The Music (Brisbane) Issue #76 by TheMusic.com.au

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FLICKERFEST KERFEST

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DOUGHNUT GHNUT

LAWRENCE RENCE LEUNG

tour

SETH SENTRY

2 • THE MUSIC • 18TH FEBRUARY 2015

THE MUSIC • 18TH FEBRUARY 2015 • 3

CREDITS PUBLISHER

Street Press Australia Pty Ltd

GROUP MANAGING EDITOR Andrew Mast

NATIONAL EDITOR  MAGAZINES Mark Neilsen

EDITOR Steve Bell

ARTS EDITOR Hannah Story

EAT/DRINK EDITOR Stephanie Liew

GIG GUIDE EDITOR Justine Lynch gigs@themusic.com.au

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Bryget Chrisﬁeld

CONTRIBUTORS

THIS WEEK THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK • 18 FEB - 24 FEB 2015

Alice Bopf, Anthony Carew, Baz McAlister, Ben Marnane, Ben Preece, Benny Doyle, Bradley Armstrong, Brendan Telford, Brie Jorgensen, Carley Hall, Chris Yates, Cyclone, Dan Condon, Daniel Johnson, Dave Drayton, Guy Davis, Helen Stringer, Jake Sun, Jazmine O’Sullivan, Lochlan Watt, Madeleine Laing, Mandy McAlister, Michael Smith, Mitch Knox, Paul Mulkearns, Roshan Clerke, Sam Hobson, Sky Kirkham, Sophie Blackhall-Cain, Tessa Fox, Tom Hersey, Tony McMahon, Tyler McLoughlan

watch

INTERNS Elijah Gall

marvel

PHOTOGRAPHERS Freya Lamont, John Stubbs, John Taylor, Kane Hibberd, Markus Ravik, Rick Cliﬀord, Sky Kirkham, Stephen Booth, Terry Soo, Tessa Fox

SALES Trent Kingi sales@themusic.com.au

ART DIRECTOR Brendon Wellwood

ART DEPT Ben Nicol

Starting this Saturday, running for five consecutive weekends and exclusive to Event Cinemas, the Pixar Film Festival will give you one more chance to relive the experiences that moved and inspired, on the bigscreen. Relive the moment when Andy’s mum dug one last present out of the closet. Witness the marriage of Carl and Ellie once more. The complete run-list will be Toy Story, The Incredibles, A Bug’s Life, Cars and Up.

This weekend finds Brisbane hosting 360 Allstars, the “radical urban circus” incorporating World champion BMX riders, world class break dancers, basketball freestylers, beatboxers and more – anything that can spin, thrill and tumble! The production is billed as a “spectacular, colourful and exhilarating reinvention of the circus”. Head to Brisbane Powerhouse on Friday night or two performances on Saturday and Sunday!

ADMIN AND ACCOUNTS Jarrod Kendall, Leanne Simpson, Loretta Zoppos, Niall McCabe accounts@themusic.com.au

DISTRO Anita D’Angelo distro@themusic.com.au

SUBSCRIPTIONS store.themusic.com.au

CONTACT US Phone: (07) 3252 9666 info@themusic.com.au www.themusic.com.au Street: Suite 11/354 Brunswick Street Fortitude Valley QLD 4006 Postal: Locked Bag 4300 Fortitude Valley QLD 4006

BRISBANE

Kicking off on Friday, sonic artist Luke Jaaniste is curating the Mesmerism music series at The Judith Wright Centre, an array of immersive listening experiences which are literally designed to blow your freaking mind! The aim is to mesmerise your body with a huge vibrational sound field which strikes from all directions, supposedly “hypnotising and even ecstatic” – one of those things is rad, both simultaneously is beyond cool! It all happens with a different experience on both Friday and Saturday night – get ready to trip the light fantastic.

listen

JONSON STREET BYRON BAY FRI 20 FEB

THE COURTNEYS SAT 21 FEB

THE BELLIGERENTS FRI 27 FEB

KING OF THE NORTH SAT 28 FEB

THE VOYAGES FRI 6 MARCH

WAXHEAD SAT 7 MAR

THE FLOATING BRIDGES FRI 13 MAR

HOUSE OF LAURENCE SAT 14 MAR

TIMBERWOLF THURS 19 MAR

TIKI TANNE FRI 20 MAR

REDCOATS SAT 21 MAR

MESA COSA WED 25 MAR

STICKY FINGERS THURS 26 MAR

CLINT BOAG TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE WWW.THENORTHERN.COM.AU

THE MUSIC • 18TH FEBRUARY 2015 • 5

national news news@themusic.com.au COURTNEY BARNETT

CHARLIE PICKERING

IT’S WEEKLY SOMETIMES NOW

One of the most anticipated independent releases, Melbourne’s own Courtney Barnett releases her debut album, Sometimes I Sit And Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit, 20 Mar, which will give fans plenty of time to learn the words before she takes it out on a national tour when she gets back from the UK and South by Southwest in Austin, Texas. Supported by Teeth & Tongue, Barnett plays 2 May at The Bakery in Perth, 8 May at Metro Theatre in Sydney, 9 May at The Hi-Fi in Brisbane and 15 May at Forum Theatre in Melbourne.

BACKSTREET’S BACK

Backstreet Boys are coming back… and they’re bringing Kevin! Having reunited with original member Kevin Richardson in 2013, followed by a new album, documentary and sold out Europe and North America tour, all ﬁve Backstreet Boys are bringing the show to Oz (did the 2012 four-piece performances really satisfy fans? C’mon). Everybody (yeah-eah) head to Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, 8 May; Allphones Arena, Sydney, 9 May; Brisbane Entertainment Centre, 10 May; Perth Arena, 15 May.

STILL GOING STRONG

After a full year of being oﬀ-road, Boston melodic hardcore group Defeater are making their way to Australia for an extensive national tour, which will see them showcasing music from their upcoming fourth studio album, set for release at some point this year. They’ll be joined by fellow Bostonians, Bane, whose journey Down Under will be their last, having released their decidedly ﬁnal album Don’t Wait Up last year. They’ll be bring their shows to Rosemount Hotel, Perth, 28 May; Corner Hotel, Melbourne, 31 May; Bald Faced Stag, Sydney, 4 Jun; The Small Ballroom, Newcastle, 5 Jun; and The Brightside, Brisbane, 7 Jun. More dates from theMusic.com.au.

NATIONAL PACES

The track he worked up with Tkay Maidza, Switch Lanes, made it into the triple j Hottest 100, he’s swing through the country on two national tours and ﬁnished last year signing with new label, etcetc, and releasing a new EP, On My Mind. Well, Paces, aka Mikey Perry, has a new single to celebrate, Nothing’s Forever, featuring Perth’s Kučka, which means another chance to tour this wide, brown land, playing 20 Mar at Mr Wolf in Canberra, 27 Mar at Jimmy’s Den in Perth, 3 Apr at The TBC Club in Brisbane, 4 Apr at Rattlesnake Motel on the Gold Coast, 5 Apr at Rabbits Eat Lettuce in Byron Bay, 11 Apr at Shebeen Bandroom in Melbourne, and 18 Apr at Goodgod Small Club in Sydney.

#KANYEWEST WAS LATER SEEN AT A ‘TODDLERS IN TIARAS’ BEAUTY PAGEANT WHERE HE ALSO INSISTED #BEYONCE SHOULD HAVE WON. I DON’T THINK THE PARENTS WOULD BE AS FORGIVING AS BECK WAS, @JACOBFHILL! 6 • THE MUSIC • 18TH FEBRUARY 2015

It’s 15 years since former lawyer, political junkie, gentleman, scholar and stand-up comedian Charlie Pickering kicked oﬀ a broadcasting career on triple j. Now he’s heading back to television – ABC television that is (don’t mention The Project!) – with his own combination of news comedy, tonight show and chat show – The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. Joining him every week will be fellow stand-up stars Tom Gleeson and Kitty Flanagan, The Weekly… kicks oﬀ in April.

BRRRR: THE VID, THE TOUR

Australia’s own metal pioneers and Tasmania’s biggest musical exports, Psycroptic, are releasing their self-titled sixth album 13 Mar and have just released the video for the second “single” off it, Cold. The accompanying national tour kicks off 12 Mar at Amplifier in Perth, followed 13 Mar by The Hi-Fi in Melbourne; 15 Mar, Karova Lounge in Ballarat; 18 Mar, Barwon Club in Geelong; 21 Mar, Wrangler Studios in Melbourne; 25 Mar, The Basement in Canberra; 26 Mar at Cambridge Hotel in Newcastle; 27 Mar at Factory Theatre in Sydney; and 28 Mar at Crowbar in Brisbane, sharing the bill throughout with Goatwhore.

A$AP FERG

MOBBING ALL DAY

Heading our way for Groovin The Moo, A$AP Ferg has now announced a headline Australian tour as well. The A$AP Mob member stepped out on his own with his 2013 debut solo album Trap Lord and hit single Shabba. Check out his impeccable hustle game when he heads to The Hi-Fi, Melbourne, 24 Apr; Villa Nightclub, Perth, 28 Apr; The Hi-Fi, Brisbane, 30 Apr; and The Hi-Fi, Sydney, 1 May.

local news qld.news@themusic.com.au

FRONTLASH EASY BEING GREEN

Wicked has hit Brisbane and you’ll never look the same way at The Wizard Of Oz again! Absolutely brilliant spectacle on every level, get along and be bewitched!

EURO TRASH So cool that Australia is being allowed one shot at dominating Eurovision, let us make the most of it. Everyone has their fave hopeful, whether TISM or a Minogue, let’s show those Euro types how tacky is done!

DC HARDCORE So great to see Damian Cowell (TISM) unveil his new band Disco Machine in Brisbane on the weekend. Great turnout for their first ever gig and a whole heap of fun for everyone!!

FROM THE ARCHIVES

La Sylphide by the Danish ballet master August Bournonville premiered in Copenhagen by the Royal Danish Ballet in 1836. Now, the award-winning London production by Peter Schaufuss, which premiered in 1979, is making its way to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, from 20 – 31 Mar.

PARTY TIME

The Gin Club are playing a run of gigs at select venues in conjunction with the launch of their newest album, Southern Lights. These boys always know how to get the crowd going, so make sure you snap up your tickets fast. They’re playing at O’Malley’s Irish Pub, 19 Mar.

GOING HORSE

Caligula’s Horse are set to open for The Ocean, 11 Apr, The Brightside; 12 Apr, The Northern, Byron Bay.

A WILHELM SCREAM

SCREAMING

Massachusetts band A Wilhelm Scream have got a reputation for delivering one of the best live sets around, and are now set to come back for a headline tour. Get ready for the melodic punk rock slayers when they hit up Crowbar, 26 Apr.

ROSE-TINTED

Elizabeth Rose will curate a series of late night discotheques in intimate clubs, each show featuring her pick of local and emerging DJs (TBA so keep an eye out) and ﬁnishing oﬀ with a midnight set form Rose herself. Hear the best in dark house, trip hop, minimal techno, UK garage and more, and Rose might even drop in some new and unheard material: The Brightside, 5 Apr.

JONNY CALLING

Featuring contributions from members of TV Colours, Ocean Party, Forces, Danger Beach and Orbits, Romeo Must Cry is the debut fulllength from “post-apocalyptic” R&B man, Melbourne’s own Canberra expat Jonny Telafone. That means it’s time to tour, and 28 Mar, that sees Telafone play The Underdog.

TOUCHDOWN

They broke up 16 years ago, but on reuniting last year, the Chicago, Illinois three-piece American Football sold out three Webster Hall shows in New York City in less than 24 hours. The trio repeated that in LA and San Francisco as well as across the UK and in Tokyo, so fans have obviously been missing them. Now it’s Australia’s turn, and 3 Jul, American Football come to The Brightside.

DAMIAN COWELL’S DISCO MACHINE

BACKLASH RADIO GA GA

So Kyle and Jackie O get someone on their show whose claim to fame is having sex with a dolphin, but they pull the plug when he admits to sex with a dog? Good to know that they have some sort of moral coded...

FISH STICKS? Wow, he may (debatably) make cool music but every time Kanye opens his mouth he proves to be a flogger of a human being. Beck needs to respect artistry? He’s not the one having a tanty every time one of his friends misses an award...

