Issue 1378

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X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

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X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

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X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

WIL’S WAY

Wil Anderson, ABC1’s Gruen host and internationally renowned standup comedian is set to return to Perth hot on the heels of a sold-out season at London’s Soho Theatre and performances at the Montreal Just for Laughs festival. Anderson presents his new show, GoodWil, as a one-night-only event at Perth Convention Exhibition on Friday, August 30. Head to ticketek.com. au at 9am on Friday, July 19, to grab your tickets.

Jericco

WAILS OF JERICCO

Wil Anderson

Melbourne outfit Jericco are set to embark on the second leg of their national Australian tour in support of their well-received debut album, Beautiful In Danger. This tour will be their biggest to date and will make its way to WA kicking off at the Newport Hotel on Thursday, July 25; the Civic Hotel on Friday, July 26, and the Prince Of Wales, Bunbury, on Saturday, July 27. Joining Jericco for all shows will be Perth’s Serial Killer Smile, with Hailmary, Nevsky Prospekt, This Other Eden and Gombo picking up shows along the way. Giddy up!

CARRY ON CAMPUS BAND COMP

It’s all on! The band comp that gave rise to WA giants Jebediah and Eskimo Joe, the National Campus Band Comp is now calling for WA entrants. If one of your band members trolls the books at ECU, Murdoch, UWA or Curtin, you should enter now at aaca.net.au for your chance at the huge State and National prize pools. Do eet!

A WHOLE LOTTA WOMAN!

The Mrs Carter Show World Tour, Beyoncé

Arguably one of the most highly anticipated tours of the year and currently travelling around the States, Beyoncé’s Mrs Carter Show World Tour is coming to Australia. The not-so-singleanymore lady will, of course, perform the smash hit singles Run The World (Girls), Love On Top, If I Were A Boy, Single Ladies, Halo and Crazy In Love, and put on her legendary energetic and entertaining show. The six-day Australian and New Zealand tour, disembarks in Perth on Friday, November 8, at Perth Arena. Tickets for all shows go on sale at 10am on Friday, July 19, with presale for Live Nation members at 3pm on Tuesday, July 16. Head to livenation.com.au to register.

GO TO SLEEP

Having had their ups and downs since their Volume One album debut in 1991, the Californian stoner doom metal band Sleep ended in a breakup. Reforming in 2009, it’s been all up from there and the trio is now getting ready for an Australian tour that will see them perform in three cities – Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.

Arriving in Perth on Monday, October 28, they will hit the Rosemount Hotel stage that very night. For tickets, head to lifeisnoise.com, heatseeker or Oztix.

The Swisse Color Run The Ataris

DITCH HITS & PITS BUT NOT PERTH

Due to American pop-punkers The Ataris’ dislike for flying, they won’t appear at the Perth leg of this year’s Hits & Pits 2.0 tour. Following a rather horrific Australian flight a few years back, where they almost crashed, they try to choose alternate transportation options when touring. As such, they’ll be making the drive across the Nullarbor Plain for a one-off sideshow in Perth at Amplifier on Friday, November 29. Limited early bird tickets are already on sale, so go to hitsandpitsfest.bigcartel.com.

RUN FOR COLOUR’S SAKE

For the second time this year, the national Swisse Color Run returns to P-town for another smashing event. Kicking off at 9am on Sunday, November 3, the five kilometre run guarantees an unforgettable experience as participants are showered in blue, yellow, orange and pink coloured powder at each kilometre stage. Each event also supports Swisse’s charitable arm, The Celebrate Life Foundation, which contributes to disease prevention research and supports health and happiness causes across Australia. To support a good cause, and get soaked in paint – head to theswissecolorrun.com.au to sign up.

Entries will be available from 12pm on Thursday, July 18.

Sleep

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Reactions/Comp Thing Flesh Music: You Am I Music: Alt-J/ Hey Geronimo/ Jimmy Eat World Music: Ball Park Music/ Fear Factory/ The Community Chest/ The Paper Kites New Noise Feature: Education, Training, Careers Eye4 Cover: Hidden Treasures Eye4: News/ Pacific Rim Eye4: Reality/ The Heat Eye4: The Big Hoo Haa Arts Listings Salt Cover: Yuksek Salt: News/ Test Pad/ Guy J Salt: Phil Kieran/ Cosmo’s Midnight Salt: Club Manual Salt: Rewind: Breakaholics Annonymous Scene: Live: Abbe May/ The Big Splash Tour Trails Gig Guide Volume

COVER: ALT-J’s much anticipated Challenge Stadium gig is on its way on Saturday, July 27.

See page 13 for our cover story.

SALT COVER: France’s Yuksek plays Villa this Saturday, July 13 with support from Paradise Paul, Lightsteed and Willy Slade. www.xpressmag.com.au

A GOOD OL’ VALLEY WELCOME

Hailed as a beautiful marriage between the old Spring in the Valley, and Oktoberfest ‘with a boutique festival experience thrown in at the end to finish off your day’ Welcome To The Valley is a new Swan Valley event whereupon you decide where to start your day (and get picked up from), which brewery or winery you go to, the acts you’ll see (line-up announcement next week) and the itinerary you’ll follow and it all culminates in a busride to Belvoir Amphitheatre to party down at the end. Welcome To The Valley happens on Saturday, October 12, in Swan Valley. Tickets ($94 plus booking fee) are available from oztix.com.au, 78 Records, Planet Video and Mills Records. For full details head to welcometothevalley.com.au.

PLUM OPPORTUNITY AT THE ROOFTOP

The Aviary Rooftop Sessions continue to inspire with word that up-and-coming Brisbane singer/songwriter Thelma Plum will perform on Sunday, July 28.

The 18-year-old performer has made her presence felt since her first demo, Father Said, won triple j’s Unearthed competition this time last year. Plum is now touring the country in support of her debut EP, Rosie. Quality support comes from fellow singer/ songwriters Amanda Merdzan and Sarah Pellicano.

It’ll be all yours from 4-11pm, free entry.

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Enter online at www.xpressmag.com.au. Snail mail entries can be sent to Locked Bag 31, West Perth 6872. Entries close 4pm Monday. By entering you agree to X-Press Magazine’s Terms and Conditions, which can be found online. All competition entries will automatically enable you to become an X-Press subscriber! No details will be given to a third party.

Print and Digital Editions Publisher/Manager Joe Cipriani Editorial

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Managing Editor Bob Gordon: editor@xpressmag.com.au Fashion Editor Emma Bergmeier: fashion@xpressmag.com.au Dance Music & Features Editor Jo Campbell: danceeditor@xpressmag.com.au Local Music & Arts Editor Travis Johnson: localmusicarts@xpressmag.com.au Gig & Event Guides Co-ordinator guide@xpressmag.com.au Entertainment Services Co-ordinator / Competitions win@xpressmag.com.au Photography Callum Ponton, Stefan Caramia, Daniel Grant, Sammy Granville, Matt Jelonek, Denis Radacic, Emma Mackenzie, Guang-Hui Chuan, Max Fairclough Contributing Writers Henry Andersen, Ashleigh Whyte, Nina Bertok, Shaun Cowe, Derek Cromb,Chris Gibbs,Alfred Gorman,George Green,Alex Griffin,Chris Havercroft, Joshua Hayes, Brendan Holben, Coral Huckstep, Rezo Kezerashvili,Tara Lloyd, Adam Morris, Andrew Nelson, Chloe Papas, Tom Varian, Ben Watson, Jessica Willoughby, Miki Mclay, Morgan Richards, James Manning, Joe Cassidy, Shane Pinnegar For band gigs and launches - plugyourgig@xpressmag.com.au

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Production Department

SHAPESHIFTY CD E DOWNLOAD TH P QR READER AP ING! AND GET WINN

IT’S GETTING HOT IN HERE

The Heat is out this Thursday, July 11 and we’ve got ten double passes to give away. Uptight FBI Special Agent Sarah Ashburn (Sandra Bullock) and foul-mouthed Boston cop Shannon Mullins (Melissa McCarthy) couldn’t be more incompatible.

But when they join forces to bring down a ruthless drug lord, they become the last thing anyone expected: buddies. It’s from Paul Feig,the director of Bridesmaids - should be a hoot.

The Heat

New Zealand’s big bros of D’n’B, Shapeshifter, have just released their fifth studio Delta and are on their way to Metro City on Saturday, August 17. Delta is an eclectic record, taking i n j u n g l e, b a s s a n d trancy vibes, with an array of all-analogue instrumentation of vintage synths, horns and guitar, true to the outfit’s usual non-genre specific take on dance music. We’ve got two copies to give away!

Shapeshifter

STRANGE GERONIMO!

Two of Australia’s best new indie acts, Strange Talk and Hey Geronimo, are joining forces this June for the Strange Geronimo Tour 2013. Strange Talk will be celebrating the success of their latest album Cast Away while Hey Geronimo will be giving fans a taste of their latest single The Dan Kelly Song. We’ve got three prize packs including a double pass to their show this Saturday, July 13 at Amplifier Bar and copy of Cast Away to give away but you’ve got to be able to check your email this Friday around noon to pick the prize.

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CAB AUDITED CIRCULATION: 38,000 OCTOBER 2011 – MARCH 2012

Deadlines EDITORIAL General: Friday 5pm,, Eye4 Arts: Thursday 10am, Comp’ Thing: Monday Noon,, Salt Clubs: Monday 5pm , Local Scene: Monday Noon,, Gig Guide: Monday 5pm ADVERTISING Cancellations: Monday 5pm, Ads to be set: Monday Noon Supplied Bookings / Copy: Tuesday 12 Noon, Classifieds: Monday 4pm

FAR OUT MAN

Win a double pass to see electro trap, hip hop outfit Far East Movement this Saturday, July 13 at Metro City. Heading out on their Movementality tour, the group rocketed to notoriety with smash hits Like A G6 and last year’s Live My Life (feat.

Justin Bieber) and continue to make massive noise with their feature on the current dancefloor anthem Get Up (Rattle) by the UK’s Bingo Players.

Winners must be able to check their email this Friday before noon to secure their prize.

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Advertisers and/or their agents by lodging an advertisment shall indemnify the publisher, and its agents, against all liability claims or proceedings whatsoever arising from the publication. Advertisers and/or their representatives indemnify the publisher in relation to defamation, slander, breach of copyright, infringement of trademarks of name of publication titles, unfair competition or trade practices, royalties or violation of rights or privacy and warrant that the material complies with revelant laws and regulations and that its publication will not give rise to any rights against or liabilities in the publisher, its servants or agents. Any material supplied to X-Press is at the contributor’s risk.

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Far East Movement

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X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

HARD-ROCK FEEDING

25TH ANNUAL WESTERN AUSTRALIAN SCREEN AWARDS

On the back of the hard-rockers’ first studio album release in two decades, This Is Not The End, iconic Aussie rockers Baby Animals have announced their Feed The Birds national tour kicking off in October. How did that tour name come about, you ask? The band’s infamous tradition of pouring red wine into the mouths of fans in the front row might be an indicator.

The Feed the Birds tour hits the Astor Theatre on Saturday, November 2, with special guest Steve Balbi (Noiseworks). Tickets are now on sale via showticketing.com.au.

Bush Basher Christine Anu, NAIDOC Ball

The Best In The West On Monday, July 8, the Film and Television Institute announced the 2013 nominees for the WASAs at an exclusive event held at the Astor Theatre as part of the Revelation Perth International Film Festival.

Having whittled the initial list down from a record-breaking 800 entries, 104 nominees across 66 different film productions will now vie for a prize at the gala awards ceremony, which will be held on Friday, August 2. A grand total of $33,000 in cash prizes will be awarded on the night, and celebrity guests so far announced include Rachael Blake and Tony Martin.

Several X-Press favourites have received recognition so far. The Owl by Peter Gurbiel and Wade K. Savage will complete with Aaron McCann’s and Stefan Androv Radanovich’s Perished for ECU Best Short Film - Drama, facing off against Michael Facey’s One Night Only and Bush Basher by Ross Hutchens and Tenille Kennedy. Meanwhile, the hip hop documentary Hunter: For The Record is in competition for ECU Best Feature Film - Factual.

One of the most hotly contested prizes is the Central Institute of Technology Young Filmmaker Of The Year Award, which is given to those young, ambitious and talented souls who have demonstrated a remarkable acumen for thriving in WA’s often challenging film industry. Thus year, the nominees include Tenille Kennedy, Cassandra Nguyen, David Vincent Smith and Keir Wilkins.

NAIDOC ROUND-UP Baby Animals Photo: Jez Smith

FANNING THE FANS

Perished Other nominees of note this year include: ECU Best Feature Film - Drama Blame - Melissa Kelly, Ryan Hodgson and Michael Robinson Needle - Deidre Kitcher The Manuscript - Debbie Thoy Red Dog - Nelson Woss ECU Best Feature Film – Factual - $2000 On a Wing and a Prayer - Leighton De Barros and Jodie De Barros More 4 Me - Lincoln Fenner Yagan - Kelrick Martin Hunter: For The Record - Alice Ross

Don’t forget that The Cruel Sea, Sarah Blasko, Bob Evans and Band Of Frequencies are set to join the one and only Bernard Fanning for his Evening On The Green show on Sunday, November 17, at Kings Park and Botanic Garden. Tickets on sale now from ticketmaster.com.au.

INDIAN WINTER

Regular WA visitors British India are soon to kick off a 15-date Winter Tour this month which will see the band perform 15 shows in many regional centres around the country. The tour is on the back of the band’s fourth album, Controller, which received critical acclaim nationally and scored them their third consecutive ARIA Top 10 debut.

Catch British India on Friday-Saturday, August 2-3, at Amplifier.

RTRFM 92.1 Best Music Video - $500 Emperors – Ready When I Say Go Kuka - Rewind The Chemist – Silver & Gold Voyager – The Meaning Of

LETTER TO PERTH

For the full list of nominees, and to purchase tickets for the Friday, August 2, awards ceremony, head over to fti.asn.au. Our heartiest congratulations to all the nominees.

Blame

THE BIG SPLASH

Off The Field Andrew Ryan and Maria Florides, The Big Splash The Big Splash first semi-final happened last Thursday at The Bakery (see Live on page 32). BOB GORDON gets an update from organisers, Maria Florides and Andrew Ryan.

_ TRAVIS JOHNSON

OPENING SHIFT

Ranked as New Zealand’s #1 live electronic act for their fifth LP, Delta, Shapeshifter are soon hitting our shores, welcoming some of the best local electronic talent to join them. On home ground, Perth born and bred brothers Ekko and Sidetrack, aka Jeff and Jono Hansen, will back up the electronic soul outfit on stage at Metro City, on Saturday, August 17. Tickets are on sale now from Oztix. www.xpressmag.com.au

British India

ANTIC-ULAR

AR: Bob! It was actually an awesome gig, guitarists snapped strings and other band members lent them guitars; each band promoted the next bands onstage and the judges unanimously agreed that Apache and These Winter Nights were the best acts on the night.

Antics is a new live indie band and DJ thing happening at the Claremont Hotel. This Saturday, July 13, catch Stillwater Giants and Villain with DJs Tobias John (Sun City) B2B with Lukas Wimmer (Varsity Bar & The Causeway) plus Phil Slabber (Crooked Colours). Free entry, 7pm-1am.

What are your thoughts on those bands?

MF: These Winter Nights absolutely knocked my socks off on the night. We do a follow up with all the bands that win their heat and give them some feed back from the judges’ comments.

Andrew spent a good hour chatting to the lads and they must listened to every word Andrew told them and they must have rehearsed really, really hard and it paid off for them. Apache, was our wild card, didn’t give their best performance but it was good enough for the judges to vote them as runners up!

AR: These Winter Nights are like Sigur Ros meets Something For Kate and Mumford & Sons; a very interesting band with wide appeal. Very much an act to watch and not your standard ‘competition winning band’. I told them they were a compliment to the competition after they won; they are. Apache are a rock’n’roll juggernaut that NME would have a field day giving saturated promotion to; it’s that simple.

GET YOUR SHORTS ON

What other bands have sparked your attention through the heats and up to the first semi-final?

MF: I really thought Upnup would make it to the Grand Final but it all came down to their performance on the night and what the judges How was the semi-final for you?

MF: I was really nervous cause I thought thought. Villain are a very young band with a great maybe The Bakery was too big of a venue for the future and Double Rainbow were amazing on CD, but semis and didn’t want the bands to be performing in need to rehearse and improve their live performance.

AR: Villain, yes I agree Maria, they will an empty room! Andrew was more relaxed thinking, ‘We provide the awesome music, whoever wants to do well as they are a gang that hangs out on and come will come!’ But Alas! We had in excess of 300 offstage and their sound is snappy and British people come through the doors and the vibe was so influenced, while so many are on the USA psyche very warm and fuzzy despite the cold temperatures rock train. outside. And when my son said to me, ‘Hey Mum, I am really proud of you...a little lady like you getting 300 In general, how’s The Big Splash journey been up people into The Bakery on a freezing Thursday night, to this point and how’s it look from here on?

AR: It’s got great word of mouth amongst that’s f@$#ing awesome!” That, felt good! But the first thing I told him was, ‘I couldn’t have done it without musicians; they are the leaders and the rest of us follow their lead.

Andrew son!’

NAIDOC Week, the annual celebration of history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continues into this weekend.

Today, Wednesday, July 10, the Mirrabooka NAIDOC Group presents the Mirrabooka NAIDOC Day Event between 10am-2pm at the Herb Graham Recreation Centre.

Thursday, July 11, sees the 10th anniversary of the popular Derbarl Yerrigan and Town of Bassendean NAIDOC Family Day at Ashfield Reserve, starting with a reconciliation walk at 9.30am and finishing at 3pm. There will also be a NAIDOC basketball carnival on the Thursday at Perry Lakes Stadium in Floreat.

On Friday, July 12, those lucky enough to have secured tickets will attend the black tie National Ball And Awards Ceremony between 6pm and midnight at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. This event attracts Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders from all over the country. Hosted by MCs Narelda Jacobs and Ernie Dingo, the night will include performances by Mary G, the Last Kinection, Christine Anu, Oz Island and Urban Youth Crew and as well as the presentation of the 2013 National NAIDOC Awards.

On Saturday, July 13, the celebrations continue with the official NAIDOC Week After Party at The Bakery from 8pm, featuring music from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander DJs and artists.

The week ends on Sunday, July 14, with a City of Vincent gathering between 12pm-3pm at Weld Square and the annual NAIDOC Netball Carnival in Langford on Wednesday, July 17.

With their second album, The Catalyst Fire, ready for release on August 9, via UNFD, alternative Brisbane rockers Dead Letter Circus are gearing up for a national tour to unveil their new material.

Backed up by the two Melbourne rock outfits Closure In Moscow and Sleep Parade, The Catalyst Fire tour will pay a visit to Bunbury, at the Princes of Wales, on Thursday, September 19, followed by Metropolis Fremantle, on Friday, September 20. Tickets go on sale Monday, July 8, at tickets.newworldartists.net.

Short And Sweet

Every year, without fail, one of the highlights of the Revelation Perth International Film Festival is Get Your Shorts On, Screenwest’s annual visual tasting plate of the best short form cinema that the Western Australian film industry has to offer.

Though we have a rich cinematic heritage, feature films can be thin on the ground at times, and the best may to get a measure of the talents and visions currently at work in the local film scene is to apprehend the kind of short works currently on offer.

For 11 years now, Get Your Shorts On has provided the perfect avenue for doing exactly that.

This year, the program is comprised of seven films. Shot entirely near Broome in the beautiful Kimberley region, In The Air, written by Dot West and directed by Kimberley West, is a romantic comedy drama about Sue, a camp cook who wrestles with her feelings with a camp worker and his obsession with the sultry voice of the evening radio DJ. David Vincent Smith’s The Little Astronaut, which he both wrote and directed, is an achingly touching family drama about how a young boy constructs a meticulous fantasy in order to cope with the death of his mother, while his father struggles in his own way.

Ace of Spades Blue, by Keir Wilkins, posits magical realism in a typical suburban Australian milieu when a troubled young girl forges a relationship with a mysterious blue man she discovers living next door.

Inner Quality, by Ethan Marrell, tells the story of a homeless busker’s rivalry with a female musical prodigy who begins to steal his crowds and livelihood away from him.

