Gold Class + Flowertruck + Neighbourhood Void @ The Lansdowne, July 15th, 2017 It was great to arrive and see the newly re-opened Lansdowne hit the ground running with a busy downstairs bar and a band room that, as it filled, had a definite vibe and communal atmosphere. Youngsters Neighbourhood Void were the first to grace the low stage and they played a strong and … Continue reading LIVE REVIEW: Gold Class @ The Lansdowne, Sydney
Kirin J Callinan, Spike Fuck, Hviske @ Oxford Art Factory, June 10th 2017 Sydney has produced a number of forward thinking songwriter/musicians in recent years who blend differing levels of theatricality into their performances. From Jack Ladder to Alex Cameron and Mossy, they all cultivate a persona and carefully consider an image as part of their creativity. Kirin J Callinan though, is out on his limb of … Continue reading LIVE REVIEW: Kirin J Callinan @ Oxford Art Factory
Cash Savage & The Last Drinks, Mere Women, Jep and Dep @ The Factory Floor, Sydney (26.05.17) Jep and Dep are on the downhill run to the release of their second LP, due for release in August, making this a chance to hear a brace of new tracks alongside songs from their debut Word Got Out. As is their fascinating dynamic, the duo exchanged barbed witty … Continue reading LIVE REVIEW: Cash Savage & The Last Drinks
Underground Lovers, Simon Holmes @ Leadbelly, Newtown, May 18th, 2017 With an excellent new album in tow, Underground Lovers finally made it back up the highway to Sydney after a few years absence. They’ve clearly retained and widened their audience too, with two sold out shows to celebrate the release of the new record. Simon Holmes of The Hummingbirds had to battle the restless and chatty … Continue reading LIVE REVIEW: Underground Lovers
The Tall Grass, Adam Gibson & The Ark-Ark Birds, Christine Jane Leadbelly, Newtown (May 6th, 2017) This was a double album launch for The Tall Grass and Adam Gibson and they chose well to celebrate their new albums together. The songs and music of both bands deal in rich poetics and tangled and exultant musicality. Mood and emotion are strong components of their respective works. … Continue reading LIVE REVIEW: The Tall Grass, Adam Gibson & The Ark-Ark Birds, Christine Jane
Spoon + Mike Noga @ Metro Theatre Sydney, Australia, March 23rd, 2017 Mike Noga has stepped things up and fleshed out his live show with a full band that at times featured a triple guitar approach. The transition from solo performer to band leader mean he’s lost a bit of that Dylan-esque raconteur vibe but one can see where he’s taking it – giving the … Continue reading LIVE REVIEW: Spoon
Belles Will Ring + Le Pie + The Wednesday Night @ Factory Floor, March 17th, 2017 Three shades of psychedelia ruled a wet and windy Sydney night as Belles Will Ring triumphantly returned after a five year absence from the stage. The Wednesday Night recently released their debut LP and through shifting lineup changes have been refining their live show, becoming more nuanced and hypnotic … Continue reading LIVE REVIEW: Belles Will Ring
Returning for their fourth post-reunion Australian tour, Pixies have a new weapon in their arsenal in the form of last year’s album Head Carrier which saw a balanced return to their classic sound with fresh songwriting and a renewed edge. In support, The Murlocs fulfilled their obligations but a 40 minute opening slot of mid-paced bluesy garage-rock fell flat ahead of the headliners dynamic onslaught. … Continue reading LIVE REVIEW: PIXIES @ Hordern Pavilion, Sydney, 07.03.17
Margaret Glaspy + Slow Dancer @ Newtown Social Club, 6th March 2017 Slow Dancer had the task of warming the crowd and for the most part the Oh Mercy guitarist (Simon Okely) caught and maintained their attention with his brand of solo, soulful indie music. He has a fine line in emotive chords and a guitar sound like garage rock filtered through a slowed, stoned and hazy … Continue reading LIVE REVIEW: Margaret Glaspy
Big Thief + Gabriella Cohen + Body Type @ Newtown Social Club, 1st March 2017 Three shades of emotive indie guitar music were on display this evening with Body Type the most conventional of them. The quartet boast three lead vocalists and a fine line in songs that ranged from swerving slacker rock in the vein of Courtney Barnett, to the dreamier climes of bands like … Continue reading LIVE REVIEW: Big Thief
My Disco, Marcus Whale, Hviske @ Newtown Social Club, 11 February 2017 Minimalism shaping grand emotion was the order of the night at NSC for My Disco’s last stop on their summer tour. From the headliners down through Marcus Whale and opening duo Hviske, there was a common thread of space, intensity and the blurring of technology and organic instrumentation to create dramatic musical pieces. Hviske are … Continue reading LIVE REVIEW: My Disco @ Newtown Social Club
Dinosaur Jr, Luluc @ Metro Theatre, Sydney 12.01.17 There had been some worrying moments leading up to the start of Dinosaur Jr’s Australian tour, with news that visa issues for Lou Barlow had meant a delayed flight. It all got sorted but there was more drama to come. Luluc had opening honours, as they have for a number of J Mascis solo shows in the … Continue reading LIVE REVIEW: Dinosaur Jr
Doubtful Sounds 