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[Canberra’s Entertainment Guide] #521 December/JANUARY

Don’t let the door hit your ass on the way out, 2021...

Mail: 36/97 Eastern Valley Way Belconnen, ACT 2617 Publisher ABN 76 097 301 730 Pty Ltd

General Manager Allan Sko E: advertising@bmamag.com

Editor Allan Sko E: allan@bmamag.com

Accounts Manager Ashish Doshi E: accounts@bmamag.com

Cover Design Juliette Dudley

Cover photo Joachim Ellenrieder

Article Design The Decideds, Summer Rhythm, and Summernats article designs by Juliette Dudley

Film Columnist Cam Williams

Entertainment Guide Editor Allan Sko

Social Media Manager Allan Sko & Ruth O’Brien

Columnists Ruth O’Brien, Josh Nixon, Chris Marlton, Allan Sko

Contributors Josh Eckersley, Ruth O’Brien, Vince Leigh, Allan Sko

NEXT ISSUE #521 OUT Thursday, 20 January

EDITORIAL DEADLINE Friday, 7 January

ADVERTISING DEADLINE Wednesday, 12 January ABN 76 097 301 730 BMA Magazine is independently owned and published. Opinions expressed in BMA Magazine are not necessarily those of the editor, publisher or staff.

EST 1992

THE DECIDEDS p. 30

MUESLI

p. 16 SOUNDS @ SUMMERNATS p. 20

SUMMER RHYTHM FESTIVAL RETURNS p. 28 THE BEST CANBERRA MUSIC OF 2021 p. 34

LOCALITY COLUMN

TIM FERGUSON p. 14 THE DROP p. 18 BEST METAL OF 2021 p. 22

FROM THE BOSSMAN

BY ALLAN SKO

[ALLAN@BMAMAG.COM] Ahhhh, how quickly we find ourselves blindly windmill-punching through yet another new year. And this has certainly been a year, hasn’t it? Like a small child awoken from a couch-bound slumber, doughy-eyed and blinking, we wonder where we are, what the heck happened, and what now? There’s a smorgasbord of feelings at this time of year, more so than ever at 2021 stumbles to a close. The smashing together of blind optimism, end-of-year indolence, sombre reflection, and a general sense of ‘Hang on… These aren’t my trousers...’ merrymaking creates something magical about this time. Despite many of us negotiating the new year with a hangover worthy of its own heartbeat, it’s hard not to feel invigorated about opening a fresh pack of 365. In those first few trembling steps of a new year, anything is possible. I will write that book. I will lose that weight. I will stop doing three-list gags as often. Before that, there’s the joy of making our way through the startof-year rituals. Rituals such as taking a spirited romp with a digital machete through the overgrowth of an inbox that, throughout December, has become lush with emails concerning Christmas well-wishes from people you’ve never met and invitations to invigorate the size of one’s member via colourful pills. Of course, there’s the familiar thrashing through anxiety dreams, riddled with the various things you put in the ‘Do It In January’ basket - ie most of it - that threatens to rob you of decent sleep at the very moment you need it. Then there’s being on the receiving end of the various cuts, scrapes, and sharp prods administered when putting away the Christmas decorations, and the ceremonial knocking over of at least one precious item with an electrical cord. Once we venture out into the world - something we can actually do, now, by crikey - there’s the knowing smirk elicited when hitting the gym for the first time, marvelling at the hordes of fellow folk gym-goers sporting clothes that have spent more time absorbing mothballs than sweat.

And for those with cricketing inclinations, there’s the joyous sound of a ball skittling violently into the wicket of an unfortunate English batsman, a sound - whilst undeniably pleasing - that tends to sink the heart a tad as it signals the working year looms and that another passage of time has flittered past at the speed of a Mitchell Starc yorker. But this is the year I will seize the day. I’m finally going to write an album, and it will include tracks like the soaring I Like Parenthesis Titled Tracks (Or Do I?), the instant anthem for the world-wise recycling generation Can I Borrow a Peeling? and the heartfelt I Really Must Stop Relying on Three-List Gags. All I need now is to learn to play, write, and basically have anything to do with music other than talk about it. But the year beckons! So before we collapse into the inevitable and safe steady step of drudgery comprising the same failed dreams and bad habits that we subject ourselves to every year, enjoy this glistening moment of optimism. Now if you will excuse me, I have a book to start, a musical instrument to learn, and a pair of trousers to find.

