist!).

You can also buy a number of other tidbits if you head on over to their website: www.screamfeeder.com

That not enough for you? Well, if you're on the ball there's a show tonight at the Annandale Hotel (Sydney) showcasing not only Screamfeeder and the entirety of Kitten Licks, but a number of bands that, like Screamfeeder, were at their height in the late 90's (and some that weren't). Midget, Sounds Like Sunset... brilliant!

Should be a brilliant show, so get down there... or alternatively, if you aren't on the ball and/or don't actually live anywhere near Sydney, there are number of upcoming shows around the country that I'm sure you are itching to drag yourself along to. Of note, the show in Adelaide at which guests include No Through Road (another excellent band with a recently released album that is definitely worth a listen, if you get a chance...) and Suzanne Grae and The Katies (never heard of them, but what an excellent name!).

Tickets through moshtix: www.moshtix.com.au (or just look at that poster just there, see it?)



Sally
sally@weheartmusic.com

Tucker B's - Jungle Tucker B's Tour Dates 06/12/09 Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney 06/13/09 The Tote, Victoria 06/20/09 Amplifier Bar, Perth Read More tucker b's http://www.tucker... ChubbyThis is our billionth point 6 album so play it loud for your hed and add it to the massive ...

Well.... what do have we here?

I must admit, that I fell off the Tucker B's bandwagon quite a while ago; not a clue where they had gone. They may not have gone anywhere.... but all the same.... they're back! Nightmares In The Key Of (((((WOW))))) is the fifth album of this Perth band, now based in Sydney.

On paper the album looks excellent: a new drummer - none other than Mr Matt Blackman of Purplene, Charge Group and Palace Of Fire fame; recorded with Burke Reid (The Drones, Gerling); and the inclusion of a saxophone and the vocal stylings of what I can only assume is a real cockatiel...

If you look at their website (http://www.tuckerbs.com/) you'll understand when it's said that these guys are a bit special. This is very much reflected in Nightmares In The Key Of (((((WOW))))). It's quirky and strange. It's carries the vibe... like that movie... you know... about the leprechaun in space? Don't listen to it in the dark. At the same time it swings from creepy (WOW) to tuneful and pretty (No Lazy Death) and catchy (Jungle).

Tucker B's are very much about the lyrics. Nothing mushy or heartwarming here. No sweet voices or beautiful harmonies. Not even a great deal of singing in tune. All wrapped up in some kind of bizzaro mixture of genres.... synthesizers, loud guitars, soft guitars, that weird voice altering contraption, odd wails, rock, indie, country, who can tell? That key of (((((WOW))))).... ooh err.

All up, an exciting album, highly recommended, but not for the faint hearted. So.... May 30th (album release date - not just throwing random dates about)... get into it!




Also... http://www.myspace.com/tuckerbs

Sally
sally@weheartmusic.com

Longtime readers to W♥M will note how we really love Sia (I reviewed Some People Have Real Problems, Gus wrote Zero 7, and Christopher thinks Sia sounds like Kimya Dawson). When I heard that latest release will be a live DVD called TV Is My Parent (to be released next week, May 19^th on Monkey Puzzle Records/Hear Music), I had to get my hands on this for review.

Sia - Academia 1 comment Destiny 6 comments

Looking over the setlist from this show, I recognize most of these songs from her later works, from her recent album and her collaborations with Zero 7 (check out "Destiny"!) to Colour the Small One (the crowded loved "Sunday"!).

The entire one hour show, includes a "pretend encore" encore (The Zero 7 song, "Distractions"), was shot at the Hiro Ballroom in NYC on September 12^th, 2007. I think they were just finishing up Some People Have Real Problems around this time, so you do hear some of her new songs on this DVD release ("Academia", "Day Too Soon", and "You Have Been Loved" to name a few).

The DVD opens up with the hidden-track from Problems called "Buttons". Combining "crude" child-like drawings with neon fluorescent colors (an wonderfully catchy song to boot) it was really hard to top that. Although I will confess that "The Girls You Lost To Cocaine" came very close.

The best part of the show was when Sia pulled a tooth out of her bra shortly before "Breathe Me". The tooth was from her guitarist, who had the tooth taken out the previous night. What I took out of this is what a strange creature Sia is. She's like this child, keeping a tooth close to her chest the whole time!

Sia and company seems at ease on stage, not at all nervous. They knew the show was being filmed, but you get the impression that Sia welcomes this. The video editing by director Nic Wrathall and 5.1 surround sound are excellent. I'm just surprise it took them this long to get the whole thing together as a DVD release. I don't think there is a bluray version, but seeing as it was shot in high-definition, I wouldn't be surprise if they decide to release a bluray version later on.


The special features includes four official music videos, including the wonderful "Soon We'll Be Found" video. The rest of the features is Sia and friends recording random "Behind the Scenes" snippets. These bits aren't very long, but it gives you a glimpse to the band and what they're like on tour. It's really meant for hardcore fans as it will just seem boring to casual fans... But if you do decide hunt for the eastereggs, try and find "pushups for shots" videos. I love hearing "Too easy, mate! Too easy!", followed by Sia's pushups.

For those wondering, the complete song listing is here:

SETLIST
1. Buttons
2. Little Black Sandals
3. Lentil
4. Day Too Soon
5. Sunday
6. Destiny
7. Breathe Me
8. Electric Bird
9. You Have Been Loved
10. Academia
11. The Girls You Lost To Cocaine
12. Distractions

Be sure to pick up the DVD next Tuesday, fans who pre-order TV is My Parent gets a chance to get their DVD autographed by Sia, herself. It's quite limited, only 10 will win.

Can't get enough of Sia? She recently released an exclusive iTunes live EP called Sydney. It's seven tracks from her in-store performance at the Apple Store in Sydney, Australia, and it's available now for $7.