BYE BYE JOHN First Colbert, now Jon Stewart? Sad, sad news with Stewart announcing that he’ll be leaving The Daily Show at the end of this contract.

ANASTACIA CHRISTOPHER LLOYD

BACK TO SUPANOVA

“Great Scott!” With those immortal words and a souped-up DeLorean, Christopher Lloyd, as the bug-eyed “Doc” Brown, forever etched his claim to pop cult immortality in the Back To The Future trilogy. Last in Australia in 2012, Lloyd is returning to once again participate in the mindboggling extravaganza that is Supanova Pop Culture Expo, Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre, 18 & 19 Apr. Also joining the fun, direct from the set of Dead Men Tell No Tales are Martin Klebb and Kevin McNally, before beginning work on the ﬁfth Pirates Of The Caribbean. Unfortunately, work commitments will now prevent Eion Macken attending.

ANOTHER, PLEASE

Ahead of her Resurrection Tour, pop icon Anastacia has announced she is adding a Brisbane show to the run of dates. Along with her show on the Gold Coast, Anastacia will play Eatons Hill Hotel on 5 May. The Resurrection Tour is Anastacia’s ﬁrst ever Australian tour with a full band.

CHICK & HERB

Together and apart, Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock have played with, among others, Miles Davis, Headhunters and Return To Forever, as well as establishing long, lauded and proliﬁc solo careers over ﬁve decades. Combined they can boast 34 Grammys between them and together the jazz/fusion giants are coming to Australia. They play 26 May at QPAC Concert Hall. THE MUSIC • 18TH FEBRUARY 2015 • 7

local news qld.news@themusic.com.au BENNY WALKER

THE ANGELS

A TO Z

Legendary rockers The Angels are delving into their back catalogue for a special run of shows in 2015. Aptly titled the A – Z Tour, the band have dug out 26 tracks, one for each letter of the alphabet, and will be playing them back-to-back. Catch a mix of crowd favourites and classic rarities when the band make their way to Hamilton Hotel, 1 May.

DEATH EURO-STYLE

Two of the finest exponents of melodic death metal – Sweden’s The Haunted and Finland’s Insomnium – are teaming up to cross the planet and deliver their pulverising messages to Australians in person. Revivified after losing three members in 2012, The Haunted will be showcasing their latest album, Exit Wounds, and more while Insomnium are visiting for the first time, together playing The Hi-Fi 14 May with guests In Death…

EXTRA EXTRA

“Queen of the Queens” Bianca Del Rio, (or Roy Haylock to his mum), winner of Ru Paul’s Drag Race: Season 6, is obviously a popular visitor, announcing another show at Powerhouse Theatre for 1 Mar.

DAY RAVIES

RAVIES PARTY

Sydney indie-poppers Day Ravies are playing a run of shows to celebrate the 7” release of Hickford Whizz through French indie label Beko Disques. It’ll be a raucous and distorted, fuzzed-out, whirly synth aﬀair when they come to The Foundry, 21 Mar, with Per Purpose and 100%. 8 • THE MUSIC • 18TH FEBRUARY 2015

NO FOOLIN’

Having spent time writing and recording all over the country across the last 12 months, Victorian singer-songwriter Benny Walker is set to release his second single, The Fool, from his forthcoming album, Through The Forest. He’ll also be making his way across the country on a tour supporting the record. You can vibe on his gritty rock’n’roll stylings when he takes on Junk Bar, 9 Apr.

B-BOYS, FLY GIRLS

The B-Boy World Champions tour have new tour dates, having been initially postponed. See the world’s best B-boys, B-girls, poppers and lockers including Brooke Milliner, Marcio De Barros, Roxy, Rubberlegz, Kyushu Danji Jr and more in performances and battles: 2 May, The Hi-Fi, with more dates on theMusic.com.au.

EXTRA EXTRA

360’s announced a heap of new touring dates as part of his national Retopia Tour – he’ll be making his way to The Triﬃd, 17 Apr; Racehorse Hotel, Ipswitch, 18 Apr; and The Northern, Byron Bay, 19 Apr.

CREEPIN’ ALONG

Luke Escombe & The Corporation is embarking on a mini-tour to select parts of the country to launch their new EP, Creeper Vine. The six-track record blends stories of modern-day woes with classic sounds of the ‘50s and ‘60s, resulting in something you’ll want to keep on repeat. Hear it for yourself when they play The Milk Factory, 14 Mar.

PLEDGE FOR KATIE

Peace Is My Drug, based around the Michael Leunig poem, Peace, the title track of a new EP from Katie Noonan that’s being offered exclusively for every pledge made through her PledgeMusic campaign aimed at enabling her to record her next album. Also available are mentorship programs, personalised messages and videos and more, while five per cent of all funds generated going to the charity, Beyond Blue. She’s also taking the EP on tour with her new band, Katie Noonan’s Vanguard, with special guest Sahara Beck, playing 28 Mar at The Triffid and 29 Mar at Solbar, Maroochydore.

LET’S GET THIS STRAIT

Since ﬁrst donning their trademark Mexican masks in 1994, the Grammy-nominated quartet Los Straitjackets have recorded 11 albums and toured across the world. They’ll be joining up with renowned Californian vocalist Big Sandy for an extravaganza around Australia, bringing rockabilly, ‘60s groove, surf rock, and soul to the stage. They play The Zoo, 13 Mar.

RACE ALONE

Fresh from a solo tour that took him from theatres in Italy to electronic festivals in Poland, Australia’s own international troubadour, Hugo Race is returning to Junk Bar on 4 Mar, once again in solo mode. He’ll be sure to put in the odd tune from his forthcoming 15th album with his band The True Spirit, scheduled for release in June and their ﬁrst in seven years.

HE LOVES YOU REALLY

Following their huge Christmas Time Already Tour of 2014 which hit most of the nation, fans in Queensland were left wondering if Mick Thomas didn’t love them anymore. Good news is, he does, and he’s making his way to the state for three shows as Mick Thomas & The Roving Commission at The Soundlounge, Currumbin 27 Feb; Beetle Bar, 28 Feb; and The Beach Hotel, Byron Bay, 1 Mar.

ALL IN THE HEAD

Still bathing in the after glow of their fourth album Ponderosa, Sydney psychpop oddballs Richard In Your Mind have announced a quick run of East Coast dates in February/March for their RIYM VS The Space Octopus Tour. Catch tracks from the melodic, hooks-heavy record when they make their way to Black Bear Lodge, 6 Mar; The Rails, Byron Bay, 7 Mar; Miami Tavern, Gold Coast, 8 Mar.

THE MUSIC • 18TH FEBRUARY 2015 • 9

music

NIGHT CRAWLERS Godfathers Of Rave The Prodigy never court controversy “for the sake of it” as their fearless bandleader Liam Howlett tells Bryget Chrisfield: “To us, Smack My Bitch Up was never shocking.”

pewing out onto the street after The Prodigy played Melbourne’s Palace Theatre back in 2009, drenched, parched and panting, a passerby paused to ask whether there had been a fire inside the venue. It was still pushing 50 degrees outside and what The Prodigy officiated was a baptism of fire. The experience of being part of their congregation is equal parts terror and euphoria. “Yeah, that’s the look we’re going for,” The Prodigy mastermind Liam Howlett cackles. “Funnily enough, we’ve never ever discussed [it].” The outfit’s forthcoming album

turns my ears off when I hear a piece of music and I can hear what machine has made it, d’you know wha’ I mean?” he declares. “People need to, like, go a bit deeper into it and try and come out with some original sounds. It’s like: I perfectly steer clear of most kind of like plug-in computers synths, d’you know wha’ I mean? “I mean, me personally, I prefer to set up a few guitar pedals, set up an old synth and get some distortion through a guitar amp happening with a keyboard. It’s much more hands on, d’you know wha’ I mean? You can hear it; you can hear what you’re doing more.” Howlett

more original, d’you know wha’ I mean? You’ve really gotta try harder, really. It’s too easy for people just to do the same shit, you know.” Much discussion about courting controversy leads us through syringe-strewn alleyways to The Prodigy’s Jonas Åkerlund-directed video for Smack My Bitch Up. The killer plot twist is genius, albeit contentious, and the film clip was banned from television in several countries before massive demands on MTV eventually forced them to agree to add it to rotation, but only after midnight and following a warning. “I mean, it’s weird, really, because basically, like, to us, Smack My Bitch Up was never shocking,” Howlett confesses. ”The more it got banned, the more people wanted to see it and it’s basically our anthem so it didn’t ever detract from anything. And we just went out of our way to make a controversial video. We were sick and tired of being restricted and the restrictions put on our stuff. I mean, that’s a one-off; it’s not like we wanted to do that in all our videos, d’you know what I mean? “There’s a time and a place for stuff like that, d’you know what I mean? All the stuff we ever did was totally natural and we also pulled a lot of stuff that didn’t feel right. And, as far as controversy goes, I mean, you’ve gotta be real, d’you know what I mean? ‘Cause we don’t do it for the sake of it.

“I THINK PEOPLE HAVE BEEN SORT OF SANITISED FROM ANY KIND OF SHOCK. I THINK PEOPLE REALLY AREN’T SO SHOCKED ANYMORE AT STUFF... IT’S FINE IF IT’S GREAT AND IT WORKS AND IT’S SOMETHING ORIGINAL, BUT EVERYTHING’S SORTA BEEN DONE.”

The Day Is My Enemy contains 14 tracks, eight of which Howlett reveals will be premiered live in their upcoming shows. “When you’re doing a whole new record – we have to rehearse so we know what we’re doing. But, basically, we never rehearse hardly… It’s all totally natural. So we might have a conversation going, ‘Oh, fuck me! That’s great that. It really kind of was effective there’. Or more that there’s a bit in the song which kind of needs shortening or making longer to make it more effective, those types of things are quite common, but that just comes from playing a song. So, for example, like, there might be a bit we really wanna drag out, but we can do that live; I can do it live on the spot if we wanna make the songs kind of different and stuff. It’s really easy to do that with the equipment I use, you know.” Oddly enough, Howlett’s speaking voice sounds a lot like Neil from The Young Ones and his speech is regularly punctuated by “d’you know wha’ I mean?”. He explains The Prodigy worked through the witching hours to create The Day Is My Enemy, hitting the studio around 6pm and working through until morning. No interruptions as well as the creepy headspace one enters on a vampire’s watch are cited as benefits. Howlett expresses impatience toward beatmakers who use “the same kind of sounds as everyone else, because it’s what’s available”. “So I kind of rebelled against that and just thought, ‘Nah, fuck it! I’m gonna not go down that route at all, because it 10 • THE MUSIC • 18TH FEBRUARY 2015

reckons electronic beatmakers need to get more creative. “The internet’s made it easy for everybody, hasn’t it? And it’s made people lazy, actually… I think people in bands, like, guitar bands that don’t rely on compu’ers so much, they have to go down the old-skool route ‘cause, obviously, picking up a guitar – there’s no compu’er way to fast-forward yourself in learning how to play that, d’you know wha’ I mean? You have to go through the learning how to play it. But, I mean, anyone can pick up a compu’er, download some drum sounds and there can be a beat within, you know, 20 minutes. So that makes it harder for people to do something

And it’s kind of, like, it has to feel like it’s kind of spontaneous. I mean, Marilyn Manson is the king of being controversial and I think what he does is cool, it suits him, but at the end of the day I always get a bit suspicious like, you know, the public aren’t stupid, you know? They see through things if they’re too pushed, d’you know what I mean? My take on it is: doin’ it for the sake of it is just not – we’re not interested in that. But, um, yeah! I mean, I’ve got a lot of respect for Manson, for what he does, you know? That’s just on a different level.” Smack My Bitch Up dropped pre-internet and the music video subverted stereotypes in a trailblazing way. “People go on Google and basically look at far more shocking stuff,” Howlett opines. “I think people have been sort of sanitised from any kind of shock. I think people really aren’t so shocked anymore at stuff. I mean, I dunno, I’m not really interested in [courting controversy] anymore. It’s fine if it’s great and it works and it’s something original, but everything’s sorta been done.” If you could be transported back to any time in history for a night-following day-next night on the pingers, The Second Summer Of Love in Britain would have to be right up there. And hearing Howlett’s reminiscences will make you gurn with envy. “The whole London rave scene started in East London from Essex inwards, but we were from Essex, and,