Goodbye Cruel World is a darkly comic look at a suicide pact by writer/director Adrian McFarlane, Dennis Simmons brings us Ace Of Spades, a supernatural thriller which draws on Indigenous folklore and WA’s colonial history.

And finally, The Short Shrift by Megan Palinkas is a supernatural morality tale in the vein of the best Twilight Zone episodes.

Get Your Shorts On is on tonight, Wednesday July 10, at Luna Leederville. Doors open at 6.45pm and tickets are available at revelationfilmfest.org and from the Luna box office. _ TRAVIS JOHNSON

MONK BUSINESS

The Gyuto Monks of Tibet, led by the revered Gen Lama Thupten Phuntsok, return to Fremantle for an engaging fortnight of serenity, sincerity, compassion and general joyfulness. They will be in residence from Monday, July 15, culminating in a concert performance, Echoes Of Enlightenment, on Friday, July 28. Tickets are available through heatseeker.com.au.

Blue

Something In The Air 11

Alt-J

ALT-J Sound As Ever Alt-J’s debut album, An Awesome Wave, made a monstrous splash upon its release in 2012, and the band are continuing to make a name for themselves around the world. CHLOE PAPAS chats to drummer, Thom Green, ahead of their show at Challenge Stadium on Saturday, July 27, presented by X-Press Magazine.

For a considerable part of last year, Alt-J were on everyone’s lips. The indie English band seemingly came out of nowhere, dropping a debut album that fiercely divided critics, and was immediately embraced by the public.

The group have taken it all in their stride, touring relentlessly and remaining surprisingly unshaken by the level of fame suddenly thrust upon them. So now, the question on everybody’s lips is: when will we hear new music from Alt-J? “We know that people are wanting to hear new things, and we want to write new things, we just don’t have the time right now,” explains drummer Thom Green.

It transpires that the quartet have studio time booked for October, with time laid out to write and record a follow-up to their acclaimed debut.

“I hav e every confidence that we’re going to have no trouble once we start writing and recording again,” Green, says. “I think we’re all pretty keen to do it, we’ve got some great ideas. Touring this long, it gives you confidence, it gives you more confidence with your instrument, more skill – because you know, we started from scratch pretty much as a band.”

History shows that the group aren’t likely to churn out records yearly just for the sake of it.

It took Alt-J two years to record and fine-tune An Awesome Wave before it was ready for release. Their hard work, however, was rewarded with a slew of awards – including the esteemed Mercury Prize. Does their tremendous success add a certain pressure when creating new music?

“We won’t ever play anything that we’re not 100 per cent happy with,” says Green. “And I have got all the confidence in us. Though, I guess it’s easy to say that now, because we haven’t even started yet.

It’s when you start recording and there’s talk about it, and people are like, ‘when’s it coming out?’ As soon as there’s a release date, I’ll be shitting my pants!” he laughs. “But you can’t live like that, it’s not good. So, I just think we’ll count our blessings and be grateful for what we have - everything else is kind of a bonus.”

Green explains that the band have already begun throwing around ideas on the road, particularly as one record doesn’t give them a whole lot to play with in terms of lengthy sets. “We all listen to music quite regularly, which when you’re not actively writing, you can be inspired by a lot of things and you take that on,” says Green. “I’ve started remixing my own tracks on my laptop, some of those ideas might make it onto the album and that kind of thing. We do what we can.”

Just in case their schedule wasn’t full enough, the band recently wrapped up writing and recording a score for a movie, Leave To Remain, about asylum seekers in London.“It was a good experience,” Green notes,“it was different to writing tracks, as such.

There’s a lot more freedom and creativity, because

there’s a lot more time. You can do a 15-minute track, which gets spread out and that kind of thing. It was great, I think we’d definitely do it again.”

Alt-J achieved fame quicker than many other bands could even dream of – and with fame, comes dedicated fans. Though he isn’t keen to divulge any particularly horrifying stories, Green says that it can get a little overwhelming.

“We won’t ever play anything that we’re not 100 per cent happy with. And I have got all the confidence in us.

Though, I guess it’s easy to say that now, because we haven’t even started yet. It’s when you start recording and there’s talk about it, and people are like, ‘when’s it coming out?’ As soon as there’s a release date, I’ll be shitting my pants!” he laughs. “But you can’t live like that, it’s not good. So, I just think we’ll count our blessings and be grateful for what we have - everything else is kind of a bonus.”

“We get people who hang around from the crack of dawn until the end of the show, just to meet you and they’ve got a hundred things to sign. We don’t really meet that many fans – we try to stay away, because it can be a bit intense. We’re pretty reserved as a group, and you can’t just go out there and party with fans because it’s just a bit too nuts (laughs).”

Alt-J are heading to Australia for the second time this year, but Green says the shows will be different. “There’s a couple of additions to the set, a couple more covers and a few little surprises which we’ve wanted to do for a while. We’re also going to have a good light show this time, a very visual aspect – which is fairly new to us but we appreciate how much it really works, and how much depth it adds to the set. We’re going to do our best to give people what they want!”

JIMMY EAT WORLD Hey Geronimo

HEY GERONIMO Who Takes Who Home?

Hey Geronimo team up with Strange Talk for the aptly named Strange Geronimo tour, which takes in the Newport Hotel this Thursday, July 11; the Prince of Wales Hotel, Bunbury, on Friday, July 12, and Amplifier on Saturday, July 13.BOB GORDON reports.

With a couple bona fide hit singles and a wellreceived EP release, Hey Geronimo have come a long way in a few years.

However, guitarist/vocalist, Pete Kilroy, states they’re just on track from where they’d initially envisioned.

“I’d say we’re pretty much right where we want to be,” he notes. “We have a great time performing, and the tunes are getting a little more serious as time rolls on in the studio.”

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The band have recently k ept up appearances with The Dan Kelly Song, named after the Aussie songwriter himself. He’s up for it, apparently.

“I had a dream about Dave McCormack and Dan Kelly writing songs for us,” Kilroy explains.

“Upon waking, and realising it wasn’t true, we thought it was best to write our own Dan Kelly song anyway! Dan is a cool guy. Slightly freaked out by the attention, but he likes the tune.”

Hey Geronimo’s 2012 EP helped the band to a different level, though the benefits are pretty plain sailing.

“It sounds odd,” Kilroy notes, “but it’s meant that people will listen to our new stuff! It’s just nice to be in a position whereby people take your music seriously.”

The band have plans for an album release, but several plans seem to be crossing over at this point. It’s a nice quandary, though.

“We’re in an odd spot at the moment,” Kilroy states. “We’re releasing a new EP in a few months, but we’ve also got three or four songs from the album recorded. It’s all coming along great.”

Hey Geronimo’s Perth visit this weekend is part of a national tour with Strange Talk. Are we safe? Are they safe?

“We’re all very safe,” Kilroy assures.“Maybe not Ross’s (Pearson, guitar/vocals) luggage though.

In Melbourne he left his suitcase on top of the van while we drove around for a bit. One giant thump and a bit of embarrassment later and it was back in the boot where it belonged!”

If We Can’t Get It Together Jim Adkins, the singer of Arizona altrockers Jimmy Eat World, says that his band’s latest album, Damage, is an adult break-up record. It’s a raw and wounded collection of songs, he tells ALASDAIR DUNCAN. Far more stripped-back than anything in Jimmy Eat World’s recent catalogue, Damage represents an attempt, by a guy in his 30s, to pick through the wreckage of a broken relationship in a mature and grown-up fashion.

“When it comes to love songs, I guess the ones that deal with tough times are just more interesting to me,” Jim Adkins says. “I wanted to approach the topic with as much honesty as I could, without feeling like a fraud.”

The older you get, the more your perspective on love broadens. “Relationships are different when you have more experience,” Adkins says, of the experiences that shaped the record. “There’s more of a grey area between right and wrong in arguments,” he says. Take a song like album closer You Were Good – as break-up songs go, it’s less of a screw you than a sad send-off. “The complexities of having a mature relationship, or dissolving a mature relationship, are endless,” he continues. “It’s messy – it’s really fucking messy – and it’s not easy. There’s a lot to write about.”

I ask Adkins how many of the album’s lyrics are based on personal experience, but it seems he doesn’t like to talk about this too much. The emotions on the record are his, he says, but he has chosen to put them in the mouth of a character, as a short story writer would.

Jimmy Eat World

“Even the most insane, out-there science fiction writer has to ground their work in some kind of observation and experience,” he says. “The person who’s speaking the story, he doesn’t do anything out of white-hot passion. He’s in a calm period after his initial reaction to things. That’s where you get the real complexity, but also where some of the harder stuff starts to come out.”

From here, our talk turns to the sound of the album. The songs on Damage are simple and unadorned, as if Jimmy Eat World are standing in your living room, bashing out the songs on guitar, bass and drums. “In the past, we’ve always reached for the best recording we could get, without giving a lot of thought to how we’d be able to play the song live,” Adkins says.

“You hear of people using the studio as an instrument – we did that for a while. This time around, we wanted to do things very simply – the songs on Damage all started out on acoustic guitar.”

Adkins is fond of quoting the Jesus And Mary Chain’s maxim that, if a song isn’t worth playing on acoustic guitar, it isn’t worth keeping around. This principle underpins the songs on Damage, and I put it to him that if Katy Perry’s detractors, for instance, heard some dude with an acoustic guitar playing Teenage Dream, they would probably find that they liked the song. He laughs, and says he agrees.

“That’s the thing with modern pop,” he says.

“A lot of the animosity is aimed at the artifice of it all.

Everything sounds computerised and perfect – pop music production today is about trying to correct the errors of humans, whereas I think you have a better chance of connection with somebody if you leave all that rough and raw shit in there.” He pauses for a second. “Mind you, that goes the other way too,” he says. “You can make something really stupid sound cerebral and intelligent by fuzzing it all out…”

X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

You Am I, live at The Forum in Melbourne last Saturday Photo: Chrissie Francis

YOU AM I

God Bless The Fuckin’ Lot Of ‘Em You Am I perform their classic albums Hi Fi Way and Hourly, Daily back-toback (and more) this Saturday, July 13, (sold-out) and Sunday, July 14, at the Astor Theatre.

It’s a good time to be a You Am I fan.

Actually, it always has been. Throughout the band’s ups and downs, they have been resolute in their commitment to recording albums and gigging like their lives depended on it. And ours.

But why is it a good time now? There’s the re-issues of the band’s first three albums, Sound As Ever (1994), Hi Fi Way(1995) and Hourly, Daily (1996), with loads of alternate versions, b-sides, covers and live treats. There’s also a commemorative beer to raise your glasses to, the inimitably named Brew Am I. Messrs. Russell Hopkinson (drums), Andy Kent (bass) and Davey Lane (guitar) are resident musicologists in a band with songs written and creatively powered by singer/guitarist, Tim Rogers. And in a rare moment of looking back and celebrating the past, they’re hitting theatres around the country on the Hi Fi Daily Double tour.

Though he probably doesn’t need to hear it, like the best there is in rock’n’roll music, Rogers’ songs continue to remind fans of their own dreams, struggles and victories - they did it then and still do it now.

On a personal note - if you’ll forgive me there is a selection from the songbook that speaks to me of love and loss in a life surrounded by music, but soundtracked at its most prescient moments courtship, engagement, marriage, childbirth, death, divorce and renewal - by the music of You Am I and the songs of Tim Rogers. These songs have soared with me at my best and held me up at my worst and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

This week’s Interview with Tim Rogers was conducted down the line to Sydney, as he enjoyed a rare day off prior to the tour, watching the Philadelphia Phillies versus the Boston Red Sox on the telly.

By BOB GORDON

I see you’re taping a series called Studio At The MEMO for Foxtel? How many episodes have you done?

We’ve done four so far. We do two a week and have two to go for the series. We’ll see how it goes.

with any shit, although I’ve drunk enough of it. But the other thing is that I’m not a connoisseur at all. I mean, I like cheap, crap beer that you just swill down and watch baseball with. So my only request was that the beer not be floury with too many undertones and overtones. I’m just not fucking interested in Melbourne Bitter, Swan Lager and floury beer.

Have you enjoyed it?

Yeah, though it’s been really exhausting.

I’ve been doing a ton of research, even though there’s a production and research team. It’s Renegade, who do RockWiz. We’ve put a lot of work into it. I haven’t really worked this full on in TV before and I really don’t know if I want to again (laughs). But the people involved are so great, I’m so close to those people that it’d be an excuse to hang out with them really.

I think we’ve done a good show; the first two were finding our feet, a little awkward, the last two have been spectacular.

It’s good that the beer has taken off. Unlike the TnT, the drink you and Tex Perkins concocted when you toured together some years back...

(Laughs) Oh yeah, we had a drink... I can’t remember what was in it. I remember Tex telling me, (adopts Tex Perkins voice) ‘T, I wanna change the name of The Beasts Of Bourbon to just The Beasts, because... I don’t like Bourbon’. So it wouldn’t have had bourbon in it. It probably had vodka. That’s a very high possibility.

Actually, Perko’s been involved in the TV program. Probably through the backdoor, really. He and I have been offered shows before. So getting Is it like a combination of talk and a bit of the Later him involved in it was good. I was a bit in conflict about it because my friendship is more important With Jools Holland approach?

Well there’s a bit of that. It’s probably a lot than anything and often when we work together it’s more cabaret, maybe, than Jools’ show. It’s not very not the best thing, but his input into the show was talky, either; there’s a little bit of talk. Last night I had a invaluable. Getting his thumbs up meant a lot to me. bit of a chat with Don Walker and Kaki King but that’s The fact that we created a drink is not a surprise. not a feature of it, it’s more performance. It’s mostly You Am I have always been a really hard working music, but not exclusively. band. It seems very apt that that in an age where It’s an interesting, commemorative time for You bands go out playing one album in full, You Am I come out and do two.

Am I. Firstly, there’s the beer...

That’s only really just dawned on me (Laughs) We’re more excited about that (laughs). ‘Two? Who’s idea was that? I wasn’t fuckin’ than anything we’ve ever done! mine.. oh maybe it was’. We’d been asked to do it for Now it doesn’t matter that I’m running out of KISS 10 years and we’d always resisted it. Now, because it was Andy’s (Kent, bass) suggestion, and he’s our beer.

Look, I didn’t know about the KISS beer manager and works so hard and put it in a way that until recently. I’ve got a day off and I get those so we thought, ‘yeah we could. Let’s do two. Give people rarely, so I’m gonna go and fuckin’ buy a burrito and more than what they’ve come to expect’. We haven’t always been completely ethical and good. We’ve get a slab of KISS beer, I think. tried... and I like to think that by doing a tour like this The You Am I beer appears a little more... it is giving more than the expected.

We’re only doing one rehearsal before we boutique?

Um, yeah? We had a little involvement start the tour because Rusty’s been overseas and me there. I mean I named it and we had a little with my stuff going on... (laughs) well we’ll see how it involvement in the artwork. Ingredients-wise we just goes. I was listening to those records while driving to let the guys from the brewery just go. They’d done work in Sydney the other day and... oh man. We may a Front End Loader one, which was a big deal to us. need to commit to a different lifestyle to do this tour.

I love that band; I love those people. So if they do Front End Loader and The Hell City Glamours, they’re You’ve always been one to revisit all sorts of songs alright people. So I trusted them to make it as close in setlists anyway, but when you commit to doing to You Am I as possible without dropping any of our the whole part of that catalogue, is it a bit like a postcard from yourself - the younger man to the sweat into the mix.

It’s one of those things, at this stage of ours older man?

That’s an interesting question. Possibly. lives, where we do things if they’re gonna be fun. And us making our own beer is fucking hilarious (laughs). I can’t help but think, though, I’m definitely not And it’s a good brew; I don’t want to be associated sentimental for that time at all. At all. I enjoy things

Sound As Ever, 1994 13

“I like the three records after Hourly, Daily but I can hear the pressure that was on. I want to be successful as shit, absolutely, but also I don’t need someone saying ‘unless you learn how to structure your songs properly we’re not going to release your record’. And for the last few records we were able to get back to just playing and not structuring songs to get played on the radio because you know, I don’t get played on the radio and I’m absolutely fine.”

Hi Fi Way, 1995

far more now. You can’t help but think, ‘what was I thinking?’ particularly with some of those lyrics (laughs). So there’s a bit of postcard going on about it, but a little bit of an indecipherable postcard.

I kind of know what I was thinking back then. ‘If you put this chord with that chord and that over the top it does this’. I remember at the time I was very close to Brad Shepherd from the Hoodoo Gurus, he was very generous; he had a lot of records and talked a lot about just music stuff, really. He’d show me a chord progression and I’d just go running (laughs).

Probably owe him 10-15 per cent of those records (laughs). He showed me a lot and we’re friends to this day.

You’re selling out theatres and adding dates, so there’s that element of getting back the crowd who left uni in the ‘90s, got married and built a white picket fence and stopped going to shows...

Yeah... a lot of people saying, ‘oh, it’s taking me back to my 20s’ and that. Well, I’m still doing it and I’ve never stopped doing it. So a part of me is like, ‘hey man, I’m not here to be your nostalgia trip’.

But then again I can’t help but be extremely grateful for whatever being in this band and making this music has given me. I like those people and I like seeing people happy, but it doesn’t have the same resonance for me. At all.

You diversified a lot over the years by following your interests. It says something for the material, though, that this music was written by a much younger man and so much has happened in the intervening years, that you want to play it.

Well there’s some lyrics, as I say, that I find a little embarrassing, but I’m super excited about playing our songs. Particularly with the guys. And whether they’re great songs or not, they’ve got to have something to them. For 17-18 years I was a bit like, ‘yeah, Hourly Daily whatever, Hi Fi Way, big deal’ but they’ve got a certain something. Hi F Way’s not hugely ambitious, but it was us running around New York finding new things and going what’s that?

There’s a real energy about that record that I love.

Lee Ranaldo (Sonic Youth) was our producer and he never pulled me aside and told me to write a song better, all the structures of the songs and the chord progressions and the melodies were just absolutely instinctual. The same with Hourly, Daily.

Then after that, the next record (You Am I’s #4 Record, 1997) we’d signed with a big arse American record company and these six executives would be in a room telling me how to write songs. And how to structure things to get on radio. So these were like the last time for at least five or six years that we didn’t have people doing stuff like that. And I can hear that now.

I like the three records after Hourly, Daily but I can hear the pressure that was on. I want to be successful as shit, absolutely, but also I don’t need someone saying ‘unless you learn how to structure your songs properly we’re not going to release your record’. And for the last few records we were able to get back to just playing and not structuring songs to get played on the radio because you know, I don’t get played on the radio and I’m absolutely fine.

Even through that, the songs have always been from the heart. And for that reason they soundtrack a lot of things for people, possibly in spite of those guys in the room...

Well it was a pretty spiteful time, I’ve gotta say that (laughs). I think we’re a pretty honest band. We’ve done a few things that were a little disingenuous - I think we can all admit that - but most bands who have been around over 20 years would. What I am most proud of in the band are the friendships as they are now and the closeness.

I love the way that Russ, Andy and Davey have grown up. They’re men that I really admire and can’t wait to see when I haven’t seen them for a while.

Hourly, Daily, 1996 X-Press X P – First Fi t on the th street, t t Wednesdays W d d

BALL PARK MUSIC

Songs About Cars And Girls Ball Park Music are currently roaming the country on their Thank Ewes tour, thanking fans for their love and support with puns and quality tunes.

CHLOE PAPAS has a chat to frontman, Sam Cromack, ahead of their show this Friday, July 12, at Metros Fremantle.

Ball Park Music now firmly occupy one of the top spots on the list of Australia’s favourite pop sweethearts; providing tunes that are catchy, intelligent, loveable, and straight-up cheeky, it’s difficult not to see the appeal.

With two albums under their belts, the five-piece, led by the inimitable Sam Cromack, are heading out on one last headline tour before going into hibernation to create some new music.

The band are planning to produce and record their new album themselves, with Cromack at the helm. “I’m really excited about it because I’ve always wanted to have that little extra level of involvement when working on my own music. I think doing it this way affords us a lot more time to play around with everything,” he says.

At this early stage, there aren’t any particular themes locked in for the next record. “But the challenge remains the same; I always want to make really good songs, with memorable pop hooks, songs that I can arrange and produce in the way that represents them best,” says Cromack.

