Sauce - Issue 83, 10-12-08

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. ISSUE 83 . DEC 10 - DEC 23 2008 . TASMANIA’S STREET PRESS

ON The Road also

FATBOY SLIM

and In Your facE L ET THE CAT OUT

after the fall the living end havana brown mike noga amali ward van diemen local djs spotlight hot mods games: littlebigplanet film: quantum of solace arts and more.. ! plus

“…getting mad and stomping my foot didn’t have the desired effect… tantrums never do …”

PUNK – HOBART // STAND DEFIANT

Band on the Blacklist: Banned

Defiant’s been busy. They’ve got a new album on the way and are gearing up for a statewide tour with Mindset and The Turnaround. “I’m oStand really excited because a big goal of mine was to be able to work with Bill Stevenson (drummer in Black Flag, The Descendants, All and Only

Crime and also produced Rise Against, The Descendants, A Wilhelm Scream, Lagwgon, and so on) and that is within our reach so it’s a pretty crazy time trying to get our material as good as it can be,” says frontman, Mischa Calcagno. However, fans in the north may find that the usual venues haven’t come to the party.

His band and bands he represents have found “it gets frustrating when, one at a time, venues in one area begin to close out your style of music because it won’t make them as much money as a DJ or some cover band.” Frustrating for the bands and promoter, yes. But surely a venue needs to make money, which means sometimes playing it safe. Mischa continues.

“Now keeping that in mind, it becomes even more frustrating when the same people who try to force you out of their venues then go behind your back to bands you have worked with in the past and are friends with, more importantly, to try and undercut you and offer them spots on their festivals on the proviso they only tour with them when they come back to Tasmania next time. So I called bullshit.”

He acknowledges that maybe he’d have had an easier time of it if he’d never raised the issue in the first place, but “sometimes the music industry, especially in Tasmania is more about what doesn’t get said rather than what does. Many promoters and bands have stopped booking Launceston as it’s beginning to become a one-horse town, which, for those who have the reigns, is great, but it leaves the rest of us shaking our heads in disbelief. The other side of it is fair too. If shows aren’t being supported why would they put them on? Venues in Launceston… have helped us out… and back in the day, before the shit went down, helped us build something, but because of a couple of incidents at some places, we either chose not to play there, or got blacklisted and have never been given a chance to make amends.”

So what’s going on? “Well I feel there is a real lack of communication up there between venues, promoters and bands and it’s not just me. The kind of relationships that have been nurtured at venues [in the south] make for better shows because everyone knows what to expect and know how to suck it up when something WWW.SAUCE.NET.AU

doesn’t go exactly as planned. I guess in a round about way I wanted to open a dialogue between heavier bands and venues and get something working, something professional, functional and viable for everyone involved. Of course getting mad and stomping my foot didn’t have the desired effect,” he says, “tantrums never do.” A fair point, considering this particular tantrum manifested itself on a popular online forum – never the best resource for professional dialogue.

But the cat’s out of the bag now, so why does he think nobody is prepared to work together to resolve the issue? “Well it’s easier to blacklist someone than take on board their concerns and work together to make sure things get better instead of sliding backwards.

I know I shot my mouth off and called people out by name. I probably wouldn’t want to work with me again either,” he says, regretfully. But, like most people “I’m a passionate person,” he says, “especially when it comes to music, I was playing here when no one came to shows, no bands came to town, festivals bombed more than they succeeded and wannabe gangster motherf*ckers would try and rip you off at every turn.”

“We did everything in our power to change that and I’m scared of seeing a return to the late 90s and early 2000s where bands had to leave the state just to get a show, such as The Nation Blue who have since released three amazing records and toured with the Foo Fighters… Doesn’t that make anyone else worried?

That we can have such a wealth of talent here and it gets totally ignored because it’s a lot harder to market?

Because it scares the shit out of me.”

“I think it’s a promoter’s responsibility and also that of clubs and pubs to provide for the local scene. You can’t book bigger bands without a strong support structure of punters used to going to venues to see local bands.

It just won’t work. So then the larger bands stop being interested and you have the same situation we fought to change by starting Disconnect Records four years ago - Tasmania being wholly ignored by independent bands because it was too difficult to make it work due to no support network.”

So where do we go from here? “I ask myself the same question - on the one hand we’ve got some of the hardest working and most talented bands in the country stuck on this island, struggling in their own town and killing it on the mainland and, in some cases, internationally. And on the other, all these opposing forces trying to book shows over each other in a scene that can’t really support it. It’s pretty easy to take the cream off the top and leave the rest to fight it out, but really, how long will that last for? Long enough to make a profit and move on, maybe, but anyone who actually plays music for the love of it knows that is not acceptable. I don’t want young bands having the same nightmares we had trying to get shows because venues don’t think they’ll be worth doing due to punters causing problems, small turnouts, or it won’t be as cheap as something else.”

Ah, the money thing again. But maybe before dollars start getting thrown around, there’s a more fundamental issue that needs to be addressed. How would he like to see venues treat bands? “The same way as I would like to see bands treat venues, with respect,” he says, simply. “The same way punters should treat venues, with f*cking respect, that’s what it comes down to really. If you feel disrespected by being thrown out of a show instead of an alcoholic regular who punched you in the face because he didn’t like the sound of your band, you’ll do something stupid. It goes both ways.”

“If your band turns up drunk, can’t set up a PA and

brings a bunch of idiot mates who can’t help but vomit on the floor because they can’t hold their liquor don’t be expected to be asked back. If you’re in there setting up your own system (or their system for them!) playing on time and doing your best to make sure the venue, promoter and other bands are looked after and you’re doing the best you can, a little respect for your hard work should flow your way, if not, don’t go back.”

And what about us, what can we do? “I would hope that everyone out there who is reading this has gone out to support their local scene, whether it be punk, metal, indie, whatever. Maybe bought a shirt or a CD, or if not, at least had a positive experience at a show and then told someone else to come check it out next time with them - if not, why are they reading a music street press? That’s all you can really ask for as a musician, is that if people have a good time watching your band because then you have a good time playing to them. As a band I think it’s your responsibility to be as good as you can be, because if they do have a good time they’ll spread the word so more people will come next time.

I’m not saying be the best musically, or performance wise, I mean be the best at being your band, if it’s honest and from the heart and in time (most of the time), no matter what style you play, it will be good.”

Sounds like something we can all help to do. After all, we do it because, primarily, it’s fun. Right? sCHRIS RATTRAY Stand defiantly, but respectfully!

0 December 18 @ Worker’s Club, Launceston (all ages) 0 December 19 @ Spur’s Night Club, Devonport (6pm – all ages, 10pm – 18+) 0 December 20 @ The Brisbane Hotel, Hobart (3:30pm – all ages, 9pm – 18+) . ISSUE 83 . DECEMBER 10 - DECEMBER 23 2008

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NEWS

SAUCE STICKER WINNER

MS FEST 09, 2ND LINEUP ANNOUNCEMENT Added to the lineup for the Festival are The Butterfly Effect, Sam La More, Klaus Hill, Two Fresh and Art Vs. Science.

This is in addition to The Living End, The Presets, Cog, Faker, Gyroscope, Josh Pyke, Carpathian, Drapht, Funkoars and Paris Wells.

MS Fest 09, February 7th, 2009 at Launceston, Inveresk Showgrounds. More info: www.msfest.com CREATIVE VIBES CLOSES Since their opening in 1994, Creative Vibes has “set out to make sure that music shops, music media and above all, music lovers got to hear and learn about the many brilliant, but non-mainstream artists from all over the world, including and especially those on home soil.”

However they are unable to compete with “competition [from] large companies and multinational companies supplying everything from music to computers and electrical items, to give retailers what they now need to stay in business and sell good music at the same time,” a representative said.

TASTE WANTS YOUR RECIPES Do you have a dish or a meal that stimulates a memory, reminds you of a happy or nostalgic time, uses fresh local produce, makes your tummy happy or resonates a strong sense of place?

From your best cheese on toast, to your famous eight course meal, if you have a recipe you’d like to share we would LOVE you to upload it to our blog ( http:// www.tastefestival.com.au/blog ), email it to us info@ tastefestival.com.au or bring it in to the Festival, 28 December - 3 Jan.

During 2009 we will be cooking and testing these recipes and compiling a ‘living taste’, so your name and recipe could be published for posterity.

PLATINUM FOR PRESETS On top of all the other awards and plaudits for their latest, The Presets Apocalypso has gone platinum… x2!

CENTRAL STATION RECORDS SHUTS DOWN After 32 proud years, Central Station Records closed its doors for the last time on Wednesday. The trademarks and some of the brands may find life elsewhere moving forward, but the label itself is now shut down.

PHRASE MONKEYS AROUND IN NEW CLIP The film clip for Phrase’s latest single Skylight has just been revealed. A tribute to the classic television show Monkey, the clip stars Phrase as Monkey alongside Aussie rock legend Kram as Shadow Wizard. With a supporting cast featuring J-Skub (Jackson Jackson) as Tripitaka, Illy as Sandy, Radman as Pigsy, and Jade Macrae as Buddha, the clip is now available online via http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgCNCgzmyXc.

JORD ALLEN GETS HAPPY Jord Allen hits the Independent Music charts at No. 3, No 20 on the ARIA National “Hit Seekers” chart and the ARIA National Charts at No. 59 for the week ending 10.11.08, with his single Get Happy. This great track continues to gain momentum.

2008 JAGERMESTER AIR AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED More than five hundred members of the music industry and artists gathered at Melbourne’s Corner Hotel to acknowledge and celebrate independent music in Australia. Congratulations to the following:

REMIX THE DANDY WARHOLS Here’s your chance to download the audio and artwork stems of The Dandy Warhols’ Mis Amigos, to make your very own version!

Best Independent Artist: The Herd, Best Independent Album: Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu Gurrumul, Best Independent Single/EP: The Getaway Plan - Where the City Meets The Sea, Best New Independent Artist: Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu , Best Independent Hard Rock/Punk Album: Eddy Current Suppression Ring - Primary Colours , Best Independent Urban/Hip Hop Album: The Herd Summerland , Best Independent Country Album: Bec Willis - Bec Willis, Best Independent Dance/Electronica Album: Peret Mako The Devil is in the Detail, Best Australian Independent Blues/Roots Album: Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu Gurrumul, Best Australian Independent Jazz Album: Tina Harrod – Worksongs www.airawards.com.au

The winner of the competition gets their song pressed onto a one-off, 12” white vinyl, to be signed by the band and the track will air on The Dandy Warhols’ MySpace site. Comp closes February 1, 2009.

Download the widget from: http://www.myspace.com/etchnsketchrecords

I SET MY FRIENDS ON FIRE TEACH KIDS SAFE SEX Miami’s experimental electro-grind duo I Set My Friends On Fire have have teamed up with the widely popular sketch comedy site Smosh.com to create the web phenomenon Sex Ed Rocks, a hilarious new song and video about the importance of safe sex.

Co-written by I Set My Friends On Fire and Smosh, Sex Ed Rocks was posted on Youtube.com on Friday, November 21. Check it out at: http://www.youtube. com/watch?v=R_6ItxioUco

KANYE’S ON TOP Certainly amongst the most talked-about and debated pop moments in recent memory, Kanye West’s bold, controversial new album 808s & Heartbreak has resonated with listeners around the world; like his previous three albums, 808s has entered the Billboard Album Chart on top.

PIRATE CAFÉ FINED An internet café located in Sydney’s Pitt St. was raided in December 2007. Almost a year later, the company, Interville Technology Pty Ltd, pleaded guilty to 40 charges of copyright infringement. A fine totaling $82,000 on the company plus court costs was imposed and they were ordered that the computer terminals and servers seized during the raid were to be forfeited.

Eight terabytes of storage containing hundreds of thousands of infringing movie, TV and music titles were seized in the raid.

IS THIS YOUR REGO? YOU WIN! If this is your car, email a pic of yourself in front of your rego to competitions@sauce.net.au, with STICKER WINNER in the subject line by Friday, 19th of December @ 5pm to win two new release CDs. In the body of the email, let us know what two genres of music you’d prefer the CDs to be from.

If you don’t let us know in time, the prize will JACKPOT, so next edition there will be four CDs to be won. And so on …

To get in on the action, get a SAUCE sticker (email chris@sauce.net.au with your postal address and CAR STICKER in the subject line if you want one!) and whack it on your vehicle! One vehicle with a sticker displayed will be chosen each edition to win the CDs. Check each edition of SAUCE to see if you’ve won. It’s that easy!

PRIMAL SCREAM TO TOUR After a nine year absence from Australian shores, Primal Scream will be playing at Sydney’s Forum, on February 4, on the back of their ninth studio album, Welcome to Your Beautiful Future. Numerology enthusiasts will undoubtedly get a kick out of the “nine” association.

THE STREETS TO TOUR With a brand new album, Everything Is Borrowed (September 2008) tucked under their belts, The Streets return to Australia to tour in 2009. www.the-streets.co.uk KISSCHASY ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM TITLE Kisschasy has decided on a name for their new album six months out from the release date. The album will be entitled Seizures. Kisschasy are set to commence work on Seizures first thing next year.

PREVIOUS WINNER: JEZ!

COMPETITION THE MIGHTY BOOSH

We have FIVE copies of The Mighty Boosh LIVE to giveaway!

Email your name, address and which three bands or artists you most want to tour Tassie to competitions@ sauce.net.au. Write “THE MIGHTY BOOSH” in the subject line. Make an assessment!

NEEDLE VENDING MACHINES TO REDUCE RISK #83 - December 10 to December 23

Contents 3 4 5 6 8 10 11 12 14 15 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 29 30

Stand Defiant News Fatboy Slim DJ Madden The Living End / Let the Cat Out Havana Brown Mike Noga / Van Diemen Syrup DJ Profiles Amali Ward / C.W. Stoneking ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE Bleeding Through / The Loft DJs First Harvest Report Grumpy Neighbour / After the Fall Reviews - Gigs Top Shelf / The Stafford Brothers Taste Festival DJs / Mike Hyper Hot Mods Brian Richie on MoFo Screen - Marc Forster Zzapped - LittleBigPlanet Comedy Street Fashion / Reviews - CDs

Contact:

Phone: 03 6331 0701 General Manager - Advertising:

David Williams Email: david@sauce.net.au Editor: Chris Rattray Email: chris@sauce.net.au Art Director: Simon Hancock Email: simon@sauce.net.au Opinions expressed in Sauce are not necessarily those of the Editor or staff. Sauce Publishing accepts no liability for the accuracy of advertisements.

Contributors Sasha Perera, Michael Blake, Hannah Keen, Tabitha Fletcher, Peter Mayhew, Carl Fidler, Glenn Moorehouse, Guy Davis, David Quinn, Mike Wilcox, Tiarne Double, Clayton MacIntosh, Justin Heazlewood, Mick Lowenstein, David Walker, Jason Hoggett, Belle McQuattie, Christian MacDonald.

Next Edition Sauce #84 - 24/12/08 to 06/01/09 Artwork Deadline 19/12/08 @ 3pm

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. ISSUE 83 . DECEMBER 10 - DECEMBER 23 2008

Needle vending machines have recently been introduced at key locations in Devonport and Hobart, with Launceston to follow.

We spoke with the coordinators of the Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) to find out more about this new addition to the program.

The introduction of needle vending machines is part of a wider overall needle provision program – what’s the history of this program in Tasmania?

The NSP in Tasmania in 1993 with the HIV Preventive Measures Act with the prime objective of reducing the spread of blood borne viruses in the community through the strategies of: 1. reducing the sharing of injecting equipment, and; 2. promoting the safe disposal of injecting equipment.

The program has grown substantially since then and has been broadened to encompass harm reduction objectives. The increase in demand of injecting equipment can be considered as a success indicator from a public health point of view as it indicates more injecting drug users are employing safer injecting practices and hence controlling the spread of blood borne viruses. The NSP in Australia was started as a response to the AIDS epidemic.

What or who prompted the addition of needle vending machines to this program?