HOUSE OF HORROR

basically, you’d literally get a flier with a phone number on it and the phone would be dead up until the point of two hours before. You’d ring the number and then it would be a message telling you where to go, and you’d just drive out. And sometimes you’re driving in the middle of nowhere, into fields and stuff like that, and suddenly it’ll be, like, in a barn in the middle of the country or it’ll be in a warehouse that someone’s broken into, d’you know what I mean? So there were a few of those going on, but obviously the police clamped down on those. But it was really exciting times and then basically, you know, the gangs sort of moved in – you got a lotta gang-led [raves] and money, there was a lotta big money to be had. And that kind of ruined it a bit and then it drove it back into the clubs. But by that stage we, the band, was already on its way. So when all the illegal rave scene started to die down, the legal ones started happening and they were good as well, d’you know what I mean? “This is, like, 1991: there was loads of massive outdoor parties that year – we did quite a few of them – and by the end of ’92 it had kinda worn a bit thin. I was certainly bored of it, it didn’t seem to be going anywhere, and so that was the start of when I started to write the second album [Music For The Jilted Generation], which was a bit different, you know. We thought, ‘Well, we like our band, we’re not gonna go down with this. We can either start a new band or carry on.’ And I just said, ‘Well, let me write some songs,’ and

I think what happened is: we spent some time in LA, I think we were in LA doing something, and heard Rage Against The Machine’s first album, Dr Dre The Chronic and I just got – I dunno, suddenly my mind opened up to, like, lots of different music. Because before I was just listening to rave music – pirate radio stations and rave music – and so I went back with a head full of inspiration. Then I just went BAH! in the studio and whatever came out still had a Prodigy feel, but it was a little bit more open to influences, d’you know what I mean? Guitar and stuff. I just sucked

it all in and that’s what happened. From that point – because then the rave parties were no more – we started again and started playing universities and stuff like that, you know. It was mega. It was really mega.” Can someone please hail us a time machine already? When asked whether he’s read any books on the early acid house culture that he would recommend, Howlett laughs, “Oh, fuck knows! I don’t read. But, I dunno how many stories that people could listen to of guys off their heads, d’you know wha’ I mean?”

WHEN & WHERE: 7 Mar, Future Music Festival, Doomben Racecourse

This year marks a quarter of a century since The Prodigy snarled onto the scene and into our nightmares and Howlett laughs in a somewhat satisfied fashion when told the Breathe video haunts this scribe to this day. It should come as no surprise then that Howlett is a horror film buff. “You can’t beat ‘70s horror, d’you know what I mean? It was an era when everything seemed lo-fi and I mean the classics, I mean The Shining [actually released on the cusp of the ‘70s, in May 1980]. It’s not horror, really, in my mind, it’s more psychological. But I watched it with my son [Ace Billy, aged ten] the other day and he laughed! He thought it was funny. I mean, I didn’t show him the naked bath scene – I shoved a bag over his head for that bit… That’s a great film, but the whole era of those films in the ‘70s – there was something really raw about them, even sor’ of the obvious ones, Halloween and stuff; I mean, they’re done on a tiny budget but they have much more terror about them than these new super-budget films that really are just remakes of all that stuff, you know.” Howlett loves Tarantino (“Tarantino’s a genius”), but laments, “I haven’t really seen anything recently that scares me – well, I don’t think anything scares me – but I still watch ‘em [horror movies], you know? I watch a lot of ‘em.” THE MUSIC • 18TH FEBRUARY 2015 • 11

music

OUR SINGER

Stephen Malkmus has been with his solo outfit The Jicks longer now than he was with former “flame” Pavement, and tells Steve Bell why mastering music is still preferable to honing his culinary skills.

tephen Malkmus & The Jicks spent a lot of 2014 on the road in support of their excellent sixth long-player, Wig Out At Jagbags, and the laid-back frontman explains he had a good time despite – rather than because of – having the new material at his disposal. “It was good I think – I’m looking back and it’s all kind of blurs; I can’t even remember what the album was like,” Malkmus chuckles. “At the start it’s fun because you’re doing the new stuff and you’re

kinda psyched, then as it goes on if you’re on a bit of a haul it becomes just music – it’s not even about that anymore. It becomes more about the shows, which is good because you know the songs more and you can kind of play around with them, and it’s more about just the venue or the people and not even the music; it’s ‘Is the band in a good mood?’ and ‘Does it sound good in here?’, and if that’s the case then it’s probably going to be a good show. “That’s the point where I’m at now – I don’t

always hear all the new records but I’ll go and see the new bands, and if I go see ‘em and they’re ‘on’ you can tell. It’s like, ‘These guys are good and they’re on!’ They can be playing their first album at half-speed or something and I’ll be into it. That’s kinda where it’s at, if it’s life-affirming sounding. And we don’t always sound like that – sometimes we’re burned out or someone has a cold – but the show must go on.” There have been a few line-up changes in The Jicks over the journey, but the band’s core – bassist Joanna Bolme and guitarist/keyboardist Mike Clarke – have been with Malkmus pretty much from the get-go. “We have a band dynamic and a sound which is ‘us’ now which is kinda cool. That’s what you want if you’re playing rock’n’roll still at this point in time – you want to have some kind of chemistry, and I’m grateful to have them and they’re dedicated to the cause. We’ve all given our 30s and part of our 40s to this band, and we’re still into it so it’s cool. “The level that we play at it has to be [fun] – it’s not like going to Kuwait on a furlough: ‘I’m going to make a lot of money but it sucks here – there’s no alcohol or chicks but I’m making a lot of money and I can’t wait to get home and spend it all,’” he laughs. “It’s not like that. People who stick around in bands like we do, it has to be that you’re really into it because it’s a fair amount of work and it’s not always glamorous unfortunately so you’d better be like, ‘This is what I wanna do because I love it.’ It’s probably not as hard as being a chef, but it’s still hard.” WHEN & WHERE: 28 Feb, The Zoo To read the full interview head to theMusic.com.au

MARTIAL ARTS EXPERT “Like Flight Of The Conchords” but with martial arts instead of singing, Maximum Choppage is the new kung-fu comedy from Lawrence Leung. He talks to Guy Davis.

o one wants to let down their mum by bringing home, say, a lacklustre report card or an inappropriate date. But both of those scenarios pale in comparison to the heavyweight champion of parental disappointment: choosing the wrong career track. That, believe it or not, is the subtext of Maximum Choppage, the ABC’s new kungfu comedy starring comedian Lawrence Leung. After years of refining his fists of fury at a Beijing martial arts temple, Leung’s Simon Chan has returned home to the Sydney suburb of Cabramatta to fulfil his destiny by following in his late father’s footsteps as a fearsome but noble warrior. There’s only one problem: Simon has actually been studying at a Melbourne art school and can’t throw a punch to save his life. “We flip all those parental expectations of getting a proper job, like a doctor or a lawyer, on their head,” says Leung, who wrote a number of Maximum Choppage episodes in addition to playing the lead. And it all takes place in “a heightened universe that still captures the essence of Cabramatta”, he says. The suburb has had a rough go of things in the past, with news and current affairs reports, especially in the ‘90s, playing up what Leung calls the “dark and shady” reputation of the area. But Leung and the creators of Maximum Choppage wanted to showcase the neighbourhood’s culture, albeit in a somewhat 12 • THE MUSIC • 18TH FEBRUARY 2015

stylised way. “A local ghost festival lets us play with horror themes, and we’ll throw an action sequence into the middle of a food festival.” As you may have gathered, the spirit of Kung Fu Hustle’s Stephen Chow and Spaced’s Edgar Wright flows through Maximum Choppage’s veins, with the creators of the show ever-eager to maintain humanity and heart while raising the stakes by asking “Ok, how we can ‘Max Chop’ that?” whenever a funny or furious situation arose. “We think it’s going to appeal to action fans, comedy fans, even fans of a family drama,” says Leung. “It’s a bit like Flight Of The Conchords,

but instead of going into a musical number like they do on that show, we’ll transition into an action scene.” While he’s primarily known for his acclaimed standup work, which he’ll be taking around the comedy festival circuit next month in The Escapist, Leung is no stranger to acting, having appeared on the likes of House Husbands and Offspring. Taking on the central role in Maximum Choppage, however, gave him greater opportunities to “embody a character”, even to the point of undergoing a bit of training (from very nice martial arts experts “who could kill you with their bare hands... but never would”) for the show’s action sequences. Leung does admit with a laugh that he could slack off a little because, well, Simon kinda sucks at fighting. WHAT: Maximum Choppage 9pm Tuesdays on ABC2

THE MUSIC • 18TH FEBRUARY 2015 • 13

music

CATCHIN’ THE WAVE

Surfer first, musician second, Donavon Frankenreiter has followed the sun like every other surfer, and that’s brought him to Australia. He talks to Michael Smith.

alifornia-born Hawaii-based singer-songwriter Donavon Frankenreiter was already a well known face in Australia long before he finally released his self-titled debut album here in 2004. Quite apart from having opened for Jack Johnson on a couple of tours, Frankenreiter had been here often as a pro-surfer. After all, he was sponsored by Australian clothing label Billabong. So there’s more than a soft spot for this country and he’s more than up for playing 19 shows in 24 days.

“You know, four of the songs on [2013’s] Start Livin’ were written in Western Australia in one day in this hotel, finished in demo style,” Frankenreiter – who’ll be coming here via Brazil, Chile and Argentina – explains, talking about his most current album, “and I think, while in Australia in hotel rooms, when I’m not playin’ I’m gonna be writin’ songs. I get really inspired when I’m down there, things that happen and things that I see and that I hear”. Frankenreiter already has four songs ready for the next record, so is hoping to come up with another half-dozen before

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heading into a studio in Austin, Texas, for a fortnight. The studio has ten cameras installed which will allow him to stream the making of the album live, 24/7. “We’re gonna shoot a bunch of photos first thing in the studio and upload those, and whoever comes up with the best album cover... and maybe [on] one of the songs [we’ll] leave the words off the bridge and let somebody co-write the song with me and write the words on the bridge and, I dunno, just gonna make it a real interactive album if people wanna get involved. I kinda like to change it up a bit.” Frankenreiter might take his wife and two sons along to the early part of the sessions too, since his eldest seems to be following in dad’s footsteps. “Hendrix is 12 and he’s started his own band and his first show is at a sixth grade talent show March 6th here in Hawaii, so I’m really excited – three-piece band and he plays guitar and sings, he’s got a buddy playin’ bass and a buddy playin’ drums and the first song they learned was Tighten Up by The Black Keys – I was pretty impressed!” It’s looking like Hendrix Frankenreiter might just be the second act signed to his dad’s label, Liquid Tambourine Records. “Right now it’s easy ‘cause I’m the only artist signed to the label,” Frankenreiter chuckles. “There’s no pressure to get things out or do things or whatever. I decide when I put it out and sign distribution deals all over the world and try and get the music out there, you know?” WHEN & WHERE: 2 Apr, Miami Tavern; 3 & 4 Apr, Bluesfest, Byron Bay; 16 Apr, The Triffid

FROM SURF TO REEL

Sarah Barratt caught up with festival director, Bronwyn Kidd, to talk about this year’s Flickerfest, and why short films are very much about “the art of cinema”.