There is, however, one theme that we definitely won’t be seeing in any of Ball Park Music’s new work. “I’ve always tried really hard to not be a political person or a political band. I think, excuse the

Ball Park Music pun, we’ve tried our best to sit on the fence. I guess there’s a few songs that you could take in a sociopolitical way – songs like Lifestyle and Rich People Are Stupid, which is probably my most regrettable song to date. But I think a lot of those feelings just come in a really earnest way, and aren’t meant to particularly be a statement of society or political landscape or anything like that.”

Cromack tells X-Press about reading Anthony Kiedis’ autobiography, Scar Tissue. A particular passage struck him, when Kiedis took a political song to producer Rick Rubin, and Rubin told him to ‘roll with the songs about cars and girls’.“I’m not sure it’s the role of musicians to commentate on political stuff,” muses Cromack.“I feel like it’s more important that your role as an entertainer is to help people escape – you know, the banalities of everyday life, give them a sense of wonder and mystery.

I certainly, at this point in my life, want music that takes me away from all the everyday things.”

Climbing to the considerable level of fame that Ball Park have achieved in Australia over the past few years is laudable – but there are always unseen consequences for young bands. Refreshingly, Cromack gives X-Press a little insight. “I think the saddest thing is that you lose that ability to listen to music with that sense of wonder that you used to have. When I was younger you’d have totally bought into the whole rock’n’roll illusion of every single band that thought they were all geniuses,” he laughs.

“But now, especially when I listen to the radio or whatever, you don’t even hear the bands as musicians, sometimes you hear them as your competitors, and it sucks! I just listen to everything with such an analytical ear, so it’s really refreshing to put on some old records – jazz or funk – and not have to think about its significance within the music industry, but just to hear those musicians playing... and playing passionately.”

FEAR FACTORY Heavy Comfort

Industrial metal greats Fear Factory are touring Australia again this month with a special treat for fans. Playing their seminal Demanufacture album in full for the first time, guitarist Dino Cazares talks to JESSICA WILLOUGHBY ahead of their Perth show this Thursday, July 11, at Metro City.

It was Australia that first embraced Fear Factory in the ‘90s, giving the band their initial gold and silver records.

So the quartet thought it would be fitting to let fans down under experience in full the seminal album that got them so excited all those years ago, Demanufacture. “Burton (Bell, vocalist) and I had been talking about this for a while,” guitarist Dino Cazares says.“We originally planned to play it at the US 70,000 Tonnes Of Metal Cruise. That got a lot of response and many people wanted us to bring that on tour around the world. So we decided that if we were going to take it anywhere, we were going to take it to Australia first.

“Australia was the first country that Demanufacture went gold in. I still can’t believe we have a gold record in Australia; it’s just mind-blowing.”

Demanufacture, the second full-length from these American metallers, changed the game for many heavy bands when it was originally released in 1995. Following the underground success of their debut, Soul Of A New Machine, and 1993’s Faith Is

Fear Factory Photo: Stephanie Cabral A Mindkiller EP, Fear Factory began to “trim the fat” from their songwriting process – learning their power came from jackhammer drums, eerie atmospheric overlays and catchy hooks. This was also the time their longstanding ‘man-versus-machine’ lyrical theory came into play. “I believe that every band has a classic record in their collection,” Cazares says. “Like Metallica’s Master Of Puppets, Slayer’s Reign In Blood, Pantera’s Vulgar Display Of Power. The same way, Fear Factory has Demanufacture. For most people, that was the first album that they really got into.

“Burton and I wanted to create the ultimate hybrid of industrial metal. We both had so many different influences. From gothic and industrial to alternative music – the early Nirvana, Sub Pop era – all that stuff. Everything from Sepultura to death metal stuff. We just took bits of everything that we liked and created our own thing. It created a whole new genre.

“Demanufacture was the easiest album to write for us, but one of the most difficult records to record. We had a lot of things happen and it was a huge drama throughout the whole process. We started recording in Chicago in ‘94 and we were having a lot of problems with the studio. After spending an enormous amount of money, we had to switch studios. When we were at the other studio, we ended up firing the producer, Colin Richardson, as we felt that he didn’t see the vision that we saw. If we didn’t get rid of him, this record wouldn’t be what we wanted it to be.

“We then finished off with our friends, Rhys Fulber and Greg Reely. From then on, everything just seemed to click. I think the sounds and the tones really resonated with people for years and still do.”

THE COMMUNITY CHEST THE PAPER Hourly, Daily KITES Kick A Hole In The Sky

The Community Chest

On the back of their forthcoming The Paper Kites debut album, States, Melbourne’s The Paper Kites will soon hit the road album process, which is awesome.”

According to Bentley, this is more or less for their largest national tour to date, how the creative process pans out every time – not necessarily featuring excursions and set to see them play on Saturday, although two-week ambitions.

September 21, at the Fly By Night “Sam would write the majority of the lyrics, and sort of a rough shell to each song … then, he Club. SARA MATTSSON reports. brings it to the rest of us, and we then head in on a

a long time Kerimofski was shy about Adem Kerimofski (Adem K to his many his previousForaccomplishments and made a concerted fans and Facebook friends) has been effort for each of his bands to stand on their own two without any acknowledgement of his past. That has a stalwart on Perth stages since the feet ‘listening party’ as we call them, and listen to what recently changed with The Community Chest, and much The Paper Kites have just released St Clarity, the he’s come up with and normally workshop them ‘90s. As a fresh-faced chap he fronted of their advertising and branding now speaks of the fact first single from their debut LP, States, and the from there,” Bentley elaborates. “He works really hard the band features ‘Adem K from Turnstyle’. This is tune is starring French bubbler artist Sylvain behind the scenes doing our stuff, so we’re really one of the finest bands to come out of that Letuvée and directed by two-time ARIA winner fortunate to have him.” quite a shift for the unassuming frontman. our town in Turnstyle, as well as a swag “Being from the ‘90s I think a lot of people Natasha Pincus. The long-player, set for release in ARIA-winning producer Wayne Connolly this thing where there are a lot of really talented late August, has been highly anticipated not only helped the Kites craft their second EP, Young North, of others. CHRIS HAVERCROFT speaks have people from that era that could have had really healthy by fans but also by the indie-poppers themselves. and stayed on board for States. with Kerimofski about his latest band, music careers if they weren’t so self-deprecating. It was “An album as a musician is obviously a “It was like a mutual friendship straight dream, just to produce and get out there to the away,” Bentley says. “We were really happy to work of being a slacker.

The Community Chest, prior to the the ‘90s thing “I have been encouraged to try and sell it a public,” Drummer, Josh Bentley, says down the line with him, he’s like a father figure in the studio. He launch of a new album, Top Of The Hour, bit or I may as well just stay in my room and not put from Melbourne. Over the phone, he comes across as keeps us sane and is so great to work with, really easy out. I am embracing my past music a bit more. a rather down to earth guy, who happily talks away going and we look to him for a lot of wisdom.” on Saturday, July 13, at the Rosemount anything I think that I spent some years in the wilderness doing about the outfit’s present state with both album and Connolly, however, is not the only Hotel with guests The Ghost Hotel, some things that didn’t really interest me after Turnstyle. I tour on the horizon. professional soul who has advised the quintet After releasing the two EPs Woodland (2011) throughout recent years. The Kites have been I may not have been that true to myself and the music Flower Drums, Braves and Ten Bit Tonsil. felt may not have been that good. I am so pleased with this and Young North (2012), the band felt it was high time The Community Chest began as a stopgap for Adem Kerimofski when his other projects had slowed down and he was wanting to spend more time at home with his son.

Originally a solo project, it has evolved over the past few years into the full blown indierock dynamo that graces the stage today and is reflected on Top Of The Hour. “ This band has grown out of the two projects I was doing at the time,” explains Kerimofski of this solo project becoming a full band. “It is a combination of what Trevor (Cotton, drums) and I were doing together and what I was doing simultaneously with Dee (Kerimofski, vocals and percussion) and Pete (Yuncken, keys) so we just decided to combine the two. It made sense as they were sounding the same whether I was writing for my solo stuff or for (2009 release) When The Sky Fell.”

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album, that I am a little bit embarrassed about what I have done before this. I feel like I am evolving again.”

It comes as a bit of a shock that Top Of The Hour is the first time that Kerimofski has released anything on vinyl. For such and old school lo-fi rocker, you would figure that it would have been a medium that he had embraced from his first day in the studio. After this short run of vinyl has sold out the only way to get hold of the album will be through digital download unless ‘something unexpected happens’.

“I don’t see the point of doing a CD. I don’t think they are cherished anymore. I also find that vinyl is quite a social medium, as people sit around and listen to them. I am not saying that this is a party album, but I find that I like sitting down and listening to records with friends. It has nothing to do with getting older. I have just always been like that. I like vinyl as it is a tangible thing and that it feels valuable, whereas CDs don’t feel like they have that value anymore.”

for a long-player.

“We wanted to keep pushing on with new music,” Bentley says,“we didn’t wanted it to just die off.”

Work began on States late last year, when lead vocalist – and key songwriter – Sam Bentley (cousin of Josh) unveiled his idea of writing the entire LP within a fortnight.

“He headed away down for two weeks at a place, just in country Victoria. We call it The Shack, it’s like his little songwriting hub and he went down there for two weeks with the idea in his head that he wanted to write an album. Dave (Powys, guitar) went down for a bit as well and helped him out but we were like,‘it’s a bit crazy, it’s pretty hard to write an album in two weeks’ (laughs).”

Although Sam didn’t write the complete album there and then, he came pretty close. “His songwriting down there sort of really took off which is great,” Bentley says, “and it that started the whole

fortunate, to say the least, in touring with the likes of Josh Pyke, Boy & Bear and earlier this year, British Bombay Bicycle Club.

“We were very new to the whole touring experience,” Bentley says about their supporting jaunts in 2011 with Pyke and Boy & Bear.

“It really opened our eyes to what to expect hopefully for the future but also they gave us, you know, words of wisdom what not to do, what to do.

It’s really handy to and also really helpful as a young band to have people like that in the industry.”

And there’s more to come. In October, the group crosses waters to support City and Colour’s North America tour, followed by their own headlining shows. But first up, Australia’s expecting them. The States tour turns up in Perth on September 21, at Fly

By Night. Bentley promises something bigger and better this time.“We’re going a bit more all out on the production side of things bigger sound, bigger sort of features on the stage.”

X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

www.xpressmag.com.au

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X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

PORTUGAL. THE MAN Evil Friends

THE COMMUNITY CHEST Top Of The Hour

Atlantic/Warner

Gun Fever

Having steadily released six records over equally as many years, Portugal. The Man have this time taken us by surprise.

Not only did they wait two years — they also paired up with New York producer Brian ‘Danger Mouse’ Burton (Gnarls Barkley, Gorillaz, The Black Keys). Indeed, the psychedelic rockers sure go down a different path this time, and it’s one to be proud of.

The crafted end result, Evil Friends, is a quality 12-tracker containing a whole heap of honesty revealed through lead singer John Baldwin Gourley’s fine vocals. The album criss-crosses over genres, with elements of synth, acoustic, prog, punk and indie rock, and inevitably becomes a more mainstream and listening-friendly collection than previous outings. There are some rather catchy beat-ridden hooks (Purple, Yellow, Red & Blue; Modern Jesus; Atomic Man), beautiful ballads with handclaps (Sea of Air, Smile) as well as tracks more or less independently written without Dangermouse’s help (Hip Hop Kids).

Danger Mouse may have stated that he didn’t need another rock band collab, but the results are strong. All in all, Evil Friends showcases a more accessible — but a rather pleasant and experimental— piece of work by the Atlanta outfit.

Album #2 for The Community Chest sees ex-Turnstyle frontman Adem K land his crew directly between the thick, synthesised strangeness of Eno’s Here Come The Warm Jets and Grandaddy’s emotive, obtuse slackery, to great results.

Crowned with fuzz and cooing male/ female harmonies, hooks come thick and fast; Get Into The Rocket is pure pleasure centre, half-krautrock and half-Who, with a melody sort of like God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen on uppers. Cyclops Extreme is a brassy raveup, while the stately Car C sports astonishingly well-placed production (courtesy Laurie Sinagra).

Slowing down further, Blassphemy is a perfect tune, with an aching chorus that springs out of nowhere, while Anti-Lullaby might be the most delicate, moving thing he’s written. There’s abundant lyrical weirdness (anemones, rubber trees, I think I heard something about George Lazenby?), and the interplay of the band make the songs breathe and shake and wheeze on cue.

As the first album billed to the Community Chest as a band, there’s a palpable sense of warmth and assuredness that hums through the whole thing.

Like the best pop music, it’s crafted with detail, love and invention, and basically reaffirms the basic reasons why people still care about three minute songs played on guitars. Get on it!

_ SARA MATTSSON _ALEX GRIFFIN

AUGUST BURNS RED Rescue & Restore

STANDISH/CARLYON Deleted Scenes

Solid State/Shock Records

Chapter Music

Run by ex-Per th music enthusiast, Guy Blackman, Chapter Music has been lurking on the margins of indie labeldom for years, putting out release after release of very interesting stuff. Now, with tons of highly acclaimed releases recently (both new and reissues), Chapter has established itself as one of the biggest and best labels in Australia. And Standish/ Carlyon’s debut album, Deleted Scenes, firmly cements that statement.

This duo comprises of Conrad Standish and Tom Carlyon, both former members of Devastations.

Those familiar with that band might be in for a bit of surprise, as Deleted Scenes does not sound like a logical continuation of 2008’s Yes, U. However, both bands share some similar darker, melancholic atmospheres.

In the case of Standish/Carlyon the melancholy is wrapped in, at first glance, a strange amalgam of minimal wave, R’n’B and dub, with a healthy dose of falsetto vocals. The songs are structured in a way that there is no build up, no epic culminations of orgasmic kinds. Yet it is the heartbreaking atmosphere only revealed upon repeated listening to this album, that makes it such an amazing release.

On their sixth album, metalcore five piece August Burns Red have responded to the collective effor ts of their peers with a resounding ‘pah’. They’ve ‘branched out’ and pushed their sound in ‘new directions’, because according to them “the genre of metalcore has become the equivalent of insanity... doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different result.”

It’s easy to be skeptical as to how far they’ve really ‘branched out’. While on their latest outing they have arguably transcended the metalcore genre in some ways – utilising a host of orchestral instruments to contrast the acerbic fury of Jake Luhr’s vocal onslaught – it’s just not the groundbreaking material they’ve promised. Nonetheless, ABR have still delivered a solid record; stand out tracks Treatment and the oriental-flavoured Creative Captivity are worth multiple listens.

It’s disappointing that Rescue & Restore doesn’t come close to eclipsing 2011’s much-lauded Leveler; but if ABR stop thumbing their nose at the genre that got them where they are today, perhaps their next record will.

_ ELLIE HUTCHINSON _ PREDRAG DELIBASICH

KIRIN J CALLINAN Embracism Siberia Records/Remote Control

Vulpes Vulpes are a fourpiece indie rock outfit from New South Wales. Touted as a post punk, indie mix with a dash of American rock’n’roll, the band have recently begun a relentless touring schedule to promote the release of their EP. Vol-pez Vol-pez opens with The Man With Dirty Shoes and effectively sets the tone for the release. It is fast paced, gritty and we get our first taste of Timothy Allen’s gravelly vocal musings, which combine equal parts of ambivalence and passion, giving a strangely dangerous edge to the overall sound. Call It Fine combines powerful guitar riffs and catchy bass tones. The band’s single, Mirrorvine, builds slowly with brooding spoken lyrics leading to complex guitars. Complacency is an upbeat rock’n’roll track, which continues showcasing the vocals and guitar riffs which really define the band and their sound. Lastly, The Struggle Of The Pieces, with its up tempo beat and gritty guitar riffs round off the EP, and the haunting vocals kick around the brain long after it is over.

Produced by Dave Hammer, the band’s sound is a far cry from what one might expect to come out of NSW, sounding more at home on the streets of London. This debut is strong and definitely worth a listen.

Embracism is an album o f e x t r e m e p o l a r i t y.

Thematically, it can be incongruous at times, as if the songs were forged from a mutation of dualistic elements; a plane in which aggression, machismo and sexual ambiguity exist as one.

Glossy dance production, courtesy of Kim Moyes of Presets, sits in contrast to the affected ‘ocker’ vocals of Callinan. In theory these elements should not co-exist, but Embracism is not your average record. Opener Halo journeys into synth-pop territory whilst title track Embracism is a reflection on masculinity and the physical, the manly sub bass/ synth combination acting like a call to arms for men.

In contrast Victoria M is straight-laced pop. Its silky strings augment the cheesy ‘80s feel, making this catchy ballad an album highlight.

Scraps is a tinkering, chimey escapade of regret; it’s lyric, ‘I don’t regret what I have done/You broke me, so I broke you back’ could just as easily be about a girl, boy or an automobile. Stretch It Out continues the corporal theme like a deranged version of Olivia Newton John’s Physical, whilst Way II War, with its sinister accompanying clip, is a challenging opus of grim synth lines and distorted, repetitive vocals.

Way II War is the album’s tour de force; the line ‘nobody knows’ sits uncomfortably beneath a veil of industrial bleeps and guitar feedback, repeating over and over as if changing meaning with each utterance. Embracism shows Kirin J Callinan exploring the dualism of masculine identity, in a framework uniquely his own.

_ DAISY LYTHE

_ CASSANDRA KIELY

VULPES VULPES Vol-pez Vol-pez Independent

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DIPLOMA OF SPECIALIST MAKEUP This course is a must for those that are serious about pursuing a professional career in specialist makeup. It equips artists with specialist knowledge and skills in bridal, glamour, photographic, theatre, period, special effects, television, film and fashion makeup. This includes old age makeup, air brushing, crepe wool hair, prosthetics, bruising, burns, bullet wounds, body painting, face painting, hair styling for makeup artists, managing of projects and much more. Students are supplied with a full set of professional makeup brushes, all text books, products, equipment and resources included in the course cost.

Course Duration: 22 weeks – three days per week.

Accreditation: Nationally recognised qualification at diploma level.

Course Cost: $5,550 upfront on enrolment or $5,950 on a payment plan.

Austudy: Austudy approved.

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CERTIFICATE II IN HAIRDRESSING This is an entry level qualification into the exciting world of hairdressing. With this qualification you can work under supervision in a hair salon as a salon assistant or utilise this qualification as a stepping stone into a hairdressing apprenticeship.

Functions in this qualification involve blow-drying, setting, long hair styling, colour application and removal, braiding, shampoo, treatments and massage services, communication skills, resume writing, interviewing skills and more. Students are supplied all products, equipment and resources.

Course Duration: 14 weeks – three days per week.

Accreditation: Nationally recognised qualification Certificate II level.

Course Cost: $3,000 upfront on enrolment or $3,300 on a payment plan.

Austudy: Austudy approved.

CHECK THIS WHERE: Albany Highway, Bentley PHONE: 9356 2269 EMAIL: info@waacademy.com ENROL ONLINE: waacademy.com

X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

SCORE MORE BY UNDERSTANDING MUSIC MORE Duncan Lorien has been teaching music since he was eight years of age and now brings us The Understanding Music Seminar, a three day course aimed at demystifying the complexities of learning music.

UNDERSTANDING MUSIC SEMINAR KNOWN FOR: Teaching people how to read and play music in just three days.

COURSE OUTLINE: Complete novices to aspiring musicians can learn notes, chords, scales, blues and jazz improvisation and reading music on both keyboard and guitar, in one intensive three day seminar. Delivered in over 20 countries worldwide, with in excess of 30,000 graduates globally, the Understanding Music Seminar has been described as a comprehensive, accessible and powerful music tuition program. It’s delivered by an accomplished musician and producer, who has personally tutored some of the world’s most well-known musicians.

STUDY OPTIONS: Three day intensive hands-on workshop with follow-up 100 day home lesson plan and instructional DVD. COURSE DATES: September 13 -15.

NEED TO ENROL: By Friday, August 30.

WEBSITE FOR MORE INFO: understandingmusicseminar.com.au

Why is your course recommended for beginners?

Because it provides a broad-based approach to music education that is free of intimidating musical jargon and provides immediate hands-on exercises for a ‘fast-win’. For example, first-time music students will learn all their notes on the keyboard and guitar in about 30 minutes or so, all their major and minor scales and chords in just a few minutes. This is not just in theory; beginners will actually be able to play these things, in this amount of time.

