79 posts tagged “rock”
It
was a dark and stormy night.... well, less stormy and more irritatingly
rainy.... anyway it was a night to venture out for the purpose of
viewing the album launch show of Sydney boys, The Maladies.
Playing a bunch of songs from their debut album, With You Right By My Side, Baby The Deal Just Can’t Go Down,
it was a pretty fine show, I must say. Loud, dirty, bluesy rock, from
foot tap inducing tunes to slow, sullen mini-epic songs, but still not
quiet. I'd
never actually been to a Maladies show before so I was not sure what to
expect. Thankfully, it wasn't disappointing in the slightest. I can
only assume that the horn section and the back-up lady singers might
have been a special occasion for album launching purposes, possibly not
the correct sized stage for so many people to squish on to, but you
really can't go wrong with a very large saxophone. All
the same, quite impressive musicality, the entire band (including
back-up musicians on this particular occasion) didn't put a foot wrong.
Nice.
Ask
me to name a track. Well no, I can't because I am yet to acquire a copy
of the album, but i can assure you, that either catching a Maladies show and/or purchasing your very own copy of With You Right By My Side, Baby The Deal Just Can’t Go Down is quite a good idea.
If you are in Brisbane or Melbourne you are in luck because there's more shows to be played:
19 Nov - The Step Inn Fortitude Valley, Queensland w Mexico City & Sue Ray
27 Nov - The Tote Melbourne, Victoria. w James McCann’s Dirty Skirt Band, Black Pony Express & Little John.
An honourable mention also has to go to Jamie Hutchings. I'm sure he's being playing shows in some form or another since before the dawn of time. Always enjoyable.... and, it seems, about to embark on a tour of europe, so if you're over that way, be sure to keep your eyes and ears peeled. Or maybe just look at his website for tour dates (might be easier).
20 Nov 2009 - MUM at World Bar, Kings Cross, Sydney, 21 Nov 2009 - The Clubhouse (formerly Empire Corner Bar), Fortitude ValleyThe Maladies - http://www.myspace.com/themaladiesbandJamie Hutchings - http://www.myspace.com/jamiehutchings
The RocketsmithsThe Rocketsmiths....
brought to me by facestalk.... but really.... considering the vast
volumes of bands that pop up via the internet I must admit this
offering from The Rocketsmiths is not too shabby at all. Not what i'd usually admit to listen to. Anyway, a neat little tune named Doctor
has landed on my earpod, and i must say I like it. It's simple, it's
pounding, straight down the line. Punk pop, short and sweet. A five
piece from Brisbane, The Rocketsmiths have been around for some time (well, since 2006 at least) and released a handfull of EP's. Well worth further investigation.Tour dates for the Doctor tour... here:The Rocketsmiths -http://www.rocketsmiths.com/
Fan Death
Well, according to Wikipedia (an obvious reliable source) Fan Death is "a South Korean urban legend which
states that an electric fan, if left running overnight in a closed
room, can cause the death of those inside (by suffocation, poisoning,
or hypothermia)." As for the band, Fan Death
is a couple of ladies who make a brand of discotheque pop stylings of
the type that I have never heard before. It's like modern disco,
really. Very simple standard disco backing with two female voices
singing over the top. Enough to drive you nuts if disco isn't your
thing, but i have a little soft spot for disco music....(thanks mum),
but not so much for this tune (bring on the Walter Murphy Band... ahem). There's
not a lot of obvious information available as to where these ladies are
from, so I can only assume that they are american and it appears there
are no live shows on the horizon. Maybe they've gone to Korea to dispel
the rumours.Fan Death -http://www.myspace.com/fandeathSally
If you've progressed through the years with this four-piece from sunny Leicester, you would have to agree that since their first (and self-titled album) album Kasabian have really grown as songwriters. Indie rock at it's finest.
For example, there were some absolute gems of songs on the first album; catchy as they come, but West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum is just amazing. You have the first single Fire with it's shifts from the mellow, through to it's loud and catchy chorus (be careful of that volume shift when you're listening on some sort of earpod arrangement) and then back again.
You also have songs like Underdog that you may have first seen on some sort of television ad and thought "Hang on, that sounds like Kasabian, but it's much more awesome than I recall them ever being before!"; Where Did All The Love Go?, Vlad The Impaler and Fast Fuse, which each have incredibly catchy guitar riffs and completely splendid underlying basslines; foot-tappingly so.
On the other hand there's tunes like Happiness and Thick As Thieves (I quite like the pronunciation of the words 'Thick' and 'Thieves' - listen for yourself), which although less danceable than those tracks just mentioned, still have that awesome composition of sounds that runs through the entire album.
So many melodies that are just going to stick right in your head and not shift for a good hour. You'd best fire up the vacuum cleaner now, or get in the car and go for a 51 minute and 59 second drive.... the perfect soundtrack for either.
