Beat Magazine #1303

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EEEE FFRR

ISSUE 1303

MELBOURNE’S BIGGEST & BEST IN PRINT, WEB & MOBILE 18 JAN 2012 online www.beat.com.au email info@beat.com.au telephone (03) 9428 3600 facsimile (03) 9428 3611 print for post publication # 34274800004 cab audited

FOSTER THE PEOPLE

ARIEL PINK’S HAUNTED GRAFFITI

LAMB OF GOD

THE BARONS OF TANG

100%: JAMES HARCOURT

THIS WEEK: SAM AMIDON, DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE, WOLFY & THE BAT CUBS, THE MORRISONS, MONKEY’S PIRATE, AUSTRALIA DAY AT THE TOTE

Resident DJ’s DAMION DE SILVA, FMR, A STYLE, K DEE & SIMON SEZ. RnB, House, Old Skool and Commercial Anthems. For guestlist 9426 0800 or guestlist@restless.com.au

Friday 20 January

Resident DJ’s DEAN T, PHIL ROSS & CHRIS MAC every Friday punch out the best of House. Plus JOHNNY M & DJ JAY-J playing sexy RnB tunes in the Mezzanine.

Saturday 21 January

Resident DJ’s TATE STRAUSS & MATTY G play the best House tunes. Plus JOHNNY M & DJ NOVA playing Sexy RnB tunes in the Mezzanine.

Doors open at 9.30pm // Outdoor smoking terrace open on Level 3 from 11.00pm – 6.00am // For functions and guest list enquiries contact 03 9292 5750 or email fusion@crownmelbourne.com.au // To enhance the safety and welfare of all patrons, we kindly request that all customers submit their drivers licence or other photo identification to be scanned upon entry // Personal information collected by Crown will be handled in accordance with Crown’s privacy policy // Management reserves all rights // Photo ID required + 18 years // Dress standards apply // Crown practises responsible service of alcohol.

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Thursday 19 January


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IN THIS ISSUE...

14

HOT TALK

18

TOURING

20

SOUNDGARDEN

22

ARTS GUIDE, THE NEW BLACK,

24

ART OF THE CITY,

WEEKEND GIVEAWAY THE COMIC STRIP 25

AMIINA

26

FOSTER THE PEOPLE

47

THE BARONS OF TANG

48

INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH

50

SAM AMIDON, DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE, ARIEL PINK’S HAUNTED GRAFFITI

52

METAL & CORE, LAMB OF GOD

54

MUSIC NEWS

60

ALBUM OF THE WEEK, SINGLES, CHARTS

SAM AMIDON P. 50

SOUNDGARDEN P. 20

61

ALBUMS

62

GIG GUIDE

70

LIVE

THIS WEEK IN 100%:

JAMES HARCOURT 3 NEWTON STREET RICHMOND, VICTORIA 3121 Phone: (03) 9428 3600 Fax: (03) 9428 3611 email: info@beat.com.au www.beat.com.au BEAT MAGAZINE EMAIL ADDRESSES: (no large attachments please): Gig Guide: online at beat.com.au email gigguide@beat.com.au - it’s free! Club Listings: online at beat.com.au email clubguide@beat.com.au - it’s free! Music News Items: music@beat.com.au Artwork: art@beat.com.au Beat Classifieds 33c a word: classifieds@beat.com.au

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PUBLISHER: Furst Media Pty Ltd. MUSIC EDITOR: Taryn Stenvei ARTS EDITOR / ASSOCIATE MUSIC EDITOR: Tyson Wray EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Nick Taras SUB-EDITORS: Tegan Butler GENERAL MANAGER: Patrick Carr SENIOR ADVERTISING/EDITORIAL CO-ORDINATOR: Ronnit Sternfein BEAT PRODUCTION MANAGER: Patrick O’Neill GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: Luke Benge, Matt Crute, Patrick O’Neill, Rebecca Houlden, Gill Tucker COVER ART: Patrick O’Neill ADVERTISING: Taryn Stenvei (Music: Bands/Tours/Record Labels) taryn@beat.com.au Ronnit Sternfein (100%/Beat/Arts/Education/Ad Agency) ronnit@beat.com.au Aleksei Plinte (Backstage/ Musical Equipment) mixdown@beat.com.au Adam Morgan (Hospitality/Bars) adam@beat.com.au Kris Furst (beat.com.au) kris@furstmedia.com.au 0431 243 808 Grace Arena (Indie Bands/Special Features) grace@furstmedia.com.au CLASSIFIEDS: classifieds@beat.com.au GIG GUIDE SUBMISSIONS: now online at www.beat.com.au or bands email gigguide@beat.com.au ELECTRONIC EDITOR - BEAT ONLINE: Stephen Forde: webmaster@beat.com.au

ACCOUNTANT: accountant@furstmedia.com.au ADMINISTRATION CO-ORDINATOR: Alice Furst: alice@furstmedia.com.au ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE: Stephanie Mason: admin@furstmedia.com.au RECEPTION: reception@furstmedia.com.au DISTRIBUTION: distribution@beat.com.au Free Every Wednesday to over 1,500 places including Convenience Stores, Newsagents, Ticket Outlets, Shopping Centres, Community Youth & Welfare Outlets, Clubs, Hotels, Venues, Record, Music and Video Shops, Boutiques, Retailers, Bars, Restaurants, Cafes, Bookstores, Hairdressers, Recording Studios, Cinemas, Theatres, Galleries, Universities and Colleges. Wanna get BEAT? Email distribution@beat.com.au DEADLINES Editorial Copy accepted no later than 5pm Thursday before publication for Club listings, Arts, Gig Guide etc. Advertising Copy accepted no later than 12pm Monday before publication. Print ready art by 2pm Monday. Deadlines are strictly adhered to. CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Mary Boukouvalas, Lauren Cass, Ben Clement, Ben Gunzburg, Andrew Gyopar, CC Hug, Tim Hyland, Anna Kanci, Ben Loveridge, Mathew Murphy, Charles Newbury, John O’Rourke, Chris Parkinson, Naomi Rahim, Richard Sharman, Leon Struk, Michelle Tomadin, Peter Tsipas, Amy Wallace, Woodrow Wilson SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITOR: Christie Eliezer SENIOR CONTRIBUTORS: Christine Lan, Simone Ubaldi,

Patrick Emery, Jesse Shrock. COLUMNISTS: Emily Kelly, Toby McCasker. CONTRIBUTORS: Adam Baidawi, Helen Barradell, Matt Bendall, Cam Binger, Graham Blackley, Mary Boukouvalas, Chris Bright, Rose Callaghan, Adam Camilleri, Paige Cho, Stefan Chrisp, Nick Clarke, Talitha Conway, Dave Dawson, John Donaldson, Justin Donnelly, Georgia Doyle, Cam Ewart, Danielle Farzzetto, Paul Fischer, Lawson Fletcher, Jack Franklin, Chris Girdler, Sean Gleeson, Aleisha Hall, Louise Hardwick, Daniel Hedger, Nick Hilton, Lyndon Horsburgh, Briony Jones, Lachlan Kanoniuk, Cassandra Kiely, Greg King, Joshua Kloke, Stuart Lynch, Rhys McCrae, Ruth McIver, Adam McKenzie, Kylie McLaughlin, Krystal Maynard Nick Mason, Tyler Mathes, Anna Megalogenis, Al Newstead, James Nicoli, John O’Rourke, Matt Panag, Jack Parsons, Liam Pieper, Steve Phillips, David Prescott-Steed, James Ridley, Gav Ross, Leigh Salter, Oscar Schiesser, Tim Scott, Denis Semchenko, Side Man, Matt Sutherland, Lin Tan, Steve Tauschke, Rene Schaefer, Melanie Sheridan, Jeremy Sheaffe, Kelly Theobald, Andrew Tijs, Tamara Vogl, Alistair Wallis, Etienne Waring, Dan Watt, Rod Whitfield, Katie Weiss, Tom Whitty, Cara Williams, Simon Williamson, Tyson Wray, Bronius Zumeris. © 2011 Furst Media Pty Ltd. No part may be reproduced without the consent of the copyright holder.

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HOT TALK

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For all the latest news check out beat.com.au

FREE SHIT BIG DAY OUT Big Day Out’s exciting lineup this year, headlined by Kanye West and Soundgarden (returning for their third BDO), is the perfect way to celebrate the festival’s 20th birthday, appealing to the new generation of punters whilst also winking at Big Day Out veterans. In partnership with Big Day Out, we’d like to give away a double pass to the festival along with a 15 CD collection including Kasabian, My Chemical Romance, The Living End, Parkway Drive, Girl Talk, Battles, Architecture In Helsinki, Kimbra, Regurgitator, Cage The Elephant, Drapht, Foster The People, The Getaway Plan, Papa Vs Pretty and Boy & Bear. THE STEPKIDS Signde to the notoriously awesome Stones Throw label in America, The Stepkids are currently on their first trip to Australia to treat us to their fusion of punk and jazz, West African and 1960s folk, neo and classic soul, classic funk and 20th century classical. There’s no singular sound to summarise these guys. They play at the East Brunswick Club on Saturday January 28 and we have a double pass to give away. ASH GRUNWALD Renowned Australian blues and roots artist, and all round good guy Ash Grunwald will be performing at the Ferntree Gully Hotel on Saturday January 21. This is the last chance to catch Ash’s special live show before he returns to wow audiences in Europe and Canada. Gearing up for the release of his impending new album, Ash has some never before heard tunes in store for audiences at this special show. We have two double passes to giveaway. As we said, the price is right guys, so head to beat. com.au/freeshit to enter.

BLUESFEST FOURTH ANNOUNCE The fourth round of artists has been announced for the much-loved Bluesfest, tipping the scale into overdrive with more surprise headline acts including John Fogerty performing the albums and music of the legendary Creedence Clearwater Revival and five-time Grammy Award-winning musician, actor, artist, activist, humanitarian and son of Bob Marley, Ziggy Marley. Also added to the already epic lineup is Candi Stanton, David Bromerg Band, Canned Heat, Richard Clapton, Blitzen Traper, Eagle And The Worm, Tijuana Cartel and heaps, heaps more. Roll on the river to what will no doubt be the biggest Bluesfest yet at Tygarah Tea Tree Farm in Byron Bay from Thursday April 5 through to Monday April 9.

GRAVEYARD TRAIN Six-piece Melbourne-based collective Graveyard Train have had a wild summer, making appearances and rocking crowds at festivals, including a fearsome set at Pyramid Rock over the new year. And to cap it all off comes a homecoming gig at the Phoenix Public House to show off their eclectic, wonderfully-uncategorisable brand of folk, punk, horror and more. With a new album on the way as well, they’ll be taking the opportunity to give some of their spooky new sounds an airing alongside all of the classics you know and love. With fellow Melbournians Jackals joining them, Graveyard Train hit the Phoenix Public House on Saturday February 11.

CNR SPRINGVALE & WELLS RD, CHELSEA HEIGHTS PH 9773 4453 WWW.CHELSEAHEIGHTSHOTEL.COM.AU

There were more than a few jaws hitting the floor when UK icons New Order were announced on the freaking huge Future Music Festival lineup, and now fans have another chance to catch the legendary synth-purveyors in the live setting. Following on from original bassist Peter Hook’s messy departure from the group, founding members Bernard Sumner and Stephen Morris have been touring triumphantly under the New Order banner, with their defining legacy holding up as relevant as ever. New Order perform at Festival Hall on Thursday March 1.

SOUNDWAVE, TWO IN, ONE OUT

FOUR YEAR STRONG

It’s one of those occurrences that you always hope not to happen, but sometimes it’s just inevitable. UK based metal heads, Dragonforce, have pulled out of Australia’s upcoming Soundwave tour. According to the Twitter page of the festival’s promoter, AJ Maddah, the band sadly had to pull out of the festival due to “recording delays.” But Newton was right in his law of motion: with every action, there is a reaction. Despite the loss of Dragonforce, the Soundwave tour has gained the likes of Paradise Lost and Switchfoot. The sold-out Soundwave Festival will be held at Melbourne Showgrounds on March 2.

Punk fans rejoice – a freaking huge Sidewave has just been announced, featuring four massive acts from the highly delectable Soundwave 2012 lineup. Four Year Strong, one of the world’s premier pop punk outfits, headline a massive bill. Joining in on the action will be Movielife expats I Am The Avalanche, critically acclaimed punk outfit Fireworks and anthemic rockers Conditions. The announcement follows on form the hard-rockin’ Hatebreed, Cro-Mags, Biohazard and Hellyeah Sidewave which was unveiled yesterday, which is also taking place at The Hi-Fi. Four Year Strong, I Am The Avalanche, Fireworks and Conditions hit The Hi-Fi on Tuesday February 28.

SISTERS OF MERCY Good news for those who missed out on tickets to the sold-out Soundwave Festival, with UK post-punk icons The Sisters Of Mercy announcing a special oneoff sidewave in Melbourne. Despite numerous lineup changes, disputes with their record company, legal battles and internal dissent, The Sisters Of Mercy have remained at the forefront of the underground scene since their formation in Leeds over thirty years ago. Led by the ominous baritone vocals of Andrew Eldritch, with the infamous resident drum machine, Doktor Avalanche, Chris Catalyst and Ben Christo, the 2012 incarnation of The Sisters Of Mercy has proven more than worthy of the legacy. The Sisters Of Mercy perform at The Corner on Tuesday February 28.

WOMADELAIDE’S FINAL PROGRAM Australia’s most exciting outdoor festival has announced its final 20 groups for its outstanding 20th anniversary festival program. The WOMADelaide four day festival celebrating 20 years of music, arts and dance is sure to be one of a kind this year. West African superstar Baaba Maal who led the announcement is only one of the extraordinary line-up frontiers for the festival held in Adelaide’s beautiful Botanic Park. Returning after an absence of 13 years, Baaba Maal sure to be a stand out performance will perform alongside one-off shows by Dirty Three, Joe Bataan, Pajama Club, Mad Professor and Shantala Shivalingappa among many other artists from around the world. WOMADelaide runs from Friday March 9 – Monday March 12 at Adelaide’s Botanic Park. For tickets, the full line up and any other information visit their website.

LOU BARLOW Following on from his triumphant Australian tour as part of Sebadoh in September, alternative icon Lou Barlow has announced his return to our shores – this time in solo mode. The past decade has been a busy one for Lou, with the incredibly successful reformations of Dinosaur Jr. and Sebadoh ruling stages and festivals the world over. In addition to his myriad of band involvements, Lou is a respected solo performer in his own right. He has released two records, Emoh and Goodnight Unknown, allowing him room to explore his introspective folk rock roots. Accompanied only by his guitar, Lou Barlow will deliver intimate performances at two very special Melbourne dates. Lou Barlow performs at Northcote Social Club on Tuesday April 17 and Wednesday April 18.

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D12 (USA/EMINEM) TIX $37

HUMP DAY PROJECT TIX – EARLY BIRD $20 OR $25

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10CC (UK) TIX $55

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NEW ORDER

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AQUA SECOND SHOW Come on Barbie, let’s go party. After snapping up all tickets to Vengaboys’ three shows, it appears that Melburnians can’t get enough of ‘90s pop with Aqua announcing a second show after learning that their show at The Palace had sold out. Aqua will perform hits such as Barbie Girl, Doctor Jones and Lollipop (Candyman) – tracks that contributed to Aqua remarkably selling over 33 million albums and singles worldwide. Aqua play The Palace on Tuesday March 13 and Thursday March 15 (sold out). Tickets via Oztix.

CHERRY OX FAN BENEFIT GIG

THE BEARDS “If your dad doesn’t have a beard, you’ve got two mums.” Fact. According to Aussie four-piece The Beards. Forming as a joke to play a single show in Adelaide, the entirely beard-based band have gone on to become underground legends of the Australian music scene. Anyone who thought this band would be struggling to write more songs about beards will be proven utterly wrong as the Aussie four-piece unleash eleven new songs on their third album Having A Beard Is The New Not Having A Beard – each of which is primarily focussed on the importance of having a large amount of facial hair. Catch them at their Melbourne leg of the tour on Friday March 16 at The Corner. The Beards. They’ll grow on you.

UNWRITTEN LAW The tsunami of Sidewaves just keeps on coming, with a triple bill of shit-hot punk bands hitting The Espy. Heading the bill will be Unwritten Law, who inhabit the upper echelon of successful punk bands. The critically acclaimed outfit pack plenty of substance, resulting in a tangible sense of longevity. Joining Unwritten Law on the night will be the always explosive Zebrahead and Swedish powerhouse Royal Republic. Unwritten Law, Zebrahead and Royal Republic hit The Espy on Wednesday February 29.

NEW FOUND GLORY, TAKING BACK SUNDAY Two of the kings of pop-punk are locking horns for a joint tour this April. New Found Glory return to Australian shores swiftly after their appearance at the 2011 Soundwave and will be joined by none other than Taking Back Sunday who have also dazzled Soundwave crowds when they last visited in 2010. It all goes down at Festival Hall on Sunday April 8.

LA DISPUTE After swiftly selling out their all ages gig and first 18+ show, a second 18+ Melbourne show has been added to the upcoming La Dispute Melbourne tour. La Dispute are five close friends from Grand Rapid’s Michigan with a strong belief in the concept of music and art as a medium for making new friends. Driven by a firm passion for the relevance of a live show, both for the bands involved and for the people in attendance, La Dispute will be bringing their artistically, technically, and emotionally engaging music to Australia’s shores for the third time this February, including the freshly announced gig on Monday February 20 at The East Brunswick Club.

OFWGKTA VENUE CHANGE Alternative hip hop has found its strongest voice in a very long time. This phenomenon is called OFWGKTA – Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All or simply Odd Future and Big Day Out are bringing them your way! The Melbourne OFWGKTA side show originally planned for The Palace will now be held at The Hi-Fi. The date for the show remains the same, Wednesday February 1, 2012 and all tickets purchased for the original venue are valid for The Hi-Fi. OFWGKTA have gone from underground sensations to one the hottest new acts in the world in just a few months with Tyler, The Creator’s “Best New Artist” win at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards and his Yonkers video being viewed more than 30 million times – this is a show you don’t want to miss, tickets on sale now from thehifi.com.au, Polyester Records, Sight & Sound Northcote.

The Cherry Bar in ACDC Lane Melbourne is proud to announce a special Benefit Gig for The Ox That Rocks, Adriano Tiatto, Gut lead singer, former Australian Heavyweight Wrestling Champion and St Kilda music scene icon. Ox is recovering from a heart attack and triple bypass surgery. Cherry appreciates that at this time Ox needs the support of his friends and will need some financial assistance to help address his hospital expenses and the long road to recovery. The Ox Must Rock! So, on Saturday January 28 (on the Eve of the Big Day Out) Cherry is doing something for the biggest little guy in the Melbourne music scene. Cherry will host an Ox Fan Benefit Gig featuring Black Diamond Heavies’ James Leg (USA), Bitter Sweet Kicks, Burn In Hell and some very very special guests. Tix $15 minimum donation (proceeds to the Ox!), only from the Cherry door from 8pm, Saturday 28 January. Rock up to help the Ox rock back!

ZAKK WYLDE’S BLACK LABEL SOCIETY A heavy metal immortal, Zakk Wylde has ridden the rock’n’roll-ercoaster having played alongside Ozzy Osbourne for more than two decades conquering the world’s biggest stages and releasing multi-platinum albums. Founding Black Label Society in 1999, the band has gone on to achieve phenomenal success commanding a legion of fiercely loyal fans. Black Label Society’s eighth studio album Order Of The Black is a cacophony of heavy riffing, heartfelt ballads, thunderous metal and epic thrash. Joining Wylde on the lineup is metal’s baddest group of outlaws Hell Yeah, the ever-evolving Black Tide and heavy metal personified, Holy Grail. It’s takin place on Tuesday February 28 at The Forum.

CHILDREN COLLIDE

COOL SUMMER FESTIVAL

With the Beat office’s collective ears still ringing from their appearance at our Christmas party bash last month, giants of modern Australian rock Children Collide have announced a national tour. To celebrate the news, the lads have released a new single in Sword To A Gunfight – the first taste of their much-anticipated third album Monument – due later in the year. The band will be hitting the road throughout March and April, hitting up more than a few regional locations in the process. Children Collide perform at The Ferntree Gully Hotel on Friday March 9, Pelly Bar in Frankston on Saturday Macth 10, Karova Lounge in Ballarat on Thursday March 12 and The Corner Hotel on Friday April 13.

Three days of music and indulgence, on two stages in the middle of nowhere, with the luxury of everything. Cool Summer festival prides itself on offering a feast of finely tuned music, giving you a festival that is run the way festivals used to be. Featuring Gareth Liddiard, Gossling, Owl Eyes, Graveyard Train and heaps more, the event organisers have promised they’ve ordered some amazing weather for the event and are now just patiently waiting for you to get involved. This year, camping is offered and it’s still BYO during the day at the main stage. Dreamy. It takes place from Friday February 17 - 19. Tickets and full lineup info is at coolsummerfestival.com.

CASS MCCOMBS California-based singer/songwriter and child of the ‘70s Cass McCombs’ moody but often surprisingly humorous music has won the hearts of many Australian fans who will be thrilled to know that he is finally visiting our shores after releasing six acclaimed and much loved albums, most recently the gently optimistic Humor Risk and one the stars of last year’s best-of lists, the dark chamber music-inspired Wit’s End, which featured the song hailed by many as the best of 2011, County Line. To experience one of Melbourne’s most unique and affecting songwriters live, head along to The Corner on Friday February 17. Support comes from The Orbweavers, with tickets on sale from The Corner box office.

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Beat Magazine Page 15


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JORDIE LANE

SNAKADAKTAL In the spirit of striking while the iron’s hot, triple j darlings Snakadaktal are hitting the road once again, visiting ten cities in four weeks on their first ever national tour. It’d be an understatement to say 2011 had been kind to the Melbourne locals. Snakadaktal climbed to national focus after clinching triple j’s Unearthed High, which understandably precipitated an escalating tide of good fortune. Amassing ridiculously stats across Youtube, Facebook, triple j’s new digital radio station and the ARIA charts, they then went on to sell out a club tour across the east coast. Not bad for half a year’s work, eh? Now they’re back with a headline tour, and in the spirit of fan appreciation are giving away a five track remix EP to anyone buying tickets. Snakadaktal, with special guest Elizabeth Rose, play two shows at The Northcote Social Club on Friday March 16 and Saturday March 17. Tickets available from the venue’s website.

TRIPLE J HOTTEST 100 PARTY AT THE ESPY No plans for Australia Day yet? What better way to spend it than by the beach with a couple of coldies, listening to your favourite tunes of 2011? Voting has closed for triple j’s Hottest 100 and are currently being tallied. Staying with tradition, The Espy will broadcasting triple j’s Hottest 100 for 2011, carrying through until 7.30pm when with much anticipation, the listener vote for number one will be revealed.The Espy is hosting a free gig to see you through to the aftermath to the wee hours. Catch British India and Espy regular DJ Yoda, with more acts to be announced very soon. Live music kicks off straight after the number one is announced. Doors open at 12pm and entry is free.

Jordie Lane will be playing a very special farewell show at the East Brunswick Club in February before heading off to the US to tour and record album number three. Since releasing his second album Blood Thinner in July this year to wide acclaim, (including a nomination for Best Blues and Roots Album at the Jagermeister Independent Music Awards), Jordie Lane has not stopped his relentless touring. Over the past 12 months he has toured with likes of Joe Pug (USA), Wagons, Jeff Lang, and UK Legends The Moody Blues. Jordie is currently releasing his album in New Zealand and on a 13 date tour there, but you can catch him this February (for the first time since his famous shirt burning album launch earlier this year), for one show only accompanied by his band and some very special surprise guests at the East on Friday February 10.

PUTA MADRE BROTHERS The most spectacular act you have never seen, the threeheaded one-man-band-band, the gringo lunatics of garage soul cacophony, Puta Madre Brothers will make a big style party to celebrate their new album It’s A Long Long Way To Meximotown before setting off overseas again to teach the world Spanglish dance technique. As part of the final days of The East Brunswick Club they will paint the club like the bathroom of a Mexican gaucho on Saturday February 25 with very special genuine Mexican rock’n’roll guests Mesa Cosa.

COERCE It was a big year for Coerce in 2011. Following the release of their second album, the ARIA nominated Ethereal Surrogate Savior, Coerce went on to tour nationally, support international acts such as The Bronx, Russian Circles, Omar Rodriguez Lopez and Mexico’s La Butcherettes and finally, close the year appearing in many of the Top 10 Music Writers Polls of 2011 for their live performances and album release. Now in 2012, Coerce start the year with an appearance at the Big Day Out in Adelaide, before hitting the road for their first national headline tour since the album release tour of Ethereal Surrogate Savior. Coerce will be bringing along Adelaide’s powerhouse The Burning Sea and will be hitting up the John Curtin Hotel on Saturday March 10.

MICHAEL ROTHER Presenting music by NEU!, Harmonia and selected solo works in a world premiere performance with special guests Dieter Moebius (Cluster, Harmonia) and Hans Lampe (NEU!, La Dusseldorf). Melbourne music enthusiasts will be lucky enough to experience an unprecedented meeting of great musical minds with heavyweights of Krautkrock and German experimental electronica Michael Rother, Dieter Moebius and Hans Lampe coming together to tour the country in March 2012. Together they will perform the music of Neu!, Harmonia and other selected works on Monday March 19 at The Corner Hotel. Tickets available now at cornerhotel.com.

TINY RUINS, THE VIETNAM WAR Sharing New Zealand passports and with two of 2011’s most exciting debuts, Tiny Ruins and The Vietnam War will tour Australia this March – together announcing a Melbourne show. Since releasing Some Were Meant For Sea, Tiny Ruins has toured Australia with Seeker Lover Keeper and performed with Fleet Foxes in New Zealand. She touches down this March following guest appearances to CW Stoneking in the UK, and a ten date European run with Holly Throsby and Jordan Ireland. Auckland five-piece The Vietnam War honed their dusty sound over six years and countless shows – awakening New Zealand’s jangly rock legacy with their self-titled first record. They play a massive double headline show on Thursday March 22 at the Northcote Social Club.

PUBLICIST New Zealands Camp A Low Hum finds Trans Am’s drummer Sebastian Thomson on call as Publicist and the musical mischievous Hawnay Troof both stopping in on Australian door steps for two frights of street buckling mania. Catch them playing the Northcote Social Club with support from High Tea on Thursday February 9, tickets available from northcotesocialclub.com.

AUSTRALIA DAY AT THE TOTE The Smith St Band

Anchors

In the name of tolerance, acceptance and cultural diversity, there is an Australia fundraiser happening at The Tote on Thursday January 26 and a bunch of awesome bands are coming together (for the second year) to raise funds for The Refugee Council Of Australia. Good dudes. We talked to the organiser and a few of the band-folk about what will no doubt be a fantastic way to spend ‘Straya Day. Doors open 12pm. EVENT ORGANISER Name: Tom Jenkins What do you plan to bring to the party? I plan to make sure we can get all the 22 bands on stage on time, make sure everyone is having a good time and raise some awareness and cash for the Refugee Council. How have you noticed that Australia Day has changed over the last few years? I’ve noticed that every year, any meaning behind Australia Day is getting lost and more of a focus is being put on getting hammered and acting racist, rather than acknowledging the original owners of this land and the importance of welcoming new people into the country. What message do you hope people take away from the day? Not only are we raising money for The Refugee Council, but there will also be The Refugee Action Committee present on the day, so hopefully people can get some new ideas to take home with them, or even just get a new perspective on some of the refugee issues in Australia. EVENT ORGANISER Name: Jamie Hay What do you plan to bring to the party? A healthy amount of enthusiasm, sing alongs, hugs, love and back sweat. How have you noticed that Australia Day has changed over the last few years? The rise in popularity of the “Aus-stika”, the southern cross tattoo. Gross. Beat Magazine Page 16

What message do you hope people take away from the day? A sense of perspective. That we can love our country and be thankful for our lives here but also accept and acknowledge its faults. In this case, the indefinite incarceration and fear mongering of refugees. THE SMITH STREET BAND Name: Wil Wagner What do you plan to bring to the party? Whimpy lyrics, party vibes, three guitars, heaps of woahs! How have you noticed that Australia Day has changed over the last few years? Yep. It’s probably the worst day to be anywhere. It’s become a celebration for the southern cross tattooed, flag waving fuckheads. What message do you hope people take away from the day? Stop the all bad things. Do good stuff. Be nice to people. Don’t be a dick. Don’t listen to stupid musicians trying to tell you a message. Make up your own mind. ARROWS Name: Anders What do you plan to bring to the party? The great thing about this party is that you don’t really need to bring anything. Tom has hit the ball out of the park with the great bands and venue, which attracts a great group of punters.

WATCH INTERVIEWS, CHATS & AWKWARD SILENCES... BEAT.COM.AU/TV

What message do you hope people take away from the day? We were lucky enough to be invited to play last year and I think everyone who attended was very like-minded. It feels like the message is similar to that of the bands we know and friends we have try to put forward at all shows. One that promotes a sense of community and support, regardless of your background. Everyone just wants to come together, have a good time and drink beer, which is as Australian as it gets. ANCHORS Name: Pat What do you plan to bring to the party? It’s not what we will bring to the party that I worry about. Last year we - well more specifically, I - had shoes and thongs thrown at for the entire set. So I guess by the end of this years’ set we’ll have a lot of free footwear to give out. How have you noticed that Australia Day has changed over the last few years? I don’t tend to take a lot of notice of Australia Day. I guess Aussie flag capes and beachwear are up, and reason, fairness and tolerance are down. What message do you hope people take away from the day? I hope they will understand that it’s quite easy to raise a bit of money or donate some time to help other people. If they could try and contribute in their own way that would be fantastic. But if they go ‘yeah punx music’ and that’s it, then that’s their business.


