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
LIVE REVIEW: Legends of New Orleans @ Sydney Opera House, 28/09/11
written by Chris Familton The Sydney Opera House is always a venue that delivers on quality sound and a comfortable environment for experiencing live music but sometimes the music that it hosts doesn’t quite connect with the surroundings. That was one of the concerns ahead of this triple headline show featuring New Orleans legends Jon … Read more
LIVE REVIEW: Stonefield @ OAF, Sydney 22/09/11
written by Chris Familton Glass Towers have been steadily emerging this year as one of the more interesting young bands to watch. Down from Byron Bay they played a set that showed that touring is allowing them to relax more into their music without exhibiting some of the self consciousness that marked earlier shows. Guitarist … Read more
LIVE REVIEW: Whole Lotta Love @ Enmore Theatre, Sydney 15/09/11
written by Chris Familton Tribute and cover bands should always be approached with caution. Too often they fall into the trap of imitation and pastiche and attract an audience who are prepared to settle for the next best thing rather than seeking out great original music. Whole Lotta Love did a lot to dispel this … Read more
REVIEW: Nirvana | Live At The Paramount
Just got back from a screening of this as part of the celebrations for the 20th anniversary of the release of Nirvana’s Nevermind. It was definitely worth seeing it in the cinema to get that ‘in your face’ volume which is kind of essential for music like this. One of things that separates this concert film from … Read more
LIVE REVIEW: Russian Circles @ Hermanns Bar, Sydney 11/09/11
written by Chris Familton Lo! set the scene early for an evening that was all about volume and the end of the musical spectrum where things are darker, more intense and music isn’t played out in your standard song structures. Lo! mixed up some hardcore, thrash metal and the metallic hybrid sound of bands like … Read more