A couple of little tidbits for you:
1. if you head here: http://www.kasabianasylum.com/ you can play a splendid little game.
2. If you gaze down there and do a little clicking you'll notice a Mr Noel Fielding from one of our favourite telly shows The Might Boosh in a promo video for Vlad The Impaler.
Paris / Bataclan, France - 23/10/09
Lyon / Le Radiant, France - 24/10/09
Toulouse / Le Bikini, France - 25/10/09
Köln, Live Music Hall, Germany - 28/10/09
Bochum, Zeche, Germany - 29/10/09
München, Germany - 31/10/09
Hamburg, Germany - 01/11/09
Berlin, Huxley's, Germany - 02/11/09
Newcastle, Metro Radio Arena, UK - 10/11/09
Aberdeen, AECC, UK - 11/11/09
Glasgow, SECC, UK - 12/11/09
London, Wembley Arena, UK - 14/11/09
London, Wembley Arena, UK - 15/11/09
Liverpool, Echo Arena, UK 16/11/09
Nottingham, Trent FM Arena, UK - 18/11/09
Birmingham, NIA, - UK 19/11/09
Manchester, MEN, - UK 20/11/09
Cardiff, International Arena, - UK 22/11/09
Sheffield, Arena, - UK 23/11/09
Links - http://www.kasabian.co.uk - http://www.myspace.com/kasabian
Sally
sally@weheartmusic.com
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Internet time moves so quickly. If I had mentioned something about Noel Gallagher quitting Oasis on Friday, that would've been accepted. But it's been three days later and now I feel like people are going to say:
Remember how I told you that I've actually met the band
and interviewed Liam Gallagher in Sacramento back in 1994? When I got
their autographs, everyone in the band was happy to obliged, all except
"the rare Noel Gallagher who refused to sign my copy at first". It was only after their tour manager said that she wasn't going to foot his liquor bill, did Noel reluctantly sign my Definitely Maybe
album. If the tour manager wasn't around, I'll bet you to this day, I
would say "Noel Gallagher, what a jerk!" whenever I look at my album.
By the way, you can see from the signed cover (audio: Slide Away), Noel and Liam's autographs are quite different. Liam is bold and blocky, while Noel's elegant, almost. The two is very different, but when I met them, they didn't seem all fist-a-cuffs. However, I didn't really see them talking to each other all that much. Liam, Bonehead, and Paul McGuigan were talkative, hanging out in front of their Sacramento gig (and no one knew who they were). Yeah, who's missing in that picture?
When I reviewed Dig Out Your Soul, late last year, I
noted how surprise I was to see that other musicians were allowed to
write their own songs. Of course, this was a steady thing, starting
with Liam Gallagher's "Little James" song being included on Standing on the Shoulder of Giants. On Dig Out Your Soul
about half the album (Liam wrote three of the five songs not written by
Noel). Suddenly, Oasis seems to be more like the republic of Oasis, no
longer a monarchy. While I think that is a good thing (it keeps
everyone happy and they feel like they contributing something to the
band), personally, I think it kills Noel Gallagher that his tight grasp
over Oasis have slipped.
The best example of how Noel was in control of everything is an interview with Noel on the bonus DVD edition of Stop the Clocks, their "Greatest Hits" compilation. In an interview on the DVD, when asked about the track listing, Noel basically admitted it was entirely hand-picked by him. Supposedly he gave the other band members a chance to throw in their 2-cents, but Liam said, "That's the first time I fookin' seen 'em".
The other videos are the news of Noel leaving Oasis (2009), and Noel admits to leaving Oasis back in 1994/1995 on their first American tour.
My favorite quote is, from Liam:
When I first heard the news broke (on CNN hourly podcast), I wasn't all that surprise. Noel have always seem to be the guy in charge of Oasis. Without him, there's simply no Oasis. And the guy is a bit of "it's my way, or the highway!" attitude. I'm not just talking about reading about them, I'm talking about an experience with Noel.That was so yesterday.
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By the way, you can see from the signed cover (audio: Slide Away), Noel and Liam's autographs are quite different. Liam is bold and blocky, while Noel's elegant, almost. The two is very different, but when I met them, they didn't seem all fist-a-cuffs. However, I didn't really see them talking to each other all that much. Liam, Bonehead, and Paul McGuigan were talkative, hanging out in front of their Sacramento gig (and no one knew who they were). Yeah, who's missing in that picture?
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The best example of how Noel was in control of everything is an interview with Noel on the bonus DVD edition of Stop the Clocks, their "Greatest Hits" compilation. In an interview on the DVD, when asked about the track listing, Noel basically admitted it was entirely hand-picked by him. Supposedly he gave the other band members a chance to throw in their 2-cents, but Liam said, "That's the first time I fookin' seen 'em".