Do you need to have a particular instrument in mind, or is this general musical training?

The seminar is based around the two most popular Western musical instruments – the keyboard and guitar. But everything learnt in the seminar can be applied to any instrument. What is not commonly understood about music is that all Western musical instruments are based on the keyboard and no matter what you want to play, you will learn that instrument faster and be more adept at it if you simultaneously learn the keyboard. Music theory for example, is understood many times faster on keyboard than any other instrument and that understanding can be transferred to another instrument. explain everything clearly and simply, so people can be reading and playing music in just one day What are some of the hardest things that people of the seminar. For example, we show everyone in usually struggle with when trying to teach the seminar why the most commonly recognised themselves how to read music? musical symbol in the world, isn’t actually a musical Trying to learn to read music is like symbol at all! trying to learn another language, where you don’t even recognise the symbols – like an English There is an improvisation element to the course. person trying to learn Chinese for example. The How does that play out? symbols, the complex system of counting notes The biggest confusion in music comes and the terminology used are all very hard to from the mistaken belief that the subject is based understand for beginners and especially those on a series of rules. Classically trained musicians trying to teach themselves. But in our seminar we have this drummed into them from day one and

www.xpressmag.com.au

Duncan Lorien teaching a class they find it the hardest to break free and just start improvising. Our seminar demonstrates that music is actually not based on rules at all, but agreements.

For example, the amen used in Christian churches for thousands of years is one of the most powerful agreements in music that still affects it to this day.

When you understand this, you suddenly realise that improvisation is simply using the agreements that already exist in music, which are very powerful, and using them to make up new music, that people will like, because it is based on agreements which everyone already subscribes to.

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X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

Musical water coloured memories: Bruna Chiovitti and San Cisco’s Scarlett Stevens at Mojos, circa 1997 Photo: Toni Wilkinson

While she heads up the team that organises Hidden Treasures, Bruna Chiovitti has long been a champion of music and the arts in Fremantle - in band management, venue work and label promotion - a factor which makes her uniquely qualified to program this soulful annual event.

It’s a sense of the past giving to the future and all that happens along the way.

“Music is intrinsic in the fabric of Fremantle,” Chiovitti notes, “it always has been. Musicians have always been supported, been able to find a place to play and an audience to listen to them.

“Bands from the past have always provided inspiration and their music is difficult to pigeonhole as they tried so many things. Bands from the past blazed a path so the bands of today have places to play and goals to aspire to.

“Thank God for Bon Scott and Kim Salmon and Lucky Oceans, and for all the wonderful musicloving people who call Fremantle home, for encouraging

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their kids to play music and for taking them to shows.

Now these kids are forming bands and making music and they are really good. We’re really fortunate to have, bands like Blue Lucy, Billie Rogers, Tom Fisher, and Leon Osborn this year. The salute to the past ensures the future is bright.”

As such there’s many factors mind when programming each year’s Hidden Treasures bill, with a certain Freo spirit running throughout and within.

“We’re always conscious of providing a platform for Fremantle artists,” Chiovitti says, “whether they’re young and upcoming, or have been playing for years, to play at a unique festival celebrating Fremantle, music and our place within it.

“The program this year is particularly Freocentric, nearly all of the artists are from Fremantle, I am really proud of that. There are many differing styles of music on offer - live drum and bass from Pimps of Sound featuring the wonderful Milly James, The Blue Leis features Fremantle favourites Lucy Lemann and Sophie Gare of the Jam Tarts and an all-star band playing their unique brand of music. Leon Osborn played his first Fremantle festival at Norfolk Lanes as a teenager. Still a teenager, Leon has travelled the world and is back with his beats and sounds that cannot go unnoticed.

“Tim Mac is a Fremantle musical icon at Mills Records by day peddling the coolest music that you

have to hear, then with Sam Cutri is Mama Says Yes, an electro band making waves internationally and still relatively unknown in their home town.

“Bass Reflex is a 16 year-old I discovered last year, he went to John Curtin Senior High school, same school as Bon Scott and Eskimo Joe, he plays dub-step for all ages, it’s pretty cool. There is a space-pop band, country, folk, fuzz, roots and funk... and then some. These Fremantle musicians keep it interesting to say the least!”

The four venues utilised during Hidden Treasures also open up another side of Fremantle that a lot of people may not normally encounter. It’s another important aspect.

“The West End of Fremantle is one of those places that no matter how many times you visit, there’s always something new to see,” Chiovitti reflects.

“The Buffalo Club, Navy Club and Workers Club are undiscovered by most people, so they fit in beautifully with our Hidden Treasures theme of uncovering and using secret spaces right in our backyard. These clubs have had music in them over the years; the festival brings a whole new audience, and this injection of people, music and activity, is a way for the clubs to reach a newer, younger membership and a way for them to survive.

“Merenda Gallery is an indigenous art gallery located in a gorgeous old building in the West End, it’s

lovely to see the space transformed into a unique venue for special intimate shows. Hidden Treasures is about making musical discoveries in different places and I really feel there is a place for all the venues to continue if they’re supported by new generations of Fremantle people.”

And just as music is an ever-evolving thing that Fremantle embraces in its own inimitable way, Hidden Treasures remains forward-thinking. The past informs the future, as always.

“To continue to develop the mentor aspect of the event, this year we have Donna Simpson of The Waifs working with young musicians,” Chiovitti says. “Hopefully, we can expand this in future years to more acts working with young musicians. It would be wonderful to see more unique collaborations, there are a large group of incredibly talented women in Fremantle and I would love to see an all star female ensemble, I just love seeing chicks rock out!

“We’re always looking for unique spaces to fill with music, any opportunity to provide a stage for Fremantle music is what we hope to do.”

Hidden Treasures continues in Fremantle’s West End every Thursday until July 25. For full details head to fremantle.wa.gov.au/festivals. _ BOB GORDON

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John Robertson

HA DE HA HA Marthe Snorresdotter Rovik

REGARDING HENRIK

CAL PECK AND THE TRAMPS Someone Else’s Home

After a long, long wait, old school rockers Cal Peck And The Tramps release their eponymous debut album, this Friday, July 12, at Devilles Pad, with support from Rag n’ Bone. We caught up with main man Cal Peck ahead of the gig.

Cal Peck and his faithful Tramps have been a constant presence in Perth’s live music scene for the past five-odd years, bringing their trademark Buddy Holly meets Muddy Waters garage blues to pretty much every decent venue in town. Yet while they’ve been a perennial live presence, a full length album release has been a long time coming. The causes for the delay, as Peck explains to us, are more familial than musical.

“The main reason behind the long period is mainly down to funding,” he tells us. “Along with some outside of music influences - mainly the birth of my beautiful new son.”

Well, fair enough - far be it from us to drag a man away from his family. Still, Peck and company did manage to get into the studio with Andy Lawson at Debaser often enough to put together the new album. Tramps fans have heard some of the tracks before - Cinnamon, Bump D’Bump and Break Out, all of which have seen the light of day in one form or another, all feature on the album - but this is a full 14 tasty tracks of Peck. The man himself admits to enjoying the recording process immensely.

“This was definitely my favourite recording session I have been a part of,” he says. “We still kept

Director Renato Fabretti and Norwegian actor Marthe Snorresdotter Rovik strip down Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler only to build a leaner, fiercer machine in this new production at The Blue Room Theatre. Hedda Cal Peck And The Tramps attempts to get back to elements that Rovik believes the rawness we love by tracking the music live, but have been lost from the original Norwegian text, and we allowed enough time to really nail each song. We purports to be a take on the character and narrative also tried to keep a really relaxed atmosphere during that is markedly different from what English-speaking tracking by filling the studio with R’n’B and garage audiences are accustomed to. It runs from August records playing on a small portable turntable. We also 13 - 31. Go to blueroom.org.au for more. spent some more time than usual on overdubs and mixing which was also a new thing for the Tramps!”

For all that, the actual writing of the material was a fairly no-nonsense process, with Peck laying the groundwork before the rest of the band put meat on the song’s bones. “The writing process for these songs was pretty similar. I would write the lyrics and guitar parts and bring them to band and we would then work on the complete song together.”

Generally speaking, the songs remained largely unchanged from conception through to Dead Man execution, but there was the odd exception. “The main song that changed during the recording process was Just One Thing. It started off as basic blues track and through the recording process it This Saturday, June 13, fans of Neil Young, Jim Jarmusch, took on a life of its own and became very different William Blake and even Johnny Depp are advised to to how I originally thought of the song - but make their way to Moana Cafe to hear Sean O’Neill and Ben Witt perform Young’s haunting score to Jarmusch’s definitely for the better.”

Once the launch show is out of the way, 1995 existential Western, Dead Man. Doors open at Peck has no plans to slow down. Having recently 7pm, the performance starts at 9, and tickets are $15 racked up some shows in Melbourne courtesy of their plus booking fee from moshtix.com.au. label, Off The Hip Records, the current strategy is keep on the road as much as possible. “We would like to head to regional Western Australia before heading Tonight, Wednesday July 10, point yourself towards back over east for some more shows over there.”

Leederville’s The Good Shepherd for round one of The As long as they’re playing more gigs in ArtGames, an attempt to bring the disparate facets of Perth sooner rather than later, that’s just fine with us. Perth’s art world together. Presented by Art Lab, it’s a series of fun games, competitions and collaborations. _ TRAVIS JOHNSON This round sees Mike D take on Girrl Toyy from 8pm.

DANCING WITH THE DEAD

ART IS A GAME

Tonight, Wednesday, July 10, is your last chance to catch local comedy superstar John Robertson before he bunks off to the UK for a good long while. He’s headlining at HaHas at YaYa’s, with support from Andrea Gibbs, Des Pondent and Sean Conway, while Michael Goldstein handles MC duties. Doors open at 8pm, tickets are $12 from trybooking.com, $15 on the door.

THE CROW ROAD

Monday, June 17, head to Crow Books in East Vic Park for an evening of live poetry recital. Coral Carter, Julie Watts, Jackson and Indigo Eli will be reading some of their newer works. Entry is free from 7pm and light refreshments will be provided.

Go to proximitypoetry.com for further information.

Jana Vodessil-Baruffi, Permanent Impressions

WOMEN ON THE WALLS

In her new exhibition, Permanent Impressions, painter Jana Vodesil-Baruffi honours the contributions and achievements of Western Australian women in a series of 50 portraits. Each of the works, which include depictions of Lisa Scaffidi, Fiona Wood, Kate Lamont and more, was created in 24 hours using oil paints.

It runs from July 13 - 28, and entry is by gold coin donation to the Leukemia Foundation.

VINCENT ON VIDEO

The ninth incarnation of the City of Vincent Film Project is now calling for entries. Created by the City and the Film and Television Institute, every year the project commissions a series of short films set in, or about, Vincent. Those who get the nod will receive $4000 in funding, as well as $1000 worth of equipment hire from FTI. To make your pitch, head to vincent.wa.gov.au.

The Heat

THE HEAT

Simmer Sauce Directed by Paul Feig Starring Sandra Bullock, Melissa McCarthy, Michael Rappaport, Marlon Wayans, Michael McDonald, Skylar and Tylar.

Straight off the bat, The Heat is nothing more than entertainment. It’s not trying to enrich your life, deepen your fundamental understanding of the universe or help you progress toward enlightenment.

It’s purpose is to make you laugh, and The Heat is old-school laugh-out-loud funny.

The premise is tried-and-true: ambitious, uptight, by-the-book FBI agent is forced to work with a foul-mouthed, violent, maverick cop in order to stop a master criminal. Along the way, they learn about themselves, overcome internal and external obstacles, catch the bad guy (no that’s not a spoiler) and end up as firm friends and better people. Or something.

What is not tried-and-true is for both characters to be women. And it’s not just a gimmick - although it is what makes the film worth watching.

The Heat is full of dialogue and jokes that you wouldn’t (or couldn’t) get in a men-with-guns movie.

Not that this film lacks guns. Or knives. And in one instance, a hilarious tracheotomy.

Written by Katie Dippold (Writer/producer for Parks And Recreation), the script succeeds in its portrayal of two differently ambitious and tough women trying to win in a ‘man’s world,’ limited only by their entirely dysfunctional personalities.

Sandra Bullock doesn’t have the widest 22

range as an actor, but she knows it and is dependably solid. She draws deeply on that tough but goofy, reluctantly feminine character we’ve seen her play in Miss Congeniality, in addition to her knack for physical comedy - but she is bankable.

Mainly, she provides the perfect ‘straight man’ for Melissa McCarthy, who is completely off the hook. Imagine Lethal Weapon with Riggs played by John Candy instead of Mel Gibson and you’re sort of halfway there.

Their interactions are funny not only in terms of ‘forced odd couple’ pairing, but also the completely down-to-earth way they address their own identities. For men, there will be those ‘I knew it’ moments when secret women’s business turns out to be a whole lot like secret men’s business.

And for women... well, the theatre was full of laughter, some of which was deliciously evil in tone. Represent.

The film also spor ts a pretty solid supporting cast, all of whom play it reasonably safe - none moreso than Michael Rappaport (True Romance) who will always play the dumb Irish fuckup. Cameos from the cast of Veep (Armando Iannucci’s American version of The Thick Of It) add flavour without distracting from the main action.

In short, The Heat pulls off a rarity with two strong female leads who can play for laughs without compromise while retaining their dignity.

Even better, it does so without any sense of a forced gender agenda. Also, special tip of the hat to Skylar and Tylar, appearing as ‘Pumpkin’, simply for being genuine ginger cat monsters. _ SABIAN WILDE X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

Pacific Rim

PACIFIC RIM Real Steel

Directed by Guillermo del Toro Starring Charlie Hunnam, Rinko Kikuchi, Idris Elba, Charlie Day, Ron Perlman How much you enjoy Guillermo del Toro’s robots vs. monsters epic depends wholly on how in touch you are with your inner 10 year old. If you’re actually lucky enough to be that age, or a couple of years either side, you’re pretty much going to lose your goddamn mind.

In the near future, Earth is menaced by Kaiju - giant alien monsters who come crawling out of dimensional rift in the Pacific seabed. After conventional weapons have a hard time putting down the gargantuan beasts - and several cities are flattened - we hit upon the idea of building giant robots, called Jaegers, to go toe to toe with the Kaiju.

And we’re off to the races.

Stripped down to its simplest form, Pacific Rim sounds dumb, but so does every fantasy film - realism isn’t the point here. Drawing on a diverse range of influences - Japanese giant monster flicks and anime, apocalyptic cyberpunk fiction, Top Gun and Star Wars, among others - del Toro produces that rare kind of cinematic alchemy that manages to combine its ingredients into something archetypal rather than clichéd. The emotions in play are broad but heartfelt, the characters - including Charlie Hunnam’s reluctant hero, Idris Alba’s stern commanding officer and Charlie day’s eccentric scientist - are all instantly recognisable types, the

plot perfunctory but serviceable - and all this is for the betterment of the film.

Recent blockbusters - Star Trek Into Darkness being the most obvious example - have mistaken obfuscation for complexity and dourness for maturity; Pacific Rim goes in exactly the opposite direction. The stakes are well defined, the objectives of the characters are clear, and the action... ...oh, the action.

In terms of scale, the ante for set pieces has been upped every year since, picking an arbitrary point, James Cameron wrecked the Titanic back in ‘97. Already this year we’ve had the incredible - and joyless - destruction wrought in Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel, but Pacific Rim makes that film’s buildinglevelling battles look like a second string MMA undercard match. Here we have opponents the size of skyscrapers smacking seven shades of spit out of each other, and while plenty of real estate is devalued in the process, the effect is thrilling. Man of Steel is disaster porn. Pacific Rim is truly heroic.

And that, perhaps is why it succeeds where so many recent blockbusters have failed, or at the very least fumbled. From Batman Begins onward, event cinema has been dominated by the wrongheaded notion that spectacle needs to be justified by a kind of sophomoric seriousness, and that heroes must be plagued by doubt and guilt and neurosis. It may be filled with nightmarish monsters, tough choices and heroic sacrifices, but Pacific Rim is the purest expression of heroism to come along in a long, long time. Comparisons to Star Wars are not made lightly; an entire generation of kids is about to have their cultural DNA completely rewired, and that’s a very good thing. _ TRAVIS JOHNSON

Reality

REALITY

La Realta Morde Directed by Matteo Garrone Starring Aniello Arena, Raffaele Ferrante, Loredana Simioli, Nando Paone Having stunned audiences with his towering and magisterial 2008 crime thriller, Gomorrah, Italian director Matteo Garrone confounds expectations by offering up this slight but amiable take on the cult of celebrity.

Our hero in this modern day temptation fable is Luciano, played by middle-aged newcomer Aniello Arena. A simple fishmonger who enjoys working with his business partner, Michele (Nando Patone), spending time with his wife, Maria (Loredana Simioli), their kids and their stereotypical sprawling extended family, and dressing up in drag and clowning around for his friends at parties and gatherings.

It’s that nascent class clown impulse that begins to grow into something more powerful and more selfish after Luciano encounters Enzo (Raffaele Ferrante), an instant celebrity courtesy of the Italian version of Big Brother (or, if you prefer, Grande Fratello).

He allows his kids to convince him to audition for the next season of the infamous reality show and, after what appears to be a successful first round interview in Rome, returns to Naples, where he becomes convinced that agents of the television have him under constant surveillance as part of their vetting process. Slowly but surely, hi grip on reality begins to slip. www.xpressmag.com.au

Make no mistake, this is well turned earth.

The area where television, celebrity, voyeurism and identity collide has been extensively explored in the past, both successfully - Peter Weir’s The Truman Show - and unsuccessfully - Ron Howard’s EDtv - and, when you get right down to it, Reality doesn’t add a whole lot to the conversation. What success it does have is in the performance and characterisation of Arena’s Luciano who, in his growing desperation for recognition and celebrity, combines elements of both De Niro’s monstrously untalented Rupert Pupkin in The King Of Comedy and, to a lesser degree, Ellen Burstyn’s tragic Sara Goldfarb, who destroys herself in her pursuit of similar goals in Requiem For A Dream. Arena gives an excellent, fearless performance, and it’s honestly surprising that this is the first time we’ve seen him in front of the camera.

The key problem is that Reality’s message never quite hits home as hard as it should. . The barbs it aims at celebrity culture are never sharp enough and Luciano, even at the final extremes of his increasingly overwhelming delusions, is never quite tragic enough a figure. It’s true that the film’s cultural trappings, redolent of the garishness of Italian television and expressing more than a hint of Fellini, might be new to the average punter, but it’s doubtful that the average punter would go out of their way to see this. For most, this is, surface details aside, nothing we haven’t seen before. It’s not a terrible film by any means - although a good 20 minutes could drop to the cutting room floor without losing anything crucial - but it’s certainly not essential viewing. _ TRAVIS JOHNSON 23

Sam Longley (centre rear) and The Big HOO-HAA troupe - photo by Andrew Bell Perth Roller Hockey League

PERTH ROLLER HOCKEY LEAGUE Game On!

Somewhere in a neighbourhood near you, two teams of enthusiastic young people will be strapping on their pads and rollerblades to play a game of roller hockey, not just in their spare time, but as part of a league with round robin tournaments and championships to be won. We speak to Perth Roller Hockey League founder Eamonn Lourey about the league and that anyone can join, as long as they have rollerblades and a flat piece of ground to play on.

For Eamonn Lourey, it was as an outdoors loving youth that began his growing interest in hockey, particularly that of the roller variety.

“I grew up as a kid in the ‘90s just before the time computer games became cheap and accessible. Only a few kids had Playstations or Nintendos so all my mates used to get our kicks outdoors riding bikes, rollerblading, playing sport etc.

This turned into us playing some pickup roller hockey after school. It was extremely fun though as none of us were any better at it than any others, whereas if we played footy or soccer some of us would dominate the others and it was no fun.”

It would be a while though before the idea to form a league would coalesce for Lourey.

“For a long time hockey wasn’t a part of my life. I started watching it on Foxtel and enjoyed it, went to a few Perth Thunder (Perth’s ice hockey team) games

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and enjoyed that. Then I found a hockey stick in an op shop and told my friends. They all played roller hockey as kids and like ice hockey now and were keen to have a hit. The interest was so large I started a league. The idea of the league is basically an organised version of pickup sport just like mates playing 3 on 3 basketball at their local park.”

