written by Chris Familton Magnetic Heads opened the evening with some wonderfully constructed songs. The influence of Talking Heads hovers over the group at times, not just in aspects of their sound but also in the tone of Des Miller’s voice when he hits the higher notes. When he stays low he has a kindred spirit in Jack Ladder and Bryan Ferry. They’ve developed a … Continue reading LIVE REVIEW: Belles Will Ring @ Gaelic, 26/11/10
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
Jamie Hutchings has a new album in the can and due for release in March 2011. Avalon Cassettes will be out on Laughing Outlaw Records via Inertia and hopefully also as a limited vinyl pressing. Hutchings toured Europe earlier this year and you can check out some stills shot by brother Scott on the tour and hear the stark and haunting New Vagabond over here… Continue reading NEWS: listen to a preview from Jamie Hutchings’ new album…
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…
This was almost a joint headline tour in the context that Ben Kweller had had brought the Delta Spirit boys out from Texas and placed them in a slightly smaller font on the tour poster. Judging by the reaction that they received from the audience they have already developed a devoted following here in Australia. Delta Spirit inhabit a world formed by The Strokes and … Continue reading LIVE REVIEW: Ben Kweller @ The Factory, Sydney 03/10/10
written by Chris Familton Dark folk music has been receiving a lot of attention over the last decade, perhaps as a response to the rise of shiny indie music. Introspection never really goes out of fashion, even if it morphs into different forms over time and Matt Bailey’s solo debut takes the template and weaves its own style with consummate skill. A former member of … Continue reading ALBUM REVIEW: Matt Bailey | The Three I’s
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
Mark Moldre releases the third single from his magnificent album The Waiting Room this month. The wistful and romantic video suits the song to a tee… Continue reading VIDEO: Mark Moldre | This Romantic Day
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…
Howe Gelb is celebrating the 25th anniversary of Giant Sand on October 25th with a brand spanking new album Blurry Blue Mountain and a thirty album strong reissue series on Fire Records. About the new record Gelb says… These recordings were done in the space between the waking world and the sleeping one. there exists a point there with a broad landscape that has seldom … Continue reading NEWS: Giant Sand release new album plus reissues…
It’s a big Neil Young day today with the unveiling of the first track from his new record Le Noise, recorded solo with Daniel Lanois providing studio effects. Angry World is a fantastic swirling sonic wash of Neil’s gritty guitar, vocal effects and typical railing against the world lyrics. Definitely a departure from the recent garage rock and country folk and it sounds brilliant! You … Continue reading VIDEO: Neil Young | Angry World…
Exciting news in the world of Neil Young with the announcement of this year’s Bridge School benefit concert line-ups. The biggie is that three of the surviving members of Buffalo Springfield will reunite for 2 sets, something they haven’t done for 42 years. Buffalo Springfield was Young’s first entrance into the contemporary music scene in the US in the late 60s. The band featured Young, … Continue reading NEWS: Buffalo Springfield to play Bridge School Concert…
Doubtful Sounds 