The other videos are the news of Noel leaving Oasis (2009), and Noel admits to leaving Oasis back in 1994/1995 on their first American tour.
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So what do I think? Noel, however rude and jerky he is, I can see them reuniting in the future. I think he just needs to calm down and take a break.We were finished a long time ago, we're just doing it for the money.
08/31/2009 22:42:18 ♥ vu (
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♥ oasisinet.com ♥ myspace.com/oasis ♥ twitter.com/oasisofficial
It's that time of year again... Glastonbury! Unless they've already been done, I might get some Ting Tings up, but for now I'm gonna complain about the Glasto organizer's plug pulling
on N*E*R*D's set. I mean geez, 25 minutes late? That's two hours early
compared to any gigs I've been to. It's not like the whole thing ain't
gonna run late anyway, is it? Just get Lilly Allen and Lady Gaga
to stop flashing their bits and changing costumes and you'll free up 25
minutes easy. But alas, two thirds through their set and N*E*R*D,
having arrived just a little late for their slot, had their lead vocals
cut and that was that, only the BBC highlights remain.
Even if you've not heard of N*E*R*D (that's "No one Ever Really Dies"), you'll likely know of founding member R&B producer Pharrell Williams. N*E*R*D are a collaborative effor between Pharell, Chad Hugo, Shay Haley and whoever they manage to drag in to band duties, and are pretty much the only band I've ever known to try and combine R&B style lyrics in to Hip-Hop / Rock tunes whilst trying to pass themselves off as an Indie / Rock band in the likes of metal mag Kerrang!. If it was anyone other than Pharell, I'm sure it'd crash and burn, and they've deffinately got their fair share of critics (especially for the lyrics), but the result is at least one extremely catchy album - Fly or Die - from which I've included the track Breakout but you really should check out the rest if you've not already.
- Chris"f*ck glas"topher
Even if you've not heard of N*E*R*D (that's "No one Ever Really Dies"), you'll likely know of founding member R&B producer Pharrell Williams. N*E*R*D are a collaborative effor between Pharell, Chad Hugo, Shay Haley and whoever they manage to drag in to band duties, and are pretty much the only band I've ever known to try and combine R&B style lyrics in to Hip-Hop / Rock tunes whilst trying to pass themselves off as an Indie / Rock band in the likes of metal mag Kerrang!. If it was anyone other than Pharell, I'm sure it'd crash and burn, and they've deffinately got their fair share of critics (especially for the lyrics), but the result is at least one extremely catchy album - Fly or Die - from which I've included the track Breakout but you really should check out the rest if you've not already.
- Chris"f*ck glas"topher
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.
Links
Official website: http://www.yveskleinblue.com/
MySpace: www.myspace.com/yveskleinbluemusic
Record label: http://www.dew-process.com/
Sally
sally@weheartmusic.com
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
No Through Road - Winner.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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!).
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@weheartmusic.com
Remember the days
when you'd go to your favourite band toting public bar and you'd see
one of maybe 20 bands that were doing the rounds? You even saw them so
many times that you knew some of the words to their songs? Now there
are simply squillions of bands.... who has time to see them all? Not
me, that's for sure.
So i thought i might prepare a little digest of bands that have been performing around the shop in the recent-ish past
Found At Sea - astreetlightsong - Days Like Stars - The Shipwrecked - Hopetoun Hotel - May 8th
Firstly, I would like to say that the sound at the Hopetoun was
particularly bad last night. Sadly, it made the keyboard of the The
Shipwrecked sound way too loud and drowned out a lot of the other
sounds. Maybe another listen is in order. Days Like Stars were cute
(but obviously not trying to be cute), the songs were your average
guitar rock, but with an obvious mum and dad combo recording the set on
their video camera in the audience, who could help but chortle as the
guys proceeded to "rock out" to songs that simply didn't suit such
"rocking outness". Entertaining all the same.
I had said previously that astreetlightsong would be worth seeing live, so that was my mission for the evening. I wasn't disappointed. Even though the overall sound was still pretty poor, astreetlightsong put on a super show. There's something about seeing a band live that you just don't get from a recording. Whether it be seeing that they can actually play instruments (it's not their Uncle Barry), looking at the large amount of computerisation and guitar peddles required to get their sound or just to see they they are human and how they interact with the crowd. It all adds up. These guys were just that little bit different to the other three bands on the bill. Slightly more electronically weighted, less of a pure guitar sound. Was a nice change. They also seemed to have a swathe of young lady fans, which can't be a bad thing!
Armed
with matching ties (sort of), headlining band Found at Sea, rounded out
the evening. Formerly called 'Helter' (ring any bells?) these guy have
just finished their debut self-titled album, produced by ARIA award
winning Paul McKercher (Augie March, Sarah Blasko, You Am I). If
you love guitars, if you love the sound they make, if you like that
easy listening rock feel, Found at Sea will be right up your alley. It's
perfect music to sit down, with beer in hand and tap your foot on the
floor. Sadly, the Hopetoun has no chairs.... so we were out of luck.
