LIVE REVIEW: Those Darlins @ Annandale Hotel, Sydney 16/12/10

written by Chris Familton A virtually empty Annandale greeted Melbourne’s Puta Madre Brothers meaning the latecomers missed out on a pretty interesting and unique trio. All seated, all playing kick drums and cymbals and all playing guitars – the three military uniform clad musicians cut a striking image on stage and their music was a mad mix of rock n roll, mariachi and country stomp. … Continue reading LIVE REVIEW: Those Darlins @ Annandale Hotel, Sydney 16/12/10

LIVE REVIEW: U2 @ ANZ Stadium, Sydney 13/12/10

written by Chris Familton It has certainly been heavyweight season lately with the likes of Metallica, Bon Jovi and Guns n Roses coming through town but the biggest of them all is U2. Certainly they are the band with the widest appeal and even the most casual fan knows that the Irish quartet will always deliver a spectacular multimedia show. U2 chose to bring along … Continue reading LIVE REVIEW: U2 @ ANZ Stadium, Sydney 13/12/10

LIVE REVIEW: The Fall @ Metro Theatre, Sydney 07/12/10

written by Chris Familton Over 34 years The Fall has experienced countless members, 28 studio albums and a unswerving commitment to caustic repetition and poetic wordplay. Of course the only constant through the whole adventure has been Mark E. Smith who has carved out his own reputation as a stubborn, hilarious, belligerent and intentional aggravator both musically and by personality – but without him The … Continue reading LIVE REVIEW: The Fall @ Metro Theatre, Sydney 07/12/10

LIVE REVIEW: The Lemonheads @ Metro Theatre, Sydney 01/12/10

written by Chris Familton Evan Dando has always had a strong relationship with Australia, largely forged on the back of his songwriting relationship with Smudge’s Tom Morgan. It was with Morgan that some of Dando’s best work began to emerge in the early 90s and so it was great to see the reactivated Smudge getting The Lemonheads support slot. Smudge ambled on and slotted back … Continue reading LIVE REVIEW: The Lemonheads @ Metro Theatre, Sydney 01/12/10

LIVE REVIEW: Sola Rosa @ Gaelic, Sydney 03/12/10

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

LIVE REVIEW: Girls @ Manning Bar, Sydney 08/12/10

  written by Chris Familton First up were Step-Panther, an up and coming Sydney band who just keep getting better. Their songs have shifted from bratty punk origins to now include surf melodies, 60s pop sounds and a Ramones-like approach to telling street stories. Their song Jimmy should be a smash hit and their casual demeanor should gain them a bucket load of fans. Deep … Continue reading LIVE REVIEW: Girls @ Manning Bar, Sydney 08/12/10

LIVE REVIEW: Belles Will Ring @ Gaelic, 26/11/10

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

LIVE REVIEW: Femi Kuti @ Metro, Sydney 20/11/10

written by Chris Familton Afrobeat has undergone somewhat of a renaissance in circles outside the normal purveyors of world music. In particular there have been some stellar compilations on the Soundways label that have exposed many unsung heroes of afrobeat and its various versions of psychedelic, disco, rock and funk. The figurehead of the genre was Nigeria’s Fela Kuti who reigned supreme in the 70s, … Continue reading LIVE REVIEW: Femi Kuti @ Metro, Sydney 20/11/10

LIVE REVIEW: Manic Street Preachers @ Metro, Sydney 15/11/10

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

LIVE REVIEW: 78 Saab @ The Annandale Hotel, Sydney 29/10/10

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

LIVE REVIEW: Drawn From Bees @ Melt, Sydney 05/11/10

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

LIVE REVIEW: Sophie Hutchings @ Raval, Sydney 28/10/10

written by Chris Familton Tired Hands had the task of easing the punters back into their comfy high-backed armchairs at the intimate Raval, a venue that feels like you are in the lounge of a strangers house or at a wedding where you only know the groom. Tired Hands is a man, his guitar and a quavering, rich voice. Though the tempo of his songs … Continue reading LIVE REVIEW: Sophie Hutchings @ Raval, Sydney 28/10/10