AA BONDY SPECIAL GUESTS “This is music for night driving, as though Springsteen’s Nebraska and Mogwai’s Die Young rode the same strip of lost highway ”

Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd January THE TOFF IN TOWN Special Guests... 21st - MATT WALKER (Solo) 22nd - FRASER A. GORMAN

WITCH HATS + OTHER PLACES

SATURDAY 28TH JANUARY THE FORUM TICKETS ON SALE NOW

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Also touring A

ALSO APPEARING AT THE BIG DAY OUT

JASON LYTLE • URGE OVERKILL • DIRTY THREE • BONNIE PRINCE BILLY Check WWW.FEELPRESENTS.COM for details

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Beat Magazine Page 17


TOURING

WHO'S ON TOUR, WHERE AND WHEN

PROUDLY PRESENTS:

For all the latest touring news check out beat.com.au

INTERNATIONAL VENGABOYS Corner Hotel January 18, 22 THE WHITEST BOY ALIVE The Forum January 18 SAM AMIDON Northcote Social Club January 19 THE DAMNED Billboard January 20 GUTTERMOUTH Corner Hotel January 20 BETH ORTON Athenaeum Theatre January 20 ELEANOR FRIEDBERGER Northcote Social Club January 21 A.A BONDY The Toff January 21, 22 HEATWAVE FESTIVAL Sidney Myer Music Bowl January 22 UB40, BILLY OCEAN Palais Theatre January 23 THEE OH SEES Corner Hotel January 24 ITAL Phoenix Public House January 27 KITTY, DAISY & LEWIS Corner Hotel January 27, The Espy January 28 BEST COAST Corner Hotel January 28 BATTLES The Forum January 28 KASABIAN Festival Hall January 28 BIG DAY OUT Flemington Racecourse January 29 MARIACHI EL BRONX Billboard January 30 DAS RACIST Corner Hotel January 31 VINTAGE TROUBLE East Brunswick Club January 31 CAGE THE ELEPHANT Corner Hotel January 31 GIRL TALK Palace Theatre January 31 KANYE WEST Sidney Myer Music Bowl January 31 MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE Festival Hall January 31 NOEL GALLAGHER’S HIGH FLYING BIRDS The Palais January 31 FEIST Palais Theatre February 1 OFWGKTA The Palace Wednesday February 1 SOUNDGARDEN Sidney Myer Music Bowl February 1 LAURA MARLING Forum Theatre February 2 ROYKSOPP The Palace February 2 AUSTRA Northcote Social Club February 2 HALL & OATES Plenery February 2, Rochford Winery February 12 M83 Prince Bandroom February 3 THE DRUMS, CULTS Palace Theatre February 3 YUCK East Brunswick Club February 3 PAINS OF BEING PURE AT HEART Hi-Fi Bar February 3 LANEWAY FESTIVAL Footscray Community Arts Centre February 4 EMA The Tote February 4 SEETHER The Hi-Fi February 4

CHAIRLIFT The East Brunswick Club February 7 ROGER WATERS Rod Laver Arena February 7, 8, 10, 11 INCUBUS Festival Hall February 8 TORO Y MOI, WASHED OUT The Hi-Fi February 9 GIVERS, PORTUGAL THE MAN Corner Hotel February 9 AA Workers Club February 13 CORNERSHOP Prince Bandroom February 16 ROD STEWART Rod Laver Arena February 17, Hanging Rock February 18 LA DISPUTE Corner Hotel February 18, 19 DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE The Palace January 21 JASON LYTLE The Toff In Town February 22 GAME Festival Hall February 22 ROXETTE Rod Laver Arena February 22 ERYKAH BADU The Palais February 22 DAN MANGAN Northcote Social Club February 22 MURDER BY DEATH Hi-Fi Bar February 23 MASTODON Billboard February 27 BAD RELIGION The Palace February 27 THE SISTERS OF MERCY Corner Hotel February 28 BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, HELL YEAH, BLACK TIDE AND HOLY GRAIL The Forum February 28 ENTER SHIKARI Billboard February 28 MACHINE HEAD Palace Theatre February 28 FOUR YEAR STRONG, I AM THE AVALANCHE, FIREWORKS AND CONDITIONS Hi-Fi Bar February 28 HATEBREED Hi-Fi Bar February 29 MAYER HAWTHORNE Corner Hotel February 29 THURSDAY, SAVES THE DAY Billboard February 29 SYSTEM OF A DOWN will hit Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday February 29 STEEL PANTHER, ALTER BRIDGE The Palace February 29 UNWRITTEN LAW, ZEBRAHEAD AND ROYAL REPUBLIC The Espy February 29 MEN Phoenix Public House March 1 SLIPKNOT Rod Laver Arena March 1 NEW ORDER Festival Hall March 1 LOSTPROPHETS Billboard March 1 BUSH/STAIND The Palace March 1 SOUNDWAVE Melbourne Showgrounds March 2 PLAYGROUND WEEKENDER Wisemen’s Ferry March 2 - March 4 LANA DEL REY The Toff In Town March 3 RYAN ADAMS Regent Theatre March 3 ARIEL PINK’S HAUNTED GRAFFITI Corner Hotel March 4 BEN KWELLER The Hi-Fi March 5 URGE OVERKILL The Espy March 6

BILLY OCEAN Palais Theatre January 23 BLACK LIPS Corner Hotel March 7 MANCHESTER ORCHESTRA The Hi-Fi March 7 CHIC Billboard March 7 BON IVER Sidney Myer Music Bowl March 8 URGE OVERKILL The Espy March 8 BONOBO Corner Hotel March 8 ADAM COHEN Regal Ballroom March 9 WILD FLAG Corner Hotel March 9 BONNIE ‘PRINCE’ BILLY The National Theatre March 9 ROOTS MANUVA Prince Bandroom March 10 ENDLESS BOOGIE The Tote March 10 GOLDEN PLAINS Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre March 10-12 FUTURE MUSIC FESTIVAL Flemington Racecourse March 11 REAL ESTATE Corner Hotel March 12 ROKY ERICKSON Corner Hotel March 13 TAYLOR SWIFT Rod Laver Arena March 13 FIRST AID KIT Northcote Social Club March 14 ST. VINCENT Hi-Fi Bar March 14 AQUA The Palace March 13, March 15 LENNY KRAVITZ, THE CRANBERRIES Sidney Myer Music Bowl March 17, 18 A DAY ON THE GREEN All Saint’s Estate Rutherglen March 17 CHARLES BRADLEY Corner Hotel March 18 TIM MCGRAW, FAITH HILL Rod Laver Arena March 20 ELBOW Festival Hall March 21 DURAN DURAN March 21 NICK LOWE The Forum March 22 ELECTRELANE Corner Hotel March 23 BORIS Corner Hotel March 24 WOODEN SHJIPS Corner Hotel March 28 CROSBY, STILLS & NASH Palais Theatre March 29 STEVE EARLE Corner Hotel March 30 G3 The Palais March 31 DEAD MEADOW Corner Hotel April 1 LUCINDA WILLIAMS Palais Theatre April 2 THE POGUES Festival Hall April 4 MY MORNING JACKET The Palace April 4 YANN TIERSEN Recital Centre April 4 BYRON BAY BLUESFEST Byron Bay April 5-9 TROMBONE SHORTY & ORLEANS AVENUE The Corner April 7 NEW FOUND GLORY AND TAKING BACK SUNDAY Festival Hall April 8 SUBLIME Palace Theatre April 9 SEASICK STEVE Corner Hotel April 10 JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE Prince Bandroom April 12 PETER HOOK The Palace April 12 LOU BARLOW Northcote Social Club April 17, April 18

HENRY ROLLINS The National Theatre April 18, 19 SUPAFEST TBA April 21 THE EXPLOITED Corner Hotel April 28 NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK/BACKSTREET BOYS Rod Laver Arena May 19 FLORENCE AND THE MACHINE Rod Laver Arena May 20 MELISSA ETHERIDGE The Plenary July 15

NATIONAL ALPINE Corner Hotel January 19 WASHINGTON Melbourne Zoo January 21 JAMES MORRISON QUINTET Melbourne Zoo January 22 BARONS OF TANG Corner Hotel January 25 THE TOTE AUSTRALIA DAY The Tote January 26 KATE CEBERANO Melbourne Zoo January 28 KASEY CHAMBERS Melbourne Zoo February 4 ST KILDA FESTIVAL St Kilda February 5 – 13 PHIL JAMIESON Northcote Social Club February 10 JORDIE LANE East Brunswick Club February 10 SLEEPMAKESWAVES The Espy February 10, The Evelyn February 11 THE BEAUTIFUL GIRLS Melbourne Zoo February 11 GRAVEYARD TRAIN Phoenix Public House February 11 ANTISKEPTIC The Northcote Social Club February 11 MARCIA HINES Melbourne Zoo February 12 THE NECKS Corner Hotel February 13, 14, 15 RIVERBOATS MUSIC FESTIVAL Echuca-Moama February 17-10 ROCK THE BAY The Espy February 18 LIOR Melbourne Zoo March 3 CHILDREN COLLIDE Ferntree Gully Hotel March 9, Pelly Bar March 10, Karova Lounge March 12 and Corner Hotel April 13 360 Corner Hotel March 10 PUSH OVER Abbotsford Convent March 12 DIRTY THREE The Palace March 16 THE BEARDS Corner Hotel March 16 SNAKADAKTAL Northcote Social Club March 16, 17 BODYJAR, ANTISKEPTIC, ONE DOLLAR SHORT Corner Hotel March 31

RUMOURS Red Hot Chili Peppers, Refused, Spice Girls, At The Drive-In, Radiohead, Ace of Base = New Announcements = Beat Proudly Presents

PROUDLY PRESENTS:

= New Announcements

BARONS OF TANG Corner Hotel January 25 = Beat Proudly Presents Beat Magazine Page 18

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Beat Magazine Page 19


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SOUNDGARDEN BY CHRISTINE LAN

On April 16, 2010, Soundgarden played their first 21st century gig at The Showbox in Seattle. On the guest list were Eddie Vedder, Built To Spill’s Scott Plouf, Exene Cervenka of L.A. punk legends X and Mudhoney’s Mark Arm and Matt Lukin. “We were playing in front of an audience who were primarily friends, relatives and peers,” says lead guitarist Kim Thayil of the momentous night. “This is what constituted our audience for most of the shows in our early days. Then we started playing these bigger venues where of course that changes, so it was fun to be playing for the guys in Mudhoney.” Soundgarden and a group of like-minded Seattle bands – Mudhoney, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Screaming Trees and Alice In Chains – inspired the grunge movement that emerged during the mid-’80s and found commercial success in the late ’80s and early ’90s. Relentless in their experimentation with alternative metal, hard rock and psychedelia, Soundgarden also boasted an indomitable frontman in Chris Cornell who raised the rock vocalist bar with his powerful wail and those darkly enigmatic, existentialist lyrics. Between their formation (’84) and acrimonious break-up (’97), Soundgarden released five studio albums, scored a number one record with Superunknown (’94), won two Grammy Awards (for Black Hole Sun and Spoonman) and sold over 20 million albums. To the delight of their diehard fans, the Seattle grunge legends reunited 13 years later. As Thayil asserts, their performance at The Showbox was “a powerful experience” that reinforced the fact that reuniting was an inspired decision. “We played a few shows and there were promoters interested, and people who wanted us to play at Madison Square Garden,” he explains, “so we thought, ‘Look, we’ve had fun playing these shows – we should go on tour’. The interest was reciprocated.” A dream come true for devoted fans, the reunion was also inspired by the group’s desire to serve Soundgarden’s catalogue and legacy. During Soundgarden’s 13 year break, Thayil was able to reflect and appreciate the scope of their influence in the ’90s. “Meeting a number of underground and indie bands coming up that were inspired or influenced by us without being imitative or derivative was really encouraging and satisfying to me,” Thayil expresses. “Bands like the Japanese band Boris or the band Ohm, Sleep and High On Fire... I love these guys.” Returning to our shores for Big Day Out 2012 (Thayil also has relatives and friends here), Soundgarden will be headlining Australia’s largest touring music festival for the third time. Even after all these years, Thayil is quick to recall many fond memories from those ’94 and ’97 Big Day Out festivals. “I remember the first time we played, one of the exciting things was meeting the guys in Björk’s band, who were great guys, just wonderful,” Thayil enthuses, “and of course the Ramones – to meet and hang out with the Ramones all the time... we went on to tour with the Ramones here in Lollapalooza. And of course, the Breeders, Smashing Pumpkins... and on our next tour, we played with Prodigy and Urge Overkill. “On our first tour, it was really exciting to meet the guys in You Am I and see them play,” states

Thayil, passionately. “I remember running back into our dressing room and grabbing Chris and Ben [Shepherd], and saying, ‘Hey, you guys gotta see this band that’s out there opening for us – these guys are like a cross between Nirvana and The Who. Chris, Matt [Cameron] and Ben were like, ‘Wow, these guys are great’. We had the opportunity to bring You Am I to the US and they did their first US tour with us.” Not content with merely playing their classics, Soundgarden have been writing new material over the past year. New ideas began emerging as they were rehearsing old songs for the shows. “We were obviously trying to recollect our older material and that was a humorous time in itself because I might forget my own guitar parts, but I’d remember one of Chris’ vocal parts or one of Ben’s bass parts and they would remember my guitar parts,” Thayil laughs. “So it was funny what we remembered and what we forgot, but in the course of playing together in a room, it’s very natural for us to kind of improvise and jam and come up with ideas. So while we’re working on Spoonman or Limo Wreck or 4th Of July, we’d throw up some other riff and someone else will respond. It became obvious that we had that kind of relationship where we were naturally creative with each other, so we decided that we should commit to making an album. Initially, you walk on tip toes; you’re not sure if people are feeling the same way that you are, but then you get pleasantly surprised when they all feel the same way. “The first songs were written about a year ago and we recorded in March,” Thayil explains, “but of course our recording sessions are broken up schedule-wise because of the commitments that Matt has with Pearl Jam and Chris with his solo tour, so while they’re on tour, Ben and I would work on guitar and bass and arranging songs. Then those guys come back and we’ll develop other material, so we’re getting close to the end of this record. We’re still writing new material, but we’re close to recording and tracking the basic instruments and lead instruments for a number of the songs, so we hope that we can complete the record sometime after Australia.” Cornell has said that writing songs without bottles of Jack Daniel’s has led to longer and more cohesive sessions. “I think in some ways they’re very similar, but in some ways they’re much better,” Thayil affirms. “The way that they’re similar is that there is a way in which we respond to each other musically. It’s different because we are older. Ben, Matt and I still drink beer, but we wait till after rehearsal,” he laughs. “When you’re younger, you’re probably drinking beer as soon as you wake up. We’re grown up now.”

DISCUSS WHAT? BEAT.COM.AU/DISCUSSION

Thayil’s guitar playing has inspired rock devotees around the world and across generations, which also earned him a placing in Rolling Stone’s Greatest Guitarists Of All Time (although he should’ve been higher). As Kim states, Soundgarden have “always tried to explore how to make really heavy, aggressive music without sounding like a bunch of knuckledragging meatheads” and the new songs have a very heavy vibe. “[The new album] will be full of that dark psychedelia,” Thayil informs. “We were always working on redefining what ‘heavy’ meant. We always thought that you could do a slow song and still have it be heavy. We always thought that you could take the distortion off the guitar and still do a song that’s heavy by the mood or feeling that you evoke or can create. Music can be heavy without it being loud or distorted; by the same token, volume does help as well. “We’re still trying different approaches to songs and ideas, and trying to bring out that dark psychedelia, that heaviness that we were known for. You’re not gonna see a party album or a pop album – we’re the record that someone puts on when they want people to go home. We’re not the record that you put on to get everyone dancing.” Having your explosive Lollapalooza performance described as “a blueprint of the Seattle sound” must make them proud? “It makes us feel that we’re doing something right – that we’re accomplishing what we’ve always intended to do, which was to play well and write songs that we enjoy and that our fans would enjoy as well,” says Thayil. “It’s great to find likeminded people out there who also like what it is that we’re doing.” As Soundgarden were one of the most influential bands of the ’90s, how much fulfilment does Thayil derive from the knowledge that Soundgarden were a generation-defining band? “I love that,” Thayil expresses. “All the bands that are coming up now, I love these bands – I think they’re inventive and interesting, and to know that they were fans of ours, that’s a great feeling. Of course, we had similar feelings in the late ’80s and early ’90s when we had an influence on Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins and Alice In Chains. Nirvana were just one of our favourite bands for so many years – it’s amazing to think that they were inspired or influenced by us. When we read in Rolling Stone that Billy [Corgan] had felt that way about our early records... that was also fantastic. “To influence your peers – not just bands that are popular – but bands that you like yourself, it’s like, ‘Wow, I like what these guys are doing’ and they’re saying, ‘Hey, thanks – we like what you’re doing’... that’s a great feeling. It’d be disappointing if we were influencing pop acts or dance bands or knuckleheaded rock – that would bum us out, but to have an influence on people that we respect and enjoy is definitely fulfilling as an artist, performer and writer.” SOUNDGARDEN headline Big Day Out 2012 alongside Kanye West and Kasabian at Flemington Racecourse on Sunday January 29. They also play a sideshow on Wednesday February 1 at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl with support from The Bronx. Live on 1-5 and their career-spanning retrospective album, Telephantasm, are out now through Universal.


next week

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@NICHEPRODUCTION Beat Magazine Page 21


THIS WEEK: ON SCREEN

Visiting for Sugar Mountain Festival, Parisian filmmaker Vincent Moon is famous for his series of live music videos, often shot organically in one take in order to capture indie musicians performing unplugged. Moon is somewhat of an underground film icon, working on video clips for Bon Iver, Yeasayer, Liars, R.E.M., Arcade Fire, The Shins and The National amongst many more. Tonight, Rooftop Cinema presents An Evening With Vincent Moon featuring a screening of An Island and a post-screening Q&A. Check out vincentmoon.com and blogotheque.net to view his work.

ON STAGE

Filled with witty dialogue and physical theatre, Landscape Dreaming presents Marco: so desperately in need of a date for a wedding that, upon not finding anyone worthy to take, hires a straight male model called John to pretend to be his boyfriend. Written by Charles Mercovich, directed by Damian Alexander Bernardo and starring Gavin Williams, Scott Middleton, Janine Watson and Dallas Paul Bentley, Landscape Dreaming is a comedy about friendship, love and marriage. It’s on at La Mama Courthouse from tonight until Sunday February 5.

ON DISPLAY

THE NEW BLACK BY ELIZABETH REDMAN

Judging by its name, The New Black sounds like a show about fashion. It’s not. The ‘black’ in the title refers to something deeper than clothes: skin, heritage and identity. The musical takes a look at what it’s like to be an urbanised Aboriginal person today, using comedy and song to tackle serious issues.

Chaco Kato is a talented Melbourne-based, Japanese artist. Kato’s art practice incorporates many genres, and she’s probably most well-known for her ephemeral, open-ended, playful installations such as large scale string constructions, or her dried vegetable sculptures. Here last week for Sugar Mountain Festival, Kato will be displaying her new installation work, Liquid Neurology, for free at Chapter House Lane (entry via Flinders Lane). The exhibition opens on Thursday January 19 and runs until Friday January 27. Entry is free.

BEAT’S PICK OF THE WEEK:

This year’s new kid on the open air cinema block, The Shadow Electric, is held in the beautiful courtyard of the historic Abbotsford Convent. Following the opening of the cinema last week, The Shadow Electric is set for an amazing season with a diverse lineup of films. This week features the brilliant Rowland S. Howard documentary Autoluminescent on Thursday January 19, John C. Reilly in We Need To Talk About Kevin on Friday January 20, Steve Carell in Crazy, Stupid, Love on Saturday January 21 along with Fire In Babylon on Sunday January 22.

Beat Magazine Page 22

The show tells the story of Jim, a smart, young, Indigenous man who has graduated from law school. “He gets hired by a very prestigious large law firm in Brisbane,” explains writer and director Stephen Helper. “The story follows him as he tries to climb the corporate ladder in the firm and balance his ambitions with his heritage, his culture, his family and the questions about identity, about who he really is.” Helper worked collaboratively on the musical with songwriter Marcus Corowa and actor Leeroy Bilney, whom he cites as its inspiration. “He [Bilney] had this image in his head of an Aboriginal businessman in a suit and a tie, looking very corporate, but then opening up his jacket and his shirt and taking out of his briefcase ochre or paint that would be associated with his culture, as if to remind himself of who he really is. And then he does up his shirt and goes off to continue on his way. I was really captivated with that.” Another source of inspiration for The New Black was Helper’s work on a show in Brisbane called Soul Music, devised in collaboration with students at the Aboriginal Centre for Performing Arts. The students shared their experiences of what their lives are like now, and how they do – or don’t – feel connected to their past. Then they talked about songs that might help express these feelings. Much of this was the titular soul music, including songs by Marvin Gaye and Aretha Franklin. That’s where Helper met

Corowa and Bilney. “I said to Marcus, I said to Leeroy, ‘I think we’ve got a musical here’,” he explains. “I don’t think they really believed that much would ever happen.” They worked on a new show with original music by Corowa and book by Helper, then presented a 20-minute piece in Sydney late last year. The Melbourne version has been extended to 40 minutes, followed by a 15-minute Q&A session. The New Black features many different styles of music, including soul, ballads, rap, a tap number and traditional musical theatre songs. Indigenous musical elements like clapping sticks and didgeridoo are mainly used as “flavouring”, Helper says. “It’s very, shall we say, postmodern in the way we’re approaching this, because we want it to reflect our culture now, which contains so many different things that we can draw on. And it’s fun!” “We’re not just doing it because we really want to have a tap dance,” he adds. “We’re working on the story and then, ‘How do we get this across? What would be fun? What would be satirical to really drive a point home, but yet you’re still laughing? Where’s the real emotional moments, where we really need to settle down and be more serious?’ And the musical ideas have come from that. We didn’t necessarily set out to write a show with a lot of different styles of music, it just evolved that way.” Helper emphasises the way the show uses humour to

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tackle more somber questions. “It is a musical comedy. It does deal with very serious issues,” he adds. “There’s a sort of Eddie Perfect nature to the show in the sense that it’s satirical but it has a point to make and you’re laughing but thinking at the same time.” “We don’t take ourselves too seriously. Well, we’re trying not to anyway. But at the same time it’s very truthful and ultimately uplifting.” One might expect that writing about another cultural group for the stage would pose challenges like accurately representing their voice. Not so, according to Helper. “The challenge is not so much in the writing as in getting your head around what it is we’re actually contending with. What is it that they actually have to deal with every day?” Helper visited an Indigenous community on the far west coast of South Australia as part of the process of developing the show. “It was really eye-opening,” he says. “I visited Leeroy Bilney’s family.” “And it was great because they took me out to the bush, they told me stories of the area, they cooked me kangaroo tail on the fire they made in the bush. And it’s all the real deal. It was beautiful.” In his North American drawl, Helper says that the experience gave him confidence in portraying Indigenous people on stage. He explains the two effects it had on the show: “One is a kind of confidence about talking about what we talk about; that we’re not making it up, that the issues and the racism and the political questions and the social dynamics and all of this stuff that we’re writing about – in a very entertaining way, I have to emphasise – gives us a sort of a confidence. And we secured permission from elders to talk about certain things.” “And then there’s the spiritual dimension, which was already in the show, but it gives it a greater depth of authenticity.” As part of the Carnegie 18 series, The New Black will be performed at the Arts Centre from Wednesday February 1 – Saturday February 4. For more information and bookings, visit artscentremelbourne.com.au


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A tour de force of darkness, EncyclopĂŚdia of Hell is an “invasion manualâ€? for Earth written by Lord Satan for his invading hordes of Demons, complete with hundreds of unpleasant illustrations, diagrams and a comprehensive and utterly repulsive Dictionary of Earth Terms. Since the customs and mores of humanity are alien and inconceivable to demons, Satan wrote this strangely poetic military handbook for the enlightenment and ediďŹ cation of his Demon Armies.

For intrepid travelers and armchair dreamers-the fourth collection of amazingly odd and simply hilarious signs found the world over. Want to take a tour of the “Elephant Dung Factory and Souvenir Shopâ€?? How about visiting the towns of Bastardo and Moronville, and doing some shopping at Sad Decor or the Mayan Treasures Factory Outlet? Whether unsettling (“One Way Toursâ€?), unfortunate (“Evil Poo Lookoutâ€?), or simply bafing (“Eels May Be Slipperyâ€?), the signs in this all-new collection will change the way you look at the printed world around you.

JUDGE YOU WHEN YOU USE POOR GRAMMAR - SHARON ELIZA NICHOLS ($14.95)

Correct grammar and proper spelling can be a challenge, and their absence can be a source of gleeful humor to everyone but the victim of a bad grammar attack. How do you react to sandwich boards, road signs, laminated instructions, and other written missives that are just not exactly what their creator meant? If you’ve ever (gently) judged anyone else for their linguistic failures, if you ďŹ nd yourself guffawing about the frequent confusion between “incontinenceâ€? and “inconvenience,â€? if you’ve ever been tempted to whip out your marker to add in or cross out apostrophes, and if you’ve refused to answer e-mails in which “yourâ€? and “you’reâ€? are used interchangeably, this book is for you.

THE CURIOUS WORLD OF DRUGS AND THEIR FRIENDS - INGO NIERMANN, ADRIANO SACK ($11.95) Following in the tradition of The Ultimate Book of Useless Information, The Curious World of Drugs and Their Friends is a wry potpourri of interesting information about every conceivable kind of drug. Readers can feed their heads with anecdotes, facts, lists, statistics, and illustrations. Wacky but well-researched, unbiased and shameless, The Curious World of Drugs and Their Friends dares to take readers on a long, strange trivia trip.

ARMAGEDDON IN RETROSPECT - KURT VONNEGUT ($29.95) “Armageddon in Retrospectâ€? is a collection of twelve new and unpublished writings on war and peace. Imbued with Vonnegut’s trademark rueful humor, the pieces range from a visceral nonďŹ ction recollection of the destruction of Dresden during World War II (an essay that is as timely today as it was then) to a painfully funny short story about three Army privates and their fantasies of the perfect ďŹ rst meal upon returning home from war, to a darker, more poignant story about the impossibility of shielding our children from the temptations of violence.

AFFLUENZA - OLIVER JAMES ($24.95) There is currently an epidemic of “afuenzaâ€? throughout the world - an obsessive, envious keeping-upwith-the-Joneses mentality that has resulted in huge increases in depression and anxiety among millions. Over a nine-month period, author and psychologist Oliver James travelled around the world to try and ďŹ nd out why. He asks: Why do so many people want what they don’t have, despite being richer and freer from traditional restraints than ever before? In asking this question, he uncovers the way to reconnect with what really matters and learn to value what we have.

UNDATEABLE - ELLEN RAKIETEN, ANNE COYLE ($19.95) Now, for the very ďŹ rst time, we’re revealing the secret list of things that so many perfectly eligible guys manage to wear, say, or do to make themselves completely “undateableâ€?. With an essential rating system that ranges from minor red-ag offenses all the way to the irreversible kiss of death, this hilarious handbook exposes the many common mistakes that can turn an otherwise acceptable man from a “maybeâ€? into a “no way.â€? This book is for every woman who’s ever wondered where to draw the line, and every guy who’s ever asked, “What did I do wrong?â€? Here’s what you did.

HARMONOGRAPH: A VISUAL GUIDE TO THE MATHEMATICS OF MUSIC - ANTHONY ASHTON ($19.95) During the nineteenth century, a remarkable scientiďŹ c instrument known as a harmonograph revealed the beautiful patterns found in music. Harmonograph is an introduction to the evolution of simple harmonic theory, from the discoveries of Pythagoras to diatonic tuning and equal temperament. Anthony Ashton examines the phenomenon of resonance in Chladni patterns, describes how to build a harmonograph of your own, and provides tables of world tuning systems. This inspiring book will appeal to musicians, mathematicians, designers, and artists alike.

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Beat Magazine Page 23


THE COMIC STRIP DEATHSTAR COMEDY With Tyson Wray. Got news, gossip, reviews, thoughts, tip-offs, complaints, hate mail? Email tyson@beat.com.au or send by ESP before Friday.

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THE SOUND OF DEAFNESS

SEX, LIES AND TELEVISION Our eyebrows have sure been lifted at the sight of memorable blood-spattering and sexed-up primetime shows on the TV screen, and now ACMI’s Live In The Studio returns to explore our love of television sex and violence. From Game of Thrones and Rome, to True Blood, Dexter and The Tudors, it seems our dramatic and comedic soaps have taken a back seat to the seedier shows. Looking back over the most unforgettable series in an explicit night of sex, lies and television violence will be guests Josh Kinal, John Richards, Djoymi Baker and Emily Maguire. Beginning Thursday February 23 and following on one Thursday each month in ACMI’s television studio, Studio 1, a collection of commentators, academics and industry experts will come together for a night of analysis and entertainment. Admission is $15 full, $12 concession, and $11 for ACMI members. For more information on Live In The Studio visit acmi.net.au.

WOMADELAIDE Australia’s most exciting outdoor festival has announced its final 20 groups for its outstanding 20th anniversary festival program. The WOMADelaide four day festival celebrating 20 years of music, arts and dance is sure to be mighty fine this year. West African superstar Baaba Maal, who led the announcement, is only one of the extraordinary lineup frontiers for the festival held in Adelaide’s beautiful Botanic Park. Returning after an absence of 13 years, Baaba Maal will sure to be a standout performance and will play alongside one-off shows by Dirty Three, Joe Bataan, Pajama Club, Mad Professor and Shantala Shivalingappa among many other artists from around the world. Tickets and details for the WOMADelaide Festival running from Friday March 9 – Monday 12 at Adelaide’s Botanic Park are available now at womadelaide.com.au.

PENGUIN CAFE RETURNS Since October last year until March this year Melbourne Recital Centre brings the infectious captivating sounds of Penguin Cafe to light. Creating a mix of global sounds that are both familiar and new, Penguin Cafe’s music has lent its quirkiness and offbeat loveliness to films like Napoleon Dynamite, TV commercials and programs as well as radio music. The original Penguin Cafe Orchestra, founded by Simon Jeffes, held a strong cord from 19721997 and so to does the new beloved ensemble in today’s era as Jeffes’ son Arthur breathes new life into the talent assemble of musicians. The young band of mixed personalities – not unlike those of the original orchestra – have a redefined style which maintains the quintessential English sound but adds fresh material. Bookings for the event held on Monday March 5 at 7.30pm at Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, Melbourne Recital Centre are available at melbournerecital.com.au.

A theatrically stunning play, questioning language, parenting, belonging and the nature of communication is sure to be one of the Melbourne Theatre Company’s finest. Tribes by English playwright, author and director Nina Raine explores the life of Billy – the only deaf member of his family. At the height of the play Billy’s (Luke Watts) new partially deaf girlfriend Sylvia (Alison Bell) is introduced and instantly makes her place known. Connecting Billy with the deaf community and encouraging Billy to leave his ignorant family, Sylvia ultimately forces the family to reconsider their beliefs. Returning to MTC, directing Alison Bell (star of the hit ABC TV series Laid) alongside Luke Watts’ main stage debut is Julian Meyrick. The compelling play, which enjoyed a sell-out season when it premiered at the Royal Court Theatre in 2010, earned Raine a 2011 Laurence Oliver Award nomination for Best New Play. Tribes opens Thursday February 9 at 8pm at the MTC Theatre, snuggling tightly into MTC’s 2012 season running from Saturday February 4- Wednesday March 14.

FAVOURITES FROM THE ‘70S AND ‘80S The Astor is kicking off 2012 with a showcase of beloved ‘70s and ‘80s films on the big screen. Many of the films will be presented for the first time in Australia in theatrical 2K format and some for the first time since their original release. As one of the few repertory cinemas left in the world, The Astor is the only cinema to play 70mm print films continually in Australia, with a heart sacred to atmosphere and quality presentation. With favourites including the original Fright Night in 2K Digital Format, The Princess Bride, Dirty Dancing, Back To The Future, Jurassic Park, Enter The Dragon and many others this year is sure to be a great one. With Astor’s lease set to end in early 2015, it’s left to us to support the cinema and allow future movie loving generations to see classic movies on the big screen. Beginning Monday January 30 with Fright Night and Ghostbusters, be sure to visit astortheatre.net.au

CRASH TEST DRAMA MELBOURNE You know you’ve got a good thing going when you have to turn people away at the door due to a packed house. Recently locating to a bigger location after only two events, CTDM is a unique event that ‘crash tests’ new 10-minute theatre scripts via moved readings in front of a live audience and a panel of industry judges. Oh, and did we mention that the actors and directors involved are cast at the event and only given two hours to rehearse before taking the stage? To check it all out, head to MeMo Hall on Sunday January 22, 3pm.

DESERT ISLAND FLICKS Get some insight, hear a few stories and watch some clips. Find out the who’s who of cinema, television and literature in ACMI’s intimate Studio 1. Sounds interesting. Well returning for 2012 is ACMI’s popular Desert Island Flicks program with talent Marieke Hardy revealing her top five films. Hardy who made her screen debut as a child in All The Rivers Run, is a regular panellist on ABC TV’s First Tuesday Book Club, and is also a screenwriter, columnist, radio host and author. The event Castaway with Marieke Hardy is a mix of key clips from Hardy’s top five films and a chat session led by host and leading Screen Studies academic Deb Verhoeven. The event, likely to reveal some fascinating biographical insights, will be held on Thursday February 2 at 7pm in ACMI’s Studio 1. Tickets are $15 full, $12 for concession and $11 for ACMI members. For more information visit acmi.net.au.

Deathstar Comedy is back this week with the fantastic Bart Freebairn as MC! With a great lineup including European Man, Michael Connell, Alasdair TremblayBirchall, Emily O’Loughlin, Trav Nash, European Man, Adam Francis, Dilruk Jayasinha, Dean Eizenberg, Simon Keck and the very funny David Quirk! Starts at 8.45pm, $5 entry downstairs at Caz Reitop’s Dirty Secrets, 80 Smith Street, Collingwood.

CHECKPOINT CHARLIE COMEDY Cheap piss and piss-cheap entry at Checkpoint Charlie Comedy, the city’s premier above-ground underground comedy room. Tonight, come fill yourself with $6 drinks and put your continence to the ultimate test as Aussie comedy legend Greg Fleet hosts a huge lineup featuring Michael Chamberlin (Skithouse), Josh Earl (Spicks and Specks), Daniel Moore and Anne Edmonds spitting funnies into the business end of a loud stick. Check in 8pm tonight at Eurotrash Bar - 18 Corrs Lane, Melbourne. $5 entry.

SOFTBELLY COMEDY Another huge Thursday night this week with Celia Pacquola headlining Softbelly Comedy! You’ll have seen her on Laid, Good News Week and heaps of other stuff! Plus we’ve got Harley Breen, David Quirk, Jimmy James Eaton, Don Tran, and more! It’s going to be another awesome night at Softbelly, 367 Little Bourke Street, in the city, this Thursday January 19 at 8.30pm, all for only $12! Get in early for a good seat!

COMEDY AT SPLEEN The hottest comedy gig in town continues this Monday night at the top of Bourke Street! Comedy at Spleen has become a legendary gig in Melbourne, and with good reason. We’ve always got a full house, and always have great comics. This Monday we have Ronny Chieng, Michael Connell, Michael Williams, Steele Saunders, Pete Sharkey and heaps more! That’s why we’re packed full every week, so get in early to guarantee a seat. It’s this Monday January 23, 41 Bourke St, in the city, at 8.30pm.

DIRTY WORKS COMEDY

Dirty Works Comedy are getting ready to add a little sizzle to this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival with some comedic genius from local and international talents. She may have been born and raised in New Zealand but, to us, Cal Wilson is our own. She’ll bring her renowned wit to the Comedy Festival stage, along with other local talent Kevin Kropinyeri, quirky European duo, Die Roten Punkte, and numerous stand-up stars from Malaysia. For more information on the dates and venues of these performers, head to comedyfestival.com.au. com.au/puregenius for more information. Entries close February 17. The Pure Genius Exhibition will be held at Brunswick Street Gallery from April 13 – 26.

HARVEST N’ GRAZE FESTIVAL Harvest N’ Graze Festival bring together some of the best hand-picked, delicious and mouth-watering gourmet producers, blended with the freshest local seasonal growers as well as demonstrations by celebrity chefs topped off by a variety of activities and entertainment. The organisers were overwhelmed by the response they received after they contacted over 200 local schools in search of a school band, and have announced McKinnon Primary School Band will be the opening act on the main stage of the inaugural event. Harvest N’ Graze Festival will celebrate food, music and wine at Caulfield Racecourse on Sunday February 5.

CLARE BOWDITCH AS EVA CASSIDY

WED 18TH JAN THE IDES OF MARCH (M) THUR 19TH JAN THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW (M) FRI 20TH JAN PUSS IN BOOTS (PG) MON 23RD JAN LABYRINTH (G) TUES 24TH JAN DOLPHIN TALE (PG) WED 25TH JAN MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE 4 GHOST PROTOCOL (M) THUR 26TH JAN AUSTRALIA DAY SPECIAL MON 30TH JAN THE INBETWEENERS MOVIE (MA 15+) TUES 31ST JAN TOP GUN (PG) WED 1ST FEB MELANCHOLIA (M) THUR 2ND FEB SHERLOCK HOLMES: GAME OF SHADOWS (M) FRI 3RD FEB TOWER HEIST (M) MON 6TH FEB AUTOLUMINESCENT (M) TUES 7TH FEB SHERLOCK HOLMES: GAME OF SHADOWS (M) WED 8TH FEB MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE 4 GHOST PROTOCOL (M) THUR 9TH FEB WE BOUGHT A ZOO (PG) Beat Magazine Page 24

THE NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PHOTOMEDIA FORUM As part of Melbourne’s Indigenous Arts Festival 2012, ACMI will present a series of talks and live events celebrating the rich traditions and new visions of Indigenous art and culture. Opening the program is the National Indigenous Photomedia Forum addressing professional development and networking opportunities that assist artists in developing knowledge and skills. The three day event, co-programmed by ACMI’s Artist in Residence Reko Rennie and Arts Victoria in association with the Centre of Contemporary Photography, includes workshops facilitated by photographer and educator Dr Les Walking and speakers such as photo journalist Mervyn Bishop, broadcast journalist Daniel Browning, Patricia Adjaye from Copyright Agency Ltd, photographer Darren Siewas, photo-media artist Diane Jones and many more. Alongside the February event is ACMI’s hosting of Shadow Life: Moving Image, an exhibition of image works by contemporary Indigenous Australian artists exploring the notion of the shadow as a representation of our soul. Remembered By, a screening and talk program that interprets Indigenous representation on screen through the lenses of contemporary Aboriginal artists and curators will also be exclusive to ACMI. The National Indigenous Photomedia Forum running from Wednesday February 8 – Friday February 10 will be held in ACMI’s Cinema 1 and workshop place. Details for ticketing are available at acmi.net.au.