If you want to trackdown these guys some future tour dates might just be:
13th May 2009 - Phoenix Bar, Canberra
14th May 2009 - Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne (headlined by astreetlightsong)
15th May 2009 - Public Bar, North Melbourne
3rd June 2009 - Annandale Hotel, Sydney
19th June 2009 - The Supper Club, Sydney
More information? Go here:
Now for some bands I haven't seen in a while (or are on the list of bands that you probably want to see).
Tucker B's
The Tucker B's have been around for quite a while. Originally from Perth, they are about to release a new record Nightmares in the key of (((((WOW)))));
their fifth record. As I haven't heard the album and this paragraph
makes it sounds fairly intriguing, it's better to copy and paste than
write something irrelevant...
"Commencing with a caterwauling cacophony of doom, the album delves deep into the band's wide-eyed wonder of relationships. Candid and disturbing revelations set against a diverse backdrop, Nightmares at times re-visits the guitar thuggery of previous albums Chubby and Bish Bosh II: The Bosh Bosh. At other times the band strips away just a little of the sludge to reveal beautiful yet strange pop melodies, and weird, unsettling lyrical observations. For this is an album made by MEN about other MEN and WOMEN and CHILDREN."
I haven't seen these guys for many years, but I hope to catch them this time around.... and yes, here's where I'd go:
Peabody
These guys seem to always be playing somewhere... except for a few hours at night and during morning tea break (and sometimes afternoon tea break). Peabody, another band who has been playing in Sydney for as long as I can remember (and that's only as far back as 2001), they're rocky, they're poppy, and they have endearing head wiggles and nerd glasses. Their only fault is the fact that their current drummer is much less entertaining than their previous drummer. They recently played a splendid show supported by The Laurels and Charge Group; also excellent bands. In case you were wondering, Peabody and Melbourne's Actor Slash Model are off on a tour starting this very weekend!
DATES!
Crow
Crow are very old indeed (don't tell them i said that). The more interesting fact is that Crow have a new album coming out this year. You know Crow, don't you? No? Look here:http://www.myspace.com/crowcrowcrowyourboat.
They are quite entertaining live. Completely unpretentious with a wealth of experience, especially in intimate environments (does that sound creepy?). If you don't believe me, Crow are playing a number of shows in the near future. So, for a good time, call......... no........ go to the Bald Faced Stag Hotel in Leichhardt on May 22nd, have a beverage and enjoy the show. Supported by The Holy Soul and Dead China Doll, should be an excellent night!
The Laurels
I caught The Laurels a while back when they supported Peabody, and I was very impressed. This is an easy band to like. They describe themselves as psychedelic/shoegaze, which i guess is quite accurate. If you like Ride or The Jesus and Mary Chain, you'll probably like these guys (and girl).
The word is that The Laurels have "almost" finished recording their long awaited debut release, but that probably should be confirmed before you camp out in a record shop. In the meantime, they have a few shows lined up that would definitely be worth checking out.
6th June, 2009 - The Hopetoun Hotel - with Peabody
13th June 2009 - The Hopetoun Hotel - with the redsunband
26th June 2009 - World Bar - FBI radio fundraiser (get to it!)
18th July 2009 - The Hopetoun Hotel, 7" launch with Ghosts of Television/Warhorse/Whores
Also, if you are specifically into bearded bands you might like to check out a previous review .
Parades
A bit of a wildcard for you, I haven't dug deeply into what Parades have to offer, but from simply investigating their website, things are looking good. Pop/rock, not too harsh on the ear, but admittedly would be better heard very loud (and/or live). Unfortunately, I had planned to have this written a few days ago to let you know that Parades would be launching their single, Hunters, at the Hopetoun Hotel on May 9th.... and yes, it is now May 13th. Sorry!
Eye of the Spider
I love the name, I haven't listened to them and the poster (a lady with a moustache!) for the show is excellent. GO!
Sally
sally@weheartmusic.com
So i thought i might prepare a little digest of bands that have been performing around the shop in the recent-ish past
Found At Sea - astreetlightsong - Days Like Stars - The Shipwrecked - Hopetoun Hotel - May 8th
I had said previously that astreetlightsong would be worth seeing live, so that was my mission for the evening. I wasn't disappointed. Even though the overall sound was still pretty poor, astreetlightsong put on a super show. There's something about seeing a band live that you just don't get from a recording. Whether it be seeing that they can actually play instruments (it's not their Uncle Barry), looking at the large amount of computerisation and guitar peddles required to get their sound or just to see they they are human and how they interact with the crowd. It all adds up. These guys were just that little bit different to the other three bands on the bill. Slightly more electronically weighted, less of a pure guitar sound. Was a nice change. They also seemed to have a swathe of young lady fans, which can't be a bad thing!