Los Chavos, Kopasetic, Nina Leo & The Dirty Sunflowers / Sat, 18 December / Live at the Polo

As you know, we here at BMA Magazine are staunch supporters of great Canberra live music. This edict is more than satisfied by the Polo Party!, showcasing four of Canberra’s best and brightest. To whit, there’s 8-piece explosion of Latin reggae energy that is Los Chavos; the sublime rhythm engine creators Kopasetic; the boots n all rawness and real pub floor abandon of Nina Leo; and the catchy guitar riffs and unapologetic lyrics of 5-piece punk rock band The Dirty Sunflowers. It’s a hell of a way to cap off a challenging year in carefree, rollicking good fashion. 7:30pm - 11:30pm, $25 + bf via trybooking.com

The Strides / Top shelf roots and reggae / Sun, 19 December / Smokey Horse

The Strides blew the roof off Smokey Horse earlier this year with their amazing 7-piece outfit, featuring legendary frontman Ras Roni hailing from Barbados via London. This time, they are retuning with a full compliment of 9 band members. Fijian vocalist LTL GZeus and Sierra Leonian Blacka C will be joining the epic night of top shelf roots and reggae music, showcasing dance hall, hip hop, and dub influences. Support on the night is by local Braidwood legend Lily Morris, with a solo set of her charming, understated, and effortless original songs. 5pm, $11.64 via eventbrite.com (late news; may be sold out)

Quivers (Melb) Album Launch / With Lily Morris and Yasmine/ Sat, 15 January / Live at the Polo

Quivers’ life-damaged but hopeful jangle pop has returned with a long-anticipated second album, Golden Doubt. Out on Spunk Records in Australia, this album is full of the driving rhythms and harmony driven pop that comes most naturally to Quivers. Musically, it plays with the ghosts of ‘80s Australian guitar bands and the spirit of R.E.M. and Teenage Fanclub, with a distinct lyrical directness. Pitchfork called it “absolutely glorious” and “like a Go-Betweens with Coachella conquering ambitions”. 7:30pm, $20 + bf trybooking.com CBS Xmas Party Blues Jam / The Cyril B. Bunter Band / Sun, 19 December / Harmonie German Club

Between 1972 and 1985, The Bunters toured Australia ceaselessly, earning a reputation for good-time, soul-satisfying blues-infused boogie. They built a fanatical cult following, eventually hitting the national touring circuit, playing six-nights-a-week for years. The band became fast friends with George Thorogood during three tours together, culminating in George recording The Bunters’ song Boogie People as the title track off his 1985 album. Canberra Blues Society welcomes them, and you! 1pm-4:30pm, CBS members $5/$10 + bf

IL Bruto / A smorgasbord of rock et al / Thu, 23 December / Smith’s Alternative

Come all ye faithful for a Christmas Eve-eve of rock ‘n’ roll, libation, and boogeying if yer so inclined. IL Bruto will be serving up a smorgasbord of garage, punk, blues, and surf infused rock ‘n’ roll for your enjoyment. Despite the paucity of gigs this past year, the IL Bruto boys reckon they can mostly remember how the songs go. If need be they’ll wing it, and with your presence a fun time will be had! Doors 5:30pm, gig 6pm - 8pm, tix $15 of your Earth dollars from smithsalternative.com/events

Royale With Cheese / Rage Against The 90s / Sat, 22 January / The Basement

Royale With Cheese is Australia’s premier ‘90s rollicking party show, playing rock and pop covers – including Seattle-sound to grunge to Britpop and all the best Oz Rock – from one of the greatest and most influential decades in rock music. Comprised of five experienced musicians, the ‘Cheese bring all your favourite ‘90s covers from Nirvana to Spice Girls and everything inbetween. Come as you are to smash pumpkins and Rage Against The 90s! From 7pm, tix are $50.75 from oztix.com.au

Graeme Base’s The Worst Band In The Universe Exhibition / On now til 6 Feb / Belco Arts

Bring the whole family, get up close, and marvel at original illustrations from the book The Worst Band in the Universe by Australia’s favourite children’s author, Graeme Base. Feeling inspired by Base’s thrilling and detailed works? Local artists byrd and Hanna Hoyne certainly have been – see how they have responded to these otherworldly themes in fantastical, large-scale murals in the Generator Gallery. And don’t forget to keep your eye out for aliens hiding around the Centre – can you find them all? Runs until 6 February, opening hours 10am to 4pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Closed public holidays

Rujuvenation Exhibition / By Rachel Head & Imogen Fayed-Machacek / Now til 13 Jan / Smith’s

A collaborative exhibition focusing on the Australian bush and its incredible capacity for Rejuvenation after the 2019-2020 bushfires. There will be works in watercolour and ink of birds and flowers by artists Imogen Fayed-Machacek and Rachel Head. It’s the invigorating and uplifting exhibition we sorely need right now. The exhibition runs at Smith’s Alternative until the 13th of January 2022, so plenty of time to check it out!