With the relocation of the Drug and Alcohol Service to St John’s Park this meant that closure of the only 24hr NSP outlet in Hobart. There is reasonable after hours access in the northwest (Smithton, and Burnie regional hospitals), but not in the north and south of the state. Injecting drug users were reporting the reusing and sharing of injecting equipment because of limited after hours access to injecting equipment.

It was realised that the three areas needing to have 24hr access were Devonport, Launceston and Hobart.

Access to equipment in these areas is limited by the business hours of the NSP outlets already in these localities. A decision was made to install and trial three

vending machines for twelve months.

What precedents are there for a program such as this in other countries/cities?

102 NSP vending machines have been operating in New South Wales for over ten years. Western Australia, Queensland, and the ACT have all introduced vending machines recently with South Australia looking at installing machines soon. Countries like Germany and France also have vending machines How does this program contribute to health and safety in the community?

The goal of the NSP is to provide safe injecting equipment to people who inject drugs in order to reduce harm associated with injecting drug use, provide brief interventions to address the health and social needs of people who inject drugs and to increase access to harm reduction support services There may be some people who’d like to utilise the vending machines but are fearful that they could be victimised or stigmatised – how do you address those concerns?

Studies show that as well as being accessed by regular injectors, vending machines are accessed by people who do not identify as injectors - people who may only inject occasionally or people wishing to remain anonymous. Most machines are located where they can used discreetly and are positioned away from public scrutiny, and without putting users at risk of verbal and physical assault or harassment from other drug users.

STUDIO DIARY FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4 Rock Challenge Winners - The Framed

Primary Needle and Syringe Program outlets are available at the following locations:

0 TasCAHRD 319 Liverpool Street, Hobart, 6234 1242 0 The Link Youth Health Service 57 Liverpool Street, Hobart, 6231 2927 0 TasCAHRD 2 Terry Street, Glenorchy, 6272 7892 0 Clarence Community Health Centre 16-22 Bayfield Street, Rosny, 6211 4556 0 Salvation Army 109a Elizabeth Street, Launceston, 6331 6760 0 Youth and Family Focus 81 Oldaker Street, Devonport, 6423 6638

Four days hitting it hard in the studio. We recorded three songs for the new EP. I believe the band has a strong resemblance to Skunk Anansie and Evanescence, with powerful female vocals. The first day was very productive, sparing us bonus time for Xbox and backyard cricket. It was a cool vibe. Caitlin nailed the vocals after two takes, and then baked up a cake for the band to munch on!

Their EP will be released on December 20. www.myspace.com/theframedtas

WWW.SAUCE.NET.AU

DANCE – UK // FATBOY SLIM

Internet Exaggerates Reports of Death

to earlier reports this year, Fatboy Slim is not dead. Not only is he not dead, but the equally good news is that it’s just been announced oContrary that he’s coming to Australia in February 2009 to headline the Good Vibrations Festival. From his home in Brighton, the cheery Norman Cook is perplexed about how the false rumours of his alter-ego’s demise started, but is firm that it’s definitely not the case. “That was as a result of some very, very odd journalism,” he muses.

“I had something coming out under a different name, and they asked if I was killing off Fatboy Slim, and I said ‘no’, and they reported it as ‘yes’. It was then reported on the internet, and then it just took a life of its own right around the world. That was way back at the beginning of the season, and I’ve done about thirty Fatboy Slim gigs since then, which I think proves that Fatboy Slim is still alive and kicking.”

At the centre of the blame surrounding the early-death reports of Fatboy Slim is the release of material by BPA (Brighton Port Authority) - a single called Toe Jam which was assumed to be the singular future of Norman Cook. Indeed, just like Freakpower, Pizzaman, The Mighty Dub Katz, and other such monikers and guises, BPA is just another project that Cook has worked on. He claims the forthcoming album is a collection of recordings from the past… although some might wonder exactly how far back the project stems, since the collaborations seem very current.

“It’s like the Beach Boys long-lost album; it’s like one of those long-lost albums that I never quite finished and never quite did. One day my engineer found the tapes in a box and suggested we release it. It’s sort of like a posthumous album– although no one’s dead,” he quickly corrects himself. “It’s just like a load of collaborations with people like Iggy Pop, David Byrne, Dizzee Rascal, Martha Wainwright, Jamie T, Jack Penate… just people I’ve met over the years. I recorded with them, but we never really finished anything off, and I kind of forgot about it.”

“It comes out just around the time I come to Australia next year, but I’m not really at the helm,” he laughs cryptically. “Obviously I’m promoting it because its music I’ve made, but it’s not like my next big project – it’s just something that my engineer decided should be released. I actually heard it the other day, for the first time in about five years. It’s my lost album where my tapes have been found.”

And so what of Fatboy Slim; is there a new album on

WWW.SAUCE.NET.AU

the horizon? “It’s coming…,” he hesitates, “it’s coming – don’t even attempt to ask me when. It’s on the distant horizon. After ten years and the last ‘Greatest Hits’ project I just thought it deserved a sabbatical.

My son’s growing up, and I’ve just been a bit lazy and focusing on things at home for a while instead. Also, to be honest, I didn’t really have a great idea for the record – you should only make records when you have this great idea burning in your head.” The perfect answer from an obviously very savvy music producer… now if only other people took his wise advice….

In the business for over twenty-five years, Norman Cook has had numerous successes and achieved major international success along the way. No doubt, with a happy bank manager behind him, one would wonder why he isn’t soaking up the sun on a beach in the Bahamas, knocking back cocktails, served to him by scantily clad waitresses. “It appears that I love it,” he laughs, reflecting on his continuing career. “The thing is we’ve got a really good show with the visual stuff. I just love it…. the thing is I’m 45, so I’ve got to do it whilst I can. It still definitely excites me. This year I’ve been to Japan, Russia, Ibiza – quite a lot, Loch Ness, London, and done UK festivals like Wireless, and Creamfields, and so as you can see in between all that, there wasn’t a huge time to go into the studio to record anything.”

Looking forward to playing down-under in summer 2009, Cook is planning on bringing the full production spectacle to Australian audiences, without having to scale down his appearance due to costly logistics.

“Fuck yeh! We’re going to throw in as much LED, lasers and fireworks that we can find in Australia. It’s been a while since I went out to Australia, but in the good ol’ days I really loved the crowds because they really throw themselves into it.”

“Wherever we go we try and hire as much LED as we can, and put on as big a show as we can. All I really need is a pair of decks, a mixer and a laptop – everything else we hire when we get there. So it’s also possible that I

“…We’re going to throw in as much LED, lasers and fireworks that we can find in Australia…” might end up doing a bigger show in Australia. This year we played in Hungary, Estonia and Latvia, and it was basically whatever amount of LED we could get for the show, we’d use. I suspect that in Australia there’ll be quite a lot we can play with. Rather than having to bus-in a crew of 20 people, or fly the equipment out, we just turn up with my equipment and hire the rest in.

We definitely won’t be holding back for Australia.”

“We’ve got this new show where I’m controlling the visuals from the decks. I’m not really playing vinyl anymore these days. I’m playing this thing called Serato, which is actually from New Zealand. Basically you play a record that feels like vinyl, but it’s a timecode, which then triggers your WAV files – ie. music – but it also plays the visuals.”

Does this mean our DJ-hero has turned his back on vinyl these days? “I haven’t turned my back on it… you’re making me sound like Judas! It’s just that no one was releasing enough vinyl for me to play, but I

also didn’t want to play CDs or laptops. So I’m still playing it like its vinyl, but now I’m able to trigger all the music and the visuals, which has been really exciting.”

Excited about the prospect of Good Vibrations, Cook is momentarily thrown off guard when I tell him he’s following up previous headliner Kanye West as the main attraction, before bouncing back, cheerful as ever. “No pressure, then,” he chuckles nervously. “I’m probably not as hip and down as Kanye. There will be less bling, but more lights! The only other thing I’d say is, just make sure to bring your dancing shoes.” sSASHA PERERA

Catch the very alive FatBoy Slim at the Good Vibrations festival: 0 February 14-15 & 21-22 @ Good Vibrations http://www.gvf.com.au

. ISSUE 83 . DECEMBER 10 - DECEMBER 23 2008

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DANCE – HOBART // DJ MADDEN

Dance Doctor to Perform Critical Beat Bypass!

23 year-old trainee doctor from Hobart has “spent the last twelve months studying in Launceston oThis and playing at Lonnies Niteclub to keep my foot in the door. I’ve been told that juggling the headphones and stethoscope may not be the best combination, but it hasn’t been detrimental as yet. A year out from finishing my degree, I’m hoping to still maintain some sort of position behind the turntables as the hospital workload increases.” He speaks with SAUCE ahead of his Boxing Day appearance at The Metz in Hobart.

What was the pivotal moment that made you realise being a DJ was for you?

It’d be nice to have a cool story to go with that moment, but I think it was more the countless hours I spent cutting apart tracks on my computer while I should’ve had my head in the books that gave me that inkling. Progression was made possible two years ago when my generous mates set me up with CDJs and mixer, and since then there have been plenty of moments where I’ve felt the buzz of being in control of a crowd. One moment that springs to mind occurred on the night of Australia Day a few years ago, when Dave Webber told me to bring my gear to the Metz to have my first attempt at DJing in public.

Although I can probably thank the buzz of the occasion more than anything, I remember my hands stopped shaking when I looked up to see people dancing on tables.

Who have been your influences in this regard?

Stanton Warriors, with their charged sessions of “bouncing beats and booty basslines” always seem to impress, both live and through their releases. Plump DJs, Deekline & Wizard and basically any artist who breaks the beat well and throws in a catchy bassline will grab my attention. In the past twelve months I’ve had to branch to electro and house, and the influences of artists like Klaas Hill, Hook n Sling and Deadmau5 have found me eagerly awaiting the next climactic festival track.

What have been some of the key albums, tracks, or artists that have steered you down this path?

Breaks 04, the FabricLive albums by Stanton Warriors, Krafty Kuts and Plump DJs, Deekline & Wizard Live, and of course the Stanton Sessions II and III have all had an influence on my track selection. I think He Not In (Stanton Warriors She Not In Remix) was the first break I really wore out.

“…It doesn’t hurt to throw a crowd pleaser in if you see too much polished floor…”

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. ISSUE 83 . DECEMBER 10 - DECEMBER 23 2008

How about festivals or performances you’ve been to – which ones made the greatest impression on you and why?

A four and a half hour set by Stanton Warriors at one of Thailand’s notorious Full Moon Parties takes number one spot. This featured one insane encore that incorporated Stanton’s own Hope Time with Saturate by Chemical Brothers. Even though I love a good dance music festival line-up as much as the next person, the rest of my top ten

would be made up of the more personal encounters in small venues where the journey of a charging breakbeat set can really be followed. The Rogue Element, Plump DJs and The Freestylers (DJ set) - to name a few - are reliable players in this setting.

How would you describe your style behind the decks?

I’d like to say dynamic, but I think ‘varied’ is a more realistic answer. With regard to genre – party breaks, vocal electro, house, a touch of indie dance and the cheeky party track all have their slot in my carry-case. It’s easy to think too much about what to play, especially when you’re ten beers behind your listeners. Different venues and time slots draw different crowds, and I’ve found the easiest way is to see how they respond to what you play and go from there. It doesn’t hurt to throw a crowd pleaser in if you see too much polished floor, but subtle additions of recognizable melodies and vocals (for example, Dizzee Rascal, Daft Punk, Groove Armada, Basement Jaxx) can sometimes give you more breathing space to keep the rolling basslines that suit your style.

There’s nothing worse than a DJ who has no respect for their listeners’ desires, however at the end of the day you’re no better than a jukebox if you don’t trust your own track choices.

What’s the oddest thing or request anyone’s ever asked of you in your capacity as a DJ? Oddest track request: We Don’t Like Cricket – 10cc while playing at Lonnies in Launceston.

Oddest request: My Dad asking me to announce that he is my Dad, and that I am his son while playing one of my first sets at the Metz.

How would you describe the other DJs you’re playing with at the Metz this Boxing Day – Camo, Stirlo, Woodhouse, and Gillie?

I’ve had more to do with Camo and Woodhouse, but have found myself constantly concurring with track choices of the Stirlo and Gillie. Scottie [Woodhouse] has been mixing breakbeats since I was still playing my Hit Machine cassettes, and his experience is vented through his tidy mixing and oversized repertoire. Camo continues to convert even the most difficult of crowds to his party breaks. I’m looking forward to joining them on Boxing Day. sCHRIS RATTRAY Be patient! Only a few sleeps to go before The Boxing Day Belta!

0 December 26 @ The Metz, Hobart Madden will be joined by DJs Camo, Stirlo, Woodhouse and Gillie!

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PUNK ROCK – MELBOURNE // THE LIVING END

Set List Anything But Static

BLUES/FUNK – HOBART // LET THE CAT OUT

The Cat’s Out of the Bag

really starting to make some headway now, all the hard work o“We’re is paying off! I guess what I’m most proud of is the success that

“…We’re gonna try and play a great deal of the new album…”

Back on the festival circuit to support their new album, one of Australia’s mightiest punky-rocky acts is about to unleash a whole bucket-loud of White Noise. But they paid their dues doing the pubs and whatnot. “Yeeaaahh,” drawls drummer, Andy Strachan. “I guess the last tour we did was a pub sort of tour – the welcome back kinda one, after recording the record. But yeah, we do a bit of that sort of stuff. We do a lot of regional touring on each album, so that certainly gets us back into the pubs, or the R.S.L.s, or whatever you wanna call them. They’re always fun.”

o

They’re playing a couple of festivals coming up, the Pyramid Festival, and also MS Fest down here in Tassie. “We’ve done Pyramid once before. It was a few years ago now, but it was good! Yeah, we’re looking forward to it. It’s a good night to play. I don’t think we’re [on] New Year’s Eve – we’re the night before or something. Everyone’s fairly happy to be there. From memory it was a great time last time, so we’re just hoping for more of the same.”

We think they might have played MS Fest before as well. “We might have, I don’t remember.” We suggest that the festivals must blur. “Kind of. There are certain things that stick in your memory, but it might not be the name, necessarily. But yeah, we’re lucky enough to do a lot of festivals. Occasionally they do get a bit blurry.”

We liken it to a scene in Walk the Line, where Johnny Cash and June Carter are driving through the night from one destination to the next, not knowing where they’re going or where they’ve come from. “Yeah, it can [get like that], especially in America just ‘cos there’s so many places and there’s so much driving to be done between one gig to the next. It does get a little bit confusing. The last time we did the Warped Tour over there, kind of like a festival, or a circus that just keeps going – you’re in Pittsburgh one day, New York the next, and all these places in between that you’ve never heard of. It can be like that This is Spinal Tap moment of going on stage and saying the wrong city name, y’know? ‘Good evening, Denver!’ – when you’re actually in Florida or something.”

They must have had some big embarrassing moments.

“Occasionally, before we get on-stage, we’ll be standing off-stage getting ready to go on and Chris will say ‘Where the f*ck are we?’ and I’ll be like ‘I don’t know!’ and we’ll have to ask our tour manager. It does

get a little bit like that. I suppose, back in the day, with Johnny Cash and bands like that, all they did was travel, so I guess, once you’ve been on the road for more than a few weeks, it does sorta get a bit blurry as to where the hell you are.”

The two gigs between the Pyramid Festival and MS Fest are less than three weeks apart, so will their setlist be identical? “Not necessarily identical. The core of the set will remain the same throughout the festival I think, just because we want to give everyone a taste of most of the albums, at least. There’s certain songs, we feel, that we have to play at festivals. The ones that get the biggest crowd reaction, obviously. It’s good for us, too. We like playing those sorts of songs. We’re gonna try and play a great deal of the new album, because we’re so stoked on it, and it’s what we’re feeling the most passionate about playing at the moment, so there’ll be a fair chunk of new stuff.”

Which songs get the most reaction? “At the moment, White Noise gets a huge reaction. Everyone sings along.