If you want to trackdown these guys some future tour dates might just be:
13th May 2009 - Phoenix Bar, Canberra
14th May 2009 - Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne (headlined by astreetlightsong)
15th May 2009 - Public Bar, North Melbourne
3rd June 2009 - Annandale Hotel, Sydney
19th June 2009 - The Supper Club, Sydney
www.myspace.com/foundatseamusic - NEW SINGLE AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD NOW!
Now for some bands I haven't seen in a while (or are on the list of bands that you probably want to see).
Tucker B's
"Commencing with a caterwauling cacophony of doom, the album delves deep into the band's wide-eyed wonder of relationships. Candid and disturbing revelations set against a diverse backdrop, Nightmares at times re-visits the guitar thuggery of previous albums Chubby and Bish Bosh II: The Bosh Bosh. At other times the band strips away just a little of the sludge to reveal beautiful yet strange pop melodies, and weird, unsettling lyrical observations. For this is an album made by MEN about other MEN and WOMEN and CHILDREN."
I haven't seen these guys for many years, but I hope to catch them this time around.... and yes, here's where I'd go:
Friday June 12 - Oxford Art Factory, Sydney - w/ Umpire (Perth), Richard in Your Mind & special guest SPOD
Saturday June 13 - The Tote Hotel, Melbourne - w/ Umpire (Perth), SPOD and special guests TBA
Saturday June 20 - The Amplifier, Perth - w/ Umpire, Fall Electric, Apricot Rail & special guest SPOD
Peabody
These guys seem to always be playing somewhere... except for a few hours at night and during morning tea break (and sometimes afternoon tea break). Peabody, another band who has been playing in Sydney for as long as I can remember (and that's only as far back as 2001), they're rocky, they're poppy, and they have endearing head wiggles and nerd glasses. Their only fault is the fact that their current drummer is much less entertaining than their previous drummer. They recently played a splendid show supported by The Laurels and Charge Group; also excellent bands. In case you were wondering, Peabody and Melbourne's Actor Slash Model are off on a tour starting this very weekend!
DATES!
Friday 15 May - Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy, VIC - Supporting Actor Slash Model
Friday 29 May - The Great Northern Hotel, Byron Bay, NSW - Supported by Actor Slash Model (FREE GIG)
Saturday 30 May - The Troubadour, Fortitude Valley, QLD - Supported by Actor Slash Model
Crow are very old indeed (don't tell them i said that). The more interesting fact is that Crow have a new album coming out this year. You know Crow, don't you? No? Look here:http://www.myspace.com/crowcrowcrowyourboat.
They are quite entertaining live. Completely unpretentious with a wealth of experience, especially in intimate environments (does that sound creepy?). If you don't believe me, Crow are playing a number of shows in the near future. So, for a good time, call......... no........ go to the Bald Faced Stag Hotel in Leichhardt on May 22nd, have a beverage and enjoy the show. Supported by The Holy Soul and Dead China Doll, should be an excellent night!
The Laurels
I caught The Laurels a while back when they supported Peabody, and I was very impressed. This is an easy band to like. They describe themselves as psychedelic/shoegaze, which i guess is quite accurate. If you like Ride or The Jesus and Mary Chain, you'll probably like these guys (and girl).
The word is that The Laurels have "almost" finished recording their long awaited debut release, but that probably should be confirmed before you camp out in a record shop. In the meantime, they have a few shows lined up that would definitely be worth checking out.
6th June, 2009 - The Hopetoun Hotel - with Peabody
13th June 2009 - The Hopetoun Hotel - with the redsunband
26th June 2009 - World Bar - FBI radio fundraiser (get to it!)
18th July 2009 - The Hopetoun Hotel, 7" launch with Ghosts of Television/Warhorse/Whores
Lamplight
I haven't seen Lamplight, so I can't comment on their ability to make you feel like dancing, but they're definitely on my list. Unlike me, you may be in Melbourne.... if so.... you might like the check this out. Lamplight are about to release a new single, A Sun That Will Not Rise, to celebrate this, they will be launching the video clip and single AT THE SAME TIME at the Northcote Social Club on the Sunday the 7th of June (Queen's birthday long weekend, so no excuses!). If you aren't in Melbourne, never fear! Lamplight will be undertaking an extensive national tour in June and July.
For more information go to:
www.lamplight.com.au
Also, if you are specifically into bearded bands you might like to check out a previous review .