lickerfest, now in its 24th year, successfully took on Sydney’s idyllic Bondi Beach earlier this year, and now heads on tour across the country. Festival director Bronwyn Kidd has been a part of it all for 17 of those 24 years, helping curate around 200 submissions in her first year to what is now a submission pool of more than 2000. There’s clearly something addictive about short films for both curators, filmmakers and audiences alike that just can’t be found in feature films. As Kidd suggests, “The feature film industry is very much about the industry, it’s about the box office and making financial returns and I guess why I’m so passionate and remain passionate about this is that short films really aren’t about that at all. They are very much about the art of cinema, about people making work that they’re passionate about.” Short films also have the budget and timeline that allow them to be current, provocative, relevant and daring. When asked about some of the Australian films in particular she’s come across, Kidd explains, “There are films dealing with our multicultural society, dealing with refugees. Short films can always be bold and talk about contemporary subjects that are very immediate, like how we are dealing with climate change, the environment, sexuality or any of the big themes. They’re always at the forefront. It doesn’t 14 • THE MUSIC • 18TH FEBRUARY 2015

take seven years to get the money together like with a feature film. “For me it is cinema in its purest sense and it’s a great opportunity to really celebrate this incredible art form, both from Australia and from across the world and to discover amazing talent.” If you haven’t been to Flickerfest before, don’t worry; you don’t need to be an aficionado of short film to appreciate the 100 films in the final selection. Kidd explains the target audience: “We’re trying to appeal to people who appreciate creativity and intelligent storytelling; who are not into seeing mass market [films]; who are into seeing

something a little bit more organic, a little bit more real, true creative and artistic expression; for people who are keen to engage with unique work and unique storytelling is what we’re about.” For filmmakers, making the final cut here at Bondi means much bigger fish. Flickerfest is Australia’s only BAFTA-recognised and Academy-accredited short film festival. Being selected in one of four competitions in 2015 can mean a shot at the Oscars. “We’re one of the few pathways that exist to get to the Oscars and the Academy Awards,” Kidd confirms. “In order to be considered for the Academy Awards, you have to have been selected or won the award at an accredited festival. To have four of our competitions recognised is a great honour. It means that filmmakers can compete on a world stage.” WHAT: Flickerfest 24th Short Film Festival WHEN & WHERE: 26 – 28 Feb, Judith Wright Centre

THE MUSIC • 18TH FEBRUARY 2015 • 15

music

RAPPIN’ ON A DIET

It’s that time again, when Seth Sentry comes to town. With a new touring diet of curbed drinking and channelling the Aztecs through chia seeds in his cereal, Seth “Sentry” Marton tells Rip Nicholson of a new energy he’s putting into his shows.

eth “Sentry” Marton has kept himself running a heavy tour schedule over the last few years. From his return from the SXSW US tour and his flanny appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, he ran two successful national tours before entering 2014 billed on Bliss N Eso’s Circus Under The Stars tour with Horrorshow and Ceekay Jones, a whirlwind of stages and dates. Most recently, Marton joined Hilltop Hoods, Illy, Thundamentals, Drapht and more at Triple J’s Beat The Drum anniversary party. “That was great – loved it. It just made me wish I had a crew,” Marton admits. “I mean, I have my DJ, Sizzle,

who I love, but when I see some of these rappers with their crews it makes me feel like I wish I had that many friends to call a crew, you know?” During the lonely life on the road, Marton has been able to finish a new single from an as-yet untitled new album, due later this year. Run is a nostalgic throwback to his childhood in Burn City’s Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula. “It just reflects me being a product of my environment,” Marton admits. “I know that since the last album I have learned a lot more about my music and I’ve become

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more comfortable in what I’m saying. I feel like this time around this album I’m going to be more the rapper in it.” Time again has come for the seal to get back on stage with a beach ball. “Love it,” says Marton, interjecting his enthusiasm for the upcoming national dates. Although it’s old hat for him, he explains a new regime to sharpen the live game. “I think we’ve kinda fine-tuned it to a point where, because it’s not a novelty, I’m past getting completely wasted before a show and then trashed after a show and waking up like, ‘Where the fuck am I?’ I’ve had far better and more energetic shows as a result. I’m enjoying them more. It’s actually made it more fun and less depressing. When you do a big tour and you get halfway through and shit just turns bleak, man – real dark, real quick. And I don’t have that any more. It’s good.” A sensible diet accompanies this new regime, introduced to him by his faithful touring partner. “We’re eating well. DJ Sizzle introduced me to a whole lot of foods which I was mega against, but now I don’t hate chia seeds in my breakfast cereal this morning. Chia seeds, man. Aztecs used to eat it or some shit. I’m channelling that warrior spirit,” he laughs. Or, perhaps more integral to the newly energised sets, as he explains, “We’ve revamped this set, especially for this run. We’ve gone back into the studio with all the old mixes of the EP songs and even some This Was Tomorrow songs and remixed the beats for a live sound so they slam harder.” WHEN & WHERE: 20 Feb, The Hi-Fi; 21 Feb, Solbar, Maroochydore

IT’S FAMILY

The 2015 Queensland Music Awards (QMAs) are almost upon us, so Michael Smith catches up with one of the finalists, Hannah Shepherd, aka Airling.

“I

’m stoked,” Brisbane singer-songwriter Hannah Shepherd, who for the past year has been travelling as Airling, admits breathlessly of her making the finals of this year’s Queensland Music Awards. “I heard late last night so I was half asleep, but I was like,” with a giggle, “‘I’m going to have good dreams tonight.’” Shepherd spent about three years gigging in Emma Louise’s band – Emma Louise of course took out the Export Achievement award as well as The CourierMail’s People’s Choice Award for Most Popular Female and Album of the Year at the 2013 QMAs – and it was in that capacity that she was at South By Southwest in Austin, Texas, in 2013, where she met Big Scary and, more importantly, the singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer half, Tom Iansek.

herself with a spot on Splendour In The Grass, a great reception when she participated in BIGSOUND and, towards the end of last year, her first national tour as a headliner.

“Tom then invited me down to Melbourne to do some recording on the #1 Dads recording, which is up for the AMP awards,” she explains. “I sang on a bunch of those tracks and then Tom just said, ‘D’you have any songs that you’ve been writing?’ and I showed him a few and we did some rough demos, and he said, ‘D’you want to come back and make something?’”

“I’m so proud to that I’m being recognised by the Queensland music community. It just makes me feel very happy and loved here. The awards don’t define things but it’s just the whole vibe that Queensland and Brisbane, where I live, especially has that everyone looks out for each other, and there’s a lot of respect and is very encouraging.”

Five days into recording, Big Scary’s management signed her up and Airling was born, and with the release of the EP, Love Gracefully, Shepherd found

Shepherd is a finalist in the Pop category for her track, Wasted

16 • THE MUSIC • 18TH FEBRUARY 2015

Pilots, the same category being contested by another Sheppard, up for the gong of course for Geronimo. Also contesting the Pop category are Mosman Alder for Try Your Luck and another Hannah, Hannah Karydas for her track, Zen. Halfway are finalists in two categories for three songs – Dropout in Rock and Dulcify and Shakespeare Hotel in Country. Finalists in three categories for two songs are Townsville’s King Social, with They Call It in Regional and in Indigenous, and Whiskey And My Gun in Country; while Sahara Beck has two songs – Brother Sister and Pretender – in the Folk/Singer-Songwriter category, and Leanne Tennant is a finalist in both Blues/Roots and Country for Bearing The Crown. And someone will pick up the Billy Thorpe Scholarship, funded by Arts Queensland, worth $10,000. WHAT: 2015 Queensland Music Awards WHEN & WHERE: 25 Mar, The Triffid

THE MUSIC • 18TH FEBRUARY 2015 • 17

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IN HIS NATURE

José González explains to Kane Sutton why you need to find room in your life to play music for fun, not just to meet a deadline.

he Swedish singer-songwriter released his first solo album, Veneer, in 2003, which featured his championed cover of The Knife’s Heartbeats, and in 2007, he released In Our Nature, a somewhat darker acoustic record focused on the human condition, which cemented him among the most relevant acoustic performers of the time. His newest record, Vestiges & Claws, is only his third solo album, but the man is also vested in his band Junip, which has released two full-lengths and four EPs to date. It’s been three years since his last album, but González still had songs he wanted to work with. “Some of the songs [from Vestiges & Claws] are really old – Open

Book and The Forest I’ve had for many years, actually – but mostly the songs were written within the year, from early ‘14, I started writing and early recording.” González speaks as he sounds on his records: quite slowly and rather delicately, “I was choosing from the demos that I’d been collecting and I decided to go with songs that only had one guitar, most similar to my previous two albums. I wrote a couple of newer songs: Carry You is totally different to my first two albums, and other songs have a more Western African vibe, which was fun.” González has certainly been having plenty of

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fun the last couple of years between albums – the soundtrack to 2013’s The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty starring Ben Stiller was practically made up of José González songs, some older and some made exclusively for the film. “That was fun. The director had heard one of the Junip songs, and was searching for an artist to do most of the music, so we Skyped, and he told me how excited he was to start things straight away. I went to LA and New York, and worked with the guy in charge of the music score.” Songwriting’s a serious process for González, and he’s comfortable sticking to his signature sound from album to album. Whether he’s playing with Junip or solo, he’s careful not to overwhelm himself with possibilities. “No, I don’t get carried away. [Since In Our Nature] I would say I’m older and more relaxed as a person, and there was a calmness while I was writing those songs – a bit of frustration during mixing, but mostly calm. Part of getting carried away is the time between albums when I’m doing music just for fun. Writing music for albums is also fun, but the aim is always clear. When I’m on tour, it’s fun to play with big acts, but when I’m at home, it’s great to just play for fun, I meddle a lot with synthesisers. There’s a clear idea of what I want to do when I’m recording, and it’s important to have deadlines.” With the album having just been released, González is itching to share it with the world. “I’m super excited to start playing now – the album comes out and I head out on tour the day after. I’ll be touring throughout the year. I’ll be trying to get to Latin America and Australia and stuff, as well as Europe and North America.” WHAT: Vestiges & Claws (Shock)

MOVING ON

Conor Oberst tells Hannah Story that it was “surreal and painful” to have had allegations made against him in 2013.

“I

love getting down there. Sometimes the flight is a little daunting, but then once you’re there it’s pretty amazing.” Conor Oberst (Bright Eyes, Desaparecidos, Monsters Of Folk) is talking about coming back to Australia this month for a national tour, taking in zoos, local venues, and Golden Plains Festival. His band Desaparecidos were scheduled to play Harvest n 2013 before it was cancelled, and then the group pulled out of Soundwave as “one of our bandmates had a health problem in the family”. The cancellation may also have been impelled by allegations made against Oberst in late 2013. In December 2013, Oberst was accused of raping Joan Harris, ten years ago, on her 16th birthday, after going to a Bright Eyes concert. The allegations were originally made in a series of comments left by Harris on xoJane, and then elaborated upon on Tumblr. Oberst filed a libel suit against Harris in February 2014 to ‘clear his name’, asking for $1 million in damages to his “reputation, standing in the community, shame, mortification, hurt feelings, embarrassment, and humiliation”. The charges have since been dropped, and Harris has recanted her statements. “It was a very surreal and painful experience,” says Oberst. “But I’m happy that the truth got out. I’m happy to move on with my life and focus on music.”

18 • THE MUSIC • 18TH FEBRUARY 2015

“I try to keep things in perspective because there’s a lot of people, mostly African-American men, that are incarcerated for crimes they didn’t commit. And not to mention actual victims of sexual assault; they say one in four women will experience it in their life which is heartbreaking and staggering. Even though I wouldn’t wish my experience on anyone I try to keep it in perspective.” And Oberst is keeping things in perspective and keeping busy; he’s been working on a record with Desaparecidos that is due for release this year, he’s toured his latest Upside Down Mountain, he’s written a script for MOF (“if you’re a supergroup you can’t just make a

second record, you’ve got to do something bigger”), and auditioned for the Coen brothers’ Inside Llewyn Davis. Amidst it all, he’s still growing as a performer and artist. “Everything I’ve learned as a musician and a writer and a performer has been from trial-and-error, so I’m sure I’m a much different person that I was when I was 17 and making records, being 34 now.” “I think to be a good writer you basically need to have some power of observation, be a witness to things you see in the world, and also to have some sense of empathy where you can be able to place yourself in someone else’s shoes. I think that’s how you get to something that people can relate to. And that’s of course art… We’re all sort of searching for that commonality, a lot of people can find that through music, these trivial things we do like make records, and movies, and write books, and paint paintings, and all that stuff.” WHEN & WHERE: 25 Feb, The Triffid

MOVING FORWARD

Not only is Falling In Reverse frontman Ronnie Radke’s past worthy of a feature film, it’s also been the reason he hasn’t been able to visit Australia. He discusses his dislike of modern music, doing favours for Travis Barker and the band’s new record with Daniel Cribb.

aving been arrested numerous times and serving a two-year jail sentence in 2006, few know conflict like Falling In Reverse leader Ronnie Radke. He may be in the thick of album promo for the band’s new record, Just Like You, in Las Vegas when he answers his phone, but there’s another issue on his mind – the recent event of Blink-182

revealing their innerband turmoil to the public; something Radke, as a fan, can relate to all too well. “I’m never going to choose a side or anything because I love that band,” Radke comments. But a recent encounter with drummer Travis Barker might cloud his judge somewhat. “I didn’t know he was a fan of me. And now he follows me on Twitter, which is mindblowing. His daughter’s 15, and she came to my music video. He asked me for a favour so I told him to bring her down… [Blink-182]’s one of the bands that I actually still listen to. I don’t really listen to a lot of

bands these days who are new or anything, so it’s sad to see that they’re not going to make a new record.”