The Empire Strips Back / Star Wars burlesque parody / Thu, 20 January / Canberra Theatre

2022 marks the 11 year anniversary of The Empire Strips Back, so a very special anniversary tour for fans old and new awaits. The show has been packing out Australian theatres since 2011, when it opened in a 100-seat Sydney venue and swiftly became a word-of-mouth phenomenon, touring internationally. So be prepared for some seriously sexy Stormtroopers, a dangerously seductive Boba Fett, some tantalising Twi’leks, a delightfully luke-warm Taun Taun, a ladylike Skywalker, the Droids you are looking for, and much, much more! 8pm, $56.50-$149.50 + bf via Canberra Theatre facebook.com/bmamagazine Space Oddity / Arts & craft recreation of 2001: A Space Odyssey / On now til 6 Feb / Belco Arts

In the mid-’90s, bathed in blue light from a flickering television, a young Tom Buckland becomes transfixed with science fiction. Long hours he spent crafting spacesuits and spaceships from toilet rolls, cereal boxes, and egg cartons. Kubrick’s seminal 1968 sci-fi epic 2001: A Space Odyssey left a deep impression on a young Buckland. Now, a slightly taller Buckland lovingly rebuilds, recreates, and refilms this iconic movie entirely within the gallery space. Space Oddity is a love letter to the power of childhood imagination. Runs until 6 February, opening hours 10am to 4pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Closed public hols

Circus Of Illusion / Performance magic & stunts galore / Sun, 16 January / Canberra Theatre

Escape into a world where sawdust and sequins combine with cutting-edge illusions to create an extravaganza of mystery and mayhem. The ringmaster will take you on a journey blending worldclass circus artists with spellbinding magic. Stay on the edge of your seat as showgirls levitate, disappear, and fly high in the air, and the talented troupe of performers from across the globe put on a show of pure spectacle. Acclaimed illusionist and Australia’s Got Talent finalist Michael Boyd presents death-defying escapes, breathtaking illusions, and more. 2pm & 7pm, $59– $69 + bf via Canberra Theatre

Decadence & Debauchery / Celebrating Flazeda’s 1st Birthday / Sat, 29 January / Belco Arts Centre

Celebrating 12 months of Flazeda being open as part of Jazida Productions, you’ll be treated to incredible performances from headlining acts and local stars, a best dressed competition, and more! The event will be available in real life and also via livestream. There will be ticket giveaways, free classes, merchandise, and an auction and raffle. Also revealed will be grand plans for 2022, the Performance for Purpose program, and how you can support Flazeda to make it all possible. 8pm, tix via flazedahub.com/Shop.php

LOCALITY

[THE WORD ON LOCAL MUSIC] WITH RUTH O’BRIEN. SEND YOUR GIGS AND INFO TO:

[RUTH@BMAMAG.COM]

Yes, it’s the end of another year and Christmas is right around the corner. There’s a lot to celebrate! Just getting to this point after two quite shit years is a huge achievement in and of itself. So props to you for making it through 2020 AND 2021. To celebrate in fine Canberra gigging-style, here’s my rundown of the best things happening around town in the lead up to Christmas, and in January.

