BMA Mag 355 Aug 31 2010

o i r T r e l But

n h o J

K C A B

N H O EJ

H T ON

www.bmamag.com

The Bohemian Masquerade Ball #355 SEP01

Dead Letter Circus

g Brown

r and Blue Kin e ll e w K n e B : e n li Also on

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BMA: Bands, Music, ARTS! # 3 5 5 S E P 0 1 Fax: 02 6257 4361 Mail: PO Box 713 Civic Square, ACT 2608 Publisher Scott Layne General Manager & Advertising Manager Allan Sko T: 02 6257 4360 E: advertising@bmamag.com Editor Julia Winterflood T: 02 6257 4456 E: editorial@bmamag.com Accounts Manager Ashish Doshi T: 02 6247 4816 E: accounts@bmamag.com Super Sub Editor Allan Sko Graphic Design Cole Bennetts Exhibitionist Editor Yolande Norris E: exhibitionist@bmamag.com Film Editor Mark Russell Principal Photographers (The Flashbulb Posse) Andrew Mayo Nick Brightman NEXT ISSUE 356 OUT SEPT 15 EDITORIAL DEADLINE SEPT 6 ADVERTISING DEADLINE SEPT 9 Published by Radar Media Pty Ltd ABN 76 097 301 730 BMA is independently owned and published.

Opinions expressed in BMA are not necessarily those of the editor, publisher or staff.

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Consider yourself a dab hand with the pen, keyboard or typewriter? Have you ever postulated, while flicking through it at Phoenix, that you wouldn’t mind seeing your words splashed across the pages of this fine rag? Well good news kiddo, as we’re currently on the hunt for Canberra’s finest wordsmiths.

If cracking interviews, gig, CD and DVD reviews sound like your thing, shoot an email to editorial@bmamag.com with an example of your work, and you might just find yourself jumping aboard the good ship BMA before you know it.

boom crash opera Fresh out of the studio and ready to rock, Sydney’s The Paris Crash have just completed recording their new single Honeymoon in Vegas, and are looking forward to taking it on the road. Mixing rock, grime and techno, they’re hitting ANU Bar on Friday September 3, with Activate Jetpack and Starfish Hill in support.

on cloud 9 Sydney based genre defying MM9 are hitting the road to celebrate the release of their latest single Let It Take Over.

The boys are fresh from the national tour with Karnivool as the main support, which won them rave reviews across the country from fans and critics alike. As BMA’s own Palimah Panichit espoused in his review, “By the end of their set, they had clearly won over a sizable amount of the audience, who whooped and cheered graciously, chuffed from having witnessed such a clean set delivered with no frills or spills.”

MM9 are storming The Maram on Saturday September 11, with Escape Syndrome and Super Best Friends in support. Tix are $14+bf and are available from www.mm9.oztix.com.au and on the door. Doors at 8pm.

machine of fun

With a sold out run of their debut EP in their back pockets, Sydney’s Line Drawings are now set to release their debut album Take/over. Its dissonant and dirty guitars recall the sounds of quintessential Australian indie rock while the complexity of the rhythm section would not be out of place in Chicago.

Oo er. They’re playing Phoenix on Saturday September 11 with John Lollock and Tonight Alright, from 9.30pm.

Big ups and massive props to locally illustrious merchants of madness Fun Machine, who took out the ACT Final of this year’s National Campus Band Competition at Transit Bar on Thursday August 26. A huge congrats is also in order for Velvette and Starfish Hill, who placed second and third respectively. Fun Machine were presented with a giant novelty cheque for $1,000 courtesy of Directions ACT, nabbed themselves a spot at Indyfest 2011, mentoring from First Base Music, $500 courtesy of the Australian Association of Campus Activities, and a slot at the National Final in Perth in October with a further $1,000 to go towards the trip. Said one of the judges and Manager/ Programming Director of UC LIVE! Anna Wallace, “The NCBC 2010 ACT Final was a great success. The other organisers and I were very impressed with the calibre of acts. I have judged quite a few band comps and I have never experienced the divide amongst the judges that I did whilst deliberating backstage after this year’s comp, which spoke volumes about the quality of the up and coming talent in Canberra.

The one decision that we were sure of though was the winner.

Fun Machine are clearly very seasoned performers and have a truly unique sound and a joyous stage presence that we all agreed was what we wanted to represent the ACT at the National Final in Perth. We wish them all the best. Do us proud guys!”

roll on!

Roller derby is back! The Brindabelters will verse The Black ‘n’ Blue Belles in the first game of the new Canberra Roller Derby League (CRDL) season on Saturday September 11 at Tuggeranong Southern Cross Stadium ($10 tix on sale now from www.greentix. com). This season CRDL has introduced two more local teams to their lineup. Season Two champions The Surly Griffins, and victors of the first ever CRDL season in 2009 The Black ‘n’ Blue Belles, welcome to the track The Red Bellied Black Hearts and The Brindabelters.

All four teams are set to fight it out for the title of Season Three winners at bouts on September 11, Saturday October 16 and a massive semi and grand final double header on Saturday November 13.

Said CRDL President Bullseye Bettie, “We are forging brave new ground for CRDL; we’re pretty sure Adelaide is the only other league in Australia to have four teams.” Head to www. canberrarollerderbyleague. com for all the info.

fun machine

we want you!

down the line

FROM THE BOSSMAN

YOU PISSED ME OFF!

My recent weekend frolics have been fruitful, if for no other reason than to deliver me two classic life moments; one a ‘you know you’re married when…’, the other a ‘you know you’re getting older when…’

Has someone yanked yer chain recently? Well send an email to editorial@bmamag.com and have your sweet vengeance.

And for the love of God, keep it brief! [All entries contain original spellings]

Y’see, me and the dear lady wife went to buy a long overdue rug over the weekend. A trek of atypical domesticity, you’ll agree.

But, my dear friend, the devil is in the detail. As a bloke (you will remember from last issue’s column that I am, indeed, all man, despite a propensity to sob like a pansy girly-girly-girl-girl during emotional moments in films) my reckoning of the weekend was thus: go to sleep Friday night at time of choice, ideally whilst still drunk; wake up at time of choice, ideally both a) at some point in the afternoon and b) still drunk; ingest large portions of grease, preferably in meat form; jump in the car (not whilst still drunk) and drive three blocks over to the perfectly good rug store down the road; select rug that doesn’t induce vomiting, hand over a sum of money, where sum of money is equal-to-or-lessthan weekly rent payment; wait until tomorrow, when energy has returned, to position rug under furniture; return to work on Monday, content.

Things that piss me off: over weight pedestrians blocking the CYCLE PATH and getting self righteous when they don’t hear the bell because they had their ipod stuffed deep into their fat ears. Get the fuck off the cycle path and back on the footpath if you don’t like bikes passing you. The trekkie will die from type 2 diabetes before my organs get harvested, as will your flabby arse (thanks for owning up to that one). When a cyclist passes you they aren’t thinking “We are Gods, grovel before us you badly dress flabby puss bucket”, they think “I wish this deaf wideload would get off the fucking CYCLE PATH.” YOU PISSED ME OFF.

Women have an entirely different way of approaching the world, and rug shopping it seems is no different. This is how the weekend actually panned out: drag alarmingly sober husband from the warm recesses of his Saturday morning bed at 7am; ingest a variety of fruit and ruffage; jump in the car and drive three… hundred miles to Sydney because they have a very specific rug store there (Cadrey’s, for those of you taking notes); scrutinise rugs for an interminable amount of time; select one, and hand over amount of money that extends my retirement age to 77; drive three hours home; immediately indulge in lifting heavy furniture and rearranging the house right-now-this-instant because, for some reason, this simply can not wait until the perfectly good Sunday that lay ahead of us; return to work on Monday, content.

I am pissed off with ignorant and gullible global warming deniers.

Why be so sure of something you are clearly not researched in?

Do you have a science background or, more likely, just doubtful intelligence? Is propaganda from mainstream media and fossil fuel industries something you like to vomit up on other people?

Why not just hang a sign around your neck saying I am a global warming denier so parents can point you out to their children to teach them what a stupid person looks like? You piss me off!

So, in conclusion to this segment, You know you’re married when… you have vastly different ways of approaching a task, yet you go the way of the woman because a) it’s good for you, b) she’s usually right and c) she’s smarter than I am.

This segueways* neatly into the second portion of this issue’s rumination: You know you’re getting older when… you find yourself genuinely excited by the prospect of a new rug. Seeing that multicoloured bastard spreadeagled on the living room floor (like so many Allan Skos before it) first thing Sunday morning made me feel like a kid at Christmas. The Big Lebowski was right… it really does tie the room together (with any luck no one will mistake me for a broke eccentric and piss all over it). If someone told me ten years ago that I would be genuinely excited at the prospect of buying a new rug, I would have pulled out my nine, shot the person in the toe and said “Nigga! You best step OFF with that gay shit!” (I grew up in the Bronx… And was black, apparently). So why exactly does a rug excite me as much as a rum ‘n’ coke? Because, my dear friends, it’s a symbol of domestic bliss, and one that I hope is visited upon your fine household.

Snug as a bug in a rug is an enduring phrase for reasons more than simply phonetic convenience. Which reminds me… the wife told me to call that exterminator. Gotta dash.

ALLAN SKO - allan@bmamag.com * yes, I said segueway. More on that next issue…

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and

another thing…

Quite frankly I’m distressed. In about 20 minutes I’m due to be interviewing one of heavy metal’s great modern guitarists, Zakk Wylde, and I haven’t heard a note of his new album, Order of the Black. This isn’t my fault, and for a change it ain’t the fault of the record company either. For reasons that are still to be fully explained, a week after the event and despite probing phone calls, the post office has still not delivered the album. Usually in one of these pieces I’ll give you some intro blather about ‘so and so’s impressive new opus’ or something. But no. To quote my threeyear-old niece Alannah Mae Ruyg: “I’ve got nothing”. As I type, even Wylde’s Myspace page is down. What will we talk about?

I needn’t have worried. After apprehensively dialing the number provided for Wylde, I make small talk for a while. But Zakk is an avuncular interviewee, happy to chew the fat on any and all subjects, and before you know it he’s singing D’yer Mak’er from Led Zeppelin’s cruelly underrated 1973 opus Houses of the Holy down the phone to me. He’s a big Zeppelin fan, and is over the moon to hear your correspondent’s story about meeting Jimmy Page in a Gerrard’s Cross pub in the ‘80s (And Another Thing regulars will of course remember this tale from a few years back).

“Man, why are you even interviewing me? There can’t be many people with a better story than that!”

As we’ve now established, I’m interviewing Mr Wylde because his band, Black Label Society, have a new album out. What’s the response been like? And are you pleased with the way things are going?

“Yes I’m pleased. But it is what it is. If people don’t know what we sound like by now, nothing we do is going to change their minds. So yes, the people that wanted to hear it have heard it and they’re loving it! As far as things are going, well… we still haven’t brought peace to the world or ended starvation, but we’re pretty happy I guess.”