Then there’s the obvious choices – do you play Prisoner of Society or Second Solution, or both, or do we rotate them on certain shows? I think people kind of semiexpect to hear at least one of those songs from the first record, and we have to keep that in mind. It’s not a chore to play. We still absolutely get off on playing them, so it’s not a bad problem to have really, when you’ve got songs to choose from!” sDAVID WILLIAMS & CHRIS RATTRAY Get off on The Living End! 0 December 30 @ The Pyramid Rock Festival, Phillip Island, Victoria 0 February 7 @ MS Fest, Inveresk Showgrounds, Launceston White Noise is out now.

we’ve had over the last twelve months,” says Henry Nichols of his band’s debut album, his chest swelling with deserved pride. “We’ve done some fantastic gigs and had the chance to work with some great people making the CD. I am extremely proud to work with the amazing musicians that are in Let The Cat Out. We’ve got a slot on the Soundscape Festival in January, which we’re stoked about. So really, the thing that I’m most proud of is the band itself and the work that everyone involved is doing.”

What was the most challenging thing about creating your new album?

The most challenging thing about making the album was, of course, getting everyone in the same place at the same time. But isn’t that always the way? We had gigged all the songs quite a lot before we went into the studio, so it wasn’t an issue actually putting them down once we got there. The challenging part was the logistics and organisation. When I say logistics, I mean not only getting everyone there, but also lifting a full Hammond Organ and Leslie rig up into Red Planet.

Not exactly light work!

What particular track are you most proud of and why?

To be honest, and cliché as it is, I find it really difficult to pick my favourite track from the album. If I had to, I’d probably say track seven – Freight Train. I just really like the way it sits and you don’t need to do anything apart from play the groove. I’m also very happy with the choice I made in this tune regarding my snare drum sound. It’s really floppy and loose, it’s only a small change but I feel it really adds to the cruisey feel.

Also, the lyrical content resonates with me and many of the people that have heard the song.

What was the lowest point during the making of the album for you, and why?

There was a period of a couple of months when nothing much was happening at all. I was away on tour with another band, and everyone else was busy as well, so we kind of lost a bit of momentum. We didn’t quite know just what stage we were at, but thankfully that passed and we got right back on top after we had done a couple more gigs.

What was the highest point during the making of the album for you, and why?

Having the final master CD in my hand. So much time and money and effort goes into this little round piece of plastic. And it sounds awesome. Stew at Red Planet did an amazing job recording and mixing it, and then Reece at Benchmark in Sydney added to that, we couldn’t be happier with what we’ve ended up with.

But I reckon the highest point will be when we get the finished product back from the replicators next week. I’ll be away when they arrive, so I’ll miss that bit. Failing that, the launch will be a pretty high point I reckon.

Describe to me the journey you hope people will go

on as they listen to the album?

Hopefully it’s an album for all occasions. We want people to feel good, basically. It’s a very funky record.

Randal is the funkiest bass player in town. Jane writes very honest and open lyrics, so people can readily identify with her - I think that’s a great part of the band’s appeal. We would like people to put it on and have it affect them however they would like. I suppose we want you to listen to it and have fun!

What were some of the things that influenced you (as in other literature, music, art, culture) during the making of the album?

Musically, I have been very heavily influenced by two particular drummers recently, Steve Jordan and Stanton Moore. Steve is the ultimate in that incredibly overused term “playing for the song”. Stanton is a drummer from New Orleans with an amazing feel and sound. I suppose I was trying to capture the essence of those sounds on Get It Like That. Also, playing with this band is its own influence. We all come from quite different backgrounds, musically as well as personally, and so as we play together we constantly become exposed to different ideas and techniques. As a result, we often end up with things that don’t sound how we initially expected or intended, but are ultimately much more interesting and rewarding.

What other albums could this one be compared to?

I honestly don’t know. A few people have said that they’re reminded of Blue King Brown, but I’m not so sure. It’s very groove based, it’s got some great riffs and hooks. Jane is a very talented songwriter. I think that on listening to it you’ll hear that there’re significant blues, reggae and funk influences, but I suppose you’ll have to work it out for yourself. I guess an album that it sounds like would be Let The Cat Out’s debut, Get It Like That! sCHRIS RATTRAY Get it like you want it! Get it Like That launches…

0 December 21 @ The Republic Bar Look out for Let the Cat out coming up…

0 December 28 @ The Taste Festival 0 January 17 @ The Soundscape Festival, Hobart Regatta Grounds

124 DAVEY ST HOBART 03 6224 9494 WWW.HOTELSOHO.COM.AU

FRIDAY 19TH DECEMBER

AFTER THE FALL Supports: NO FOTO & HANNAH - Doors at 10pm

Tickets on sale from SOHO And Ruffcut - Presale $20.00 / Door $25.00 8

. ISSUE 83 . DECEMBER 10 - DECEMBER 23 2008

WEDNESDAYS

SUNDAYS

Around the Clock Parma from 5pm

Sundays Sessions are back!

Around the clock Jug from 5pm

Around the Clock Parma from 5pm

$3.00 Sprits from 9pm till close

Around the clock Jug from 5pm Open Mic from 9pm WWW.SAUCE.NET.AU

DANCE – AUSTRALIA // HAVANA BROWN

R&B Queen is Universal

Brown’s worked hard to realise her dream of being an entertainer. Before considering a career as a DJ, she was a child performer, oHavana appearing in television commercials, and even had a role in a very well-known Aussie soap for a short time. The premature breakup of her

band gave her the impetus to explore other avenues of expression. And with a signing to Universal Music recently and the release of her first hip hop compilation, Crave, it seems Havana’s time is now…

How’d you get into DJ’ing?

I originally went to the UK to work with the guys of dance group Supafly, who are responsible for the recent hits, Let’s Get Down and Moving Too Fast. Along with another guy we formed the group, Fishbowl.

We did quite well. We finished an amazing album and got signed to major record label, Polydor, but unfortunately not long after, the group came to an end before the release of our first single. This was a pretty disappointing time for me but I knew I definitely wanted to continue a career in the music industry. It was a blessing in disguise because I started DJ’ing and loved it. One of the guys from Supafly, who is an international DJ and constantly touring, taught me some of the basics and I just ran with it and haven’t looked back since.

What release have you been working on lately and how would you describe it?

Not long ago I signed to major record label, Universal Music, which was really exciting. Not long after I started working on my first release, which was to be an R&B and hip hop compilation, Crave. There are so many different sides and feels to R&B and hip hop, so I wanted to include one CD of party tunes and one which I call the “love” CD which has the slower, more romantic R&B tunes. Since then, it was released on November 1st and continues to be in the top ten on the compilation charts, which I am ecstatic about.

Now I’m working on a release for Valentines Day, The Love Edition. This CD is going to have all the sexiest R&B love tunes. I have had so much fun working on this CD and I cannot wait for it to come out. There are so many beautiful classic R&B songs on there.

TRUE DAT!

Havana had a four-month stint on Neighbours in 2000!

BLIMEY! Describe a time to me where you felt like the music took you to another place?

Every now and then I pull out the good old Bobby Brown CD, Don’t Be Cruel. It always puts me in a good mood and reminds me of a time when I was young and when life was so carefree.

What’s the oddest thing or request anyone’s ever asked of you in your capacity as a DJ? Recently, I have been involved in the huge Hennessy event in China, and the oddest thing is that I’m getting paid more than what some people may get after a few months’ work and getting flown all the way to China to play just for 15 minutes. Look, I’m not at all complaining. Doing these events have been some of the best times that I’ve had, and I get to meet amazing artists/performers from all around the world. Wyclef was the headline act last month. I will be doing another Hennessy event in December.

Out of everything you’ve been doing lately, what’s been the most challenging and/or rewarding?

I absolutely love what I do and being able to travel and experience different cultures and history. Being able to do what I love is the most rewarding. I’m so blessed and appreciate every second. Although I have to say the most challenging would be doing long hours on planes and jet lag. It can really throw me around.

What was the last album or track you heard that you can’t get out of your head and why?

At the moment I love the latest Robin Thicke album, Something Else. It’s amazing and chilled out. Working in the clubs so much its great to be able to come home and listen to something different and relaxing.

Who are you most looking forward to seeing at your set?

I’ve had so many amazing people and artists at my sets, like Kanye West, Pussycat Dolls, Rihanna, Chris Brown and just a couple of weeks ago, Wyclef Jean. I’ve been very lucky to be able to meet such talented people in my line of work. sCHRIS RATTRAY Go downtown with Havana Brown!

0 December 13 @ Lonnie’s Niteclub Crave is out now.

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. ISSUE 83 . DECEMBER 10 - DECEMBER 23 2008

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THE BIGGEST IMPACT With Mike Noga up in Hobart at the height of the ‘Hobart grunge explosion’, a very fine time for bedroom artists to get up o“Iongrew stage and flaunt their ponce,” says Mike, flaunting his ponce and exploding with grunge. “Inevitably, everyone

disappeared to ‘the big smoke’ - myself included. So it was Melbourne I found myself in, hitting things with bits of wood for Tasmania’s premier potato cake rock outfit, Legends of Motorsport. I soon took a good, hard look at myself and jumped ship to Melbourne’s slow core pioneers Sandro. But my appetite for noisey-woisey rock ‘n’ roll soon grew, and you will now find me up the back of The Drones, where I am quite comfortable, thank you very much.” Mike’s used to making big impacts with his bits of wood, but what’s impacted on him?

What album has had the biggest impact on you, both personally and as a musician, and why?

There’s far too many to list, can I name a few? [Please – Ed.] Dylan’s, Highway 61 Revisited, a rollicking jumble of a rock ‘n’ roll record. Van Morrison’s Veedon Fleece, completely, heartbreakingly beautiful, and the musicianship is totally free-flowing and absolutely spotless. Rowland S Howard’s Teenage Snuff Film Brian Hooper and Mick Harvey, now that’s a rhythm section. NWA’s 100 Miles and Runnin’ - technically that’s a song, but it’s the best goddamn hip hop song ever constructed, hands down. And so on, and so forth.

Which gig has had the biggest impact on you, as a punter and that you’ve played, and why?

We were in Amsterdam, near the end of a four-month tour from HELL. Everything that could’ve gone wrong did. We had our names on the door at a LOW gig, so we were walking through the streets toward the venue when suddenly about one hundred cops on horseback

came charging towards us, we looked back and saw the most insane soccer riot heading our way, everyone was screaming and running, telling us to run as fast as we can and get inside, we ran toward the venue with tear gas going off behind us, narrowly escaping the beating of our lives. They closed the huge wooden venue doors and battened down the hatches. Everyone was terrified. Ten minutes later we were standing in front of LOW watching them play the most beautiful music I’d ever seen. There were tears involved. A very strange night.

We played before Motorhead in Barcelona one night at a festival in front of ten thousand screaming Spaniards.

They knew all the words to our songs. That was a good one. It was then I thought ‘hmmm, maybe I can make a living out of this.’

What impact do you hope your music will have on people?

All I hope to achieve with my music is that people

will hear it, and recognise that it’s real; that there is nothing pretend about it. It’s me with a guitar, talking about me (very self indulgent, I know), it’s quiet and true, and if you don’t like it, well, that’s fine. But if you do, then I’m happy, and you’re happy. I’m not going to tear down the world, but I will indeed try to pour my soul out on he floor for you to slop around in for 45 minutes.

What’s an example of the impact you’ve made on people through your music?

Just the fact that people will come to one of my shows, or buy my record is impact enough for me. Just the mere fact that they’re doing that says that maybe I’m doing something right. It’s very humbling.

Mike Noga gets all poncey and grungey on: 0 December 20 @ The Republic Bar (supporting The Pictures) 0 December 23 @ The Alley Cat Bar (with Matt Bailey)

FIRST AND LAST With Robbie Elliott of Van Diemen

They’re young, good-looking, and play in a synthpop band that’s captured the attention of punters and industry bigwigs alike. They have the image, they’ve got the chops, and they’re named after the old school way of saying “little map of Tassie.” So what influences went into this potent mix to make the electrifying soup that is known as Van Diemen?

Guitarist, vocalist and and space/time continuum unto himself, Luke Mulligan, bent light around himself in this instalment of First and Last…

The first album I ever bought was… Blink 182’s Enema of the State . and I had to buy it because… I was a little punk back then.

The last gig I went to was…Van Diemen! and something I’ll never forget about it was… how handsome the drummer and bass player are.

The first music video I remember seeing was…

Forever Young by German rock/synthpop group Alphaville. and the greatest impression it left on me was… that it was such a great song and was one of the first music videos I remember seeing. The clip shows Alphaville performing in one of the halls in Holloway Sanatorium in Virginia Water, Surrey. A number of ragged people ranging from children to the elderly awake to observe the band, then walk through a diamond-shaped glowing portal. Great concept! The song is proven as being such a great track by being covered by artists like Youth Group, pop singer Laura Branigan and Canadian eurodance group Temperance. A pop standard!

The last three tracks I listened to on my MP3 player were: When You Were Young - The Killers.

Blonde on Blonde - Bob Dylan.

Goodnight Sweetheart – The Beatles.

Which track from that list holds any kind of significance for you and why?

Goodnight Sweetheart because The Beatles are a big influence and John Lennon was a swinger like myself.

The last movie, book, or album that really affected me emotionally was… In His Own Write by John Lennon. and it really got me because… “Even Frank’s wife’s battered face couldn’t raise a smile on Frank’s head!”

The first band I was in was called… Makeshift. and we’re not together anymore because… It was only a temporary, manufactured electro dance/ pop outfit. Or it could have been a punk band. Can’t remember.

The last time I ever did something special to music, I was… experimenting with sounds. and I was with… Clint, (vocals/keyboards).

Get Diemonic!

0 December 13 @ Hotel New York, Launceston WWW.SAUCE.NET.AU

AFTER THE FALL

HOTEL SOHO FRIDAY DECEMBER 19 SUPPORTED BY NOFOTO & HANNAH TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM SOHO & RUFFCUT

PRESALE $20 / DOOR SALES $25 - DOORS OPEN 10PM HOTEL SOHO - 124 DAVEY ST HOBART 6224 9494 WWW.HOTELSOHO.COM.AU . ISSUE 83 . DECEMBER 10 - DECEMBER 23 2008

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GO TEAM SYRUP! - MEET THE DJs THAT’LL KEEP YOU IN THE GAME @ SYRUP

GILLIE

SMITHMONGER

ADAM TURNER

GENRE: House music with a really dirty edge!

GENRE: Breakbeat

HOME GROUND: Friday Nights: La Casa, Saturday Nights: DFD

GENRE: Fidgit, breaks, indie disco, jazz funk fusion and dubstep.

HOME GROUND: Moonah Stadium

HOME GROUND: DFD, BreakEven and Mesh

PREFERRED POSITION: Position 104 – Advanced Guide to Karma Sutra. From this position I am in control of the dance floor from behind.

PREFERRED POSITION: In between Corney and Gillie up the inside dodging Turner.

SPECIAL ABILITY: See preferred position!

SPECIAL ABILITY: Keepy-Uppy until 4am, three hours sleep, then getting up with the kids at seven for a kick-about.

PREFERRED POSITION: I’m not greedy, I’m happy to come second, or from behind, depending on whether there’s two or more of us.

I don’t mind playing in the forward pocket either... I’m easy.

GAME STRENGTHS: Aside from above, the ability to use my special ability to turn the crowd into an amalgamation of sweaty, adrenalin fuelled bodies.

GAME STRENGTHS: Sobriety for the first half.

GAME WEAKNESSES: Inability to turn my body into a human knot-shaped pretzel

GAME WEAKNESSES: Half time pint (or five).

SPECIAL ABILITY: Mad finger skills! It be all scratchy with the crabs like an itchy trigger finger African American.

GAME STRENGTHS: Aggressive attack, sustain & release. high bassline player. Excellent stamina and ball-handling skills.

GAME WEAKNESSES: Passing out, dribbling & holding the ball.

ACHIEVEMENTS: Dusting off the Old Skool breaks this year has been great.