Parades
A bit of a wildcard for you, I haven't dug deeply into what Parades have to offer, but from simply investigating their website, things are looking good. Pop/rock, not too harsh on the ear, but admittedly would be better heard very loud (and/or live). Unfortunately, I had planned to have this written a few days ago to let you know that Parades would be launching their single, Hunters, at the Hopetoun Hotel on May 9th.... and yes, it is now May 13th. Sorry!
Eye of the Spider
I love the name, I haven't listened to them and the poster (a lady with a moustache!) for the show is excellent. GO!
Sally
sally@weheartmusic.com
Let's see... I have a few gems for you today
ASTREETLIGHTSONG - The Ocean Floor
These guys are a new-ish band, based in Sydney. Three guys who, from all reports, appear to be storming forward, gaining immense popularity.. with tunes being played on FBi radio and JJJ ; being runners up in the SONY/BMG Uncharted Competition in 2007; and even having the very exciting claim to fame of supporting The Church on their recent tour. The Ocean Floor is their new EP, which contains seven tracks including their new single, The Lighthouse.
Just listening to these tracks, ASTREETLIGHTSONG have something a bit different. They look young, very young, yet their sound is more mature. I suppose that's how they scored The Church support slot. The tunes, are slow, mellow and slightly dark; they would be excellent played very loud... with ear protection worn at all times, of course. However, unlike most songs of the same description, they are not grating on a short attention span.
In addition to The Ocean Floor, the guys have another EP available.... and and and as i mentioned they can be heard on any decent (Australian) radio station as well as seen on yours and my favourite drunken viewing... none other than Rage on the ABC.
I look forward to sitting, sipping a beer in front of these boys... at a venue near me.
If you feel that you would like to do
the same.... here's a hint to hunting them down in person:
If you want to know more.... this is where you should be clicking:
Official website: http://www.astreetlightsong.com
MySpork Page: http://www.myspace.com/astreetlightsong
Ex Norwegian
Ex Norwegian are a four-piece out of Miami Beach, Florida, in the US. Their name is apparently a reference from that Monty Python sketch about the dead parrot... interesting choice to say the least. Their debut album, Standby, was released in March 2009 on the newly formed Dying Van Gogh label and Sally happened to stumble across a copy of it a while ago (and apologises for sitting on it for so long before she wrote about it).... *ahem*.
What can i say? It's poppy, it's cute, it's quite danceable. Housework or roadtrip? This is the album for you. Off the top of my head, I can't actually name a band that I would say they sound like. This is probably not a bad thing, it's always good to be original after all. Looking at their "influences" as per their myspork page, I can't see a band I don't like (it's all about me it's it?), The Kinks, The Easybeats, David Bowie....nice. I also see further Monty Python-esque references... a good sense of humour goes a long way in my books.
But I'm loving the smiliness that this album makes me feel, even the slower songs are quite happy sounding. A special mention for smile-making goes to the track, Dance Trance Pants, which both makes me smile as well as remind me of a friend who makes his own orange pants to go to what i would describe as, "terrible techno evenings".
Just one thing... the track, Add Vice.... don't you think the first few lines sound a lot like Jimmy Ruffin's "What Becomes Of The Broken-hearted"? What? You don't have a copy of Standby to compare it to? Well you'd best get one.
Alternatively, see them here:
Apparently, the band are preparing for the next album to be released at the end of the year... ooh!
So keep your eye on the prize.... and here: http://www.exnorwegian.com
Just two questions: What is sudeki? and What is Fujeira?... That is all.
Other news...
Being Anzac day, there is a wonderous array of fun things happening....
Tonight at the Hopetoun Hotel in Surry Hills (Sydney) we have none other than Peabody, Charge Group and The Laurels ...... brilliant.
Today we have the Essential Festival (Dappled Cities, Bluejuice, Young & Restless, The Scare, The Holidays, The Scare, Belles Will Ring, Cloud control, Spod, The E.L.F , More) at Spectrum, 34B, Vegas Bar, Qbar, and the Oxford Art Factory... but hurry because it starts at 3pm.
and not to discriminate... at the Hobgoblin (London) tonight we have monthly Chimp Night with our favourite ape themed band, Celebrity Chimp .
We also have the recently announced first installment of bands to be playing at Splendour in The Grass ... The Flaming Lips, Bloc Party, Jane’s Addiction, MGMT, Friendly Fires, Leader Cheetah, Yuksek, Augie March, Manchester Orchestra, Little Birdy, The Gutter Twins, Birds Of Tokyo, Josh Pyke, Sarah Blasko, Midnight Juggernauts, The Specials..... Please buy Sally a ticket.
Sally
sally@weheartmusic.com
These guys are a new-ish band, based in Sydney. Three guys who, from all reports, appear to be storming forward, gaining immense popularity.. with tunes being played on FBi radio and JJJ ; being runners up in the SONY/BMG Uncharted Competition in 2007; and even having the very exciting claim to fame of supporting The Church on their recent tour. The Ocean Floor is their new EP, which contains seven tracks including their new single, The Lighthouse.
