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
Almost until the moment the headliner stepped on-stage this threatened to be one of those gigs where punters just don’t turn up – for an artist with a relatively established fanbase and on her first solo tour with a band. Thankfully Eleanor Friedberger’s fans crept out of the woodwork at the last minute and, though the venue was only half full, they were a warm … Continue reading LIVE REVIEW: Eleanor Friedberger, Noire, Georgia Mulligan @ NSC, Sydney 16/06/16
Opening this evening of psych rock was Glass Skies who whipped up a hard stoner/space rock barrage of riffs and grooves for the few early arrivals. The singer/guitarist overplayed his hand with teeth and behind-the-head solos but they nailed the ‘rock’ aspect of psychedelic music convincingly. Grinding Eyes enhanced the tripped-out mood of the evening with a a sea of projected images flooding the band … Continue reading LIVE REVIEW: Moon Duo, Grinding Eyes, Glass Skies @ NSC, Sydney (10/12/15)
This was a night for a light to be shone on the more distant edges of pop music, where obtuse angles and bold and wilder imaginations take flight. Marcus Whale had emailed Julia Holter requesting a support slot and his wish was granted. Holter and local label Mistletone’s trust was more than rewarded with a riveting opening set that took militant drums, a caustic electronic … Continue reading LIVE REVIEW: Julia Holter, Marcus Whale @ NSC, Sydney (09/12/15)
Orion had opening honours on the first of Twerps’ two sold out nights and things weren’t looking promising after half an hour of vague attempts at tuning a guitar before a note was played. Once they got things sorted they proved to be an intriguing take on 80s goth music circa Joy Division and The Cure, establishing desolate yet danceable dark grooves. The Garbage & … Continue reading LIVE REVIEW: Twerps, The Garbage & The Flowers, Orion @ Newtown Social Club, Sydney (08/05/15)
The Phoenix Foundation were quite superb last night at Newtown Social Club in Sydney. I’ve only seen them once before and now, years later, they have a pretty hefty back catalogue to draw from across their 90 min show. In support Eden Mullholland showcased his warped pop sensibilities across jagged guitars, pulsing synth and with an impressive vocal range. Quirky indie pop capable of causing … Continue reading LIVE REVIEW: The Phoenix Foundation, Eden Mulholland @ Newtown Social Club, Sydney (17/04/15)
Doubtful Sounds 