ACHIEVEMENTS: Overcoming being traded to Serato for the ‘08 season, and being called off the bench to support the Plump DJs.

DISCOTOUCH

KIR

MATT B

GENRE: Disco, funky, jumpy house

GENRE: Nu Disco, Indie Dance, Electronica, Electro, Fidget, House, Techno, Pop, Breaks…

GENRE: House in all its guises.

HOME GROUND: DFD

HOME GROUND: La Casa, and occasional DFD substitution.

ACHIEVEMENTS: 2008 has seen me advance into a whole new realm of positions and has seen me play at several of the best clubs in Sydney.

HOME GROUND: La Casa PREFERRED POSITION: Tends to come in at left-field, taking down the norm with a twisted track.

PREFERRED POSITION: KFUN (Kir Fattens Up Noise) - Behind the decks playing dirty disco luuuurrrrrvvvve to the dancefloor!

PREFERRED POSITION: Upfront or in the middle.

SPECIAL ABILITY: Mastering KFUN position within 5 minutes of arrival to the decks.

SPECIAL ABILITY: A master of the warm up.

GAME STRENGTHS: Choosing the supreme tracks; its crucial to winning the game.

GAME STRENGTHS: Funky bass lines, girly vocals, Latin rhythms.

GAME WEAKNESSES: Being served by two-steppers on the dancefloor.

GAME WEAKNESSES: Age. I don’t have the staying power that I used to.

ACHIEVEMENTS: Strengths in karaoke electro, line jumping and backpack tossing.

ACHIEVEMENTS: I survived another year and will live to play again.

MODAL

CORNEY

TIMO

GENRE: Breaks, techno, fidget, electronica

GENRE: Elec-Tech

GENRE: House, electro, breaks

SPECIAL ABILITY: His white tie has been known to move like helicopter rotors.

GAME STRENGTHS: New music + the good old stuff without being “retro”, and keeping an eclectic mix of house together.

GAME WEAKNESSES: A really, really good track. So good that it’s impossible for him not to join the dancing crowd. Leaves him open to misplacing his next song.

ACHIEVEMENTS: Played a number of sets at the last Ten Days on the Island festival. Debut electronica album to be released next year.

HOME GROUND: BreakEven PREFERRED POSITION: Jammed in the booth with two other DJs spilling drinks on me, slowly going deaf.

SPECIAL ABILITY: Continuing to hear out of my left ear GAME STRENGTHS: Having a strong game.

GAME WEAKNESSES: 4am DJ bladder.

HOME GROUND: DFD

HOME GROUND: La Casa

PREFERRED POSITION: Banging it out loud and late into the night/early morning.

PREFERRED POSITION: Modified t-square.

SPECIAL ABILITY: To keep the party pumping to big tech beats.

SPECIAL ABILITY: Super-handy with flange.

GAME STRENGTHS: Playing from behind (last). Dropping one huge techno and electro tune after another that keeps the dance floor in a sweaty trance.

GAME WEAKNESSES: Playing too loud and too twisted!!!

GAME STRENGTHS: An almost Zoolander-like ability to ignore distractions like beautiful celebrities and pole-dancing groupies. Willing to stoop to any level to keep crowd happy.

ACHIEVEMENTS: Achieving my dream owning a nightclub and promoting underground dance music every week now for the last seven years at Syrup.

GAME WEAKNESSES: Strict 3am bedtime.

TRISTAN

BILLY BOB

NAUGHTS

GENRE: Minimal-Tech House-Techno

GENRE: 70s 80s 90s Rock ‘n Pop

GENRE: As they say in the radio game: the best of the 70s 80s and 90s (its very tacky!)

ACHIEVEMENTS: All the BreakEven mashups, all the punters who got up and had fun!

HOME GROUND: DFD PREFERRED POSITION: Full forward – away game at Watergate, Berlin.

SPECIAL ABILITY: To get the cheerleaders dancing to music that goes click… click… beep.

GAME STRENGTHS: Same as above.

ACHIEVEMENTS: “Rickrolling” an entire club to settle a score with a workmate.

HOME GROUND: Tackyland HOME GROUND: Tackyland PREFERRED POSITION: In the zone, rockin’ bones.

PREFERRED POSITION: Firmly planted in the box.

SPECIAL ABILITY: Making the opposition melt, move n sway.

SPECIAL ABILITY: To pace up the original twelve- inchers.

GAME STRENGTHS: Up-front in your face rock classics and a whole bag of surprises.

GAME STRENGTHS: Bowling a maiden over.

GAME WEAKNESSES: One hit wonders and R ‘n B.

GAME WEAKNESSES: Indulgence.

ACHIEVEMENTS: Production work for UK model Twiggy. Launching the ‘Loud Earth’ record label in Hobart.

ACHIEVEMENTS: Playing the game for 31 years.

PARKEY

ST. NICK

NICK C

GENRE: Indie dance, electro, fidget and techfunk

GENRE: Chicago ‘Jackin’ House, occasional dabble in Fidget and UK Hardcore!!

GENRE: Funky 70s, 80s and now some 90s

GAME WEAKNESSES: Thinking the crowd will be patient and lured into a frenzy by deep on-field strategy.

ACHIEVEMENTS: Being pleasantly surprised by the crowd getting rather excited over a super stripped back warm up move called the ‘Scarlet Macaw’ that includes bongos, a deep percussive groove and sparse analogue outbursts.

HOME GROUND: DFD PREFERRED POSITION: Back left.

SPECIAL ABILITY: I can scratch with my super tractor beam and I can play with one hand while drinking a martini.

GAME STRENGTHS: I play best when dropping fat basslines, with a bed of mash ups follow by dirty analog synths.

GAME WEAKNESSES: Hand-balling R ‘n B. ACHIEVEMENTS: Definitely the Syrup house parties. Go team!

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HOME GROUND: La Casa PREFERRED POSITION: Blasting from behind (the decks, that is…)

SPECIAL ABILITY: Sneaking the swinging, boompty sound into your brain!

GAME STRENGTHS: Laying down irresistibly funky House that you can dance to, or just kick back and relax to.

GAME WEAKNESSES: Lack of court time means skills could be improved with practice.

ACHIEVEMENTS: Playing ‘away matches’ at Halo, The Lower House, The Metz, and The Taste festival.

HOME GROUND: Tackyland PREFERRED POSITION: Coming from behind... the decks.

SPECIAL ABILITY: The ability to pull out just the right track to keep the hot chicks on the pole GAME STRENGTHS: Drinking lots of piss and still being able to DJ, well, not getting any worse than I already am anyway...

GAME WEAKNESSES: Having to deal with drunk dickheads that think the sun shines out their ass.

ACHIEVEMENTS: My best game is yet to come this year. I love Christmas party season, which is just starting - the time when there’s heaps of people that don’t come out every week, having the time of their life wondering why they haven’t been coming out every week.

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. ISSUE 83 . DECEMBER 10 - DECEMBER 23 2008

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SOUL – SYDNEY // AMALI WARD

Teen Idol Takes Time out to Transform

her elimination at number ten in 2004’s Australian Idol, Hobart’s Amali Ward has taken some time oSince out to grow up and hone her craft. This culminated with her self-titled EP release last year, which she

wrote, produced and released independently, to no small acclaim. Eschewing the “just add water” insta-fame of her contemporaries, it looks like Amali is about to finally hit number one…

And she’s very proud of where she’s at with her music, especially with how well-received her EP was. “I was definitely very proud,” she says, “most of all because I wrote and produced it.” And, even better, “I’m very proud of the song Ten Things to Prove, which was just featured in a Hollywood movie, Center Stage: Turn It Up. When I was younger I was obsessed with the first Center Stage movie, so it was awesome to have a song featured in the sequel.”

So you’d think that the Australian Idol experience must have helped in some way. She agrees. “It’s helped open doors, definitely. I’ve had some amazing experiences that I know Idol made possible... although I think to a certain extent, because of Idol, I had to prove myself first. A lot of the people I’ve worked with have been surprised that I could write songs, for instance.

There’s definitely a stigma there. It’s been difficult trying to dispel a lot of notions that people have about the contestants, and make them remember something

about you other than the fact you were on a TV show four years ago.”

Dwelling on the past for a moment, she says she’d do things a little differently if she ha d her chance again.

“When I went on the show it was just to see if I could get past the judges, but all the other people had a game plan and songs picked out for the whole series if they made it that far,” she says. “I was just this kid from Tasmania who sang at school but had barely done any gigs, and I think I definitely got intimidated by everyone else and their experience, and psyched myself out. ” Despite her obvious talent, as a viewer, it was easy to see that she was somewhat overwhelmed. “Yeah, that’s definitely true. I was probably the loudest person in the house but I got so nervous about the actual performing part. Everyone was always like “why can’t you be like you are backstage when you’re on

the stage?” I think now I’ve learnt a bit of stagecraft compared to back then, when I kind of just stood there scared and sang. I’d never really done any gigs back then, and I didn’t even think that singing was just one part of the performance.”

“I go to uni as well,” she says, casually, on what keeps her grounded and motivated, “So having a million assignments to do is pretty grounding. That’s also a big motivation because I’d rather be singing than studying! I also think going to heaps of live gigs is such a motivation, you always think of how you could improve when you see an amazing live show.” sCHRIS RATTRAY See Amali’s amazing live show: 0 December 17 @ The Republic Bar 0 December 18 @ Irish Murphy’s Amali Ward’s self-titled EP is out now.

BLUES – MELBOURNE // C.W. STONEKING

Jungle Call Hard to Resist

listening to some of his oAfter tracks, I can’t help but think I’m

speaking to the past. “They’ve got a bit of old-time thing to ‘em, I guess,” C.W. agrees, his voice tremulous, lacking any kind of bass, like it’s coming through a phonogram. His music’s an anachronism in this day and age. And yet strangely listenable.

Or is it just strange listening?

“I couldn’t say that the old thing is the best thing in the world. Because I’m familiar with it, I know how to use it. I guess, the things that I like about it are the things I like about any music, if I was into it. I don’t know – I like stuff with a bit of drama to it. Atmosphere.” It perfectly compliments storytelling. “Yeah. It does, yeah. That’s sort of what I like to do now. That’s my favourite type of tune, really, something that tells a story, whether it’s the music that sorta does it, or the lyrics.”

Never one to let a good yarn go untold, his new album, Jungle Blues, is partly inspired by the harrowing experience of being shipwrecked off the West Coast of Africa in the mid-90s. “I was riding in a boat with some people from America, some young dudes who were like, science-guys, they were kinda… I don’t know. I can’t say what really happened when it crashed, but there was a lot of drinking going on in the days leading up to it. Pretty much like crashing your car, I guess, but it’s a bit worse when you’re dumped in the water for an hour or two. Wet and cold are more scary.” And did he think he’d be rescued?

“I kind of felt like I was going to die, when I had to jump outta the boat. When shit like that happens, it’s always kind of surreal and beautiful as well. I think your brain sort of helps you by making you feel like it’s some crazy sort of a dream or somethin’.” So what makes him want to go back and explore that as an album? “My shipwreck thing is like – the title track is kind of loosely based on it, but in a real cartoonish, fantasy sort of way.

The actual album, being a jungle record, wasn’t really because of that.” sCHRIS RATTRAY Wash up on the shores of C.W. Stoneking and his Primitive Orchestra…

0 December 13 & 14 @ The Republic Bar 0 December 29 – January 01 @ Falls Festival Jungle Blues is out now.

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. ISSUE 83 . DECEMBER 10 - DECEMBER 23 2008

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ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE WEDNESDAY 10 Hobart Hotel SOHO Beats with Macca

Recording Mixing Mastering Production Bookings Essential

Call Dave Venter for a quote 0408 373 066 or email fatlipstudios@gmail.com Launceston Studio www.myspace.com/fatlipstudios

The Alley Cat Bar Sam Buckingham Free 8:30pm The Greenhouse @ Irish Murphy’s Andy Wear, The Vivids, Moe Grizzly

Launceston

Launceston

The Royal Oak Open Mic Night in the bar 8:30pm

Batman Fawkner Diesel

Top Shelf @ Irish Murphy’s Foreign Films + Carl Fidler THURSDAY 11

The Greenhouse @ Irish Murphy’s Sam Cole, The Eddy-O Show, The Frets The Republic Bar Diesel $30 9pm Launceston Hotel New York Funken Unbelievable, The Doctor Irish Murphy’s Tash & Caz The Royal Oak Sara Jane and Nathan Wheldon in the bar 9pm Yearly Revue - “It’s All a Bit Off - The Show” (Bookings Essential) FRIDAY 12 Hobart Hotel SOHO TBA 10pm

REDLINE Coach Services

Syrup La Casa - DJs: Matt B, Discotouch, Timo $10 (Uni students free) 11pm The Alley Cat Bar Gasoline Stew and the Dump, The Swell Tones & Anthony Morgan $6 9:30pm

DISCOUNTED STUDENT FARES

The Brisbane Hotel Saul Williams (USA) + The Red Paintings

University Student Semester Special $12.50 per sector

The Greenhouse @ Irish Murphy’s Dave Hughes, Dr Fink

* Hobart to Launceston $55.60 (Return) * Devonport to Launceston $39.10 (Return) *Conditions Apply

Reservations/Credit Card Payments 1300 360 000

The Republic Bar The Mountain Goats $32pre/$35door 10pm Launceston Hotel New York DJ Roger Charles 10:00-11:30: The Doctor 11:30-1:00: The Stafford Brothers (MOS) 1:00-3:00: Randall Irish Murphy’s Long Way Home The Mersh (The Commercial Hotel) DJ Skip The Royal Oak Yearly Revue - “It’s All a Bit Off - The Show” (Bookings Essential) Ejecter w/ Samuel Cole in the bar 9pm Burnie Sirocco’s Diesel Devonport Spurs Saloon Hannah 6pm (all ages) Hannah 9pm (18 +)

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The Greenhouse @ Irish Murphy’s John Harwood, Damage Control

The Republic Bar Hannah + Joni’s Plastic Sunday $3 9pm

Syrup Mesh - DJs: Adam Turner, Mylestone, Soundwave, Kyle Free 10pm

"Tasmania's own"

The Brisbane Hotel ALL AGES: The Roobs and The Black Valentines $6 18+: The Roobs, Turbo Deluxe, Red Rival & The Black Valentines $6

The Republic Bar C.W. Stoneking + The No No’s $18+bf pre/$22door 10pm

Hobart

103 Elizabeth St Hobart 03 6231 5578

The Alley Cat Bar Blind Man’s Holiday

The Metz Mid Week Metz Woodhouse 8pm

SATURDAY 20

The Republic Bar Amali Ward + Unleash The Nugget $15 9pm

Hotel SOHO TBA 10pm

Launceston The Royal Oak Yearly Revue - “It’s All a Bit Off - The Show” (Bookings Essential) Frankie & Alicia Coates in the Bar 9pm Top Shelf @ Irish Murphy’s The Dog Line + Deux Pervertis THURSDAY 18 Hobart

Hotel New York Van Diemen + Guests 9:00-11:45: The Doctor 12:00-2:00: Buff Star Delux

Syrup Mesh - DJs: Adam Turner, Mylestone, Soundwave, Kyle Free 10pm

Irish Murphy’s The Gary Garys

The Brisbane Hotel Paul Bender (Vic)

Lonnies Niteclub DJ Havana Brown

The Greenhouse @ Irish Murphy’s Grumpy Neighbour (Melb), Darlington, The Highlows (acoustic)

The Mersh (The Commercial Hotel) Woof Woof + The Staunches + Cocktails and Dreams + Your Demise The Royal Oak Yearly Revue - “It’s All a Bit Off - The Show” (Bookings Essential) Jonno Coleman (Album Lunch) w/ Rueben Ellenberger and Frankie in the Bar 9pm SUNDAY 14 Hobart Brookfield Vineyard Grumpy Neighbours 4pm Hotel SOHO Open Mic with Christian & John 9pm Tom & Nick Wolfe 10pm The Brisbane Hotel The Red Paintings + Reptilian Jukebox + B-Circuit The Greenhouse @ Irish Murphy’s Ethereal The Metz Metz on Sundays - Camo 4pm The Republic Bar C.W. Stoneking + G.B. Balding $18+bf pre/$22door 2:30pm Diesel $30 9pm Launceston Irish Murphy’s Glenn Moorhouse, Brief Illusion, Pocket Rocket The Royal Oak Justin Heazelwood (The Bedroom Philosopher) w/ British Battlegrounds in the boatshed $7 8:30pm MONDAY 15 Hobart The Republic Bar Patrick + Ruth Berechree 9pm Launceston Irish Murphy’s Nathan Wheldon TUESDAY 16 Hobart The Greenhouse @ Irish Murphy’s Joe Nuttal (Enola Fall), Martin O’Brien, Chris Coleman (Hannah) The Republic Bar Blue Flies 9pm Launceston Irish Murphy’s Glen & Jade

SATURDAY 13

WEDNESDAY 17

Hobart

Hobart

Hotel SOHO One for the Road 10pm

Hotel SOHO Beats with Osbo & Macca

Syrup Dirth F’king Dancing - DJs: Gillie, Adam Turner, Corney + Tristan $15 (Uni students $10) 11pm

The Greenhouse @ Irish Murphy’s Mindset, The Turnaround

The Republic Bar Mick Thomas Duo $16pre/$18door 9pm Launceston Hotel New York Funken Unbelievable, Randall Irish Murphy’s Amali Ward + Christmas Party The Royal Oak Yearly Revue - “It’s All a Bit Off - The Show” (Bookings Essential) Samuel Bester in the bar 9pm Worker’s Club Stand Defiant + Mindset + The Turnaround w/Sunday Something Ruined, Phoenix Lights, Most Triumphant FRIDAY 19 Hobart Hotel SOHO Hannah, NoFOTO, After the Fall 10pm Syrup DFD @ Syrup + Ministry of Sound Australia present: “The Annual 2009” feat.