These are the answers of a man versed in this sort of thing, so after making enquiries about the man’s touring intentions – “We’re in the US now, but we’re looking at coming down to Australia with Motörhead sometime next year” – I decide to move away from the album chat and onto, as is the wont of this column, more trivial matters. I comment that, despite never having spoken to the man before, I am extremely au fait with the minutiae of Zakk’s life – his battles with the bottle (he’s newly clean and sober after a bender that’s lasted nearly 20 years) being not the least of my knowledge about him. Does that removal of the mystique of ‘rock star’ life make it harder to get on with the business of being a ‘rock star’?

“Undoubtedly. You know we were talking about Jimmy Page earlier?

There’s a man who had a bit of mystique about him. And then Ozzy (who of course employed Wylde for over ten years as his guitarist and songwriting foil), you know, just as big a star, such an important man in the history of rock. Can you imagine Jimmy Page having a camera crew follow him around whilst he’s doing his rituals in his castle? NO! So we just have to keep it real, you know, it’s a different time. But whatever happens, we’re gonna keep it metal!”

And of course, you know you can depend on Brother Zakk to keep his word in that respect. scott adams thirtyyearsofrnr@hotmail.com

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katy hall WHO: ANU Arts Students WHAT: The Inaugural ANU Arts Review WHEN: Sat Sept 18 – Mon Sept 20 WHERE: Courtyard Theatre, CTC

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The first ANU Arts Revue is part comedy, part musical, full-time honours and potentially quite important for the continuing culture of a beleaguered ANU Arts Faculty. Loosely based on the success of Liza Minelli’s blue eyeshadow and Professor Higgins’ marvellous enunciation, the show is imagined, written and performed by some of the brightest sparks in Canberra. Seamlessly weaving pop culture into universally ‘university’ unilaterally... etc. As these (a) typical Arts students tread further and further into this absurdly dark and confusing world, be prepared to be shocked, mortified, enlightened, and hopelessly unprepared. Tickets available now from canberratheatrecentre.com.au .

WHO: The Touch WHAT: EP launch WHEN: Thurs Sept 2 WHERE: Transit Bar

The (Adelaide) Hills are alive, with the sound of music. And thankfully, local wonder promoter Pyramid has been wise enough to connect the dots that we too have hills, and also really, really like The Touch. (People at their last Transit show know what I’m talking about.) After slogging their blessed dance/punk hearts out, the guys are touring the nation with their second EP, 1.1. Produced by Gerling legend Darren Cross it’s the stuff of gold. The Touch will be teaming up on the night with the winners of the National Campus Band Comp ACT Final Fun Machine, and this writer’s favourite DJs, Strangeways. It’s freer than free and kicking off at 8pm.

WHO: You and your finest face mask WHAT: The Boho Masquerade Ball WHEN: Friday Sept 10 WHERE: Albert Hall

The carnival of underground culture, The Bohemian Masquerade Ball, is returning to Canberra for its third and no doubt most successful year to date. There’ll be an array of visual spectaculars, including circus, cabaret and burlesque acts, and everything else magical, mystical and masquerade-like. With festive tunes being provided by The Barons of Tang, Mr Fibby, The Brothers Grimm, Lolo Lovina, Mojo Juju, The Orphanage and many more, it’s guaranteed to be a mind blowing spectacular. Presale tickets are available through www.webtickets.com.au, or on the door if you’re lucky. For more info head to www.thebohoball.com.au .

WHO: Geraldine Hickey WHAT: Comedy aplenty WHEN: Tuesday Sept 7 WHERE: Tuggeranong Arts Centre

Remember Jon Lovitz hip-thrusting and sweating his way through the creepiest rendition of Ladies Night ever in The Wedding Singer? Cemented on your brain with automatic shudders?

Mine too. Anyway, a ladies night of a different kind is hitting the Tuggeranong Arts Centre with the gaff-filled humouroid, Geraldine Hickey. She’s a Raw Comedy national runner up, a fav of the Melbourne Comedy Festival and is bringing her presence to Canberra’s newest comedy stage. She’ll be bringing pals Marie Helou, Edwina Nelson, Georgie Band Miss Natski. The show starts at 8, tickets $10 on the door or call 6293 1443 for a pre booking.

WHO: All you budding underage musos WHAT: Liftoff Festival WHEN: Sat Nov 6 WHERE: Woden Youth Centre

Want to put some more spring in your spring? As part of the Woden Valley Festival, Liftoff is a free, all ages event; its pores are oozing with bands, DJs, skate comps, rides, face painting and all other things carnival related. The highlight will be the band comp, which offers winners recording time, festival slots and a feature in this fine rag. The final six will be performing at Liftoff, so if you’re between 12 and 21 get yourself in the running by contacting sindy.pearson@wcs.org.au with your demos before Friday September 17.

WHO: Hello Satellites WHAT: Album launch WHEN: Friday Sept 4 WHERE: The Phoenix pub

Well the folks at Two Bright Lakes/Remote Control Records certainly do have a knack for finding and fostering amazing talent. The latest offering is Melbournian four-piece Hello Satellites. Heading off on tour with their self titled debut, the gang will be spending their Friday night at Phoenix, and would like us all to come along. The album’s been getting quite the rave review around the tracks, and really is worth all the acclaim.

Their sound is littered with percussion and matched with pitch perfect vocals, hand claps a-plenty. Head to www.myspace.com/ hellosatellites to hear more and pencil the date in your diary.

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The BUTLER DID IT WILL GLASGOW The JOHN BUTLER TRIO’s new release April Uprising has been a huge success. Of course it has. That’s what John Butler Trio releases are. First they are made with the complete artistic control afforded by being an independent artist (Butler owns and operates his own label, Jarrah Records). Then they sell in quantities matched by only a handful of other Australian artists. And then a sizeable chunk of the profits are channelled into the arts grant program, The Seed, that Butler runs with his partner Danielle Caruana. It’s an impressive virtuous circle.

So it’s little wonder that he sounds like he’s in a good mood as he talks to me from his home in Freemantle, Western Australia.

“I’m good, man,” he says in his curious hybrid accent. “I’m really proud of the record and really excited to be touring with the new material. We just want everyone to hear it.”

Butler has been so successful for such a long time that it’s easy to forget how remarkable his success is. He has sold nearly a million albums in Australia and has sold out every show on his last seven years of touring. He’s played on Leno. Better still, he’s played on Letterman. And he’s done all of this with a blend of folk, blues, rock and roots.

But in that clarity I knew; I needed a new trio

The transition from Freemantle busker to nationally renowned artist (even my mother has heard of him) (Mine too! - Ed.) is probably best put down to sheer talent. He’s an incredible musician. The longevity of his success derives, I think, from his continual struggle to better his art.

He has that combination of brazen self-confidence and unshakeable self-doubt that motors so many of the more impressive careers in the arts. Clearly he is ambitious.

“We wanted to make songs that would last,” he tells me. “When we started mixing [April Uprising] at Melbourne’s Sing Sing Studios, the question we were asking was, ‘Is this a great song?’”

This focus on tighter song craft began a few albums ago. It was there in songs like Peaches and Cream on Sunrise Over Sea. It’s even more pronounced on this record. “One epiphany that appeared during this album’s process is that less is more. I feel more comfortable saying a lot more with a lot less; allowing the songs to breathe and react naturally. I really tried to focus my efforts on creating songs rather than forcing them out (I recommend musical fibre for such ailments – Bossman). If the song wasn’t there or something became unhitched, I just left it by the side of the road.”

Along with staggering commercial success, the other consistency in John Butler Trio is the inconsistency of the trio – they are forever changing. For now they are drummer Nicky Bomba, who played on Sunrise Over Sea and is Butler’s brother-in-law, and bassist Byron Luiters.

The renewal of his trio has been inspiring for Butler. But it’s also been upsetting. He sounds uncomfortable as he talks about it. “It’s always a little sad.

It’s like a relationship coming to an end. It just kind of came upon me. I was unclear about

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what I wanted to do on this album. And then I jammed with Nicky and it became very clear. But in that clarity I knew; I needed a new trio. But, yeah, I wasn’t expecting to do that.”

As the subject turns away from breaking up the old trio and towards making music with the new one, Butler’s enthusiasm returns. “We have a great chemistry. They often hear and see things I couldn’t even imagine for a song, but end up totally working. It’s a blessing to have them in my back pocket.”

Butler links the renewal of his trio with his ideas on revolution, which he describes as “a constantly renewing beginning”. Many songs on the new album explore Butler’s thoughts on revolution.

The seed for this was his appearance on SBS’s genealogy series Who Do You Think You Are?.

“I went to Bulgaria last year to look into my lineage and found out that my great great grandfather fought in an uprising called the April Uprising against the oppressive regime there back in 1875. That’s where the name came from. I started toying with it for a name for the album because there was so much, sort of, revolutionary spirit on the album.”

While there is undoubtedly a revolutionary spirit on the album, there’s also a playful one coexisting with it. The foot-stomping lead single One Way Road is a great example of this, with Butler name checking political revolutionaries (“my Martin and Mahatma”), and half-raps, half-sings “this guitar is my cannon”. It’s political, sure, but it’s also a lot fun; owing as much to Third Eye Blind’s pop as it does to Public Enemy’s ferocity.

This playfulness seems to be a result of a happy recording process. “We all lived in-house and had some amazing people looking after us. We just had a good time.” He says he’s sure the new trio will continue to enjoy themselves on this tour.

Butler’s career has been built and maintained by the quality of his live act. With another successful record released, more great songs to his catalogue, and a new trio eager to reinterpret old ones, this will no doubt be another stellar tour. And it will, of course, be another sell-out. Little wonder he’s leaping around in the tour’s publicity shots.

The JBT play at The Royal Theatre on Wednesday September 15, with Blue King Brown in support. Tix are $70 + bf. Doors open 8pm.

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ALL AGES I have kept my promise dear reader. Here, for your reading pleasure, is chunk after chuck of exciting gigs that can finally give you a good reason to get out of your warm cosy bed and get into a night on the town! I’ve got plenty to mention for once, so let’s dive straight into it shall we? New South Wales’ biggest Underage Dance Party is hitting Canberra! On Friday September 10 at The Holy Grail – Civic from 7pm, you’ll have your chance to ‘cut a rug’, ‘get down and get funky’, get your groove on’ or however you wish to say ‘have a good dance’ (‘strangling the ropey chicken’ is what we used to call it in my day – Bossman). The show has been made exclusive to those between the age of 14 and 17. If you fit this selective criterion and are ready to dance the night away, you can purchase presale tickets for just $25 (+bf) from Landspeed Records.