By now, you’ve probably heard of Lunchbox Acoustic. This initiative started in August 2020 to give Canberra musos a place to perform during these weird COVID-y times. Over lunchtime in Garema Place every weekday from 12pm1:30pm, a different local artist or band performs for 90 minutes. There are some great acts lined up for the last days before Christmas, including Monica Moore Trio (17 Dec), Johnny Huckle (20 Dec), The Smorgasbroads (22 Dec), Chicken Salt (23 Dec) and O Christmas Trio (24 Dec). For more info about the acts and Lunchbox Acoustic, head to any reputable search engine, and it should be the first entry that pops up. If you wanna keep in the Christmas spirit, it would seem Sunday, 19 December is the day for it. From 11am-2pm, the Canberra Symphony Orchestra will be in Haig Park for a series of ensemble performances, bringing Christmas cheer at the Haig Park Village Markets. If you want a picnic rug (provided) to sit and listen with up to 5 friends, you’ll need to register via Eventbrite - it’s free, they just need numbers. Otherwise, feel free to wander and listen to your heart’s desire as you shop around these fab markets, which I’m sure will also be tinged with Yuletide gaiety. At 4pm, Children’s Choir, Luminescence, has their concert A Luminous Christmas - Love Is Born. From the whimsical to the witty, Luminescence Children’s Choir perform traditional Canadian and French carols, as well as Aussie ones by Paul Stanhope and James Valentine. This festive gathering will be happening at Wesley Uniting Church in Forrest. You can find more info by heading to cimf.org.au Bit of a Christmas die hard over here; I might just see if I can make it to both events. But if you’re more like, “nah, fuck Christmas”, and just wanna let loose after a bit a shite couple of years, then this next event might be the one for you. Hot Foot Records have started up a regular Friday night dance party called Loosen Up at Londale St Cafe. Featuring Canberra’s most fun and loud (in every sense of the word) big pink truck, The Soul Defender, this looks like it could be one of the best ways to end 2021. Who doesn’t love to shake their booty for hours to tunes made by local DJs? The event is weather dependent, so best to keep your eye on the forecast around this one, given the rainy days and nights we’ve been having. The next one is scheduled to go ahead on Christmas Eve from 5pm. No bookings required but capacity is capped at 80 people. Moving on into 2022 (I know, weird), there’s a few pretty awesome gigs happening at the end of Jan. On Friday, 28 January, Sputnik Sweetheart are headlining a show at UC Hub. The band have built a reputation for delivering hard hitting performances to sold out rooms across the country. They released their debut EP Growing Pains in 2019, which was headlined by the anthemic breakout single Us Girls, a song that throws gender inequality into the spotlight with a passionate and frustrated voice.

Most recently, the band have released Jealousy, a track that showcases their darker side of songwriting. Sputnik Sweetheart will be supported by Sophisticated Dingo and Parklands and tickets are available through Moshtix. And finally, Bangers from The Basement is happening on Saturday, 29 January. The event features multiinstrumentalist Sam Sly and her band, Wollongong pop trio The Huneez, Canberra local indie rockers Flowermarket, and, fresh from the garden, alt rock five-piece THYME. Finally, to all the event organisers and artists who have come through these rocky times and keep on, we admire you so much! As fellow arts workers, we know all too well how difficult things have been. But we very much appreciate the work you put into your craft and to the Canberra arts scene. Thanks so much for reading! And for more events, don’t forget to check out the WOLO gig guide at wolo.events for more info on things happening over Summer. Happy Xmas everyone! May 2022 be a good one. Ruth O’Brien - Singer | Songwriter | Writer | Lover of all @bmamag things artsy and creative - email: ruth@bmamag.com

Group members: Lily Begbie: Vocals Luca Florez: Vocals/guitar Kieran O’Leary: Drums Nelson Stannard: Keys Harrison Whalan: Bass/Mum Where did the band name come from?

Muesli just came from a random word generator. We wish we had a better story but we don’t. As with all names we kind of grew into it after a while. We keep it crunchy and funky and hope to contribute to everyone’s healthy musical diet!

How did you form? We all went to school at St. Francis Xavier College. Harrison graduated in 2019 and was brought back to run the school’s funk band in 2020. Everyone else was a part of this funk band, which is how we all met and bonded over our love for music.

One day, Luca brought one of his original songs I Wanna Be in Love With You. We jammed on it for about an hour, and it sounded so good we thought we had to make a band. We’ve been gigging since November 2020 and have no plans of stopping anytime soon! Describe your sound: Unapologetic upbeat pop and funk. We pride ourselves on creating a sound that makes us, and our audience, smile. Who/What are your influences, musical and/or otherwise? Harrison loves Vulfpeck (especially Joe Dart) , Lily loves Lake Street Dive, Kieran loves Anderson Paak, Luca loves Rex Orange County, and Nelson loves Coldplay. We are also inspired by our college music teacher Ms Zimpel. She has provided countless opportunities for us to perform and grow as musicians, and is never afraid to give us constructive criticism. Most of all, we inspire each other to be better musicians and people. What are some memorable experiences you’ve had as a band? A week before lockdown 2.0, we were closing a free show at sideway. We advertised the show reasonably well, and we expected a decent crowd. What we weren’t expecting was a line of 50 people outside, waiting to be let in to see us perform. And we certainly weren’t expecting people singing our songs while we performed. This show was a big turning point for us, as it made us realise that people outside of our immediate circles enjoy our music. What is it that you love about the scene? Your genre’s scene? We love the fantastic venues, incredible bands, and welcoming fans that make up the Canberra music scene. We are spoiled for choice with music venues in Canberra. These venues available to us are of such a high standard, especially for bands that are just breaking into the scene. The sound quality is fantastic, lighting is excellent, and the staff are so welcoming and hospitable. We particularly love Smith’s Alternative, sideway, and the White Eagle Polish Club. All the bands that we’ve had the privilege of performing with are always kind, cooperative, and supportive. And of course, the musicianship is excellent. The fans that come and support local music are exceptional. Especially those who aren’t afraid to get up and dance to some funky tunes and get involved no matter their background. The vast variety of people we have at our gigs is reflective of Canberra’s inclusive attitude, and music scene.