“The league is completely DIY. Anyone can start a team based in a suburb of Perth. Pick a flat piece of rollerblade-able land in your suburb as your home rink, we recommend primary school basketball courts, car parks that aren’t used on Sundays. A lot of teams have drawn team logos and some are going to make DIY hockey jerseys. Equipment side of things, we can help with where to get sticks and skates. The league is going to be 4 on 4 with an open net. This is to emphasise skills rather than brutality. No goalie and milk crate goals means no slap shots will be needed reducing the risk of injury. Each team is going to have 3 home games and then have 3 away games.

The last weekend will be a bumper round robin weekend. So each team will get 9 games in a season.

Playoffs will follow that which we will probably try turn into an event if we get enough numbers.”

An important reason to start a league, says Lourey, is to rebuild a sense of community in the outer suburbs. “There is no reason to love your neighbourhood other than because that’s where you live. Playing roller hockey with your mates from your hood will help bring back some community pride. Our motto is ‘Bleed for your ‘Burb’. No blood will actually be spilled though,” laughs Lourey. _ LIAM DUNN

Sam Longley (centre rear) and The Big HOO-HAA troupe - photo(centre

by Andrew Bell Sam Longley rear) and The Big HOO-HAA troupe - photo by Andrew Bell

THE BIG HOO-HAA Sam Longley

Longley brought together disparate forms of improv that he had encountered over the years to create a fresh and exciting new show. “It’s a bit of a combination of everything. While I was in Chicago I saw a massive amount of improv shows and, of course, I had my theatre sports background, so I took all the bits of my favourite shows and put it all together in a different way. So it works as short format games like you’ll see on Whose Line Is It Anyway? and mixes that with longer format games.”

It is the human element, Longley believes, which draws people to come and see the shows.

“They love watching other people fail. Firstly they say ‘Wow, you’re incredible!’ and then when you fail they go ‘Ha ha, sucked in - you’re human after all!’ and both times they’re laughing and because we ask for audience suggestions and there’s a lot of call and response they feel like they’re part of the show, because they are. Without an audience it’s all just a form of masturbation. When you go see a stand-up comedian, unless they’re insanely prolific you’re going to see the same set over and over and over again. It’ll still be a good set it’ll still make you laugh but you’ve heard the jokes before. Every show is different, and we have fans that have been coming literally for ten years and some of them have turned into players and some just keep coming back to watch and love it.”

Perth’s premiere improv comedy night, The Big HOO-HAA, celebrates its 11th birthday at the Fly

By Night Club in Fremantle on Saturday, July 13.

Creator and director Sam Longley to us about the show, and why audiences love improv comedy.

After performing for years as an actor/ comedian in and around Perth, it was a trip to the improv comedy Mecca of Chicago that changed Longley’s approach to the form.

“It was wonderful, it was great, it was inspiring.” he tells us.“I learnt a huge amount. I’ve sort of learnt even more since I got back. It was a really good starting off point to the awesome and varied world of improv. I’d gotten very formulaic theatre sports - this is the games we play, this is how we do it so on and so forth - then going to Chicago, I’m doing things very differently; it was just eye-opening. Then coming back and teaching that, it really solidified all of that training.”

After Chicago, Longley cultivated a desire to take improv and theatre sports to the next level in his home town of Perth. In 2002, The Big HOO-HAA was born. “When I came back I decided what Perth needed was a weekly improv comedy show, and so I got together a bunch of very talented actor/ comedian friends and came up with a format and we started performing it. We had three rehearsals I think The Big HOO-HAA is at the Fly By Night on July 13 before our first show down at the Fremantle Hotel from 8.30pm.Tickets are $25 and can be purchased and surprisingly a hundred people showed up and from flybynight.org or ticketek.com.au. _ LIAM DUNN it’s been going ever since.”

X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

VISUAL ARTS For the Shadows Fall: OK Gallery A solo exhibition by Trevelyan Clay. Runs until July 12.

Go to oktachoron.com for details.

Pictures Of Us: Victoria Park Centre for the Arts This selection of portraits from the Tandy-Bromfield collection is on display until July 17. Go to vicparkarts.com.au for details.

Cirkos: Buratti Fine Art The new collection by renowned occult artist Barry William Hale is on display until July 18. Head to buratti. com.au for details.

Notes Toward A Universal Language: Paper Mountain This collection of installation, text and drawing-based pieces plays with elements of language, communication and the inherent human need to connect. Paper Mountain co-director Anna Dunhill’s solo exhibition runs until July 21. Go to papermountain.org.au for more.

The Landscape of Being: Fremantle Arts Centre The first solo show in WA by Victorian painter Helen Maudsley runs until July 21. Go to fac.org.au for further information.

A Day is Longer Than a Year: Fremantle Arts Centre A site-specific installation by NSW artist Michaela Gleave based on the use of light. On display until July 21. Go to fac.org.au for details.

Umpire: Spectrum Project Space An exhibition of new paintings by Ben Waters, Torsten Knorr and Laurie Smith that tackles notions of abstraction. It runs until July 28. Go to ecu.edu.au for more details.

Take 12: Fremantle Arts Centre An exhibition of video works by young people inspired by contemporary pieces from the City of Fremantle Art Collection. It runs until August 18. Go to fac.org. au for more.

Secrets of the Afterlife: The Western Australian Museum This collection of over 100 Egyptian artefacts from the British Museum collection - including two mummies! - explores ancient attitudes to life after death. The exhibition runs until September 22. Go to museum.wa.gov.au for more.

www.xpressmag.com.au

Riley (the cow): Fremantle Arts Centre A look at the central character that has dominated the work of Perth artist Rachel Salmon-Loams for the past 18-odd years. It runs from July 27 September 15. Go to fac.org.au for more.

The Visitors: Buratti Fine Arts A film installation by Lawrence English, presented as part of The Revelation Film Festival. Runs from July 1214. Go to buratti.com.au for more.

Other Desert Cities: The State Theatre Centre Continuing their excellent 2013 season, The Black Swan State Theatre Company presents Jon Robin Baitz’s story of family, secrecy and emotional brinkmanship. The play runs from July 20 - August 4. Go to bsstc.com.au for information and tickets.

Timeless Paradise: Elements Art Gallery This collection of paintings by Perth artist Jeremy Holton runs from July 25 - August 13. Visit Swan Lake: His Majesty’s Theatre The renowned St Petersburg Ballet Theatre presents elementsartgasllery.com.au for details.

Tchaikovsky’s beautiful and moving ballet, Swan Lake.

Beyond The Pale - Hits From Australia’s Top Rock The season runs from July 31 - August 8. Tickets are available from ticketek.com.au Poster Studio: Fremantle Arts Centre This fascinating tour through the history of rock art runs from July 27 - September 15. Go to fac.org.au for further info.

The Barefoot Fiddler and the Australian Chamber Black Cat And Beyond... Diatribe Of The Squeegee: Orchestra: Perth Concert Hall Fremantle Arts Centre Patricia Kopatchinskaja leads the ACO for one A collection of political posters crafted by Black Cat/ performance only on July 24. Go to ticketek.com.au Riley (the cow) Gato Negro, an anarchist collective formed in New York for bookings.

City in the late ‘70s. It runs from July 27 - September Van Gogh, Dali and Beyond - The World Reimagined: 15. Go to fac.org.au for further details.

The Whitlams and the Western Australian Symphony Art Gallery of WA The third exhibition in AGWA’s MoMA Series Strangers In My Palace: Heathcote Museum and Orchestra: Perth Concert Hall Performances August 30 - 31. Go to waso.com.au for encompasses works from Vincent Van Gogh, Paul information and bookings.

Cezanne, Richard Long, Frida Kahlo and more. The Art Gallery exhibition runs until Dec 2. Go to artgallery.wa.gov.au This exhibition by Helen Seiver runs until August 17.

Head to melvillecity.com.au/heathcote for further for further information. information.

Little Paintings, Big Stories: Lawrence Wilson Art Perth Winter Arts Season: Various Locations Gallery Over 200 events are planned, encompassing film, Runs until December 14. comedy, cabaret, opera, literature, dance, music and fine arts. The season runs until August 31. Head to Hypotheticals Part II: Free Range Gallery perthwinterarts.com.au for more information.

An exploration of hypothetical and speculative Cats: The Regal Theatre scenarios curated by Emma Buswell and Oliver Hull, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s beloved musical runs from including works from Josh Hart, Joseph Buckley, Leah July 11 - 20. Go to ticketek.com.au for session times Revelation Film Festival: Luna Leederville, Cinema Paradiso, Luna on SX Beeferman, David Attwood, Shannon Lyons, Ben Rodin, and bookings.

A whole host of the edgiest, most experimental and Reece York and Rachael Guinness. It runs until July 28. downright outré films from every far-flung corner of Go to freerange.org.au for details.

Ballet Revolucion: Crown Theatre the globe will be on offer, as well as the best local The acclaimed Cuban dance troupe appears from July Modern Masters Series - Picasso 347Series: Elements 30 - August 4. Go to balletrevolucion.com.au for more. content and the RevCon academic program. It runs until July 14. Head to revelationfilmfest.org for details.

Art Gallery A series of erotically charged etchings created by Pablo I’m Your Man: PICA 2013 Russian Resurrection Film Festival: Cinema Picasso in 1968. The exhibition runs until July 21. Head This performance piece from Roslyn Oades lifts Paradiso to elementsartgallery.com for further information. the lid on the world of boxing. From July 24 - 27.

This pan-genre showcase of the best contemporary Go to pica.org.au for more. alitura: Heathcote Museum and Art Gallery Russian cinema runs from August 1 - 11. Head Nature and nurture are compared and contrasted in to russianresurrection.com for information and this exhibition from Jillian Ciemitis, Miriam Gardiner, lunapalace.com.au for tickets.

Del Hemingway and Debbie Oakley. It runs until August 11. melvillecity.com.au/heathcote has more The 2013 Perth Fashion Festival: Various Locations The biggest event on the calendars of WA’s fashionistas Super Predator: Kurb Gallery runs from September 11 - 16.

A collection of acrylic works by Brenton See that evokes striking wildlife imagery. It runs until July 18.

Go to kurbgallery.com for further information

MUSIC

FESTIVALS

THEATRE/DANCE/ PERFORMANCE

The Unbounded Line: Gallery Central A textile exhibition by Maggie Baxter that explores line, form and mark. It runs until July 27. Go to central.wa.edu.au for details.

To have your performance, exhibition or cultural event listed, get in touch via

I’m Your Man

localmusicarts@xpressmag.com.au

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X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

France’s F rance’’s Yuksek Yuksek k k is is a known known purveyor off banging electro tunes, but this year, he has branched out into all new musical territory with a label of his own, named Partyfine.

ALASDAIR DUNCAN finds out more.

“I always wanted to create a label but never had enough time to focus on it,” Yuksek explains. “I produced and worked with a lot of artists over the last years and I feel that it could be interesting to push it till the end of the creative process and produce records myself, investing time and money.” Partyfine, he says, gives him the freedom to produce and release anything he wants, the way that he wants to do it.

The label aims to release a diverse array of tracks, with sounds ranging from indie and disco to electro and house. The big inspiration behind the label was James Murphy’s DFA – “I love them,” Yuksek explains, “because they manage to create a sound, not just a bunch of good artists but a real musical, artistic vision.

Over the last few years, Ed Banger have had great success with some very good releases and I also really like labels like Future Classic, I’m A Cliché, Versatile, and Tricatel, who inspire me with most of their releases.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

www.xpressmag.com.au

27

David Guetta

SONIC LINEUP

While it’s early days, Partyfine has a number of fine releases under its belt, including Peter Pan, a sweet, glitched-out electro track featuring the vocals of JD Samson. “I was contacted by JD’s manager because she was going to Europe to meet producers for the new MEN record,” Yuksek says, of their musical hook-up. “I’m a big fan of both Le Tigre and MEN, so I was more than happy to welcome her in the studio. We wrote a track for her, which is gonna be the next single, and I gave her a listen to a song I’d been working on with my production partner Stephen. The very next day, she sent me the vocals!”

Yuksek has thus far released two albums – 2009’s banging Away From The Sea, and 2011’s more melodic follow-up Living On The Edge Of Time. Since then, he has grown frustrated with the process of dealing with major labels, and I ask if he has plans to make and release a third at some point. “Sure, I’m thinking about it,” he tells me. “I still have a contract with Universal for another one, so I’ll keep on dealing with outside labels.” As for the future of Partyfine, it may one day be an outlet for Yuksek to release his solo works, but for now, the aim is simply to keep signing, producing and releasing exciting new artists.

Stereosonic will be returning to Claremont Showgrounds on Saturday, November 30 & Sunday, December 1 with a the hugest of huge lineups supported by the Full On Ferry, HARD, Hot Creations and UKF brands. Calvin Harris and Armin Van Buuren are again on the bill, along with David Guetta, The Bloody Beetroots, Bingo Players, Andy C, Matrix & Futurebound, Clockwork, Claude VonStroke, RL Grime, Nick Thayer, Breach and our own ShockOne and Empire of the Sun, who will be making their Australian national festival debut since the release of their new LP, Ice On The Dunes. First Yuksek round tix will go on sale on Thursday, August 1 from In matters slightly more pressing, Yuksek Ticketmaster at $199.95. will be touring Australia this month, to introduce fans to his new label and new tunes. An in-demand DJ, he travels the world a lot and plays in numerous different places, but has yet to fully adapt to life on the road. “Touring is totally cool and totally boring,” he says. “I mean I travel the world in business class, I meet cool peoples; most of them compliment me on the music I’m making. I think I’ve been in most of the countries of this planet the last four years.” At the same time, though, touring wears him out.“I feel tired a lot, even when I’ve been home for a week. It’s really hard to have a proper family life, even difficult to go The Funk Club House Band to the studio sometimes.”

When I ask what we can expect from his upcoming Australian shows, Yuksek’s answer is simple: “I’ll try to send good music and love, and I The Funk Club crew are celebrating their 10 year anniversary some more, this Friday, July 12, this time at hope to receive some back!” upstairs at the Leederville Hotel where it all it started.

The Funk Club House Band will perform, including many past members who have played in the band » YUKSEK over its 10 year history, along with Charlie Bucket » SATURDAY, JULY 13 @ VILLA and the other local DJs who regularly performed at the club. Tickets are $20 on the door only.

WHAT SO NOT

HARDWELL

THE QUACK OWSLA/SWEAT IT OUT

FUNK TEN YEARS ON

REVEALED VOLUME 4 CENTRAL STATION RECORDS

For those wondering what Sydney DJ Harley ‘Flume’ Streten has been up to in his spare time, the announcement of his side project What So Not on this year’s Stereosonic lineup is sure to answer the question.

Streten and his partner on the project Chris ‘Emoh’ Emerson have just released The Quack, a follow up to their debut EP that unleashed Dollar Bill onto the international club scene. Chances are fans of this work will not be disappointed with The Quack. The three-track release showcases the duo’s versatility, one minute dropping extra-large beats with 2013 XXL Freshman Action Bronson, D Mac and Blood Diamonds before teaming up with Brazilian funk carioca musician Deize Tigrona.

The title track sounds just about as abrasive as Kanye West’s Yeezus. If that’s you’re kind of thing then you’ll love The Quack. At the lighter end of the dance music spectrum, electro house track High You Are is equally set to become a club favourite.

The boys say this was an experiment, wanting to push the limits of groove based house to its limit – and it does. It compromises nothing of the feel and soul they hope will get people moving on the dancefloor. In the middle of all that is another curveball – Like This Like That. This track is an ode to their South American counterparts and the Baile Funk movement of the early 2000s, fusing drum ‘n’ bass, Bmore House elements and some spitfire Portuguese.

A man who personifies the electro house synth riff, emotive lyrical feature, build-up and heavy bass drop, the Dutchman Hardwell, sticks to his winning formula with his latest release.

The fourth edition in his Revealed series features the likes of other stalwarts Alesso, Calvin Harris aka the new David Guetta, Sebastian Ingrosso and Knife Party mixed with new names Dyro and Alvaro and a few of his own bangers like his instantly recognisable Apollo featuring Aussie singer Amba Shepherd.

The overriding theme is electro house, which fans will already assume before they pick up the record, providing a platform for Hardwell’s new tunes, containing off-shoots into trance and showcasing some of the up and coming talent in the scene.

Many artists now create music in this genre only to comply with the big wigs and what is expected of them, and so their musical freedom is hindered by their own success and the domination 4/4, 128bpm club music is exerting currently.

Hardwell’s numbers are huge in the now saturated market, but he hasn’t quite reached the commercial heights of fellow producers Avicii, Tiesto or Harris perhaps due to the competitive nature of the business.

His production skills are getting it done as club music consolidates its mainstream appeal, and Hardwell has dancefloors worldwide letting loose to his catchy riffs and big, plentiful drops. It remains to be seen how long he will stay in the spotlight as his music continually repeats what he knows best and he stays comfortable.

» HAYLEY DAVIS

» TOM KITSON

28

Tomas Ford

FUNDRAISER ENCORE

Perth’s own showman, Tomás Ford needs to get to Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and he’s doing it one terrible tune at a time for the last instalment of his Crap Music Rave Party this Saturday, July 13 at PICA Bar. Unlike your average Perth DJ, for four hours straight, Ford will be taking requests but only if it’s of questionable selection. Think one-hit wonders, annoying Aqua songs and the Neighbours theme tune. He’ll be at PICA from 8pm.

Clubfeet

CLUBFEET YOU WANT?

Synth-pop five piece, Clubfeet, are playing at Akuna Club tonight, Wednesday, July 10. Akuna Club is a new over 20s pub/club thing at Subi’s Llama Bar. Clubfeets’ latest LP, Heirs and Graces, is currently all over the triple j airwaves and you’ve no doubt heard their Everything You Wanted, which has also been remixed by Perth beat-maker, Ta-Ku. Tickets are just $10 on the door, which opens at 9pm. There’ll be a free photobooth on the go too.

Guy J

GUY J

FINDING THE BALANCE An Israeli dance music export with a focus on underground sound, Guy J has just made it into the exclusive club of artists to mix a Balance Presents compilation. TOM KITSON reports.

Bringing a distinct flavour to his production is what Guy J strives for as he finds himself at home mixing the latest release for the Melbourne based label, Balance Music. “I worked on exclusive remixes and edits for this compilation as I wanted to deliver something different from the regular compilations that are out there,” he says. “As it’s my first time, I really wanted to do something that I could believe in and feel happy about.”

The passionate Israeli producer was picked up by John Digweed of Bedrock Records at a young age, following his early releases in the deep, tech house vicinity, and the loyal artist still calls that label home despite earning releases on other influential labels like Turbo and Cocoon.

“Bedrock is the label I’m having most relations with at the moment,” he says. “They’ve always been supporting my music and have given me freedom as an artist. When you see there is at least one person who believes in you then you will always try to do your best for them.”

His love of the music and pursuit of creating club nights to remember stems from a healthy upbringing in Tel Aviv’s renowned night life

and the “addictive” nature of the scene. “The dance scene in Israel at the time I started was amazing,” he says.“It is still very good now, but I think at that time electronic music didn’t have too many genres, subgenres and sub-sub-genres like you get now.

“You were just exposed to good music and Tel Aviv had good clubs with DJs coming every weekend so it was around you all the time. I wanted to be part of this music, so I gave it a try and it turned into an addiction.”

Spending his days perfecting original beats, touring and also running his own imprint, Lost & Found, Guy is relishing these “inspiring days” as he calls them, where he gets the urge to produce and can spend hours locked away in his studio.

“It’s good from time to time take a day or even a week away from music and deal with other work related stuff, or just take time away from the computer, but when the inspiration arrives I can spend all day at the studio,” he says. “In my music it’s a world with endless possibilities and I want to make sure that I always create original music. That is the hardest goal.”

Beyond his Balance release, Guy wants to throw himself into the recording process some more, continuing to make original music that shows people who he is, even if it’s not pretty.“I would love to make more artist albums,” he says.“I see albums as a gift to the audience. When you’re making an album it’s like standing naked on a podium; everyone can hear who you are as an artist and what you’re going through. The process of making an album is intense and the release date of the album is always amazing.

It almost feels like you’re having a baby!”