The highly anticipated 16th Annual Sub City Take Action Tour, raising funds and awareness for Reachout.com, is this year being headlined by the unforgettable metalcore act that is Attack Attack! all the way from Ohio, USA! Supporting the cause at the Tuggeranong Youth Centre on Tuesday September 14 will be Santiago four-piece Pierce the Veil, Melbourne’s Dream on Dreamer as well as recently announced local support Steady the Fall. Tickets cost just $33 (+bf) from Moshtix or Landspeed Records, doors open at 6pm.

Now, for a name that needs no introduction, John Butler Trio will soon be sweeping through our fair city on the extensive April Uprising tour. Supporting the triumvirate’s expedition across the country will be ten-piece – that’s right TEN-PIECE – afrobeat roots-reggae sensation Blue King Brown. It’s a perfectly harmonious pair for a night of good vibes, which will be happening at The Royal Theatre on Wednesday September 15. You can purchase tickets for the indisputably spectacular performance for just $70.50 (+bf), and the show shall commence at 7pm. Enjoy!

Also at The Royal Theatre but with a completely different flavour, you have a chance to see Australian metalcore legends Parkway Drive, touring in support of their new and highly acclaimed album Deep Blue. With supporting acts The Devil Wears Prada (yet another Ohio band), LA’s The Ghost Inside and Byron Bay boys 50 Lions, this is set to be a night of severe perspiration, bruises, bumps and adrenalin that shouldn’t be missed by any self-respecting thrasher. For just $40.70 (+bf) from Ticketek you can be a part of all the action. Saturday September 25 is the date to circle, doors open at 8pm.

Oh and one more thing – each Thursday from now through to October 7 you can be a spectator or even a competitor in the Battle of the Backyard Bands! The Canberra Music Workshop has joined forces with the RSPCA to give solo artists, duos and bands the chance to perform and be part of a great cause. All profits go directly to the RSPCA. For more information or registration forms visit www.rspcaact.org.au and search Battle of the Backyard Bands.

NAOMI FROST allagescolumn@gmail.com

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LOCALITY

The Final Report of the Standing Committee on Planning, Public Works and Territory and Municipal Services’ Inquiry into Live Community Events was released late last month, and Locality can confirm it’s really interesting stuff. But seeing as though it consists of 87 pages and 32 recommendations, I thought I’d dig up my favourites for you, the no doubt pressed for time judicious live music lover.

Recommendations 27 and 28 are by far the tastiest: “The Committee recommends that the ACT Government looks to provide reasonablecost, appropriate, multi-purpose and accessible arts facilities.”

And “The Committee recommends that the ACT Government investigate making existing facilities easier to access for live events.”

Recommendation 27 went on to say “The Committee also believes the ACT Government could take a variety of measures to support live events venues to stay open in Canberra, and for new venues to open, including improved access to Government-owned facilities.”

In September last year a Review of the Arts in Canberra was launched by artsACT, and on August 12 the Final Report was released.

Unsurprisingly its recommendations are synonymous with the Inquiry’s. The Review of the Arts in Canberra Report suggests “one of the more practical ways to support all artists (young, amateur, emerging, professional and community artists) is by providing or funding improved access to reasonable-cost, appropriate, multipurpose and accessible arts facilities.”

Bingo bango! It appears both Reports are well and truly behind the save Canberra’s live music scene cause. Locality’s other favourite Inquiry recommendations include numbers 25 and 26: ”The Committee recommends that the ACT Government investigate the viability of extending the ACTION Nightrider service year-round on Friday and Saturday nights.” And “The Committee recommends that the ACT Government consider reinstating taxi-rank supervisors on Friday and Saturday nights at prime locations (including Canberra City, busy Town centres, Manuka and Kingston) to facilitate smooth exit of patrons from the City to other town centres and home.”

Although the necessity of live music venues and late night public transport to a thriving Canberra scene was stressed, the initial motivation for the Inquiry was noise complaints and naturally the vast majority of the recommendations reflect this. Locality’s favourites are 5 and 6: “The Committee recommends that the ACT Government undertake comprehensive noise monitoring and analysis […] over a suitable period of time to establish ambient noise levels in Canberra City and Town Centres.” And subsequently “The Committee recommends that the […] noise standards be amended to more realistically reflect the ambient and background noise levels in the City and Town Centre[…].”

Other excellent recommendations were made in regards to hearing damage, order of occupancy legislation and liquor licensing, so for you keen beans we’ve put a link to the Final Report on the BMA website.

JULIA WINTERFLOOD julia@bmamag.com

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DANCE THE DROP Yeah, I know, it’s cold. Hell, you could easily while away your weekend two days off with your feet up on the couch thumbing through your iPhone and living vicariously through your friends’ status updates if you really wanted to. Or, you could just join them. Would you like to know more?

The ever so smooth disco ballad Crave You has been on high rotation on triple j in the last few months, solidifying interstate duo Flight Facilities as one of the hottest acts to appear on our clubbing radar in the new financial year. The debonair Party by Jake crew have been clever enough to coax the pair down to Canberra for an exclusive performance on Friday September 3 at Transit Bar. Entry will set you back a paltry 16 Euro (or 23 AUD if you want to get all ‘patriotic’) and doors open at 8pm, but tickets are available through Moshtix if you want to get in early.

What do you know about Turkey other than its exquisite pide bread and the word Gallipoli? Know this: it turns out they also churn out top quality DJs, most notably Bosphorous Underground Recordings honcho Ahmet Sendil who, thanks to the lads at Effigy is dragging a record bag full of rolling minimal techno up the stairs into Hippo Bar on Thursday September 9.

But wait, there’s more! Effigy will be back at it again and in conjunction with Lollygag to present German rising star David Keno at Transit Bar on Saturday September 18. He is either the namesake for the fun-when-drunk-pick-a-ball-out-of-the-rolling-cage-gambling-game, or the Berlin based house and tech house super producer. I’m guessing probably the latter (you’re a clever one Galv - Ed.).

Now that those darned road works are gone, Academy can finally prove to passers by that it is still open for business and with a September as big as this one planned, that’s surely a good thing for you club kids. Friday September 3 sees The Stafford Brothers spread their trashy antics all over the main stage, Friday September 17 heralds the ACT debut of Belgian drum ‘n’ bass maestro Alix Perez, Friday September 24 brings a little piece of Parklife to our fair city with UK fidget kings Jack Beats tearing the roof off the old cinema, and just when you thought this monstrous sentence was over, Magik Johnson (UK) is also stopping by on Saturday September 25 for an exclusive DJ set.

And now for something new, with the plethora of talented young artists busting through the cracks of our local scene it is only fitting to show some support with a few final words in each issue’s dance column. First cab off the rank is The Bedroom Bangers, a local duo comprising of part time models and full time party animals, Kim Eaton and Jarred Smith. Their debut set at Lot 33 last month raised the roof; make sure to check them out at their next performance!

To all you other young DJs or producers please feel free to send me a mix or give me your info and I’ll do my best to provide textual love. Adios!

TIM GALVIN tim.galvin@live.com.au

myspace.com/pangnight

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Photo courtesy of Adrian Whitelock Photgraphy www.adrianwhitelock.com

KEEPING THE DREAM ALIVE

BOHEMIAN LIKE YOU

Korina Press

palimah panichit

The dragon has been dreaming for a year. Soon the dragon will be awakened for four days of absolute bliss and will paint its dreams into a reality once again. So take a wander with me and see what our DRAGON DREAMING FESTIVAL has to offer...

THE BOHEMIAN MASQUERADE BALL is a virulent whirl of wild hedonism, boasting a precarious mix of bands that merge seamlessly with neo-vaudeville performers and cabaret. This beguiling blend of original local music, performative installations, extreme circus acts and burlesque has Australia on its toes, with TV saviour SBS preparing a documentary for it no less. Such a recklessly unique event attracts all kind of attention according to main man Si Gould, who has been there since the show’s inception.

Strolling through the market area you will be surrounded by beautiful colours and the exotic aromas of incense. This year, Leafy Sea Dragons return with their creations of pixie-like clothing inspired by the four elements: earth, water, air and fire. As you view the beautiful clothing and accessories available at the stalls, you will hear the gentle sound of the Gasong Drums, a unique instrument recycled out of old gas bottles. After The dragon has been a brief sojourn at the drum stall, followed by a stroll, dreaming for a year.

Soon the dragon will you will come across Imago Creations, creators of striking be awakened for four and comfortable clothing days of absolute bliss incorporating psychedelic themes. They also sell faery wings that come in all different colours, shapes and patterns. The Pixilated Pyros stall specialises in a wide range of pyrotechnics and fire twirling gear. They also have performance costumes, protective wear and other unique bric-a-brac.

As the dragon’s stomach grumbles you might want to wander over to the food areas. The Psy-Bus Cafe Lounge is a bright green doubledecker bus. Last year they were very popular with their awesome quesadillas and amazing coffee. Couch Spudz is making its Dragon Dreaming debut this year. They will offer oven baked potatoes including tasty items like Mexicana and Rainbow Delight.

With appetites satisfied you can relax and explore the Lifestyle Area with a fine collection of masseuses, reiki masters and alternative healers. Feel your worldly cares melt away as you are soothed with the lovely treatments available throughout the day. The workshops that our dragon dreams for you to experience vary from literary to physical and visual performances. You could learn about various styles of healing, or indulge in more physical activities like juggling or hula hooping. Feeling a little low on energy, perhaps? The laughing yoga workshop will be an absolute treat! When the sun goes down you could try out one of the different fire arts workshops – to suit any level of experience.

Dragon Dreaming is a family friendly event so come along and have a play with your kids in the Kids Space. We have face painting, hula hooping, faery wing making and plenty more activities for both you and your children to enjoy. Keep watching this space in the coming weeks for much more that will be revealed about this exciting festival or check out the website: www.dragondreaming.net .

The music, arts and lifestyle Dragon Dreaming Festival plays out over Friday October 1 to Monday October 4. Final release tix are available now for $90 through Loom Exotic Threads on Bailey’s Corner, Civic.

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“We get some freaks,” he says, laughing. “Of all different ages. Our audience has changed, to where it’s become slightly more mainstream…

It can be as people know, it’s a place where can it , ent viol you can just go wild.” Gould explains be sexual, it can emphatically and passionately his have a tinge of view that the attendees help create madness a certain atmosphere. “They write the performance of the night and it is just as much up to them to create a good show… people come just to experience it.”

According to Gould, The Bohemian Masquerade Ball was “born out of necessity, three and a half years ago in Melbourne. There were a bunch of bands – renegade circus acts really – that wanted to party and try to make a bit of money,” Gould says, in a seemingly wistful tone. “We rented out bars and rundown halls… and it just got more and more successful. People can expect to do anything,” he says heavily, thinking carefully. “It can be violent, it can be sexual, it can have a tinge of madness. A lot of dark qualities can come out of people and they’re gonna react in ways that they’re not used to reacting. I think we’ll have mixed reactions,” he finishes, laughing.