Goodwill $20 +bf 11pm The Alley Cat Bar The Stoics The Brisbane Hotel Pikelet + PYG Face + Popolice + Reptillian Jukebox + Native Cats + A Rock The Greenhouse @ Irish Murphy’s Nick & Tom Wolfe, Dr Fink The Loft End of School Daze Hip Hop Party w/ MCs Fabio & Pro & DJ Licious The Republic Bar Sugartrain $4 10pm Launceston

Hobart

Syrup Dirty F’king Dancing - DJs: Gillie, Adam Turner, Corney + Tristan $15 (Uni students $10) 11pm The Alley Cat Bar MIQ with Stephe The Brisbane Hotel ALL AGES: Mindset + Stand Defiant + The Turnaround + The Resignators (Vic) 18+: Mindset + Stand Defiant + The Turnaround + The Resignators (Vic) The Greenhouse @ Irish Murphy’s Katie & Ado, Stokin’ The Neighbours The Republic Bar The Pictures + The Evening Dolls $10 10pm Launceston Hotel New York DJ Buff Star Delux 10:00-12:00: The Doctor 12:00-2:00: Randall Irish Murphy’s In Limbo Lonnies Niteclub DJ Mike Hyper The Mersh (The Commercial Hotel) Off the Cuff The Royal Oak Yearly Revue - “It’s All a Bit Off - The Show” (Bookings Essential) Andy Collins in the bar 9pm SUNDAY 21

Hotel SOHO Open Mic with Christian & John 9pm The Greenhouse @ Irish Murphy’s Jam Jar The Metz Metz on Sundays - Camo 4pm The Republic Bar Let The Cat Out (CD Launch) + Pete Cornelius (Beer Garden) $5 2:30pm Jordan Millar + Abbey Dogget $2 9pm Launceston Irish Murphy’s Luke Parry, Ben Castles, Long Way Home MONDAY 22 Hobart Hotel SOHO Tom & Nick Wolfe 10pm The Greenhouse @ Irish Murphy’s Georgi Marshall, Sam Page, Jess Patmore The Republic Bar Quiz Night 8:15pm Launceston

Irish Murphy’s Victor Charlie Charlie

TUESDAY 23

The Royal Oak Yearly Revue - “It’s All a Bit Off - The Show” (Bookings Essential) The Charlie Lions (Melb) in the bar 9pm Devonport Spurs Saloon Stand Defiant w/Sunday Something Ruined, On Your Feet Soldier, With Broken Words 6pm (all ages) Stand Defiant w/Victory Avenue, Sunday Something Ruined, On Your Feet Soldier 10pm (18 +)

Next Show:

Sat 3rd Jan @ The Taste Festival

Hobart

Hotel New York DJ Cam 10:00-12:00: Roger Charles 12:00-2:00: PD

The Mersh (The Commercial Hotel) DJ Skip

The Biggest Variety Of Comedy In Tassie!

Stand up, Sketch, Physical, Musical Comedy, Burlesque, Sitcom.

Irish Murphy’s Phil Picasso

Hobart The Alley Cat Bar Mike Noga (The Drones) & Matt Bailey The Greenhouse @ Irish Murphy’s Abbey Doggett, Thus Far… The Republic Bar G.B. Balding 9pm Launceston Irish Murphy’s Ben Castles

UPSTAIRS @ THE NEW SYDNEY, BATHURST ST $9 ENTRY - FACEBOOK GROUP: SHORT BACK AND SIDESHOW

Venue Guide HOBART

LAUNCESTON

Brookfield Vineyard 1640 Channel Highway Margate 6267 2880

Batman Fawkner Inn 35 Cameron Street 6331 7222

Hotel SOHO 124 Davey Street 6224 9494 www.hotelsoho.com.au

The Commercial Hotel 27 George Street 6331 3868

Irish Murphy’s 21 Salamanca Place 6223 1119 www.irishmurphys. com.au

Country Club Country Club Avenue 6335 5777 www. countryclubtasmania. com.au

Metz on the Bay 217 Sandy Bay Road 6224 4444

Irish Murphy’s 211 Brisbane Street 6331 4440 www.irishmurphys.

The New Sydney Hotel com.au 87 Bathurst Street 6234 4516 Hotel New York 122 York Street Syrup 6334 7231 1st Floor 39 Salamanca Place Lonnies 6224 8249 107 Brisbane Street www.syrupclub.com 6334 7889 www.lonniesniteclub.

The Republic Bar com 299 Elizabeth Street 6234 6954 The Newstead Hotel www.republicbar.com 160 Elphin Road 6331 1344 The Brisbane Hotel 3 Brisbane Street The Northern Club 6234 4920 5/61 Cameron Street www.myspace.com/ 6331 3568 thebrisbanehotel www.thenorthernclub. com.au The Alley Cat Bar 381 Elizabeth Street The Hub Bar 6231 2299 1 Tamar Street www.myspace.com/ 6334 9288 thealleycatbar www. tamarbackpackers.com Wrest Point Entertainment Centre The Royal Oak 410 Sandy Bay Road 14 Brisbane Street 6225 0112 6331 5346 www.wrestpoint.com.au www.myspace.com/ leapinlimpout . ISSUE 83 . DECEMBER 10 - DECEMBER 23 2008

15

TRACKBACK With Jona Weinhofen of Bleeding Through

Like sands through the hourglass, so are the notes in the spaces between the strum, and the snare, and the plucking of the strings. Each vibration forms a note, and a sequence of notes forms a passage, and a sequence of passages forms a song, and a bunch of songs form an album, and sometimes albums bleed through the consciousness to become classics, and on its way to being such an album is Bleeding Through’s Declaration. Guitarist, Jona took us through some of the tracks to get under the notes and lay bare the secrets beneath…

Declaration - what’s the strangest thing anyone in the band has had to declare at customs?

My most interesting customs experience was flying home to Australia from Los Angeles to do the I Killed The Prom Queen Say Goodbye Tour. It was the most I’d ever flown alone with. I had about four check-in items and three carry on bags. I was bringing back a vinyl banner and scrims for the stage show, 80 kg’s worth of metal belt buckles manufactured in the ‘States, a box of drum sticks, a box of guitar strings, my personal luggage and three guitars, including a brand new one which they thought had drugs hidden in one of it’s cavities, but it turned out to be the silicone gel sachet that keeps humidity levels down.

FABIO & PRO 19 year-old Fab has swag like no other, and personality to match. Previously known as Fabulicious, he has switched it up and taken on a more mature name - Fabio. He is very well known in the streets of Hobart and soon to be the world.

His parents originated from the Indian Ocean tropical islands of Seychelles, but his mum gave birth to him in Kirkaldy, Scotland, due to his dad’s continuous studies abroad. He grew up in the tropical Islands but then moved to Australia in 2005. He started to develop a desire for poetry through black music at the age of 14 and then at the age of 15 when he arrived to Australia, he started to record, taking his music seriously.

He released his first album at the age of 15. Three albums/mixtapes later Fabio is coming on strong, bigger and better than ever before, taking on a more grown up role within his music. Just released is his self-produced mixtape, Product of Hustle, with collaborations from another local upcoming MC, Pro, from the rap group H.O.B who are also strongly affiliated with Fabio.

Pro & Fabio have been creating and performing music together for over a year now, with Fab producing and rapping and Pro featuring and rapping on tracks.

The two have created quite a few hits, such as Face of

a Hustla, and Ridin’ by Myself which featured on the Product of Hustle mixtape. The two have made a buzz in Hobart and are doing everything they can to step up to the next level.

When he finally gets the chance to take that final step, he will help other unsigned artist to get to the next level with him, because he really feels that if you have the talent that separates you from every other person your age, and people love it, then it should be

on market for the world to hear. As Fabio is also a solo producer, if you have any questions about production or if you would like to collaborate on any projects, then feel free to hit him up to discuss business. Email your details and info to the_rap_prophecy@hotmail.com for more information.

Fabio, Pro & DJ Licious show off their sweet beats: 0 December 19 @ The Loft, Hobart

There Was a Flood - how do you think the world will end?

I had a dream a few weeks ago that the moon imploded, creating a black hole, which turned out to be a wormhole and the Earth was sucked into it and transported to a remote region of the universe where there was no sun or stars and everyone and everything instantly froze. I think the most realistic armageddon though, would either be a nuclear assault gone wrong or a reoccurrence of how the dinosaurs were destroyed - a meteor or asteroid hitting the Earth.

Reborn from Isolation - when do you feel the most cut off from people and how do you resolve it?

Having moved to a new place (Orange County, USA) and having not met too many new friends yet there are times when I feel lost and lonely. However, I do have a handful of good friends there and even when they’re all busy or working I usually enjoy and make the most of my own company. There’s lots of things I enjoy to do on my own - writing and recording music, graphic design, watching movies and TV series, walking and so on. Having said that there are also times where I feel the opposite. When I will have been on tour for months straight living out the same routine and being around the same people and sometimes it’s nice and refreshing to go for a walk or drive on my own and just sit and enjoy the solitude.

Death Anxiety - what have you experienced of the “afterlife,” if anything?

I’ve never really had any strange or paranormal afterlife or ‘near death’ experiences. However, I am a somewhat spiritual person in my beliefs. In the last few years both my grandmothers on my mother’s side and my grandfather on my father’s side passed away and I like to think that they are still with me in spirit and watching over me as I gallivant all over the world. I have a tattoo on the back of my neck of an angel with my grandmother, Verna Lock’s initials. We were always very close and I like to think of her as my guardian angel.

The Loving Memory of England - Taking things up a notch in the “taking things literally” stakes, what is your most fond memory of any time you’ve spent in England?

England is always a cool place to visit and I have a lot of really good friends from there. There are also a shitload of rad bands coming out of the UK at the moment. My most prominent memory of England was from my first tour I ever did there. After about the third or fourth show we began to see a pattern emerging amongst the young girls of Great Britain, to do with the way girls dressed and did their makeup. It seemed every single girl would wear really pale face makeup and their eyeliner/eyeshadow was jet black and went from the eyelashes all the way to the eyebrows. Everyone had black clothes and poofed up black hair with blonde streaks in it. We started to call them all pandas!

Catch Bleeding through on the Ozzie leg of their World Tour!

0 January 8 - 25 Declaration is out now.

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. ISSUE 83 . DECEMBER 10 - DECEMBER 23 2008

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ROCK – HOBART // THE GREENHOUSE FIRST HARVEST INVITATIONAL

Bountiful Fruit Satisfies The Hungry

Greenhouse First Harvest Invitational at Irish Murphy’s was always going to be a good gig. After several months of showcasing some fairly topoThe notch local talent on most weeknights, six bands were chosen to get together and play one super show for a large crowd of adoring punters. Glory aside, there was also a $7,000 recording package at Sing Sing studios up for grabs, writes Michael Blake, in this special report. worked as well as we’ve come to expect. Frontman Tim’s guitar and the bass of Richard rocked out catchy riff after catchy riff, under even catchier vocal hooks. Speaking of, Dance Hall (still my favourite) was excellent as ever, marred only by a mixing-desk mishap halfway through. Top set, and a good contender for the prize.

Each band had twenty-five minutes to impress, with The Trolls being first. They exploded into their set of – aha – sublimely jangly ska-rock-funk, which was instrumentally impressive but the vocals were a bit too quiet in the mix. This came right with time, as they romped through their set, horn section blazing. The co-vocals at the end of Why Pay? were great, a further dab of class in an impressive (and different) set.

Dali Srhoj and The Paper Band were classy too, with Dali’s warm strat tone setting a groove that was carried well by his backers. Julius Schwing on lead was, as usual, incredible, and I’ve gotta say I like Dali’s songwriting.

He’s a passionate fellow on stage, throwing a large amount of emotion into his work. While I may have misheard, I thought I heard a bit of salacious content in some of his lyrics, delivered cleverly enough that I nearly didn’t notice. Maybe I was hearing things. Either way, it was enjoyable.

I was expecting great things from the New Saxons, and they delivered in style.

Opening with the splendid Lights Go On and Off was a masterstroke, and their snappy, off-kilter jams

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acoustic completely in the mix, defeating the point a bit, Nathan led from the front, driving his ballads and ditties well with the ol’ acoustic. At the end of a top set, it was great to hear them go off on a bit of a funktangent for their last song, too.

he was engaging and solid out front, while Drew tomflammed awesomely behind the kit.

This gig really said a lot about the quality of new original music in Tasmania – it’s very high, and there’s a lot of it. If pressed, it’d be hard to say who I think will win (the results will be out by Christmas, hopefully), but the Saxons would be my bet.

Whoever wins, the real winner is us; the lucky sods that get to go along and soak up genius music (for free), in the often-awesome atmosphere of The Greenhouse. sMICHAEL BLAKE

The last band, Ejecter, fronted by Jonno Coleman and his acoustic, seemed a little off-form from last time I saw them, and it came off feeling a bit generock, but luckily Jonno’s lyrics are poetic and strong. Where others would have flopped about and lost their cool,

0 The Greenhouse continues every Sunday – Thursday at Irish Murphy’s, Hobart

The name will never stop sounding weird to me, but Joni’s Plastic Sunday went off. The already awesome atmosphere got even better when they took the stage.

After this reception they set about proving their hometown-hero status, and did pretty well. With soaring high-end piano and screaming organ over crunching guitars and a dense bottom end, more than one song brought Muse to mind. Not many can pull off playing stadium-rock in a pub, but these guys have a real go at it. I’m interested to see what frontman Josh could do with a full-blown electric guitar, though.

Great things, doubtless.

I’ll admit it. I was willing to write Nathan Wheldon and The Two-Timers off as a token Northern act. I would have been doing all involved a great injustice. I was thoroughly impressed by this tight (and well-dressed) outfit, led by the disarmingly self-deprecating Wheldon.

While some frontman-withan-acoustic acts lose the

. ISSUE 83 . DECEMBER 10 - DECEMBER 23 2008

19

ROCK – SOMERSBY // AFTER THE FALL

New Single Gets Band Off the Runway

hopefully, back on the radar, because that’s where they’ve not been lately, according to guitarist, Mark Warner. But now, with a new single o…And out (and for free download from their website), they’re determined to get back into your cynical little rock n’ roll nerd heart…

When was the last time you felt broken?