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It’s the “watered down” production of music today that’s turned Radke away from a lot of new acts, and with the band’s third album, Radke wanted to break the mould and throw people off. “These days, everything’s Auto-Tuned to the point where you can’t really hear the cadence in their voices, and it sounds the same because it’s so robotic… it’s just not my cup of tea anymore. Maybe I’m just getting older and growing up a little bit.” It hasn’t been an easy road for Radke, but his learned from his mistakes and being himself is finally paying off, with the release of a career-defining record, launching his own clothing label, Hood$, and he’s finally secured a visa to tour Australia for the first time ever hitting Soundwave. “I don’t think it’s Australia’s fault,” he says on past visa issues. “I think it’s America’s fault. With the help of my managers, who worked around the clock with lawyers, we got there. So that’s who I have to thank for that, finally. “I’m stoked, because everything we’ve ever wanted is coming true and it’s pretty amazing. Where I came from, from prison to now, it’s pretty wild. We complain about the dumb things, like, ‘Aw, man, I left my phone in the hotel! I’ve got to go back and get it!’ And I just kind of catch myself complaining about stupid things, like how everybody does. But I try to keep myself grounded that way. I can just pretty much wake up whenever I want and do whatever I want, all because I write songs and it reaches my fans and touches their hearts, you know, it’s crazy.” WHAT: Just Like You (Epitaph/Warner)

THE MUSIC • 18TH FEBRUARY 2015 • 19

ALBUM OF THE WEEK

★★★★

album/ep reviews

PEARLS

JOSE GONZALEZ

Pretend You’re Mine

Vestiges & Claws

Dot Dash/Remote Control With the release of lead single Big Shot late last year, Melbourne trio Pearls provided a perfect little alt-pop gem to introduce their forthcoming debut long-player, teasing listeners by slotting sassily into summer radio playlists. With a thick, dark groove carved from Cassandra Kiely’s keys, drummer Ellice Blakeney’s vocal slinks in and out of guitarist Ryan Caesar’s calls with the magnetism of Debbie Harry. Instrumentally it’s a basic cut – carefully placed fuzzed-out riffs and fat, unhurried percussion fill the mix – but it delivers a confident, dirty charm. The title track and second single bookends the record with a similarly stomping groove as Caesar channels a Rock On era David Essex to lead into the payoff, an echoing, yearning chorus refrain. There’s certainly some ‘70s glam-rock influence at play here, though album tracks, including Me And My Girl and Part Timer, take a much

Shock

cleaner pop-rock approach. And Straight Through The Heart changes tack again, spiralling into late-at-night desire via affecting though fleeting melodic touches and just right percussive moves from Blakeney. Most importantly, the shared vocal approach of the three members serves the needs of each track across Pretend You’re Mine rather than being an exercise in diplomacy that can often leave a listener cold. Their interplay and the group dynamic as a whole are intriguing and magnetic, and a lustful undercurrent leaves one with an insatiable need for repeat spins. Tyler McLoughlan

★★★★

It’s been over seven years since Jose Gonzalez brought out his second solo effort, In Our Nature. That album was a thoughtful and oft-times dark collection of acoustic recordings, wherein he is troubled by the ugliness of war (How Low) and cautious of “the darkness” (Down The Line). On Vestiges & Claws, the airy-sounding Swedish singer offers a similar style but sounds more relaxed, more content with the world around him, as though he’s sitting back and simply admiring the view presented in his immediate vicinity. Gonzalez self-produced the record, and you can feel the rawness in each track, making for a wonderfully intimate listen – you can practically smell nature right from the opening chord in With The Ink Of A Ghost, while you could almost be standing alongside the musician admiring the landscapes on The Forest. A commanding beat

★★★★

DAN DEACON

FALLING IN REVERSE

Poison City

Domino/EMI

Epitaph/Warner

It’s hard to know how Melbourne-based outfit Clowns found the time to write and record their second album, what with their intensive touring schedule, but thank fuck they did! In similar fashion to 2013’s I’m Not Right, Bad Blood is an absolute rager, crammed full of ferocious guitars, demonic snarls and abrasive lyrics, before finishing with a more melodious 11-minute opus – Human Terror. While Bad Blood is a sensory assault through speakers, it’s sure to be amplified even further in the flesh as part of their forthcoming tour. Don’t miss it.

Opener and lead single, joyous pop rocker Feel The Lightning’s hooks and singalong chorus ease us into Deacon’s fuzzy sonic landscape before he opens more experimental portals. When I Was Done Dying exemplifies this album’s approach as Deacon dials back the orchestration of 2012’s America and pushes his vocal presence to the fore while still including that record’s sense of majesty and wry enchantment.

Falling In Reverse kick Just Like You off with a double-fisted opening barrage in Chemical Prisoner and (bar the selfindulgent guitar solo) God, If You Are Above. At the other end, Sexy Drug would be at home on Miley Cyrus’ next album (“Like O-M-G you make me come, come, come”). While singer Ronnie Radke embraces pop-tastic and classic ‘90s pop-punk moments (Get Me Out), when juxtaposed with the heavy moments (Die For You), there’s a distinct lack of consistency evident. Despite the contradictory sounds, Falling In Reverse’s massive following is a testament to their delivery and passion.

Jazmine O’Sullivan

Gliss Riffer

Constantly moving between the lush, the experimental and the poppy, for those with a passion for left-field pop or fuzzy electro beats, there’s a lot to love on Gliss Riffer. Andrew McDonald

20 • THE MUSIC • 18TH FEBRUARY 2015

makes its way into the mix in Every Age, where Gonzalez proclaims that “Every branch of the tree has to learn/Learn to grow, find its way,” in a manner that is equal parts strong in message and delicately confident in delivery. Closing track Open Book could be the album highlight, a light and airy track with a gorgeous little guitar hook, some dainty whistling by Gonzalez and a wholesome expression – “Your love belongs to everyone” – it makes for a perfect summer afternoon track and rounds out another strongly reflective record for the singer-songwriter. It has certainly been worth the wait. Kane Sutton

★★★½

CLOWNS

Bad Blood

★★★★

Just Like You

Dylan Stewart

★★★★

HARLEY YOUNG & THE HAYMAKERS Flinders Parade Independent Flinders Parade is a love letter to Harley Young’s native Brisbane suburb of Sandgate, a warts and all encapsulation of everything he holds dear about his hometown. The simple songs are recorded with no bells and whistles, but whether it’s the suburb’s physical locale (Margate GF, Spring Hill To The Gate), propensity for fights and Entertainment Centre burnouts (Balls Deep In Boondall) or general idiosyncrasies (Chook Raffle Lady), it’s a gorgeous and heartfelt reminder that home is definitely where the heart is. Steve Bell

album/ep reviews

MORE REVIEWS

themusic.com.au/music/album-reviews

★★★★

THEESATISFACTION EarthEE

Sub Pop/Inertia THEESatisfaction return with a long overdue second album, a confident production as much a club record as awE naturalE was a record for the street. Tunes float around in syrupy amber textures and the two women rap with restraint and finesse. If the heart ruled awE naturalE then the head rules this one. Where the first was all hot asphalt streets and loose trains of thought, EarthEE is a much smoother ride, richer production suggesting far more patience and introspection, personal agency and other ‘Big Questions’ still forming the bulk of their rhymes. Pithy prose never sounded sexier. Matt MacMaster

★★★★

THE BLACK RYDER

The Door Behind The Door The Anti-Machine Machine/The Orchard

★★★★

JIM LAWRIE Eons

Barely Dressed/Remote Control

After a massive six-year wait, Sydney-turned-LA-based shoegazers The Black Ryder finally drop album number two. They waste no time getting into dreamy sonic landscapes with the gorgeously lush Seventh Moon. While the duo shares vocals, it’s Aimee Nash’s ethereal voice that haunts every song here, recalling Cocteau Twins’ Elizabeth Fraser at their more immediate. The beauty of The Door Behind The Door lies in its insistence to not sit still; lush shoegaze and dreampop effects tie everything together, but each song feels like its own private world.

Welcome to the big league Jim. Yes, you’ve tasted success as drummer of Eagle & The Worm, and you’ve been on the scene a good few years, but Eons is fucking brilliant. Its arrangements are unhurried and inspirational (the horns on Falling Stars and Good Old Days are bliss), and although your voice strains at times, your delivery is impassioned and honest. A quintessential Australian twang flows through but doesn’t overwhelm your songs. Your narrative lyrics evoke your heroes Paul Kelly and Jackson Browne, but your arrangements are better and your future every bit as bright.

Andrew McDonald

Dylan Stewart

Kid Rock – First Kiss Steve Earle & The Dukes – Terraplane The Avener – The Wanderings Of The Avener Scorpions – Return To Forever Natalie Prass – Natalie Prass Sonny & The Sunsets – Talent Night At The Ashram Texas – Texas 25

THE MUSIC • 18TH FEBRUARY 2015 • 21

live reviews

CHET FAKER, ROLAND TINGS, GL

Brisbane Convention Centre 14 Feb Effervescent duo GL open the Convention Centre on this Valentine’s Day evening. So full of candid excitement, they practically bounce about to their own sounds of synthladen funk and grooves, these Melbourne natives are electric. Graeme Pogson holds down the entrancing beats while Ella Thompson soars with pitch-perfect harmonies, together creating some sublime downright fun. Roland Tings has gone from

build of the one-man band – from Love & Feeling – “one for the Valentines” – to the bigger tracks, including Gold, To Me and I’m Into You. They feel like individual spectacles, not because they’re overplayed but because of the attention and respect paid to each. Even his rendition of Van Morrison’s Moondance spreads goosebumps amongst the audience. It’s a rare occasion where the supposedly processed sounds of recordings pale in comparison to the live performance. “If it weren’t for you guys who bought my record and supported my music, I wouldn’t be here,” Chet earnestly shares. “You are the reason I didn’t have to sign my life away to a big recording company, and you are the reason I can make the music I want to make.”

CHET FAKER @ BCEC. PIC: MARKUS RAVIK

strength to strength of late, his infectious stream of house music a breath of fresh air for a wide variety of audiences. Tonight’s support set is no different, with a mixture of well-rehearsed and impromptu pieces strung together with tribal and vintage flavours. The man bounds onto the stage, poncho-clad and with a too-cool exterior; Chet Faker dazzles the besotted audience. The notably low lights and backing band give the impression of a bigger show than might have been assumed of the independent artist. Chet kicks it off with Cigarettes & Chocolate, showcasing his intense mastery of all things electronic and loop-pedaled, smoothly transitioning from the previous house acts into the smooth, velvety tones we expect from him. Each song has the slow 22 • THE MUSIC • 18TH FEBRUARY 2015

Woolly Mammoth 13 Feb

Young trio Ariel proffer a relatively solemn brand of moody indie rock to open proceedings, before local funsters The Bertie Page Clinic grab tonight’s disco motif by the horns with their matching sequined ensembles (complete with bunny ears). Their classic rock sound is augmented by frontwoman Page’s massive

DAMIAN COWELL’S DISCO MACHINE @ WOOLLY MAMMOTH. PIC: TERRY SOO

He expresses his deep love for “feeling the vibrations” of live music and urges everyone to put down the iPhones and iPads (yes, they were there too) and indulge in the first-person experience as it happens. For the most part, it works, and everyone stands in their places to yell along to the song that brought Chet to the ears of many, his cover of Blackstreet’s No Diggity. Finally, it’s the song all are waiting for, and Chet certainly revels in the anticipation. Alone at the keyboard, under a spotlight, he takes his now trademark slow build into the final song, Talk Is Cheap, the favourite of the evening, and gives us a fitting end to an evening of tugged heartstrings and welcome surprises. Alice Bopf