There is a pagan ritual quality conjured by The Bohemian Masquerade Ball, a real sense of flamboyancy and sub-cultural artistic allegiance that links the acts that are chosen to play, including Canberra natives Mr Fibby. Si Gould is originally Canberran, finishing his academic years at Narrabundah College.

In his own words: “I just put on parties, and ran around the country doing that sort of stuff.” Gould speaks in ardent tones about the event and the beauty of a mask, and why it is used in The Bohemian Ball: “Masks are traditionally used as a way to act out our traumas.

It’s a cathartic process. People dress up in full regalia… in order to be something that they are not. And no one can judge. That person is whoever they choose to fucking be on that night.”

Canberra is the first show on the tour of Australia, and Gould says his crew are more than ready to deliver. “We’re really gonna be pushing and encouraging the entire audience as much as possible, and all the crew and all the performers are psyched up for the show. I’m expecting a late, explosive night. I expect to wake up with a hangover.”

The Bohemian Masquerade Ball plays out its fun and filth at the criminally underused Albert Hall on Friday September 10. Tix are $28 from Landspeed and Smiths Bookshop in Civic. Head to thebohoball.com for mo’ info.

E X H I B I T I O N I S T

eX de Medici, Bullpup, 2009, watercolour on paper, 114 x 181.5 cm 150 x 100 cm

Jon Cattapan’s work is typically progressive and questioning.

Heavily influenced by the dynamic Punk culture of Melbourne in the 1970s Cattapan provides commentary on political processes and the way people react to and interact with politics. His hazy, sketchy style seems to naturally capture the tension and uncertainty of conflict.

Working in paint from photographs, he plays with traditional ideas of photo-realism and documentary, creating images from both life and the imagination.

GET SOME PERSPECTIVE jemima fort At a time when Australia is focussing on its borders and regional stability, it is appropriate to consider our relationship with other Pacific nations. Perspectives: Jon Cattapan and eX de Medici, on display at the Australian War Memorial (AWM), is a timely artistic exploration of the reality of peacekeeping and Australia’s engagement with countries in this region.

The exhibition features the work of two contemporary Australian artists, each working at the fore of their discipline: Canberran eX de Medici and Melbourne artist Jon Cattapan. Both artists were engaged by the AWM as Official War Artists – part of an ongoing tradition that dates back to the First World War. Perspectives is the culmination of these commissions, produced after being stationed with peacekeeping operations in the Pacific: eX de Medici in Solomon Islands, and Cattapan in Timor-Leste.

The story of Timor-Leste is a struggle for independence from colonial rulers and aggressors. Colonised by Portugal in the 16th century, it became a centre for Portuguese trade in the East. In 1975 it was decolonised and declared independent—an event that was met by swift and brutal invasion and occupation by Indonesia.

In 1999, with the aid of the United Nations and with Indonesia’s official acceptance, Timor-Leste was again declared independent.

Once more this was met with violence, as organised pro-Indonesia militia invaded, killing and displacing hundreds of thousands of people. Australia was engaged to enter the country to quell the violence and restore order. In 2002, Timor-Leste was finally declared a sovereign state, and Australian peacekeepers remain to preserve stability while the people rebuild their country.

Cattapan’s work in Perspectives is essentially voyeuristic: they give a sense of watching and being watched and so elicit tension and tentativeness. While the canvas is dominated by coloured space and vague geographical markings, the works focus on the human presence of peacekeepers. People are presented uniting against history and adversity to build a future, encouraging positive engagement in the issues that still plague Timor-Leste today.

Solomon Islands, where eX de Medici was stationed, are comprised of about 1,000 islands linked by culture, trade and a sometimestenuous desire for unity. Australia’s earliest interaction with the state was the ‘blackbirding’ of islanders to work on sugar plantations in Queensland. The practice saw tens of thousands of people essentially kidnapped and relocated to live in Australia as ‘indentured servants’. In 1893 the United Kingdom incorporated Solomon Islands into the Commonwealth as a Protectorate. Since then, it has been heavily influenced by European missionaries and staged several Second World War camps and battles—notably the Battle of Guadalcanal between August 7 1942 and February 9 1943.

The country began self-government in 1942 and was declared an independent member of the Commonwealth in 1978. The rule of this government has undergone short periods of stability, but is marked by intense and intermittent civil conflicts. In 2003, after numerous requests for international aid, Australia finally led a multi-national peacekeeping mission into Solomon Islands, where it remains an active presence to this day.

In Perspectives, eX explores her positive experiences of peacekeeping in Solomon Islands, over an evolving history of civil unrest, physical abuse and cultural exploitation. She asks why Australian peacekeepers are in the country, and what led to the weakened civil unity which now compromises its struggle for independence. eX works primarily in watercolour. Her delicate works belie dark symbolism; infused by troubling realities which are ever-present, but not immediately discernable.

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GET SOME PERSPECTIVE CONTINUED She often juxtaposes natural beauty with representations of violence, particularly guns. The more her work is examined however, the more we are drawn into its seductive folds, the more we understand these violent aspects are not juxtaposition, but an everyday reality. In this, eX has floored an idea for contemplation: she does not condemn violence, but encourages her audience to consider their own feelings, to consider what is happening and to encourage thought, regardless of what conclusions are drawn.

As exhibition curator Laura Webster describes, the works included in Perspectives address a “savvy audience who don’t take what they’ve been spoon-fed.”

The artists’ work is not only sympathetic or documentary, but politically and socially thoughtful. They voice ideas and concerns about peacekeeping and the events that have led to its necessity, encouraging viewers to consider what is happening in the world around them.

Together, Jon Cattapan and eX de Medici present a refreshingly contemporary view of Australia’s involvement in foreign conflict.

They respect and sympathise with Australian peacekeepers and do not critically assess their role. They do, however, acknowledge the history that has necessitated current peacekeeping operations and they ask us to consider this. Perspectives documents these operations from the viewpoint of two artists who do not encourage their audience to have a particular opinion, but do encourage them to have an opinion.

Jon Cattapan, Night patrols (around Maliana), 2009, oil on belgian linen (triptych), overall 120 x 300 cm, each 150 x 100 cm

Perspectives - Jon Cattapan & eX de Medici opens Thursday September 2 and continues until Wednesday March 2 2011 at the Australian War Memorial. Entry is free.

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ARTISTPROFILE: Natalia Ludmila

What do you do?

Visual Artist - painting and drawing. For well over a year I have been working on something called The drawing project; with it I want to explore all the possibilities that drawing has as a medium.

When did you get into it?

Most likely since I was a child my parents always engaged us in artistic activities, but I started taking it seriously until uni a few years back.

Who or what influences you as an artist?

Everyday life. I think having the ability to be influenced and inspired by whatever is surrounding you is what differentiates creative people from others.

What’s your biggest achievement/proudest moment so far?

Being awarded together with another artist the second prize at the Ibiza Biennale on its 18th edition.

What are your plans for the future?

Keep working on my project and exhibiting it. Completing a masters degree.

What makes you laugh?

Pretty much anything that is not at the expense of others.

What pisses you off?

Righteous and ignorant individuals.

What’s your opinion of the local scene?

In one word, thriving.

What are your upcoming exhibitions?

Just got back from a show in Melbourne. And then time became line... will be running from August 18-28 at the Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre where I’ll be exhibiting with two other artist.

Contact info: contact@natalialudmila.net .

KEEP IT SNAPPY KATHERINE QUINN SHORT + SWEET is the theatrical equivalent of Tropfest - a short theatre festival set to showcase local talent in a two-week season at the Canberra Theatre. Established in Sydney in 2002, Short + Sweet expanded to other Australian capital cities, and then beyond our borders to Singapore, Malaysia, New Zealand and India. It is now the largest festival of ten minute theatre in the world, this year celebrating the performance of more than one thousand plays.

Canberra writers such as Hal Judge, Adam Hadley and Darren Menachemson will be showcasing their work at the festival, collaborating with local directors including Liz de Totth and Ian Hart. Potential Short + Sweet writers submit to a rigorous judging process, and their pieces are analysed for elements such as dialogue, theatricality, story, characterisation and dramatic tension.

The final choice is then made by the directors, who select a piece they feel a connection with and consider workable.

Audiences can expect a mix of light and dark performances, with colourful characters like death-match wrestlers, dodgy real estate agents, princes, princesses and perverts played by ImproACT performers and local stars such as Alison McGregor and Dave Evans.

“It has been a busy year in Canberra arts this year, but we’ve managed to put together a stellar two weeks for our audience,” says Short + Sweet organiser Adam Salter. “There will be around 90 participants this year, from the writers to the tech crew. We have a really dynamic group of people providing us with some really exceptional theatre.”

The worldwide success of Short + Sweet has led to an expansion of the program to include a dance version and a cabaret version, as well as ‘best of’ showcases in each genre, appropriately titled Shorter + Sweeter. There is also a youth theatre competition called Fast + Fresh; this year’s Canberra comp was won by a group of Grammar Girls whose absurdist play will be performed in the second week of the festival.

So how is short theatre different from other theatrical experiences audiences may have had? “To be able to go to the theatre and be almost assured you will see something you like is a rare opportunity,” Adam says. “In one night, you are likely to be presented with situations that will make you laugh, cry, scratch your head in confusion, gasp, clap, shout in either support or anger, or just smile in the darkness. You get to see a variety of genres too, including a play in the style of a silent movie.” Short + Sweet is perfect for those with a short attention span, or simply those craving a unique, zesty and truly creative theatre experience.

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Top 20 Plays Week one: September 1 – 4, Top 20 Plays Week two: September 8 – 11. Top 10 Dance: October 20 – 23. At the Courtyard Studio, Canberra Theatre Centre. Bookings 6275 2700.

IN REVIEW Exciting A Blush Autumnal Collective

It’s not quite dance, not quite art or theatre. By throwing aside the labels and their conventions Autumnal Collective have managed to inhabit an entire spectrum of emotion and experience with their debut work Exciting A Blush. Though touted as an exploration of the phenomenon of blushing and other bodily betrayal, the performance, under the direction of choreographer Angela Goh, succeeded in uncovering so much more. From the opening minutes the audience was sent pitching and rolling through an ever-changing assault on the emotions, with no indication of where they might find themselves next. Uncomfortable and real, from utter delight to claustrophobic squirming to heart-shattering tenderness, nothing could have prepared me for this.

My immediate impressions of a lacklustre set and uninspired costumes quickly became little cause for concern, as these elements were quickly eclipsed by the sheer intensity of the performance. Unfortunately the score, composed specifically for the work, continued to provide an unwelcome distraction. For the most part it was at odds with what was happening onstage and at other times it was completely superfluous. There was one point at where pre-recorded sound was used to great effect – being a sample of recorded applause, which increased in volume to a menacing end – but largely it was incidental sound - the rustling of paper, the ragged breath of the performers - that sat comfortably with this unconventional piece.