Tell us about one of your proudest moments? We recently had a gig at Smith’s Alternative, where we got the audience to help us decide what song we should record as our first single. We stuck QR codes on all of the tables, which were used to access a Google poll where they would vote for their top 3 songs. The voting was really successful, and it was hugely rewarding to see that many people care about our music enough to have their say about our future. It was our most intimate, interactive, and successful gig we have done so far. What are your plans for the future? We are going to be recording our first single later this month at Amberly Studios, and will be releasing this, and hopefully our first EP, in 2022. We’re also going to be performing at the amazing Summer Rhythm Festival at Goolabri on New Year’s Eve. This will be our first time playing at a festival and we are super excited for it! What makes you laugh? Harrison doing happy jumps whenever we sound good, Kieran’s atrocious fake laugh, and whenever Nelson roasts Lily. What pisses you off? Harrison forces us to practice with a metronome. It annoys us so much but it does make us better musicians.

Anything else you’d like to add? We encourage all young aspiring musicians to get out into the Canberra scene. It is such a welcoming environment that has given us so much joy. Thank you BMA for interviewing us! We really appreciate it and can’t wait to see you all at our next gig! BAND LINKS:

https://linktr.ee/Muesli.the.band

THE DROP

[THE WORD ON EDM/DANCE MUSIC] WITH ALLAN SKO - ALLAN@BMAMAG.COM

Hello creatures of the night, and general revellers of postmidnight mirth. So here we are. Finally at the end of this most charming of years. And December/January - the official merrymaking season of any calendar - is set to be extra special, what with all this pent up party energy to unleash. And with a sense of the Before Times firmly established, there’s been enough space for our beloved venues of verve veneration, as well as those punctilious promoters, to put on a slew of exciting events across a broad range of genres. So strap on your disco pants and let’s get clubbin’ in neat, chronological fashion!

Fiction is getting back into the swing of things, with FEEL returning to Friday nights. The 17 December edition sees ultimate triple-threat Touch Sensitive man the helm. The producer, in-demand live performer, and DJ is a treasured slashie for artists and audiences alike, known for such accolades as remixing Rufus, collaborating with Flume, and touring internationally with Flight Facilities. The man with an ear for hooks and impeccable taste will be joined on the night by Unknown Avenue, Burg, Aunty Daniel, and Kaliopi. Tix range from $16.57 - $27.01 depending on when you get in, and are available from fctn.intix.com The following eve, Saturday, 18 December, you can decorate the Yuletide season with the drum ‘n’ bass baubles of Jungle Bells III at Pot Belly Bar. The Headz are Rolling team have done a frankly fantastic/horrific pun-laden description for this, so I’ll hand over to them: “Time to get lit, because Christmas is almost here and we are feeling all santamental about the Canberra Bass family. So that means we will be pudding in a big sound system and it’s time to get down with the Headz are Rolling crew. It’s Christmas so yule be rocking out to the Amens until late and the DJs will be sleighing it to make it rein dear.” Strap yourselves in, because it doesn’t end there. “Dasher down to the Pot Belly bass camp from 10pm to start the ascent. Get ready to raise some holiday spirits, because it’s the most wonderful time for a beer. Christmas is a good Claus for celebration and we all love to get Blitzened by snares so much no one will want to go ho ho home. “But wait - there’s myrrh…” Ok, that’s enough of that. Don’t say I didn’t want you. The Headz honchos have assembled a massive line-up for the festivities: Crooked Sound, System, Tidy, Samwise, Moonstompa, DanFran, Xujih, Raggz2Riches, Rascal, Gamacell, Mariana Dub, Karuna, Fourthstate, DJHRH, and KeySeismic. You get all these fine people for a humble $20 + bf change via events.humanitix.com Also on Saturday, 18 December, if a bag full of warm eclectic grooves and straight up pumping beats is more your style, the Crown Ruler double that is SS10: Ruby Savage and Zjoso is playing out at sideway.