DAMIAN COWELL’S DISCO MACHINE, THE BERTIE PAGE CLINIC, ARIEL

ROXETTE @ BEC. PIC: 77 PHOTOGRAPHY

vocals, the pachage engaging and theatrical as they pound through tracks like Ready To Punch Your Face and My Sister’s Friend’s Cousin From Woodridge. As they finish with a bludgeoning cover of Guns N’ Roses’ It’s So Easy, Page’s burlesque background comes to the fore with little left to the imagination by the time they finish their entertaining set. There’s a large crowd gathered by the time that Damian Cowell’s Disco Machine start filing onstage, the two drummers on the far extremes building a precise-yetpummelling opening salvo as they begin with 4D Printer, the fact that this is the band’s first ever show and these songs unfamiliar to most alleviated by having the lyrics on a big screen behind the band (not miles removed from what

Cowell’s alma mater TISM used to do with the song titles on cardboard signs back in the day), as well as Lee Lin Chin’s huge visage which overlooks during Jesus Barista Superstar (the SBS broadcaster appearing on the band’s eponymous debut album, but only as a sample here). There’s also remnants of TISM’s choreography, with Cowell and backup vocalists doing some interpretative dance, especially during the super-catchy Groovy Toilet (which also features next level crowd participation). As ever it’s Cowell’s adroit wordplay and rapier wit which makes this such a great experience, songs like Folk Music Turns Me Into A Fascist, Things I’ve Said In Job Interviews and I Hope You Get Laid For Christmas working on numerous levels in the live sphere. Two more violins join

proceedings as a massive diatribe ushers in Epistemophobia, adding to the already full band sound and adding visual diversity as well. The “what the fuck?” refrain of Damian Cowell’s Disco Machine Part One has everyone singing along en masse, before the set proper concludes with Don’t Hector The Safety Cat and the super-insistent I’m Addicted To Moderation. There’s a faux encore which finds the somewhat disturbing phrase “Cool for catamites” liberally bandied around, Cowell offering a solo version of his former band The DC3’s The Future Sound Of Nostalgia then segueing into a disco montage which features a snippet of TISM’s I’m Interested In Apathy amidst strange passes on YMCA, Disco Inferno and mash-ups of Shivers into Macho Man and Born To Be Alive into Creep – pretty much everything strange

live reviews and fun you’d expect from the former Humphrey B. Flaubert. It’s great to have him back. Steve Bell

ROXETTE, BOOM CRASH OPERA Brisbane Entertainment Centre 10 Feb It’s three years, almost to the exact day that Sweden’s finest Roxette last graced this very room in what was clearly a celebratory comeback, one that no one ever thought would happen. In place of that year’s 1927, Rox’s penchant for uncovering all-Aussie rockers you didn’t know still existed (or perhaps they reform especially) leads, this time, to Boom Crash Opera. Is it juvenile to suggest the choice was made because their name was close to that of Roxette’s Crash! Boom! Bang!? Emerging as if it was still 1989 and definitely wearing the same clothes, it’s uncanny to recall how many hits the Aussies

did have beyond Onion Skin. Roxette hit the stage blazing immediately with a pair of crackers – Sleeping In My Car and The Big L. - up front, but it’s obvious right away that we’re not in for the same standard of show as last time. Firstly, frontwoman Marie Fredrikkson isn’t well. She was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2002 and no one thought she’d survive, so needless to say the 2013 shows felt almost unreal and something like a miracle. This time however, her health has seemingly deteriorated and that consequently seems to anchor the entire show. The poor thing limped through power ballads, squeaking the final lines of classics like Spending My Time and Perfect Day, yet still somehow putting in a stand-up performance. It was much like witnessing a recent Brian Wilson set. Roxette’s other half Per Gessle’s energy is boundless; seemingly compensating for his partner’s lack of movement, he doesn’t stop and handles his vocal duties as if his band is still at

the height of their success in 1991. The set is hindered by a mid-way slump that crams in a bunch of obscure singles, probably for the fans that attended last time. This is where the cringe creeps in – She’s Got Nothing On (But The Radio), Crush On You and even the “song they penned for Bette Midler that landed in a failed Bob Hoskins film based on a computer game” (Almost Unreal) manages inclusion. Thankfully, the back end of the set possible saves the day – How Do You Do, It Must Have Been Love, Dressed For Success, Dangerous and Joyride all back-to-back almost feel like they’re showing off the sheer size of these hits. The encore brings forth the epic Listen To Your Heart, Fredrikkson’s finest performance of the evening, almost like she saves everything she has left for this performance. The Look follows, still incredible and clearly the finale, managing to still squeeze out everything that’s brilliant about this band. Leaving the main room, overheard statements like “I don’t know if we’ll see them

again. I don’t know if anyone will” ring loudly, sadly truthful. Ben Preece

MORE REVIEWS

themusic.com.au/music/live-reviews

THE TELEVISION ADDICTS @ PRINCE OF WALES. PIC: STEPHEN BOOTH

Lamb @ The Tivoli Spoon @ The Hi-Fi Angus & Julia Stone @ Lake Kawana Community Centre

arts reviews

FIFTY SHADES OF GREY

FIFTY SHADES OF GREY Film

In cinemas

★★★

Fifty Shades Of Grey gets the job done, and that’s about as much praise as this tepid adaptation of the bestselling novel deserves. Anyone complaining that it doesn’t delve deeply enough into the bondage subculture enjoyed by rich, handsome cipher Christian Grey ( Jamie Dornan) or depict in greater and more graphic detail the sexual relationship between Grey and naive, virginal Anastasia

Steele (Dakota Johnson) is advised to search elsewhere for their kicks. The knots, the spankings and the other accoutrements of Grey’s well appointed ‘playroom’ are a dash of spice designed to add flavour to an otherwise bland tale of an unworldly but emotionally open woman negotiating a relationship with a controlling dude who’s not down with any of that cuddling malarkey. There’s not much of a story to speak of here – shy, clumsy Anastasia meets chilly, ‘charismatic’ Christian; sex, confusion and melancholy piano-playing ensues – but director Sam Taylor-Johnson presents it competently, with just enough flashes of eroticism and artistry (the abrupt ending is actually quite effective) to make the viewer believe some effort has gone into the whole thing. And Johnson is very good as Anastasia, conveying a sly wit and curiosity without winking to the audience that she’s better than the slight material she’s working with. Guy Davis

WHAT WE DID ON OUR HOLIDAY Film

In cinemas

★★★

The median age of movie-goers in this cinema was probably about 70, but What We Did On Our Holiday – a comedy-drama detailing two divorcing parents Doug (David Tennant) and Abi (Rosamund Pike), who take their three kids to the Scottish Highlands for Doug’s dying father Gordie’s (Billy Connolly) birthday party – procured some genuine laugh-out-loud moments for this scribe. Even more surprising was that the standout performances actually came from the children: Amelia Bullmore was adorable as the youngest, Margaret, while middle child Micky (Bobby Smalldridge) was hilarious with his wonder about Vikings and his often uncompromising honesty.

It’s definitely one of those films you’d find yourself appreciating a lot more if you have (or have had) young kids of your own, as the children do a wonderfully realistic job of portraying youthful curiosity, but there's a good lesson for adults to learn from Connolly: that sometimes it's worth remembering to let your hair down and have a bit of fun because “in the end, none of this matters”. There was plenty of laughing and definitely some crying taking place in the cinema, so if you're looking for a fun, familyfriendly film for what remains of this summer, check this out. Kane Sutton

WHAT WE DID ON OUR HOLIDAY THE MUSIC • 18TH FEBRUARY 2015 • 23

24 • THE MUSIC • 18TH FEBRUARY 2015

the guide

THE REVERSALS

Members answering/roles: Nathanael Hubbard (vocals), Matthew Green (keys) & Patrick Gundersen (guitar). How long have you been together? In our current format about six months. How did you all meet? Nathanael and Matt grew up in the same suburb as kids, and they both met Patrick at a songwriter’s showcase at a local Brisbane bar. You’re on tour in the van – which band or artist is going to keep the most people happy if we throw them on the stereo? It would have to be Jack White’s latest album Lazaretto. In particular the production and arrangement of the title track itself has been a big inspiration in helping us define the “rock” in our pop-rock sound. Would you rather be a busted broke-but-revered Hank Williams figure or some kind of Metallica monster? Nathanael learnt how to play guitar by thrashing out Metallica riffs in his bedroom… so he’d be offended if we didn’t choose the latter. Which Brisbane bands before you have been an inspiration (musically or otherwise)? The Bee Gees for their harmonies and The Go-Betweens for their songwriting. What part do you think Brisbane plays in the music you make? Brisbane people and places have inspired many songs we’ve written and are writing. The Brisbane weather inspires beers, which inspires guitars, which inspires songs. What reality TV show would you enter as a band and why? Strange but true... our guitarist Patrick has the unusual hobby of hunting gemstones and is likely to be appearing on the cast of American reality TV show Prospectors for their season Down Under! Should be a good laugh! What’s in the pipeline for the band in the short term? We’re currently on a national tour and about to record our next single and EP. The plan is to be back on the road again later this year. The Reversals play Bleach* Festival, Gold Coast on Saturday 8 March and The Triffid on Thursday 19 March.

PHOTO: Terry Soo THE MUSIC • 18TH FEBRUARY 2015 • 25

eat/drink steph@themusic.com.au

DOUGHNUTS

MAKE ME, EAT ME Basic doughnut ingredients: 4 cups flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 2 eggs, 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 2/3 cup milk, 1/4 cup melted butter, vegetable oil for deep-frying.

Doughnut-making is an art. Evan Young explores a few companies at the top of the game. Photos Dina El-Hakim.

Vegan alternatives: sub milk for vegan alternative, butter for coconut butter, and an egg for ground flaxseed or 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce.

HOT SPOT Cobbler Tasting Session – 7 Browning St, West End

Flour & Chocolate – 4G/621 Wynnum Rd, Morningside One of Morningside’s worst kept secrets, award-winning patisserie Flour & Chocolate sells salted caramel, chocolate, custard, cherry and strawberry donuts that continue to delight the masses and are always coming hot out of the oven. The owner also takes flavour suggestions from the public on the Facebook page. H Chester Street Bakery & Bar – 32A Chester St, Newstead A bakery by day and dessert bar by night, 26 • THE MUSIC • 18TH FEBRUARY 2015

Chester Street Bakery & Bar serve up a myriad of delicious donuts – all baked in a woodfire oven. The salted caramel and Nutella donuts are always popular, as is their traditional jam, blueberry crumble and passionfruit meringue. Gramercy Espresso & Eats – 200 Edward St, Brisbane If you like your doughnuts rich and indulgent, try Gramercy’s pillows of sugar-coated heaven, filled with things like cookies and cream, dulche de leche and creme patissiere. Mouth watering yet?

Cobbler has more than 300 whiskies from all over the world, stocking their walls everywhere from floor to ceiling. Can you imagine? Their bar is navigated by their knowledgeable staff with dark wooden stepladders, making it all look like a whisky bookstore full of whisky academics. They are hosting their first whisky tasting of the year this Feb, where they’ll focus on Diageo Single Malts. Expect labels like Talisker, Dalwhinie, Caol Ila, Clynelish, Oban, Lagavulin and Glenkinchie. Starting from 7pm, 24 Feb, try seven whiskeys with food pairing for $100 per person. The event will be hosted by Diageo Whisky Ambassador, Krystal Hart.

Method: 1. Beat eggs, sugar, butter, milk and vanilla until thick before adding flour, baking powder and salt. Chill for two to four hours. 2. Roll dough to desired thickness on floured surface before cutting into desired shapes. 3. Pour oil, making sure it’s deep enough to allow the doughnuts to float with room underneath, and heat to 185 degrees Celsius. Fry two or three doughnuts at a time until golden brown, turning once. Remove them with slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drain back into the fryer. Drain and let cool. 4. Decorate/coat with whatever you want; try glaze, powdered or granulated sugar or icing with flaked coconut, sprinkles or chopped nuts. Donuts should still be warm for optimal stickage. Mmmm, sticky.