For all of you that were just itching to head along to see the beautiful Clare Bowditch perform her heart away as Eva Cassidy, never fear, you will still get the chance to do so – you might just have to wait a little bit longer. Due to an exciting new TV commitment for the songstress, the return season of last year’s successful stage show, EVA – The Story of Eva Cassidy has been postponed. Current ticket holders can contact Ticketek or Athenaeum Theatre on 03 9650 1500 for more information.

KATHERINE GAILER Cruzao Arepa Bar have announced their brand spankin’ new exhibition that will be held in the bar’s Art section. The beautiful works displayed will be by Katherine Gailer, with each piece developed around issues of identity, body and place. What can you expect from Katherine’s work? Besides complete and utter thoughtprovoking beauty, there is also a whole lot of the artist herself within her pieces as she uses her own body as a vehicle for freely exploring issues of identity. Check out the beauty of Katherine Gailer’s artwork as it dons the walls of Cruzao Arepa Bar from Thursday January 19.

PURE GENIUS EXHIBITION There’s nothing that we love more than supporting home-grown talent, and the Pure Genius Exhibition is no exception. The whole exhibition is centred around photo and digital art and is about bringing the art community closer together and celebrating a mutual passion for photography and digital art. Pretty handy with your shutterspeed? Well, this could be just the thing for you. For anyone interested, head to geniusprinting.

ARTS NEWS, REVIEWS, INTERVIEWS ONLINE – BEAT.COM.AU/ARTS

BEARS, BOOMERANGS, BATHERS & BOOZE Mulga wood ashtrays, shell houses, souvenir spoons, tea towels or a Southern Cross tattoo. Basically all of us could admit to having at least one of those little fabulous, or not so fabulous, souvenirs of our travels throughout our great southern land. Well, Lord Coconut is taking our tackiness and has decided to celebrate Australia Day in style with his own take on kitsch Australiana. All pieces displayed within the exhibition are from local jewellers, designers and artisans who were challenged to create jewellery or a display piece which represents their own view of kitsch Australiana. Bears, Boomerangs, Bathers & Booze will be held at Lord Coconut from Friday January 20 – Saturday February 11.


AMIINA BY SIOBHAN ARGENT

Maria Huld Markan Sigfúsdóttir of amiina admits she does not really understand what ‘Icelandic music’ as a genre sounds like, but she seems to have a pretty chilled out metaphor for her group’s approach to musical innovation. As she says, “I think it was the fact that we all put our musicality together into one pot and stirred it and that something totally new came out, almost like a fifth member at the time when there were only four.” Her Icelandic accent is oddly beautiful, with its surprising discordance and lyrical bounce. So it’s no surprise that a quartet of violinists (who used to be the former all-female string section for post-rock group Sigur Rós) has now developed into a mixed sextet wowing international audiences on their own terms. Fresh from the release of their album Puzzle in 2010, amiina are a band unafraid to experiment with style; they fuse minimalist, contemporary and classical sounds with electronic loops and an unexpected instrument or two. The group are coming down to the Melbourne Recital Centre in January with their eclectic collection of musical saws, music boxes, glockenspiel and of course, their violins. Sigfúsdóttir met the original three other members of amiina at Reykjavik College of Music while she was studying, but she’s so gosh-darn polite that it’s hard to get to the core of Sigfúsdóttir’s own musical aspirations. It’s clear she sees Amiina as a truly collaborative effort. “I think [collaboration] is a vital part of how the music ends up something...rather than one person with a band [playing] in the background. It’s a vital part of how the music is picked and how it sounds. It makes it more layered and intricate rather than having one focal point.” Interestingly, Sigfúsdóttir says that the music tends to create its own entity in that kind of environment. “We looked at the music as something external to us all, kind of a mixture of a four. It was surprising because I think if any one of us were to make music it would never be exactly like that.”

Icelandic music has become quite revered for its rhythmic, almost hauntingly melodious sounds. But ask Sigfúsdóttir whether she recognises any similarities between amiina and compatriots like Sigur Rós, Björk and Emilíana Torrini (of Jungle Drum fame) and you’re likely to get bashfulness mixed in with an excellent analogy. “I don’t really hear the very famous sounds. It’s just like having siblings; you don’t really see the likelihood yourself with your family but someone from the outside might tell you that you all look the same.” Sigfúsdóttir attributes much of Icelandic’s musical ability to a strong musical education history. “I think part of it is probably because we’ve had, in the past 40 or 50 years, a pretty good music education system. A lot of people from Iceland practise music as a hobby of some sort, they sing in a choir, they play in a band...It’s very common that kids grow up with a lot of music around them, it’s very natural when you are a teenager to grab an instrument and start a band. And also because at least here in Reykjavik, everything is quite small and close and easy to, for example, borrow instruments or gear, and people are helping each other out. So when you’ve formed a band, it’s a very friendly community to join.” It’s no surprise, then, to hear that amiina’s musicians are multi-instrumental. How many instruments does Sigfúsdóttir play? “I have no idea! It’s a tough one...I would probably say around ten, or whatever gives a beautiful sound or an interesting sound, I’ll play.” But with 15 to 20 instruments following them

“WE LOOKED AT THE MUSIC AS SOMETHING EXTERNAL TO US ALL, KIND OF A MIXTURE OF A FOUR.”

to Melbourne, the sheer number of instrumental changes between musicians certainly makes thing interesting on stage. “When we thought about touring or playing live it was very complex...the switching between instruments was almost like we had to choreograph it so it was more like a ballet or choreography...It’s kind of what we’ve always done, to play an instrument and run to another and switch. I think it’s also who we are to maintain that to a certain extent.” Perhaps Icelanders are even more chilled than Australians, because getting Sigfúsdóttir to identify any specific direction for amiina’s future musical collaborations is near to impossible. Aside from various band members having study and parenting commitments, it seems amiina and group member

Sigfúsdóttir are just happy to do what the music does – go with the flow. “We don’t [make] decisions where to go or what kind of songs to do, it’s more just if we let it happen and we let the music just flow. It’s almost like we are serving the music, but not the other way [around]. I think that’s a very important part for us, to not force anything.” amiina are playing at the Melbourne Recital Centre’s Elisabeth Murdoch Hall tonight, Wednesday January 18. Book at melbournerecital. com.au. The amiina workshops are on at ArtPlay at Birrarung Marr today (11am) and Thursday January 19 (2.30pm).

Venue: Lord Coconut Level 4 Carlow House 289 Flinders Lane Melbourne Exhibition opening: Friday 20th January 2012- 5.30pm to 7.30pm Exhibition dates: 20th January to 11th February www.lordcoconut.com Mulga wood ashtrays, shell houses, souvenir spoons, tea towels or a southern cross tattoo. We all have (or had) a secret collection of these fabulous, or not so fabulous, souvenirs of our travels throughout Australia. Lord Coconut is celebrating Australia Day 2012 with his own take on Kitsch Australiana with this exhibition. Local jewellers, designers and artisans were challenged to create jewellery or a display piece which represents their own view of kitsch Australiana.

ARTS NEWS, REVIEWS, INTERVIEWS ONLINE – BEAT.COM.AU/ARTS

Beat Magazine Page 25


FOSTER THE PEOPLE BY NILS HAY

It’s 9.30am in Jakarta – but despite the entirely un-rock-’n’-roll hour, Mark Pontius is up and about. A year touring the globe has done many things for the Foster The People drummer, but conquering jetlag doesn’t feature on the list. He has however adjusted to life on the road. Off the back of a three-week break in late 2011 (comprising the bulk of last year’s time off), getting back into ‘reality’ is made to sound harder than re-entering the touring lifestyle.

TA21299/20/C

I should be less surprised; the Los Angeles indie rockers’ recent tour schedule reads like the board at an international airport, while their US tours resemble attempts to cram the most shows into the smallest timeframe possible. As well as a mind-boggling number of frequent flier points, over this time the group have also accumulated a slew of reviews as acclaimed and confident live performers. “We don’t get nervous,” Pontius tells me, albeit admitting to initial nerves as the band was starting out. “We worked really hard at it and we got comfortable almost right away – although we were playing a show pretty much every day for months, so we got used to it pretty quickly.” We’re not talking about small shows here either. While last January the group hadn’t even made a festival bill, a trip to Coachella quickly remedied that, and as anyone who saw their show at last year’s Splendour In The Grass can attest, it’s an environment they seem to relish. “We love festivals,” Mark confirms. “There’s an energy that happens with that many people at one stage. There’s just something about having a festival crowd that’s awesome.” While unwilling to nominate a favourite between festivals and club shows, Pontius drops a few hints. “The atmosphere [at a festival] is so big and everyone’s there to party and have a good time. Even if you mess up it doesn’t feel like that big a deal. When you’re in smaller venues, you’re kind of under a microscope and everyone’s watching.” Such scrutiny hasn’t prompted them to shy away from smaller shows; 2012 is already heavily booked with tours, although notably there are a couple more breaks than the previous year. “I think you have to figure out a balance,” he offers. “We haven’t really been able to work on music for our second album yet because we have been so busy [touring].” He’s quick to defend the decision though: “It’s been super important, if we hadn’t done that, we wouldn’t be where we are now, we wouldn’t have the momentum that we have. I think the balance is just figuring out how to find the time to do that.” With work on the follow-up to their debut full-length, Torches, due to begin in earnest sometime next month, Pontius highlights a few expected changes: “The first record was written in the studio and we had to adapt that to the live show,” he explains. “We had to find out how to play all these songs live, which was a really big challenge and was actually something great that we did as a band because we learned a lot. Being on the road and touring the record so much, it’s really cool to see the songs transform into something else live and we really enjoy that. Frontman Mark Foster remains the primary songwriter, but Pontius foresees some changes – from Foster and also the rest of the band. “There’ll be a lot of experimenting and there’ll have to be a balance between keeping elements of this first record but also doing something new.” After a year heavily touring Torches, he sounds keen for some fresh material. “We can kind of just throw everything against the wall and see what comes from it; there’s no real limit.” An emergent theme in Foster The People’s career has been, oddly enough, Australia. Personally for Pontius, the connection goes back some years; a trip out here in high school sparked an attraction so strong that, before joining Foster The People, he was getting out of bands altogether and planning to move here. He recalls the events of late 2009: “I hit a point where I was just done with it, and being in a band was not on my radar at all. I’d met Mark Foster at the end of that [previous] band [rock-hip hop outfit Malbec] and we’d been kind of working on something together, and once I’d quit that band Mark said, ‘Well, let’s do this now.’ I was super-hesitant and was actually about to move to Australia. I’d packed up and had this whole plan. “But he turned me around and said, ‘Just give me two more months and focus on this for a bit. See what happens.’ So he convinced me to stay for four months and in that time he wrote Pumped Up Kicks and everything kind of changed and I stayed in L.A.” The decision doesn’t appear to have restricted his time here either. The upcoming Big Days Out mark Foster The People’s third trip Down Under in 12 months. “It’s kind of weird because Australia took on the music first, somehow,” he tells me. “Through the internet, or whatever it was, and that was the first place that we decided we needed to go because there was an element of people wanting to see us.” Many things may have changed for the group over the course of the last 12 months, but it’s fair to say, A ground pass to the Australian Open not only gives you access to world-class tennis on the outside courts, with their hotly anticipated festival appearances but Australia’s hottest bands and artists performing live exclusively on Grand Slam® Oval. Outstanding value and several sold-out sideshows coming up, the huge demand from Australian audiences is not one of for money, tickets are available from ticketek.com.au with all musical performers beginning the gigs at 6pm. them.

Mon 16 Tues 17 Wed 18 Thurs 19 Fri 20

Tim Freedman & The Half Idle Busby Marou Mark Seymour & Band Jason Singh & Band TV Rock

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Sat 21 Sun 22 Mon 23 Tues 24 Wed 25

Bluejuice Daryl Braithwaite & Band Josh Pyke Lowrider The Vaudeville Smash

Thurs 26 (Aust Day) The Potbelleez Fri 27 Eskimo Joe (acoustic) Sat 28 Washington Sun 29 Jimmy Barnes & Band

DISCUSS WHAT? BEAT.COM.AU/DISCUSSION

FOSTER THE PEOPLE play the Big Day Out at Melbourne Flemington Racecourse on Sunday January 29, alongside Kasabian, Battles, Röyksopp, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and more. They also play a sold-out sideshow at The Palace on Monday January 30. Torches is out now through Sony Music.


THE BARONS OF TANG BY THOMAS BAILEY

Local gypsy-punk seven-piece band The Barons Of Tang are a force to be reckoned with. With two EPs under their belt, they’ve been gracing stages all over the world, spreading their mix of jazz, folk, punk and the kitchen sink to audiences in North America and Europe to infinity and beyond! Listening to the raw and visceral chaos that is their 2010 EP Knots And Tangles, one is ushered into the aural equivalent of an Eastern European wedding – tight and punishing arrangements, circus-like musical free-for-alls and an all-encompassing sense of adventure and merriment. Speaking by phone to Julian Cue, double-bassist, vocalist and manager of this tightly contained yet frenetic septet, I realise that there is genuine method behind the madness, and that the passion that cements them together runs deep. When asked how he finds time to not only perform in the band but also manage it, Cue lets out a knowing chuckle. “It’s definitely a full-time thing for me, but it’s very rewarding,” he reveals. “Everything’s a bit behind the 8-ball when you’re a self-managed band – but it’s good! I think with it being very DIY and having all that control with what we do has worked really well for us as a seven-piece band … and we really like the position we’re in.” I’d read that The Barons Of Tang had actually started off as something of a “joke”. What did that mean? “Well,” he says, “we basically just came together [in 2007] for fun; we wanted to be irreverent and just create music that we haven’t really heard before – this was just for kicks, you know? It was never something that we even considered getting into a career or touring or even having people listen to it. We just had a collection of interesting instruments and we were all coming from very different musical backgrounds, so we thought it would be fun!” When Cue mentions that the band had originally played music for a theatrical production in Melbourne, a piece of the puzzle that is their music clicked into place for me. Of course. “It was at the Black Lung Theatre in Melbourne, and it was a production called Rupeville – it was just like anarchic, perverted writing coupled with a strange band and it was all very elaborate and fun! So yeah,

we’d all started off playing there and then we began to play together as a band. “Luckily for us, in Melbourne there’s an audience for all kinds of different sounds, and a home for Eastern European folk and stuff. A whole sort of theme popped up, and we incidentally ended up having a big audience!” In 2008 they self-released their self-titled debut EP, following it up in two years with Knots And Tangles. I ask Cue about the space of time between the two, and if there were differences in how they approached writing and recording them. “Certainly with [Knots And Tangles] we were a bit more aware of our own sound,” he admits. “But the writing processes for us were very complicated and quite complex to produce, and there’s a lot of composition. “So part of the reason that [the two EPs] are two years apart is because they take a long time to write, and part of the reason is that we’ve been doing a lot of touring. But certainly I think we’re getting a little bit better at writing the older we get as a band because we’ve begun to turn into an open think tank where we can pour our ideas into the middle! There’s a lot of arguments, but we’re a bit more open to preparing for rehearsals and recording – so there ends up being more of an efficient process.” When Cue talks about how The Barons Of Tang

“THESE PEOPLE ARE VERY MUCH MY FAMILY AS MUCH AS MY BANDMATES”

have developed over the last five years, I can hear a sense of pride in his voice; the dynamics of the band, he thinks, are as strong as ever. “We’ve all really had to step up over the last couple of years as far as our roles in the band go,” he says. “Whether it’s management or musicianship or what-have-you, it’s hard; we spend about six months of the year on the road, so these people are very much my family as much as my band-mates. It’s kind of hard to explain sometimes. We love each other like siblings, and we bicker and fight like siblings as well. It can be tough to be around each other some times, but you have to take the good with the bad I guess! “Psychological management is the name of the game when we’re touring, but the band we have is pretty amazing; I couldn’t imagine doing any other occupation!” 2012 is setting up to be a pretty busy year for the Barons. With five international tours beginning in February and a new album to be produced as well, Cue and his merry band of music-makers are going to be firing all cylinders. Seven musicians, with all their

DISCUSS WHAT? BEAT.COM.AU/DISCUSSION

instruments, sounds like quite a feat, I say to him. Cue laughs, agreeing with me whole-heartedly. “It’s a very daunting prospect,” he says. “There’s no net for us, there’s no tour manager, there’s no one to tell us where our hotels are, there’s no label backing us up – it’s all on our own backs. But we made this happen ourselves, and we’re all really excited about it! So what can one expect from their shows? Cue is more than happy to let me know. “I think one can expect a lot of energy, and a lot of passion,” he enthuses. “Performing is why we’re in it! We really have interesting arrangements and a large dynamic. We try to keep audiences on their toes. There’s this tightrope we walk between complicated technicalities and actual composition – I’m not sure if we get it right all of the time, but that’s life!” THE BARONS OF TANG bring their unique gypsycore madness to The Corner Hotel on Wednesday January 25. Tickets are on sale from the venue.

Beat Magazine Page 47


INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH MUSIC INDUSTRY NEWS & GOSSIP

with Christie Eliezer * Stuff for this column to be emailed to <celiezer@netspace.net.au> by Friday 5pm JMC ACADEMY OPEN DAYS

INERTIA LAUNCHES NEW SERVICE

Big News at JMC with the college recently taking over The Actors College of Theatre and Television (ACTT). It’s a great acquisition opening up amazing opportunities for integration between film students and the ACTT acting students. To coincide with upcoming Open Days, JMC will be hosting free actors workshops for any budding actors on Friday January 20 at their Melbourne JMC campus (169 Bank Street, South Melbourne from 6.30pm to 8.30pm). Over two hours, professional trainers will take visitors through introduction to acting techniques, warm-up exercises and theatre games. Enrollments have also begun for 2012 in Music, Audio Engineering and Sound Production, Entertainment Business Management, 3D Animation, Game Design, Film and Television Production courses. Register your attendance at jmcacademy.edu.au or call 1300 410 311 for more info.

Inertia this week launched a new services platform called Inertia Access. Its team will choose what it considers the hottest new unsigned acts and offer them services as digital distribution, media servicing, royalty collection and film/TV licensing. In addition, Inertia can coordinate CD, merchandise and poster manufacture at competitive rates. “For Inertia, it’s always been about finding new ways to work with young artists we love,” says Managing Director Colin Daniels. “The days of bands sitting around waiting for a record deal are over. They’re out there working proactively; playing shows, getting their music on radio and growing their fanbase online. Labels need to be equally proactive. Inertia Access is about creating a one-stop shop for artists making the leap into the marketplace; whether they want to sell tracks digitally, pitch their music to sync agencies, or create CDs, shirts and vinyl to share with fans.” The new division will be spearheaded by Inertia A&R and Australian Music Manager, Mark Dodds, alongside Head Of A&R, Justin Cosby and Colin Daniels. General enquiries to access@inertia-music.com. The first act on Inertia Access is 21-year old Sydney electro-pop producer Elizabeth Rose, a triple j 2012 Next Crop Artist, whose debut single is out this month.

COLLARTS NEW COURSES AND OPEN DAY Australian College Of The Arts aka Collarts is entering a new era in 2012, introducing three new degree courses and several new appointments of highly experienced staff members. The three new degree programs open for enrollment now are a Bachelor Of Arts (Music) Contemporary Music Performance, Bachelor Of Arts (Audio Production) and a Bachelor of Arts (Creative Industries Management) Music Business. Their official open day that will include staff, industry and guest speakers including live performances from past students is to to be held at Collarts Melbourne campus this Saturday January 21 from 10am to 3pm (5 Brady Street, South Melbourne). For more information visit collarts.edu.au or call (03) 9281 8888.

NEW BOOKER FOR THE PRINCE The Prince Bandroom has a new booker – Jamie Bennett, previously six years at Rocket Bar in Adelaide and its new owners have committed to continuing live music at the venue. In fact, Julian Gerner of the Melbourne Pub Group, says that not only will there be live music in the Bandroom, but smaller acts will be showcased in the Public Bar seven nights a week. Gerner said, “The Bandroom has been, and is, an incredible space to see high profile, touring acts but the size of room makes it difficult to include emerging artists. This is a way for the venue to foster young talent, and engage with the community, seven nights a week. And it’s an exciting way to get that small band culture back to the Prince of Wales.”

UMM, YES, ROCK MUSIC IS BAD FOR YOU A 29-year-old Texas woman insists that Marilyn Manson and Nine Inch Nails inspired her to try and burn down her parents’ house. Apparently their music spoke to Christina Paz on Christmas Day and warned her that ma and pa were conspiring to sodomise her and chop her up. So naturally she got in first by trying to set the place on fire.

LAING LANDS AT WARNER David Laing, who quit as GM of Fuse Music late last year, is now at Creative A&R: Commercial Marketing, at Warner Music Australia.

MELZER HEADS TO NT Melbourne community radio identity David Melzer is heading to the Northern Territory. He is the new general manager for NT’s Music Outback, which delivers music in schools programs in 15 schools in the APY Lands and Western NSW, as well as in Ti Tree, Laramba, Neutral Junction and Stirling. He is contacted at david@ musicoutback.com.au.

B ON THE ROCKS TO HOST NEW TV SHOW B On The Rocks, the resident DJ at the Palace’s Saturday hard rock night House Of Rock, is hosting a TV version of the night. House Of Rock will be screened on Channel 31, featuring outside events, acts from the past and footage from HOR. The pilot episode was filmed on the weekend with Pegazus. You will also see B On The Rocks in upcoming Aussie movie MurderDrome where she plays the supernatural killer.

A GOOD YEAR FOR INDIES 2012 could prove to be a good one for Australian indie acts, says the Australian Independent Record Labels Association (AIR). In its latest newsletter, it tells its members to keep an eye on a number of issues this year. The High Court’s ruling on the 1% cap where radio only has to pay 1% of its ad revenue a year to record labels despite how much music it plays – could mean the cap be scrapped, and millions of dollars more going to labels. The long overdue review of government’s funding body, the Australia Council, could finally see contemporary music get a decent share. If the local regulations authority does pass the Universal/ EMI merger – it could argue that it would give the merged company too large a market share – that would have a huge repercussion on the Australian music biz. Finally, AIR plans to help build the rumbling that commercial radio needs to play more local music.

THINGS WE HEAR * US-based gig website Concert Boom has three Australian dates listed for Bruce Springsteen in August/September. Meantime, promoters of Splendour In The Grass tweeted that neither Radiohead and Stone Roses are playing their mid-year event. Radiohead are apparently looking at November. *After a week, Goyte’s Walk Off The Earth – five people playing one guitar – received 19.8 million online hits. *Katy Perry’s preacher dad Keith Hudson apologised after being slammed by the Anti-Defamation League for a sermon during which he told the congregation, “You know how to make the Jew jealous? Have some money, honey. You go to L.A. and they own all the Rolex and diamond places". * Frontier Touring axed Madeleine Peyroux’s March tour: “poor ticket sales.” * Club DJs and TV stars The Stafford Bros move to Los Angeles in March. * Fancy your chances singing with US metalcorists Killswitch Engage? They’re recording after parting ways with long time singer Howard Jones, and are accepting audition tapes via KillswitchEngage.com for a replacement. * Has 50 Cent gone too far with his feud with Jay-Z? In the past he’s niggled him, saying Jay-Z was unknown outside the US until he teamed up with Beyonce, and that he (Fiddy) wanted to have kids with Beyonce. Now he’s posted fake photos of the glam couple’s kid. In hip hop circles, it’s a given that feuds do not extend to children. *Splitting: Perth’s The Panda Band after seven years and two albums, and Sydney’s electro-act The Ghouls after four years. * Why did Mike ‘Up There Cazaly’ Brady headline the weekend’s Portarlington Mussel Festival for free? Because a year ago, Brady’s yacht ran aground off Point Richards, and among his rescuers were local mussel growers Wayne and Jennifer Gallop – who just happen to be in the festival’s steering committee. A grateful Brady offered his services gratis. 20,000 turned up. * New three-day camping festival Heatwave had a hiccup when one of the headliners, US rappers D12, missed their flight to Adelaide and didn’t perform as scheduled.

NEW SIGNINGS #1: US DEAL FOR HILLTOP HOODS Hilltop Hoods and their own Golden Era Records have signed with Fontana to release their sixth album Drinking From The Sun in the U.S. Fontana is the independent marketing, sales and distribution company for the Universal Music Group. The deal includes key catalogue titles. The first single off Drinking From The Sun, I Love It – featuring Sia and already gold in Australia – will be released in the U.S. on January 17. Ron Spaulding, President of Fontana met them on an Australian visit “and was blown away by the sheer quality of music they were producing; coupled with their success in their native country, we are excited to introduce them to the United States.”

NEW SIGNINGS #2: THREE MORE FOR NATIVE TONGUE Native Tongue music publishing has made three more additions to its roster. Perth’s Split Seconds, as one of triple j’s Next Crop acts, are finishing off their debut album this month. Two international signings, by its London-based International Manager, Jaime Gough, are the genre shifting Neon Indian (aka Mexican born Texas-based producer Alan Palomo) and San Francisco hailed Hanni El Khatib who describes his sound as “knife fight music.”

9TH ANNUAL OZHIPHOP AWARDS ANNOUNCED Voting has started on OzHipHop,com for the 9th annual OzHipHop Awards. The nominating process closes on Sunday January 22, finals commence the next day, and winners are announced on Monday February 6. Voting is only by its 60,000 members, not music industry execs. Its 23 categories cover albums, film clips, mixtapes, producers, graffists, DJs and journalists.

Beat Magazine Page 48

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LIFELINES Married: Roxy Music’s Bryan Ferry, 66, and former PR girl Amanda Sheppard, 29, on a beach on the Turks and Caicos Islands, Caribbean. She used to date his son Otis. Engaged: Avril Lavigne and TV actor Brody Jenner. She split from Deryck Whibley in Sept 2009. Hospitalised: Chili Peppers’ Anthony Kiedis for surgery to remove a crushed sesamoid bone and correct a detached flexor tendon in his foot. A US tour scheduled to begin this week was pushed back to April. Hospitalised: Godsmack’s Sully Ema for knee surgery, an old sports injury. Ill: Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi is battling leukaemia. Suing: Iconic ‘60s band Velvet Underground took action against the Andy Warhol Foundation from licensing the yellow banana design that Warhol did for their debut 1967 album, from being used on covers for iPads and iPhones. In Court: NSW man Dimitri de Angelis, 44, who claimed to be a music producer who ran record label Emporium Music in Sydney, is facing charges over an alleged $7 million fraud in which he fooled investors by claiming Kerry Packer and Lachlan Murdoch were his clients, and posting photos of himself with the Dalai Lama, the Pope and Bill Clinton. He faces court July. Died: Tom Ardolino, NRBQ’s drummer from 1974-2004, aged 56.

OZCO ANNOUNCES NASHVILLE SONGWRITER RESIDENCY For the Australia Council for the Arts’ new Nashville Songwriter Residency, Australian writers must apply by March 12 for a three-month residency in Nashville under Aussie expat producer Mark Moffatt. A funding $15,000 is towards flights, accommodation and living expenses. Moffatt produced Keith Urban, The Saints, Yothu Yindi, The Divinyls, Neil and Tim Finn, Slim Dusty and Tony Joe White, among others, before moving to Nashville in 1996. Nashville has the highest concentration of music businesses of any U.S city: 200 recording studios, 130 music publishers, 100 music venues, and 80 record labels. More info, go to australiacouncil. gov.au, or contact OzCo’s Andy Rantzen – a.rantzen@ australiacouncil.gov.au or 02 9215 9115.

STRONG START FOR TWILIGHTS SERIES Organisers of the Zoo’s Twilights Concert Series are pleased. The first show for 2012, on Saturday January 21 with Washington and Big Scary, sold out. Rockwiz Live is also moving well. This year will see sets from Kate Ceberano, Kasey Chambers, The Beautiful Girls, James Morrison, Marcia Hines, James Reyne, Daryl Braithwait, Vanessa Amorosi, Lior, Gurrumul and Joe Camilleri & The Black Sorrows.

TROY, SULTAN, DONOVAN, ARCHIE FOR INDIGENOUS FEST Troy Cassar-Daley, Dan Sultan, Casey Donovan, Archie Roach, Skin, Yung Warriors, Bart Willoughby, Leah Flanagan, King Kadu & The Sunshine Sisters and Radical Son are among the names for the inaugural Melbourne Indigenous Arts Festival. It kicks off for three days from February 10. Intended to showcase the breadth of indigenous talent, it also features theatre, film, cabaret, dance and a writer’s forum. See melbourne.vic.gov.au/iaf.

COMMUNITY CUP HEADS NORTH The Community Cup footie match, which pits Triple R and PBS presenters against local musos, will make its first appearance in Sydney this year. It will be held on March 18 at Henson Park in Sydenham. Last year’s Cup drew 12,000 and raised $120,000 for its charity partner Reclink Australia.

3630 FESTIVAL SCRAPPED FOR 2012 Shepparton’s 3630 festival on March 13 has been scrapped for 2012. Its committee had already put in ten months of work, including a launch party and a high school battle of the bands which saw 22 local acts promised appearances. Reasons are “small budget, change in stakeholders and over-commitment from the headline act (Angus And Julia Stone) which has led to them having to pull out at the last minute.” The plan is to stage it next year.

SWEDISH FILE SHARING GROUP RECOGNISED AS A RELIGION? Billboard ran a piece on a Swedish file-sharing group that considers itself a spiritual organisation. Its leader, Isak Gerson, 20, claims the Swedish government recognises it as a religious community. His Church of Kopimism has 3,000 members who meet each week to share files of music, films and other content that they consider holy. Billboard says Gerson, a philosophy student, has also been involved in the Pirate Party’s youth organization.

SCA EXPANDS RADAR Southern Cross Austereo is expanding its digital platform Radar. On the weekend it launched as a TV channel with an emphasis on playing new Australian music, with Ella Hooper (Killing Heidi/ Verses) as its host. Over the coming weeks, it will also roll out to a full, multi platform format – a first for the company – including FM radio, online, mobile and social media.


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Beat Magazine Page 49


SAM AMIDON

BY PATRICK EMERY

The history of folk music could – and probably already does – fill a thousand doctoral theses. With its antecedents in the Celtic storytelling tradition, folk music is rich with narratives of human experience, perseverance and tragedy. New England performer Sam Amidon has spent much of his musical life exploring old folk tunes and constructing his own idiosyncratic folk music identity. But Amidon sees himself as much more than a folk singer. “I don’t think of my albums as folk music at all, they’re very much personal albums that reflect my life over the last few years – the musicians I’ve encountered, the melodies I’ve heard,” Amidon says. With his parents both notable folk singers in their own right, the fact that Amidon ended up as a folk singer isn’t particularly surprising. “[Music] was all around us, inescapable, but at the same time we were never forced to do it,” Amidon says. By the age of three Amidon was playing fiddle and quickly immersed himself in fiddle tunes. Amidon benefited from the tutelage of his parents, and many other seasoned jazz musicians. In the early ‘90s Amidon formed Popcorn Behaviour, subsequently renamed Assembly in 2002. While Assembly has been described as ‘avant folk’, its style owed more to the exotic ‘contradance’ dancing style found in New England. “Contradancing is a New England predecessor to square dancing,” Amidon explains. “It’s similar moves to square dancing but the scene is more like puritan New England meets hippy, as opposed to cowboy hats. But what was interesting to Thomas and my brother

Stefan and I was the music, which was a highly rhythmic and repetitive form of fiddle tunes music,” he says. Amidon’s current repertoire is replete with old folk tunes dragged out, dusted off and buffed into contemporary form. “These aren’t ‘covers’,” Amidon says. “A cover is when you do your version of somebody else’s song – which means there’s your version, and the original version. A folk song is something else entirely, it’s an enigmatic little thing that has been tossed from singer to singer, with parts left out and added each time. So there’s not really any such thing as an original version, there’s just many different versions,” he says. “I guess that means that there is no story behind the song as far as I think about it – there’s just about a million mysteries hidden inside the song itself. And since nobody actually wrote it, nobody knows what they mean!” Amidon says. Amidon’s choice of covers isn’t limited to classic folk tracks. A few years ago Amidon covered Tears For Fears’

pop classic Head Over Heels on the 2007 album But This Chicken Proved Falsehearted, recorded under the Samamidon moniker (which included Amidon’s brother Stefan). Having missed Tears For Fears’ ‘classic’ period, Amidon had stumbled across the track and found himself slightly obsessed with it. “I heard it on the television, on VH1 Classic, I saw the words “Tears For Fears” and “Head Over Heels” and I had no idea which one was the band name and which was the song name,” Amidon recalls. “So I ran through the house shouting both phrases until I was able to sort it out, what a great melody!” Amidon’s appeal has now transcended the folk scene and migrated into the indie community. It’s difficult to ascertain whether it’s Amidon who’s moved closer to the indie world, or whether the indie community has broadened its horizons into the folk scene. Amidon, however, doesn’t see much of a distinction to start with. “In a sense it is the indie community that led me to actually sing these songs in the first place,” Amidon says. “Because when I was growing up, my parents

sang and I sang a bit with them and I’d hear folk songs and there were albums I loved; but really I was obsessed with fiddle playing. In high school, I didn’t sing at all as a soloist, only fiddle and some choral singing,” he says. Back on the defining elements of folk music, and Amidon recognises that there are certain structures and assumptions that define the genre, though such structures aren’t necessarily limiting. “Folk music, if you take something like traditional Irish tunes, yes there are deep structures within that music – that’s part of what makes that music ‘traditional’, is the sense that you aren’t doing something personal, you’re playing within the form, not because you arbitrarily feel the need to obey that form, but because it’s deeply satisfying, because it’s been developed over time in that collective way,” Amidon says.

sound their most recent record. While producer and guitarist Chris Walla insisted on recording live to a 24-track analogue tape to make the 2008 album Narrow Stairs, his new fixation with computer-based recording programs meant the band could experiment more with overdubs and digital composition for the follow up record, pushing them in a significant new direction. “The overwhelming majority of the demos that Ben [Gibbard, vocalist] brought to us for Codes And Keys were written on acoustic guitar or piano, but even the early ideas Chris had for recording had some synth in there,” Nick explains, “It just sort of made sense when we were exploring the songs in the studio to take what was originally a guitar part and maybe make that a synth keyboard line or move it into a stranger more textural loop that happens. All of the instruments we play are still present in Codes And Keys, but we use them more texturally. They seem to be a little more skeletal and decorative than they have in the past.”