» BALANCE PRESENTS GUY J » OUT SATURDAY, JULY 20 X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

Cosmo’s Midnight

TWIN SURGE COSMO’S MIDNIGHT

Twin brother production duo Cosmo and Patrick Liney have hit the road to debut their latest EP, Surge. X-Press hijacked the pair on their ride home from uni to find out how they’re feeling about moving from the garage to a headline national tour. Hayley Davis has more.

Having forgotten we had an interview scheduled, my conversation with the brothers of Cosmo’s Midnight is as chilled and ethereal as the music they produce. Cosmo and Pat take me on their car ride home from uni, where we are greeted by their excitable puppy,“He gets excited when we get home,” Cosmo says, with Pat asking to put his two cents worth in from the background.

The two have been working away on Surge over the last three years and have recently been getting some exposure after winning the Flume remix competition with their interpretation of Sleepless. But this is their first time on a headline tour, as well as their first time on a plane. “We’re really excited that the first time we’re getting on a plane is because of music,” Cosmo says.“We first started making music in year 11. Just cheesy electro, stuff like Justice, French house, bangers - that kind of stuff. We were just doing it for ourselves and didn’t think of it as a career.”

They decided to follow in their big brother’s footsteps and get a little more serious about producing music. Ever since they were approached by a manager, Cosmo and Pat say they have been able to develop their identity.“Our manager really guided us in the right direction,” Cosmo says.“It’s really reassuring to know that people think you have a sound and that you’ve got a bit of a unique quality…It’s really validating as an artist.”

They’ve been busy preparing for crowds who will be coming specifically to see them perform.

“We still get pretty nervous,” the boys say. “We’re not just background music anymore, but our managers told us just to have a bit of fun beforehand and just enjoy it.

It’s mainly just practicing the set over and over again so we’re not nervous about making mistakes on the night.”

As producers, their weapons of choice are mixers and keyboard controllers, but they don’t see these as barriers to entertaining live shows or music that isn’t just forgettable party songs. “We definitely want to get to the level where we are jamming live, almost like a band would,” they say. “We want to make music that’s…oh what that word is?”… “Enduring,” Pat shouts from somewhere in the background.“Yeah that’s it enduring. Like not in an existential way, like that we’ll be remembered after we die,” Cosmo explains.“But just memorable.”

As for future plans, Cosmo’s Midnight have plans to release another EP, hopefully before the end of the year.“We’re collaborating with Polographia, remixing some good local acts and some exciting international acts,” Cosmo says. “The end goal is to be able to travel and earn a living doing this.”

» COSMO’S MIDNIGHT » FRIDAY, JULY 12 @ THE CAUSEWAY

PHIL KIERAN LE CAROUSEL

One of Belfast’s best, Phil Kieran’s underground tech house vibes have earned him an international reputation.TOM KITSON speaks with him ahead of his visit to Geisha.

Phil Kieran’s latest LP, Le Carousel, has sent him on a world tour, with the album featuring an all-Irish lineup and Kieran himself on vocals. “I was open to who I should use and it just ended up that way,” he says. “I just picked people who I thought were talented and were better at doing something than I was, say playing guitar, bass or the cello.

“I had experience from making the Alloy Mental album,” he says. “That was my first time recording live guitar, vocals and drums and in some places I can hear on that record that I maybe failed, so the experience I got on that record made this time around a lot easier.”

Le Carousel is made up of remixes, and although a risky prospect, their calibre is unquestioned as Kieran has a connection with each tune. “Sometimes remixing adds and sometimes it takes away, but it’s always worth the roll of the dice,” he says.“When it works really well it can be amazing.

I got all the remixes back for the album and I love them all.”

Growing up in the rough neighbourhoods of Belfast, Kieran saw music as an escape and threw himself into the industry early on.“It was the melting pot we were all in,” he says. “Using this music as an escape from all the shit outside was electric and I’ve got some very fond memories of that time.”

His no frills attitude to music has proven successful, letting his punters decide to take or leave his music for what it is. “Just making the music has always done it for me,” he says. “I always believe in just letting the music do the talking. I’m a bit obsessive when it comes to my music, which means I listen again and again until its right.”

As he looks towards his upcoming shows, Kieran is excited to bring new tunes to new clubs, and not only from the new record. “I have loads of amazing new stuff to play. Like loads,” he says. “I’ve got a new one by me and Green Velvet called Birds and Bees, and it’s a biggie.” www.xpressmag.com.au

Phil Kieran Inspired by music he can’t stand at times, he’s a man who knows what he wants and has put the time in at the studio to achieve great results. “I hate way more music than I like,” he says.“Sometimes hearing music I hate is a great inspiration as it points you in the direction you want to go in and prove that they are wrong and you are right.”

» PHIL KIERAN » SATURDAY JULY 13 @ GEISHA 29

Deadline Monday 5pm. The Club Manual is a service to advertisers listing all DJs & Dance Music.

All inclusions are at the discretion of X-Press. Email guide@xpressmag.com.au

MUSTANG BAR

BREAKAHOLICS

WEDNESDAY 10/07 Amplifier/ Capitol – Harlem Wednesdays ft. DJ Genga/ Peter Payne/ JS Bar One Twenty - DJ Bliss/ DJ Vi son The Bird – We Out Here ft.

Allstate/ Nebula/ $tarks/ Brethren Sound/ ndre Captain Stirling - Join Five-o Club Red Sea - Cheek ft. Amber Tang Gold Bar – Famous ft. DJs Munch/ Ben Renna The Good Shepherd - The ArtGames Round 1 ft. Mike D vs Girll Toyy The Grand Central – ANG3L Groove Bar (Crown) - 5 Shots Leederville Hotel (upstairs) Kreem ft. DJ Karl Blue/ Mishtee The Llama Bar - Club Akuna ft.

ClubFeet Metro City - Bliss N Eso/ Yelawolf/ Pez Mustang Bar - DJ James MacArthur Newport Hotel - RnB Heaven ft.

DJs Tom Drummond & Angry Budda Sovereign Arms - Lokie Shaw The Village Bar – Village People Wednesdays ft. Ruby May/ Jim Loughbridge/ Matt Milford

Cosmo’s Midnight

30

Far East Movement

THURSDAY 11/07

The Causeway – Cosmo’s Midnight/ Leon Osborn/ Kit Pop/ Sable/ MmHmMm/ Clunk /Chu The Avenue – Jon Ee The Beat (downstairs) - Fantasy Club Red Sea – Velvet ft. DJs Angry Budda/ Matty S/ Ben Thursdays Renna Connections – Bingay ft. Val The Como – Funadelic Fridays ft.

Nourished DekoyFox Club Bay View - Dj-Vi Son The Craftsman - Jay MacKay The Craftsman – Five-o Eve Nightclub - Retro Thursdays The Deen - Student Night Empire Bar - Howie Morgan ft. DJ Crazy Craig band/ Matt Riley/ Jordan The Good Shepherd Eve Nighclub – DJ Don Migi Playground Flawless - Coyote Ugly The Grand Central – DJ Roger Flyrite - Self Help Smart The Garden - DJ Fiveo Leisure Inn – DJ Peta Gilkisons Dance Studio - Get Kalamunda Hotel – DJ Anaru Weird ft. Sweater Beats/ Mhmmm/ Mustang Bar - DJ James Willy Suede/ Leon Osborn/ MacArthur Aslan/ Cambourghini/ Roulade/ Newport Hotel – Strange Talk Lightsteed & Hey Geronimo/ Tiki Bar open Ginger Nightclub - Mondo “Feel mic night/ DJ Tim from Mills Good” Dance Party The Good Shepherd – Throwback ft. Benny P/ Aslan/ FRIDAY 12/07 Omfom & Lil Yayzer Ambar - A Listen Out-take ft.

The Grand Central - Jinx Project Qwerk/ Bazil Zemplis/ Micah/ Groove Bar (Crown) - DJ Crazy Zeke/ MR eD Craig Amplifier – DJ Edwardo Norton The Hyde Park - DJ Hages The Avenue - DJ Lokie Shaw Lakers Tavern - DJ Grizzly & The Aviary (Birdcage) – DJ friends John Howard Sattler Leederville Hotel - Funk Club’s The Aviary (Rooftop) – 10th Year Reunion NDORSE/ Paradise Paul Library - Dorcia Bar Orient – The Reggae Club DJ Metro Freo - Frat House Fridays ft Battle ft. DJ Micky DJ Gaga Jah .Death Disco DJs The Beat (downstairs) - PLAY Mullaloo Beach Hotel – DJ Slick The Brass Monkey - Vicktor & Mustang Bar - Swing DJ/ Cheeky Greene George Monekys/ DJ James MacArthur C5 - Bass Attic @ Residence ft.

My Place - Karaoke Bass Attic DJs Newport - Karaoke/ DJs Tom Capitol- Retro Mash ft Dj’s all Drummond, Sardi & Evan Paramount - Flyte/ DJ John night Capitol (upstairs) - I Love 80’s & Jordan Prince Of Wales - Strange Talk & 90’s ft. DJ Tuck Hey Geronimo The Carine - Az-T

AMBAR

PMONEY

CAUSEWAY

The Queens - DJ Reuben Rocket Room - Howlers ft DJ Frank N Bean The Saint - Mikeee Sovereign Arms - ANG3L Shape – The Switch Tiger Lils - Paul Malone, Adam Kelly, Alex Koresis The Vic - Friday Funktion ft. Dekoy fox The Velvet Lounge - The Community Fridays ft. Soma/ Selekt Few/ FG/ DJ Silenc YaYa’s – ACE ft DJ Pup/ Double The Library - DJ Victor / DJ Riki Dee Lost Society - Chalk (indie/ hip-hop) SATURDAY 13/07 Metro City - Far East Movement Ambar - Japan 4 ft. Bezwun/ Metro Freo - Ben Carter/ DJ Tone/ Blend/ Micah/ Wish Wazz / DJ DTuck/ Shane Hewson Amplifier - Strange Talk & Hey Metro Freo (C5) - I Love 80’s 90’s Geronimo with Pure Pop ft. DJ ft. DJ Wazz & DJ Dtuck Eddie Electric Mullaloo Beach Hotel The Avenue - Jon Ee Oceanside 28’s DJ Slick The Aviary (Rooftop) - Zel/ Troy Newport - Karaoke with Steve Divison/ NDORSE Parkin/ Gravity/ Kizzy/ DJs Tahli Bar 120 - Little Nicky Jade & Tom Drummond The Balmoral - Back To The 80’s Paramount - Felix/ DJ John Beat Nightclub (Upstairs) Jordan CANVAS The Queens - Kenny L Beat Nightclub (Downstairs) – Runaways The Saint - Az-T The Bird - DJ Happi Cat Tiger Lils - DJ Bojan, Benjamin The Boheme - Tastes Like Sebastian, Alex Koresis Chicken Shape – Hush 3rd Birthday The Brass Monkey - DJ Peta & Sovereign Arms - The Jinx Jewel Project Capitol – Death Disco ft. Death Villa – Yuksek with Paradise Paul/ Disco DJs Capitol (Upstairs) - Cream of the Lightsteed/ Willy Slade The Wembley - DJ Lokie Shaw 80’s ft DJ Ryan YaYa’s - Arcadia’s F#@k Dry July ft.

The Causeway - Antics ft. DJ Tobias John/ Lukas Wimmer/ Phil Slabber The Cornerstone - DJ Spinback East End Bar - Home Empire Bar - James Shipstone/ Miggy Eve Nighclub - DJ Crazy Craig Flyrite - FΔMILY Geisha - Le Carousel featuring Phil Kieran The Generous Squire - James Nutley The Good Shepherd - Chocolate Jesus The Grand Central - Jay Mackay Groove Bar (Crown) - DJ Dan The Leederville - Under The Arena ft. DJs Vi Son/ Pup

Bliss N Eso

SUNDAY 14/07 The Aviary (Rooftop) - Aviary Rooftop Sessions ft Paradise Paul/ Troy Division/ Zel Club Bayview - DJ Rueben Empire Bar - DJ Victor/ DJ Riki Eve Nighclub – DJ Slick Groove Bar (Crown) - DJ Crazy Craig Mustang Bar - DJ Rockin’ Rhys Newport - DJ Tom Drummond Rosemount Hotel - soundz like sundayz The Saint - DJ Jon EE/ Az-T Swallow Bar - DJ T King

MONDAY 15/07 Mustang Bar - Triple Shots The Rosemount Hotel - Bada Bingo!

TUESDAY 16/07 Mustang Bar - Danza Loca Salsa Night

Strange Talk

X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

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RESIDENCE

C5 FREMANTLE

FRAT HOUSE

THE COURT

METRO FREO

IN THE THIS WEEK Bliss N Eso Wednesday, July 10@ Metro City

Cosmo’s Midnight Friday, July 12 @ The Causeway

COMING UP Onra Wednesday, July 20 @ The Bakery

Sweater Beats Friday, July 12 @ Gilkisons The Strange Geronimo Dance Studio REMi Thursday, July 11 @ Wednesday, July 24 @ Newport Hotel Yuksek The Causeway Friday, July 12 @ Prince Of Saturday, July 13 @ Villa Thursday, July 25 @ Wales Mojo’s Bar Saturday, July 13 @ Far East Movement Amplifier Saturday, July 13 @ Metro Jehst & M-Phazes City Thursday, July 25 @ Civic Hotel Backroom

MINISTRY OF SOUND SESSIONS 10 ft Timmy Trumpet & SCNDL Friday, August 2 @ Villa Passion Pit Sunday, August 4 @ Villa Dialectrix Saturday, August 10 @ YaYa’s GhostPoet Thursday, September 12 @ The Bakery

Dizzy Wright, Jarren Shapeshifter Benton with DJ Hoppa Saturday, August 17@ Thursday, July 25 @ Metro City Rosemount Hotel

Yuksek

YUKSEK SATURDAY, JULY 13 @ VILLA

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Jagwar Ma Thursday, July 25 @ The Bakery

Midnight Juggernauts Saturday, September 7 @ Capitol

Grey Ghost Thursday, July 25 @ Prince Of Wales, Bunbury Friday, July 26 @ C5 Metro Freo Saturday, July 27 @ Amplifier

Illy: On & On Tour Saturday, September 28 @ Villa

2013 Australian DMC DJ Championships WA Heats Friday, August 2 @ Rosemount Hotel

Stereosonic Saturday, November 30 and Sunday, December 1 @ Claremont Showgrounds

Listen Out Sunday, September 29 @ Ozone Reserve

Horrorshow Brookes Brothers with Thursday, October 3 Prince Of Wales Bunbury Trei + Tali Saturday, July 27 @ Villa Friday, October 4 Amplifier Saturday, October 5 ALT-J Mojos Bar Saturday, July 27 @ Challenge Stadium Porter Robinson Aviary Rooftop Sessions Saturday, October 26 @ Villa ft Thelma Plum/ Amanda Merdzan/Sarah Chet Faker Pellicano/DJ Charlie Bucket Thursday, October 31 @ Sunday, July 28 @ Aviary ARTBAR

BREAK-A-HOLICS-ANONYMOUS LAST HOME RUN

Micah (Photo by Adam Mazur) Ambar Friday, July 5, 2013 Break-A-Holics-Anonymous (BAA) returned to Ambar for one last night of all vinyl, old school breaks last Friday before the club closes its doors to take up residency on Barrack Street. It was a nostalgic night -if ever you could describe one at the home of the underground. Loyal hustlers of the club and of the night were reminiscing about the many a night spent in the basement until 5am with the heaviest, most skilfully dropped beats in the city. BAA is known to signify the ‘back-in-the-day’ memories and as such requests a dress code of chicks in cool kicks, with a focus on attitude rather than your face so some of the ‘old school’ contingent was bewildered by the presence of heels and tits.

Needless to say there was a solid contingent of those who knew exactly what BAA had to offer and they’d come to pay it back to their favourite DJs. Basschild, Coby and Ren Boy welcomed early arrivals with some solid techno house, mixing in Jackson Five and ‘80s tunes, keeping the vibe fresh before things descended into dirty breaks and drum and bass. Micah proceeded to absolutely tear up a set alongside Tone and Oli, featuring some of his regular classics like Push Up. Micah has been a resident at Ambar for 10 years, providing a hell of an example for many young DJs dreaming about what they could do behind the decks in Perth, some of whom were there to match

his antics in just the way he likes to see. But if it was possible to amp up a crowd any more than how Micah left them, it could only have been done in the fashion that DJ Mona Lisa and regulars Wish and Devo brought. The bass was so fleshy it shook the bathroom doors, announcing they’d arrived and the crowd absolutely lifted. The quality of the sound on vinyl was palpable. Super crisp sounds with the distinct crackles of a needle on a record.

Nyquist Freqs then took the reins and lowered the register into dark dubstep to see out the night. One part of Japan4, the heavyweights behind Perth’s FreQualizer took control like the seasoned trio they are and drove the crowd into some early morning glory.

There’s no doubt the community of Perth’s Home of the Underground have become something of a family. BAA has definitely had a special place in this club’s history. Hip hop, funk DJ Cobz (Coby) released a promo mix for the last ever BAA, “chock full of insane bangers, finger lickin samples, mid tempo funky breaks and slammin break beat.” Their DJs put on a little something special for the last Breakaholics staying true to those 1999-2006 good times. Loyal hustlers waded through the crowd with survey’s that people were happy to complete to make sure Ambar has a special future ahead. Perhaps Coby put it best: “May the BAA nights live on at Ambar’s new home with no CDs, no laptops and the sounds that are always true.”

» HAYLEY DAVIS

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ABBE MAY

Abbe May Photo: Emma McKenzie

The Chemist/Rockwell & Groom/ Mathas/Mei Saraswati Astor Theatre Friday, July 5, 2013 Once upon a time this line-up may have seemed unlikely, but right now it all makes sense. Mei Sarasweti played to an early few, but they were transfixed as this girl danced around (the headliners) lounge room set with tennis racquet abandon, traversing continents. Sort of M.I.A. one moment, Winehouse the next. With mysterious shores throughout. Splendiferous.

Matthas followed, one of WA hip hop’s leading lights holding the growing crowd transfixed in a more fixed-gaze manner, before Rokwell & Groom brought a sense of ethereal back to the proceedings. That topped off with a headlinechallenging set from The Chemist saw a unique surge of energies, all the more exciting because the main event was yet to happen.

Abbe May was topping a country-wide apocalypse with this show-ending tour. Eastern States dates saw sold-out theatre shows, and while the Astor wasn’t quite at bursting point for this event, it must be remembered that we are a bit spoilt in Perth for our doses of Abs and that she’d performed at the Perth Concert Hall just over a month ago for State Of The Art. It was all about a feeling of celebration, however, as May and her band (guitarist KT Rumble,

keyboardist/producer Sam Ford and drummer Nic Jonsson) sauntered into Heartbeat, setting in motion an intense, yet inviting atmosphere. The set was built on numbers from the new album, it’s a direction May is committed to honour and serve, as she shrieked the peak high heights in the chorus for T.R.O.U.B.L.E. (lesser performers would totally having gone the backing track route there), Napalm, Tantric Romantic and the tour-thematic Kiss My Apocalypse.

The audience was a friendly sea of smiles, the flannelette brigade and the sisterhood in numbers, proving that May is, among other fascinating things, an equal opportunity sex symbol.

While the commitment to the Kiss My Apocalypse album may have left the main of the set perhaps a little too weighted in the doom-pop-scape, May’s always sensuous, colourific version of The Motels’ Total Control would have done Martha Davis proud, though her own singles, as proven by the subsequent Karmageddon, had hit-impact in their own right.

Encore-time saw May strap on a guitar at last, for Mammalian Locomotion and Taurus, though she gave it away to a very excited fan at the front of stage. Ending on her recently Like A Version-aired reading of Ginuwine’s Pony, May proved that she’s comfortable mixing her icons while at the same time building her own sense of orgasmic iconography.

I’ll have what she’s having. _ BOB GORDON

THE BIG SPLASH FIRST SEMI FINAL The Bakery Thursday, July 4, 2013 Band competitions can often be a hit and miss affair that may vary in quality of acts and appropriate venues. This hasn’t been an issue for The Big Splash which has been able to gain access to the best venues in Perth, had a stringent process for acceptance into the competition and is run as smoothly and efficiently as a hybrid car. The healthy $10,000 first prize wouldn’t have harmed matters either. A very well attended Bakery was the scene for the first semi final of the competition.