The performers themselves oozed personality. Eleanor Wood was the perfectly awkward outsider with a sting in her tail, while the owl perched akimbo atop her head was a stroke of prop/costume genius with allegorical intensity. Dancer Laura Boynes brought her powerful presence back to the Canberra stage; characteristically self aware, even self-deprecating, but always exuding a certain magnetism that leaves you unable to blink.

Dean Cross and Patricia Wood form a pair with electrifying chemistry, between them boasting some serious acting chops. The audience drew hardly a breath as they teetered the divide between violence and tenderness, ugliness and beauty, culminating in a heartstopping kiss that left even the most hardened theatre-goer weak at the knees. While it seemed much of my fellow audience found plenty to laugh about within this work, and left the theatre using words like ‘quirky’ and ‘sweet’, I felt I had an altogether different experience.

There were definitely elements of wry humour, but for me the overall impression was one of aching poignancy. Every movement and utterance was captivating; heart wrenching in its familiarity, uncomfortable in its truth. Image after image remains still burnt into my memory.

Simple, raw and concise, Autumnal Collective have given form to an experience which is as close to home and close to the heart as all art hopes to be. yolande norris Image: Sarah Kauer

UNINHIBITED 18 months ago I started a blog. I was quite a late bloomer in the technoverse, and had only just, for the very first time, set up an internet connection.

An eBay addiction was swift and debilitating, but surely there was a way I could use this new power for good rather than evil. Or at least rather than solely the purchase of ill-fitting and strange smelling clothes. The answer came to me suddenly one Saturday morning, buried under the pages of the newspaper and somewhere between two halves of a toasted bagel. My sunny weekend disposition was obscured by a dark, blustery cloud of annoyance as I went flipping keen-nosed through the arts section.

This apparently local arts guide appeared to be full of nowt but staggeringly irrelevant stories from far-flung lands, a few regurgitated press releases and a tired assembly of advertisements. Where were the reviews, the heated discussion, enlightening interviews and profiles? Where were the stories about Canberra?

‘Write them yourself’ my brain retorted instantaneously ‘or quit your whingeing.’ It was a good point, and I conceded that all this time spent with bagels and newsprint could be better utilised. And so, in this golden space between boredom and outrage, my ‘online publication’ (as I prefer to call the blog) was spawned.

As it turned out I wasn’t alone in my disdain for the current state of arts coverage. Elsewhere, around the very same time, members of Canberra’s independent media elite were also busily scheming.

BMA, which since 1992 has stood for Bands, Music, Action (heh), was maturing gracefully with a new vision of Bands, Music and ART. Exhibitionist was about to be born.

Since that momentous occasion, not only has Exhibitionist made it easier for punters to navigate this town’s sprawling art scene, it has given Canberra’s artists, performers and practitioners the recognition, constructive criticism and validation that was sorely and sadly lacking.

BMA and Exhibitionist have also bolstered opportunities for and subsequently the profile of arts writers in Canberra. The dedicated team of writers here at Exhibitionist are out amongst it, not because of a price paid per word (coz there ain’t one) but because they live and breathe art in all its forms.

This little publication has achieved an awful lot in such little time, in no small part due to the terrifying talent of outgoing Editor Naomi Milthorpe. I am not as well read as she, nor as quick-witted and am sadly without the gargantuan (that means big yeah?) vocabulary, but I love art and I love this little city. You too? I thought so.

Say hello at exhibitionist@bmamag.com. And by the way, we’re not greedy - there’s always room for more writers here at Exhibitionist.

Send me an email with an expression of interest and we can talk. yolande norris exhibitionist@bmamag.com

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bit PARTS WHO: Emma Beer & Joel Bliss WHAT: Exhibition Beer and Bliss WHEN: Opens 6pm Thursday September 2 WHERE: M16 Artspace, Griffith The surnames of these two artists sure does make it easy to market an exhibition. Who would say no to Beer and Bliss? Painter Emma Beer and sculptor Joel Bliss are two recent graduates from the ANU School of Art who were awarded the opportunity to exhibit at M16 as a part of the School’s Emerging Artists Support Scheme. Beer specialises in opulent large scale abstracts, while Bliss is known for his imposing constructions of reclaimed wood and steel. While in many ways their work couldn’t be more different, both artists create work with a commanding presence that embodies a raw beauty. The exhibition continues until Thursday September 12 at the new M16 Artspace!

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WHO: Natalie Mather Dianne Budd, Jane Barr, Vedanta Nicholson and Naomi Xeros WHAT: Exhibition 5 after 7 WHEN: On now until Thursday September 16 WHERE: Alliance Francaise, Turner The Alliance Francaise is a little slice of culture in leafy Turner where Francophiles learn the language, eat fine cheese and get together to watch the Tour De France. The organisation is also an avid supporter of the arts, every year providing exhibition and performance space to lucky artists and musicians. 5 After 7 is a showcase of artwork by recent School of Art Graduates selected by the Alliance as a part of the Emerging Artsist Support Scheme. Pop in to see a selection of new paintings, prints and ceramics. Magnifique!

WHO: ANU Za Kabuki WHAT: Kabuki of course!

WHEN: Thursday September 3 and Friday September 4 WHERE: The Street Theatre You love your sushi, your anime and hyperactive Harajuku fashions, so why not put your money where your mouth is and check out some Kabuki? It’s Japanese traditional theatre, brought to you by the clever young things in the ANU’s Za Kabuki group. This year, the performers bring you Topknot Bunshichi, and before you start thinking this all sounds a little too high culture just bear in mind that Kabuki typically boasts a great deal of comedy and cross-dressing packaged up in a musical extravaganza.

WHO: Simon Scheuerle, Jay Kochel & David Spooner WHAT: Three new exhibitions WHEN: On now until Sunday October 3 WHERE: Canberra Contemporary Art Space Gorman House If you like your art in 3D then the new exhibitions at CCAS have got your name all over them. Simon Scheuerle and Jay Kochel are two local sculptors who continue to amaze, surprise and often freak everyone out a bit with each new exhibition of their work. Scheuerle is pairing new silicone creations with sound and video, while Kochel presents an eerie body of work he developed following a research trip to Eastern Europe. Joining the local lads is Brisbane based artist David Spooner with one of his signature kitsch craft creations.

WHO: Maybe you?

WHAT: Liquid Gallery call for proposals WHEN: Now WHERE: 7 Clint Place, Macquarie, Belconnen Liquid Gallery is a new exhibition space near Belconnen Town Centre seeking artists or groups of artists who would like to exhibit in 2011, as well as 3D work to show in a sculpture garden. Their website liquidgallery.com.au boasts: “The gallery spaces are filled with natural light and are surrounded by leafy gardens. We have 2D and 3D work changing regularly and great opening nights.” Oo sounds good! Check out the website for contact details and guidelines on making a proposal and submit an application now.

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WHO: Simon Maberley WHAT: Exhibition Reflection WHEN: On now until October 2 WHERE: CraftACT Craft & Design Centre If you thought of Simon Maberley as a glass artist then it looks like you’ve got another thing coming. For his latest exhibition Reflection at CraftACT Maberley has developed a multimedia installation in which glass is hardly anywhere to be seen. The installation invites the audience to become a part of the work, enabling them to see themselves as never before. How you ask? Well that would be telling now, wouldn’t it? Suffice to say that Maberley’s ongoing interest in self-representation is alive and well, as he muses over philosophy of body and identity and makes us wonder if we really know ourselves at all.

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SOMETHING STRANGE IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD

nick craven

There’s a certain comfort in the traditions of a regular DJ club night – familiar faces behind the decks, the sticky floors of that tried and true venue, the expectation of a particular playlist. Sure, it’s a safe and cosy ritual, but like any routine, predictable parties can become as mundane as clocking into your 9 to 5-er. Acutely aware of this potential for tedium, Canberra DJ troupe STRANGEWAYS offer a brave new world where every club night is different. Conjuring disparate themes for each event, Strangeways DJs let their imaginations run wild with everything from venue décor to the tunes on offer.

“Running our own theme nights allows us to provide a unique and complete experience for our audience,” the trio of TomToms, Fidel Maestro and Chairman Wow says. “When we design our themes, we aim for the memorable, the fun, the unusual and the absurd – they’re not just an excuse for people to dress in skimpy outfits.” Instead of bemoaning Canberra’s lack of venues, Strangeways DJs mould their surrounds to suit their themes, creating complete sensory worlds right on the dancefloor. “In the past year we’ve covered the entire inside of Transit Bar with al foil, laid down astroturf on the dancefloor, strung French pastries from the roof and dressed 200 people in Bruce Willis masks. Our decoration is not supposed to distract from the music, but rather to flesh out the entire experience, much like Heston Blumenthal’s food-based experiences.”

We’re here for you, Canberra.

Pop music never stops giving... and neither will we!

Like Blumenthal, the Strangeways DJs aren’t limited in their taste.

The trio sample everything from indie to hip-hop to mainstream pop, allowing any kind of music fan to let loose at their nights. “DJs can get caught up desperately chasing the latest tunes, remixes and trends, and pride themselves on not being ‘cheesy’. But so often the result is repetitive, predictable music. Music is so often used as a way for people to set themselves apart. We like to play music that resonates, not separates!”

Often mislabelled as ‘indie DJs’, the Strangeways crew are genuine pop fans unafraid to drop a Top 40 anthem without a hint of hipster irony. “It is trendy in certain circles to rubbish pop music’s overproduced and soulless nature, which is sometimes true. But it’s actually a lot harder to create a truly transcendent pop moment than it is to drop clicks and pops over a wobbly bassline. We play plenty of vintage, but we’re equally at home dropping current music if it’s really good.” The next Strangeways night may be the most ambitious yet. Strangeways… ON A BOAT will transform Transit Bar into a giant underwater diorama on Friday September 10. The night will once again bring the growing horde of regulars who are flocking to Strangeways events not for the comfort of familiarity, but to experience their burgeoning tradition of unpredictability. “We’re here for you, Canberra. Pop music never stops giving... and neither will we!”

Strangeways DJs will play the red-eye set from 2am-close after Flight Facilities on Friday September 3 at Transit Bar. Tix are $20 + bf from Moshtix, 8pm kick off. Strangeways ... ON A BOAT! sets sail at Transit on Friday September 10. Free entry. Boss.

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RETURN TO SENDIL STAKY If you think of names synonymous with Studio 54, Istanbul’s AHMET SENDIL does not necessarily spring to mind. However the veteran DJ and producer started his illustrious career at the Turkish leg of the club back in the late ‘80s. With over 20 years in the business Sendil is attributed with popularising dance music in his home country. Although he admits Turkish techno is not the most banging.

“Honestly, I don’t like Istanbul at music,” says Sendil ahead of his upcoming Australian tour. “Here nobody appreciates your success, there is a lot of bad propaganda, no support and no love. Istanbul is nothing with music; there aren’t any great clubs or crowds. It’s so bad for a city which has a 20 million population because the most popular genre is commercial music.”