Right now! We just finished shooting a video for our new single, Break Me. It went all day and all night and I’m a very tired boy.

What was the thinking behind giving away Break Me free anyway?

Well we have been off the radar so to speak for a little while now and we thought we would give away the first single of the new record to say ‘hey we’re back.’ Just to get the word out there.

How has it gone, in terms of sales and getting the word out about?

I think it’s going pretty good, the downloads are still kicking so people are finding out about it through word of mouth and the radio which is good.

What other innovations are you exploring, besides giving away songs for free?

Time travel, and splitting atoms. [I think someone beat you to the latter – Ed] How’s the new album coming along?

Good, apart from our producer being stranded in

Thailand, it’s going great. I think we are all genuinely excited by what we have put down which is going to make touring and promoting it all the more enjoyable.

You mentioned on your blog that Break Me isn’t representative of the album as a whole – so how could you describe the upcoming album?

Break Me has a bit of the old ATF in there with elements of a different sound, I guess but there is just a whole lot of different stuff on the album. I guess, as a whole, it’s a little darker and has a mood or ‘vibe’ about it rather than just a bunch of random songs thrown together.

We have worked on getting the right selection of tracks to make it a strong album with a good flow to it.

What songs from the new album might we expect to hear when you visit Tassie?

We will be playing a few, that’s for sure! I’m not sure which ones but yeah we will play some for sure! sCHRIS RATTRAY After the Fall will perform Break Me, and possibly some other tracks: 0 December 19 @ Hotel SOHO Break Me is available from www.afterthefall.com.au.

WHAT’S THE STORY? With Ray and Glendi From Grumpy Neighbour

In this enlightening chat with the holders of the Sacred Stone of Grumpy, I learned much. I learned that to be band leader, all I need to do is own the P.A. system. I learned that Big Spud makes fantastic pizzas, and I learned that Trevor Marmalade accepts unsolicited albums in restrooms. You too can learn much from the Grumpy Ones in an extraspecial instalment of what’s the story…?

Behind your band name?

While on a climbing expedition of Mt Ossa, under a blue moon, we discovered a glass tablet with the words ‘grumpy neighbour’ inscribed upon it. We immediately took this to be an omen and swore an oath on this Sacred Stone of Grumpy that we would form a band and wherever possible, spread the bullshit around.

About how you ended up in your role in the band?

I’m the one who owns the P.A. system. My rig, my role.

Of the last time you were in trouble with the law?

We have maintained all along that it was nothing more than a grave misunderstanding and the less said about the matter, the better, besides, Trevor has agreed not to press charges after all (see below).

Of the last famous person you met?

Upon giving Trevor Marmalade our CD at a party a few weeks ago, he said thanks and to please not stand so close as he was trying to use the toilet.

Behind your most prized non-music related possession?

That would have to be the ‘sacred stone of grumpy’, a glass tablet inscribed with the words ‘grumpy neighbour’, retrieved on a climbing expedition to Mt Ossa Behind your most prized music-related possession?

Almost certainly our most prized musical possession would be our debut album, Sheep Manure $2 a Bag, Bullshit For Free available from indie-cds.com, at least until our next album, Boy Sitting on a Bag of Potatoes is released early in 2009.

Of the first gig you ever played together?

With this line-up, that is Dudley Billing on bass and Dave McKenna on drums, it would have been at the Rosebery Hotel in 2005 at a gig organised by Big Spud who provided fantastic pizzas afterwards.

Mmm, waffles! They’ll go great with Grumpy Neighbour…

0 December 14 @ Brookfield Vineyard 0 December 18 @ Irish Murphy’s, Hobart Sheep Manure $2 a Bag, Bullshit For Free is out now.

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. ISSUE 83 . DECEMBER 10 - DECEMBER 23 2008

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GIG REVIEWS LAGWAGON, BALLPOINT AND THE TURNAROUND @ The Republic Bar, November 23

CAPTAIN CLEANOFF @ The Brisbane Hotel, November 29

Captain Cleanoff is considered one of the big players within the Australian extreme music scene, currently embarking on their nationwide tour showcasing their fast, frantic grind. Hailing from Melbourne, Adelaide and Newcastle, Cleanoff have built up a devoted following over more than ten years as a band.

The show was marked with some disappointment at first: two bands (Sunday Something Ruined and Backlash) pulled out of the bill at the last moment, however local grind staple M.S.I. (Mutated Spastic Iguanas) showed up to fill one of those holes, opening the show with a display of slam-inducing brutality.

Matthew “Chalky” Chalk, who plays drums for M.S.I., also displayed his renowned vocal talent in Mephistopheles’ display of technical, jazz-influenced death metal.

The other support’s sound, however, was hampered by mix issues. DB Call, a two-piece extreme metal act from Burnie, was held back by a lack of sound clarity from the drums. Despite this, the drummer’s ability to death growl while maintaining a heavy double-kicked riff was impressive, and no-one doubted Rick’s (of M.S.I.) assertion that the band “rocked”.

Of course, the focus of the show was the highly anticipated final set from Captain Cleanoff, and the crowd reaction was instant. While unfortunately missing one guitarist due to illness, the now four-piece presented their frantic snare blasts, blistering slam riffs and high-pitched screams well. The shortness of the songs sometimes caught the audience off-guard mid-mosh, particularly one epic, which lasted all of one second. If I have only one issue with the set, it was that it was far too short-lived: the audience was left wanting only more. Yet, ultimately, I suppose, this is the true measure of a good show, and Cleanoff passed without flaw.

It was such a treat to see Lagwagon at The Republic Bar in Hobart, Tasmania! Lagwagon are punk rock legends!

All the way from California, they were the first band ever to be signed by Fat Mike to Fat Wreckchords. This was the second time they have graced our Tasmanian shores, this time to promote their new album, I Think My Older Brother Used to Listen to Lagwagon! Locals, The Turnaround and Ballpoint provided admirable support.

The Turnaround opened and they played some of the new songs that they have been working on for their upcoming EP, Screams of War, which is due to be released in March next year. Ballpoint followed with a selection of their classic hits from albums such as Blood Sweat and Beers and their most recent album, Get Loose, they are also currently working on new material.

Lagwagon’s set list consisted of a variety of songs from their various albums; it was a nice balance between their old and new material. Lindsey McDougall, guitarist from Frenzal Rhomb, had to cover for Lagwagon’s regular guitarist Chris Flippin because he was deported from Australia for reasons involving a previous unresolved conviction. Lindsay did a great job of covering for him. A couple of the chord changes might have been slightly off but hey, who would have noticed! Lagwagon closed with a cover of Van Morrison’s classic, Brown Eyed Girl. It was a great night, a big thank you to everyone who made this all possible.

HANNAH KEEN

160 Elphin Road L a u n c e s t o n TA S 7 2 5 0

Live music Woodfired pizzas Extensive bottleshop ph: 03 6331 1344 fax: 03 6331 2191 e: thenewsteadhotel@hotmail.com

COLLECTOR’S CORNER

CDs & DVDs New + Second Hand 37 Wilson St Burnie 03 6431 6616

JAMES YOUNG PINKY BEECROFT AND THE WHITE RUSSIANS @ The Alley Cat, November 21

THE STATICS + THE STAUNCHES + PATRICK MARSHALL & WOOF WOOF @ The Commercial Hotel, November 22

The usual rabble of Launceston’s punk/rock devotees filled the Beer Garden, ready to help Melbournians, The Statics, close their national tour with a bang. But instead of the usual relaxed pre-gig atmosphere there came cheers, as converse wearing, pierced punkers mixed with polo donning, fo-hawked footy fans to cheer on the Aussies in the Rugby World Cup Final… we lost.

Music time.

What I like about these guys is that they’re not afraid to hang out, and let it hang out - (it’s okay, there was no nudity). Pinky is not just a musician; he’s an entertainer, really. He likes to tell a story, and the stories are often hilarious. He’s been out of the limelight for a little while, since the demise of Machine Gun Fellatio, but his creativity and range as an artist has not waned and The White Russians don’t let him down. They really gel as a band and all great musicians.

Armed with the new album, Something Somewhere Better, including a few new versions and covers, the band played a sold out show. Much hilarity and, well, drinking ensued. They’ve released a new and danceable version of Unsent Letter that’s excellent, and also a cover of Blondie’s Call Me that goes down a treat.

The new song, My Haircut Will Come Back Around, was popular too, and nearly all raised a hand in agreeance with the line ‘my brain cells will come back around’. A metal version of Britney’s Toxic got us all dancing.

First to mount the stage were Launceston’s The Staunches, who wasted no time in bombarding the crowd with some of the coolest, catchiest, tightest rock’n’roll to hit Launceston since the days of The Styles, delighting rockers and footy fans alike.

Next up was Your Demise front man Patrick Marshall, playing a solo acoustic set. Following The Staunches armed only with an old steel string, he came out swinging, putting the same emotion and power into the set that he does in his massive punk foursome.

Third came The Statics. I was worried - an indie band playing to a punk rock audience. Starting slow, with a long lolling intro, the punk fans were nervous. Then they kicked in with some supremely catchy riffs, coupled with smooth vocals and massive three part harmonies. But best of all was the front man, pulling the widest rock stance ever, then getting a random punter to strum for his lead solo! This band is a must see for indie rock fans.

Above all else the guy can sing and seems to never miss a note. It’s a voice that sticks in your head and I still love it. Pinky is back – as good as if not better than ever, with, of course, his band of very friendly, very talented White Russians.

Last to don the boards were Launceston’s old hands, punkish rockish trio, Woof Woof, who rocked out into the wee hours of the morning, the final icing on what was an awesome cake of a night.

TABITHA FLETCHER

PETER MAYHEW

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392 - 394 Elizabeth St. North Hobart Ph: 03 6234 5975

. ISSUE 83 . DECEMBER 10 - DECEMBER 23 2008

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OFF THE SHELF With Carl Fidler and Glenn Moorehouse Over the past two weeks Top Shelf at Irish has produced two of the most memorable shows this year. Wednesday nights are quickly gaining a reputation as a great night out in Launceston with bands raising the bar to a new level. It’s awesome to have so many of you turning up to support this event.

What can we say about The Stoics acoustic set on Wednesday November 26? If you weren’t there, you missed one of the coolest performances they have ever produced! Ciaran and Maria started proceedings interweaving acoustic guitar and piano with stunning vocal harmonies. It was almost voyeuristic to watch them, as though you were peering in on an intimate moment. Monty joined them on stage adding a new dimension, his horn awash with delay providing a sonic bed for the songs to lie on. The set finished with Maria behind the drum kit and Ciaran tinkling the ivories. Outstanding!

The Staunches followed up with a solid performance of hard rock, Jimmy Steele leading the way with his strong rock voice. These guys are fairly new to the scene and we look forward to what they produce in the future.

THE STAFFORD BROTHERS Proud Gold Coasters, Matt and Chris Stafford have been steadily rising to the top of Australia’s elite DJ forces since 1999, the year the brothers decided to shelve their solo DJing and pair up fulltime. Both standout DJs, Chris is an old hat at producing and a natural lyricist on the mic, while Matt is known for his lead guitar solos over sets. All this adds up to the blood brothers combining as a powerful force in both the production and DJ realms and whether they’ll admit it or not, as one of the main drivers of the Australian dance music scene.

What got you into DJ’ing ?

We were always playing instruments and went to a few raves back in the day and decided we wanted to be the guys on stage.

What release have you been working on lately and how would you describe it?

We have a new track coming out on Ministry of Sound called Wherever. We did it with The Hoxton Whores in London and actually have our cousin singing vocals on it. It’s definitely the biggest track we have done in a while.

What’s your next overseas destination after coming to Tasmania and what are you looking forward to the most about it?

We will be in New Zealand in late December and Canada in March. New Zealand is a massive festival and

Canada is always rocking plus we love snowboarding.

to be liking our music so they leave us alone!

How will you be spending Christmas/Boxing Day? Christmas Day we get offered to do a lot of shows but we always say no. We love to spend that day with our family. We meet with our uncles, aunties, cousins and so on. And it is always a massive affair! Boxing Day we are playing the White Party at Platinum nightclub with Fedde le Grande.

Out of everything you’ve been doing lately, what’s been the most challenging and/or rewarding?

Challenging would be making big tunes. When you finally make a great tune it is really rewarding, especially if it goes off when you play it live.

What’s the strangest thing your brother has ever given you for Christmas?

A cup with the letter “M” on it. Thanks Chris.

What’s the weirdest thing or request anyone’s ever asked of you in your capacity as a DJ? We used to get a lot of requests for a lot of strange songs, and we have had a few requests from some girls for some interesting things, but lately everyone seems

Who are you most looking forward to seeing at your set?

The crowd, I always love Tasmanian crowds - they are always up for it and go crazy!

Go crazy for The Stafford Brothers!

0December 12 @ Hotel New York, Launceston

Last Wednesday, December 3, lived up to the promise of a well-crafted pop night. Nathan Wheldon led the evening off armed with only an acoustic guitar and his awesome voice. Nathan’s intricate guitar work along with beautiful melodies set the perfect tone for the evening, his songs taking the hundred plus crowd on a journey through love lost, love found, death, to new life.

Van Diemen are back! There is no secret as to why these guys are being sought out by the major labels.

The songs are great. The sound is great. The hooks are undeniable. Robbie and Clint come hand-in-hand with the tight rhythm section of Jamon and Luke. They have honed their craft to an amazing point and have a set that doesn’t let up until they say goodnight. One thing that must be mentioned is Luke’s bass sound... it blew us away! Awesome man. Don’t miss them next time.

Tonight, Wednesday December 10, Top Shelf presents Foreign Films supported by Carl Fidler. This is their only show for the summer, so don’t miss this chance to see a unique Tasmanian band. Wednesday December 17 sees The Dog Line return to the stage supported

by Deux Pervertis (acoustic version of The Voyeurs) featuring Ben Miller and Andy Collins. Both acts bring a darker edge to their sound, which should make for an entertaining night of riff hooks and drama filled noise.

Christmas Eve we are presenting, for your listening pleasure, Falls Gold. Two Launceston acts that will be performing at Falls Festival have kindly agreed to give up this most sacred of evenings to put on a night like no other. Nathan Wheldon and The Two Timers will be our feature band, supported by Mick Attard and Stu Van Riel from The Embers who, by the way, have recently been announced onto the Falls line up after successful shows over the past two years there. If you’re heading to Falls then come down and get a taste of what’s on offer. This will be a huge night so get down early and soak up the sounds of these two great acts.

Grab the best off the Top Shelf: 0 Every Wednesday @ Irish Murphy’s (Launceston) 22

. ISSUE 83 . DECEMBER 10 - DECEMBER 23 2008

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DANCE – HOBART // TASTE FESTIVAL: AFTER TASTE DJS

Festival to Serve up a Banquet of Dance

LITTLE MISS

MUSIC T A S M A N I A

Event Management

PA Hire

DAMEZA

GROTESQUE

GILLIE

three special one-off nights, the cabaret-style venue in the Festival Club will feature a program of oFor curated entertainment matched with a carefully selected menu from local chefs. Here is your chance to

experience something different! MCd by Ryk Goddard and Cecil Brown, these nights have extended opening hours and will be topped off with house DJ sessions to finish the night. Sample some of the delights DJs Grotesque and Gillie have to offer…

Give us a taste of what you’re about?

Grot: I’m all about Paul Simon, AC/DC, The Funkoars and dope remixes of 60’s pop tracks...

Gil: I’m passionate about music (all music) and I spend most of my time listening and researching music online and in record stores.

I’ve been collecting music since I was fourteen and after twenty years I am collecting more music today than I ever have.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever tasted?

Grot: Hmmm... Camel... tougher than leather.

Literally...

Gil: The strangest things I’ve tasted have all been in Scotland. Black pudding, haggis and general day-today Scottish cooking - full of fat and weird animal bits!