Since moving from her hometown of Amsterdam to London in 2007, Ruby Savage has worked behind the counter at Honest Jon’s Records and managed record label Sounds Signature, where she also created the Wildheart Recordings sister label. Much of Brownswood Recording’s recent success has been down to her stewardship as label manager (2016-20) while solo exploits have taken her to the dance floor with her In Flames postpunk disco party, a monthly on NTS, and bopping through the booth of a large number of well respected London clubs a la Oval Space, Phonox, 5 Miles, Pickle Factory, Giant Steps and The Village Underground.

She’ll be joined by the Tribqu head honcho, Zjoso. West African in heritage, the Naarm (Melbourne)-based Zjoso has quickly become an essential thread weaving through the city’s musical tapestry. He is the founder of Tribqu, a progressive platform celebrating underground music and culture where, at the helm, he has successfully carved out a distinct role as radio host, DJ, and curator. Add to that local legend Frasier Brigz, and you have yourself a night! Tickets are $20 - $30 + bf via events.humanitix.com

Come Boxing Day - the holiday that confuses Americans - once again you have a choice of danceables. Back to Fiction, and the club welcomes the return of The Sunset Bros on Sunday, 26 December, who will be playing their trademark fusion of NRG, house, techno, and trance. JaySounds is the main support for this event, with ample contributions from Vivace, Toucan, Daron K, and Edstar. Tix range from $21.79 - $32.23 depending on when you get in, and are available from fctn.intix.com Also on the Day of Boxing, Sunday, 26 December, Friction Presents once again takes over the Assembly People’s Pub for a massive afternoon featuring K.I.M (The Presets),

Mashd N Kutcher (DJ SET), and Stace Cadet. There’s only final release tix left, $52.02 via Moshtix, but they’re not expected to last long! Spans 2pm - 10pm. No kidding on that. Friction Presents and Assembly have been on a roll since The Big F’s re-form, with consecutive sold-out shows hosting the likes of Sneaky Sound System, Bag Raiders, and the Ministry Of Sound classics party. So if you missed out on the Boxing Day bash, then get in early for future shows, namely Assembly Sunday Sessions ft. Jungle Giants (DJ Set), Stacie Fields & more on Sunday, 16 January from 2pm - 10pm, and then Assembly 360° Experience feat. Bag Raiders, Alex Preston & more, also on a Sunday, (6 February), also from 2pm - 10pm. The latter 360° gig is a special Boiler Room style set where you, the salivating audience, can surround the Bagsters and witness, up close, them doing their thang. Like this:

There are various tickets at various prices via Moshtix, with the age-old mantra of ‘the sooner you buy, the cheaper it is’. Rounding out the monthly calendar, again back at club Fiction on Friday, 14 January, is Holy Goof, described as “a driving force at the very forefront of UK bass culture” and “a key protagonist in the scene, with a sound that’s had a huge impact on electronic music.” Wow; a DJ from the UK. There’s a novelty to report on in 2021! He’s a popular boy is our Goof-meister, with only final release tickets available for $32.23 via, you guessed it, fctn.intix.com And finally, a note from hard-working lads at the Dragon Dreaming festival, who have seen their way through the recent challenges and have emerged with good news. “It is with great pleasure that we announce that the Dragon Dreaming Festival 2021 will now be happening in 2022, in collaboration with the Regrowth Tree Planting Festival!” the team enthused. “After years of rest, we return with an even more refined vision to come together for celebration, sharing, and giving back to the country that holds us. This new vision has come about with the exciting amalgamation between the not-forprofit Dragon Dreaming Festival and that of the Regrowth Tree planting festival (REGEN Eco-projects). “We are now one and ready to bring you a ‘leave a positive trace’ festival that we can all be part of. “This means that the Dragon Dreaming Festival will now add to the 73,000 native plants we have planted together to date at Regrowth Festivals.

“Of course, we will continue to bring you the amazing festival experience you have come to expect, presenting diverse music over four days from live bands to live electronic music, performers, interactive arts, expression and learning spaces, art gallery, cinema, markets, healing space and kids’ space.” So isn’t that a happy piece of news to end with? It’s all set to happen across 1 Apr - 4 Apr, 2022 at Lake Burrinjuck, which is a hop, skip, and a merry jump away from Canberra. For tickets and further information, head to dragondreaming. com.au, and continue to keep an eye on these pages as we near the big event. OK - damn! - that was a lot of stuff to report. It swells the cockles of me old heart, it does. I intend to kick off the 2022 column by rounding up some notable music identities and find out what rocked their socks music-wise in 2021, as well as provide you with a coupla heaters from yours truly. But that all depends on how fat and lazy we all get over the festive season. Whatever turns out, I will be here, with all that dancey-EDM goodness to extol the virtues of. I hope you’ll be here too. Party hard. Party safe. Peace, love, and unity.