I name it ‘sexy happy minimal’

Ahmet Sendil has enjoyed residencies in some of the world’s top underground clubs including Switch, Club 14 and Club 20. He developed a strong following in the newly burgeoning minimal scene, but wanted a ‘real job’ so turned his attention towards production.

“After DJing for so long, I wanted to go into producing to start a regular life,” he explains. “Before my marriage my life was not so regular. Also the music sector was changing, to the point where you cannot be only just a DJ. You need to be a musician to get gigs, to get fame… you know everybody is DJ.” With a Friday night residency on the hugely popular French FG DJ Radio (formally Radio FG), Sendil was able to push his minimal sound even further. “In past years I had my own minimal style,” Sendil says.

“Anyone who listens to my new tracks on Beatport could say ‘Yes, that’s Ahmet’. I name it ‘sexy happy minimal’. I have been performing with Radio FG since it was launched [in 1981]. They used to do live radio sets there; I miss my live performances.”

The station exclusively broadcasts dance music, which suited Ahmet perfectly for a time, but it wasn’t long before he felt the need to expand to further outlets in order to distribute his new production.

In 2003 the producer launched his first label M-Vitamine to release his own tracks and that of his friends. It wasn’t long before a second label was in the pipeline.

“Some of my friends and I were trying out some electro tracks in late 2007,” remembers Ahmet. “One of my friends gave me the idea of trying different genres with a new label, and so Bosphorus Underground was born. The name comes from a rap star in Turkey, he always used ‘Bosphorus Underground’ in his lyrics.” The BU has given Sendil the freedom to experiment in other styles of dance. He feels his first love, minimal, is not as fashionable as it has been in recent years. “The genre that I was so popular with has lost popularity,” he says. “I tried to create a new sound and new style for myself.”

You can catch tasty Turk Ahmet Sendil and his ‘sexy, happy minimal’ at Hippo Bar on Thursday September 9, presented by Effigy. Supported by Yohan Strauss, String Theory, Fourthstate, Luke Ellis, Biggie and Gabriel Gilmour. It’s free. Grouse!

me, but I somehow managed to make it. I don’t quite know how that happened!”

When we were about 13 I’d always say ‘I’m going to be a rockstar!’… but I somehow managed to make it

So will she ever be able to go back to a normal life? “That’s a nightmare I have every Tuesday actually!” Chloe responds. “I hope I never have to go back; this is it forever now! We’ll be like The Rolling Stones. I’d be very depressed if I had to go back to the real world.”

CONSIDER US OFFENDED katherine quinn DOES IT OFFEND YOU, YEAH? bassist Chloe Duveaux has a fantastic, endearing laugh. Which is not exactly what you’d expect given the band’s fierce grunge-club sound. What’s more, when I call her for a chat she’s at her granddad’s house in London’s South End, taking a break from the band’s rigorous touring schedule to catch up with family and old friends. “Not very rock and roll,” she laughs.

But while she might not seem like your run-of-the-mill rock star, it’s clear that Chloe has always had both the talent and the ambition.

After playing in numerous grunge and indie bands from the age of 15, Chloe joined Does It Offend You, Yeah? after the release of their first album, You Have No Idea What You’re Getting Yourself Into.

“I’ve been lucky, and I’m still kind of surprising myself that I’m here,” Chloe confesses. “It’s funny, I was talking to my friends who I knew when I was much younger, and all of us have turned out to be exactly what we said we’d always be. When we were about 13 I’d always say ‘I’m going to be a rockstar!’ and people would always be laughing at

That seems unlikely to happen any time soon, with the band’s latest album, Don’t Say We Didn’t Warn You proving to be an exhilarating fusion of rock and dance music, with a heavy, aggressive edge.

Vocalist and guitarist James Rushent doubled as the producer for the album, after working with The Prodigy on Invaders Must Die. “Having James as a producer meant we could get the sound and have it our way, instead of compromising with labels or with other people,” Chloe tells me. “The first album never felt quite right, so with this album it had to be from the heart. It turned out perfect in the end.”

The band will be offering one of their new songs as a free download for subscribers to their website, to reward fans for patiently awaiting the release of Don’t Say We Didn’t Warn You, and the album tour is set to bring them to Canberra this October for Stonefest. So what can Canberrans expect from a DIOYY gig? “Head banging, but not in a bad way!” Chloe laughs. “Loads of energy, probably lots of swearing as well; people should watch out for the audience more than us ‘cause they tend to get pretty mental.” Consider yourself warned!

Does It Offend You, Yeah? will be playing at Stonefest on Saturday October 30 alongside Pendulum, Clare Bowditch, Bluejuice and more. Tickets available through Ticketek.

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KELLER INSTINCT shaun bennett Since 1999, Pianist ANDREA KELLER and her quartet – comprising Eugene Ball on trumpet, Ian Whitehurst on tenor saxophone and Joe Talia on drums – has demonstrated all the hallmarks of a successful outfit; skill, passion and determination. This had led to an admirable level of success.

With three ARIAs and two Bell awards under her belt, Keller can also add a glittering international itinerary to her CV, having performed in Germany, Denmark and Japan both with her quartet and as part of the Australian Art Orchestra. She has also received numerous commissions from highly regarded jazz and classical ensembles such as Mike Nock’s BigSmallBand, Ten Part Invention and the Seraphim Trio to name a few.

There’s really more of an audience for it over there than there is here

“It’s definitely a growing thing,” Keller says. “I didn’t hit the ground running. I studied for a while and did a lot of recording which opened up opportunities for touring. This led to playing at jazz festivals around the country and I got myself known well around the jazz scene.”

With Australia conquered and her name regarded as one of the country’s greats, she ventured overseas to perform in the Czech Republic after winning the MCA/Freedman Foundation Jazz Fellowship in 2001. According to Keller, Europe is a must-do for any jazz or classical fanatics out there.

“There’s really more of an audience for it over there than there is here.

Even though we’ve got an enthusiastic audience here it is really small in comparison to what it is over there,” Keller reveals.

Capitalising on this, she ventured to Ireland, Scotland, Germany and Denmark with her quartet and performed with the Australian Art Orchestra in Japan. In the spirit of ‘giving it back’ Keller has also been helping out the Australian music scene with her commissioned work for the Royal Children’s Hospital and the Keir Foundation.

Now, in 2010, she is about to embark on her first headline tour with her quartet in support of their latest album, ironically titled Galumphing ‘Round the Nation. The shows to date have seen guest appearances from renowned jazz musicians Bernie McGann, Phil Slater, Stephen Magnusson, John Rodgers and Jamie Oehlers to name a few.

“Being in a jazz band isn’t an exclusive thing, like it is in other genres.

A lot of people are solo artists and play with a number of people in their career,” Keller says. “We can pick up people along the way on tour; for example we played in Sydney last week and Sandy Evans, a saxophonist from Sydney, played with us who hadn’t played with us before. So people can jump in without much rehearsing.”

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The Andrea Keller Quartet will play in the Band Room at the ANU School of Music on Friday September 3 at 8pm. Tix are $20/$15 conc available from the door from 7pm. Galumphing ‘Round the Nation is out now.

DISCO TO DISCO peter krbavac The story of DISCO NAP: When Brisbane indie-rock supremos Iron On called it a day in 2008, guitarist and co-vocalist Ross Hope figured he might chuck the music dream altogether. “I didn’t really know if I wanted to keep writing music or if that was over for me,” he says. “When [the band] ended it was like the passing of something, like something had died and it was time to move on.”

While his former bandmates busied themselves with other projects – most notably co-vocalist Kate Cooper with An Horse – Ross took some time out, sinking his teeth into American Beauty writer Alan Ball’s HBO drama Six Feet Under. “It’s my favourite TV show ever,” Ross says. “I can’t think of any other TV show or movie that just so brutally captures the human condition.”

The dark drama stirred his muse and Ross began writing music again, “for myself, for fun.” Having accumulated a clutch of acoustic demos, Ross approached Brisbane producer Darek Mudge – who he knew via Darek’s axe-slinging in Screamfeeder and Intercooler – to help flesh out the tunes. Soon after, the pair adopted the name Disco Nap. “We decided to gradually work away at each song and determine what they were going to be along the way,” Ross explains. “[I was] excited to literally be able to turn a song into anything. Sometimes we’d record my vocals, take out the acoustic guitar and build the song from nothing. That was what happened with Surgical Dress: it almost turned into this weird, beat-y hip-hop thing – which we’ve gotten rid of – but it ended up as something I didn’t really expect.”

I didn’t really know if I wanted to keep writing music or if that was over for me

Disco Nap’s debut Running Red Lights became something of a Brisbane all-star affair, with Sekiden and Regurgitator keyboardist Seja Vogel, John Steel Singers trumpeter Scott Bromiley, Ed Kuepper and Gin Club cellist Jane Elliott and Screamfeeder drummer Dean Shwereb all contributing. “It was probably a teenage fantasy to play with Dean from Screamfeeder,” Ross says. “I’ve always loved his pop drumming. When I was a teenager I thought (1996 album) Kitten Licks was incredible – I still think it’s incredible!”

As well as Ross’ main musical touchstones – Elvis Costello, Ben Gibbard, Laura Veirs, Robert Smith – he explains there are a lot of electronic influences feeding into Disco Nap. “I went back through my partner’s CD collection and dug out all this ‘90s electronica, some of which was terrible and some of which was pretty awesome,” Ross says. “I realised I’d missed a lot of this stuff because I was so single-minded previously about the music I liked. I knew how to make a record that had massive guitars so I wanted to hear other ways of doing songs.”

And now we have the pleasure of hearing these others ways too, when Disco Nap play at The Front in Lyneham on Friday September 3, supported

by Voss. Doors open at 8pm. Tix on the door.

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THE REALNESS Former Canberran Alikeminds member now Melbourne resident Maggot Mouf has dropped his long-awaited solo full length LP You’re All Ears through Broken Tooth. With his off-kilter style and no-nonsense attitude Maggot has delivered a razor-sharp LP which takes an up-close-and-personal journey through his eerie subconscious. It features production from Ciecmate, Joey Gargoyle and Bigfoot and guest appearances from 1/6, Scotty Hinds and Dekoda. A highly original LP and one that is sure to please existing Broken Tooth fans as well as gain the label and Maggot himself a load of new supporters.

The Crate Creeps have dropped their mammoth new effort It’s About That Time through Born Fresh Records and it features an incredible list of vocal talent. I’m talking Suffa, Trials, Pure Product, Eloquence, Mantra, Mata & Must, Rhyme Asylum, The Optimen, Kings Konekted, Verbal Kent, Thundamentals, Raaka Iriscience, Balboa, Haunts, Rainman and more. Epic. The album is out now.

Smiley has followed up his 2009 EP with a new LP entitled The Suspended Sentence through Firestarter. The album comes backed by some big names and you can check him out at myspace.com/smileyemcee .