Death Cab have been touring the last album for almost a year, and they are happy with how well the old and new material hang together. They’re lucky, Nick says, that everything they have tried so far has worked out so well. “You feel like being a successful musician is so big and so impossible sometimes, but here we are, ten years later, still doing what we love. We just concentrate on what is right in front of us. We still have ideas and we still have a lot of energy and we still love making music together and I think we’ll keep doing it until there’s nothing there any longer, until we’ve run out of steam,” he smiles. “I’m excited. I just want to see what tomorrow will bring.”

are important to me, and they have very little to do with what people find they think about my music or what is ostensibly special about music. You can’t do wrong if you continue to make music. People might ridicule you at some point, but if you just continue doing it without letting people get you down, then you’re going to have the last laugh, you know?” And when it comes to last laughs, Rosenberg has emerged victorious. “I think I was always ready to share my stuff with audiences,” he reveals when I ask him about his transition between going it himself and then sharing the stage with a proper band. “In the beginning, there were no hostile reactions; it was an extremely encouraging environment, and I thought I was good at [performing solo], so that’s why I kept on doing it. But that was just on the local level, and about four or five years before I got signed. So I was probably at my most groundbreaking and my most confident, just doing the ‘karaoke’ thing. “And then as time went on, I started to strip down [the music] more and more; suddenly stage-fright started to rear its head and I started to put myself into very, very compromising situations by actually playing in front of people and not being prepared and not having a setup that can be easily described as functional – and then going on the road with that [setup]

and having to weather all sorts of humiliation and discontent from people who were curious about us. “Playing with different lineups, it was just diminishing returns, and it was less people showing up; and it was people thinking, ‘I just can’t get into this.’ “I had to find a way to enjoy it,” he says after a brief pause, “and I realised what I had to do was to get a band of committed musicians and make sure it was an outfit that over time could commit and stay true to the music, the songs and the arrangements; having a band that was capable as well as prepared. “It was all just a very gradual process,” he continues, “and when I did those things I got a band together so that we could make music, that I could enjoy my concerts and get to the point where I could have a real band and real chemistry onstage and get on a record label! That was cool! We did it in two years and – yep – mission accomplished.”

SAM AMIDON plays the Northcote Social Club with special guests Otouto on Thursday January 19. He opens for Beth Orton at Athaneum Theatre on Friday January 20.

DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE

BY SIMONE UBALDI

Looking back over more than a decade in the music industry, Nick Harmer sees a life well lived. While his band has risen to prominence as one of America’s most beloved indie rock mainstays, the Death Cab For Cutie bassist has travelled the world ten times over. But it’s a small world, he explains, and everywhere he goes, he runs into old friends. “It’s just really exciting to be part of this international community of people, of musicians, where you can sit backstage at a festival on a nice sunny day and have a long conversation with someone about touring and travelling and know that they really understand where you’re coming from. I’ve really come to embrace and enjoy that feeling of camaraderie that you have with people who have chosen to make music with their life,” Harmer says. With the release of their latest project last November, the remix album Keys And Codes, Death Cab have extended their social and professional network even further. Taking tracks from their critically lauded 2011 album Codes And Keys, the band asked an eclectic group of electronic artists to have their way with the Death Cab sound. “We’ve talked about doing something like this for a long time, but for whatever reason, the source material never really seemed like it would lend itself to that kind of project,” Harmer explains, “When we finished Codes And Keys and we could see how the record was made in Logic – sort a modular recording process anyway, with parts and pieces clicked together – it seemed pretty natural to unpack that and give it to someone for whom, that’s their forte. We wanted to see what different artists would get excited about and what interpretations they would have with the sounds we created.” Although Codes And Keys itself was a more synth-oriented

effort for the guitar-loving quartet, the remix project threw them into radically new waters. They worked with artists including Yeasayer, chameleon-like LA producer Dillon Francis, UK house/hip hop producers The Two Bears and Melbourne’s own Cut Copy, and the results are surprising. With tracks ranging from Pet Shop-inspired pop disco to swinging funk to spacious drum and bass esoterica, Keys And Codes is nothing if not far away from Death Cab. But just because it isn’t their style, doesn’t mean they can’t appreciate it. “Not every one of the remixes on the EP would be what I consider my favourite thing ever, you know, but the ones that works for me, I love them,” says Harmer. “The thing for me is, while I don’t really listen to a lot of that remix/ dance culture of music out of my own aesthetic choice, when these remixes were coming back I was blown away at home much I really did enjoy them. In fact, there’s a couple of remixes, like the Cut Copy one and the Some Boys one, which really showed me the song in a new way. They didn’t feel like something I had been a part of to begin with, and that was a really powerful moment, to be removed enough from the music so that you lose the sense of yourself making it, that was exciting. I think they’re super exciting because I know it came from us but I don’t feel like I’m ever listening to my own band anymore.” Death Cab’s willingness to experiment has kept them enthusiastic over the years, and contributed to the fresh

DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE play the Palace Theatre on Tuesday February 21 (sold out) and Wednesday February 22. Both Codes And Keys and remix album Keys And Codes are out now through Warner.

ARIEL PINK’S HAUNTED GRAFFITI

BY THOMAS BAILEY

Ariel Rosenberg is ready to cut loose. After a long day of fielding interviews from his Los Angeles home, he admits to me, “After [this round of interviews], I’m going to get tanked. Hammered!” Rosenberg, who goes by the nom de stage of Ariel Pink, had an absolutely brilliant 2010. His latest album, Before Today, had been released to very favourable reviews and his newly minted band Haunted Graffiti played around the world to sold-out crowds. Rosenberg is gamely chatting with me today about his thought processes and the long, winding path he had travelled to end up where he is. He’s been making music for quite some time. At the age of 15, Rosenberg began recording songs in his bedroom that were extensions of whatever music he happened to be listening to at the time – whether it was Michael Jackson, Billy Idol, Def Leppard or videos on MTV. “What inspired me [initially] was just the people making records, and that’s the only reason!” he exclaims. “I didn’t understand how there were so many artists out there, making so many records.” His ultra-lo-fi and experimental recordings evolved as time progressed. “The songs just kind of mutated, and shit got heavier and heavier,” he laughs. It seems that what Rosenberg was truly after in his recordings was, in a sense, a deconstruction of the popular music that permeated his upbringing. “I was always very cognisant of what I didn’t want to do – I always wanted to be different and so [my music] wasn’t so much an amalgamation of what I like as much as [it was] just a stage of what to avoid,” he continues. “I had this feeling, at a very fundamental level, that I wanted to write the most boring Beat Magazine Page 50

song, the [saddest] song; I wanted to write stuff that didn’t matter, something that I could just cling to. The sound itself was very pedestrian; I wanted to make a pedestrian version of everything that might be considered ‘pop’. I wanted to put across a very, very weak and satanic world. You know, something that wouldn’t be encouraged by anyone. Something that’s more of a warning sign! I wanted to scare people a bit!” When this writer posits that his music is an example of the artist staying true to his self and not watering shit down to the lowest common denominator, he is quick and vehement with his reply. “I completely disagree,” he says bluntly. “You don’t have to stay true to yourself at all – there’s nothing there! I mean, what’s ‘true’? You can try things out, and if you fail then you failed. So what, if you have a few duds? If you have one good song, you should be happy. It doesn’t matter. “Staying true to yourself really has much more to do with me, and my ego, and my peccadillos and what I have to say. I mean, those are the things I tell myself, and those are the things that

DISCUSS WHAT? BEAT.COM.AU/DISCUSSION

ARIEL PINK’S HAUNTED GRAFFITI perform at the sold out Golden Plains Festival in Meredith from Friday March 10-12. There’s also a sideshow at the Corner Hotel with special guests Lost Animal and Montero on Sunday March 4. Tickets can be purchased at the venue.


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Beat Magazine Page 51


CORE

PUNK, SKA, HARDCORE NEWS, REVIEWS AND GOSSIP BY EMILY KELLY: EK1984@GMAIL.COM

Well well well. Look what we have here. A Refused reunion. For years now I’ve been hearing rumours about the substantial sums of money Coachella have been offering similar seminal bands to forget their past indiscretions and reform for the festival. Apparently with each new year the offers become more and more generous, making it harder and harder for bands to resist the urge. At The Drive-In’s reformation was shocking. There were burnt bridges and broken hearts in that band; severely damaged relationships. So it’s pretty inspiring that they’ve reformed in an orderly and adult manner. Refused’s reunion, on the other hand, almost disappoints me. Baltimore hardcore band Trapped Under Ice will return to Australia soon for a couple weeks in support of Big Kiss Goodnight. They’ll play at the Corner Hotel on Sunday March 11 after headlining mini-fest Break The Ice at Seaford Community Hall, which will also feature 50 Lions, Hopeless, Shinto Katana, Dropsaw, Anchor, Relentless, Phantoms, Iron Mind and Warbrain.

Their demise was spectacular. They made sure of it. Their ‘final communique’/last press release/manifesto was defiant, angry and most of all definite. It also concluded, “We will never play together again and we will never try to glorify or celebrate what was”. Their final release, the DVD of their last over-dramatised performance (yeah, I said it), was called Refused Are Fucking Dead, and goddamn I was inclined to believe it. It was a bold statement, and one that I respected them for making so conclusively. So although a reformation is always exciting and I dare say the likelihood of them travelling here is pretty damn high, it leaves me a bit stale. How’s this for a supergroup. My Chemical Romance drummer Jarrod Alexander + AFI bassist Hunter Burgan + Alkaline Trio heart throb Matt Skiba. These friends have collaborated for a new project, dubiously titled Matt Skiba and The Sekrets. *Cough. The ensemble are releasing a new album titled Babylon through new label Superball Music.

METALOCALYPSE RAWR!

So yeah, how ‘bout that Stone Temple Pilots tour coming up in 2010? Awesome, huh. Can’t wait. Please excuse the anachronistic strangeness of last week’s column, there seems to have been an error in transmission during the page’s final construction at Beat HQ. We apologise for the fault in Metalocalypse. Those responsible have been sacked. We apologise again for the fault in Metalocalypse. Those responsible for sacking the people who have just been sacked have been sacked. The designers at Beat hired to continue designing Metalocalypse after the other people had been sacked, wish it to be known that they have just been sacked. Metalocalypse has been completed in entirely the same style at no expense and at the last minute. ~tobes

MARDUK ARE RECORDING Following up their recent signing to Century Media, Swedish black metallers Marduk aren’t mucking about. They’re currently holed up in the studio to put together a follow-up to 2009’s Wormwood, tentatively expected for release later this year. There’s a few studio “impressions” over at the band’s FB, too: facebook. com/Mardukofficial

Melbourne’s own A Death In The Family made the shock decision to call it quits last week, claiming they’d “hit a cross-roads”. The band’s statement explains, “Each of our lives and circumstances are vastly different than they were a few years ago and as a group we’ve simply decided now is a good time to move on”. Unfortunately, mere moments after this was announced, Brisbane outfit Fires Of Waco also pulled the plug. They’ll play one final show, with details to be announced shortly. New Found Glory have confirmed a return trip down under (was there ever any doubt) with Taking Back Sunday this April. The two pop punk heavyweights are tackling Melbourne’s Festival Hall for an all ages show on Sunday April 8. Those seeing Dead To Me and Cobra Skulls in March will be relieved to know that Lamexcuse will be supporting the duo, and following A Death in The Family’s demise, Melbourne’s The Gun Runners have nabbed the remaining support slot. Tickets still available for this Northcote Social Club show on Thursday March 29. Will rule. La Dispute have added a second overage Melbourne show to their schedule after the Corner Hotel gig promptly sold out. The second show will take place at The East Brunswick Club on Monday February 20.

CORE GIG GUIDE

Thursday January 19: Guttermouth, 28 Days, And Burn, Take Your Own at The Westernport Hotel, San Remo Backtrack, Iron Mind, Crowned Kings at Next Dear Stalker, Charm, Let Them Eat Cake, Son of Set at The Bendigo Friday January 20: The Damned, Kill City Creeps, The Scarlets at Billboard Backstrack, Iron Mind, Ill Vision, Bear Witness, Thorns at Phoenix Youth Center Guttermouth, 28 Days, The Go Set, Take Your Own at Corner Hotel The Jacks, Damn The Torpedoes, The Kremlings at The Tote Saturday January 21: Electrik Dynamite, Elm Street, Inebriator at Bang Black Label Society will headline their own Soundwave sidewave with guests Hellyeah, Black Tide and Holy Grail at The Forum on Tuesday February 28. We’ve also got the old-school lineup of Unwritten Law, Zebrahead and Royal Republic goin on at The Espy on Wednesday February 29. Gnarly. Four Year Strong announced earlier last week that they’d team up with relative newcomers I Am The Avalanche, Fireworks and Conditions at Melbourne’s Hi-Fi Bar on Tuesday February 28. Tickets are all on sale now.

THE END OF THE WORLD THROUGH SONG, EVERY WEEK BY TOBY MCCASKER EMAIL: THE.METALOCALYPSE@GMAIL.COM WWW.MYSPACE.COM/METAL_UP_YA_MUM

MESSAGE FROM TONY IOMMI

Despite his current battle with lymphoma, Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi has posted the following message both in praise of everyone who’s shown their support and in reaffirmation of the new Sabbath record: “My fans, friends and colleagues - I just want to say how overwhelmed I am with all your messages of support, thank you so much. Well it’s not what I wanted for Christmas, that’s for sure, but now I can’t wait for the test results to come in and get going with the treatment. It’s really good that the guys are coming over so that we can continue working on the album as things are going great in the studio. Well, not much else to say at this time, so thanks again.”

DEATHQUOTE “Not that I’m aware of right now. We keep in touch, we’re still friends. I had a great time doing the reunion shows in 2008-2009. I don’t really know what the future holds. I’m very busy with Arch Enemy and other stuff as well. Jeff [Walker, Carcass vox/bass] plays in a band called Brujeria and I think he’s just doing that. I’m not too sure. But like I said, you’ll never know when we might get back together to do something. It’s still possible.” - Arch Enemy guitarist Michael Amott when quizzed on whether or not we can expect a new Carcass record.

THE CROWN’S NEW SONGS

Coupla months back, The Crown announced that hoarse throat Johan Lindstrand had come back to the band. Wicked, good stuff. Now Lindstrand has had a few things to say about the band’s most recent rehearsal, and if you’re a Crown man, you should erectifying about now: "We played [for the first time] the new song Headhunter as a full band, and it really felt great to hear everything such as vocals and leads for the first time. The song was already impressive as an instrumental demo track, but now all the pieces fell in place and made what easily could be a great opener of the next album. Time will tell. To finish up the rehearsal, we messed around with another new song written by Magnus [Olsfelt, The Crown bassist], a great intense track which takes you back to the good old days. I fucked up some lyric lines on this one as well. Better next time I guess.” In summary, The Crown have five to six new songs on the go. Fark yer.

ATTACK ATTACK! STILL EXIST

Excuse me. I just heard Attack Attack!’s new track The Wretched. I feel a bit ill. “I put my life on the line for you, so why did you say goodbye?” opines vocalist Caleb Shomo at one point. Maybe ‘cause his band is a joke that actually makes your breath smell like a shit when you tell it.

DRAGONFORCE DROP OUT OF SOUNDWAVE

Oh no, Dragonforce have pulled out of this year’s Soundwave festival. Why? Drunk, probably. Stepping in to fill the sizeable gap left by the world’s fastest band (is it still them? It was Children Of Bodom at one point) will be Paradise Lost (yay) and Switchfoot (boo). Not a massive loss, really, seeing as that lineup is still the best thing since neatly divided bread.

FEEDBACK To the fool who wrote about the Stone Temple Pilots tour, what a waste of space that was, whining about a band and putting up tour dates a year too late. Maybe do some research before you go whinging about “another contrived and relentless grunge reformation”, as I'm sure its probably alot better than the other crap you have posted on there. Hope you use Google a bit more for your research, it's only a few clicks away and will save you the embarrassment of another wrong tour. Xo Lorelle Any drooling mongoloid with half a functioning cerebrum could probably work out that that was a design mistake. Take your menopause out on someone else, Bertha. ~tobes

LAMB OF GOD BY OSCAR SCHIESSER

Ever since their early days as Burn The Priest, Lamb Of God have utilised a no-bullshit attitude to ensure each album released has been a progression on its predecessor. They trumped the now classic Ashes Of The Wake with the release of Sacrament – winning both a Grammy nomination and a horde of new fans. Having set the bar high, they met the challenge with the organic and raw Wrath – scoring two Grammy nominations and cementing themselves as a cornerstone of modern heavy music. But when a band have ascended at such a consistent rate, how long can it last? I caught up with drummer Chris Adler to discuss the new album and the driving force behind machine that is Lamb Of God. “’Where do we go from here?’ That’s a very daunting question. Coming out of Wrath we all weren’t sure that we could do another record. Not physically, obviously we’re not getting any younger, but it felt like we had really achieved what we wanted to achieve as a band. So, how do we beat that? How do we get the hunger – the edge – to stay relevant? It’s obviously at a point where we could just kind of rest and just do what everybody expects us to do. But that’s the last thing I want to do. There is no way we could leave the legacy of the band at the last album being all weird. We can’t do that shit. We have to stay true to it or let it go and that’s a hard thing for a band – or anybody with a career – to really stomach.” Having built a steadily growing fan base, it was always going to be a matter of time before LOG stopped being that band with the new sound and took their place as influential to the scene. However, with easier access to home recording gear there are more bands around than ever before. With new blood constantly entering the music world, how can an established group hope to remain relevant without knowing their place? “It’s brutal you know, but the music industry is very cut throat. Especially in metal, there is a new band every four minutes and they write the stuff the kids want to hear much Beat Magazine Page 52

better than the old guys do so we know where we are at, we know the place we kind of created in the scene, we know the impact that we have had on a lot of young bands. But we don’t want to stop – our evolution is continuing. There will never be another Metallica. In this age with the technology and the attention spans, it’s just not possible. Bands like ourselves, Machine Head, Slipknot, we’ve kind of created this second tier level behind them that makes sense with the technology of today and how far you can get. We embrace and appreciate that and realise how far we’ve come to be able to be a part of that, but also it makes us very much a target. We’re not that underground cool band anymore. It’s hard to root for us you know, we really have to fucking prove it. Especially now putting out our seventh record, we’re very easily dismissed by the new heavy metal fan of being the good old guys. ‘Ah you know, they’ve made their money and let’s support this unheard-of Norwegian black metal band’. We know that and it adds to the pressure of: How do we continue to prove our relevancy and our credibility in the scene?” It seems that LOG have reached a point where they aren’t on the same level as big acts like Slayer or Metallica, but also not still on the rise to power like Trivium or Mastodon. This is a point in a career that sometimes spawns nostalgic

acts, but one listen to Resolution – and I have been as fortunate to have more than just one – underlines LOG’s intent. Vastly different to any previous record, it still retains the distinct LOG characteristics. It is the sound of a band pushing their limits, and Chris is adamant to keep pushing for as long as is necessary. “I think every album has somewhat been a reaction to the album before it. With Ashes, we felt like it was a great album but it was missing some production quality, so we beefed up production quality for Sacrament. Then after Sacrament we felt like we beefed them up too much so we stripped it back for Wrath and tried to make this nasty and raw-sounding album. We all felt like we had accomplished what we wanted to accomplish, so now we can really spread our wings a little bit and maybe improve upon things that we had introduced prior but not been able to really fully expand because we were so focused on the overall goal of heavy or fast or something like that. Now we felt a bit more free. But again, in the back of our heads, you can feel as free as you want but it’s got to fucking kick the last album’s arse or else you have to stop because you can’t put out

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something that is any less in anyway to the last record or we start to become a nostalgia act.” After both hearing the album and talking with Chris, it is obvious LOG have a goal to surpass what has come before. “Name one band that you can say their seventh record is your favourite. None. There’s none. So for us that was in the back of our head the whole time, like, ‘How do we make this record as important as our first or second or third record?’ Everybody loves a certain band because of their first record or second record, nobody is ever talking about a band’s seventh record if they are ever lucky enough to do it. We’re not in this for money, it’s never been about money. We love the music that we make, we love being a part of this scene, we love contributing to the future of music and heavy music and it’s an honour to be in the spot that we are and we don’t take it for granted.” LAMB OF GOD play Soundwave Festival at the Melbourne Showgrounds on Sunday March 2. Resolution is out this Friday January 20 through Roadrunner Records.


THURSDAY 19 JANUARY 6PM – 7.30PM

THURSDAY 26 JANUARY 7PM – 9PM

STONEFIELD + TESSA AND THE TYPECAST WEDNESDAY 25 JANUARY 6PM – 7.30PM

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CLAIRY BROWNE AND THE BANGIN’ RACKETTES + SASKWATCH

KOOLISM 75 MINUTE PARK JAM

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MUSIC NEWS

POP SINGLES YOUR COMPREHENSIVE LOCAL GUIDE

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HARVEST N' GRAZE Set in the picturesque front lawns and surrounding grounds of the Caulfield Racecourse, The Harvest N’ Graze Festival is a food and music extravaganza perfectly located within Melbourne’s expanding inner-city foodie and cafe culture precinct. The Harvest N’ Graze Festival has something for all tastes - with over 100 stalls you’ll be able to sample and purchase an exceptional variety of Victorian gourmet food, wine and seasonal produce, celebrity chefs, wine matching and other interactive cooking demonstrations, and musical entertainment including performances from Mark Seymour (Hunters & Collectors), Deborah Conway, Angie Hart (Frente) and Michael Spiby (The Badloves). It takes place on Sunday February 5.

SAN GRAS Sans Gras return to the Grace Darling with their trance inducing blend of musicality and frenetic energy. Alien vocal lines entwine driving grooves to build a tapestry of love, loss and allure. With support from Ballarat rockers Them 9’s and Melbourne loop-crooner Hayden Calnin, Sans Gras are offering a free download from their recent recording session. This Friday January 20 at The Grace Darling Hotel.

ASH GRUNWALD Renowned Australian blues and roots artist, Ash Grunwald will be performing at the Ferntree Gully Hotel on Saturday January 21. This is the last chance to catch Ash’s live show before he returns to wow audiences in Europe and Canada. Gearing up for the release of his impending new album, Ash has some never before heard tunes in store for audiences at this special show.

HELM After a successful release at the back end of 2011, Helm's single Home received national airplay and exposure, and has been added to radio playlists and music TV around the country. The band had a fantastic response on The Butterfly Effect's Ten Years Tour, and are ready to hit it again in 2012. The band will be taking the infamous Evelyn stage in Melbourne for Australia Day (Thursday January 26) with some very special guests. 9pm.

JUDGE PINO & THE RULING MOTIONS The dancefloor action just won’t stop and you just won’t be able to get enough. This Saturday January 21, The Ruling Motions are appearing at your local live music venue of ages, Bar Open. Don’t miss the legendary live reggae sessions. This night will introduce their newest member Andy on sound and faders, fine tuning the styles for you and making things real nice. It’s free and doors are 10pm.

APPLE TIME On Sunday January 22, Bar Open hosts a night of marvellous and rare performances. Three-piece twee posse Apple Time play their first headlining show of the New Year. They’re ready to harmonise with each other, your soul and your calendar as they create a very relaxing soundtrack to your summer. YIS frontman Simon Fazio has very graciously accepted the invitation to come out of second album hibernation for one night only; he will be treating us to a mysterious one man show full of bleeps and bloops and drum loops that has to be seen to be believed. Often described as the ‘Anti Bieber’, teen heart throb Al Matcott will be dusting American soil off of his acoustic guitar as he returns to an Australian stage playing a set of his favourite songs sure to include choice renditions from the beloved Tho’ back catalogue. Free entry, what a night, what a savings!

Pop Singles have been one of Melbourne's recent staple indie acts, the three-piece have an album recorded and in the works for roughly a 2012 release. Tuneful to morose guitar-pop often likened to chiming '80s Australia and Flying Nun Records, with a dose of Husker Du , GGE, Wipers and '60s psychesque inspirations. Support Lower Plenty deliver some heart-wrenching outback ballads and beautiful instrumentation, featuring Dick Diver., Deafwish and UV Race members. Full Ugly are a pop gem you don't get the chance to see enough, for fans of The Moles, Panel of Judges and Triffids Tapes. It all happens tonight at Bar Open, 8pm. Entry is free.

JACKY WINTER I could talk about the exceptional talent of this musician. But instead I will talk about Kade Simpson, I think he would prefer that. Kade Simpson is a Carlton footballer. He wears number six and plays in the midfield. Regarded as the king of hard ball gets, his kicking can sometimes let him down. With 24 Brownlow votes and two pre-season premierships, this guy can probably play guitar as well. Treat yourself to cheap jugs at the Victoria Hotel and Kade Simpson in the beer garden this Sunday January 22 from 4pm.

VOLITAIRE Following his highly acclaimed 2010 tour, affable raconteur and darkly comedic songster Voltaire makes his triumphant return to gallop across the expanses of Australia on his Black Unicorn tour this February. Performing tracks from his brand new album Riding A Black Unicorn Down The Side Of An Erupting Volcano While Drinking From A Chalice Filled With The Laughter Of Small Children! as well as old favourites from his extensive back catalogue, Voltaire is a must for fans of Amanda Palmer and The Dresden Dolls. Catch Voltaire in his only Melbourne show on Saturday February 2 at Bar 303 with special guest Rouge Fonce.

STEWART KOHINGA Stewart Kohinga is a Melbourne-based singer-songwriter, currently attracting attention for his insightful songwriting, soulful voice and inspiring guitar playing. His skillfully crafted original songs take the willing listener on a riveting emotional journey, seldom offered by other live performers. Stewart will be playing The Chandelier Room this Saturday January 21 from 8pm, alongside Emma Kelly and Leticia Maher. Entry is $10 .

UNCOMFORTABLE BEATS Uncomfortable Beats has its biggest night yet! Featuring the legendary Dizz1 and interstate live guests Diger Rokwell (WA) and Mannheim Rocket (NSW). Dizz1 has been bashing his MPC for over ten years and is a RBMA graduate. He’s totally wild. Want more? Diger Rokwell; two times WAMI nominated and the chameleon of Perth creative scene. Diger’s sounds are an intercultural mix of global sounds, field recordings, spoken word, heavy drums, driving bass and spaced out sonics with context and narrative. Also rounding out the bill is Mannheim Rocket bridging the worlds of classical music and modern bass for some time now. Come in and nod your head off this Thursday January 19 at Bar Open.

LONGYARD Longyard is Melbourne based band steeped in old-style rockin’ boogie blues and roots tradition. You can catch them at The Prague on Sunday January 22 with a 5pm kick off. Their special guests will be The Hold Me Downs and Busy Kingdom. Longyard’s aim is to entertain the people and keep alive the gritty blues and beat power of decades past.

MARSHALLS COMMONWEALTH Hailing from Victoria and New South Wales, and stationed in old Melbourne-town, Marshalls Commonwealth play songs for fighters and lovers, workers and those struggling on the doll. Finding inspiration in the most unlikely of places, their music will make the heart soar. Get down and enjoy their dirty blues at the Victoria Hotel and the sounds of Liberty Parade and Ryan Sterling who will be joining the lads on the night. Saturday January 21, 9pm. Free.

KEGGIN Ladies get out your flats and guys get out your drinks, Keggin are returning to Pony on Saturday January 21 for a 2am free gig that will knock your socks off. Not only will it be a massive 20+ song setlist, but it is also Sick Pack (slso known as Mike Redgen) and his twin brother’s birthday night! They’ll be celebrating in huge style with a beachthemed set and a tonne of beverages. Get down and get your thirst on.

GARY SOLOMAN In the later part of the ‘90s Gary Soloman went solo with his first release Tide Of Emotion. Shake That Voodoo followed, then Marilyn in late 2009. The red dust Gypsy blues is embodied in his latest offering, the soaring guitars and evocative lyrical imagery against a backdrop of rock/soul grooves. Gary and his band are ready set to rock out at the East Brunswick Club on Friday January 27 to launch Albatross.

DAN BOURKE AND FRIENDS Traditional Irish music is music that is traditionally Irish in nature. Each Friday in the early evening Dan Bourke and his posse of trad enthusiasts take to The Drunken Poet armed with guitars, accordions, fiddles, and all other things traditionally Irish and create a cacophony of trad goodness to begin the weekend in style. It’s the type of sound that makes you feel like telling stories that contain no truth, stories about people that you’ve never met in countries that don’t even exist. Unless of course you are Irish and then you likely have no need for making it up. Dan Bourke And Friends this Friday January 20 from 6pm at The Drunken Poet, West Melbourne.

GO-GO SAPIEN Go-Go Sapien synthesise futuristic guitar pop from a wide range of influences including post punk, psych-rock, surf music and sci-fi film scores. Their live performances are visually dynamic, energetic and theatrical – characteristically featuring outlandish matching uniforms and live film projections. Formed in 2006 as The Great Apes, the band performed extensively in their hometown of Melbourne and released their independent debut album Merman in 2009 under the new moniker of Go-Go Sapien. See them at the Penny Black this Friday January 20.

LILY AND KING Lily And King are a lovely acoustic mess from Melbourne, Australia. Their aim is to use all of their limbs for making music at the one time, and to find more junk to hit. Their music is joyful, beautiful and a bit dirty and wicked too. Lily started playing trombone as she saw it as an easy way to meet dysfunctional men. She also plays toy piano, percussion and sings. King is a double bass player who prefers to play guitar, foot drums and sing at the same time because it’s easier than carrying a double bass through city laneways. Lily And King create rousingly catchy music and radiate a soulful kind of magic. They play the Penny Black this Saturday January 21.

THE KILL DEVIL HILLS Armed with their trademark blend of swamp, punk, country-rock, blues and folk, The Kill Devil Hills will be taking over The Corner Hotel in Melbourne on Saturday January 21 to launch their latest single The Week In Pictures. The Week In Pictures is a jarring, throbbing menace of a rock track, a strange and beautiful montage of images of our world seen from afar. Helping The Kill Devil Hills celebrate the launch of The Week In Pictures will be The Floors (WA) and a solo performance from Kim Salmon.

TEXTURE LIKE SUN Bottle, the first single from Melbourne’s Texture Like Sun, has undeniably struck a chord with listeners. Garnering a slew of positive press both locally and overseas, the intricately woven and densely layered track has left an indelible first impression. Giving local audiences a taste of what his upcoming album has to offer, Texture Like Sun will be playing a very special afternoon show this Sunday January 29 at The Empress. Kicking off 3.30 pm, Texture Like Sun will be providing the perfect summer soundtrack alongside AXOLOTL and Jess Harlen. Tickets are $10 at the door.

LLOYD SPIEGEL With 18 years, a bunch of albums and a swag of accolades to his name, Lloyd Spiegel is the most experienced young blues artist in Australia. Through this 18 years Lloyd has come to be regarded amongst the finest blues guitarists in the nation and has played bills with up and comers such as Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson and Buddy Guy, apparently wiping the floor with the lot of them. Following Lloyd will be Richy McKay. This Sunday January 22 at The Drunken Poet from 4pm. Entry is by feet. Beat Magazine Page 54

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DAYDREAM ARCADE Banding together in October 2010, Daydream Arcade have created a super catchy indie/pop/electro sound. After their recent win of the Freeza Push Start Battle of the Bands heat in June 2011, and regional final in December 2011, Daydream Arcade are stoked to be performing at Push Over in March 2012 at the grand final. Catch these up-and-comers at the Noise Bar this Thursday January 19. Don’t miss it.


DEATH BY DANCE Death By Dance are described as “something that sounds like pop-punk for people with a record collection full of The Smiths and Joy Division” (Rave Mag), After two years of constant shows, bleeding fingers and hoarse throats, the Gold Coasters are set to greet audiences of the nether regions with their take on punk, grunge and permeated chaos. With a live show that will have you screaming for more, Death By Dance fight against a scene that asks for unoriginality and contrived perfection. Death By Dance are playing at Pony on the Thursday January 19 with The Spinset, Scalar Fields and Virgins. Come join the ruckus. Dors at 8pm.

THE MORRISONS The Morrisons are a four-piece punk explosion armed with short songs and rude words. Bringing their first show of 2012 to Pony on Wednesday January 25, they’re going to make you dance, gyrate, scream, and with any luck you may just triple yourself. Lord knows they’re going to do the same thing. Joining them for pre public holiday shenanigans will be the amazing Udays Tiger, and King Of The North. So get on down to Pony on Australia Day Eve.