How would you describe your taste in: Music?

Grot: Eclectic.

Gil: Funky bass driven house suitable for clubs as well

as laid back chilled out Sunday afternoon bar music.

Literature?

Grot: Nerdy.

Gil: I read a lot of psychology books and influencing material. Most of my reading is on the internet where I research music.

Home decorations?

Grot: Messy.

Gil: I have been told that I’m rather obsessive compulsive so my taste in all things home decoration is less is more! I hate clutter!

Films?

Grot: Trashy Sci Fi. Gil: I watch an average of one movie a day and my favourite movie is The Shawshank Redemption closely followed by any film that Martin Scorsese has done – Taxi Driver, Goodfellas, Casino, Raging Bull….

What’s the tastiest thing you can cook?

Grot: Chicken Vindaloo... As hot as I can bear!

Booking musicians for festivals, events, venues, corporate and private functions 0407 270 257 jsdix@tasmail.com www.myspace.com/littlemissmusictasmania

Gil: Red Curry and it’s probably the only thing that I can cook well from scratch!

What’s the tastiest thing you’ve been up to lately?

Grot: That would be telling...

Gil: Playing at the Metz and Syrup.

What will you bring to the table at the After Taste party?

Grot: Haha... The party!

Gil: A funky mix of house and pop fuelled music that you can choose to dance to or just sit back and nod your head, tap your foot to.

Catch a banquet of beats at After Taste…

0 January 1 @ The Festival Club with DJ Grotesque 0 January 2 @ The Festival Club with DJ Dameza 0 January 3 @ The Festival Club with DJ Gillie Go to www.tastefestival.com.au for more information.

MIKE HYPER Mike Hyper is one of the most influential Club DJs of the new century, representing his turntablist skills not only at the clubs, but also major concerts and exhibitions. Majoring as the official tour DJ for Autosalon Australia, Roc Tha Block (NSW 07 & 08) and the official tour DJ for 50 Cent and G-Unit, his experience as a show/club DJ is nothing but entertaining.

Playing for international sensations like 50 Cent/GUnit, Akon, Pitbull, Naughty By Nature, Sisqo, Nelly, Mario & Slim (112) and soon to be Omarion, Marques Houston & Avant, added to the star studded line up are local acts Savage & The Deceptakonz, Young Sid, Ethical, Tyree, Weapon X and Ken Hell. Current and past company shows include XBOX 360, THQ, Virgin Blue Airlines (Sydney 06/07), Autosalon Australia, General Pants Clothing.

Mike Hyper has also performed in all major cities in Australia, New Zealand, Bali and numerous other Asian destinations, never disappointing and always leaving crowds rocking at the biggest and best clubs these countries have to offer. Currently based in Sydney, Australia, he is about to blow the lid off the industry by showcasing his clubtablist skills worldwide.

But first, he’ll take it to Tassie!

0 December 20 @ Lonnies Niteclub, Launceston WWW.SAUCE.NET.AU

. ISSUE 83 . DECEMBER 10 - DECEMBER 23 2008

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SPONSORED BY

TA S S I E ’ S

H O T T E S T

C A R S

Vehicle Graphics

KIRBY WATKINS’ 1996 MAZDA 323 ASTINA BA

BODYSTYLING Custom black bonnet with green flake, after market wing, Alteza tail lights, personalised number plates.

ENGINE BP 1.8,aftermarket air intake, braided lines, aftermarket hoses and paintwork.

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WHEELS/BRAKES/SUSPENSION Black 17 inch G2’s, stock brakes, Pedders sports rider suspension 1’1/2 inch lowered.

SPECIAL THANKS A special thanks to MF Installs Custom Car Audio and Visual for most of the work that has gone into making this car what it is today.

DRIVER PROFILE – KIRBY WATKINS AGE: 23 CAR CLUB: Illusion When did you buy your car: Three years ago.

Previous car owned: N13 Nissan pulsar Desired future car: Series 8 Mazda RX7 Dream car: Ferrari Enzo What’s a funny story to do with the car?

I’ve been told that green is a bad luck colour for a car..

It got hit by three different cars within the space of a month!

Why do you love the car?

It’s green and it draws attention.

WANT YOUR CAR FEATURED IN HOT MODS? CONTACT US AT HOTMODS@SAUCE.NET.AU

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. ISSUE 83 . DECEMBER 10 - DECEMBER 23 2008

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ARTS – HOBART // MONA FOMA

In the Mind of the Curator the acts, venues, workshops, set up collaborations. I also deal with a lot o“Iof choose the logistics and communications aspects,” says Brian Richie of the Violent

Femmes of his role as curator of impending arts festival, MONA FOMA (MOFO). “In addition I have become involved in local politics to an extent, which I never encountered in my previous life as a rock god. I addressed the Hobart City Council yesterday, and also meet on a regular basis with Tourism, Arts, the Premier and his staff. I have also become the primary mouthpiece for MOFO, so I do a lot of press. It’s a real education and a lot of work. But the main job is organizing the artistic side of things.”

How did you become involved?

Rosemary Miller, who is the director of Salamanca Arts Centre here in Hobart, asked me if I would consider organizing a music festival for them. I have of course played at hundreds of festivals around the world, so I have a lot of experience as a performer, but directing one was not on my radar. However I considered it and thought if I could have a bit of fun and adventure with the programming, it might be interesting. So I drew up a proposal for a festival combining music and art, collaborations between different mediums and sound art installations. It was fairly detailed, including examples of programming and potential venues.

Rosemary then approached Moorilla Winery with the idea, seeking financial support and sponsorship.

Leigh Carmichael is in charge of their branding and showed the proposal to David Walsh, who is the owner of Moorilla. David is also in the process of building a world-class art museum on the Moorilla grounds called MONA - Museum of Old and New Art. They liked the proposal so much they said they would prefer to have MONA as a partner in the festival rather than merely the sponsor. This is because they thought the musicians and concepts proposed were in line with the philosophy of MONA, which is provocative.

What’s exciting you the most about the festival?

I think the most exciting thing about the festival is that it will place a vast array of artistic and musical talent in front of the public at no charge. The only ticketed event is the Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds/ Saints concert. The rest is free. Workshops, exhibits, concerts, installations will all be accessible to anybody with the curiosity to seek it out. We want to present modern thinking in a way that people can embrace as their own, rather than being elitist like many art events. This is for the people.

What were your criteria for selecting suitable acts and artworks for the festival?

I did not want to do a rock festival, because there are enough rock festivals in Australia. I am extremely open in my musical and artistic taste. David Walsh

WWW.SAUCE.NET.AU

and I are the same age and have come up through the same music and art scenes, so we’re on the same wavelength. So the first determination was that MOFO would not be genre based. Rather, it’s based on a philosophy or perhaps a better word would be attitude - musicians and artists taking their vision to the limits of their field of endeavour. This can be achieved in numerous different ways. Some artists are exploring new techniques, others, wild subject matter, yet others, unusual performance modes. We’re just avoiding the predictable and common. The musicians range from Mali’s Mamadou Diabate to a collaboration between Italy’s wild punk band, The Zen Circus and Italian manga artist, Davide Toffolo, to installations featuring music played by birds and waves, to German improvisational pipe organist Ansgar Wollenhorst.

It’s incredibly diverse but the theme is taking it to the edge.

To what extent was getting the original Saints lineup back together for the festival a coup?

A real coup, which came about because of some of my connections from Violent Femmes. The Saints are touring as part of All Tomorrow’s Parties. Aside from one gig last year this is the first time they’ve toured with Ed and Chris since the 70s. Violent Femmes headlined ATP in England several years ago and the people who are bringing it to Australia are the same people who put on the VF tours here. They offered me some of the acts for MOFO, which is a perfect fit.

“…it’s based on a philosophy or perhaps a better word would be attitude…”

What else do you think will surprise people the most about the festival?

I think people will be surprised to hear music they’ve never experienced before and see art they didn’t know could exist and to have it all coming to them in Tasmania. This is a rare opportunity. MONA, the museum, will not open for two years but the ideas are bouncing off the walls and we wanted to get some of them out before then. sCHRIS RATTRAY Get arted at MOFO! 0 January 9-12, Hobart mofo.net.au

. ISSUE 83 . DECEMBER 10 - DECEMBER 23 2008

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SCREEN – THRILLER // QUANTUM OF SOLACE

Bond Takes New Direction

“

n …there’s a ext l cont emotiona that’s ne to the sce he eyes nt revealed i tor… of the ac

”

past, the James Bond franchise has usually been the domain of directors with a background in action, adventure or gritty drama. But with oInthetheintroduction of Daniel Craig as Ian Fleming’s international secret agent in Casino Royale, it became clear that the series was looking to embrace a new style. And the selection of Marc Forster to helm Quantum of Solace, the follow-up to Casino Royale, certainly reinforces that notion.

While the German filmmaker has a diverse body of work to his credit, movies like Monster’s Ball, Finding Neverland and The Kite Runner don’t necessarily seem like projects that would put him in the running to oversee a big-budget blockbuster. Still, when he was approached by the franchise’s producers, Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson, about directing Quantum of Solace, Forster was reminded of a quote by legendary filmmaker Orson Welles. “His biggest regret was that he’d never made a commercial movie or a mainstream movie,” said Forster. “So I thought I would like to make a movie more people will see than the six films I have done put together.”

Mission accomplished, in that case. When Quantum of Solace opened in America recently, its opening weekend’s box-office take of $US70 million exceeded that of Casino Royale, making it the most successful 007 debut in the history of the series. And worldwide, the movie has already made more than $US300 million. A Bond movie may seem like a licence to print money, but Forster doesn’t deny that he had some misgivings about the job early on. In the beginning I was very hesitant,” said the filmmaker, who accompanied Quantum of Solace stars Daniel Craig and

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. ISSUE 83 . DECEMBER 10 - DECEMBER 23 2008

Olga Kurylenko to Sydney for the movie’s Australian premiere. “It took me about a month to come around because there is that feeling that you have to operate within the framework of the Bond franchise but at the same time it was important for me to imprint my own stylistic vision on the movie.”

well,” said Forster. “For instance, he shot the exterior of the opening car chase and the plane sequence later in the film, while I shot the interior of those scenes with the actors.”

For Forster, that meant incorporating some of the elements he loved about the Bond movies of the 1960s, such as the early Sean Connery films and George Lazenby’s only 007 adventure On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. “But I also wanted to ground the movie in a more realistic tone and background so that Bond is more believable,” he said. “To my surprise, Barbara and Michael were really, really supportive of the vision I had and backed me up all the way along. It was a really positive experience in that sense.”

While he was happy to hand over some of the more frantic action scenes to his collaborators, Forster found other ways to put his signature on Quantum of Solace, whether it was giving some sequences a more “abstract feel” through innovative editing or placing greater emphasis than usual on Bond’s humanity in character-driven scenes. “I like shooting quieter and more introverted moments, and I’m very much at home with those kinds of scenes,” he said. “The words don’t necessarily explain everything, and there’s an emotional context to the scene that’s revealed in the eyes of the actor.”

A new experience for Forster was working with a second-unit director. But the movie’s tight shooting schedule and the logistics of filming elaborate stunts required the assistance of Dan Bradley, who’d worked on the action-packed Bourne trilogy. “I wanted to make sure he understood my vision and would honour it in his work, and we complemented each other very

Quantum of Solace has made Forster a hot property in Hollywood, and various reports have him attached to a number of high-profile projects. One of them is an adaptation of the bestselling book World War Z, a journalistic overview of a global zombie rampage.

“It’s something I’m developing,” admitted Forster.

“I liked the book and I think it has the potential to be

an interesting movie. The way I see it, it falls into the same kind of thriller genre as something like All the President’s Men. So this will not be a straightforward horror genre picture – it’ll be more a hybrid, which could be an interesting thing.”

And somewhere along the line, Forster would also like to return to the smaller-scale films he made previously.

“It’s always hard to get smaller movies off the ground,” he said. “But I truly enjoy making them and I want to continue doing so.” sGUY DAVIS Quantum of Solace is in cinemas now.

0 TICKET GIVEAWAY! We have one in-season double pass to Quantum of Solace to give away!

Answer this question: What is the name of Olga Kurylenko’s character in the new James Bond movie?

Write to competitions@sauce.net.au with the answer, your name, and contact phone number and put BOND COMP in the subject. A winner will be chosen at random and announced next issue! Competition MUST CLOSE 5pm Friday, December 19!

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COMEDY

games, gadgets, and other digital distractions OZJAM STREAMLINES MUSO SERVICES

PLATFORMER // PS3

LittleBigPlanet

Meet Sackboy, your ticket to a world of exploration, creativity, sharing and uncontrollable girlish giggles.

The Australian music scene is growing bigger by the second, captivating both local and international audiences with its distinctive and definitive sound, accompanied by unrivalled passion and immense talent. Unfortunately, for many musicians the rise is often slow and accompanied by little or no support.

A new website promises to fill this gap by providing musicians with the tools to help unleash their talent and bring them to the forefront of the Oz music industry.

Move over Jak, shift aside Ratchet, pack your bags Kratos, the PlayStation has a new star of the stable they call Sackboy (or depending on the choice of outfits, Sackgirl) and he takes centre stage in one of the years most anticipated romps on console.

To the devoted global PlayStation congregation, LittleBigPlanet (LBP) needs no introduction as Sony’s hype machine has been banging on for almost two years about the virtues of this title, however for the unwashed amongst us allow me to bring you up to speed.

At its core, LBP is a side-scrolling platformer courting players to run, jump and swing their way through 2.5D levels packed full of puzzles, dangers and rewards. So far, so 80s right? While the creators may have drawn inspiration from a classic genre, the end result is far from a case of retro gaming. The key ingredients that lift LBP into genre-busting territory are its character customisation and level creation modes, which are on a scale that hasn’t been pulled off so deliciously simply and enjoyably before.

Through a series of amusing tutorials during the early levels, Sackboy is steadily introduced to various aspects of gamplay, all the while giving players the chance to hone his gymnastic abilities plus unlock valuable points and goodies along the way. Scattered around every level are dozens of collectables ranging from outrageous outfits, masks and other wearable items for customising Sackboy’s appearance, to a myriad of stickers, materials and other objects for building brand new levels. As entertaining as the game’s storyline and 50 levels are to complete alone or with buddies, ultimately they’re merely designed to ready players for the level designing and online community modes of the game, which provide almost infinite replay value.

0 COMING UP…

While it’s quite easy (not to mention highly entertaining) to spend hours customising the appearance of Sackboy with the countless collectables picked up throughout the levels, the most challenging and rewarding activity of LBP is the ability to create playable levels on the same scale and complexity as the dazzling gems included in the game. Having played through each of the 50 levels to unlock all the necessary items and level building features, players are then free to use any of the available level templates or start with a completely blank canvas. While many of the pre-built objects from existing levels are available to re-use, with the user-friendly tools and a little imagination (and patience) almost anything is possible to build from scratch. Levels can be spiced up further with custom lighting, sound effects, music, prizes, trophies and more.

Now where would the fun be in a meticulously crafted, devilishly tricky level if you couldn’t show it off to the world, which is where LBP’s online community comes into play? You’re given an entire planet to populate with user-created levels that can be played locally by up to four mates, or published online and made available for anyone to play, rate and if you choose, even let them copy and edit their own version of your levels. This has proven hugely popular with the levelcreating community, which has already seen over 100,000 levels uploaded. Unsurprisingly though, Mr. Sony has been forced to step in and remove a number of these levels flagged by gamers due to the use of inappropriate and copyrighted material. You can only imagine what a room full of thirteen year old boys find amusing to design, right?

For everything good on the table here, LBP isn’t perfect.

Considering it’s first and foremost a platformer, the response of the controls for running and jumping could be tighter, and manoeuvring Sackboy between

the foreground and the background of levels is often tricky. Tackling levels with four players can also prove frustrating as the on-screen action follows the leader, leaving the tail of the field off the screen completely.

