LIVE REVIEW: The Horrors @ Metro Theatre, Sydney (03/02/12)
written by Chris Familton Jack Ladder was in solo mode in the early opening slot and he showed that the songs from last year’s excellent Hurtsville LP can work just as well when stripped back to that rich, melodramatic voice and a fantastic effect laden guitar sound. He only managed to play a handful of … Read more
LIVE REVIEW: Eleanor Friedberger @ The Famous Spiegeltent, Sydney (28/01/12)
written by Chris Familton Eleanor Friedberger only recently stepped out from her regular role in The Fiery Furnaces with last years solo debut Last Summer yet there were no solo nerves evident when she stepped into the late afternoon light of the Spiegeltent stage. Not even a delayed start due to a malfunctioning guitar lead … Read more
LIVE REVIEW: Soundgarden @ Sydney Entertainment Centre (25/01/12)
written by Chris Familton Arriving at the soulless Entertainment Centre felt like a Delorean trip back to the early 90s with Sydney’s alternative/grunge/rock/metal community out in full force. Faded flannel shirts were scattered through the gathering hordes while the black t-shirt seemed to be the default dress code for the evening. Inside as the melodic … Read more
LIVE REVIEW: CANT @ The Famous Spiegeltent, Sydney 14/01/12
written by Chris Familton Chris Taylor is a seasoned Sydney Festival performer with appearances as a member of Grizzly Bear. This though was the first of his Sydney shows in his solo guise CANT. With so many shows selling out at The Famous Spiegeltent it was a bit worrying when the venue was only half … Read more
LIVE REVIEW: The Drones @ Metro Theatre, Sydney (29/10/11)
written by Chris Familton The Drones were winding up a national tour to promote the release of their first DVD A Thousand Mistakes. That document is an exhaustive look at the live evolution of the band from raw, unbridled punk rock through to their current position as one of the country’s best live acts and … Read more
LIVE REVIEW: Okkervil River @ Metro Theatre, Sydney 18/10/11
by Chris Familton Mike Noga was up first, playing primarily on his lonesome which suited the mood and opening slot perfectly. His songs were stripped back to their bare essence of guitar, voice, harmonica and on a couple of occasions some wonderful cello courtesy of The Gin Club’s Bridget Lewis. Noga was in fine form … Read more
LIVE REVIEW: Oh Mercy @ OAF, Sydney 14/10/11
written by Chris Familton Step-Panther are on a roll at the moment with their just released debut album and upcoming support shows with Kurt Vile. You wouldn’t think it though as they displayed the same low-key and affable approach to their music that they always do. This was melodic stoner noise-pop of the highest order … Read more
LIVE REVIEW: Electric Empire @ Upstairs at Beresford, Sydney 14/10/11
written by Chris Familton Danny G Felix Experience kicked things off at the recently opened Upstairs at Beresford. It is a pretty flashy joint with a a ton of money poured into the fit-out and sound system. I’m not sure the surrounds will gel with the indie and rock crowds but for the sounds being … Read more
LIVE REVIEW: Jack Ladder @ The Dreamlanders @ Manning Bar, Sydney (01/10/11)
written by Chris Familton Teeth & Tongue have evolved their sound over the last couple of years to the point where it now sounds effortlessly natural, devoid of pretense or hopeful indie aspirations. Singer/guitarist Jess Cornelius is the heart and soul of the band – aided and abetted by a guitarist, bassist and pre-recorded drums … Read more
LIVE REVIEW: Moon Duo @ OAF, Sydney 30/09/11
written by Chris Familton Melbourne’s Fabulous Diamonds set the mood of the evening with a set composed around drone and hypnotic repetition. Featuring just drums and keyboards the duo were in no rush to get anywhere in particular with songs that slowly evolved from metronomic drum patterns into gently pulsing waves of analog synths, grinding … Read more
