written by Chris Familton In early 1970 Syd Barrett entered Abbey Road studios and with fellow Pink Floyd David Gilmour in the production seat began the apparently laborious task of recording the tracks that would make up his second solo record Barrett. What we get here is a different kettle of fish to his first solo album The Madcap Laughs. There he continued a similar … Continue reading ALBUM REVIEW: Syd Barrett | Barrett (reissue)
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
Stone Temple Pilots will visit Australia and NZ in March 2011 as part of their reunion tour. Hopefully they make it as Scott Weiland has apparently had a few incidents and encounters since the band reconvened last year. Mar 16, 2011 Challenge Stadium, Perth – All Ages Mar 19, 2011 Festival Hall, Melbourne – All Ages Mar 20, 2011 Hordern Pavilion, Sydney – All Ages … Continue reading ON TOUR: Stone Temple Pilots head down under…
written by Chris Familton A decade since their last show in Sydney and finally Manic Street Preachers return – with a few more albums under the collective belt and somewhat of a new lease of life. Dead Actors Club had the opening honours and they seemed like somewhat of an odd fit with the headliners. They played a set that was high on looks and … Continue reading LIVE REVIEW: Manic Street Preachers @ Metro, Sydney 15/11/10
Metal comes in many shades and those at the Annandale bore witness to 3 variations of the genre. Baroness were touring as support for Metallica but took the time to play a show at the much smaller pub venue to honour their fans and get up close and personal with the punters. Up first were locals Summonus who progress their sound every time I see … Continue reading LIVE REVIEW: Baroness @ Annandale Hotel, Sydney 13/11/2010
written by Chris Familton It felt like somewhat of a flashback heading to the Annandale to see 78 Saab, such was the ritual a decade ago when they were fresh faces on the local scene alongside the likes of Bluebottle Kiss, Further and Peabody – seemingly playing every weekend around town. The newer guard of Sydney music opened the night with Yae!Tiger filling the room … Continue reading LIVE REVIEW: 78 Saab @ The Annandale Hotel, Sydney 29/10/10
written by Chris Familton Brisbane’s Drawn From Bees have taken somewhat of an indirect career path by playing a number of industry showcase events and conferences over the last year. It has seen them reach a wide audience but probably not a large one – a point confirmed by a disappointingly low turnout for their Sydney show. Made In Japan played a precise and tight … Continue reading LIVE REVIEW: Drawn From Bees @ Melt, Sydney 05/11/10
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…
Some bands take their unique recipe and keep on serving up the same music over and over again. For many this spells staleness but for others it can mean a progressive refinement of something special and the continuation of the search for the perfect song. 78 Saab are into their fifteenth year and with album number four they give us everything we have come to … Continue reading ALBUM REVIEW: 78 Saab – Good Fortune (2010)
written by Chris Familton Not by a long stretch was The Lair the optimal venue to see and hear Dead Meadow play their brand of psychedelic stoner rock. Slink up an alleyway to the back door of The Metro, climb some stairs and you find a room that looks and feels like a converted concrete bunker, complete with old furniture, a ‘rock club’ mezzanine and … Continue reading LIVE REVIEW: Dead Meadow @ The Lair, Sydney 16/10/10
written by Chris Familton The Walkmen have always fallen short of the crowning moment in their canon – 2004 single The Rat – and as such they are the type of band you keep coming back to, hoping they have pulled it together and scaled the same lofty heights as that surging, emotive calling card. Lisbon sees them settling somewhat further into their own skin … Continue reading ALBUM REVIEW: The Walkmen | Lisbon
Doubtful Sounds 