Those Melbourne workaholics Mata & Must are back with a couple of brand new tunes split on a very tidy 7”. Skills Don’t Pay and Business In Tracksuits mark a shift in tempo but still embody that classic Mata & Must vibe. You can hear the tunes at myspace. com/matamust and can grab the 7” now from Pang Productions (pangproductions.com.au).

The name A-Diction will be familiar to hip-hop fans in this country and their debut LP Walkin’ Alone is out now through Addition Music/Obese Records. Following hot on the heels of their 2009 mixtape, Breach and Boltz have served up a set of pure Melbourne hip-hop with an emphasis on wordplay and clever lyrics. With the likes of M-Phazes, Jase, Whisper, Lewis One and Mules on the beats you know you’re in for that boom-bap soul. Haunts, G-Force, Scott Burns, Billy Bunks, Whisper, Raven and Fraksha all show up with guest spots.

Canberra hip-hop fans might remember Syntax from when he supported Supastition at Transit Bar a few years ago. He’s been grinding hard (has he now? – Bossman) and has just dropped his heavily anticipated debut LP The Musical through Soulmate/ Inertia. Released on Friday August 27, the album is typified by the dusty soul neck-cracking beats and rhymes of classic era hip-hop.

Produced by M-Phazes, Matik, Mules, Whisper and S-Dub and featuring guest raps from Supastition, Haunts and Prime, The Musical is a true hip-hop debut LP – full of dope beats, dope raps, a sense of humour and plenty of heart and soul. Essential.

Whisper, Syntax and A-Diction have also banded together to created a supergroup of sorts on the In Good Company free mixtape album which is available now from ingoodcompany. bandcamp.com. Whisper, A-Diction and Syntax deliver over 45 minutes of brand new music produced by the likes of M-Phazes (does the dude ever sleep?), Mules, Ciecmate, J-Squared, Lewis One, ATP and Whisper himself. If you are after a hard copy of the release you should be able to find them in stores soon.

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ROSHAMBO roshambizzle@yahoo.com.au

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METALISE Praise, hail Satan! Finally Australia has its own black metal fest!

Fans should be already eagerly awaiting the Black Mass Festival up in Sydney presented by Séance records. The eight band bill is on Saturday November 27 at the Newtown RSL on Enmore Road.

Nazxul headline over Queensland’s comeback kings Astriaal, plus Drowning The Light, Sanguinary Misanthropia, Wardaemonic, Erebus Enthroned, Moon and Spire. The show is $30 bucks pre sale and $35 on the door. There will be stalls, giveaways and a promise that the DJs will play “only the darkest sounds from eve ‘til dawn”.

While on the black metal spear tip, don’t forget the Mayhem show in Sydney at The Factory, a bit further down Enmore Road than the above fest, on Friday September 24. Anno Domini will be in support.

Whilst we’re not getting the Big Four show (yet), Megadeth have announced they will be back to headline the No Sleep Til Festival, which seems to be setting itself up like a Soundwave-lite. The majority of the line-up consists of punk, hardcore and a good whack of bands that play breakdowns instead of songs, but NOFX, Dropkick Murphys and Descendents on their first Aussie tour suggest just the tip of an iceberg. For Metalise regular readers, GWAR’s first Aussie tour and Swede’s Katatonia might make the ticket an attractive one, along with Mustaine’s gang. The Sydney show is on Saturday December 18 in the old Big Day Out, and more recently Livid Festival’s, locale of the Hordern Pavilion and surrounds and you can get tickets at the Moshtix website.

The USA’s Acid King are confirmed for a Thursday October 7 show at The Basement in Belconnen along with Pod People, Looking Glass and I Exist. This is to make up for the lack of a local Doomsday Festival show also happening in October in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. The Sydney Doomsday show is at the Newtown RSL on Saturday October 2 with Acid King, Pod People, Looking Glass, Summonus, Clagg, Sons of the Ionian Sea, Fattura Della Morte, VAN and a late show from Adrift for Days and Mother Mars.

This weekend on Saturday September 4, The Basement hosts Taliesin, The Danny John Trio, ZZG and Paulie The Water Tiger.

Joel’s birthday bash, DJ Pea’s Birthday Show on Saturday September 25 looks great with shows from Looking Glass, Dead Letter Opener, Leicohtica, Leadlight Rose, Red Bee, ZZG, Paulie The Water Tiger, Vertical Smirk and Jizz.

Baroness has announced sideshows from the Metallica touring juggernaut hitting Australia later in the year. Friday November 12 in Sydney is the date and the Annandale is the perfect venue, in my opinion, to ‘get’ the intricacies of this great band in a live setting.

Tickets on sale now.

I gotta recommend this album I’ve been flogging in recent weeks.

Norway’s Kvelertak play a brand of Turbo Negro-esque rock laced with black metal influences in vocal delivery, a few of their riffs, more hooks than a tackle box, and some super charming snow wog sounding melodies (see chorus of the one English titled song Sultans of Satan). It will have you air-guitaring and, should you speak Norse, singing along. I think not knowing the lyrics or song titles to the majority of the album has only enhanced my enjoyment of this record. Self titled album, stunning John Baizley artwork, check it out.

JOSH NIXON - Josh NP: Blodtørst – Kvelertak – Kvelertak. doomtildeath@hotmail.com

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THE WALKING DEAD naomi frost Alt rock quad DEAD LETTER CIRCUS have lodged themselves deep into the heart of the Australian music industry since the explosive release of their debut full length album This is a Warning. The album hit #1 on the Australian iTunes charts. Now the band are anticipating the launch of their One Step tour; a 16-show crusade delivering their newest musical creations live to their now massive Australian fan base. I was privileged enough to have a chat with bassist Stewart Hill (or vice versa – Bossman).

This is a Warning was mixed by esteemed Australian producer Forrester Savell, who has worked with Kate Miller-Heidke, Birds of Tokyo, Karnivool and Mammal.

“He’s the man, the song doctor,” He was holding his balls, his two balls, on Hill confirms.

two teaspoons while a With the help of Savell, Dead couple of members of Letter Circus’ debut album not another band held the only won the top position on teaspoons for him!

the iTunes charts, but almost nabbed them an ARIA Award; the obstruction between the boys and the trophy being Justin Bieber.

DLC’s legitimate aversion to the youngling was hilariously expressed on their Myspace page, so of course I couldn’t resist the opportunity to ask Hill to elaborate on the matter.

“I don’t know if it’s hatred, a little bit of jealousy maybe,” he admitted.

“He was the only thing stopping us from debuting at number one on the ARIAs. When the only thing stopping you from being number one is a 13-year-old kid… it hurts.”

Exploring the always entertaining issue that is a band’s weirdest touring experience, our conversation somehow veered onto the telling of a tale with nary musical relevance whatsoever; but a tale worth telling none the less. “I had come home early from a gig and was in bed. The other guys had gone out and met up with a couple of guys from another band and they came home at about six or seven in the morning, came into my room and woke me up,” Hill reflected.

“Then a band member who I’m not going to name comes into the room with just his underwear on with a hole where his balls could come through and he was holding his balls, his two balls, on two teaspoons while a couple of members from another band held the teaspoons for him! I like to call it the egg and spoon race,” he spat in hysterics. “I thought I was in a dream, a gay, erotic dream.”

Moving away from this surreal fable… upon asking Hill what genre, if any, could sum up the band’s sound, he replied: “Somebody summed it up for us once – when the album debuted at number one on the iTunes chart, one guy commented and said that we had created a new genre of music called ‘Sissy-Metal’,” shared Hill. “I think it was an insult,” he continued, “but I thought it was really funny.”

Dead Letter Circus put aside questionable dreams and the sissy metal brand to present their ‘balls out’ rock at The Maram on Sunday September 5 with the admirable Black Devil Yard Boss. Tix are $20 + bf from Moshtix, more on tha door.

a good representation of how far we’ve gotten.”

PIERCING DOWN UNDER NAOMI FROST On his first day of rest and recovery after seven weeks on the road as part of the Vans Warped Tour, I thoroughly prepared myself to speak to an artist most likely cranky, stressed and deprived of sleep beyond all belief, and not quite ready to make a long distance call to Australia from Sacramento, California. To my surprise, I found Vic Fuentes, the majestic vocalist of four-piece PIERCE THE VEIL, cheerful, awake and an absolute pleasure to talk to.

The born and bred San Diego band willingly throw themselves under the genre of progressive post-hardcore, which quite frankly does not do them justice. Pierce the Veil possess a sound that should account for a genre in itself, what with their uniquely textured vocals acting as their signature, and their literally indescribable musical concoction produced simply by bass, drums, guitar, screams and clean vocals.

Their newest 14 track album, Selfish Machines, was released in June this year, and acts as the culmination of four years of progression and self discovery for the band. According to Fuentes, “[the album is]

I feel sorry for the band that can only scream or play breakdowns

The foursome recorded the album in Los Angeles with sound engineer Mike Green, whose extensive experience helped craft what is now the band’s most spectacular record yet. “I’ve never worked with anyone like him before. I could kind of describe him as being everything I’m not.” Fuentes goes on, “he’s very smart about music and he knows a lot about musical theory, all the hard shit; the maths and all the weird shit that I don’t know anything about. I do everything by ear and by feeling and the soul in the music. Everything else I don’t really know much about, so he was cool to have around for all those moments where I needed somebody like that.”

It seems that since its recent release, the album has produced nothing but praise from critics and fans alike, and to my enjoyment, it sounds as though there are many more musical successes to come from the band. “I definitely want to keep progressing with each record, I want it to get better and better,” Fuentes assures. “I’m a big fan of bands that are always progressing and trying new things and staying excited about what they do. I feel sorry for the band that can only scream or play breakdowns or something because I just feel like there’s not a whole lot of places you can go after that.”

To accompany the album’s great success the boys are making their first ever visit to Australia to take part in the 16th annual Take Action Tour. “Australia’s going to be like a vacation for us.” Fuentes says excitedly. “We just want to keep taking the steps and keep expanding and going to new places. I’d love to keep coming to Australia and build a real following there.”

The Take Action Tour is at the Tuggeranong Youthie on Tuesday September 14. Tix available through Moshtix, Landspeed and The Music Shop.

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the word

BLACKBOX

on games

Scott Pilgrim vs.The World: The Game Developer: Ubisoft Platform: PSN, XBLA Rating: Worth grabbing Length: 10hrs Scott Pilgrim vs. The World is a niche game, and if you happen to fall into said niche, as I happily do, then there’s a lot to like about it. The side scrolling gameplay, 8-bit art styling and numerous old school references magnificently pay homage to games of yesteryear. As such, if you’re old enough to know what NES means then you’ll likely get a real kick out of this one. Likewise, as the name would suggest, it is based on the same great story of the film/comic series. Given that this equally enjoyable film pays homage to the gaming world, it’s no wonder the material translates so well to the consoles. Each of the evil exs roughly correlates to a level, each with their own style and set of surprises (including some tripped out secret passages and some brain-hungry zombies).