AROUND THE WORLD

South Africa: koeksister – the Afrikaner version is twisted or braided and coated in syrup, and the Cape Malay version is soaked in a spiced syrup and coated in coconut. China: yóutiáo – a long, fried doughnut stick that isn’t sweet but is often served with congee (rice porridge) or soy milk. Indonesia: donat kentang – a ring-shaped fritter made from flour and sweet potatoes, coated with powdered/icing sugar. Italy: zeppole – a deep-fried dough ball topped with powdered sugar and often filled with custard, jelly, a butter and honey mix, or cannoli-style pastry cream.

the guide vic.live@themusic.com.au

LIVE THIS WEEK

CHART WRAP

VERY SUPERSTITIOUS

SOBER AND FIRING

SWINDLERS

Brisbane’s own Deena released second album, Black Cat, on Black Friday, but the launches are Wednesday as part of BrisAsia Festival, Friday in Queen St Mall, 8 Mar at Kettle & Tin and 20 Mar at Black Bear Lodge.

Celtic punks The Rumjacks are back with new album Sober & Godless and a nationwide tour to celebrate. See the Sydneysiders and their unique brand of raucous Celtic tunes at The Bearded Lady, Thursday and Solbar, Maroochydore, Friday.

Detroit Swindle will bring their high energy set and GSOH to Aussie house and techno fans when they hit TBC Club, Friday. The Amsterdam duo have been on fire, receiving critical acclaim for their debut album, last year’s Boxed Out.

BONNY NIGHT

FOLKING AROUND

TAKING AGES

Saturday at The Milk Factory, see The Bon Scotts presenting tunes from latest album Modern Capitalism Gets Things Done. They’ll bring the charm, as well as their skills on accordion, violin, banjo, harmonica, cello and who knows what else.

After years of tinkering away at their sound, folk-duo The Muggy River Ramblers have finished their first set of recordings and will celebrate their debut EP Can’t Be Folked with a launch at The Milk Factory, Wednesday.

This Saturday, Brisbanebased band Ages Of Earth will launch their EP Smother at The Zoo, with help from guests Weightless In Orbit, Seven Sermons and House Of Giants. It’s be a night of heavy, progressive music all for $10.

FROSTBITE

SMELLS GOOD

TAKE ME TO COURT

See the latest album from Ben Frost, A U R O R A, performed live at Brisbane Powerhouse on Wednesday. Frost joins fellow sonic physicalist Lawrence English for a special Room 40 event; you’ll feel the music through your whole body.

This Thursday, head to The Brightside to be blown away by the music and lyrics of Perfume Genius. The moniker for Mike Hadreas, Perfume Genius’ tunes will challenge, uplift and move you. And that falsetto – oof.

The Courtneys and HINDS (formerly Deers, pictured) are joining up for one night only in Brisbane, playing Black Bear Lodge on Thursday with local legends The Furrs supporting. It’ll be a night of jangle pop, slacker fuzz and garage.

KIND MEREDITH

TENTREE-CLES

FEEL THE EARTH MOVE

This Sunday’s Triffid Roots at The Triffid features Mt Tamborine singer-songwriter David Baker aka Creature Kind, whose music swings from indie rock, electronic and acoustic pop, and Meredith, who fuses lo-fi indie pop.

On Tuesday, Canadian Gordie Tentrees comes to Junk Bar. He performs 200 gigs in 11 countries a year, and plays guitar, dobro and harp, so check him out. He’ll be supported by Dan Challis and Steve Grady on the night.

The grooves continue with the Earth Frequency Festival After Party. Join D-Sens (FR), Knobs (ITA), Beat Fatigue (NL), Andreilien (US), Hypnotech (US), Digital Rust (US) and Dov (US). It’s $20, Friday, Woolly Mammoth Mane Stage.

FOR MORE HEAD TO THEMUSIC.COM.AU

GRENADIERS

Fresh from their time as triple j’s Feature Album artists last week, Adelaide punk outfit Grenadiers have scored the highest debut spot for this week’s Carlton Dry Independent Music Charts, with their recent full-length, Summer, nabbing them #13 on the latest Albums ladder. They’re not the only newcomers for the week, however, with Juke Kartel — who’ve been operating under the moniker London Cries for at least the last year (and, confusingly, still manage two Facebook pages) — earning #14 for The Lost Songs EP. As with recent weeks, though, the new entries can’t quite upset the existing status quo in the top half of the charts, where Sia and Flight Facilities remain in the top two spots (for 1000 Forms Of Fear and Down To Earth respectively), while Chet Faker overtakes… himself… to see his iTunes Session (#3) outrate Thinking In Textures (#4). Old mates Sticky Fingers and their Land Of Pleasure LP round out the top five. As with the full-length bracket, the camera-shy Sia is still a top concern in the Singles stakes, with Elastic Heart and Chandelier both staying strong at #1 and #3 respectively, separated by Faker’s Talk Is Cheap (#2). The Gold scribe features a few times this week, with that song grabbing #6, 1998 taking #9, and Drop The Game, his collaboration with Flume, up three places on last week to #14. Hayden James and Something About You are also up this week, two spots to #4, while freshly minted Tonight Show alumni Sheppard maintain course with Geronimo holding fast at #5. THE MUSIC • 18TH FEBRUARY 2015 • 27

the guide qld.live@themusic.com.au

SINGLE FOCUS

JUST VISITING

I really just wanted to capture that feeling we used to get when we heard new rap music on 411 skate videos back in the day. That was how we found new music back then. We’ll like this song if we like... Rap music.

SETH SENTRY Single title? Run What’s the song about? Run is about me growing up and being a stoner/skater brat in a small coastal town called Sorrento. How long did it take to write/ record? I actually wrote the song quite quickly, once I had the topic it all kind of poured out. Recording was quite quick as well although it took a while to find someone for the hook.

Do you play it differently live? I guess I always eventually end up playing my songs differently live. This is the first time playing run though so I guess we’ll see how it goes! When and where is your launch/ next gig? 20 Feb, The Hi-Fi; 21 Feb, Solbar, Maroochydore. Website link for more info? sethsentry.com

HINDS Answered by: Ana Perrote

What will you be taking home as a souvenir? Sand, hats and pictures!

Why are you coming to visit our fair country? To smash it on tour! (And surf.)

Where can we come say hi, and buy you an Aussie beer? 19 Feb, Black Bear Lodge.

Is this your f irst visit? YES! Of course! Do you know how far is Spain from there?! Ha ha, I still can’t believe it.

Website link for more info? facebook.com/hindsband

How long are you here for? Ten days! What do you know about Australia, in ten words or less? Amazing beaches, kind people, healthy food and party hard.

Is this track from a forthcoming release/existing release? Run is the first taste of my next album.

Any extra-curricular activities you hope to participate in? Kangarooing?

What was inspiring you during the song’s writing and recording?

HAVE YOU HEARD

ALBUM FOCUS

– what would it be? Chocolate Starfish And The Hot Dog Flavoured Water - Limp Bizkit

ARRIVALS Answered by: Andrew Edward

Greatest rock’n’roll moment of your career to date? Probably the night when half of us got drunk in Sydney right before we had a show and the band supplying backline couldn’t play anymore, so we played a last minute acoustic set and didn’t get booed off stage.

How did you get together? Three of us were in a band together before this, and we just carried on what we were doing but wrote all new material with the two new guys joining us.

Why should people come and see your band? We’re a whole lot of fun, come and see for yourself.

Sum up your musical sound in four words? Pizza beer posi mosh.

Website link for more info? facebook.com/arrivalspoppunk

When and where for your next gig? 20 Feb, The Lab; 14 Mar, Upstairs 199.

If you could support any band in the world - past or present - who would it be? Linkin Park. Silverstein are close because they’re also amazing.

Was anything in particular inspiring you during the making? Each other! We had a seriously great team put together.

THE RUMJACKS Album title? Sober And Godless Where did the title of your new album come from? The title track; I thought “FUCK IT! It’s not as though anyone’s gonna write a folk/punk song about being sober, are they?!” which ironically it turned out anything but. How many releases do you have now? This’ll make it two EPs, a digital single and two full-length albums in total.

What’s your favourite song on it? Barred For Life – it’s just so much fun to play live, with a big ol’ singalong at the end. Will you do anything differently next time? Less yin/more yang, lock us in and push our meals to us with a stick, don’t let us out until we’re broken, and record EVERYTHING. When and where is your launch/ next gig? 19 Feb, The Bearded Lady; 20 Feb. Solbar; 21 Feb, Currumbin Creek Tavern. Website link for more info? therumjacks.com

How long did it take to write/ record? Some of these songs have been around for several years, so half a dozen prac sessions plus about four

You’re being sent into space, no iPod, you can bring one album 28 • THE MUSIC • 18TH FEBRUARY 2015

weeks in the studio.

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THE MUSIC PRESENTS Seth Sentry: The Hi-Fi 20 Feb, Solbar 21 Feb

Xavier Rudd & The United Nations: The Tivoli 22 Mar

Real Estate: The Zoo 27 Feb

Bluesfest Byron Bay: Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm 2-6 Apr

Sharon Van Etten: The Zoo 4 Mar London Grammar: Brisbane Riverstage 7 Mar 65daysofstatic: The Hi-Fi 11 Mar DZ Deathrays: The Brightside 13 Mar Mojo Burning Festival: New Globe Theatre 21 Mar

WED 18

Room 40: 15 feat. + Ben Frost + Lawrence English: Brisbane Powerhouse (Rooftop Terrace) , New Farm Trivia: Glenmore Tavern, Norman Gardens Locky: Irish Murphy’s, Brisbane Big Jam with+Chris Ramsay: Manly Hotel, Manly Seamie Kehoe: Mick O’Malley’s, Brisbane Trivia: Redland Bay Hotel, Redland Bay Open Mic Night+Various Artists: Solbar (Lounge Bar) , Maroochydore Unstable Landings feat. + LAFIDKI + Wardenburger + Paul Young + more: The Bearded Lady, West End The Lyrical : The Elephant Hotel, Fortitude Valley ‘Low Life’ & ‘Brotherhood’ performed live by +Peter Hook & The Light: The Tivoli, Fortitude Valley

Mavis Staples: Brisbane Powerhouse 8 Apr The Beards: Spotted Cow 30 Apr, The Triffid 1 May, The Northern 3 May Urban Country Music Festival: Caboolture 1-3 May Supersuckers & The Bellrays: The Zoo 22 May

Stand Up Comedy+Various Artists: Dog and Parrot Tavern, Robina

Elvis To The Max+Max Pellicano: Brothers Leagues Club, Manunda

Infected Mushroom: Family Nightclub, Fortitude Valley

Fingerprint: Brothers Leagues Club, Manunda

Karaoke: Glenmore Tavern, Norman Gardens

TGIF+Various Artists: Buderim Tavern, Buderim

Karaoke: Imperial Hotel, Beenleigh

Various Artists: Capalaba Tavern, Capalaba

Jabba: Irish Murphy’s, Brisbane

Jimmy Watts: Cardigan Bar, Sandgate

Karaoke: Manly Hotel, Manly

Tom Roberts: Oxford 152, Bulimba

Rawr Vanity + Being Jane Lane + Tesla Coil + Faleepo Francisco + The Stray Selection: Chardons Corner Hotel, Annerley

Karaoke: Prince of Wales Hotel, Nundah

Various Artists: Commercial Hotel, Nerang

Karaoke: Redland Bay Hotel, Redland Bay

Various Artists: Coomera Tavern, Upper Coomera

The Royales + Lights Of Berlin: Ric’s Bar, Fortitude Valley

To The North + The Gifthorse + We Set Sail + Inside The Whale + Very Clever: Crowbar, Fortitude Valley

Sarah Booker: Mick O’Malley’s, Brisbane

Andrea Kirwin: Solbar (Front Bar ) , Maroochydore Trivia: Springwood Hotel, Rochedale South The Rumjacks + Obserd: The Bearded Lady, West End

Level 1 Wednesdays + Various DJs: Victory Hotel, Brisbane

Perfume Genius: The Brightside, Fortitude Valley

THU 19

The Vultures: The Elephant Hotel, Fortitude Valley

Karaoke: Alderley Arms Hotel, Alderley

Vulture St Tape Gang: The Milk Factory Kitchen & Bar, South Brisbane

Open Mic Night + Various Artists: Bay Central Tavern, Urraween

J Mascis + Adalita: The Zoo, Fortitude Valley

Tha Alkoholiks + DTACH + Zu Ninjaz + DJ Rellik: Beetle Bar, Brisbane The Courtneys + Hinds + The Furrs: Black Bear Lodge, Fortitude Valley Jam Night+Various Artists: Capalaba Tavern, Capalaba Povarotti + Danza + El Monstro + Cruel Machine: Crowbar, Fortitude Valley