With their rosy cheeks and fresh faces Villain are a reminder of how the rest of us are aging.

These kids must have been practicing in the womb to be this tight at such an early age. With a tipping of the hat to most things English with a focus on the sound of the Arctic Monkeys, Villain were a hit with the crowd of friends that had followed them to the semi. They may not have placed tonight, but when they grow into their voices and the drummer resists the temptation to overplay, Villain won’t need to enter competitions to pack out a room.

Apache were the wildcard entry for the evening and hit the stage with all the energy of a Brownlow medallist on a cocktail of peptides. The muscular group had a foot in the classics while throwing in a modern slant. With strong grooves, some slide guitar and a singer who left nothing in the tank as he gyrated around the stage, the surprisingly melodic Apache were deservedly granted passage through to the final.

These Winter Nights Photo: Denis Radacic

If each individual member was to be taken in isolation, These Winter Nights would be a pretty awkward bunch. It is when they join forces on stage that they find a place where they can all stand in confidence. With melancholy delivered from behind a fringe, the band have a handle on quite/loud aided by some sweet harmonies and vocals that soar when given license. There was a hint to freak-folk without the accompanying beards as These Winter Nights were rightfully awarded the winners for this evening.

Perth has been the Mecca of psychedelic rock of recent times and Spaceman Antics add to the sizeable list. The space theme ran through the set as the five piece took us to far reaches of the galaxy in mood and style. The Korg spat out some obtuse sounds to give the set a dynamic punch when needed.

There was a likeable quality to Spaceman Antics that saw the crowd swagger and swag from start to finish.

There is no doubt that Upnup can play. From the brass section to the bass with the ridiculously large cut out and with a drummer as reliable as a Swiss clock factory, this soulful group have all the chops that they should need. With two MCs they are visually engaging, but the rhymes lack a bit of bite and sadly the music is about as sterile as the Maroon 5 catalogue. Young girls will undoubtedly wet their knickers over Upnup, but they are at this stage a toothless tiger.

Well done to all the bands who on any other night could have been a deserving winner. _CHRIS HAVERCROFT

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G OPENING NIGHT The State Theatre Centre Of Western Australia Wednesday, July 4, 2013 C h o r e o g r a p h e r G a r r y S t e w a r t ’s t h r i l l i n g reinterpretation of the classic ballet, Giselle, met with a rapturous crowd response on its opening night. It was the first of only four performances in Perth, and X-Press was on hand to capture some of the reactions.

The Polly Medlen Band

Photos by Matt Jelonek

SWAN HOTEL

This Friday, June 12, hit the Basement for An Audible Feast, featuring The Moonwhores, The Polly Medlen One Armed Scissor Band, Tourist and Tom Fisher and the Layabouts.

It’ll be a great night of rock and alt-country. Doors open at 8pm, entry is $8. Otherwise, hit the Lounge from 8pm to hear Harley Rockets playing country One Armed Scissor are heading into the studio rock, blues and jazz covers and originals all night. to record what will be one of the most anticipated EPs of the year, but they need your help to fund Entry is $7. their EP! So on Friday, July 12, upstairs from 8pm they are joined by HYTE, Over Unity and Midnight Thursday, July 11, Harlequin League are putting on Boulevard for their EP Fundraiser Show! a freaking massive show with seven bands over one night! With performances from Little Skye, Catbrush, Hideous Sun Demon, Lillium Stargazer, We Move Walls and Turin Robinson, you won’t want to miss this one! Entry is $7 from 7:30pm. Then Jacob and the Rudeboys kick everything off with the first of their Friday party nights! Playing a mix of originals and covers in their characteristic funk/reggae/soul sound it’s the perfect way to ease you into the weekend. On Saturday Jeremy Neale plays his only headline show in Perth! Don’t forget to stick around after the shows for your weekly party dose of ACE and ARCADIA!

Gemma, Kimberly

THE BEAT NIGHTCLUB

YA-YA’S

Tom, Ashleigh

INDI BAR

Talented blues and roots songwriter Matt Cal is set to release Old Wheels, a new single and music video on Sunday, July 14, with help from his band The Black Silver Hills Heart Sun. The band’s sound has been described as raw, wild and free roots music that’s heavily influenced by old school blues and today’s travelling Saturday, July 13, it’s The Camp Doogs Launch. A acoustic roots scene. Joining him on the night is group of nine buddies are organising a two night special guests Morgan Bain and Little City Dream. camp down south in October of 2013. There will be entertainment, immersive experiences, local food/ juices/coffee stalls and camping all in a safe and This Saturday July 13 catch Perth indie-pop darlings beautiful environment. Come to Mojo’s on Saturday The Community Chest launching their debut album to hear more as they launch their Pozible campaign Top Of The Hour along with special guests The Ghost and party with Silver Hills, Lost/Tuneless, Mt Hotel, Flower Drums, Braves and Ten-Bit Tonsil. Mountain, Doctapus, and more. $5 BBQ, doors open at 8pm. Register for an invite at campdoogs.com.

Doors open 8pm and entry is only $10!

MOJO’S

ROSEMOUNT HOTEL

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Elandra, Shenae

Sinead, Tyrone, Georgia X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

Edited by T R AV I S J O H N S O N

Casino Sunrise release their single, Options And Enemies, at Residence @ C5 this Friday, July 12, with help from Lilt and Dustin McLeod. We chatted to singer Justin Campbell.

Who are you guys?

Casino Sunrise consists of four Perth musicians. Pumping around the scene for, collectively, a short lifetime, we forged alliances bitching about punishers in the Amplifier/Rosemount beer gardens a couple of years ago. The band was first called Therapist, but after being called rapists for about a year or so (and a vivid change in musical direction) the band decided to reincarnate into Casino Sunrise.

Describe your sound.

Like Bloc Party having a party with The Strokes while listening to The Wombats doing a remix of M8’s cover of a Muse song.

CASINO SUNRISE

Where’d the name come from?

While in the process of recording the single, and on the eve of tracking vocals, AJ (bass) and Justin (guitar) thought it would be beneficial for the overall ‘vibe’ of the song to have a bit of a bender, ending up with a gorgeous sunrise at the Casino.

What’s up next?

We’re going to spend the later half of 2013 reacquainting ourselves with the live scene and writing new material for a full length release due for late in the year.

THIS WHEEL’S ON FIRE

GO THE GOAT

Before retiring to the studio to lay down some new material, Goat hit the stage at The Rosemount this Thursday, July 11, to drop some doom on the unsuspecting audience.

Beyond Never, The Reptilians and Kaan will be along for the ride, too.

Doors open at 8pm, entry is $8

Goat Matt Cal

COMMUNITY COLLAGE

Indie rock stalwarts The Community Chest are bringing their brandnew album, Top Of The Hour, to bear at The Rosemount Hotel this Saturday, July 13. A stellar lineup of support acts will be present, including The Ghost Hotel, Flower Drums, Braves and Ten Bit Band, and a scattering of limited edition 12” hand-numbered vinyl LPs will be on sale on the night. Doors open at 8pm, entry is $10.

Old Wheels, the new s i n g l e f r o m Pe r t h songwriter Matt Cal, makes its debut at The Indi Bar this Sunday, July 14, with Cal fronting his band, Black Heart Sun. Support comes from Pete Renzullo, Little City Dream and Morgan Bain. Doors open ay 6pm, entry is $10

DISAPPOINTINGLY GOOD

Perth popmeisters The Disappointed are off on a national tour! Your last chance to catch them before fame and fortune (and probably Melbourne, let’s face it) steal them away is this Thursday, July 11, at Mustang Bar, alongside Louis and the Honkytonk and David Craft of The Big Old Bears.

The Disappointed

TIRED LION Alt-rockers Tired Lion let loose their debut single, Desperate, at The Amplifier this Firday, July 12, with support from Foam, Apache and Dead Glorious. We caught up with singer Sophie Hopes and guitarist Matt Tanner.

How did you guys get together?

Sophie: We all went to school together. We basically formed the band without noticing. We used to hang out in my dark garage and would jam for hours on end. Funnily enough, we used to be an acoustic act until gradually we started getting louder and louder, so we ditched the four chord progressions, clicked in the fuzz pedals and turned up our amps.

What’s your sound?

Matt: I think we have labeled our influence somewhere along the line as being ‘anything that makes you feel.’ Our writing is pretty honest and sometimes intimidating to explain to people, if something ticks us off you can be sure there will be a song about it the next day.

What made Desperate stand out as a single?

Sophie: It showcases a different side to the band. I think there are a lot of varying sides to Tired Lion that are yet to be revealed.

This was kind of just the first taste. I guess you could say a lot of aggression is presented throughout this one.

What else does the future hold?

Matt: The EP is all recorded and due to be released in October. We are pretty stoked to have worked with Andy Lawson (Debaser Studios) again on this recording. We’ll be writing like crazy after this EP, so plenty more releases, a whole lot of touring and copious amounts of late night Japanese food. www.xpressmag.com.au

12/07/2013 - Cal Peck & The Tramps Self Titled Album Launch @ Devilles Pad 12/07/2013 - Casino Sunrise Options And Enemies Single Launch @ C5 Residence 12/07/2013 Shameem Sleeper On The Night Train Video Launch @ The Ellington 12/07/2013 - Tired Lion Desperate Single Launch @ Amplifier 13/07/2013 - The Community Chest Top of the Hour Album Launch @ The Rosemount 14/07/2013 - Matt Cal Old Wheels Video Launch @ Indi Bar 19/07/2013 - The Date Sedated Album Launch @ Fly By Night 19/07/2013 - Eduardo Cossio Goodbye To The Land EP Launch @ X-Wray Cafe 26/07/2013 - The Decline/Scalphunter/The Bob Gordons/ Silver Lizard The WA Punk 4 Way 7”Vinyl Launch @ The Rosemount 26/07/2013 - Stoney Joe Hot Jerky Album Launch @ PICA Bar 27/07/2013 - Diger Rokwell Innersense EP Launch @ The Bird 27/07/2013 - Mezzanine Mannequin Man Single Launch @ Beat Nightclub 03/08/2013 - Fear Of Comedy Delapsus Resurgam Album Launch @ Mojo’s 16/08/2013 - Tracey Barnett Blooming EP Launch @ The Bakery 16/08/2013 - Dan Cribb The Memories Last EP Launch @ The Rosemount 24/08/2013 - Leure Holland Sky LP Launch @ The Bird 24/08/2013 - Tempest Rising Dominion That Falls Single Launch @ The Civic 06/09/2013 - Timothy Nelson & The Infidels Born In The ‘90s Single Launch @ The Amplifier 19/10/2013 - Sirgin One Love EP Launch @ The Rosemount

Bands Enrol now www.aaca.net.au 33

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X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

Bliss N Eso, July 10

St Vitus, July 21

Paul Kelly, August 22

UNKNOWN CARTEL THE CAT EMPIRE RICKY MARTIN 7 Red Hill 12 Perth Arena 14 Amplifier MORTAL Auditorium THE DAVID LIEBE 30 SECONDS TO ORCHESTRA BLISS N ESO MIDNIGHT HART BAND 23 Rosemount Hotel MARS 10 Metro City JUGGERNAUTS 13 Amplifier BORIS THE BLADE STEREOPHONICS/ 16 Challenge 6 Prince Of Wales, DEVIN TOWNSEND Stadium ATLAS GENIUS 10 Amplifier Bunbury PROJECT ANNIHILATE 23 Metro City 13 YMCA HQ 7 Capitol 15 Metro Freo MUSIC 10TH JERICCO STEVE VAI AMANDA PALMER AMORPHIS BIRTHDAY: 25 Newport 10 Perth Concert & THE GRAND 16 Capitol MINDSNARE/50 26 The Civic Hotel Hall THEFT ORCHESTRA MICKY AVALON 27 Prince Of Wales LIONS/ GRINSPOON 8 Astor Theatre 19 Amplifier BATTLETRUK/ ESKIMO JOE 10 Pier Hotel, OUTSIDERS CODE CONVERSATIONS EVERY TIME I DIE 26 Divers Tavern, Esperance 24 Capitol 16 Prince Of Wales, WITH GHOSTS Broome 11 Studio 146, 8 Perth Concert Hall SLEEP 27 Walkabout Hotel, Bunbury Albany JAMES REYNE 28 Rosemount Hotel 17 Amplifier Port Hedland 12 Settlers Tavern, 8 Newport Hotel ANDRE RIEU 18 YMCA HQ 28 The Newman Margaret River ANBERLIN 29 Perth Arena DARRYL 13 Prince Of Wales, Club, Newman 11 Metro Freo TONY HADLEY BRAITHWAITE JAMES BLAKE Bunbury RUDIMENTAL 30 The Astor 18 Newport Hotel 25 & 26 The Astor 14 Players Bar, 13 Metro City (sold CHET FAKER DON MCLEAN Theatre Mandurah out) 31 ARTBAR BRUCE MATHISKE 19 Perth Concert STRANGETALK 14 Metro City THE BREEDERS 26 July Fly By Night Hall AND HEY PARKWAY DRIVE 31 The Astor PAUL KELLY ALT-J GERONIMO 14 Metro Freo ENSLAVED 22 Regal Theatre 27 Challenge 11 Newport Hotel 15 & 16 Capitol ANDREW Stadium TOMORROW RED DIRT ft JIMMY 31 Rosemount Hotel YELLOWCARD STRONG: THE BLEEDING PEOPLE BARNES 31 Capitol COMMITMENTS THROUGH 11 Capitol 19 Kalgoorlie 22 Metro Freo 28 Amplifier FEAR FACTORY Boulder Race Club THE SMITH STREET DEAD LETTER BABYSHAMBLES 11 Metro City NOVEMBER BAND BALL PARK MUSIC/ 31 Metro City CIRCUS 22 Rosemount Hotel 19 Prince Of Wales, BABY ANIMALS EAGLE & THE 23 Prince Of Wales, Bunbury WORM 2 Astor Theatre AUGUST Bunbury 20 Metro Freo 12 Metro Freo BEYONCE VANCE JOY THE PAPER KITES 8 Perth Arena THE STRANGE ESKIMO JOE 23 Fly By Night 21 Fly By Night SCOTT KELLY AND GERONIMO 1 Prince Of Wales, GRINSPOON FOALS THE ROAD HOME 11 Newport Hotel Bunbury 23 Astor Theatre 10 Rosemount Hotel 22 Metro City 12 Prince Of Wales, 2 Settler’s Tavern, JILL SCOTT GEORGE BENSON RIHANNA Bunbury Margaret River 17 Riverside Theatre Perth Arena 13 Amplifier 3 Studio 146, Albany 24 Riverside Theatre 24 AN EVENING ON LAMB OF GOD & NORTHWEST ENGLEBERT 4 Players Bar, THE GREEN MESHUGGAH FESTIVAL HUMPERDINCK Mandurah 17 Kings Park 26 Metro City 24 Port Hedland 13 Crown Theatre BRITISH INDIA BOY & BEAR CALEXICO Turf Club YOU AM I 2 Amplifier 22 Metro Freo 27 Astor Theatre BERNARD 13 Astor Theatre COLD WAR KIDS FLEETWOOD MAC THE CULT FANNING (sold out) 2 Capitol 22 & 23 Perth Arena 28 Metro City 25 Astor Theatre 14 Astor Theatre VILLAGERS HITS & PITS 2.0 ONE DIRECTION JAPANDROIDS 2 Fly By Night Black Flag, 26 Rosemount Hotel 28 & 29 Perth Arena Boysetsfire, Bad DEEZ NUTZ JULY XAVIER RUDD/ THE WHITLAMS/ Astronaut, Snuff, 2 Prince Of Wales, DONAVON WASO No Fun At All, Bunbury FRANKENREITER/ JONNY CRAIG 30 Perth Concert Good For You, Off 3 YMCA HQ NAHKO & 17 Amplifier With Their Heads, Rosemount Hotel Hall MEDICINE FOR THE SLEEPMAKESWAVES 3 Jugheads Revenge CLAIRE BOWDITCH 4 Newport Hotel PEOPLE 18 Mojos Bar 24 Amplifier & 30 Fly By Night FIDLAR 28 3 Oceans Winery, A DAY TO Capitol CLOUD CONTROL Margaret River 3 The Bakery REMEMBER/THE THE ATARIS 31 Capitol BARDO POND 29 Fremantle Arts DEVIL WEARS 29 Amplifier Bar 4 Rosemount Hotel Centre STEREOSONIC PRADA/ DREAM PASSION PIT LISTEN OUT SEPTEMBER 30 Claremont ON DREAMER 4 Villa FESTIVAL Showgrounds 18 Metro City BJORN AGAIN 29 Ozone Reserve KIRIN J CALLINAN 5 & 6 Regal Theatre MANHATTAN TRANSFER 19 The Bakery ALESANA DECEMBER 1 Regal Theatre MENTAL AS OCTOBER 7 Amplifier HIT THE LIGHTS/ ANYTHING BARN OWL AIR SUPPLY HEROES FOR HIRE/ SWERVEDRIVER 19 Charles Hotel 9 The Bakery 8 Perth Concert Hall STATE CHAMPS 20 Boulevard Tavern SENSES FAIL 3 Rosemount Hotel JUSTIN BIEBER 5 Amplifi er IAN MOSS 9 Amplifier JINGA SAFARI 8 Perth Arena FAT FREDDY’S 20 Charles Hotel BIG SPLASH 4 Prince Of Wales, TAYLOR SWIFT DROP 27 Boulevard Tavern GRAND FINAL Bunbury 11 Perth NIB 5 Astor Theatre 28 Newport Hotel 10 The Bakery 5 Astor Theatre Stadium JOSH PYKE FOURTEEN NIGHTS KARNIVOOL SOILWORK BON JOVI 5 Prince Of Wales, AT SEA 11 Metro City 6 Rosemount Hotel 12 Perth Arena Bunbury 20 Rosemount Hotel GLASS TOWERS HARRISON CRAIG SNAKADAKTAL ONRA 9 Newport 11 Regal Theatre FEBRUARY 5 Newport Hotel 20 The Bakery 10 Amplifier BRING ME THE 6 Capitol SAINT VITUS/ SARAH BLASKO HORIZON 12 Margaret River 7 Settler’s Tavern, BRUNO MARS MONARCH 12 Challenge Margaret River 28 Perth Arena 21 Rosemount Hotel Cultural Centre Stadium

THIS WEEK

www.xpressmag.com.au

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Hootenanny, Friday at The Bird

WEDNESDAY 10.07 AMPLIFIER Academy Boris The Blade Comon Bond Iconoclast Midnight in Alaska BAR 120 Felix BEAT NIGHTCLUB (UPSTAIRS) Punk’s Not Dead The Never Ever Way with Words THE BIRD WE OUT HERE Allstate Nebula $tarks Brethren Sound Andre BRASS MONKEY Sugar Blue Burlesque CARINE Open Mic Night Chris O’Brien CLAREMONT HOTEL Acoustica GREENWOOD Bernardine ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB David Jackson Lewis Moody Night Cap Sessions GROOVE BAR (CROWN) 5 Shots INDI BAR James Hall The Sun Orchestra Boston & Chevy LUCKY SHAG Adrian Wilson MOJOS BAR Fremantle Blues and Roots Club Steve Andrews Dilip & Drew Lucky Numbers MOON CAFÉ Sam Gillies Henry Gillett Sam Maher Emlyn Johnson MUSTANG BAR Easy Tigers DJ James MacArthur

PADDO Sophie Jane Belle Harvey Brendan Gaspari PERTH CONCERT HALL Steve Vai ROSEMOUNT Our Man In Berlin Wise Oaks Apache Jack Young (King’s Justice) UNIVERSAL Retrofit VILLAGE BAR Village People - Open Mic YAYA’S HaHa’s at YaYa’s

THURSDAY 11.07 AMPLIFIER Tomorrow People BEAT NIGHTCLUB (DOWNSTAIRS) Fantasy Thursdays BELGIAN BEER CAFÉ Jean Proude THE BIRD Hip Hop Kara”YO!”Ke 3rd Bday Bash THE BOAT Jen De Ness BRASS MONKEY Rhythm Bound Karaoke BRIGHTON Open Mic Night Rob Walker BROOKLANDS TAVERN Celebrations Karaoke THE CAUSEWAY BAR Xport Thursdays Sun City CIVIC HOTEL BACKROOM Sydney Hot Shots DEVILLES PAD Rock & Roll Karaoke DUNSBOROUGH TAVERN Kris Buckle ELEPHANT AND WHEELBARROW Karaoke ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Ella and Basie WAYJO Tribute Night Cap Sessions

