1 2 3 4 5 The Afghan Whigs were one of the exceptions to the rule for 90s rock. They were the dark horses that never quite fit into the Seattle sound or the indie slacker vibe of bands like Pavement. They worshipped at the altar of rock, soul and R’n’B and with Greg Dulli’s confessional singing and brutally naked lyrics they sidestepped major success … Continue reading REVIEW: SUMMER’S KISS: A Tribute To The Afghan Whigs
1 2 3 4 5 Post rock has become a many limbed beast over the last decade. From the early days of Tortoise and Mogwai it has branched out in a multitude of directions. Incorporating the extremes of ambient and metal it has veered dangerously close to prog rock territory, in danger of disappearing up its own arse through bland intricacy and pretentious song titles. … Continue reading REVIEW: COUGAR – Patriot
1 2 3 4 5 Reviewed for FasterLouder Sunshine Coast boys The Scare have been promising this album for a while now and though a bunch of EPs, 7”s and their debut Chivalry all built on their reputation for unhinged and wired rock music, it feels like Oozevoodoo is their true calling card. Produced by Silverchair’s Daniel Johns this is the sound of a band … Continue reading REVIEW: THE SCARE – Oozevoodoo
1 2 3 4 5 Reviewed for FasterLouder The Friedberger siblings, Matthew and Eleanor, have been stoking The Fiery Furnaces now for nine years and alongside Ryan Adams and Jason Molina they are one of the more prolific acts around. I’m Going Away is their sixth (not including their live and EP releases) album, since their 03 debut Gallowsbird Bark which caught the attention of … Continue reading REVIEW: THE FIERY FURNACES – I’m Going Away
1 2 3 4 5 Reviewed for FasterLouder Wild Beasts are already onto their second album with Two Dancers; a relatively quick follow up to their debut, Limbo, Panto, from 2008. It suggests they were brimming with ideas after the critical success of the first album and there is no doubt that the enthusiasm to record and release new material has paid off. They have … Continue reading REVIEW: WILD BEASTS – Two Dancers
1 2 3 4 5 Reviewed for The Dwarf Since techno first emerged out of the underground of Detroit there has been a plethora of scenes and sub-genres that have had their moment in the spotlight. Drum n bass, garage, grime, breakbeat and trance have all had a few years of high popularity before the mainstream places them in mobile ads and the hardcore fans … Continue reading REVIEW: KEVIN SAUNDERSON – History Elevate
1 2 3 4 5 Reviewed for The Dwarf There have been some legendary record labels in recent music history. Sub Pop, Flying Nun, Rough Trade, Postcard and Soul Jazz are examples of labels that have carved out a niche for themselves based either on a genre of music or a reputation of quality releases that are always on the money. ZE Records is worthy … Continue reading REVIEW: ZE 30 – ZE Records 1979-2009 – Various
1 2 3 4 5 Reviewed for FasterLouder Upper Air is the second album from the North Carolina duo – Bowerbirds. Their first was Hymns For A Dead Horse, a name which was in stark contrast to the beautiful sounds they conjured up on that record. It introduced a band that sat somewhere amid the alt country and folk idioms with a strong focus on … Continue reading REVIEW: BOWERBIRDS – Upper Air
1 2 3 4 5 Reviewed for The Dwarf Guitar/drum duos have been a bit of a mini-trend in recent years with The White Stripes, Mess Hall, Black Keys and No Age being some of the better exponents. Generally the stripped down setup has been centred around blues-based rock and its not something you’d think would work for hard rock or metal. BugGirl debunk that … Continue reading REVIEW: BUGGIRL – Blood, Sweat & Beers EP
1 2 3 4 5 Reviewed for The Dwarf Sleepy Sun are one of those bands that has chosen a name that perfectly describes their sound. They conjure up songs that are hazy and shimmering with the glow of long sunny days. They can also lull one to sleep with sweet and swaying tunes that drift into folk territory. Embrace is the debut album for … Continue reading REVIEW: SLEEPY SUN – Embrace
1 2 3 4 5 Reviewed for The Dwarf The Clean are seemingly the name-check band of the moment in the indie rock world. Everyone from Jay Reatard to Crystal Stilts to Stephen Malkmus and Pete & The Pirates have been referencing the New Zealand trio who are now into their 31st year. Their latest album, Mister Pop, is their 8th, not withstanding a couple … Continue reading REVIEW: THE CLEAN – Mister Pop
1 2 3 4 5 Reviewed for Wireless Bollinger Justin Townes Earle’s debut album The Good Life was a great introduction to a songwriter who has lived a chaotic life following in the footsteps of his of namesake’s Steve Earle and Townes Van Zandt. Now comes his sophmore effort which takes the key strengths of the first record and refines them into a beautiful collection … Continue reading REVIEW: JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE – Midnight At The Movies
Doubtful Sounds 