START YOUR ENGINES…

Clockwise from top: Hot Dub Time Machine, Hooligan Hefs, Kerser

By Allan Sko

In the same way that the changing hues of the leaves signal the onset of autumn, so too does the Summernats city cruise strongly signal that the zenith of summer has truly arrived. But the spectacular, like the festival itself, has been absent of late. Perhaps not since its inception in 1987 have crowds, organisers, and performers alike been so revved up for the long-awaited next instalment of Summernats. Australia’s best known car festival, bringing in excess of $20 million in economic benefit to the ACT economy, finally returns after the global hiatus that kept it away. Summernats has evolved from Chic Henry’s construction of a dedicated burnout track at Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC, then known as Natex) and the first Summernats in January 1988, to the four-day spectacular boasting 100,000+ crowds of today. It features street machines with airbrushed artwork, restored and modified cars, events, prizes in competitions for burnouts, parades of cars around the track, fireworks at night, as well as two outdoor concerts held on the Friday and Saturday nights. Speaking of which, to celebrate its return, Summernats organisers have assembled some top quality party starters, namely hip hop heavyweights Hooligan Hefs and Kerser, and global festival party DJ, Hot Dub Time Machine. And the tune-touting trio are understandably all kinds of excited about it.

“I am pumped to finally be performing at Summernats!” Kerser enthused. “I was excited when I first got booked, but this two-year delay has taken the anticipation to the next level. Can’t wait to hit that stage!” Tom Lowndes, better known to his salivating audiences as Hot Dub Time Machine, is equally thrilled at the prospect. “I’m stoked to be performing at Summernats 2022!” the man chimes. “I had a great time with all the crazy car guys at Red CentreNATS a couple of years ago, and from what I hear, Summernats is going to be on a totally different level. I can’t wait!” Sharing the performers’ enthusiasm is the hard-working team putting the whole shebang together, including Communications Manager Adrian Hodgson.

“We’re just super excited to be getting back to Canberra to put on a great show,” Hodgson says. “All of the usual elements that make Summernats a party are there, but with a longer than normal break between gigs, there’s just a bit more of everything. More awesome new cars, more burnouts, more cruising.” And, of course, more music, an aspect of Summernats that has taken increasing prevalence in recent years. “Adding music to the mix serves a couple of purposes,” Hodgson explains. “First, it gives Summernats attendees an epic show on Friday and Saturday nights. Second, it brings fans of those musical acts into the Summernats circus where hopefully some of them will realise how much of a good time it is and hang around for the cars.” The Summernats crew have a considered approach when deciding on who the vibe vendors will be. “We look for artists that can match the party energy level that our entrants and spectators bring to the show,” Hodgson continues. “You won’t find a lounge act at Summernats, but you will find thousands of people jumping, dancing, singing, and loving the vibe.” Proving once again that good things do indeed come to those who wait, Hodgson confirms some exciting new additions, and readditions, to 2022’s event. “We’ve gone two years without a Summernats Burnout Masters Grand Final, so we have twice as many of the wild tyre-destroyers fighting it out for the biggest prize money ever offered at the event,” he confirms. “On the show car side of things, there are 24 brand new elite-level builds ready to be unveiled. It’s also looking like there will be a record number of entrants, too – more than 2500.” So whether you’re a seasoned pro of a petrol head chomping at the bit to finally return to the ol’ burnin’ ground, or intrigued to check it out for the first time, the ‘nats crew have you covered. “It’s a constantly moving, changing, automotive feast for the senses,” Hodgson enthuses. “Thousands of cars and people enjoying the best parts of the automotive scene, great food, and great musical acts in the Canberra sunshine.