Just listening to these tracks, ASTREETLIGHTSONG have something a bit different. They look young, very young, yet their sound is more mature. I suppose that's how they scored The Church support slot. The tunes, are slow, mellow and slightly dark; they would be excellent played very loud... with ear protection worn at all times, of course. However, unlike most songs of the same description, they are not grating on a short attention span.
In addition to The Ocean Floor, the guys have another EP available.... and and and as i mentioned they can be heard on any decent (Australian) radio station as well as seen on yours and my favourite drunken viewing... none other than Rage on the ABC.
I look forward to sitting, sipping a beer in front of these boys... at a venue near me.
|
Hopetoun Hotel | Sydney, NSW | |
|
Phoenix Bar | Canberra, ACT | |
|
Ding Dong Lounge | Melbourne, VIC | |
|
Public Bar | North Melbourne, VIC |
If you want to know more.... this is where you should be clicking:
Official website: http://www.astreetlightsong.com
MySpork Page: http://www.myspace.com/astreetlightsong
Ex Norwegian are a four-piece out of Miami Beach, Florida, in the US. Their name is apparently a reference from that Monty Python sketch about the dead parrot... interesting choice to say the least. Their debut album, Standby, was released in March 2009 on the newly formed Dying Van Gogh label and Sally happened to stumble across a copy of it a while ago (and apologises for sitting on it for so long before she wrote about it).... *ahem*.
What can i say? It's poppy, it's cute, it's quite danceable. Housework or roadtrip? This is the album for you. Off the top of my head, I can't actually name a band that I would say they sound like. This is probably not a bad thing, it's always good to be original after all. Looking at their "influences" as per their myspork page, I can't see a band I don't like (it's all about me it's it?), The Kinks, The Easybeats, David Bowie....nice. I also see further Monty Python-esque references... a good sense of humour goes a long way in my books.
But I'm loving the smiliness that this album makes me feel, even the slower songs are quite happy sounding. A special mention for smile-making goes to the track, Dance Trance Pants, which both makes me smile as well as remind me of a friend who makes his own orange pants to go to what i would describe as, "terrible techno evenings".
Just one thing... the track, Add Vice.... don't you think the first few lines sound a lot like Jimmy Ruffin's "What Becomes Of The Broken-hearted"? What? You don't have a copy of Standby to compare it to? Well you'd best get one.
Alternatively, see them here:
|
Tobacco Road |
Miami, Florida | |
|
Churchill’s Hideaway |
Miami, Florida | |
|
Miami Art Central |
Miami, Florida | |
|
Buck 15 | Miami Beach, Florida | |
|
Churchill’s Hideaway |
Miami, Florida | |
|
Propaganda | Lake Worth, Florida | |
|
Mansion 462 - Summer Tour | Chapel Hill, North Carolina |
Just two questions: What is sudeki? and What is Fujeira?... That is all.
Other news...
Being Anzac day, there is a wonderous array of fun things happening....
Tonight at the Hopetoun Hotel in Surry Hills (Sydney) we have none other than Peabody, Charge Group and The Laurels ...... brilliant.
Today we have the Essential Festival (Dappled Cities, Bluejuice, Young & Restless, The Scare, The Holidays, The Scare, Belles Will Ring, Cloud control, Spod, The E.L.F , More) at Spectrum, 34B, Vegas Bar, Qbar, and the Oxford Art Factory... but hurry because it starts at 3pm.
and not to discriminate... at the Hobgoblin (London) tonight we have monthly Chimp Night with our favourite ape themed band, Celebrity Chimp .
We also have the recently announced first installment of bands to be playing at Splendour in The Grass ... The Flaming Lips, Bloc Party, Jane’s Addiction, MGMT, Friendly Fires, Leader Cheetah, Yuksek, Augie March, Manchester Orchestra, Little Birdy, The Gutter Twins, Birds Of Tokyo, Josh Pyke, Sarah Blasko, Midnight Juggernauts, The Specials..... Please buy Sally a ticket.
Sally
sally@weheartmusic.com
|
04/09/09
Bowery Ballroom New York
Discography
04/10/09 Music Hall Of Williamsburg, NY 04/11/09 Paradise Boston, MA 04/24/09 Rock Island Brewing Rock Island, IL 04/25/09 Metro Chicago, Illinois
Read More |
It's hard to talk about Superdrag
without mentioning that one song, you know, "Sucked Out"*. So let's get
that over and done with: the song was a smash hit from their 1996
album, Regretfully Yours, thanks to MTV's heavy rotation of the video as part of their "Buzz Bin" series.
