For a couple of years now there’s been talk of a 90s revival in music from the slacker tones of Yuck to the many vying for the title of the new Dinosaur Jr (J is still the king). Locally here in Australia there doesn’t seem to be quite the same desire to slavishly replicate the heroics of past compatriots from that era but those doing … Continue reading EP REVIEW: Hope Springs – Sooner Or Later
Here’s a great new track from London quartet Desperate Journalist that sounds like The Smiths jousting with Life Without Buildings. ‘Control’ has a real rush and urgency to it, nervous energy that converts to grandeur in the choruses. Play it and then play it again… Continue reading NEW MUSIC: Desperate Journalist – Control
As Radiohead prepare to start work on their ninth studio album, Philip Selway is quietly enthusiastic as he talks to CHRIS FAMILTON about the writing and recording process of his second solo album, scoring for contemporary dance and pauses to reflect on nearly thirty years as a member of the Oxford quartet. Philip Selway first emerged from behind the Radiohead drum kit in 2010 with … Continue reading INTERVIEW: Philip Selway
You Beauty released their rugby league-themed album Jersey Flegg earlier this year and it slowly but surely garnered attention leading to its imminent vinyl pressing. Their opening set showed they can nail the sound of the album in a live context with chorused guitar picking out lazy hooks and the rhythm section hitting a ‘Strokes and The Cure on the dancefloor’ sweet spot. Frontman … Continue reading LIVE REVIEW: Donny Benét, You Beauty @ Brighton Up Bar, Sydney (10/10/14)
Blank Realm received widespread critical acclaim for this year’s Grassed Inn album and with that momentum they were able to travel to Europe for the first time, playing a range of shows from intimate clubs to massive festival stages. Ahead of venturing down the highway from Brisbane to play The Blurst Of Times festival at the Factory Theatre, keyboardist and vocalist Sarah Spencer chats with … Continue reading INTERVIEW: Blank Realm
It’s quite surprising that this is Jeff Tweedy’s first solo album given the extent of his career as frontman and principle songwriter with Wilco. Most would have expected him to develop a solo career on the side. He’s always shown an openness to collaborate (Loose Fur, Neil Finn) and he’s played plenty of solo shows yet this is his first foray under his own name … Continue reading ALBUM REVIEW: Tweedy – Sukierae
Sunnyboys have been on a musical and emotional roller coaster over the last few years since they reformed for the Dig It Up Festival in 2012, the film on Jeremy Oxley and subsequent touring. Now they’ve scaled it back, eschewing extra musicians and venues like the Opera House for a show that focused firmly on the music. Carrie Phillis & The Downtown Three warmed up … Continue reading LIVE REVIEW: Sunnyboys @ Factory Theatre, Sydney (08/10/14)
Johnny Marr certainly hasn’t wasted time with his second solo album. When he toured Australia in January it was the end of touring for The Messenger (2013) and he was hoping to get back into the studio as quickly as possible. With Playland he’s made good on his word, continuing to mine big indie guitar sounds, anthemic vocals and now some electronic undercurrents, with mixed … Continue reading ALBUM REVIEW: Johnny Marr – Playland
On her fourth album Melbourne’s Laura Jean decamped to Bristol, UK to work with producer John Parish (PJ Harvey) and the pair have created a sparse, lilting world of bare-boned, yet emotionally ornate folk music. With her unassuming voice and songs about everyday struggles and successes this is the most direct Jean has been with her songwriting to date. The music and both her and … Continue reading ALBUM REVIEW: Laura Jean – Laura Jean
Step-Panther’s debut self-titled album was a mixed bag that pegged them as a band still finding their feet and throwing paint to see what might stick. Three years on, they’ve evolved from a short attention span garage-rock band with too many ideas to a ‘90s alternative rock-flavoured trio with plenty of good ideas and the ability to shape and execute them. Frontman Stephen Bourke has … Continue reading ALBUM REVIEW: Step-Panther – Strange But Nice
Melbournians The Grand Rapids have a new 7″ single out in the wake of their excellent 2013 LP Great Shakes. Here’s the suitably psychedelic clip for ‘Copper Girl’. Continue reading NEW MUSIC: The Grand Rapids – Copper Girl
Sydney’s Bearhug have taken things into new sonic territory on So Gone, the follow-up to last year’s Over Easy EP. Gone are the clean, jangling and relatively unassuming songs. In their place are eleven tracks that buzz and fizz with layered, distorted guitars in the vein of Dinosaur Jr, Sonic Youth and a lively The War On Drugs. Their breezy way with melody is still … Continue reading ALBUM REVIEW: Bearhug – So Gone
Doubtful Sounds 