written by Chris Familton Piers Twomey is a Sydney musician who until now has spent time playing with bands like Grun, Quiet Titans and The Fragments. Stepping out on his own he has turned the spotlight onto a dozen indie folk songs with varying degrees of success. There are austere and whimsical sounds at work on Strange Advice that frame Twomey’s intimate songs primarily concern … Continue reading ALBUM REVIEW: Piers Twomey | Strange Advice
written by Chris Familton Jack Ladder was in solo mode in the early opening slot and he showed that the songs from last year’s excellent Hurtsville LP can work just as well when stripped back to that rich, melodramatic voice and a fantastic effect laden guitar sound. He only managed to play a handful of songs before he was ushered stage right yet he impressed … Continue reading LIVE REVIEW: The Horrors @ Metro Theatre, Sydney (03/02/12)
Last night Sydney’s Suzy Connolly celebrated the release of her superb debut album Night Larks with a show at Notes in Newtown. She played the entire album backed by a great band that were able to lift the music up and pull back to give her voice extra space when required. She finished her set with a magical encore of The Kinks’ Waterloo Sunset. In … Continue reading PHOTOS: Suzy Connolly @ Notes Live, Newtown (10/02/12)
written by Chris Familton Eleanor Friedberger only recently stepped out from her regular role in The Fiery Furnaces with last years solo debut Last Summer yet there were no solo nerves evident when she stepped into the late afternoon light of the Spiegeltent stage. Not even a delayed start due to a malfunctioning guitar lead could unsettle her as she set about showcasing some of … Continue reading LIVE REVIEW: Eleanor Friedberger @ The Famous Spiegeltent, Sydney (28/01/12)
Real Estate came through with the jangly and sparkly, indie guitar pop goods on their second album Days that they released a few months back. They are already on the line-up for Golden Plains 2012 and now they’ve announced additional AU dates and a couple of shows in NZ as well… Friday 9th March – The Standard, Sydney Monday 12th March – Corner Hotel, Melbourne … Continue reading NEWS: Real Estate announce Australian and New Zealand shows…
You wouldn’t associate angelic with a Hives song but Sydney based bros Mrs Bishop have recorded a sweet, glacial take on The Hives’ Hate To Say I Told You So. The duo will no doubt have a ton of attention heading their way shortly if they can write as well as they can sing… Continue reading WATCH: Mrs Bishop | Hate to Say I Told You So…
written by Chris Familton The Drones were winding up a national tour to promote the release of their first DVD A Thousand Mistakes. That document is an exhaustive look at the live evolution of the band from raw, unbridled punk rock through to their current position as one of the country’s best live acts and in Gareth Liddiard, one of our finest contemporary songwriters. Adalita … Continue reading LIVE REVIEW: The Drones @ Metro Theatre, Sydney (29/10/11)
written by Chris Familton Noisy guitar pop seems to be everywhere at the moment, whether it is stained with garage rock, shoegaze or 90s indie there is a strong melodic vein running through it – more pop and less rock in the traditional posturing sense. Locals Step-Panther have been impressing on the live circuit and now they’ve successfully translated their songs to the recorded form … Continue reading ALBUM REVIEW: Step-Panther | Step-Panther
by Chris Familton Mike Noga was up first, playing primarily on his lonesome which suited the mood and opening slot perfectly. His songs were stripped back to their bare essence of guitar, voice, harmonica and on a couple of occasions some wonderful cello courtesy of The Gin Club’s Bridget Lewis. Noga was in fine form – chatty, cheeky and seemingly undaunted to be standing alone … Continue reading LIVE REVIEW: Okkervil River @ Metro Theatre, Sydney 18/10/11
written by Chris Familton Step-Panther are on a roll at the moment with their just released debut album and upcoming support shows with Kurt Vile. You wouldn’t think it though as they displayed the same low-key and affable approach to their music that they always do. This was melodic stoner noise-pop of the highest order with some chunky riffs and a slacker vibe that sounded … Continue reading LIVE REVIEW: Oh Mercy @ OAF, Sydney 14/10/11
written by Chris Familton Danny G Felix Experience kicked things off at the recently opened Upstairs at Beresford. It is a pretty flashy joint with a a ton of money poured into the fit-out and sound system. I’m not sure the surrounds will gel with the indie and rock crowds but for the sounds being produced on this evening it was a good match. Danny … Continue reading LIVE REVIEW: Electric Empire @ Upstairs at Beresford, Sydney 14/10/11
written by Chris Familton Teeth & Tongue have evolved their sound over the last couple of years to the point where it now sounds effortlessly natural, devoid of pretense or hopeful indie aspirations. Singer/guitarist Jess Cornelius is the heart and soul of the band – aided and abetted by a guitarist, bassist and pre-recorded drums when she plays live and she left an impressive mark … Continue reading LIVE REVIEW: Jack Ladder @ The Dreamlanders @ Manning Bar, Sydney (01/10/11)
Doubtful Sounds 