With the huge mainstream success of the song, their major record label
Elektra demanded that Superdrag try and duplicate their hitmaker song -
but the band never really achieved the same success in their later
releases. Perhaps it's bitterness with their ex-label (obviously
Elektra dropped the band after their second album), but primary
singer/guitarist John Davis refused to play their hit song live.
When I saw them at the 400 Bar in 2000 for their In the Valley of Dying Stars promotional tour, it was evident that they weren't going to do that song as the set list started winding to the end... despite some jerk in the audience shouting out the song title over and over.
So I was happy to see Superdrag again from the recent SXSW Festival. The band looks and sound in top-tip shape. The recent band line-up is actually their original line-up, so it sort of made the release and touring for Industry Giants to be somewhat special.
I remember when I got a preview of
"Filthy & Afraid" (Stealth Mix D) from the forthcoming album and I was really excited for the new material. I still think that song is their best song off of Industry Giants.
Other songs I dig are more stuff like "Cheap Poltergeist" and "Aspartame", which features some strong guitars and feels muscular - but, again, with some great guitar melodies. In fact, most of the album feels very rock n roll aggressive, with the exception of the acoustic-guitar intro of "Live and Breathe" (the song does pick up).
The one thing that I thought was odd was that the vocals are not Davis on certain songs. You can certainly tell with "You're Alive" with bassist Tom Pappas taking the lead vocals and made it sound like... I don't know, like a biker bar song or something. Not that I'm complaining, it was just unexpected on my part. I had to look at my playlist to make sure it was a Superdrag song!
It should also be noted that "Ready to Go" features guitarist Brandon Fisher on vocals, but this song sounds like it has the feel of a 'drag song (lots of guitar and bass on this one).
Industry Giants is out now, available at the usual locations - the best prices I've seen is at amazon for $12.98. I checked the official website and the merch section currently said the new CD is out of stock, however there's always MP3s. If you see them on tour, the album is sold for $10.
For hardcore fans, there are extra bonus tracks depending on where you purchase your album online. ITunes offers "Filter Out the Air", while amazon.com offers "4 On The Floor". If you already own the album, download each song individually should only set you back $2.
Fans should also want to check out the double-disc set of 4-Track Rock!!! 1992-1995 + Complete "Bender" Sessions, featuring very early demos of some of their most well-loved songs such as "Slot Machine" (the demo version features a medley of "Slot Machine" and "Phaser"), "N.A. Kicker", and "Sucked Out". This one is a tad more pricier at $20, but well worth it for any fan.
* We had promo copies of the single at KFRS 90.7 FM, and I don't think the song was added to our mandatory playlist (I ended up taking the promo single for myself, of course).
When I saw them at the 400 Bar in 2000 for their In the Valley of Dying Stars promotional tour, it was evident that they weren't going to do that song as the set list started winding to the end... despite some jerk in the audience shouting out the song title over and over.
So I was happy to see Superdrag again from the recent SXSW Festival. The band looks and sound in top-tip shape. The recent band line-up is actually their original line-up, so it sort of made the release and touring for Industry Giants to be somewhat special.
Other songs I dig are more stuff like "Cheap Poltergeist" and "Aspartame", which features some strong guitars and feels muscular - but, again, with some great guitar melodies. In fact, most of the album feels very rock n roll aggressive, with the exception of the acoustic-guitar intro of "Live and Breathe" (the song does pick up).
The one thing that I thought was odd was that the vocals are not Davis on certain songs. You can certainly tell with "You're Alive" with bassist Tom Pappas taking the lead vocals and made it sound like... I don't know, like a biker bar song or something. Not that I'm complaining, it was just unexpected on my part. I had to look at my playlist to make sure it was a Superdrag song!
It should also be noted that "Ready to Go" features guitarist Brandon Fisher on vocals, but this song sounds like it has the feel of a 'drag song (lots of guitar and bass on this one).
Industry Giants is out now, available at the usual locations - the best prices I've seen is at amazon for $12.98. I checked the official website and the merch section currently said the new CD is out of stock, however there's always MP3s. If you see them on tour, the album is sold for $10.
For hardcore fans, there are extra bonus tracks depending on where you purchase your album online. ITunes offers "Filter Out the Air", while amazon.com offers "4 On The Floor". If you already own the album, download each song individually should only set you back $2.
Fans should also want to check out the double-disc set of 4-Track Rock!!! 1992-1995 + Complete "Bender" Sessions, featuring very early demos of some of their most well-loved songs such as "Slot Machine" (the demo version features a medley of "Slot Machine" and "Phaser"), "N.A. Kicker", and "Sucked Out". This one is a tad more pricier at $20, but well worth it for any fan.
* We had promo copies of the single at KFRS 90.7 FM, and I don't think the song was added to our mandatory playlist (I ended up taking the promo single for myself, of course).
04/06/2009 02:49:06 ♥ vu ()
♥ superdrag.com ♥ myspace.com/superdragofficial
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