Shameem, Friday at The Ellington Jazz Club EXCHANGE HOTEL Madame Montage THE GATE Greg Carter GROOVE BAR (CROWN) Decoy INDI BAR Bex’s Open Mic Night LUCKY SHAG James Wilson MARKET CITY TAVERN Bee Anchor Angela Greys and Blues Lost at Sea Ebonnie Sean Thomas METRO CITY Fear Factory MOJOS BAR Club Feet Grrl Power Three Hands One Hoof MUSTANG BAR Louis & The Honkytonk The Disappointed David Craft DJ James MacArthur NEWPORT HOTEL Strange Talk & Hey Geronimo PRINCE OF WALES Justin Burford Steve Parkin ROSEMOUNT Beyond Never Goat The Reptilians Kaan SETTLERS TAVERN Acoustic Open Mic Night THE SHED Jonathon Dempsey UNIVERSAL Off The Record YA YA’S Harlequin League Little Skye Catbrush Hideous Sun Demon Lillium Stargazer We Move Walls Turin Robinson YMCA HQ The Hoodie Weather Tour The Never Ever A Sleepless Melody Cupid Falls Way With Words The Take Over

FRIDAY 12.07

Our Man in Berlin

OUR MAN IN BERLIN WISE OAKS APACHE JACK YOUNG

ROSEMOUNT WEDNESDAY, JULY 10

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AMPLIFIER Tired Lion Apache BALMORAL Pop Candy BAR ORIENT The Reggae Club DJ Micky DJ Gaga Jah BEAT NIGHTCLUB (UPSTAIRS) One Armed Scissor Hyte Over Unity Midnight Boulevard Black Fridays

Rich Widow, Friday at The Little Wing Corner Gallery

BEAT NIGHTCLUB (DOWNSTAIRS) PLAY BELMONT TAVERN Dean Anderson BEST DROP TAVERN Pretty Fly THE BIRD Hootenanny Electric Toad Mei Saraswati DJ Happi Cat BOAB TAVERN Nitro Zepplin THE BOAT Ben Merito BRASS MONKEY Chris Gibbs THE BROOK Kizzy THE BROKEN HILL Trevor Jalla C5 FREMANTLE Residence Casino Sunrise Lilt Dusty McLeod THE CARINE Velvet CHASE BAR & BISTRO B.O.B. CITRO BAR Jean Proude CIVIC HOTEL BACKROOM Boris The Blade Common Bond Xenobiotic Midnight In Alaska Absolution Hollow Ground CLANCYS FREMANTLE Archer & Light China Doll Helen Shanahan CORNERSTONE First and Final DEVILLES PAD Cal Peck & The Tramps Rag N’ Bone Les Sataniques EAST 150 BAR Dove ELEPHANT AND WHEELBARROW Blue Hornet ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Shameem The Spread ft Matt Allen EMPIRE BAR Howie Morgan EXCHANGE HOTEL Madame Montage FLY BY NIGHT Motown & Soul Night DJ Barry & Guests GILKINSONS DANCE STUDIO Sweater Beats Mhmmm Willy Suede Leon Osborn Aslan Cambourghini Roulade Lightsteed

GROOVE BAR (CROWN) Tod Johnson & Peace Love GREENWOOD Greg Carter HYDE PARK HOTEL Ricky Green INDI BAR Vdelli INNALOO SPORTMAN”S CLUB It’s My Party KALAMUNDA HOTEL Almost Famous LEEDERVILLE HOTEL Funk Club Band Charlie Bucket LITTLE WING CORNER GALLERY Rich Widow Golden String The Eerie Serpents Rabbit Island M ON THE POINT DJ Mischieff MAHOGANNY INN Jonothan Dempsey METRO FREO Frat House Fridays Ball Park Music MOJOS BAR Hussle Hussle P.Smurf Empty Adam Crook Seasta Chani DJ Rudeburger MUSTANG OZ Big Band Swing DJ Cheeky Monekys DJ James MacArthur NEWPORT HOTEL Karaoke DJs Tom Drummon PADDO Easy Tigers PADDY MCGUIRES Cherry Lips PEEL ALE HOUSE Better Days PORT KENNEDY TAVERN Dirty Scoundrels THE PRINCIPAL Galloping Hatracks ROCKET ROOM Big Guns ROSE & CROWN Kate Gilbertson ROSEMOUNT Almost Sunday Lights Of Berlin Hello Colour Red Michael Triscari ROSIE O’GRADYS FREMANTLE GrooVe SAIL AND ANCHOR Howie Morgan SAIL AND ANCHOR (UPSTAIRS) NightShift THE SHED Funhouse DJ Glenn 20 SOUTH ST ALEHOUSE Robbie King Karaoke SPRINGS TAVERN Die Hard Karaoke

X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

Deadline Monday 5pm. The Gig-Guide is a service to advertisers listing all LIVE MUSIC. All inclusions are at the discretion of X-Press. Email guide@xpressmag.com.au

Knowledge Bones, Saturday at The Bakery SWAN LOUNGE Harley Rockets SWAN BASEMENT Tom Fisher & The Layabouts Tourist Polly Medlen Band The Moonwhor SWINGING PIG Big Steve Spouse Band Greg Carter UNIVERSAL Retriofit YA YA’S Jacob and the Rudeboys Cameron De Gaye Mason Vellios Sam Gibson

SATURDAY 13.07 AMPLIFIER Strange Talk Hey Geronimo THE ASTOR You Am I BALMORAL Retriofit THE BAKERY NAIDOC Week After Party Knowledge Bones Yazza ft Lil Statik and THC Jonny Ford and the Baldja Boys Tasha and Angela Stella BEAT NIGHTCLUB (UPSTAIRS) CANVAS BEAT NIGHTCLUB (DOWNSTAIRS) RUNAWAYS Midnight in Alaska) Hollow Ground BELGIAN BEER CAFÉ Scott Nelson THE BIRD MMHMMM Hugo Gerani Kucka Catlips BOAB TAVERN James Wilson THE BROOK Blackbirds CIVIC HOTEL BACKROOM Alex The Kid Broken Silence Artifacts In Motion Where Oceans End The Skin We Live In THE CLAREMONT HOTEL ANTICS Stillwater Giants Villain DOME LEEDERVILLE Magnolias Henry Neil Mcmagic Matt Acorn Amber Fresh Jefferson DEVILLES PAD French Follies La Grande Sylvie MC Siph-Illis Les Sataniques DJ Barabara Blaze DJ Robin Blackburdy

Friday Friday Travis Caudle Nightmare Effect, Saturday at Travis Caudle Fly ByNight Night The Swan Basement Fly By

THE EASTERN OASIS Reload ELEPHANT AND WHEELBARROW Gun Shy Romeos ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Juliana Areis Astrid Ripepi EXCHANGE HOTEL Madame Montage FLY BY NIGHT Big Hoo-Haa Comedy Show THE GATE Greg Carter GOSNELLS HOTEL Astrobat GREENWOOD Pretty Fly GROOVE BAR (CROWN) HI-NRG HYDE PARK HOTEL Easy Tigers INDIAN OCEAN BREW CO Shawne & Luc INDI BAR Matt Gresham LAKERS TAVERN Celebrations Karaoke MERRIWA TAVERN Flesh n’ Wood M ON THE POINT Rhythm 22 MOJOS BAR Silver Hills Lost/Tuneless Mt Mountain Doctapus DJ Steve Hughs Smrts DJ Jo Lettenmaier Savoir DJ Nathan Savage.

MUSTANG The Rusty Pinto Combo Rockabilly DJ Milhouse DJ James MacArthur MULLBERRY ON SWAN Abbalicious NEWPORT HOTEL Karaoke with Steve Parkin Gravity Kizzy DJs Tahli Jade & Tom Drummond PADDO Cheeky Monkeys PARAMOUNT NIGHTCLUB Felix PEEL ALE HOUSE Tequila Mockingbirds PICA BAR TomasFords Crap Music Rave Party PORT KENNEDY TAVERN Kizzy QUARIE BAR Galloping Hatracks ROCKET ROOM Kickstart ROSEMOUNT The Community Chest The Ghost Hotel Flower Drums Ten Bit Tonsil Braves

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Shotdwn From Sugartown, Sunday at Swallow Bar

SWALLOW BAR THE GATE Shotdown From Greg Carter Sugartown GOSNELLS HOTEL SWAN LOUNGE Conny The Clown Simon Sieradzki INDI BAR Ryan Lamb Matt Cal Kathleen Ann Morgan Bain & Special Guests Little City Dream UNIVERSAL INDIAN OCEAN Retrofit BREW CO WANNEROO Retriofit TAVERN KALAMUNDA Adam James HOTEL Bernardine MONDAY 15.07 LAKERS TAVERN BRASS MONKEY Wesley Goodlet Wire Birds Jamboree Scouts GROOVE BAR LAST DROP TAVERN (CROWN) Luke Meyers Howie Morgan Duo LEISURE INN MOJO’S BAR Tomorrow People Wide Open Mic M ON THE POINT MUSTANG BAR Double Take Triple Shots YA YA’S MOJOS BAR Big Tommo’s Open Mic Good Yarns Night Electric Toad Catbrush Golden String TUESDAY 16.07 Lost/Tuneless BRASS MONKEY Slums Open Mic Night Capelas Chris O’Brien THE CRAGIE TAVERN MUSTANG BAR Open Mic Night Pete Busher and the GROOVE BAR Lone Rangers (CROWN) DJ Rockin’ Rhys Ruby’s Groove NEWPORT HOTEL ELLINGTON JAZZ Louis & The CLUB Honkytonk Premiss Saint Ravine & Todd KALAMUNDA Pickett HOTEL Tim Nelson Open Mic DJ Tom Drummond Anthony Kay QUARIE BAR & LUCKY SHAG SUNDAY 14.07 Ben Merito BISTRO THE ASTOR MERIDIAN ROOM Better Days You Am I James Wilson QUEENS TAVERN BALMORAL MERRIWA TAVERN Velvet Astrobat Celebrations Karaoke THE SAINT BELMONT TAVERN MUSTANG BAR Howie Morgan Dove Danza Loca Salsa Project BOAB TAVERN Night THE SHED Chriss Gibbs Duo YA YA’S The Healy’s BRIGHTON Fresh Jams Blue Hornet Ricky Green Welcome the Wildfire BROKEN HILL HOTEL SWINGING PIG Lights of Berlin James Wilson Matt Angell The Right Way Up BROOKLANDS Wexford Pat Nicholson TAVERN Gerry Azor CARINE Jonathon Dempsey THE CAUSEWAY Accoustic Sunday CHASE BAR Chasing Calee Harlequin League CIVIC HOTEL Justin Burford COMO HOTEL Sophie Jane & The Chilly Bin Boys ELEPHANT AND WHEELBARROW Desert Bells ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Neda THE FLY TRAP (FLY

BY NIGHT) Stage Fright Open Mic ROSIE O’GRADYS FREMANTLE Flava SAIL & ANCHOR Better Days Childs Play THE SHED Huge SWAN BASEMENT Nightmare in the Basement Nightmare Effect A Nameless Fear Medusas Gaze Gone By Morning SWINGING PIG Greg Crater Rock-A-Fellas UNIVERSAL Soul Corporation WHALE & ALE Tom Jones Tribute Act YAYA’S Jeremy Neale Mezzanine YMCA HQ Winter Break Boris The Blade (VIC) Common Bond Anchored Iconoclast Mindless Midnight In Alaska (QLD) Xenobiotic Absolution (NSW) We Run With Wolves Adrift El Capitan Ascension To Catch a Fox Exanimis Vultures

HARLEQUIN LEAGUE LITTLE SKYE CATBRUSH HIDEOUS SUN DEMON LILLIUM STARGAZER WE MOVE WALLS TURIN ROBINSON

YA-YA’S THURSDAY, JULY 11

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MUSIC GEAR & TECHNOLOGY DANCE CLASSES BELLYDANCECENTRAL.COM.AU DANCE CLASS Join us at our harem style dance studio for lots of hip shaking fun. Free classes on Fri 19/7. Term starts on Mon 22/7. For more info & free class invite contact dance@ bellydancecentral.com.au, 0409 511 125 or www.bellydancecentral.com.au MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS INSTRUMENT REPAIRS Guitars, violins, clarinet, Saxaphone, Servicing and repairs.

Phone: 9403 3212 MUSOS WANTED BOYUP BROOK COUNTRY MUSIC BOOT CAMP Sep 27-29, 20 spots available. Contact countrymusicwa@westnet.com.au or 9765 1657 FEMALE VOCALIST REQUIRED by Pro standard working rock cover band. Video & audio demo’s avail. Call/text 0427 471 423 or email pjkm@westnet.com.au NCBC CALL OUT FOR ENTRIES Enter now at aaca.net.au for a chance at our huge prize pool!

OPEN MIC NIGHT every Thursday night at Indi Bar. Just call Bex on 0404 917 632.

OPEN MIC NIGHT @ THE CRAIGIE TAVERN Tuesdays from 8pm. Solos, Duos, Trios, Originals and Covers. Contact Paula or Ceelay 0420375670 or openmiccraigie@hotmail.com VOCALIST FRONT MAN REQUIRED to join female vocalist in top working corporate band.

Exp with commercial hits from 70’s -80’s to 00’s essential. Call Russ 0408 915 571 PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT PHOTOGR APHY P r o m o p h o t o g r a p h y, s t u d i o, l i v e , location.Mike Wylie 0417 975 964 www.projec tphotography.com When its time to ice the cake...

PRODUCTION SERVICES * L I G H T I N G * AU D I O * S TA G I N G * w w w. n i g h t s t a r l i g h t i n g a u d i o . c o m . a u w w w. n i g h t s t a r l i g h t i n g a u d i o . c o m . a u www.instandt.com.au www.instandt.com.au 9381 2363/ 9444 6651 CD & DVD MANUFACTURE Check out our latest CD & DVD specials online at www. procopy.com.au 9375 3902 D I S K B A N K P e r t h ’s p r e m i e r C D & D V D m a n u f a c t u r e r, w i t h o p t i o n s for all budgets. (08) 9388 0800. www.diskbank.com.au/specials.

M AT R I X P R O D U C T I O N S AU S T R A L I A Lighting, staging, sound systems, smoke machines, night club FX, intelligent lighting, strobes & mirror balls, crowd barriers, video projectors. 9371 1551 RECORDING STUDIOS ALAN DAWSON’s WITZEND RECORDING STUDIO Prof quality albums or demos, large live room, experienced engineer, analog to digital transfers, mastering..Alan 0407 989 128 or Jeremy 0430638178 www. witzendstudios.com ANDY’S STUDIO International multi award winning songwriter / producer. No band required. Broadcast quality. A songwriter’s paradise. Ph 9364 3178

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Send your Volume News to musicservices@xpressmag.com.au

Edited by T R AV I S J O H N S O N

BANDS! - UNLOCK YOUR SONGS’ POTENTIAL +FREE APPRAISALS. UK Producer, 40,000+ hours studio experience. 20 yrs in London with bands and songwriters. Kicking arrangements, great studio and the ability to really listen will give your material the edge you need. Call Jerry on 0405 653 338 or visit www.jerichomusic.com.au GOLDDUST Production Mixing, recording and composition. Leederville $70 p/h. 0408 097 407 POONS HEAD MASTERING Analog mastering at its best. Clients include Mink Mussel Creek, Jeff Martin, The Panics, Pond + The Floors.

World class facility. World class results. www. poonshead.com 9339 47 91 RECORDING MIXING MASTERING PRODUCING Fremantle location. Call Pete Kitchen Cooked Records. Ph 0407 363 764 / 9336 3764 REVOLVER SOUND STUDIO Ph 9272 7505. www.revolverstudio.com.au S AT E L L I T E R E C O R D I N G S T U D I O www.satelliterecording.com 0419 908 766 ProTools..17 Years exp TONE CITY RECORDING STUDIO Professional recording & mixing. Clients include Abbe May, Pond, Felicity Groom & The Silentís. Ph: 0409 297 362.

Barefoot World Atlas Carter and Carter

AN APPLE A DAY EQUALS...

BOOT SCOOTING BOOT 1826 AFTER FIVE YEARS Apple’s App Store has been open for five years now, CAMP

and in that time the range of available apps has swelled from a small initial offering of 500 to a mindboggling 90,000 plus. The app is far and away the defining technological concept of the decade, and to celebrate its birthday Apple are giving away five REHEARSAL STUDIOS landmark apps gratis! Head to itunes.apple.com.au/ AAA VHS REHEARSAL ROOMS Great facilities, app to pick up Barefoot World Atlas, Day One, How To great vibe & great price!!! Unit 5 /16 Peel Road, Cook Everything, Over and Traktor DJ for nothing! In O’Connor. Phone 9418 5815 or 0413 732 885 addition, five vastly popular games - Badland, Infinity Blade II, Superbrothers: Sword and Sorcery EP, Tiny BIGBEAT SOUND STUDIO Clean rooms, all new Wings and Where’s My Water? are also yours for free!

PA systems, air-con and good parking . Willetton Apple knows how to celebrate in style.

Ph: 0425 698 117.

PLATINUM SOUND ROOMS Professional rehearsal rooms, airconditioned, quality PAs mob 0418 944 722 STREAM STUDIO’S 89 Stirling St, Perth. Mobile: 0403 152 009 info@streamrehearsal.com.au VISION REHEARSAL Perth’s premier rehearsal facilities. Visit www.visionstudios.com.au for all info. East Vic Park. Email rehearsal@ visionstudios.com.au or call 0432 034 122 TUITION ***GUITAR LESSONS*** Perth’s ultimate guitar studio. Beg-adv, all styles and levels including bass. Cliff Lynton Guitar Institute. Mt Lawley 9342 3484 / www.clifflynton.com BASS LESSONS Rock, funk & jazz. Tony Gibbs 9470 6131 GUITAR & KEYBOARD TUITION (BeginnersProfessional) One on One lessons. Free guitar trial lesson. Burswood Ph 6460 6921/ 0415 238 729 www.gvkschoolofmusic.com.au GUITAR TUITION Teacher, performer with 30 yrs experience., No reading req. All ages, beg to adv. Ph Ian Wilson 9403 3212 To advertise in Classified call 9213 2888 or email musicservices@xpressmag.com.au

SING A SONG

The deadline for the WAM Song Of the Year Competition is bearing down on us like a juggernaut! Now you’ve only got until Monday, July 22 to get your entries in for your crack at a slice of over $35,000 worth of prizes - and the respect ands admiration of your peers, of course.

Go to wam.asn.au for details.

Attention, cotton pickers, string strummers and broken hearted yokels! The Country Music Club of Boyup Brook will be holding a three day intensive Country Music Boot Camp from September 27 - 29, with national iconic Country Music artists Carter and Carter and Brad Bergen. This will be three days of intensive training to help the burgeoning C&W aficionado get their career on the right track. Head to countrymusicwa.com.au for more information.

AXES FOR CASH

If you got an old guitar or two that’s gathering dust, here’s you chance to turn your faithful old instrument into some folding green at The Guitar Swap Meet and Musician’s Market. Head to Mojo’s on Sunday, July 21 from 10am to 4pm to take a look at an impressive range of previously loved musical merchandise. Entry is $5, and stall rental is only $20. Those wanted their own stall need to email guitarswapmeet@gmail.com with ‘Stall Confirmation’ in the subject heading. Part proceeds go to No Matter What, a local charity that helps improve life for children struggling with cancer in the community.

GEARBO X VINTAGE REISSUED SERIES V52 ELECTRIC

The newest addition to Vintage Guitars’ Reissued Range, this beautiful piece of music muscle is based on a design that dates back to 1952 and features a bolted maple neck and fingerboard, a large black scratchplate, and a full suite of modern, Trev Wilkinson designed pickups and assorted hardware.. Essentially a way for the contemporary picker to get a feel for a classic instrument without having to sell his internal organs, the V52 has an remarkably affordable $499 RRP. Head over to nationalaudio.com.au for more.

Vintage Reissued Series v52 Electric

X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

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X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays