written by Chris Familton Dub and electronica have been big exports for New Zealand in the past 15 years, mainly through the efforts of Fat Freddy’s Drop, Salmonella Dub, and Black Seeds to name just a few. Sola Rosa have been operating for a decade now and with 6 albums under his belt a trip to play live in Sydney was well overdue. Local Bondi … Continue reading LIVE REVIEW: Sola Rosa @ Gaelic, Sydney 03/12/10
written by Chris Familton Brian Eno surprised many when it was announced that this album would be coming out on the Warp label with its focus on forward thinking electronica. Hearing it makes the move the perfect fit as this is an album of stern electronica with flashes of dissonance and a certain sci-fi film quality to many of the tracks. Eno, with collaborators Jon … Continue reading ALBUM REVIEW: Brian Eno | Small Craft On A Milk Sea
That’s it then, 2010 done and dusted and although it wasn’t the best year ever for new music there were some damn fine records released. This year we’re seeing an even more eclectic mix of flavours coming through from witch house, minimal electronica, americana, experimental and the all encompassing indie tag. Have a look at what we loved through the year, click on the covers … Continue reading ds…twenty five – our favourite releases of 2010
written by Chris Familton Berlin’s Morr Music label have put together this tribute to music released on the influential Flying Nun label and it is essentially a collection of indie-tronica that seems to pay cautious homage to a certain type of 80s/90s guitar music that was both primitive and creatively forward thinking. These bands certainly nail the melodies but generally fall short of invoking the … Continue reading ALBUM REVIEW: Not Given Lightly: A Tribute to the Giant Golden Book of New Zealand’s Alternative Music Scene
Dear Time’s Waste is the recording name for Kiwi Claire Duncan and this track is taken from her debut album Spell – out on Nov 26th via Speak N Spell/Inertia. Her sound is a wash of indie pop textures akin to The Cure and ghostly melancholy electronica. MP3: Dear Times Waste | These Words Stick Me To You Continue reading MP3: Dear Time’s Waste | These Words Stick Me To You…
The Sydney Festival program was anounced today and we’ve gone straight to the musical line-up to see what they’ve got planned for 2011. Opening Night will be headlined in the Domain by Emmylou Harris while Arrested Development, Kitty, Daisy & Lewis and others will perform across the city. The rest of the festival is packed as usual with great acts with Beach House, Sufjan Stevens, The … Continue reading NEWS: Sydney Festival 2011 program launched…
written by Chris Familton Fat Freddy’s Drop are at their best when they are on-stage in front of a heaving, swaying audience. Their patient slow-build and dedication to the mood and groove of music is a sight and sound to behold so a new live album is a real bonus for those seeking to bottle some of the experience or hear what all the fuss … Continue reading ALBUM REVIEW: Fat Freddy’s Drop | Live At Roundhouse London
Fresh on the heels of their inclusion on the 2011 Laneway bill, Yeasayer have announced sideshows in Sydney and Melbourne. They produced one of our favourite albums of the year and one that is gonna be a surefire summer album on repeat… Tour Dates Sydney – 7th February @ Metro Theatre Melbourne – 10th February @ Billboard (early show 7-10pm) Continue reading ON TOUR: Yeasayer Sydney & Melbourne shows for 2011…
DOWNLOAD #6 has hit the interwebs with another blend of Cambodian pop, kiwi dub, San Francisco psych, German analog krautronica and Australia indie melodies… Something for nearly everyone apart from those seeking a metal fix… next time. In 2011 we’ll be expanding the mixtape thang and doing a run of themed ones – genre, random words, years and countries. Continue reading MIXTAPE: Mixed Feelings 06
Gotye’s last album Like Drawing Blood was voted Triple J listeners’ favourite album of 2006, was iTunes UK’s Album Of The Year in 2008 and in 2007 he won the ARIA Award as Australia’s Best Male Artist. Gotye returns with a new single Eyes Wide Open from a new album that will see the light of day next year. In the meantime – grab the single and … Continue reading MP3: Gotye | Eyes Wide Open
written by Chris Familton Matt Walters plus keyboardist serenaded the earlybirds with his gentle songwriter tunes that were sweet, inoffensive and tainted with gentle angst. He possesses a great voice, perfectly suited for the style of his songs but somewhat lacking unique personality. In the world inhabited by Josh Rouse he would hold his own though he’d be wise to steer closer to Augie March … Continue reading LIVE REVIEW: Gypsy & The Cat @ OAF, Sydney 29/09/10
In our books Laneway is always the most interesting and anticipated Austalia/New Zealand festival of the year and 2011 looks as great as ever with today’s announcement… Deerhunter Yeasayer Les Savy Fav Beach House Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti Blonde Redhead Holy Fuck !! (Chk Chk Chk) The Antlers Bear In Heaven Cloud Control Cut Copy Violent Soho Foals Gotye The Holidays Jenny & Johnny Warpaint … Continue reading NEWS: Laneway Festival 2011 line-up revealed…
Doubtful Sounds 