“It’s more festival than car show, and there genuinely is something for all ages. “

“It’s more festival than car show, and there genuinely is something for all ages.” Summernats revs up at Exhibition Park (EPIC) from 6 - 9 January, 2022. Day passes, Season passes, and Platinum passes are available via summernats.oztix.com.au

METALISE

[THE WORD ON METAL] WITH JOSH NIXON [DOOMTILDEATH@HOTMAIL.COM]

We could recap the year, but you know... I’m sorta not keen at all to do it. We have shared the crappyness. But in the spirit of the season, I will stop the whinging, and up the things I am hopeful and thankful for. The Bergersens Take On The Basement

Nic and Mik Bergersen took on a live music venue at the most challenging time in live music’s history. And they’re absolutely killing it. The whole ‘Basement staff-family are the unsung heroes of the Covid lockdowns and have worked through any and all challenges to keep supporting a plethora of original and cover shows through all the complications. It’s reassuring to see that the whole extended team have stuck through it all to the point where I was driving past prior lockdown lifting and spied them all in action, painting and sprucing up the ol’ room for another run of heaviness. Well done, and gratitude to you all. A Not-Top 5 In lieu of a fulsome top 5, like last year I want to do a composite of releases I have loved in 2021. I know personally, and from talking to my network, that it’s been reaaaaaaallllly challenging to keep the creativity flowing through this. It’s seemed to go one of two ways, though. Some have been relatively quiet and struggled to create. Others have gone berserk. Of the latter group, Portal released two complex and extremely challenging records at the same time. Dense and complicated work, uncompromising in scope and at bleeding edge of control, Hagbulbia and Avow were blistering. Former Canberra resident, now Melbournite, Karina Utomo launched not only two releases, but two new bands. Kilat are an exploratory black metal 3-piece, and Rinuwat a 3-piece heavy conceptual work. Both incorporate Karina’s Javanese heritage and they’re both unique and fascinating pieces of heavy art that are well worth your time. Doooooooooooooooooooooooom! (of the good kind) Doom wise, as always it was a fruitful year both here in Australia, and abroad. Lucifungus are never short of new songs, churning them out in 2021, with their Clones release being the latest well worth a listen. Canberra’s own Futility dropped an immense slab of funeral death doom in the form of Anhedonic. Norway’s Kal-El dropped a slab of stoner doom so good that Riff Lord Tony Iommi himself gave their Dark Majesty release sizable props. Melbourne’s Dr. Colossus again confounded all expectations of a Simpsons-themed doom band with the (deep breath) I’m a Stupid Moron with an Ugly Face and a Big Butt and My Butt Smells and I Like To Kiss My Own Butt.

PORTAL

Semi locals Hekate impressed with Sermons to the Black Owl on debut. And to round out with other doom offerings well worth your ears... Eyehategod – A History of Nomadic Behaviour, Hooded Menace – The Tritonus Bell, The Sonic Overlords – Last Days of Babylon, Jack Harlon & The Dead Crows – The Magnetic Ridge, Red Fang – Arrows and Acid Mammoth – Caravan all impressed me this year in that slower heavier zone. For those who like their BPMs a bit livelier

MENTAL CAVITY

For those who like their BPMs a bit livelier, locals Mental Cavity‘s Mass Rebel Infest, and Bloodmouth‘s Unmanned both clobbered out some nasty riffs and blasting beats.

SUMERU

Sumeru features Canberran Jake Willoughby on the throat now, and this year’s EP Blood Ordinance had two of the best riff feasts all year. Cold Chamber rules, but Foundry Of Dread is my speeding fine generator of 2021. I also really enjoyed: Carcass - Torn Arteries Cerebral Rot – Excretion of Mortality Mortal Coil – Dodsrit Gatecreeper – An Unexpected Reality Anatomia – Corporeal Torment Sanctioned/Entrails Massacre spilt All rad in 2021 and worthy of your ear time. To all, I salute your staunch resilience and creativity! Canberra. Metal. Fest. So I mentioned last column that the metal prevalence of diverse views on Covid vaccines was interesting. As such there has been a few changes to the Canberra Metal Fest. The end result is that one ticket has never carried as much weight or value. It’s now a three night bonanza starting Thursday, 13 January with Mytile Vey Lorth headlining, plus Atrocita, Besomora, Numbutolik, and Plague Dweller. Friday, 14 January features Witchskull, Remains, Wretch, Carnal Vicsera, 12 Gauge Rampage, Lucifungus, Outcest, Point 17, Rooted, Sumeru, Tera Mortem and The Ending. Saturday, 15 January winds up with Psycroptic, Pod People, Disentomb, Holy Serpent, Arkane, As Flesh Decays, Burn the Hostages, Carcinoid, Celestial Oath, Gape, Goat Shaman, Hekate, Hypergiant, Immorium, Letterbomb A.D., Ploughshare, Reaper and Womb To Tomb. Whew! That is a metal lovers 666mas present ticket if ever I have seen one. So thrash your way through the festivus people. Stay safe, support your local venues, and BMA will see you in 2022 \m/