GIG OF THE WEEK THE COURTNEYS: 19 FEB, BLACK BEAR LODGE

Thirsty Thursdays+Various DJs: Victory Hotel, Brisbane J Rocc: Woolly Mammoth, Fortitude Valley

FRI 20

The Mercy Beat + New Jack Rubys + The Ron Swansons + Columbia Buffet: Beetle Bar, Brisbane The Belligerents: Black Bear Lodge, Fortitude Valley

Various Artists: Dalrymple Hotel, Garbutt The Bon Scotts + Lutra Lutra: Eat Street Markets, Hamilton Joel Fletcher + Who Killed Mickey: Eatons Hill Hotel, Eatons Hill Loa: Habitat Restaurant & Bar, South Brisbane The Febs: Hamilton Hotel (Public Bar) , Hamilton Various Artists: Hinterland Hotel, Nerang Various Artists: Irish Finnegans, Thuringowa Central Berst + Andrew Taylor: Irish Murphy’s, Brisbane Karaoke: Kedron Park Hotel, Lutwyche The Cornermen: Lock ‘n’ Load Bistro, West End Black Majic: Logan Diggers Club, Logan Central Ace DJs: Manly Hotel, Manly

S U P P O R T I N G

Locky: Mick O’Malley’s, Brisbane

Lindsey Stirling: The Tivoli, Fortitude Valley

Signature Duo: Mick O’Malley’s, Brisbane

Triffid Seeds feat. +The Midway Creatures + Indigo Daze + Sports Fan + Varsity: The Triffid, Newstead

DJ Rio + DJ Monique Unique: Oxford 152, Bulimba Karaoke: Pub Lane Tavern, Greenbank Deena: Queen Street Mall, Brisbane Various Artists: Raintrees Tavern, Manunda Russ Walker: Redland Bay Hotel, Redland Bay Third Day + Needtobreathe + Levi McGrath: Riverstage, Brisbane

Steve Lucas & X-Aspirators + Mick Medew & The Rumours + Ironside: The Underdog Pub Co, Fortitude Valley Between Kings + Superkaleida + Yaurout: The Zoo, Fortitude Valley Various DJs + Karaoke: Victory Hotel, Brisbane Level 1 Fridays + Various DJs: Victory Hotel, Brisbane

James Southwell Band: Royal Mail Hotel, Goodna

Karaoke: Warner Tavern (Sports Bar) , Warner

Various Artists: Smithfield Tavern, Smithfield

Various Artists: Wharf Tavern (Balcony) , Mooloolaba

The Rumjacks: Solbar, Maroochydore

Official Earth Frequency Festival After-Party+D-Sens + Knobs + Beat Fatigue + Andreilien + Hypnotech + Digital Rust + Dov: Woolly Mammoth, Fortitude Valley

Marco: Solbar (Lounge Bar) , Maroochydore J Mascis + Adalita: Soundlounge, Currumbin Detroit Swindle: TBC Club (The Bowler Club), Fortitude Valley Erica Freas + Hot Tears + Nature Trails + 100% + Hanny J: The Bearded Lady, West End Harms Way: The Brightside, Fortitude Valley Mark Bono + Ramjet: The Elephant Hotel, Fortitude Valley Seth Sentry + Citizen Kay + Coin Banks: The Hi-Fi, West End Ingrid James + Libor Smoldas: The Lido Cafe & Restaurant, Ascot Stanton Warriors: The Met, Fortitude Valley Bobby Alu: The Motor Room, West End Clowns + American Sharks: The Spotted Cow, Toowoomba

I N D E P E N D E N T

SAT 21

Lunar Seasons + Dirty Liars + Flannelette + Lip Sinder: Beetle Bar, Brisbane Gladyys + White Lodge: Black Bear Lodge, Fortitude Valley Sn@p Music/Art Showcase feat. +Jared Collins + Brian Sexton + Kalopsia + Fionn Richards + System 30: BrisWest Centre, Paddington Karaoke: Brook Hotel, Mitchelton 4 In A Groove: Brothers Leagues Club, Manunda Karaoke: Capalaba Tavern, Capalaba The Veronicas + Dean Ray: City Hall, Brisbane Clowns + American Sharks: Crowbar, Fortitude Valley

A U S S I E

M U S I C

the guide qld.gigguide@themusic.com.au The Rumjacks: Currumbin Creek Tavern, Currumbin Waters

Brisbane Comedy Festival: Donkey+Hannah Gadsby: Brisbane Powerhouse (Visy Theatre) , New Farm

Jesse Morris + Dillion James: Eat Street Markets, Hamilton

Brisbane Comedy Festival: Beard Game Strong+Nick Cody: Brisbane Powerhouse (Turbine Studio) , New Farm

Aled Jones: Eatons Hill Hotel, Eatons Hill Various Artists: Ferny Grove Tavern, Ferny Grove

Big Jim: Brothers Leagues Club, Manunda

Daryl Braithwaite: Hamilton Hotel, Hamilton

Trivia: Buderim Tavern, Buderim

Stewart Fairhurst + Alternator: Hamilton Hotel (Public Bar) , Hamilton

Trivia: Irish Finnegans, Thuringowa Central Woody Lives Here: Irish Murphy’s, Brisbane

Jabba + Nic Tango: Irish Murphy’s, Brisbane

Trivia: Kedron Park Hotel, Lutwyche

Blues Cruise ‘15 feat. + Dezzie D & The Stingrayz + Mojo Webb: Kookaburra River Queens, Brisbane Ball Park Music + Jeremy Neale + Tongue Tied Thieves: Lake Kawana Community Centre, Ingham The Sky Church Experience: Lock ‘n’ Load Bistro, West End The Darren J Ray Band: Logan Diggers Club, Logan Central Various Artists: Manly Hotel, Manly Ace DJs: Manly Hotel, Manly Irish Sessions+Ger Fennelly: Mick O’Malley’s, Brisbane Zoophonic Blonde: Mick O’Malley’s, Brisbane The Necks: Old Museum, Fortitude Valley DJ Komplex: Oxford 152, Bulimba Various Artists: Pub Lane Tavern, Greenbank Karaoke: Raintrees Tavern, Manunda Adrian Keyes + The Lazy Valentines: Redland Bay Hotel, Redland Bay Karaoke: Redland Bay Hotel, Redland Bay Love Hate Rebellion + Monks Of Mellonwah: Ric’s Bar, Fortitude Valley Greg McHugh & the Free Loves + John Malcolm: Royal Mail Hotel, Goodna Seth Sentry + Citizen Kay + Coin Banks: Solbar, Maroochydore The Estranged + Infinite Void + Last Chaos + Occults + Sick People: The Bearded Lady, West End Never Lose Sight + The Brave + Saints Alight + Daybreakers: The Brightside, Fortitude Valley Alter Egos: The Elephant Hotel, Fortitude Valley Worthy: The Met (Coco Room) , Fortitude Valley The Bon Scotts + The Dawn Chorus: The Milk Factory Kitchen & Bar, South Brisbane

Trivia: Manly Hotel, Manly Ben Eaton: Mick O’Malley’s, Brisbane

BEN FROST: 18 FEB, BRISBANE POWERHOUSE DJ El Norto: The Triffid, Newstead Triffid Seeds feat. + Average Art: The Triffid, Newstead Ecks-Travaganza feat. + Junkyard Diamonds + Trigger Warning + Whiskey & Speed + Pyromance + Tactical Chunder: The Underdog Pub Co, Fortitude Valley Underground Fest with + Various Artists: The Underdog Pub Co, Fortitude Valley Weightless In Orbit + Ages Of Earth + Seven Sermons + Houses Of Giants: The Zoo, Fortitude Valley Infected Mushroom: Union Jack Hotel & The Jack Backpackers, Cairns

Sounds of Sunday feat.+ Jeffrey Hoad: Hard Rock Cafe, Surfers Paradise Jabba + Ragdoll + Mick McHugh: Irish Murphy’s, Brisbane Crescent City Players: Lock ‘n’ Load Bistro, West End Various Artists: Manly Hotel, Manly Karaoke: Manly Hotel, Manly Irish Sessions+Ger Fennelly: Mick O’Malley’s, Brisbane

DJ Monique Unique + J-Funk: Oxford 152, Bulimba

Frolik + Amy and the Big Times: Ric’s Bar, Fortitude Valley

Old Fashioned: Solbar (Front Bar ) , Maroochydore Birdlesque + Nick Watson & the Bawdy Dicks + Various Artists: The Bearded Lady, West End Mineral + Garrett Klahn + Arrows: The Brightside, Fortitude Valley

Chocolate Strings: Cafe Le Monde, Noosa Heads

Mark Hennessey: The Elephant Hotel, Fortitude Valley

Sunday Session+Various DJs: Capalaba Tavern, Capalaba

Mamachair: The Milk Factory Kitchen & Bar, South Brisbane

The Rumjacks: Chardons Corner Hotel, Annerley

Clowns + American Sharks: The Time Machine, Nambour

Jon Stevens Trio: Coolangatta Hotel, Coolangatta

Sunday Grill with +Terror Parade + City of Refuge + Somnio: The Underdog Pub Co, Fortitude Valley

Backyard Sunday Sessions + Various Artists: Dowse Bar & Iceworks, Paddington

Trivia: Mick O’Malley’s, Brisbane

Trivia: Pub Lane Tavern, Greenbank

BASEQ Jam with + Mike Beale + Andrew Baxter Band: Royal Mail Hotel, Goodna

Fingerprint: Brothers Leagues Club, Manunda

Trivia: Kallangur Tavern, Kallangur

Worthy: Nautic Giants, Main Beach

Scatterbrain: Wharf Tavern, Mooloolaba

Livespark feat. + Two Lions + Julia Rose: Brisbane Powerhouse (Turbine Platform) , New Farm

Rob Hackwood: Irish Murphy’s, Brisbane

Uncle Bob’s Music Club + Various Artists: Prince of Wales Hotel, Nundah

The Lyrical : Redland Bay Hotel, Redland Bay

SUN 22

Trivia: Belmont Tavern, Belmont

Sasta: Mick O’Malley’s, Brisbane

Scatterbrain: Warner Tavern, Warner

DJs From Mars: Wharf Tavern (The Helm) , Mooloolaba

MON 23

Karaoke: Australian National Hotel, Woolloongabba

Suzi Quatro: Empire Theatre, Toowoomba

Open Mic + Various Artists: The Underdog Pub Co, Fortitude Valley

Danny Widdicombe: Habitat Restaurant & Bar, South Brisbane

Jug & Hooter Sundays+Various Artists: Victory Hotel, Brisbane

The Front: Hamilton Hotel (Public Bar) , Hamilton

S U P P O R T I N G

Ryan Brooks: The Elephant Hotel, Fortitude Valley

TUE 24

Trivia: Prince of Wales Hotel, Nundah Billy Connolly: QPAC (Concert Hall) , South Brisbane Foo Fighters + Rise Against: Suncorp Stadium, Milton Mark Hennessey: The Elephant Hotel, Fortitude Valley Trivia: The Gap Tavern, The Gap Karaoke: The Underdog Pub Co, Fortitude Valley

classies classies.themusic.com.au MUSIC SERVICES RECORDING STUDIOS ALCHEMIX RECORDING STUDIOS

Trivia: Alderley Arms Hotel, Alderley Trivia: Allenstown Hotel, Allenstown

Trivia: Australian National Hotel, Woolloongabba Suzi Quatro: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, South Bank Brisbane Comedy Festival: Running is Good+Jack Druce: Brisbane Powerhouse (Graffiti Room) , New Farm Brisbane Comedy Festival: Let Me Know How It All Works Out+Celia Pacquola: Brisbane Powerhouse (Visy Theatre) , New Farm

www.alchemix.com.au recording-mixing-mastering-andproducing-artists-since-1998 look-us-up-or-ring-for-questionsanswered 0407630770 sound@ alchemix.com.au Ad ID: 4-14285

Brisbane Comedy Festival: The Antichris+Chris Wainhouse: Brisbane Powerhouse (Turbine Studio) , New Farm Brisbane Comedy Festival: Molotovs on Old Street+Tien Tran: Brisbane Powerhouse (Turbine Studio) , New Farm

I N D E P E N D E N T

A U S S I E

M U S I C