However these really are minor shortcomings in the big picture and hardly taint what is one the year’s most highly original and utterly charming games. sMIKE WILCOX

GAMEPLAY: 95%

0 It’s classic platforming with a fresh twist that lets you play, create, and share.

Ozjam.com.au is aimed at connecting Australian musicians no matter what instrument or genre of music they play, enabling them to work together as a community – you can find band members, join a band, form a band, and gain exposure.

The site also features detailed member profiles including audio and video clips, intelligent search capabilities so you can find exactly who and what you are looking for, member interviews, a gig guide, auditions noticeboard, for sale noticeboard, useful ‘How To’ articles, musicians forum, plus a monthly prize giveaway and a unique band name creation service. www.ozjam.com.au

GRAPHICS: 95%

0 Stunning 3D visuals crafted from everyday materials give this one of the most unique looks on any console.

INSPECT A GADGET With Mike Wilcox

SOUND: 85%

0 Catchy tunes and a truckload of suitably cute sounds can be found throughout.

PLAYABILITY: 95%

0 The relatively short main story mode is essentially an entrée to the endless supply of user-created levels.

OVERALL: 95%

0 LBP is a gaming nirvana unlike any other.

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Look out for reviews of Guitar Hero: World Tour, Resistance 2, and Tomb Raider: Underworld coming up in future editions of SAUCE!

DOMESTIC COWBOY

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. ISSUE 83 . DECEMBER 10 - DECEMBER 23 2008

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. ISSUE 83 . DECEMBER 10 - DECEMBER 23 2008

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COMEDY

STRANGER THAN MICKTION

STRUTH BE TOLD Love, The Bedroom Philosopher way.

In grade ten my girlfriend Kristen cheated on me with an older guy. When I say older I mean he had his P’s. I’d tried everything I could with her, a four hour phone conversation when we lived half an hour away, some serious leg playing with, I even let her boss me around and change her mind every five minutes about whether my school shoes were yae or nae. She ate my chips, she finished my jokes, she left cryptic messages on my pencil case. Now I think about it, she was pretty annoying. As an apology for cheating on me she blutakked the lyrics to Roxette’s It Must Have been Love to my locker. I was devastated. It wasn’t my locker. She’d been seeing eight other guys while we were together.

The ‘youth group’ she’d taken me to was just a big second date.

In Grade Six I was part of a girlfriend lottery scheme for four-eyed boys. I was placed next to Tenille Alford.

She was from New Zealand with exotically dark skin, blue eyes and a shy but funny demeanour. Look at our photo! Seriously, how did I get her? She was so cool, her windcheater is still in fashion. We wrote letters to each other, sat next to each other at play-lunch, I think once we even spoke. Crunch time came during the school camp. It was night and we were wandering around the bush, high on Chomps. With a childlike curiosity we gravitated around the back of one of the cabins, alone for the first time. We stood there staring at the moon-flecked wood pine for ten minutes. Neither of us spoke. I didn’t breathe. My brain had bunjee jumped into my heart, which was skydiving into my stomach, which had unravelled down my legs. I knew why we were there, but I also knew that it was impossible.

I was like a possum in the headlights with a bottle opener. She was so lovely and warm and if I had just let my face drift forward and guided it gently against hers – the nicest snap-crackle-tickle could have been mine.

I couldn’t. I wouldn’t. I didn’t. With twig’s breaking beneath us I led us back to our friends.

A few weeks later she said she didn’t want to keep

being my girlfriend. I’d always attributed it to the fact that the day before my Mum had come to pick us up in her little Yellow VW Beetle. The thing roared like Crazy Frog and looked like a Matchbox Popball.

Tenille didn’t look so rapt about being in the back seat. The more I think about it, the more I come back to that night behind the cabins. Through the choice I insisted on making, I had revealed a crucial weakness of character. I had tucked my windcheater into my shorts.

My first real kiss wouldn’t come until four years later when I started wearing contact lenses and girls realised I was all right in the face. I used to attend a regular Christian camp, which had such dangerous rope swings and grass sledding that it was in your best interests to have JC onside. Saturday nights were always pretty flirty. Once, a love-struck couple got their braces stuck together and they had to call in the

S.E.S. I’d paired up with Chantel, both of us shy and second tier cool. We wandered up the gravel road and under a clear night sky I told my body that history wouldn’t repeat. It’s a shame it didn’t because we so bumped teeth. Several times. Even God had to look away. It lasted a couple of minutes by which stage we slunk back, too embarrassed to ever talk to each other again.

Twelve years on and not much has changed. Only now I bump hearts. sJUSTIN HEAZLEWOOD Get pumped with The Bedroom Philosopher: 0 December 13 @ Stagedoor Café, Burnie 0 December 14 @ The Royal Oak, Launceston

The Year in Revue

“…the show is almost writing itself!” another year has gone by, full of the politically preposterous and shonky shenanigans, you can either oWhen cry (which is unseemly), write many, many letters to the editor of your local newspaper (let the terminally offended do that), or lampoon, and laugh heartily (because that’s fun and life’s short!). The delightfully delicious Marcus Bower has been doing the latter for almost thirty years now. The Royal Oak Revue is on again, and we’ve all been invited to partake in the joke!

Why do you think the Royal Oak Revue is so popular?

People at the end of a long and tiring year want to simply have a meal a drink and a good laugh at The Oak. We hopefully provide the laugh!

Who’s involved this year and what do they bring to the table?

There are the usual suspects: Lou Peters, Jeff Hayes (all original Royal Oak Jokers along with myself ) and then there’s Meredith Morrell on keyboard and vocals, Stuart Loone, Jane Johnson and David Quinn. All

of them are experienced and well known “theatre identities” around town.

What are some events that provided ample fodder for lampooning this year?

The David Bartlett Government for one… Oh look, the events that are happening around us almost mean the show is almost writing itself! The Pulp Mill, Sarah Palin, Gen Y slackers, pretentious art, The Launceston City Council and…well need I say anymore?

What was the first show like in comparison what it is now?

What’s Off in Town was a little softer in tone. It was under the umbrella of The Launceston Players and it was upstairs in the Chandelier Room at The Launceston Hotel.

This was an unusual start to the column for The Author as, for the first time he was referring to himself in the third person. And not by name.

“What happened to the first person?” is a question he asked himself, delving into his own thoughts and thus adding omnipotence to his already third person status. As he began what would become the third sentence, depending on how the editor treated it, he noticed that the sentence structure was unnecessarily long-winded and well… wordy.

Still, that sentence was over now, and he could move on. There was, evidently, prose and cons to didactically referencing the medium in which he was working. Hang on, was that a pun?

At this point The Author reads back the last paragraph and goes and makes toast. He then continues to write this paragraph (using italics for emphasis, followed by a bracketed comment to stress the emphasis) while leaving buttery fingerprints on the keys of his laptop. He attempts to wipe them off and ends up typing uygse’[p;lj itdraewgmmdtseawghkl;’./]\oghuj. At least he’s catering for the Welsh readers. A quick check of his email and he stares at what he has so far. Yep. Pretty good. Or is he just employing litotes? He’s pretty sure he’s lost 90% of readers with the last word. But is reassured that 10% of readers are pissing themselves, and hopes that at least 50% of them understand the metaphor. Suddenly an onomatopoeia popped into his head and stapled to it was the next paragraph.

COMEDY – LAUNCESTON // THE ROYAL OAK REVUE

How did it all start in the first place anyway?

It started back in 1981 when I came back from Uni and the Old Nick Company. The Launceston Players were doing shows upstairs in the old Launceston Hotel and I decided to do my own show called What’s Off in Town. This was a direct dig at a column in The Examiner called “What’s on in Town.” So the Off Show was born.

Mick Lowenstein gets his tense all mixed up for your viewing pleasure.

parody what I perceive to be wrong or ridiculous. It’s classic satire that probably stems from my love of British Revues of the 60s and 70s. That sounds a tad pretentious but Not the Nine O’Clock News and so on was what I saw or read about as a lad!

What have been some of the highlight moments from shows past?

On reflection we actually were ahead of some material that went to air on such shows as The Max Gillies Show in the 80s. Suzie Bower, my wife and long time Royal Oak Joker herself, always reminds me of this.

I am sort of proud that the shows, while sometimes risqué and bawdy, did have a satirical and topical edge to them.

“Is this what they call writers block?” asked a second person in first person, and The Author, still in third person, simply stared at what he had just written with a half squinting look of incomprehension on his face. Which is where it looked best. Hang on, text message. Just keep reading for a second while I…. it’s ok. Not raining apparently. Sorry, slipped back into first person perspective again. Or am I the second person referring to myself in third person, but am actually a fourth person dressed up in a narrative suit?

I really shouldn’t have had the toast. Said Mick without the use of quotation marks while being very casual with the perspective I am writing in.

If only I could snap out of this slump and write something that broke lit’ry rules!

Bloody hell, I’m using iambic pentameter now.

Like sonnets. Remember those? Rhetorical question. Is there such a thing as a rhetorical answer? Was that question rhetorical. I can feel Tom Stoppard’s lawyers reaching for the phone.

And then I died.

True story. Which is, of course, an oxymoron.

sCHRIS RATTRAY sMICK LOWENSTEIN

What is it about the Revue that keeps you interested?

I keep doing it after all these years because I like to

Cap off the year with a drink and a meal, and maybe a laugh!

0 December 11-13, 17-20 @ The Royal Oak, Launceston

The next Short Back and Sideshow is on: 0 January 3 @ The Taste Festival, Hobart

For local information about: HIV/AIDS, Gay Men’s Health, Safe Injecting & Needle & Syringe Programs 1800 005 900 / 03 6234 1242 Hepatitis C 1300 HEP ABC (1300 437 222) WWW.SAUCE.NET.AU

www.tascahrd.org.au 319 Liverpool Street, Hobart - Open 9am - 5pm Mon- Fri (Tues 12:30pm - 5pm) . ISSUE 83 . DECEMBER 10 - DECEMBER 23 2008

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STREET FASHION

BY MICHAEL BLAKE

EMMA 18

JESS 26

KATIE 18

MARITA 19

Favourite band: The Kooks.

What’s the worst Christmas present you’ve ever had? A fire extinguisher.

What’s the best Christmas food? Fruit Platters.

On a scale of Naughty to Nice, how’ve you been this year? Mischievous.

Favourite band: Radiohead.

What’s the worst Christmas present you’ve ever had? Mugs with kittens on.

What’s the best Christmas food? Puddin actually, wine.

On a scale of Naughty to Nice, how’ve you been this year? Nice-ish.

Favourite band: The Whitest Boy Alive.

What’s the worst Christmas present you’ve ever had? A tealight candle.

What’s the best Christmas food? All Christmas food is great.

On a scale of Naughty to Nice, how’ve you been this year? Sometimes lovely.

Favourite band: Ralph Vaughan-Williams.

What’s the worst Christmas present you’ve ever had? A cheap leadlighting kit.

What’s the best Christmas food? Potato salad.

On a scale of Naughty to Nice, how’ve you been this year? Mediocre.

CD REVIEWS

Are you a local band? Want your music reviewed? Send your CD to SAUCE, PO Box 5094, Launceston, 7250

ESCAPE THE FATE This War Is Ours

MYSTIC MAN & ESHAMANJARO In Heavy Weather

SING IT LOUD Come Around

THE AMITY AFFLICTION Severed Ties

ETF made early success in their career through American radio, along with a large fan-base following.

In October 2005, the band won a local radio contest judged by My Chemical Romance, who awarded the band an opening for some of their headlining tours, which set the band up for recognition in the wide world of rock music.

When I placed this album into the CD player I had no idea what to expect. I’d never heard of them, though I had heard of Fat! Records, which normally releases fairly heavy dance music.

I like matching albums to seasons. It heightens appreciation, or something like that. Luckily, Sing It Loud’s debut album, Come Around, is definitely a summer album. It’s full of powerpop goodness, anthemic choruses, and just enough rock to make the whole thing worthwhile.

The Amity Affliction, a six piece hardcore group from Brisbane, have stamped their ground on the scene with this release.

After having many hassles with two of the former band members, vocalist Ronnie Radke and keyboardist Omar Espinosa, both departed the band with only a new vocalist, Craig Mabbit of Blessthefall, and no replacement for a keyboardist.

Motley Crue and Guns N Roses, which show barely any similarities with the band (rumored as the new big rock thing) crank the feel good party times, coming off as a puny copy of Buckcherry, whose vocalist, uncannily enough, features in the track 10 Miles Wide.

The band’s musical style takes on a twisted punk rock style that smothers all the goodness of sugary toffee apple rock on radio. The entire musicianship and playing is too plain and straight boring. The lyrical content of pain, hatred and anger is really becoming a boring topic, especially for those who are looking for new topics within their music.

This is a band very much categorized in the top of the ‘I can’t tolerate this agonising music anymore list’ alongside My Chemical Romance, Alkaline Trio, The Used and Good Charlotte, who now have a new addition to add to the ever uninspiring list of shit slobbering bands.

2/10 DAVID WALKER 30

. ISSUE 83 . DECEMBER 10 - DECEMBER 23 2008

So I was pleasantly surprised when the album turned out to be some really smooth UK Hip Hop with a different flavour that sets it apart from the majority of hip hop releases.

The beats throughout the album are well produced with a jazzy feel that never gets boring, which shows off the talents of producer Mystic Man to the full. Add the highly cerebral, yet down to earth lyrics of MC Eshamanjaro and you’ve got a CD that is going to get a lot of play around my way!

Two of my favourite tracks are the first two on the album. Cheshire Cat is pure groove (if you don’t nod your head to this track you’re probably deaf ) and The Rambler is, as the title suggests a bit of a rambling song with a long horn infused instrumental intro that wanders around until Eshamnjaro comes in. Another standout is New Jack Swing. It has a great bounce to it.

Over all I found this to be the perfect album to chill to with some great moments and not a single track that made me hit the skip button, which is really a rarity for me. As far as debut albums go this one has really caught my eye and I’ll definitely be looking out for any further releases from these guys.

8/10 DJ GROTESQUE

The first single off the album (and title track), Come Around, would have to be my favourite. Right from the opening line, it practically dares you to not enjoy it, and it definitely doesn’t hurt that the chorus is catchy as hell.

Other standout tracks are Don’t Save Me, which is too upbeat to be as emo as it sounds, and No One Can Touch Us Now, which features Alex Gaskarth of All Time Low on backing vocals. We also have a vocal appearance by Justin Pierre of Motion City Soundtrack on We’re Not Afraid - a song he co-wrote, along with Marionettes.

Yes, yes, you’re going to find a lot of those powerpoppy clichés on this album - it is still essentially good, oldfashioned pop here after all, but you know what? It’s almost irrelevant. Pat Brown’s vocals are refreshing, and not a single line has been put together in quite the same way as anyone else ever has before.

Featuring guest vocals from artists such as “JJ PETERS” (Deez Nuts, I Killed the Prom Queen), Crafter (I Killed the Prom Queen, Confessions), Mathew Wright (The Getaway Plan), Helmet Roberts (The Daylight Curse) and Lochlan Watt(The Surrogate) it adds a lot more variety to the music.

The album is tops with a variety of screams and pretty vocals. At the moment The Amity are touring the majority of February with well-known acts such as Misery Signals (United States) and Confessions (Australia).

The band’s known for its energetic playing style and crowd sing-a-longs. The songs that I believe are the best on the album are The Blair Snitch Project, I Heart Robots, Jesse Intense and Fruity Lexia.

The artwork for the album is amazing, setting a kind of scene. It’s got a lot of individuality and I believe the band can make their way to the top of the Australian hardcore chain, and even become well respected around the world.

All in all, I can’t wait to try this album out on the highway on a sunny day. It’s not hard to see why Brett Gurewitz signed these guys after only seven shows – even if Epitaph fans are crying foul.

It’s an all round great album and I urge everyone into hardcore/metal to go out there and get their hands on a copy.

8/10 BELLE MCQUATTIE

7/10 CHRISTIAN MACDONALD

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