WILK & HEATH

Out from the murky swamps creep the anamorphic android souls of the chemically enhanced and the cold-blooded being, dripping sludge all over you’re nice clean floors. Shredding your skull with solid steel claws and pulling out your eyes with diamond paws. Wipe the mud from your face and brace yourself for a full frontal assault on your world. Resistance is futile. Survival is for the weak. Are you ready? Humans are playing Pony this Friday January 20. They’ll be joined by Alkan Zeybek & The Lessermen, Smoke Signal and Cushion Time Valley. Doors from 9pm.

DEEP STREET SOUL

MANI AND THE RISSOLES

With their new album Look Out, Watch Out out now on Freestyle Records (UK) and coming off their sold out Melbourne launch in late 2011, Deep Street Soul are back for their first club date of 2012. Original deep fried and dirty soul licks. Gritty and furious, these unkempt mofos know how to work it. Free this Friday January 20 at Bar Open.

Mani And The Rissoles, consisting of one man and three delicious meat products, is a band whose genesis took place at Monash University in 2010. All members were undertaking their first year of Engineering when a common interest in a vast array of music bonded them together. Mani and Greg spent many years together in various different musical projects prior to Mani And The Rissoles and gelled well with the grungy/punk/alternative sounds that Kurt brought to the table. Jimmy, who joined several band practices later, instantaneously simmered in to the mix, and the cauldron of rock started to ooze ‘epicness’. They play the Noise Bar this Friday January 20.

CITRUS JAM After intense work on the new album Shredaliciously Tropical Indeed! and a serious overhaul of their chaotic live shows, Citrus Jam are making a serious return to the live music circut – promising an epic performance with fresh new material to be unleashed, along with the usual crazy pirate and giant killer lobster energy. Alongside special guests Steak-Knives and The Set, always ready to deliver a captivating live performance, this will be a stellar return to form for the boys – catch them at the Great Britain Hotel on Thursday January 19.

PROXIMITY BUTTERFLY Proximity Butterfly melts together ancient Chinese instruments and cutting-edge rock layered psychedelia. Established in 2003 by Joshua C. Love (America), Proximity Butterfly landed in China nine years ago – since then, their performance, power and the world’s unknowns have shaken the space that makes this band so unique and full of genuine expression. The Tales of the Hypnogogue Tour marks the band’s first visit to Australia, and the band will be performing from their newly released album Reprieve. With songs like Tiptoes Of Shiva and Aggress, Proximity Butterfly brings back the intuitive, honest energy and mystery that makes their music their own. Proximity Butterfly plays shows at The Espy on Saturday January 21, and Yah Yah’s on Sunday January 22.

Floating Me

ROCK THE BAY St Kilda is set to explode when the fourth annual Rock The Bay Festival hits The Espy on Saturday February 18 across the entire venue. Brisbane heavyweights Dead Letter Circus will headline the event and join a stellar lineup of Aussie rock acts including triple j favourites Floating Me and Melbourne’s finest in Twelve Foot Ninja, Bellusira, Tim McMillan Band, Ten Thousand, Bugdust, New Skinn and heaps more. Tickets on sale now via saltar.oztix.com.au, The Espy, Polyester (City & Fitzroy), Greveille Records, Fist 2 Face, The Nash (Geelong) and Karova Lounge (Ballarat). Check out rockthebayfestival.com for full lineup and ticketing info.

RAYON MOON THE HARLOTS

Don’t ask Warren Earl what type of music his band plays. Look, it’s not that he doesn’t want to tell you, it’s just that there just isn’t a word to describe the myriad styles Warren Earl And The Atomic Rockers jam in to their live set. The Rockers’ line-up is still in its infancy, having only played a handful of shows, but they’re definitely a gang to keep your eye on. Warren Earl And The Atomic Rockers play The Gem on Sunday January 22.

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HUMANS

Last year Adam and Michael began to play music on a relaxed basis with a couple of other friends. They soon started to practise and play these covers for family and friends, finding they were quite able. More recently, they have played a handful of gigs and unearthed an ability to perform with confidence. Over the last two months, however, they have moved from playing covers to predominantly originals, and have introduced vocally talented friends who have added another dimension to their music. They will play the Evelyn Hotel on Thursday January 19 with support from Mrs Brown and Duncan Grahame.

WARREN EARL AND THE ATOMIC ROCKERS

MUSIC NEWS

YOUR COMPREHENSIVE LOCAL GUIDE

We hope you’ve been practicing your dance moves in front of the mirror – you’re gonna need them as Pony have got The Harlots playing the 2am late show at Pony this Friday January 20. Seven months, four line-up changes and three drum stools later, The Harlots now boast a self-recorded, self-titled debut EP, a sizeable following and a tight, energetic, can’t-stop-your-feet live set. They’ll be bringing their soulful pop sounds to Pony this Friday night, so head on down and meet your future ex-wife or husband.

What a sight to be seen on Saturday January 21 at Pony. Rayon Moon, The Magic Bones, Cassini and the infamous Bidet Mate. Rayon Moon are in a state of flux, constant shifting. They are part garage, part punk and using limited techniques and equipment they produce their own brand of rubbish rock. Since forming earlier this year they have released an EP, an album, been interstate, kicked out of venues and are currently working on a new single and novel. Ambitious. Joining them and helping bring the noise back to Pony are Cassini, a pulsating fuzz combo, Bidet Mate, the band that dare not speak their own name, and let’s not forget the psych-fuzz meanderings of The Magic Bones. They’ll spread on the layers two inches thick as you drown in their reverb. Now that’s what I call a Saturday night. See y’all at Pony. Doors from 9pm.

THE FOX PARTY A talented trio, The Fox Party continue to develop their rich indie pop that is influenced by the likes of Vampire Weekend, Arctic Monkeys and Franz Ferdinand. With a good education, precision hand-eye coordination and sharp bargaining skills don’t be surprised if these guys impress as they rock the Victoria Hotel in Brunswick. Company for the night is Clock Towers. Their well polished sound will serve as a suitable support. Friday January 20 at 9pm. Free entry.

THE SCHOLARS After spending months in the studio readying a new record set to be released early this year, The Scholars are more than prepared to unleash their edgy, keyboard-driven bent rock upon unsuspecting Melbournians. With a chance to get a glimpse of what’s coming for the dynamic, entertaining and always unpredictable two-piece from Brunswick, the deal only looks better when you throw in their good mates the Dufranes, formed in early 2009. They’ve worked on a style that is heavy on melody and storytelling but keeps a close check on garage traditions. They play the Great Britain Hotel on Saturday January 21.

JOEL PLYMIN AND THEM BLUES CATS Joel Plymin And Them Blues Cats play cool Chicago-style tree-trunk blues with melodramatic lyrics, littered with indifference – replete with extended saxophone solos and amusing lyrics with sedative motifs ranging from bike stacks to excessive alcohol consumption, this band will make you laugh, cry and... something else. You can catch them at the Great Britain Hotel on Sunday January 22.

eat arepas, drink mojitos listen to

liveusic latin m

RY FREE ENT

wednesday 7:30

jonathan cohen thursday 7:30

trovando - cuban night friday 9:00

anthony & the wise guys saturday 9:00

santiago son sunday 6:00

jose nieto monday 7:30

ricky & la bandida tuesday 7:30

sam mcclelland

bookings recommended

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Beat Magazine Page 55


MUSIC NEWS

ANTHONY AND THE WISE GUYS YOUR COMPREHENSIVE LOCAL GUIDE

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THE BARONS OF TANG

WILDING AT WEEKENDER It’s crazy festival time, and that means it’s also time for Weekender’s traditional festival warm-up special. Get ready for a spate of touring bands by dancing to The Drums, Kasabian, Foster The People, The Vaccines, Best Coast, Horrors, Pains Of Being Pure At Heart and more, as well as copping a faceful of Wilding’s melodic, psychedelic pop, supported by the cool surf sounds of The Bluebottles. It all happens at Yah Yah’s on Saturday January 21.

LARRY BANG BANG This January the Brite Mother Ship is flying across Australia with international guest Larry Bang Bang (Swiss CountryTrash-Crooner) and Melbourne’s own Brite Fight (SirenSoul Chanteuse) steering their psychedelic pop-party around the galaxy. After burning up the NYE audience with their Falls Festival appearances in Lorne, these two eclectic electric-accoustic poetic talents will be bringing their enthusiastic and inspired indie party to all the bohemian arty-spirit underground indie romantic weirdos of The Old Bar on Thursday January 19.

PUGSLEY BUZZARD Pugsley Buzzard’s music spans the entire spectrum from dark hoodoo blues musings to good time rollicking boogie fuelled piano romps that never fail to get people stompin’ and shakin’ that thang. Pugsley‘s playing features barrelhouse, boogie, stride piano stylings dripping with New Orleans funk and oozing with tantalising improvisation which ranges from delicate and moody to wild and ecstatic. He’s going to feel right at home at The Old Bar. Every Monday in January for free from 8pm.

The musical gypsy deathcore juggernaut known as The Barons of Tang will join with New Zealand’s Delaney Davidson for their album launch this coming Australia Day eve. The Barons Of Tang cut their musical performance teeth with performances for local underground theatre and circus troupes, going on to release a debut EP Knots And Tangles in late 2010. Lashing tango, rockabilly, metal and gypsy sounds together, The Barons Of Tang serve up a genre all of their own and dancing is inevitable. Joined onstage by local kids Mojo Juju and Hiatus Kaiyote, Barons Of Tang play at The Corner, on Wednesday January 25. Tickets available from the venue.

THE BLACKEYED SUSANS The Blackeyed Susans are a band with style – both musically and sartorially. They formed during 1989 in Perth as a holiday band for members of The Triffids, Chad’s Tree and Martha’s Vineyard. They have existed for two decades (on and off) with a floating lineup featuring members of The Cruel Sea, The Dirty Three, The Jackson Code, Augie March, The Bad Seeds, Kim Salmon, The Drones and more. Over this time they have been based in Perth, Sydney and Melbourne and have recorded in London and toured throughout the U.S. and Canada. The Susans have released six albums and numerous EPs and singles, with two ARIA Awards nominations to their credit. They continue their Sunday afternoon residency at the Union Hotel Brunswick this January 22, playing early from 5pm to 7pm. It’s a beautiful thing.

CLINKERFIELD Melbourne’s favourite seminal swashbucklers Clinkerfield are proud to announce their eighth annual summer residency at The Old Bar. Every Sunday in January they’ll be joined by old drinkin’ buddies The Palenecks who are champing at the bit to crank out some sweet county lovin’ after a chunky hiatus. From 7pm for a measly $7 you can expect all the usual shenanigans including the world-famous B-grade celebrity staffed gold coin BBQ with special salads. Remember – it’s not officially summer ‘til you’re at the Old Bar on a Sunday with a beer in your hand and your pants around your ankles! It continues this Sunday January 22.

In 1999 Anthony moved from Adelaide to Melbourne to broaden his horizons in the music business. Along the way he has recorded songs, music video clips, played in clubs, bars, cafes, festivals, shopping centres, corporate events and travelled overseas to some festivals in Puerto Rico, Mexico, Miami, Latvia, Bulgaria and Egypt. In 2006 he formed Anthony’s Wise Guys playing a mix of Latin and English tunes, both originals and covers, with his sevenpiece band all made up of Wise Guys from different areas both in Melbourne and interstate. Recently he introduced a more intimate setting with piano/percussion and vocals to create an acoustic feel in a more relaxed atmosphere. The music is rhythmic and groovy, Latin and soulful, slow and fast. You might just want to burst out dancing. Catch them over a delicious arepa this Friday January 20 at Cruzao Arepa Bar.

HUGO RACE Hugo Race will be performing at Pure Pop Records for a series of intimate residency performances every Saturday in January from 6pm. The internationally acclaimed Australian singer, songwriter and producer is offering a unique and immersive experience of his music every Saturday throughout January. The residencies will showcase a series of covers Billie Holiday, Suicide, T Rex, Leonard Cohen, Roky Erikson and a whole swathe of others.

LYDIA Great art is never literal and usually left open for interpretation. With Lydia, that is exactly what has kept the phenomena alive. Lydia is not a person, but a feeling. They communicate in a dialect that defines the soundscapes they paint. The connection to their audience is a bond that can’t be broken or dismissed. When Lydia found themselves at a crossroads in 2010, their fan base is what brought the project back together, and pushed them forward. Swarms of fans with Lydia tattoos showed up to their sold out farewell tour. Something special had happened, beyond what anyone expected. Come and experience the artistry at The Evelyn on Saturday January 21 from 8.30pm with special guests The Cavalcade (NSW) and more to be announced.

SUMMER SOUNDS Come along and enjoy Summer Sounds, a series of free music events at the Rotunda at the Commonwealth Reserve, Williamstown. Sunday January 22 features Tim Rogers Trio with special guest Monica Weightman. Sunday January 29 features Vika and Linda with special guests Into The Woods. Sunday February 5 features Wagons with special guests Tracy McNeil and The Cliffords. Bring a picnic, rug, some deckchairs and enjoy.

GHOST TOWNS OF THE MIDWEST Join Ghost Towns of the Midwest at one of their favourite Melbourne haunts, The Empress Hotel, for an afternoon show on Saturday January 21. They’ll be playing their altcountry-gallow-blues with special guests John Patrick And The Keepers and Two Jacks And A Jill. The show starts at 4pm and finishes at 7pm. $8 at door.

THE BELLASTRADES A bonafide display of sensible, well-oiled testosterone, Thursday at Yah Yah’s is looking fine. Kicking off with Limb, a dance-fuelled slice of fury with a penchant for hip displacement and followed up by A Gazillion Angry Mexicans, bringing some tough rock to the stage and with The Bellastrades leading the charge with music your girlfriend can handle but you don’t feel like a nancyboy listening to. Bring cowboy hats, glowsticks and some unresolved feelings for a good night on Thursday January 19.

THE FIGHTING LEAGUE Canberra’s finest high energy tropical punk band The Fighting League head down with their new debut album for a show at Yah Yah’s – think a cross Black Flag meets calypsopop, a recipe for a seriously killer record. Supported by Old Mate, ready to play their first gig, they’re all about straightup punk, featuring members of Bitch Prefect, along with Pop Singles, ready to open the night on Friday January 20.

BUCKLEY WARD Buckley Ward launch the second single from their forthcoming album So Pretend, Into The Darkening Blue, on Saturday February 18 at the Buffalo Club. The Melbourne indie-pop quintet spent the last half of 2011 turning heads with the release of first single So Pretend as well as a slew of prestigious support slots opening for the likes of Howling Bells, Oh Mercy and Big Scary to name a few. Joining Buckley Ward on The Buffalo Club stage will be Boats of Berlin (SYD) and Eliza Hull. Tickets are $12 on the door – get there early.

CLOWNS At the brink of leaving our Australian shores to embark on a tour through South East Asia, those dirty Melbourne punks Clowns are playing one final show before they set sail to undoubtedly give the shits to the authorities of Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Borneo. The gig is on Wednesday January 25 (Australia Day Eve) at Pony from 2am. Free entry. Get messy. Beat Magazine Page 56

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DONAVON FRANKENREITER Corona and The Espy are proud to present the Corona Sessions featuring Donavon Frankenreiter. This singer/songwriter/pro-surfer is hitting our shores next month and The Espy are happy to be hosting a free entry show in the front bar on Friday February 3. When Donavon was ten years old, he got his first surfboard. Six years later, he picked up his first guitar. It was the beginning of a wildly creative journey: His improvisational twin obsessions have carried him around the globe and into his fans’ hearts. Having released his fourth album, Glow, in 2010, the combination of his laid back attitude, cruisy indie beach tunes, inspiring nature and a sense of humour have seen him build a loyal fan base all over the world his live shows are one of a kind.

RICH DAVIES & THE DEVIL’S UNION Summer at The Old Bar? Sounds like a darn fine idea, I reckon! Having just released their debut album to critical acclaim in late 2011, those black eyed sinners, Rich Davies & The Devil’s Union will take up residence at their spiritual home, The Old Bar every Wednesday night in January. Each week they will be joined by a finely curated list of bands which includes Ben Salter, Master Gunfighters, Cherrywood, Plastic Palace Alice, Ali E & Sly Grog. This is going to be a residency to remember. Help the band kick off the new year in some triumphant dirty Melbourne rock style. So get your massive post festive season arse down to the Old Bar tonight. You could use the exercise, son.

SECRETIVE GEORGE A residency should be more than just a group of shows. With an amazing residency, one is able to witness a scream to the world, “Here I am!” Secretive George tried that in July, but band instabilities made it somewhat more difficult. A new lineup, new songs and a debut EP under their belts since then, they are ready for attempt number two. Intent on launching a busy January and February, they present you with a five week residency of the best Melbourne bands. Free entry, $10 jugs and cheap vodka shots, so you know it’s going to be hectic. See Secretive George this Monday January 23 at the Evelyn Hotel from 8pm.

HIATUS KAIYOTE Hiatus Kaiyote had their first ever residency at The Evelyn in October and November, and they were such a hit that they’ve continued into December and January. Every week features special guests including Tigermoth (QLD), Syreneyiscreamy, James Laneous and more, and will be conducting beat battles. Every week a select group of Melbourne’s freshest up-and-coming producers will be competing to create the illest remixes as chosen by you, the audience. Also, super sexy DJs every week, dropping boom bap, future hip hop, jilted, jazzy and glitchy beats for your dancing pleasure. Hiatus Kaiyote will also be joined by three incredible backing vocalists to keep everything all moist and buttery. See them this Tuesday January 24 from 9pm.

FRANKENBOK It’s the beginning of the end of all you know about the bearded cheesers that call themselves Frankenbok. They’re coming to The Prague Bar on Saturday January 21, to lay down the supreme form of beardcore. The event celebrates the finale of the band’s album launch tour and will be full of dirty riffs, Aussie thrash and a hefty dose of shits’n’giggles. This gig is also the last chance to cop a steaming eyefull of Truth Corroded before they head to Europe for the final countdown. Scar The Surface will open up another gushing wound in your soul so don’t mess around – get there early!

SLEEPA Sleepa’s music is brooding, hard hitting, dark, melodic, and full of emotion, yet stands up with a rawness and a punch that keeps the listener transfixed. This four-piece band, has been together for a few years now with the first couple of years concentrating on songwriting and finding what direction suits their styles. Having worked hard on the debut album Frequency with Sean O’Sullivan at Highway Nine studios, it’s ready to release. The iconic Espy front bar is the venue with Sons of Abraham, New Skinn and Sydonia headlining the night, the boys plan to hit the remainder of this year hard and continue the mission to rise. Sleepa will launch their debut album Frequency at the Espy front bar on Friday January 20.


MUSIC NEWS

Engine Three Seven

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THE SHIVERING TIMBERS

SALTAR HYPE’S FIFTH BIRTHDAY BASH On February 23, 2007, event management company Saltar Hype (Rock The Bay, Creepshow Halloween Festival, Showdown At The Corner) launched itself onto the scene with a five band lineup at the Hi-Fi Bar - including a then little known band called Dead Letter Circus who were being managed and booked by Saltar Hype. Five years later, it’s time to do it all again. Get down to the Hi-Fi Bar on Saturday February 25 for Saltar Hype’s Fifth Birthday Bash - featuring some of Melbourne’s best live acts in Engine Three Seven, Sleep Parade, Black & White, The Evening Son and Anna Salen. Tickets on sale now at thehifi.com.au.

ROCK-A-BYE BABY PBS 106.7FM is proud to announce that The RockA-Bye Baby Music Sessions are back for 2012! First up for this year and straight out of high school is The Cactus Channel, bringing their ten-piece funk orchestra to the Fitzroy Town Hall. With an average age of eighteen, these kids are burning down original funk breaks and breaking down funk originals with a musical maturity way beyond their years. Hear that sound? Raw, loose and nasty funk recorded straight to analogue tape. It’s just like the old days, but so new it’s sporting a badass teenage moustache. Thursday February 2 at Fitzroy Town Hall.

ITAL Palmer & Pocock are thrilled to announce Ital’s (aka Daniel Martin-McCormick) Australian debut with two Melbourne dates in January 2012. Although the New York City-based producer first came to attention of many through his work in Mi-Ami (Thrill Jockey) and Sex Worker (Not Not Fun) it’s the left-of-centre house excursions under his Ital moniker that have got the dance world talking. Early 2011 saw the release of Ital’s Theme his debut as Ital and also the very first release out on Amanda Brown’s (LA Vampires / Pocahaunted) dance label 100% Silk. Catch Ital playing his only live show at The Phoenix Public House on Friday January 27, sharing the stage with Kangaroo Skull (My Disco side project) as well as NO ZU, Forces and Plastic Champagne. Doors 8.30pm.

The Shivering Timbers are a Melbourne based band drawn together through a shared passion for original and traditional acoustic music. Taking folk, blues, country and traditional music and moulding a raw, biting sound of their own from them, their songs relate to the simple necessities of life; survival, hope, love, sex, drunkenness and death. At some times they barely control the soaring rhythmic energy they create, at others delivering songs that are tender and broken. The Shivering Timbers play The Union Hotel on Saturday January 21.

SCAR THE SURFACE Scar The Surface are a five piece melodic metal from Melbourne, Australia, hellbent on delivering good tunes and good times to all the good people. No agenda, no hidden messages – they just love what they do, live for it, and have a fucking blast doing it. Get a taste of the good times at The Prague on Saturday January 21.

ABSU

DANE CERTIFICATE Dane Certificate makes home studio recordings and magic tricks, bringing his innovative and forward thinking to the stage to entertain, stimulate and engage the audience. Dane Certificate Magic is Dane Williams (AKA Dane Certificate) from Melbourne Australia – a solo act utilising magic/illusion and music, bringing to the world a new genre of music and redefining “live performance”. Dane Certificate has another album mastered and is currently being shipped downunder. It’s called Miss Imagination and it is weird. The 20-song fourth release has a bonus album Fadeou64 and single Lion. To launch the release Pop Singles, Popolice and Pronoun will join Dane Certificate in the Grace Darling Hotel Basement for a night of noisy pop and magic tricks on Saturday February 11. $8 on the door.

With one of the most cult followings in extreme metal today, Texan blackened occult legends Absu will be performing a special second Melbourne show with South Australia’s Stargazer on Friday January 20 at the Bendigo Hotel. This show has a limited presale allocation of only 111 tickets, and a small amount of door sales on the night. This will be a once in a lifetime cult event. The chance to see two of extreme music’s most eclectic and unique bands in an intimate and raw environment.

JOHN-LUKE SHELLEY AND THE HIGH SPEED STEEL John-Luke Shelley and his band High Speed Steel has been thrilling their audiences for over four years – hailing from Geelong and in great demand, they’re much-loved around all corners of Victoria, with regular appearance at local and interstate blues and music festivals to boot. At the tender age of 24, Shelley is already an awe-inspiring guitarist with his own unique style leaving audiences spellbound. With his band, JL regularly receives great applause for his performances of both the blues classics and his own original material – they’re set to play the Cornish Arms on Sunday January 22.

SUI ZHEN, RAINBOW CHAN Sui Zhen (Melbourne) and Rainbow Chan (Sydney) are teaming up to launch their respective singles from forthcoming albums. Sui Zhen’s Little Frog takes a sideways look at her folk and country influences placing her somewhere between Joanna Newsom and PJ Harvey. Little Frog is Sui Zhen’s first release since returning from prestigious Red Bull Music Academy in London, she will be accompanied by a live band for these special shows. Rainbow’s Sweet Tooth is a sensual collage of strange and dreamy vocals and skittering electronic samples produced by the lady herself in her bedroom studio. An impressive one-woman show, her live set includes a spine-tingling cover of The Cardigan’s Lovefool, which should be witnessed by everyone. See Sui Zhen and Rainbow Chan at their double single launch at The Grace Darling Hotel on Thursday January 19.

FED SQUARE LIVE Federation Square’s free live music series presented by The Push has kicked off the summer with a blistering hot lineup of Australia’s fiercest independent acts and rapidly emerging talent. They’ve recently announced their January lineup and hoo boy, it’s a scorcher. Thursday January 19 sees the stage visited by psych-rock sisters Stonefield and jazz-based indie locals Tessa And The Typecast. A specials series of gigs arounnd Australia Day feature Clairy Browne & The Bangin’ Rackettes and Saskwatch on Wednesday January 25 and Loon Lake with I, A Man on Thursday January 26. The best bit about all of this is that this sonic feast of live music in Melbourne’s heart is absolutely free.

Hobsons Bay City Council presents

SUMMER SOUNDS Sunday, 22nd January

Tim Rogers Trio With special guest:

Monica Weightman

FREE EVENTS The Rotunda Commonwealth R e s e r v e

Sunday, 29th January

Vika and Linda With special guest:

Into the Woods

Williamstown

Sunday, 5th February

melways ref 56 D9

Wagons

From 2.00pm

With special guests:

Tracy McNeil The Cliffords

Co m e a l o n g a n d e n j oy S u m m e r S o u n d s w i t h yo u r f r i e n d s a n d f a m i l y. B r i n g a p i c n i c, r u g, o r a d e c kc h a i r. Fo r f u r t h e r i n fo r m at i o n co nt a c t t h e H o b s o n s B ay Vi s i t o r I n fo r m at i o n Ce nt re o n 9 9 3 2 4 3 1 0 .

Don’t miss Summer Sounds at Altona Beach Festival, Saturday 10th March 2012 Black Sorrows perform at Logan Reserve 7.15pm. CHECK OUT ALL THE LATEST NEWS, REVIEWS AND FREE SHIT AT BEAT.COM.AU

Beat Magazine Page 57


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BRUNSWICK MUSIC FESTIVAL

STAFFAN Staffan Guinane, front man of Melbourne’s Twee-indiepop outfit Francolin is in residency at The Grace Darling this month, performing solo alongside special guests on Wednesdays. Each week he will pull a fresh batch of songs from a catalogue of over 100 nostalgic gems penned from his teenage years in Sweden through to the recent 5th year anniversary of his moving to our fair land. His songs sound deceptively cheerful whilst they discuss heartache, love, death and fantasising about the end of greed through natural disasters… or perhaps all the kind hearted people can come together and build a new, trouble-free world in some far off place. That’d be nice, huh? It is this deliberate exploration into wide-eyed naivety which creates such a delightful escape from the every day. After travelling in Europe for ten weeks without a guitar and using the time to work on arrangements on his lapttop, Staffan returned to Melbourne feeling ready to form a band, and discovered that the perfect collection of musicians was ripe for the picking in his already existing circle of friends, and Francolin was born. See Staffan tonight in the Grace darling Basement.

MONKEY’S PIRATE Monkey’s Pirate launch their debut album at the Empress Hotel in North Fitzroy on Saturday January 21. They will be performing their infectious mix of sea shanties, BopShuWops and roots music. After a busy year of gigging around Melbourne town and country Victoria they eagerly await the launch of their album Oceans Between. With support from Elsewhere, and Micro of Sspecker fame, it’s sure to be a cracker of an evening of swamp stomping pirate delight. So dust of the peg leg, grab Peter’s parrot and come dance with the sharks. Music starts at 8.30 with tickets available at the door.

Australia’s only inner-city festival of folk, roots and world music is fast approaching yet again, with a slew of international and local artists having just been announced for the annual Brunswick Music Festival this March. Once again featuring a strong international component with a focus on traditional origins across a plethora of genres, some of this year’s hot ticket acts includes Krystle Warren (US), Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band (US), Paul Brady (Ireland), Abigail Washburn (US), Ben Sollee (US), Beoga (Ire), Pierre Bensusan (France), plus the internatioanlly renowned April Verch Band and the Celtic-inspired Battlefield Band. With a massive list of homegrown artists still to be revealed, early-bird announcements of emerging artists including Marta Pacek, Sara Tindley, The Simpson Three and The Bearded Gypsy Band to round out a diverse, and exciting line-up of local talent. With the famous Sydney Road street party kicking things off with six music stages and plenty of good food on Sunday March 4, the Brunswick Music Festival will take place across various venues in the City Of Moreland from Thursday March 14 to Sunday March 25. Head to brunswickmusicfestival.com.au for more details.

CLAWS AND ORGANS Melbourne’s three-piece band Claws And Organs started life by accident when members David Crowe, Andrew Maltezos and Nick Hart were thrown on stage at last minute without any preparation. The result? Rough-around-theedges grunge mixed with the catchiness of garage rock and stoner-rock influences that works perfectly. Catch them at the Cornish Arms on Saturday January 21.

BROOKE TAYLOR Since picking a guitar up for the first time only eight years ago, Brooke Taylor has already crammed more into the resultant time frame than many performers do in a career. A musical grounding in both her home city Melbourne as well as Sydney, Taylor soon embarked on a career that saw her travelling and playing around the world – with dates in Auckland, Vancouver, Calgary and Banff. Beginning to write songs a mere two weeks after her first introduction to a guitar, Brooke has developed into an accomplished songwriter with a penchant for the human vulnerabilities, fears and joys which everyone experiences and which allows the audience to empathise and relate to. Catch her at the Cornish Arms on Friday January 20.

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CARNIVAL OF SUBURBIA Carnival Of Suburbia features ten days of live music at the Caravan Music Club at Oakleigh RSL. Emerging out of the so-called cultural ‘wastelands’ of the south back in March 2010, Carnival Of Suburbia has risen like a flower in the desert to firmly establish itself as an iconic annual event in celebration of Melbourne’s suburban soul and culture. The world class program of events includes the UK’s harmonious alt-country fivepiece, Ahab on Wednesday March 14; legend of the New York folk scene, Judy Collins on Thursday March 15, and on Saturday March 17 founding member of both The Byrds and The Flying Burrito Brothers and widely recognised originator of American country rock, Chris Hillman, performing alongside Californian banjo player and guitarist Herb Pedersen. With many more acts yet to be announced, Carnival Of Suburbia cements Oakleigh’s place as a hub of live music performance. Carnival Of Suburbia will take place from Thursday March 8 until Sunday March 18 at the Caravan Music Club, Oakleigh.

AUSTRALIA DAY AT THE TOTE Entering its second year as a non-profit fundraiser for The Refugee Council of Australia, over 20 bands from all over the country will come together at Melbourne’s live music hub, The Tote for another year of heat, noise, friends and good times this Australia Day. Running from midday to midnight on Thursday January 26, the event returns in triumphant fashion after last year’s inaugural event raised more than $3000 for the Refugee Council of Australia. This year welcomes headliners Arrows for the second year on the now historic Tote stage, while Melbourne’s folk rock legends Fear Like Us have also been confirmed to top the bill. Joining the festivities are two of Melbourne’s most beloved up and comers, invigorating rock quintet The Smith’s Street Band and hardcore heroes, Anchors. All this plus a further sixteen local and interstate bands are donating their talents to this fantastic cause. So get yourself down to The Tote on Thursday January 26 for a beer, some tunes and a good cause.

THE BEN MASON BAND The newly formed Ben Mason Band will be launching their music to the public with the help of Francis Plagne and Adrian Stoyles (The Gin Club) in a special show at the Toff in Melbourne on Thursday January 19. These handsome boys play sweet songs about love, so bring your friends and that special someone along for a night of great music and good times. Tickets are $7 pre-sale (through Moshtix) or $10 at the door from 7.30pm.

ROBERT RICH Ambient music pioneer Robert Rich is touring Australia to support his new album, Medicine Box. Direct from opening the main stage at the Rainbow Serpent Festival, Robert Rich is playing a special gig in Melbourne on Saturday February 11 at Northcote Uniting Church. Drawing from decades of recorded work, his concerts blend composition and improvisation in a fluid continuum, creating a hypnotic atmosphere. Rich’s performance will include live electronics with keyboards and computer, along with his signature hand-made flutes and steel guitar.

SHARE THE SPIRIT 2012 The 2012 Share The Spirit Festival will turn the Treasury Gardens into a hub of Indigenous music, dance and culture on Thursday January 26 as part of Melbourne’s official Survival Day celebrations. Share The Spirit is the state’s largest and longest running Indigenous music festival which draws on the collective talent, support and passion of the local Indigenous arts community in the delivery of a jampacked program of music, dance and cultural activities. This year’s stellar line-up includes progressive hip hop trio, Last Kinection; the soulful, acoustic-roots sensation, Benny Walker; iridescent power-pop group, The Sunshine Sisters with King Kadu; hip hop’s lady luck, Meriki Hood; iconic blues-folk collective, The Charcoal Club; the larger than life Ian ‘Bear’ Johnson; a special traditional dance performance by Koorioboree, and Melbourne’s own rap master-blasters, Yung Warriors. Get along Thursday, January 26 in the Treasury Gardens, corner of Spring Street and Wellington Parade in the city. Free entry from 1pm. This is a no alcohol event!

WANTED: DRIVERS

TO DELIVER BEAT MAGAZINE.

WEDNESDAY MORNINGS! EARLY STARTS

Must have own van. Would suit students, musicians, etc.

email - distribution@furstmedia.com.au Beat Magazine Page 58

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THE RUSSIAN ROULETTES The Russian Roulettes have been bangin’ through every pub and bar in Melbourne since mid-2006. Their sound is a mash of ‘60s garage and ‘77 punk with a healthy dose of psychedelic guitar noise and soulful drum beats. Their début release R n R was unleashed in 2009 on Melbourne’s Off The Hip Records. Their new long player Physical Education boasts a more diverse offering than the band’s début release as well as their trademark fast paced rock n roll this record features ‘60s styled psych rock, introspective slower tempo tunes and even a song sung by the drummer. The Russian Roulettes play The Retreat Hotel this Saturday January 21 with support from Kids Of Zoo. Entry is free and the show starts at 10pm.

KIDS OF ZOO Kids Of Zoo formed in Australia mid-2008, spawned out of the ashes of straight-ahead rock’n’roll stalwarts The Specimens and cast back into the filth and grime of every nook and cranny of the Melbourne circuit. Sets are short and so are tempers, lyrics are kept to a minimum of syllables and this band worships the tascam four-track. Kids Of Zoo mission statement is nothing more than create a wall of noise that will melt your face off like that soldier dude at the end of raiders of the Lost Ark. Kids Of Zoo support The Russian Roulettes this Saturday January 21 from 10pm at The Retreat Hotel.

MORIARTY As part of this year’s St Kilda Festival, Readings will be hosting a series of exciting screenings and in-store performances at their Acland Street shop. First up is a special live performance by French-American musos, Moriarty. With a sound that’s more Paris, Texas, than Paris, France, they meld harmonica, kazoo, harp and Wild West twang in a manner that evoked visions of tumbleweed, hillbillies and bison – a long way from the glamorous arrondisements of the City Of Lights. Sit back and listen to their impressive repertoire of songs, including those from their new album, The Missing Room. Tonight, 5.30pm. Free entry.

HOWLIN’ STEAM TRAIN

JULIANNA BARWICK Julianna Barwick’s atmospheric world is one of ghostly echoes, galactic lullabies and traditional chants. By means of loops and pedals, and occasional piano and percussion, she builds layer upon layer of abstract vocals to create a delicate sound of lush ambient folk. Julianna’s amazing new album The Magic Place is a nine-piece full-length album of magic and solace, bursting joy and healing tones. Like Sigur Rós’s ethereal glossolalia, there’s a very particular joy in listening to Julianna’s music. Free of the constraints of narrative and traceable language, it’s the same joy in giving yourself over to opera in a foreign language, of letting go of your pesky rational mind and allowing the feeling to come through in the voices and performance. So come experience this ethereal magic for yourself tonight as Julianna is joined by special guests Wintercoats and Superstar at The Toff from 8pm. Tickets are $26 and available from Moshtix.

SEX ON TOAST Earlier this year, Sex on Toast released Live At The Toff, a live album recorded at their home away from home The Toff, and are thrilled to return in 2012 with a month of shows in January, not to be missed. Sex on Toast have developed a reputation as one of Melbourne’s most unhinged and engaging live acts. Sex on Toast’s patented brand of live madness has consistently perplexed and entertained audiences. From punk-rock to yacht-rock, free-improv to surf-rock, Sex on Toast are specialists of forgotten eras with a distinct modern edge. This Monday January 23, support comes from Mr Laneous & Friends. $10 on the door. Doors from 7.30pm.

MOS’E + THE FMLY After taking 2011 by storm and making sure their presence was felt, hip-hop outfit, Mosé + The FMLY are back to kick start things off in 2012 with a series of shows at the pride of Melbourne, The Toff In Town. These nights will be another dimension of the FMLY, showcasing some of the talents you may not have seen before. Featuring guests such as: DiktionOne, Mimi Velevska, Sarah de Haan and The Lost Boys, BIDS and 23 Angles of Attack, you cannot miss out on these shows as they are set to explode. Tickets $7+bfon sale from Moshtix or $10 on door. Doors open at 7.30pm so make sure you get there early this Tuesday January 24.

TI C K E

AL S N O TS

Feelin’ fine off the back of a jam-packed year, Howlin’ Steam Train are gearing up for what’s bound to be a massive 2012 with an EP and tour in the pipeline. The boys will be delivering their banging live show every Thursday in January at The Retreat. Howlin’ Steam Train have been causing quite the stir around the streets of Melbourne and Sydney with their wise-cracking, modern rock ‘n’ blues infused set, so be sure to secure your spot in the crowd! This Thursday January 19, support comes from Skyscraper Stan. Show starts 9pm and entry is free.

KING OF THE NORTH The two-piece rock extravaganza that is King of the North will be lifting the roof off the Retreat Hotel every Thursday night in January. The band will be hitting the stage from 11pm 'til close this Thursday January 19.

THE ONCE OVERS The Once Overs have again been awoken from their unholy slumber and rise up like zombies to feast upon the brains of their musically starved fans. They’ll be bringing their surfy self-branded horse rock to The Retreat Hotel on Friday January 20. Joining them on the night are the ultra amazeballs psych, pop and rock’n’roll of the Ferry Tails. Entry is free and the show kicks off at 9.30pm.

DON FERNANDO On Saturday January 21 at The Tote, you’ll get the best in sludgey and heavy balls-out rock courtesy of Melbourne’s most riffing bands. Catch Don Fernando on their triumphant return from an extensive European tour, flogging their recently released album Dia De Los Meurtos. Support comes from Hotel Wrecking City Traders, Dead, Broozer and Brooklyn Hookers (at their first show!) Entry is cheap and the riffs are massive, so don’t miss out on the best in Melbourne’s heavy rock department! NB: Karma to Burn (USA) will not be appearing at this show as previously advertised. Refunds are available from Oztix.

SUMMER MUSIC SERIES The City of Boroondara have once again made some pretty big plans for the now annual community event, Summer Music Series. Held over three consecutive Sundays in February, the first concert of the series will see the classic music of Billie, Ella and Nina as well as some modern favourites come alive in Jazz in Canterbury Gardens, kicking off Sunday February 5. Entry is free and gets started from 4pm. Head to boroondara.vic.gov.au/summer-music for more details.

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SHADOWQUEEN

Jordie Lane

Shadowqueen launch their debut single Don’t Tell at The Espy front bar on Thursday February 2. Entry is free and Shadowqueen are on stage at 10pm sharp. Support acts are Virtue, Indigo Children and Bottle Of Smoke.

THE JACKS What happens when you take the infectious punk rock sound of the Ramones, mix in the rumble and rawness of Motorhead and throw in a bit of Creedence and Springsteen for good measure? You end up with something sounding a lot like Melbourne rock’n’roll trio, The Jacks. Not only can you download a bunch of their latest tunes free from tallshipsounds.com, you can also catch them live at The Tote this Friday January 20, with Damn The Torpedoes and Geelong based punk rock upstarts The Kremlings. And It’s only $8!

ASH GRUNWALD Renowned Australian blues and roots artist, Ash Grunwald will be performing at the Ferntree Gully Hotel on Saturday January 21. This is the last chance to catch Ash’s special live show before he returns to wow audiences in Europe and Canada. Gearing up for the release of his impending new album, Ash has some never before heard tunes in store for audiences at this special show.

I AM DUCKEYE Soooo, what were you up to on Wednesday night just passed? Watching TV you say. Well, no excuses for tonight ‘cause I am Duckeye play Revolver Upstairs with Sydney’s White Knuckle Fever opening at 8:30pm, Duckeye on at 9:30pm then all the way from Tasmania is Circus Horrificus, a circus sideshow type act that will dazzle you like a Bedazzler with sword swallowing and contortions. Doors are $15/$10 presale via Moshtix.

BEN SALTER Anyone with even a passing interest in the Australian music scene over the past decade should be aware of the work of Brisbane musician Ben Salter, although which of his diverse array of musical projects they will have encountered is another matter entirely. After a nerdy adolescence spent in the dusty garrison city of Townsville, North Queensland, Salter’s ambitions saw him migrate south to Brisbane, where after a few false starts he formed the selfproclaimed ‘intelligent hard rock’ outfit Giants Of Science in the late ‘90s. Still an ongoing concern, the Giants have dropped two critically-acclaimed albums and a pair of EPs thus far, as well as performing with the likes of The MC5, Swervedriver, McLusky, JSBX and Radio Birdman. Ben Salter is playing two free sets at The Tote front bar tonight and for free again at The Gem on Friday January 20.

ST KILDA FESTIVAL The busy peeps behind the annual St Kilda Festival are at it again with the announcement of the full lineup for the evergrowing and always jam-packed Festival Sunday music bill. Happening again in 2012 from February 4 to February 12, the Sunday roster will once again showcase the cream of the Aussie music crop, with the addition of Miami Horror DJs, Stonefield, Big Scary, Archie Roach, Vaudeville Smash, Owl Eyes, Mantra and local up and comers I, A Man to the host of already announced artists on the seaside stages, such as Sneaky Sound System, British India, Blue King Brown and Alpine, plus plenty more. There’s also an impressive list of local independent bands set to perform on the day, including recent Meredith performers The ReChords, as well as Hayley Couper, Drawn From Bees, Quarry Mountain Dead Rats, The Pretty Littles and Closure In Moscow. Bask in the sun and the music at the St Kilda Festival finale, Sunday March 12. Check out stkildafestival.com.au for the full festival program.

NEWSTEAD FESTIVAL Kicking off on AUstralia Day (Thursday January 26), 2012 will see the staging of the 6th Newstead Live! and this music festival just goes from strength to strength. Along with The Beez and The Ugly Uncles there’s Tim Edey & Isobel Crowe (UK), Jordie Lane, Rose Bygrave & Marcia Howard (Pearl), Martin Pearson, The String Contingent, Broderick Smith, Rory Ellis, Luke Plumb & Peter Daffy, AJ Leonard’s Tropical Lounge, Richard Perso, Mike & Tom Jackson, Roger Montgomery, Lucy Wise & the B’Gollies, Michelle Chandler, Janette Geri, Tracey Roberts, Christina Green, Salvation Jane, Judy Turner & Neil Adam, Bruce Watson, lots of Rigbys and many more. Details of all the performers and the full programme can be found at the festival website newsteadlive.com.

VICTORIAN ROLLER DERBY FUNDRAISER The Victorian Roller Derby League has had an amazing year over 2011, hosting the first two internationally sanctioned games in Australia (Against two of America’s finest teams, Rat City and Texas Roller Girls) as well as being Australia’s number one roller derby league. In conjunction with The East Brunswick Club, The VRDL will be hosting a event on the Australia Day Eve (Wednesday January 25), to assist in funding the VRDL All Stars Travel Team who will be heading to Tucson, Arizona in April 2012 to take part in the invite only Dust Devil Tournament, where they will face off against 12 other WFTDA leagues from around the world. Bands playing include The ReChords, The Death Rattles and Cherrywood.

MELBOURNE CITY WRESTLING Melbourne City Wrestling (MCW) has continued to go from strength to strength featuring the best pro-wrestlers from across Australia in a list that includes such established names as KrackerJak, Carlo ‘Cash Money’ Cannon, Dowie James, Matt Silva and current MCW Champion Slex. 2012 is shaping up to be even bigger for MCW, with the first show of the year, “Vendetta”, raising much needed funds for the Epilepsy Foundation of Victoria. Thornbury Theatre will play host to the hottest grudge match of the summer on Saturday January 28 when MCW champ “Slex” puts the championship title on the line against the number one contender Matt ‘The Juggernaut’ Silva. Ticket prices are $20 for adults, $15 for children or $5 for a family (two adults, two children) via the venue or online at melbournecitywrestling.com.

BELL ST DELAYS Bell St Delays are accomplished Melbourne singersongwriters Tracy McNeil and Luke Sinclair. This husband and wife duo feature the acclaimed talents of Sean McMahon, (Downhills Home/Western Union) on guitar. Delivering gorgeous harmonies riding on beautifully crafted pop-hooks, with influences steeped heavily in ‘70s rock and alt.country; this exciting new act is poised to break the mould. Bell St Delays play the Retreat Hotel front bar on Sunday January 22, from 4 to 6pm.

JAMES MORRISON QUINTET SUNDAY 22 JANUARY 2012

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Beat Magazine Page 59


ALBUM OF THE WEEK

TOP TENS THORNBURY RECORDS TOP 10

VARIOUS ARTISTS Sampler 2011 (Sound of Melbourne)

Innovative new indie label Sound of Melbourne Records, which was established by Liverpudlian Joe Grimes and is admirably dedicated to supporting and showcasing unsigned local artists, has positioned this interesting 15 track compilation as the first in a series of annual samplers. Guitarist, singer and songwriter Tash Parker, who has supported performers such as Clare Bowditch and Missy Higgins, opens proceedings with the melancholy yet catchy jazz-caressed folk pop of Not Unprepared which is also featured on her debut album Waking Up produced by J. Walker (Machine Translations) and Wally De Backer (Gotye). Seven-piece band Autumn Gray, who formed in 2005 and have a live album, two EPs and a studio album under their belts, employ clever slow-burn tactics to build Love Handles from its gentle atmospheric opening sequence to a spiky guitar-driven conclusion. The reflective Missing Heart and the more up-tempo Bad Waters by the mysteriously monickered N/ght Y N/ght float upon chilled beats while Just Add Water by Brother Nature is a spectral slice of nocturnal electro pop. Dance Contest will have you straining your ears to tune into the intriguing spoken word tale of Deliverance that seems to drift elusively amidst the instrumentation. Frost’s Do It In Style is a sparky and jagged powerpop gem that sizzles with infectious guitar and bucketloads of melody. Fitzroy-based quintet The Ocean Party have garnered praise from legendary hipster Dave Graney for their “songs with hooks and charm”, an apt description as they absolutely shine both lyrically and musically on the intelligent and memorable indie pop of Shakin Like A Leaf. The eccentric and left-field Sunset Blush showcases some mirth-inducing oddball lyrics on It’s Time To which features bizarre lines such as “Hugging strangers leads to wedding bells or sleeping with the fishes.” True enough! Wiley Red Fox puts in a haunting performance on the minimalist Nothing Like It and the spooky A Moment while Sinead’s Chain The Heart embraces a similarly lowkey lo-fi approach. The imaginatively named Reece Dillon & The Jelly Babies whistle their way into the dreamy psych-folk of The Bandit, which is at times reminiscent of

SAMPLER 2011 13 Unsigned Melbourne Indie Artists

Tyrannosaurus Rex in their cross-legged and trippin’ preGlam era. The Bridges are sisters Grace and Thea, aged 16 and 14 and the acoustic Note To Self, their first recording, shimmers with wonderful, natural, unaffected crystalline vocal harmonies that are sure to make your spine tingle. Gerard Daley and The Rag Dolls roll out a big, beefy and buoyant wall-of-sound on the foot-stompin’ Butchers Blocks which boasts satisfyingly thunderous brass and a punchy production that fools the listener into thinking this is a live recording of a smokin’ band rather than an intricately devised studio project. On the evidence of these fifteen exciting tracks Sound Of Melbourne and the artists that they champion clearly have a bright future! GRAHAM BLACKLEY

Best Track: Note To Self THE BRIDGES If You Like These, You’ll Like This: Screaming At The Mirror (Volumes 1 and 2) VARIOUS ARTISTS In A Word: Creative

SINGLES BY SIMONE Disclaimer: Sugar Mountain. The beard to bare face ratio left a question mark over the future of hipster grooming and Julianna Barwick sang the same beautiful song for half an hour. I liked to bit where the guy was squeezing tomato sauce onto the floor curtain and then the blanket came around and smooshed it.

CHILDREN COLLIDE

Sword To A Gunfight (Universal) The first cut from the third Children Collide album is aggressive and psychedelic, with a steady ticking rhythm that evokes Madchester-era dance rock. Think Primal Scream with a dash of Porno For Pyros, and epic, strutting lyrics.

VAN HALEN

Tattoo (Universal) Next month, Van Halen will release their first album with singer David Lee Roth since their 1984 album, 1984. I’m going to say no. No to the humourless Eddie Van Halen guitar solo, and especially no to Dave’s disturbing old man efforts to sing in that shitty, dilapidated head voice, which is the first thing former ‘80s hair metal singers lose, right before their dignity.

BOY & BEAR

Golden Jubilee (Universal) Golden Jubilee has the curt and punchy chorus lacking on many of the Moonfire tracks – Boy & Bear do crafty, swelling layers better than hooks, but this is an exception. Both joyful and soulful, it hollers and croons against yet another of their trademark galloping rhythms.

AZARI & III

Reckless With Your Love (Universal) First released as a single in 2009, Reckless With Your Love is an underground hit by Canadian quartet Azari & III. Their lovingly retro style incorporates disco, house and R&B, mouldng each genre into a hyper-camp hot mess that is slowly revolutionising dance music. Lifted from their self-titled debut, this single is freshly released in Oz to promote their return to Australian in March as part of the Future Music Festival.

KATALYST FEAT. MR CLEAN

Black Dragon (Invada/Remote Control) Katalyst is just the bees balls, if I haven’t explicitly said it before. Black Dragon blends Shaft-era black funk power with blaring brass notes and a jiggety ass rap by a dude called Mr Clean. This is car chase music, if dudes were racing each other in a couple of pimped out Lincoln Continentals with Pam Greer strapped to the hood. Awesome.

Beat Magazine Page 60

DIRTY THREE

Rising Below (Anchor & Hope/Remote Control) The first single from Dirty Three’s forthcoming 2012 LP is a shivering, pitching tune, full of carefully misplaced guitar notes and drum rolls, like a song written and recorded in rough weather at sea. The energy is chaotic but controlled, building and breaking at different points before the final, inevitable cacophony. Lovely and interesting, as usual.

THE SHINS

Simple Song (Warner) The long-awaited follow up to Wincing The Night Away is due out in March, an album called Port Of Morrow. Simple Song is an electrifying preview, channeling ‘80s New Wave accents and the odd Beach Boys-flavoured melody into a fearless, dayglo pop tune that acts as a joyful battle cry from these sorely missed indie soldiers.

NERO

Reaching Out (Universal) More hysterical, icy electro from the UK producer who brought us Me & You and Promises. Nero has an intense and distinctive sound that is both cold and fiery, and kind of compelling for what is primarily Ibiza-ready commercial dance music.

SINGLES OF THE WEEK HUSKY

The Woods (Liberation) Elements of the new Husky single evoke Radiohead of an OK Computer-era, or Muse, but The Woods stretches far beyond these influences, opening out in rich and wilful ways. Aching and bombastic, but also sweet and heavy, it is a burst of melody and atmosphere that will make you shiver. Triumphant and beautiful stuff from the 2011 album Forever So, even better than History’s Door.

CHILDISH GAMBINO

Heartbeat (Liberator) My brain just exploded. Donald Glover, aka Troy from Community, is a kick-arse R&B artist/MC (recording as Childish Gambino) who released his debut album last November. Here I thought I couldn’t love you more, Troy, and then you come out with this savage rap croon fusion that makes JT look like an ex-boy band white bread pansy - this grimy, romantic, electro-savvy awesomeness that makes me sad for all that time-wasting you did as a comic actor. What the hells, Troy. I love you.

FOR MORE REVIEWS GO TO BEATTV.COM.AU/REVIEWS

1. So Many Things LP EDDY CURRENT SUPPRESSION RING 2. Siamese Dream (reissue) LP SMASHING PUMPKINS 3. The Black Belles LP BLACK BELLES 4. Ashes & Fire LP RYAN ADAMS 5. Glorius Barsteds LP COSMIC PSYCHOS 6. So Outta Reach EP KURT VILE 7. Singles 2007-2010 LP TY SEGALL 8. This Love Electric LP MATT SONIC & THE HIGH TIMES 9. Neverendless LP CAVE 10. Autoluminescent 7” ROLAND S HOWARD

OFF THE HIP TOP 10 1. ‘65 LP SHANGRI-LAS 2. House Rockin’ LP THE GORIES 3. Put Your Cat Clothes On LP CARL PERKINS 4. Back From The Grave LP VARIOUS 5. So Many Things 2xLP EDDY CURRENT SUPPRESSION RING 6. S/T LP GAYE BLADES 7. Teenage Hate 2xLP REATARDS 8. Chinese Rocks LP VARIOUS 9. Boom LP THE SONICS 10. Tabu Vol2 LP VARIOUS

WOOLY BULLY TOP 10 1. Woollen Kits LP WOOLLEN KITS 2. Royal Headache LP ROYAL HEADACHE 3. Cereal 7” LOOSE GRIP 4. ALC5 Filmfest DVD 5. Hits From The Zong tape STRAIGHT ARROWS 6. Little Maakies On The Prairie (book) TONY MILLIONAIRE 7. Women’s Golf 7” UNITY FLOORS 8. Drawing American Pop Culture book JACK DAVIS 9. The Man Witch 7” DOUBLE YA D 10. Singles 2007 - 2010 LP TY SEGALL

AMRAP AIRIT NOW CHARTS 1. Blind GEORGIA FAIR 2. Murder ALBATROSS 3. Talk About It IMPOSSIBLE ODDS 4. The Orient Express THE WOOHOO REVUE 5. Unconditional DUBMARINE 6. Like You Could Have It All THE GRATES & WHYTE FANG 7. Righteous Hit POLOGRAPHIA 8. Crawl SKIPPIN 9. All The Cool Kids THE DEMON PARADE 10. Black Boy COLOURED STONE & YUNG WARRIORS

JAGERMEISTER INDEPENDENT MUSIC ALBUMS 1. Making Mirrors GOTYE 2. Falling & Flying 360 3. Red Dog: Music From The Movie SOUNDTRACK 4. To The Horses LANIE LANE 5. Seeker Lover Keeper SEEKER LOVER KEEPER 6. Prisoner THE JEZABELS 7. Ultimate Hits LEE KERNAGHAN 8. The Life Of Riley DRAPHT 9. Triple J’s Hottest 100 Australian Albums of All Time VARIOUS ARTISTS 10. Hits JIMMY BARNES

BEAT’S TOP TEN NUMBER ONES FROM THE DAY BEAT STAFF WERE BORN 1. Upside Down DIANA ROSS (Luke) 2. Mosco GENGHIS KHAN (PTRK) 3. Boom Boom (Let’s Go Back To My Room) PAUL LEKAKIS (Taryn) 4. Vogue MADONNA (Skitz Nick) 5. Do Ya Think I’m Sexy ROD STEWART (Crutey) 6. Into The Groove MADONNA (Bec) 7. Slice Of Heaven DAVE DOBBYN WITH HERBS (Lachlan) 8. Ancient Gregorian Chants 212 B.C. THE HIGH PRIESTS OF BABYLON (Rob) 9. Groove Is In The Heart DEELITE (Tyson) 10. Somebody That I Used To Know GOTYE FEAT. KIMBRA (Beyonce’s Baby)


ALBUMS

THE HELLO MORNING The Hello Morning (OPM) FOR MORE REVIEWS GO TO

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DEEP PURPLE

The BBC Sessions 1968-1970 (EMI) For the casual fan, Deep Purple will be eternally remembered as the hard hitting Ian Gillan-fronted ‘70s heavy rock band that pumped out chart-busting hits such as Black Night and Smoke On The Water. The Purple story, however, is a lot more colourful and multi-faceted than this as the band has enjoyed a labyrinthine career characterised by multiple lineup changes, explosive ego-clashes and brave forays into a diverse range of musical genres. Purple have at times dabbled with psych, metal, funk, classical and pop while also wearing everything from flouncy ruffled shirts to faded blue denim. This meticulously compiled and carefully annotated double-CD is a treasure trove of BBC Session recordings that capture Purple during the fertile period of 1968-70 and features interviews, rare tracks and intriguing renditions of much-loved classics. The band’s first incarnation, generally referred to as “Mk1”, and often ignored by fans of the later hits, featured Scotsman Rod Evans on honey-rich vocals. This former member of the bands Maze and MI5, possessed a wonderful crooning Elvis-tinged singing style that fitted perfectly with Purple’s early work which was often psych-flavoured and flirted with both gothpop and organ-driven proto-metal. Purple Mk1’s spirited cover of Joe South’s Hush rocked BBC’s Top Gear show in 1968 and absolutely leaps out of the speakers demanding your attention. This is a funky, shuddering behemoth of a performance that showcases the first lineup at its foot-stomping best. It is hardly surprising that the single-version of Hush reached the US Top 5! Ritchie Blackmore’s wild guitar solos and Jon Lord’s majestic keyboard action on the sizzling Hey Bop A Re Bop recorded for Top Gear in 1969 are exciting reminders of just how strong this band’s musicianship could be. For sheer crooning excellence, check out Evans’ brilliant vocals on Emmaretta and the dramatic It’s All Over both recorded for the same session. If you like your music funky and fuzz-drenched, turn up the volume to 11 when you play The Painter as this song is so hot it will melt your brain. The famous Mk 2 lineup of Purple, represented here on CD2, featured the robust singing talents of former Episode Six frontman Ian Gillan. Like the metal gods that he would later influence, Gillan at his peak had a voice like an air raid siren yet was able to exercise restraint when the song required a more laid-back approach. Gillan’s stratosphere-caressing shriek functions as the ideal accompaniment to some serious riffology on the thundering 1970 recording of Hard Lovin’ Man and on the suitably explosive Into The Fire. Gillan, gentle and reflective in the early stages of the epic Child In Time, transforms into a howling banshee as the band gradually turns up the firepower. With such highlights littering this rewarding trip into the archives, The BBC Sessions 1968-1970 is highly recommended for anyone with an interest in Best Track: Hush (vsn one) the formative years of one of the world’s greatest rock If You Like These, You’ll Like This: Psychedelic Sundae bands. VANILLA FUDGE In A Word: Essential! GRAHAM BLACKLEY

BUSH

The Sea Of Memories (Shock) Many people may think that British act Bush are an early to mid ‘90s one hit wonder band, with their 1994 album Sixteen Stone and its massive worldwide smash hit single Glycerine their only real moment in the sun. Truth of the matter however, is that The Sea Of Memories is their fifth album, it’s just that it comes after a decade long hiatus. So how have the last ten years treated them? Pretty well, by the sounds of the new record. It may sound like a contradiction in terms, but it mines the exact same ‘commercial alternative’ sound that they were doing in the ‘90s, and does it very well. If your tastes in alternative music lie in the heavier and/or more progressive range of the spectrum, you’d be better off giving this a wide berth. But if you’re a little more mainstream in your alternative likes, there is a lot to like here. The songs are mostly uplifting, crowd-pleasing rock tunes, such as Baby Come Home, and Red Light, while they’ve attempted to recapture the minimalist magic of Glycerine on All Night Doctors. Singer Gavin Rossdale is sounding as much like a latter day, alternative Peter Gabriel as ever. The Sea Of Memories is very unobjectionable, accessible alternative rock that is radio ready. Whether they can regain the status they had in the mid ‘90s remains to be seen, Best Track: Red Light but this album gives them a very good shot at it. If You Like These, You’ll Like This: POWDERFINGER, SILVERCHAIR, SMASHING PUMPKINS ROD WHITFIELD In A Word: Safe

VOLTAIRE TWINS Romulus EP (Independent)

They’re hardly the new kids on the block, but Romulus may well be your introduction to Perth’s Voltaire Twins. Jaymes and Tegan’s androgynous looks and dark electro beats suggest something along the lines of The Knife, but this is fairly straightforward new wave pop (plus, er, they’re actually a quartet). While their music is hardly groundbreaking, it’s so confident in its sound, grounded with such strong melodies and produced with such polish that it’s hard to ignore. Like 2010‘s Cabin Fever, the Romulus EP is clear with its intent and fairly consistent, but there’s no denying the power of Romulus – a riveting cross between Ladytron and Pet Shop Boys – and Unearthed favourite Animalia over the two songs that follow. All of which suggests that Voltaire Twins are something of a singles band, though hopefully one with a full-length album on the way soon. If these four tracks leave you impatient for the next release, download a Moullinex remix of the title track from their website, where you can also watch the creepy taxidermy-themed clip for Animalia. Best Track: Animalia If You Like These, You’ll Like This: Gravity the Seducer CHRIS GIRDLER LADYTRON, Feel it Break AUSTRA In A Word: Enlightenment

The Hello Morning’s recent gig at the Northcote Social Club was a stunning success as the band rolled out an “all killer no filler” set that was characterised by intuitive and energetic musicianship, a soulful immersion in the music and some wonderfully dry self-effacing humour allied to a decidedly likeable and magnetic collective stage presence. The captivated audience remained enthralled throughout and departed hungry for more. It comes as no surprise then to discover that the band’s ten-track debut album is studded with top-notch tunes, thoughtful lyrics and a host of robust melodies all delivered with that most elusive of all musical accomplishments: relaxed precision. The Hello Morning have managed to bring the charisma, power and transcendent sense of creative euphoria that characterises their live performances into the studio and capture both the sound and the vibe for posterity. The band successfully fuse elements of country, soul, rock and blues to create a classic sonic approach that is sure to satisfy music lovers of all ages and tastes. Vocalist and guitarist Steven Clifford has the type of soulful voice that draws meaning from each lyric and imbues the songs with maximum warmth. His delivery is so effortless yet each note is nuanced and impactful. It’s as if singing is as natural to him as breathing is to the rest of us. The band plays so well together it’s hard to imagine that The Hello Morning stared out only eight years ago as a songwriting partnership between Clifford and Matt Smith (guitar/vocals). On this startlingly great debut, The Hello Morning sound like seasoned professionals brimming with ideas and deserving of international acclaim, Best Track: Without You chartbusting success and critical adulation. If You Like These, You’ll Like This: Get Out While You Can DAN SULTAN GRAHAM BLACKLEY In A Word: Soulful

TURBOWOLF Turbowolf (Shock)

Turbowolf’s eponymous debut is the sort of first effort most bands dream of. Contemporary artists mixing elements of ‘60s/’70s stoner and rock is not a new idea. However, Turbowolf have created a unique sound thanks to a good dose of punk aggression and mostly thanks to their erratic yet catchy songwriting. The aptly named Introduction starts off the retro-riff-fest. The first thing that will hit you is how huge the guitars sound, followed by the delightfully trashy sounding drums. Spasmodic synth permeate this – and indeed every – track, but the whole package is completed by vocalist Chris Georgiadis. His vocals call to mind a sleazier version of Turbonegro’s Hank Von Helvete. The volatile guitar and noise blend continues through Ancient Snake, Seven Severed Heads and Bag O’ Bones. In between track four and six lives an odd yet appropriate noise track, TW. Read + Write is structured around a syncopated rhythm that will have those with shortest of hair wishing for a mop-top to approvingly bob along with. The Big Cut brings back the fast and grooving guitars, before another noise track, K-J, fades in and out. A Rose For The Crows – the album’s first single – alternates between a unabashed riff and a quieter chorus. This is done to great effect, and it is easy to see why this is the first single – it showcases most of what this band is capable of. The quietest section of the album continues with the disco-drums laden Son (Sun). Things Could Be Good Again is the most punk-rock inspired track here, owed to an unrelenting drum beat. From here only one more noise track wedges itself in, and with it’s almost relaxed tone All The Trees brings what the previous noise tracks were hinting at. The more noiseheavy Let’s Die concludes the album on a different note to how it started, but it doesn’t feel out of place. This is an incredibly powerful debut album, and it will carry Turbowolf far. If you like loud, erratic rock ‘n’ Best Track: Ancient Snake If You Like These, You’ll Like This: VIKINGSKULL, roll which will put you into party mode you should do yourself a favour and check out Turbowolf. TURBONEGRO, ELECTRIC MARY In A Word: Tumultuous

OSCAR SCHIESSER

CAITLIN PARK

Milk Annual (Broken Stone Records) It’s perhaps the abstract artwork that best sets the scene for Caitlin Park’s Milk Annual. A flower-breathing fox head carried in a basket by poppy-picking children in the dark of night. Musically she is self-described as having taken the neo-folk genre and single-handedly pulled it to the left with abstract compositions and film nostalgia. No matter how it reads on the promo material, it’s how it sounds that matters most. At the foundation Caitlin Park is a young, eloquent and earnest voice with an acoustic guitar. What the Sydney-sider then adds are loops, sound bites and samples from ‘40s and ‘50s films; weaving them every which way throughout the majority of tracks from her debut album. How’s Your Wife! is a sonically-diverse, A.R. Rahman-esque, cinematic, instrumental opening. Baby Teeth lifts the pace to give listeners an insight into what Caitlin Park and co. may execute in the live setting. It’s textured with hand claps, percussion and cannoning harmonies - much like the driving Warriors With Wild Hearts with its shakers, tambourine and looped child-like taunts. Would You Let Me Back In and With No Strength To Defend, Be A Ghost could possibly be the most thematically introspective accounts on the record. “In his warm bed/With no strength to defend/Let the memories catch your breath/Let your tight chest do the rest/I hope I changed you some”. There’s no lack of sincerity throughout, whether this is indeed an ode to a rabbit or not, it’s moving. Tracks such as Tic Tac Language Song could well polarise audiences as it adopts more samples and sound bites; conjuring up Frontier Psychiatrist styling. It’s adventurous in a genre that typically avoids such technologies and tricks, so kudos for standing out. Jack Where You At closes out the collection of works and is a divine folk song for the ‘pure at heart’ listener who longs for their back porch ballads and vast horizons. It demonstrates the purity of Caitlin Park as a Best Track: Jack Where You At If You Like These, You’ll Like This: LAURA MARLING, THE vocalist and songwriter and will silence crowds. BOOKS, BRIGHT EYES, GOSPEL DANCE, LAURA JEAN JOHN DONALDSON In A Word: Tender

KORN

The Path of Totality (Roadrunner)

THE CHARGE

Red Flags (Independent) Rock, raunch, groove, grit and dirt; these terms tend to sum up the debut album from Melbourne four-piece The Charge. Oh, and great songs as well. It’s probably better to use words such as these to describe this band’s sound as traditional genre titles don’t do them justice. They are undeniably rock, but that term is so broad these days it almost tells you nothing. There’s a grungy vibe to their style, but you wouldn’t rate them a grunge band. Same goes for stoner. They are undoubtedly influenced by ‘70s classic rock, but there is a modern vibe to them as well. Simply put, if you like anything from Led Zep to Black Sabbath to Kyuss to Nirvana to Mastodon, then The Charge is for you. The other cool thing about this album is that, instead of loading up the front half of the record with the best songs and then simply padding it out with filler, Red Flags just gets better as it goes on. The album really hits its stride with track five, the ultra catchy Lonely Miss. The second half of the record is all killer, rounding out with the epic, driving groove of Requiem For A Dream, which puts a very dramatic full stop to the record. The production is exactly what you’d want for an album such as this, just a little dirty, but pro enough to be thoroughly listenable. Same with the musicianship. It’s workmanlike, Best Track: Lonely Miss but flashy playing has no place in music like this. This If You Like These, You’ll Like This: MASTODON, BLACK band rocks. Nothing further really needs to be said. SABBATH, NIRVANA In A Word: Rock! ROD WHITFIELD

Wow I’m really surprised at how this album has got under my skin. This normally heavy band have teamed up with various electronic music producers such as Skrillex, Excision and Noisia. I consider myself a Korn fan. I also generally despise electronic music. Let’s qualify that a little further, I generally despise all-electronic music. A little electronica is great if used tastefully, skillfully and to embellish real instrumentation. The surprise comes from the fact that this album is more or less an electronic/dubstep album (with Jonathon Davis’ simultaneously bleak and electrifying vocals and lyrics out front.) But thankfully, it does not sound like weak, repetitive, cheesy disco music for eccy-heads to wave their glow sticks to, as I had feared. It’s a dark, expansive industrial rock record. The style seems to suit Korn’s music to absolute perfection. They’ve dabbled in electronica on previous albums, and the transition from their traditional alternative metal sound to the industrial approach on this record is virtually seamless. It also suits them in a philosophical sense. This is a band that has always experimented. From the raw nu-metal assault of their debut, to the hip hop stylings that were smattered throughout Follow The Leader, to the aforementioned forays into electronica, to the stripped back return to their garage days on Remember Who You Are, these guys have never remained in their cushy comfort zone. So it is no surprise that they’ve done an album like this. The revelation is simply how well it is done. I would Best Track: Let’s Go If You Like These, You’ll Like This: MARILYN MANSON, consider this to be their best album since Follow The Leader. MINISTRY, NINE INCH NAILS In A Word: Industrial

FOR MORE ALBUM NEWS AND REVIEWS GO TO WWW.BEAT.COM.AU

ROD WHITFIELD Beat Magazine Page 61


GIG GUIDE WEDNESDAY 18 JAN ROCK/POP BEN P SALTER Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 8pm. CIRCUS HORRIFICUS + WHITE KNUCKLE FEVER + I AM DUCKEYE Revolver Upstairs, Prahran. 8pm. $15. COTTON SIDEWALK + LANGUAGE OF THE BIRDS + JK RUFF + CAROUSEL Espy, St Kilda. 8pm. HARRY HOOKEY BAND Veludo Bar & Restaurant, St Kilda. 9:30pm. JULIANNA BARWICK + WINTERCOATS + SUPERSTAR Toff In Town, Melbourne CBD. 8pm. $26. POP SINGLES + LOWER PLENTY + FULL UGLY Bar Open, Fitzroy. 8pm. STAFFAN SONGS + YUKO NISHIYAMA + TOM MILEK Grace Darling Hotel, Collingwood. 6pm. $5. THE WHITEST BOY ALIVE Forum Theatre, Melbourne. 7:30pm. $50.45. VENGABOYS + THE HERBS Corner Hotel, Richmond. 8pm. $45. VICE GRIP PUSSIES Cherry Bar, Melbourne CBD. 8pm.

ACOUSTIC/COUNTRY/BLUES/FOLK ARCHER + DJ PERCY VALENTINE Open Studio, Northcote. 8:30pm. $5. BOPSTRETCH Uptown Jazz Cafe, Fitzroy. 8pm. CHARLES JENKINS Empress Hotel, North Fitzroy. 8pm. $5. MORIARTY Readings, St Kilda. 5:30pm. OPEN MIC Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick. 8pm. OPEN MIC Dancing Dog, Footscray. 7pm. OPEN MIC Thornbury Local, Thornbury. 8pm. OPEN MIC & JAM NIGHT Grind N Groove, Healesville. 8pm. RICH DAVIES & THE DEVIL’S UNION + CHERRYWOOD + POISON OAK Old Bar, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. SEAN MCMAHON & WARWARDBREED Standard Hotel, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. SIMON IMREI + MADDISON WILSON + LOUIE & THE PRIDE + BODIES OF WONDERLAND Wesley Anne, Northcote. 7:30pm. $5.

SKINNY LEATHER TIES Edinburgh Castle, Brunswick. 7pm. WINE WHISKEY WOMEN - FEAT: CHANNELLE DAVIS + GEN FINNANE & FLORA SMITH Drunken Poet, West Melbourne. 8pm.

JAZZ/WORLD MUSIC ADAM RUDEGEAIR TRIO Paris Cat Jazz Club, Melbourne CBD. 9pm. $15. ANDREA KELLER QUARTET Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, Melbourne. 8:30pm. $15. BOHJASS + TIERRA + EDEL PLASTIK 303, Northcote. 8pm. DIZZY’S BIG BAND Dizzy’s Jazz Club, Richmond. 8pm. $14. Thursday Jan 19

THURSDAY 19 JAN

ROCK/POP ALPINE + GEOFFREY O’CONNOR + PLAYWRITE Corner Hotel, Richmond. 8pm. $15. CASHMIRE CLUB + GOLDEN AGE + THE SKAMPZ OneSixOne, Prahran. 9pm. DAKARA DIRT + HEARTLESS VENDETTA Espy, St Kilda. 8pm. $20. DAYDREAM ARCADE + THE MCQUEENS + ESC + THE DARJEELINGS Noise Bar, Brunswick. 8pm. $7. ELEPHANT EYES + SEX FACE + ALIE PICKEN John Curtin Hotel, Carlton. 8pm. EMPIRE Empress Hotel, North Fitzroy. 8pm. GUTTERMOUTH & 28 DAYS Westernport Hotel, San Remo. 8pm. HOWLIN’ STEAM TRAIN + KING OF THE NORTH + SKYSCRAPER Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 9pm. KILL CITY CREEPS + THE BONNIWELLS Espy, St Kilda. 8pm. ROAD RATZ + SLYGROG + THE BOMBADIERS + STREET FANGS Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 9pm. $8. SAM AMIDON + OTOUTO Northcote Social Club, Northcote. 8pm. $33. SAVING CLEOPATRA + BLUNT PAPER MASSIVE Veludo Bar & Restaurant, St Kilda. 9:30pm. THE BELLASTRADES + A GAZILLION ANGRY MEXICANS + LIMB Yah Yah’s, Fitzroy. 9pm. THE BEN MASON BAND + FRANCIS PLAGNE +

THE BARONS OF TANG

Melbourne’s favourite gypsy-punk seven-piece The Barons Of Tang not only do the powdered fruitflavoured drink proud, but they also do represent us brilliantly across the globe. Interesting to note that they started up as a “joke” – the exact word my mother only last week used to describe my life in general. I could be onto something here. The band have already released two EPs and, inconveniently for us, have spent recent times melting faces in North America and Europe. Finally, we get to see these mo’fuckers play once more, this time with New Zealand’s “part man, part wheel” Delaney Davidson. They perform at The Corner Hotel on Wednesday January 25. ADRIAN STOYLES Toff In Town, Melbourne CBD. 7:30pm. $7. THE LAUGHING LEAVES (SINGLE LAUNCH) + FLYYING COLOURS + THE FIRE ALIVE + DJ T RICH Revolver Upstairs, Prahran. 8pm. $10. THE SPINSET + DEATH BY DANCE + SCALAR FIELDS + VIRGINS Pony, Melbourne. 8pm. $7. WOLFY & THE BAT CUBS + THE SPAZZYS + THE SHERIFFS Luwow, Fitzroy. 8pm.

ACOUSTIC/COUNTRY/BLUES/FOLK BRUNSWICK BLUES SHOOTERS Railway Hotel, Fitzroy North. 9pm. CITRUS JAM + STEAK KNIVES & THE SET Great Britain Hotel, Richmond. 8pm. DAN WATERS DUO Labour In Vain, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. JESSE & HIS HUCKLEBUCKERS Lomond Hotel, Brunswick East. 9pm. JOHN PATRICK & THE KEEPERS Rainbow Hotel, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. KAK & THE KICKS Edinburgh Castle, Brunswick. 7pm. LARRY BANG BANG BANG + BRITE FIGHT + BJ MORRISZONKLE Old Bar, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. $8. OPEN MIC Acoustic Cafe, Collingwood. 7:30pm. PAUL MADIGAN + PETER INGLIS + PETER STARKIE Drunken Poet, West Melbourne. 8pm. RAINBOW CHAN & SUI ZHEN (DOUBLE SINGLE LAUNCH) + CARRY NATION Grace Darling Hotel, Collingwood. 9pm. $10. RUBY’S SHOWCASE Ruby’s Lounge, Belgrave. 7pm. SASKWATCH Cherry Bar, Melbourne CBD. 9pm. $8. THE BOYS Wesley Anne, Northcote. 6pm. WILKS & HEATH + MRS BROWN + DUNCAN GRAHAME Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy. 9pm.

JAZZ/WORLD MUSIC ALEX BURNS Open Studio, Northcote. 8:30pm. BOPSTRETCH Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, Melbourne. 8:30pm. $15. CLAYTON DOLEY ORGAN EXPERIENCE 303, Northcote. 8pm. $10. EMMA GILMARTIN + MARK LOCKETT QUARTET Dizzy’s Jazz Club, Richmond. 8pm. $14. JUDY CARMICHAEL Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, Melbourne. 6:30pm. $30. LEAH COTTERELL & PEARLY BLACK Paris Cat Jazz Club, Melbourne CBD. 9pm. $15.

LOST ANIMAL

FRIDAY 20 JAN ROCK/POP 2AM LATE SHOW - FEAT: THE HARLOTS Pony, Melbourne. 2am. ABSU + STARGAZER + DEMONREICH + ORDER OF ORIAS Bendigo Hotel, Collingwood. 8pm. $26. BROOKE TAYLOR + ANITA CHOROWICS + LIZZIE SINS Cornish Arms, Brunswick. 8pm. DIRTY LITTLE WEST Espy, St Kilda. 8pm. FOX PARTY + CLOCK TOWERS Victoria Hotel, Brunswick. 8pm. FREESTATE + SPEAK DIGITAL WATER + RIOT IN TOYTOWN + WE THE INNOCENT + LIQUID X Espy, St Kilda. 8pm. $12. GO GO SAPIEN Penny Black, Brunswick. 9:30pm. GUTTERMOUTH & 28 DAYS + THE GO SET + TAKE YOUR OWN Corner Hotel, Richmond. 8:30pm. $32. HIGH FANGS + HORROR MY FRIEND + DJ BIRD OF STEELE Old Bar, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. HUMANS + ALKAN ZEYBEK & THE LESSERMEN + SMOKE SIGNAL + CUSHION TIME VALLEY Pony, Melbourne. 8pm. JAREK & THE SPHERES + FOURTEEN NIGHTS AT SEA Northcote Social Club, Northcote. 8:30pm. $12. JOSH PYKE (ONLY SPARROWS TOUR) Westernport Hotel, San Remo. 8pm. KILL ‘EM ALL + IRON MADNESS Ruby’s Lounge, Belgrave. 8pm. LE BELLE + PRETTY VILLAIN + JEN KNIGHT & THE CAVALIERS The Prague, Thornbury. 8pm. $10. LOONEE TUNES + THE MADNESS METHOD + DJ SNOWY Cherry Bar, Melbourne CBD. 8pm. $13. MELBOURNE FRESH INDUSTRY SHOWCASE - FEAT: KRISTIE GLAB + THE CULT OF MARCU AUERLIUS + CHEV RISE + SCALAR FIELDS + ARMED KOREAN Revolver Upstairs, Prahran. 7pm. $15. NEW DUB CITY + MONEYKAT + SAKI + DJ APEX Empress Hotel, North Fitzroy. 8:30pm. $7. OLIVER TANK + WINTERCOATS + KIKUYU Workers Club, Fitzroy. 8pm. $10. POP SINGLES + THE FIGHTING LEAGUE + OLD MATE Yah Yah’s, Fitzroy. 9pm. SAN GRAS + THEM 9’S + HAYDEN CALNIN Grace Darling Hotel, Collingwood. 9pm. $8. SFORZANDO Red Bennies, South Yarra. 10:30pm. $20.

Lost Animal, fresh from slaughtering Sugar Mountain Festival last week and winning Beat’s Album of the Year (as voted by our writers) for 2011 with the brilliant Ex Tropical, are set to share a fucking ballin’ stage at The Espy alongside Circle Pit, Teenage Mothers, A Gender and DJ Dirtbag (Beaches) on Saturday January 21. With free entry, you’re a fucking banana if you miss out. Beat Magazine Page 62

SUBMIT YOUR GIGS TO GIGGUIDE@BEAT.COM.AU


SIMMER + THE AFROBIOTICS Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. $15. SYDONIA + NEW SKINN SLEEPER + SONS OF ABRAHAM + RUSTY FROM ELECTRIC MARY Espy, St Kilda. 8pm. THE D.Y.E. + CULT FICTION 303, Northcote. 8pm. THE DAMNED Billboard, Melbourne CBD. 8pm. $59. THE JACKS + DAMN THE TORPEDOS + THE KREMLINGS Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 9pm. $8. THE JANE AUSTEN ARGUMENT + A LONELY CROWD + KAREN HEATH East Brunswick Club Hotel, East Brunswick. 8:30pm. $112. THE ONCE OVERS + FERRY TAILS + DJ XANDER Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 9:30pm. WOOLLEN KITS (ALBUM LAUNCH) + DEAD FARMERS + UV RACE + LOOSE GRIP John Curtin Hotel, Carlton. 8pm.

ACOUSTIC/COUNTRY/BLUES/FOLK ALEX ARONSTEN DUO Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 8:30pm. ALEXIS NICOLE & THE MISSING PIECES Wesley Anne, Northcote. 5:30pm. BACKWOOD CREATURES Rainbow Hotel, Fitzroy. 9pm. BEN SALTER + OLA KARLSSON + ADRIAN STOYLES Gem Bar, Collingwood. 8pm. BETH ORTON Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne. 8pm. CRAIG-LEE SMITH + TEKNIA + ARK GARDNER + SARAH EIDA Edinburgh Castle, Brunswick. 8:30pm. $10. DEEP STREET SOUL Bar Open, Fitzroy. 10pm. FLYING ENGINE Railway Hotel, Fitzroy North. 9:30pm. FOREVER YOUNG St Andrews Hotel, St Andrews. 9:30pm. PRAYER BABIES Lomond Hotel, Brunswick East. 9:30pm. PROGRESSIVE METAL NIGHT Musicland, Fawkner. 8pm. SELENA CROSS + CALLEE + ALEX HALLAHAN Wesley Anne, Northcote. 8pm. $15. TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSIC SESSIONS - FEAT: DAN BOURKE Drunken Poet, West Melbourne. 6pm. TROY BARRETT & JOHNNY LIVEWIRE Edinburgh Castle, Brunswick. 6pm. WE THE PEOPLE + BRAVO JULIET + SOMEONE ELSE’S WEDDING BAND Gertrudes Brown Couch, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. $5.

JAZZ/WORLD MUSIC FEM BELLING QUARTET + RORY CLARK Dizzy’s Jazz Club, Richmond. 7pm. $20. JOSHUA KYLE QUINTET Paris Cat Jazz Club, Melbourne CBD. 9:30pm. $18. JUDY CARMICHAEL Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, Melbourne. 6:30pm. $30. TRIO AGOGO (CD LAUNCH) Paris Cat Jazz Club, Melbourne CBD. 7:30pm. $15. ZULYA & THE CHILDREN OF UNDERGROUND Open Studio, Northcote. 8:30pm. $10.

SATURDAY 21 JAN ROCK/POP 2AM LATE SHOW - FEAT: KEGGIN Pony, Melbourne. 8pm. AMBER LAMPS + CAT OR PILLAR + BEAR THE MAMMOTH + GERARD + PLAN THE ESCAPE Ruby’s Lounge, Belgrave. 8pm. BANG - FEAT: ELECTRIK DYNAMITE + ELM STREET + INEBRIATOR Royal Melbourne Hotel, Melbourne CBD. 9pm. $15. BLACK PIG + MONTY & THE DEAD HORSES + BIG SEAL & THE SLIPPERY FEW Gertrudes Brown Couch, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. $10. CAVE OF THE SWALLOWS + BUGDUST + DEATH VALLEY MUSTANGS Cherry Bar, Melbourne CBD. 8pm. $13. CLAMPDOWN Rochester Castle Hotel, Fitzroy. 9pm. CLIP CLOP CLUB George Basement, St Kilda. 5pm. DON FERNANDO + DEAD + BROOZER + THE

THE WHITEST BOY ALIVE

Providing us with more than a funny band to recommend to our hilariously pale friends, The Whitest Boy Alive’s Rules is one of those records that quite simply doesn’t have a shitty song on it. The GermanNorwegian group are talented songwriters and incredibly fun live. They play The Forum tonight. BROOKLYN HOOKERS Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 8pm. DOTCOMS + THE MEDICATORS + CLAWS & ORGANS Cornish Arms, Brunswick. 8pm. ELEANOR FRIEDBERGER + THE FABERGETTES + COOL DRINKS Northcote Social Club, Northcote. 8:30pm. $25. EXTREME MISANTHROPIC CREW + DUDE MOUNTAIN + SLOW + GRIM RHYTHM + DJ KEZBOT Old Bar, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. $10. GODDESS GROOVES - FEAT: ROSIE BURGESS + EMMA WALL + KERRYN FIELDS + SAM LOHS + RUTH KATERELOS + MONIQUE KENNY East Brunswick Club Hotel, East Brunswick. 7:30pm. $20. HOUSE OF ROCK Palace Theatre, Melbourne CBD. 8pm. HYDROSIS Palais, Hepburn Springs. 9pm. IAN ARCHIBALD BAND + PULL MY FINGER + UNHINGED Musicland, Fawkner. 8pm. KIDS OF ZOO + RUSSIAN ROULETTES + DJ SHAKY MEMORIAL Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 8pm. LOST ANIMAL + CIRCLE PIT + TEENAGE MOTHERS + A GENDER + DJ DIRTBAG Espy, St Kilda. 8pm. LYDIA (PAINT IT GOLDEN TOUR) + THE CAVALCADE Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. $25. MANI & THE RISSOLES + WAR IN ARCADIA + TWIN AGES + THE BASEMENT PEOPLE Noise Bar, Brunswick. 8pm. $7. MARSHALLS COMMONWEALTH + LIBERTY PARADE + RYAN STERLING Victoria Hotel, Brunswick. 8pm. MICHAEL YULE St Andrews Hotel, St Andrews. 12pm. MONKEY’S PIRATE + SQUID SQUAD + ELSEWHERE Empress Hotel, North Fitzroy. 8:30pm. $15. PANDORUM + ZENITH ASP + HEAVENLY SKIES John Curtin Hotel, Carlton. 8pm. PROXIMITY BUTTERFLY Espy, St Kilda. 8pm. RAYON MOON + THE MAGIC BONES + BIDET MATE + CASSINI Pony, Melbourne. 8pm. SUN GOD REPLICA + BAT PISS Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 5pm. THE KILL DEVIL HILLS (SINGLE LAUNCH) + THE FLOORS Corner Hotel, Richmond. 8:30pm. $15. WASHINGTON + BIG SCARY Melbourne Zoo, Parkville. 6pm. WAYNE GALE & FRIENDS - FEAT: THE PARTY ANIMALS + BUSTA GROOVE + MAE PARKER & THE KING BEATS The Hi-Fi, Melbourne. 7:30pm. $30.90. WEEKENDER - FEAT: THE BLUBOTTLES Yah Yah’s, Fitzroy. 9pm.

ACOUSTIC/COUNTRY/BLUES/FOLK ANDRE CAMILLERI & THE NORTHERNAIRES + BLACK SWANS OF TRESPASS + LONESOME

Wesley Anne, Northcote. 8:30pm. $7. ASH GRUNWALD Ferntree Gully Hotel, Ferntree Gully. 7:30pm. $23. BROTHER JOHNSTONE & FALLOE Rainbow Hotel, Fitzroy. 9pm. FUNK BUDDIES + THE LOWDOWN STREET ORCHESTRA 303, Northcote. 8pm. $10. GEOFF ACHISON & THE SOULDIGGERS St Andrews Hotel, St Andrews. 9:30pm. HUGO RACE Pure Pop Courtyard, St Kilda. 6pm. JASON LOWE Wesley Anne, Northcote. 5pm. JUDGE PINO & THE RULING MOTIONS Bar Open, Fitzroy. 10pm. KERRYN FIELDS + ROSIE BURGESS + SAM LOHS + EMMA WALL + MONIQUE KENNY + RUTH KATERELOS Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick. 8pm. LILY & KING Penny Black, Brunswick. 9:30pm. PEGGY SEEGER + JUDY SMALL Caravan Music Club, Oakleigh. 8pm. $35. SPENCER P JONES Drunken Poet, West Melbourne. 9pm. THE BAKERSFIELD GLEE CLUB Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 7pm. THE CHAD MASON BAND Labour In Vain, Fitzroy. 5pm.

74 JOHNSTON ST FITZROY 9417 4155

www.theoldbar.com.au OPEN EVERY NIGHT 12PM - 3AM FREE WI FI

wednesday 18th january

RICH DAVIES & THE DEVIL’S UNION CHERRYWOOD POISON OAK

8:30PM FREE

thursday 19th january

LARRY BANG BANG BANG (USA) BRITE FIGHT (FLYING SCRIBBLE) BJ MORRISZONKLE

8:30PM $8

friday 20th january

HIGH FANGS

CANDY TO CLAW HORROR MY FRIEND PIONEERS OF GOOD SCIENCE DJ BIRDS OF STEELE

8:30PM $10 1AM FREE

saturday 21st january

EXTREME MISANTHROPY CREW (SYD) DUDE MOUNTAIN SLOW GRIM RHYTHM DJ KEZBOT

8:30PM $8 1AM FREE

sunday 22nd january

CLINKERFIELD / PALENECKS (DUAL RESIDENCY) SKYSCRAPER STAN ISAIAH B BRUNT BBQ, DJ’S DJ

7PM $7 11PM FREE

monday 23rd january

ALPINE

PUGSLEY BUZZARD BEN WRIGHT SMITH

Rapidly-rising Melbourne indie six-piece gang Alpine have weaved their way around the the country and globe this year, even treating us to a special show at our Christmas arty. Bless. In their wake, they’ve been dropping a steady string of airy, enchanting singles like that Hands song with that super sexy film clip with the watermelon and the babes. You know the one. Need some more? We understand - they’re playing the Corner Hotel on Thursday January 19.

8PM FREE

tuesday 24th january

MAX IMPACT JULES SHELDON A ROARA

8PM FREE

band bookings: bandbookings@theoldbar.com.au

SUBMIT YOUR GIGS TO GIGGUIDE@BEAT.COM.AU

Beat Magazine Page 63


Q&A WOLFY & THE BAT CUBS Name/Band: Wolfy & Nadine from Wolfy & The Bat Cubs Define your genre in five words or less: Wolfy: Rhythm, blues, rock’n’roll So, someone is walking past as you guys are playing, they then go get a beer and tell their friend about you... what do they say? Wolfy: “Heeeyy mann, there’s this groovy band inside playing rocking tunes - let’s go in and dance with chicks! How long have you been gigging and writing? Wolfy: About 40 years collectively What has been your favourite gig you’ve played to date? Nadine: We have shared many fun shows together so its hard to pin point one but a friend put us on her festival in mount Gambier (Hot Licks) and we had such a fantastic time. It was a beautiful day and the stage was on top of a volcano, overlooking the water. The show is a bit of a blur but I heard it went well. Which band would you most like to have a battle/ showdown with? Wolfy: Any band that gets in our way. Nadine: King Gizzard And The Lizard Wizard. I want a name-off! What inspires or has influenced your music the most? Wolfy : Other great songwriters and the world itself. THE SCHOLARS + THE DUFRANES Great Britain Hotel, Richmond. 9pm. THE SHIVERING TIMBERS Union Hotel, Brunswick. 9pm. YOLANDA & MUSIC FOR LOVERS Lomond Hotel, Brunswick East. 9:30pm.

JAZZ/WORLD MUSIC 8 FOOT FELIX Open Studio, Northcote. 8:30pm. AARON MCCOULLOUGH Open Studio, Northcote. 4:30pm. JULIE O’HARA SEXTET Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, Melbourne. 8:30pm. $25. LATIN EFFECT Spanish Club, Fitzroy. 8pm. $10. LAUREN LUCILLE DUO Paris Cat Jazz Club, Melbourne CBD. 7:30pm. $15. NATASHA ROSE Edinburgh Castle, Brunswick. 5pm. NINA FERRO & THE SONJA HORBELT QUINTET Paris Cat Jazz Club, Melbourne CBD. 9:30pm. $20. STEWART KOHINGA + EMMA KELLY + LETICIA MAHER Chandelier Room, Moorabbin. 8pm. $10. TRACY BARTRAM BAND + MATT KIRSCH Dizzy’s Jazz Club, Richmond. 7pm. $20.

What do you think a band has to do these days to succeed? Wolfy: Play hard at the right places to the right crowd. Nadine: And be tough skinned. Why should everyone come and see your band? Wolfy: Those who like to get a little loose will enjoy our fashion and grooves. When are you playing live/releasing your EP? Wolfy: We are launching our debut EP at LuWow on Thursday January 19. You should come along. We will be playing with our good friends the Sheriffs and the Spazzys so get down early.

SUNDAY 22 JAN ROCK/POP APPLE TIME + SIMON FAZIO + AL MATTCOTT Bar Open, Fitzroy. 7:30pm. CLINKERFIELD & PALENECKS (DOUBLE RESIDENCY) + SKYSCRAPER STAN + ISAIAH B BRUNT + BBQ Old Bar, Fitzroy. 8pm. $7. CLIP CLOP CLUB Transport Hotel, Melbourne CBD. 4pm. DEAD KINGS QUARTET Westernport Hotel, San Remo. 8pm. JEMMA & THE WISE YOUNG AMBITIOUS MEN + HEEL TOE EXPRESS Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 4pm. JOHN-LUKE SHELLY & THE HIGH SPEED STEEL Cornish Arms, Brunswick. 8pm. JOHNNY ROCK & THE LIMITS Workers Club, Fitzroy. 6pm. $5. MELPOMENI + OCTANE OVERDRIVE Espy, St Kilda. 7pm. $15. PASSENGER Palais, Hepburn Springs. 8pm.

SAM AMIDON

All the way from New England, performer Sam Amidon has spent much of his musical life exploring old folk tunes, and constructing his own idiosyncratic folk music identity. He’s one of the most talented men on the folk scene, evidenced by his soothing 2010 record I See The Sign – an album Amidon recorded following a premonition he received after listening to I Saw The Sign by Ace Of Base late one night in Venezuela, according to a fact made up for this blurb. He plays with special guests Otouto at the Northcote Social Club on Thursday January 19. PAST TO PRESENT + DALE RYDER BAND + BAD BOYS BATUCADA Espy, St Kilda. 8pm. PROXIMITY BUTTERFLY Yah Yah’s, Fitzroy. 5pm. SLOWJAXX & HIS FLYING BONG BROTHERS + FANTASTIC EXPOSURE + CENTRE & THE SOUTH + ZOE RYAN Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 6pm. $5. SUMMER SOUNDS - FEAT: TIM ROGERS + MONICA WEIGHTMAN Commonwealth Reserve, Williamstown. 2pm. THE BLACKEYED SUSANS Union Hotel, Brunswick. 5pm. THE RECTIFIERS Standard Hotel, Fitzroy. 7pm. VENGABOYS Corner Hotel, Richmond. 8pm. $45.

ACOUSTIC/COUNTRY/BLUES/FOLK BELL ST DELAYS Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 4pm. BEN SALTER Wesley Anne, Northcote. 4pm. BRENDAN & ASH + DAVY SIMONY Bar Nancy, Northcote. 8pm. BRODERICK SMITH & MATT WALKER Caravan Music Club, Oakleigh. 3pm. $15. CARINO SON Lomond Hotel, Brunswick East. 5:30pm. CHRIS RUSSELL’S CHICKEN WALK + DJ MAXWELL VON CRAWDADDY Cherry Bar, Melbourne CBD. 2pm. DEAN & CARRUTHERS Mentone Hotel, Mentone. 3pm. JACKY WINTER Victoria Hotel, Brunswick. 8pm. JODY GALVIN & THE TENDER HEARTS Penny Black, Brunswick. 5pm. JOEL PLYMIN & THEM BLUES CATS Great Britain Hotel, Richmond. 7pm. LOREN + MURRAY KYLE Wesley Anne, Northcote. 8pm. $10. MARTIN MYLES Brunswick Green, Brunswick. 4pm. OPA! 303, Northcote. 8pm. $5. OPEN MIC Chandelier Room, Moorabbin. 5:30pm. PAADMOOSE & THE RIVER MACHINE + SAMM BEULKE Noise Bar, Brunswick. 8pm. RICHY MCKAY + LLOYD SPIEGEL Drunken Poet, West Melbourne. 4pm. RON S PENO & THE SUPERSTITIONS Labour In Vain, Fitzroy. 5pm. SARAH CARROL TRIO Rainbow Hotel, Fitzroy. 4pm. THE CLUNK ORCHESTRA 303, Northcote. 3pm. $5.

THE MERRI CREEK PICKERS Empress Hotel, North Fitzroy. 3pm. THE MICK PEALING BAND St Andrews Hotel, St Andrews. 3pm. THE STAX ON SOUL REVUE Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 7pm. TOM FRANCIS + SHANE WALTERS Chandelier Room, Moorabbin. 5:30pm. WARREN EARL & THE ATOMIC ROCKERS Gem Bar, Collingwood. 8pm.

JAZZ/WORLD MUSIC CASEY DONOVAN Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, Melbourne. 8:30pm. $20. JULIEN WILSON QUARTET Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, Melbourne. 8:30pm. MOU QUARTET Open Studio, Northcote. 4:30pm. PETER JOSEPH HEAD & TOTALLY MILD Edinburgh Castle, Brunswick. 5pm. RICHARDS SMITH Dizzy’s Jazz Club, Richmond. 8pm. ROMANIAN REBOP Open Studio, Northcote. 8:30pm. SAM MCAULIFFE JAZZ 4 + MERCI TRIO + KATTIMONI Veludo Bar & Restaurant, St Kilda. 3pm.

MONDAY23 JAN ROCK/POP ALI CAMPBELL (UB40 AUSTRALIAN TOUR) + BILLY OCEAN + BIG MOUNTAIN Palais Theatre, St Kilda. 6pm. $100. BABERAHAM LINCOLN Veludo Bar & Restaurant, St Kilda. 8:30pm. HOWLIN’ STEAM TRAIN Espy, St Kilda. 8pm. MESA COSA + UDAYS TIGER Workers Club, Fitzroy. 6pm. PUGSLEY BUZZARD + BEN WRIGHT SMITH Old Bar, Fitzroy. 8pm. SECRETIVE GEORGE Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy. 8pm. SEX ON TOAST + MR LANEOUS Toff In Town, Melbourne CBD. 7:30pm. $10.

Q&A MONKEY’S PIRATE What’s your name then? Oh. And the name of your band… The bands name is Monkey’s Pirate and our names are Jolley and Nathaniel. However, our sea fairing names be Captain KrackSpanna and the Pleasure Carrot. Nathaniel has an uncomfortably red beard and Pleasure Carrot is the least offence of his nicknames. And what do you do? Roots. Our sound is an eclectic mix of sea shanties, urban poetry, nautical musings, BopShuOps, tribal HoomAhYeahs and beyond. When did you start doing that? We’ve been performing together for the last six months, but we actually recorded the majority of the album in 2009. After a brief hiatus when Jolley had to leave the country we picked up the pieces late in 2010. Why did you start doing that? What better thing to do than round up a pack of bizarre, quirky and rank crew to breath life into our twisted musical experiments? Do you think you’re good at doing that? You’ll have to come to the gig to judge that for yourselves, constructive heckling is encouraged. Our mums tells us it’s good, but our mums are sometimes not to be trusted after a couple of shandy’s. Sorry Mad Sue and Anne. If you weren’t doing that, what would you be doing? Living a life of polygamy in a hippy commune.

Beat Magazine Page 64

SUBMIT YOUR GIGS TO GIGGUIDE@BEAT.COM.AU

What makes you happiest about what you’re doing? Having random people at our shows that you’ve never seen before singing along to our tunes. And what makes you unhappiest about what you’re doing? Guitar leads, you never know when they’re gonna go. What’s you proudest moment of doing what you do? Packing out our first show at the Cornish Arms, alongside the Timbre Terrorists. Having all our friends, family and crew singing our tunes together was mint to hear. When are you doing your thing next? Our album launch is at the Empress Hotel on Saturday January 21. Supported by Elsewhere and Micro of SSpecker fame. Then at the Wild Thyme Café in the leafy surroundings of Warburton on Saturday February 11.


YOU’LL FIND US AT 99 SMITH STREET FITZROY PH: 9419 4920 YAHYAHS.COM.AU BOOKINGS: MARY@BAROPEN.COM.AU

FRI 20 JAN

SAT 21 JAN

POP SINGLES THE BELLASTRADES A GAZILLION ANGRY MEXICANS, LIMB DOORS 9.00PM / OPEN ‘TIL 3AM

COMING UP

WEEKENDER WILDINGS

WED JAN 25 (AUST DAY EVE):

FESTIVAL MADNESSS FEATURING

THE FIGHTING LEAGUE, OLD MATE

THU 19 JAN

OPEN THU, FRI, SAT, SUN, 5:00PM TO LATE WITH DJs SPINNING YOUR FAVOURITE SOUL, 60s, ROCK’N’ROLL, SURF & GARAGE ALL NIGHT

THE BLUEBOTTLES TUNES BY

LIVE

THE QUIXOTICS

PLAYING UK INDIE-POP / ROCK / SURF POSTPUNK OVER 2 FLOORS DOORS 9.00PM / OPEN LATE!

FANTA PANTS

TUNES: LATE / FREE ENTRY AFTER MIDNIGHT

(SYD)

SAT JAN 28:

APPLEJACK

TUNES: LATE / FREE ENTRY AFTER 2AM OPEN TIL 5am

OPEN TIL 5am

SUN 22 JAN

PROXIMITY BUTTERFLY KINGSTON DOWNES

SUN JAN 29:

MATT BRENNAN’S KARAOKE DICK

BEN SALTER

(SINGLE LAUNCH)

THU 19 JAN

TEN CENT PISTOLS OPEN TIL 3am

WED 18 JAN FREE IN THE FRONT BAR

FRI FEB 3:

THE SECRET WHISPER

CHINA

OPEN TIL 3am

OPEN 317 BRUNSWICK STREET FITZROY WWW.BAROPEN.COM.AU 03 9415 9601

THEE WYLDE OSCARS ALEX WATTS SECOND HAND HEART

THU FEB 2:

DOORS 5.O0PM / FREE ENTRY / OPEN ‘TIL 3AM

BAR

FREE ENTRY

THU JAN 26:

STEVE WIDE & GREGORY

DOORS 9.00PM / OPEN LATE!

UNCLE CHUNK CARACTACUS STRATHMORE THE FEEL GOODS

SAT 4 FEB:

IMMIGRANT UNION

(THE GIN CLUB) 2 SETS

ROAD RATZ

SLYGROG, THE BOMBADIERS STREET FANGS FRI 20 JAN

WED 18 JAN

SAT 21 JAN

MON 23 JAN

POP SINGLES

JUDGE PINO & THE RULING MOTIONS

SCREEN SECT FILM CLUB

LOWER PLENTY FULL UGLY 8PM / FREE

10PM / FREE

“LIMBO”

(JOHN SAYLES, 1999)

7PM

THU 19 JAN

SUN 22 JAN

UNCOMFORT -ABLE BEATS

APPLE TIME

DIZZ1 DIGER ROKWELL (WA) MANNHEIM ROCKET(NSW) ABLE8 SHIKUNG 9PM / FREE

FRI 20 JAN

SIMON FAZIO AL MATTCOTT 7.30PM / FREE

TUE 24 JAN

MAKE IT UP CLUB 7PM

COMING UP WED 25: AUSTRALIA DAY EVE! PAPA CHANGO! THUR 26: STRAW KING EYE FRI 27: HIATUS KAIYOTE SUN 29: SAINT JUDE / MAX SAVAGE / JESS RIBIERO

THE JACKS

DAMN THE TORPEDOS THE KREMLINGS SAT 21 JAN FRONT BAR RESIDENCY 5-7PM

SUN GOD REPLICA W/ GUESTS

BAT PISS

SAT 21 JAN

DON FERNANDO DREAD, DEAD, BROOZER THE BROOKLYN HOOKERS

SUN 22 JAN FRONT BAR RESIDENCY 4-6PM

JEMMA & THE WISE YOUNG AMBITIOUS MEN

DEEP STREET SOUL

W/ GUESTS

HEEL TOE EXPRESS

SUN 22 JAN

10PM / FREE

BOOKINGS: LUKE@BAROPEN.COM.AU

“Shout ‘til you’re a little horse” 68-70 LIL’ COLLINS ST. MELBOURNE WWW.PONY.NET.AU 03 9662 1026

Rockin ‘til 7:00am! BOOKINGS: ANDY FANTAPANTS@BAROPEN.COM.AU PH: 9417 2326

SLOWJAXX & HIS FLYING BONG BROTHERS

FANTASTIC EXPOSURE CENTRE & THE SOUTH, ZOE RYAN TUE 24 JAN FRONT BAR RESIDENCY

THU 19 JAN

THE SPINSET DEATH BY DANCE SCALAR FIELDS VIRGINS (QLD)

8.00PM

FRI 20 JAN

HUMANS ALKAN ZEYBEK & THE LESSERMEN SMOKE SIGNAL CUSHION TIME VALLEY

9.00PM

THE HARLOTS

2.00AM FREE TUNES:

WHITE RABBIT

3.00AM FREE

SAT 4 FEB

KING PARROT FRANKENBOK

SAT 21 JAN

RAYON MOON THE MAGIC BONES BIDET MATE CASSINI

9.00PM

KEGGIN

2.00AM FREE TUNES:

MR SHARP

3.00AM FREE

COMING SOON WED 25 JAN (AUSTRALIA DAY EVE): THE MORRISONS, UDAYS TIGER, KING OF THE NORTH WED 25 JAN (LATE SHOW): CLOWNS, FREE ENTRY THURS 26 JAN: SORDID ORDEAL, PUSH TO TWIST, PINWHEEL, SHARI WYATT FRI 27 JAN: CREATIONS (USA), ASHES OF DECEMBER (QLD), DELAWAREWOLVES, THE ROSETTA STONE FRI 27 JAN (LATE SHOW): THE VOLATILES FREE ENTRY SAT 28 JAN: PRETTY SUICIDE, PARTY (ADEL), ARMOURED EARTH SAT 28 JAN (LATE SHOW): COLD HIKER FREE ENTRY THU 2 FEB: “LET THERE BE NOIZE” FEATURING DUMBSHIT, UMBILICAL TENTACLE, WHITE VEINS, MATT BLEAK, ORRYELLE LOUSY WITH MINES

THE LEGENDARY PONY LATE SHOW / THE LATEST GIG IN TOWN / FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS / 2:00AM / FREE ENTRY SUBMIT YOUR GIGS TO GIGGUIDE@BEAT.COM.AU

THE MURLOCS W/ GUESTS

HIEROPHANTS

TIX ON SALE NOW FROM TOTE FRONT BAR & OZTIX.COM.AU:

AUSTRALIA DAY AT THE TOTE / REFUGEE BENEFIT THU 26 JAN FEAT. FEAR LIKE US, ARROWS, ANCHORS, THE SMITH STREET BAND & MORE EMA (USA) SAT 4 FEB ENDLESS BOOGIE (USA) SAT 10 MARCH COMING SOON: FRI 27 JAN: ODIUSEMBOWEL + MORE

71 JOHNSTON STREET (CNR WELLINGTON ST) COLLINGWOOD PH: 9419 5320 BAND BOOKINGS: AMANDA@BAROPEN.COM.AU WWW.THETOTEHOTEL.COM

TOTE OPEN: WEDNESDAY - SUNDAY 4.00pm ‘TIL LATE

Beat Magazine Page 65


JAZZ/WORLD MUSIC

8:30pm. HIATUS KAIYOTE Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. $10.

ALLAN BROWN’S NIHILIST TRIO Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, Melbourne. 6:30pm. LEBOWSKIS 303, Northcote. 9pm. $8.

ACOUSTIC/COUNTRY/BLUES/FOLK

TUESDAY 24 JAN ROCK/POP PAILING BLACK + HAMISH ANDERSON + IAN RICKARD Revolver Upstairs, Prahran. 7pm. $7. NICOLETTE FORTE + SIMON ASTLEY ALI BARTER + STEEL BIRDS + DANIEL PETERSON Espy, St Kilda. 8pm. THE MURLOCS + THE HIEROPHANTS Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 8pm. THEE OH SEES + TOTAL CONTROL Corner Hotel, Richmond. 8pm. $25. MOSE & THE FMLY Toff In Town, Melbourne CBD. 7:30pm. $7. EMMA SLAYTER Veludo Bar & Restaurant, St Kilda.

CLASSIFIEDS 33c PER WORD PER WEEK (INC GST) • Send your classified listing information to Beat Magazine at 3 Newton St, Richmond 3121 with a cheque, money order or credit card number (including expiry date and name on card, NOT AMEX or DINERS) (1.5% surcharge on Visa and MasterCard) OR deliver it yourself with cash OR you can email your classifieds to us - classifieds@beat.com.au with credit card details • DEADLINE IS THURSDAY 5pm, prior to Wednesdays publication • Minimum $5 charge per week. We do NOT accept classifieds over the phone - sorry.

MUSICIANS WANTED BANDS & PROMOTERS WANTED. Any style for Collingwood venue. First gigs welcome, live CD recording available. Contact Jane after 12pm on 0425 796 828. BANDS WANTED for artist showcase in the Espy Gershwin room. A great step towards bigger shows. Contact mark@ gunnmusic.com.au BASS PLAYER WANTED for career focused funk/rock/ metal band and a bit of everything. Influences are Faith No More, RATM, Pantera, RHCP, Mr. Bungle, Ramstein, Parliament and many more. Must be open minded and commited. Located in Western suburbs, ages 18-30. Contact 0432 798 574. Experienced drummer with a commitment to practice and regular rehearsals required for alternative rock band. Influences QOTSA, Foo Fighters, Nirvana etc…www. myspace.com/mollydredd 0411 372 469.

DAS MUSIK MANN Labour In Vain, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. GRIZZLY JIM LAWRIE Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 8:30pm. INDIGIE FEMME 303, Northcote. 8pm. $12. MAX IMPACT + JULES SHELDON + A ROARA Old Bar, Fitzroy. 8pm. OPEN MIC Wesley Anne, Northcote. 7pm. THE CULT OF MARCUS AURELIUS + MIYAZAKI + JOSH PARISH Gertrudes Brown Couch, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. $10.

JAZZ/WORLD MUSIC AARON MCCOULLOUGH QUARTET Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, Melbourne. 8:30pm. $15. CASTING CROWNS + RANDY STONEHILL Palais Theatre, St Kilda. 6:30pm. $45.60. SOUTHERN STARS Dizzy’s Jazz Club, Richmond. 8pm. $14.

+ BEAT PRESENT... whatson@thepush.com.au

ELEANOR FRIEDBERGER

With a name that suggests indecision between watching The Ellen DeGeneres Show and eating an unhealthy dish, Eleanor Friedberger is one half of indie rock duo The Fiery Furnaces. Her first solo record, Last Summer, was released last summer (in the Northern Hemisphere) and has received almost universal critical acclaim. Teaming up with The Fabergettes and Cool Drinks, she’ll light up Melbourne when she plays the Northcote Social Club on Saturday January 21.

LOOKING FOR ACOUSTIC ACTS to perform in COCO’s monthly competition in Smith Street, Fitzroy. $100 Cash PRIZE. Phone Sandra or Michelle 9417 3937 or drop in at COCO - 129 Smith Street, Fitzroy.

MAN WITH A VAN. Best value movers in Melbourne. Now with trucks!!!! Equip with 1 or 2 experienced men, trolleys and removal blankets. Available 7 days. Check out www.manwithavan.com.au or call us on 9417 3443.

MALE LEAD VOCALIST with harmony ability for working covers band (guitarists need not apply) Phone: 0439 150 402.

THINK MOVING SUCKS? Think Little Red Trucks! Moving Melbourne everyday. Call 9380 6444 or head to www.littleredtrucks.com.au.

SINGER WANTED for badass metal band based in Brunswick. Singer must be 18-28. Band influences: ZZ top, Motorhead, Metallica, Deep purple, Iron maiden, Motley Crue, Van Halen, Skid Row & Alice In Chains. Female, Nu metal, Hardcore and Death metal vocalists need not apply. Call Matt 0401 934 364. VOCALIST WANTED for Hallam/Rowville based metal band. Contact Brad 0402 786 369. www.myspace.com/ tokenofruin

TUITION DRUM LESSONS. With Matt from Full Scale/Tim McMillan Band. Rock and funk styles. Or learn how to play your favourite songs! All areas. All ages welcome. Email matt@saltar.com.au for more info.

EMPLOYMENT FLAUNT IT. Internationally acclaimed producer of pro-feminist erotica looking for confident, adult women to smash the stereotypes and earn good money ($500 and up). Don’t overlook this til you’ve found out more about it. Rebecca 9495 6555 or www.feck.com.

60 SECONDS WITH… THE MORRISONS

ACCESS ALL AGES With Ruth Mihelcic The Melbourne Zoo is kicking off its Twilights Concert Series this Saturday and out of all the shows they’ll be putting on over the next few months, this one has the best line up: Washington and Big Scary!! Imagine kicking back during the evening and getting to see these two great aussie acts perform AND getting seeing a bunch of animals in the same place. Apparently a lot of other people also think this sounds like an epic idea, because it’s already sold out. Sigh. If you were lucky enough to get tickets to this, you’ll be in for a treat. For everybody else, tickets to the rest of the Twilight Series are still available if you’re keen to catch Rockwiz Live, Lior, Kasey Chambers, The Beautiful Girls, Vanessa Amorosi, Marcia Hines, Kate Ceberano, Marina Prior, Wendy Stapleton, James Reyne and a bunch of other acts over various weekends until March. The other epic show happening this week is the Heatwave Festival at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Sunday. This is going to be a ripper with the likes of Tech N9ne, Kid Cudi, Crazy Town, D12, Obie TrRice, and Chamillionaire fitting out the bill. Tickets range from $49 to $89 through Ticketmaster. And for something a bit different this week, Creative Youth FReeZA are holding JAMuary, a skate and BMX competition in Wangaratta on Saturday. Registration opens at 3:30pm and cost $10 to enter the competition, which takes place between 4pm – 8pm. Categories include under 16 and open BMX, under 16 and open scooter and for the first time open skateboard categories. There are prizes for all categories, including a huge cash prize of $700 for the open BMX event. Get on it! Keep sending us your all ages news to whatson@ thepush.com.au by 10am Thursdays.

DRUM TUITION. Jazz, Rock, Hip-Hop (and more). Beginners welcome! Allages. Brunswick West. Contact John on 0437 873 488 or john.milton@gmail.com

All Ages Timetable

SERVICES EXPERIENCED DRUMMER LOOKING FOR WORK with an original or covers band. For enquiries phone Paul 8786 3421.

Stonefield

THURSDAY JANUARY 19 So then, what’s the band name and what do you ‘do’ in the band? We are called the Morrisons and I sit around looking dazed and getting distracted by shiny objects, in other words, I’m the drummer.

Beat Magazine Page 66

Fed Square Live w/ Stonefield and Tessa and the Typecast, Federation Square, Melbourne, 6pm – 7:30pm, Free, fedsquare.com/events or thepush.com.au, AA

FRIDAY JANUARY 20 Backtrack w/ Iron Mind, Ill Vision, Bear Witness and Thorns, Phoenix Youth Centre, 72 Buckley Street, Footscray, killyourstereo.com, AA

Bearing the terrible clichéd nature of this question, what do you reckon people will say you sound like? The only way to answer a cliché is with another cliché. We sound like a bucket of drowning grasshoppers.

Reece Mastin w/ Johnny Ruffo, The Palms at Crown Casino, Melbourne, 2:45pm and 8:15pm, $65-70, ticketek. com.au or 132 849, AA

What do you love about making music? I love that the louder and faster I play, the more people like me.

Red Hot Summer Tour w/ INXS, Vanessa Amorosi and James Reyne, Kryal Castle, 121 Forbes Road, Ballarat, 4pm, $85.85, ticketmaster.com.au or 136 100, AA

What do you hate about the music industry? Guitarists, don’t we all? They’re everywhere.

Reece Mastin w/ Johnny Ruffo, The Palms at Crown Casino, Melbourne, 10:15am, 3:15pm and 8:15pm, $65-70, ticketek.com.au or 132 849, AA

If you could travel back in time and show one of your musical heroes your stuff, who would it be and why? I’d go back to the 1940s and show Gene Krupa our music. He’d probably die of a heart attack but on the off chance that he didn’t I’d be able to say, “Gene, you may be better, more creative and a complete visionary but I’m so much louder”.

JAMuary w/ skate and BMX competition, Wangaratta Skate Park, HP Barr Reserve, Edwards St, Wangaratta, 4pm – 6:30pm, $10 to enter competition, Katy Hawkins on (03) 5722 0819, AA

If you could assassinate one person or band from popular music, who would it be and why? Ke$ha. THERE’S A FREAKING DOLLAR SIGN IN HER NAME! What can a punter expect from your live show? Fun. We’re fast and loud but there’s still something to dance to. There will also be music and usually beer. What’ve you got to sell CD-wise? We’ve got a self titled CD for sale and for a small amount extra we might just sell our dignity. When’s the gig and with who? Wednesday January 25 at Pony with Udays Tiger and King Of The North. Anything else to add? Pete wears ladies’ underwear.

SUNDAY JANUARY 22

SUBMIT YOUR GIGS TO GIGGUIDE@BEAT.COM.AU

SATURDAY JANUARY 21

Washington w/ Big Scary, Melbourne Zoo, Elliott Avenue, Parkville, 5:30pm – 9:30pm, ticketmaster.com. au or 136 100, AA Community Pool Day w/ pool inflatables, fly wall, DJ Jake, and a BBQ, Swimming Pool, Pool Road, Mount Beauty, 12pm – 4pm, $10, Jake Bray-Butler on (03) 5755 0555, AA

Kid Cudi Tech N9ne Heatwave Festival w/ Tech N9ne, Kid Cudi, Crazy Town, D12, Obie TrRice, and Chamillionaire, Sidney Myer Music Bowl, King Domain Gardens, Melbourne, 3:30pm, $4989, ticketmaster.com.au or 136 100, AA Red Hot Summer Tour w/ INXS, Vanessa Amorosi and James Reyne, Morning Star Estate, 1 Sunnyside Road, Mt Eliza, 4pm, $85.85, ticketmaster.com.au or 136 100, AA


GS T GI TS A L AL VEN GB ! E E & THE FRE E AR

FRIDAY JAN 20TH

Wed. Jan. 18th: (Wine, Whiskey, Women)

8pm: Gen Finnane & Flora Smith 9pm: Channelle Davis Thurs. Jan. 19th:

8pm: Paul Madigan, Peter Inglis and Peter Starkie Fri. Jan. 20th:

6pm: Traditional Irish Music Session With Dan Bourke & Friends Sat. Jan. 21st:

9pm: Spencer P. Jones Sun. Jan. 22nd:

4pm: Lloyd Spiegel 6.30pm: Richy McKay

BEN SALTER + OLA KARLSSON ADRIAN STOYLES (THE GIN CLUB)

GREAT BRITAIN HOTEL THU 19TH JAN

CITRUS JAM + STEAK KNIVES & THE SET FROM 8PM

SATURDAY JAN 21ST

SAT 21ST JAN

TUNES BY SWEET JELLY ROLL

THE SCHOLARS + THE DUFRANES FROM 9PM

SUN 22ND JAN

JOEL PLYMIN AND THEM BLUES CATS

SUNDAY JAN 22 ND

FROM 8PM

WARREN EARL & THE ATOMIC ROCKERS

MON 23RD JAN

BOOZER SOUL (DJ’S) FROM 8PM

WEEKLY ASSORTMENTS MonDAYS

FREE POOL ALL NIGHT

Tues. Jan. 24th:

8pm: Weekly Trivia

“All Shows Always Free” The Drunken Poet, 65 Peel Street (directly opposite Queen Vic Market), Phone: 03 9348 9797. www.myspace.com/drunkenpoets

$10 PIZZA & POT

289 WELLINGTON ST COLLINGWOOD 94195170 WWW.THEGEMBAR.COM.AU

TueSDAYS

MRS SMITH’S TRIVIA $10 PIZZA & POT 9PM

WEDNESDAYS

OPEN MIC NIGHT FROM 9PM

KITCHEN OPEN 6 NIGHTS

447 CHURCH ST RICHMOND 9429 5066 www.greatbritainhotel.com.au

• • • • • WEDNESDAY • • • • •

COMEDY TRIVIA QUIZ MEISTER

$12 POT AND PARMA. GREAT PRIZES & GIVEAWAYS.

THURSDAY JAN 19TH

DAN WATERS DUO ACOUSTIC RESIDENCY FROM 8.30PM

SATURDAY JAN 21ST

CHAD MASON BAND - SMOOTH COUNTRY FROM

5 - 7PM

DERBY THURSDAY

CHECK OUT DERBY THURSDAYS ON FACEBOOK.

• • • • • FRIDAY • • • • •

ALTERNATE FRIDAYS

3RD FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH ALTERNATE FRIDAYS ARE ERUPTING. CHECK IT OUT!

EE Y FRNTR E

SUNDAY JAN 22ND

RON S PENO

AND THE SUPERSTITIONS FROM

• • • • • THURSDAY • • • • •

5 - 7PM

LIVE BANDS, 2 DANCE FLOORS. $10 BURGERS, $5 PIZZA ALL DAY, NOTHING OVER $15!

EE Y FRNTR E

TH

THURSDAY JAN 24

DAS MUSIK MANN ACOUSTIC FROM 8.30PM

• • • • • SUNDAY • • • • •

ROCKABILLY SUNDAY • • • • • MONDAY • • • • •

$10 MEALS + $5 PIZZA

FROM 8-11, DOORS OPEN 4PM EE Y FRNTR E

• • • • • TUESDAY • • • • •

JAZZ

FROM 8PM TILL LATE $10 MEALS, $5 PIZZA. DOORS OPEN 4PM

SUBMIT YOUR GIGS TO GIGGUIDE@BEAT.COM.AU

Beat Magazine Page 67


BACKSTAGE

w

DO YOU WANT YOUR STORE, STUDIO OR MUSIC SERVICE FEATURED IN BACKSTAGE?

THE PLACE FOR MUSICIANS

CONTACT ALEKSEI ON 9428 3600 OR MIXDOWN@BEAT.COM.AU TO FIND OUT HOW.

for more information or ad bookings call Aleksei on 9428 3600

STUDIO & SERVICE PROFILE

SONOROUS CIRCUITS

Location: Brunswick, Melbourne. Digital or analogue capabilities of Studio: We have 002 w/ ADA 8000 + protools 8. Recording gear available: AKG / EV / Oktava / Shure / Senheiser Sonic specialties: Heavy, metallic and experimental music Instruments available to use: • Gretsch Renown 6 piece maple drum kit (22”, 10”, 12”, 14”, 16”) • DW copper snare drum (14” x 5”) • Peavey 400 B bass amp • Peavey 1 x 15” bass bin • Farfisa two tier organ • Piano Harp Artists you have worked with: We have worked with a plethora of local talent including Akaname, Bowcaste, Dead Boomers, Ivens, Golden Daw, Hex on the Beach, Pneumatic Slaughter, True Radical Miracle and Whitehorse to name but a few. In-house engineers: Matt Faisandier

Extras: We also run an onsite workshop specialising in amp repair, custom-built tube amps of all varieties, perform modifications, clean and service microphones and tape players.

Toyland Recording Studio Live Bands, Demos, Albums Digital or 2” Analog Tape Live room for a big natural sound Neve preamps, Urei Compressors

www.toyland.com.au

T-Bone Tunes Recording Studio, St Kilda www.tbonetunes.com Albums • EPs • Singles • Demos Former London-based EMI Studio Engineer • CALL TODAY! • 03 9005 5946

0437 244 371

BAND REHEARSAL STUDIOS ROOMS FROM $55

p r o d u c t i o n s

-

Daytime rates available 11 Fully-equipped rooms Storage available Drive-in loading & parking Only 5min from Spencer St All amenities provided 100% green energy

for bookings ph: 9687 0233 cnr whitehall & harris st yarraville

THIS SPACE COULD BE YOURS FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL ALEKSEI ON 9428 3600 Beat Magazine Page 68

BACKSTAGE: BEAT’S ONE STOP SHOP FOR MUSICIANS

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LIVE

Photos by Anna Kanci

ALOE BLACC Friday January 6, Trak Bar and Lounge It’s been a long time coming for California’s Aloe Blacc, from his humble beginnings as a rapper-singer hybrid to his current worldwide acclaim. An example of talent defying industry politics, his full skill set is now being realised by a wider audience. As we welcome the year of the supposed apocalypse the gathered masses at Trak Bar in Toorak kicked off things in carefree style with some nourishing soul music courtesy of one of the genre’s saviours. Since his last performance in Oz, at Good Vibrations in February 2011, Blacc’s reputation and the resonance of his brilliant Good Things album have grown even more, including with Aussie music fans. Getting things started, local treasure Electric Empire weaved their ‘70s inspired soul magic to an appreciate audience. Much like the headliner they draw from a previous decade for inspiration rather than rely on it as a crutch. The charisma and silky smooth vocals of singers Jason Heerah and Dennis Dowlut were undeniable as they roared through their set. The six-piece ensemble remained air-tight from beginning to end and undoubtedly made some new fans. While her relevance as a current performer may be questionable, having not released anything in some time, our own Maya Jupiter fit in perfectly with her blend of hip hop, Latin vibes and reggae tinges. Bringing genuine energy to the stage she kept the tempo going before the man of the hour emerged to roaring approval. Decked out in a stylish black suit,

Aloe Blacc exuded what many modern performers don’t, passion. That infectious energy was returned by the adoring crowd as they hung on his every note. His ‘60s-tinged tales of financial woes, social unrest and lost love were bolstered by a pitch-perfect band. Avoiding the trap of replicating the original recordings note-for-note the ensemble added extra muscle to the compositions and were not afraid to go off on tangents, while drawing everything back together. There were times where it felt as if I had been transported to another decade, while still feeling firmly planted in 2012. Personal favourite Politician bristled with funky, Blaxploitation-esque menace, while still brimming with optimism. For many Aloe’s lively cover of the Velvet Underground’s Femme Fatale was the highlight. As expected his transcendent hit I Need A Dollar tore the house down, as soon as those opening piano strokes permeated the venue. While he may have needed a dollar you couldn’t put a price on his performance. ANDREW ‘HAZARD’ HICKEY

LOVED: Pretty much everything. HATED: Standing for so long, but it was worth it in the end. DRANK: Little Creatures.

FALLS MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL December 28-31, Lorne I awoke on the first day of 2010 after five straight nights of partying (volunteer staff had to be there an extra night) and said to myself “never again”. It’s not that Falls isn’t a great festival – in fact, it’s probably the best of its kind – it’s just when such hedonism starts to involve such physical endurance, existential crises are triggered. After a year off from Falls, a stellar lineup and a three-night option overrode that self-imposed embargo from that hungover-as-hell new year morn. Bang on 4.20pm, Easy Star All-Stars took to the stage to recreate their recreation of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side Of The Moon. Their dub spin on the classic album is a subtle one, with the set veering precariously close to that of straight-up tribute act. The collective signed off with cuts from Easy Star’s Lonely Hearts Dub Band and Radiodread. Jammin’. Beirut took to the stage, and everything felt right. Though not exactly suited to the festival environment, the baroque pop washed over the punters, resulting in a sea of smiling faces . There’s a lot happening in The Wonderful World Of DJ Yoda. Good music, shitty music, internet memes, Karl Stefanovic – it had it all. Though it was a crowdpleasing tour de force, the shtick grew stale as the set approached the hour-long mark. Plus dropping some Big Freedia in the mix just made me wish Big Freedia was mandatory at every music festival. If it is at all possible to enjoy the music of John Butler Trio, the way to do it is stoned out of your gourd at a music festival. I don’t know the names of their ‘big’ songs, but they seemed to have more than a few up their sleeve. The mighty Regurgitator bounded onto the arena decked out in silver onesies, ironically enough opening their recreation of Unit with I Like Your Old Stuff Better Than Your New Stuff. Though ostensibly a dance record, time has exacerbated the very much punk endoskeleton of the seminal LP. While faithful and fun, it was that slightly punk demeanour which fell short of what was expected of such a timeslot. “Thank you Richard Kingsmill!” That’s how Grouplove signed off their barnstorming Falls appearance – what they claim was the best show they’ve ever performed. While they were the only band to explicitly acknowledge the triple j honcho’s influence, the sentiment could well be proclaimed by more than half the Falls bill. But anyway, Grouplove did in fact crush it in the biggest way possible – thanks in part to the familiarity-via-saturation from the national youth Beat Magazine Page 70

broadcaster. Back in 2008, Fleet Foxes were shunted with a lousy timeslot at this very festival – with their acoustics drowned out by the rabble making their way onto festival grounds. Thankfully in 2011, it wasn’t the case. Backing up their subdued breakthrough single White Winter Hymnal with the soaring Ragged Wood was a masterstroke. Though in solo acoustic mode, J Mascis still managed some damn impressive Eddie Hazel-like guitar wailing. The main amphitheatre was taken over by Dan Deacon also playing solo, commanding and uniting a throng of hipsters and shirtless dudes in a machine-gun barrage of electronica and activities. The 20 minute teaser to his ensemble-assisted countdown set in the main tent proved to be the most arduous physical activity I’ve done all year. Unsurprisingly, Aloe Blacc ruled the main stage, bringing the house down with an extended jam of modern insta-classic I Need A Dollar. Back in 2009, The Grates performed what may very well be the set of their lives. Their primetime slot tonight recaptured some of that glory, thanks in great part to Pae’s Beetlejuice-inspired leggings. While Arctic Monkeys drew the majority of punters, The Grand Theatre provided a haven of respite as Dan Deacon Ensemble welcomed us in with a faux-countdown to precede the real deal. While the timeslot and BAC levels ruled out the chance of a workout as brutal as the afternoon’s, it was still probably the most exciting way to ring in 2012. Feeling a little uneasy in me gutty-works, I had to forego my foremost prerogative of giving Falls Karaoke a burl at The Village. Apparently while I was tucked away in bed, a mysterious punter slayed it with a rendition of The Thong Song. Though the three-night format treated me far more kind than years previous, the two-night option may be the way to go for this old chunk of coal. LACHLAN KANONIUK LOVED: Pitch-perfect weather. HATED: Forgetting tent pegs, a sleeping bag and pillow. I would have thought I’d have this music festival shit on lockdown by now. Oh well. DRANK: Gin and tonic concoctions of varying potency.

Photos by Diane Wong

FLEET FOXES Friday January 6, Palais Theatre Paddy Mann (aka Grand Salvo) is a stirring Melbourne singer-songwriter who compels you to fight back tears via the delicate beauty and pure emotion of his thoughtful songs. Needles and Flowers from his fifth album, Soil Creatures, seeped into the attentive crowd who sat mesmerised by the evocative narratives, wrenching melancholy and beautifully-articulated reflections. In an affecting performance of I Am Dead, Mann was joined by gifted vocalist Zoe Randell (aka Luluc), while a sublime cellist accompanied intermittently. It only takes a set opener such as The Plains/Bitter Dancer for one to realise that Fleet Foxes are a level above their folk contemporaries. The way in which their songs build, flow and transcend in arrangements so meticulous and vocal harmonies so pure and resonant remains mystifying and enthralling. They are perhaps the only modern band who can be, justifiably, compared to their inspirations - Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. When Your Protector arrived one-third of the way through their set, the heightened moment would have equated to an encore moment for most bands – the startling, beautiful track off their self-titled debut album exuded a life-affirming, spiritual warmth that enveloped the Palais Theatre. White Winter Hymnal and Ragged Wood took us further into their wondrously evocative vision while The Shrine/An Argument led us to glorious, otherworldly terrain. Robin Pecknold’s voice is mystifyingly comforting –

one that seems to come from a distant, foreign place while cloaked in existential experience and deepened knowledge. Each member of the Seattle-bred sixpiece delivers an essential offering to Pecknold’s inspired vision. The Shrine/An Argument’s crescendo was utterly captivating and Morgan Henderson’s manic saxophone instrumental... unnerving. The encore opened with Pecknold emerging solo to perform I Let You – no one dared to move for fear of missing a single note, breath or epiphany. Moving from Sun It Rises and Blue Ridge Mountains to Helplessness Blues was an enlightened passage. Their sophomore album’s title track features some of the band’s most memorable lyrics, ranging from the deeply melancholy to emphatically invigorating. As Pecknold sings, “the world outside is so inconceivable often I barely can speak”, but “what good is it to sing hopelessness blues/why should I wait for anyone else?” What an enthralling, healing musical experience. CHRISTINE LAN

LOVED: As if the music wasn’t mesmerising enough, the band’s heartening demeanour and sense of humour rendered them even more lovable. HATED: How’s it even possible to exhibit negative emotions in such company? DRANK: Couldn’t... was glued to my seat.

HARMONY Saturday December 17, Phoenix Public House I’ve walked past the Phoenix Public House a million and one times and never so much as had a beer in the cosy front bar, let alone seen a band in the venue. As I stepped in there, I found myself wondering how this could possibly be the case. I nervously propped myself against a questionably structured railing in the corner of the room and was completely smitten with the place. It carries a similar charm to the East Brunswick Club and it’s wider than it is long, forcing everybody to squish right up to the stage, an attribute that is overlooked in many venues, but can really make the difference in creating an atmosphere for a band to thrive off. Nobody needed an excuse to move forward when Harmony entered the arena though. The place was already packed out and there was an undeniable buzz surrounding the band. Maybe that’s because they were there for the launch of their single, Heartache. Maybe it was because they were awarded the Best New-Ish Act in the Mess + Noise Reader’s Poll. Or maybe it’s just because they play fucking good music. Whatever the case, word had obviously got around and the anticipation was plain to see, but it was also custom designed to shatter any high expectations. Luckily though, the six-piece didn’t disappoint. Harmony’s formula is simple, but their power cannot be ignored. Three female vocalists form a chorus section that provides foundations for smooth, soulful balladry, but this is cleverly counteracted by guitarist and lead singer Tom Lyngcoln’s raw, bluesy riffs and his hauntingly harsh wailing. It is through this balance,

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or lack thereof, that makes Harmony’s live set so compelling. In stand-out tracks such as Cacophonous Vibes and Black Bobs, the gloomy, gospel harmonies gives Lyngcoln space to howl and growl over the top, and boy, that boy can sing, to the point that it was surprising he even used a microphone. It was clearly visible that the crowd weren’t disappointed either, and there was no way they could be. Harmony owned the room that night, and their animated swagger was eye catching and every song was delivered with enough conviction and enthusiasm that even if you didn’t like the sound of a song, you thought you were wrong. Although the performance didn’t boast any particularly catchy ‘hooks’ that are going to have you humming all the way home, that’s not what Harmony is about. Instead, the band’s set is structured in a way that throws you on a powerful, emotional journey, taking hold of you, intimidating you and threatening not to let go. It was loud, raw and melodic and it captivated me from beginning to end, leaving me confused, depressed and exhausted – in the best possible way. CALLUM FITZPATRICK LOVED: The unquestionably enthralling Cacophonous Vibes. HATED: The rickety railings. DRANK: James Squire Four Wives pilsener – not a bad drop.


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