To keep the format of the game fresh, the classic side scrolling style has been re-envisioned with RPG elements. As play proceeds, the characters gain new moves, providing a good bit of variation to the gameplay. This also works well to balance the game, given that one can always rely on levelling up if an obstacle is initially too difficult.

Unfortunately the gameplay isn’t without its own quirks too. For instance, when you run out of lives, you’re frustratingly forced to begin the rather lengthy levels from the start. This is made worse by the fact that you don’t regain your lives between levels, leaving you with the decision to either crack on ahead at half strength, or laboriously commit hari kari to regain your lives upon continuing.

While these issues can be generally overlooked, one that’s not so forgivable is how buggy the game is. No doubt rushed to market to match the release date of the film, on at least three occasions the game screwed up significantly enough to warrant a level restart (which in turn led to the aforementioned issue). Whilst infrequent enough not to be a deal breaker (although after one occurred within 15 minutes, first impressions weren’t great) they are however annoyingly indicative of the ‘release now, fix it later’ policy that so many companies, including giants Rockstar and Apple, have chosen to adopt. To me it shows disrespect for the money paying (ahem) gamer. It’s time people started lifting their game.

Despite the flaws, Scott Pilgrim still managed to provide us with many hours of fun. Whilst the game isn’t going to be a hit with everyone, there’s still many of you out there (possibly now with receding hairline) that will lap this up.

TORBEN SKO

The travel/cooking show, Blackbox’s personal fave, is ubiquitous this season. Jamie Oliver, the socially conscience man who’s shown American school teachers and ‘pie and chips men’ how to cook, is about to embark on Jamie’s Food Escapes (SCTEN, Fri, 7.30pm). He joins a schedule packed with galloping gourmets including Made in Spain with Jose Andres (SBS1, Wed Sep 1, 6.30pm), Food Trip With Todd English (SBS1, Thu Sep 2, 6.30pm), Taste Takes Off with Peta Mathias (SBS1, Fri Sep 3, 6.30pm), Food Safari (SBS1, Thu Sep 2, 7.30pm), Annabel Langbein: The Free Range Cook (ABC1, Sat Sep 4, 6pm) and Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam (SBS1, Thu Sep 2, 8pm).

In the end though, nothing can beat the pure theatre of Iron Chef (SBS1, Sat, 8.30pm), the Japanese one of course. The American version a few years back was a disaster because the gravitas of a kitchen stadium challenge is best experienced in a Japanese context with some kind of urchin as the theme ingredient – even the comic genius of host William Shatner couldn’t prevent a flop.

Unfortunately such news seems to have been lost on the network execs at prime. Iron Chef Australia (Prime, TBA), featuring Neil Perry, Guy Grossi and Guillaume Brahimi is slated to launch soon.

There is some good news this week though with the start of the new season of Breaking Bad (ABC2, Fri Sep 3, 9.30pm) and the postelection return of United States of Tara (ABC1, Wed Sep 1, 8.30pm).

Among the new shows on the box over the next couple of weeks you’ll find Horne and Corne (ABC2, Thu Sep 2, 9pm) a sketch comedy starring the two guys from Gavin and Stacey which looks much funnier than that show partly set in the (caretaker) PM’s hometown; Gary: Tank Commander (ABC2, Thu Sep 2, 9.30pm) a six-part British dramedy about a returned soldier from Iraq adjusting to life in the barracks; Keeping Up with the Kardashians (Prime, Thu, 10.30pm) the ultimate in trashy US celeb observational docos (at least since Osbournes gave up); Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow (ABC1, Sat Sep 18, 9.20pm) and Parking Wars (Prime, Mon, 10.30pm) – US car chases have nothing on the stupidity of people taking on parking inspectors; it’s a hoot!

Docos to look out for include Silesia Strips (SBS1, Fri Sep 3, 10pm) about a Polish coal mining area where teenage girls strip to earn an income; The Music Instinct: Science & Song (ABC1, Thu Sep 2, 9.35pm); Life: Creatures of the Deep (ABC1, Sun Sep 12, 7.30pm); Seven Ages of Britain (ABC1, Sep 7, Tue 8.30pm), and Artscape: Obsessed with Walking (ABC1, Tue Sep 14, 10pm) in which cultural provocateur Will Self wanders through LA’s suburbs on a 120 mile trek from LAX to Hollywood.

Auntie is taking its iView responsibilities seriously with another exclusive – the new cult doco The Vice Guide to Film (iView, Mon Aug 30). Eps include a visit to Kim Jong Il’s film studio and the Narco Cinema funded by Mexico’s drug lords. Increase your bandwith now.

Anyone who’s ever done an Outward Bound course should pencil in The Goodies – Way Outward Bound (ABC2, Mon Sep 6, 8.05pm). And don’t miss The Kirk Douglas Season which starts with Spartacus (ABC2, Sat Sep 11, 8.30pm) or series two of Mad Men (SBS1, Sun, 8.30pm). Avoid: X-Factor (Prime, Mon –Thu, 7.30pm). Kyle Sandilands coming at ya four nights a week… aaaaaaagh.

TRACY HEFFERNAN tracyheffernan@bigpond.com

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37

the word

on albums

Iron Maiden The Final Frontier [EMI]

album of the issue little red midnight remember [LIBERATION]

Midnight Remember might be the most surprisingly exceptional album of 2010. Not because we were expecting a poor album from Little Red, but because on this, their sophomore LP, they’ve abandoned almost completely the ‘50s-rock, Happy Days guise that brought them so much success on their 2008 debut. But then again, the ‘50s shtick would have worn off soon enough, and the group’s courage in breaking cleanly from the style they perfected so well has paid off immensely.

Midnight Remember explores a vast spectrum of rockorientated styles; beginning with poppy, quasi-electro indie that brings to mind Phoenix and elements of Cut Copy, it then works its way through Van Morrison-influenced jazz and blues, a flourish of steady indie numbers, and climaxes in a whirlwind of The Pogues, Dylan, and REM-influenced brilliance. Word is the group was experimenting with dance beats and diverse instrumentation prior to their debut, but didn’t have the confidence to pull it off.

Well, if they didn’t then, they certainly do now. Even if Midnight Remember doesn’t please everyone, it sets the group in good stead for what can only be an even more breathtaking third album.

BEN HERMANN

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When prodigal sons Bruce Dickinson and Adrian Smith returned to the Maiden fold at the end of the last century, the band set about writing a ‘classic’ Maiden album – 1999’s Brave New World- and were so successful in achieving their aims that in one fell swoop they removed the turgid taste of Dickinson’s replacement Blaze Bayley from the mouths of their worldwide legion of fans. Then something went wrong. The next two albums, 2004’s laughable Dance of Death and 2006’s A Matter of Life and Death were massive backwards steps that saw the band retreating to the neo-progressive tedium that we’d hoped they’d thrown out with Bayley and his bathwater.

Has the downward path been extended in 2010?

Thankfully no. At least half of TFF is Maiden in full-frontal top form, with tracks like the monstrous Coming Home effortlessly rekindling memories of classic mid-eighties Maiden, without ever actually ripping themselves off as they have tended to do on occasion in the past. El Dorado features a marvellously schizophrenic vocal performance from Dickinson, whilst The Alchemist sees the band in heads-down, no-nonsense mood a la Be Quick or Be Dead. It can’t last of course, and the second half of the album is weighed down by overlong ‘epics’ which all follow the same template; quiet start, metallic middle, quiet end - when a bit of light and shade, or, more pertinently, some thought to pacing - would have been helpful.

Good, but not great.

Nambucco ‘Tailgunner’ Deliria

The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion Year One [Shout! Factory]

Over-Reactor Lose Your Delusion Vol. 1 [Independent]

When the grunge rockers were worshipping all things Black Sabbath and Black Flag in the early 1990s, Jon Spencer and his Blues Explosion were busily peeling back the layers to reach the raw throbbing heart of rock ‘n ‘roll, and like The Cramps and The Rolling Stones before them, Spencer and crew worked out that at the core, which had already absorbed so many teenage wet dreams, resided a pulse that was messy, decadent and nicotine stained.

Spencer had previously done time in Pussy Galore, a band that rejected outright all those steady rhythms and pretty melodies which sustained popular music. It was much better to seek out the primal grunt with squealing guitar and banging stick as musical accompaniment. But Spencer was too smart to let raging hormones off the leash for the mere sake of it, and figured out that if the artist paid enough attention to the best bits in rockabilly, funk and punk rock which deeply penetrated that throbbing sonic heart, the potential unholy racket would sound like it made perfect sense and was as it should be.

So it goes for Year One which, as part of a Blues Explosion reissue series, compiles 38 tracks from the first two albums plus a few loose singles. The listener knows that when Spencer shouts, “I’m going to write a number one mutherfuckin’ hit song” on the aptly named track Write a Song, the dude means business.

Scale modellers and furry animal lovers rejoice! Like a movie monster who keeps coming back, Ezekiel Ox, the angry, hyperactive frontman of bands Full Scale and Mammal, has returned! Well known for climbing over crowd barriers to spit wrathful lyrics into the faces of unwary punters, he’s as full of vitriol as ever.

This time he’s teemed up with ex-Dukes of Windsor drummer/ programmer Cory Blight to form a hardcore punk duo. For a two man team, they push out an amazing full-on sound with eye jabbing vocals, bone jarring riffs and spine tingling programming.

Dan Bigna

Tracks abound with political messages and the thoughts of Chairman Zeke. Track 11 could easily have been written about himself with its message of “Always got a point to push”.

There is no quiet ballad lurking at the tail end of this generous 17 title track listing, as the fast and furious rampage continues throughout. The only minor breaks are a bit of surprise scatting in Honey Girl and anguished vocals accompanied by just the echoing tattoo of sticks on steel drums in the weird Cry Yourself Hard. From the head banging anthem The Chemical Sound to the hip grinding rhythm of Alienation Song, this is brilliant. Anyone hoping for a change from Ezekiel’s previous incarnations will be disappointed, but fans of his previous bands will love this.

I can imagine how dazzling this would be to see live. Please visit Canberra soon guys.

RORY McCARTNEY

singled out

with Dave Ruby Howe

Sufjan Stevens All Delighted People EP [Asthmatic Kitty]

The Like Release Me [Downtown]

Useless Children Skin [Independent]

Sufjan Stevens made his mark with Come on, Feel the Illinoise.

For years everyone was waiting for his next best thing. Surely his efforts to produce an album for all 50 United States meant more releases than Ani Difranco could fathom! (I wouldn’t put it past her - Ed.) Bootlegs like Majesty Snowbird and Barn Owl, Night Killer suggested a beautiful turn in form. Meanwhile, the BQE silly orchestral album suggested that he was too busy trying to remove formula to the point where the listener didn’t understand or care what was going on. It seemed that Sufjan, dismissing his 50 states project as a joke, had slipped into a funk.

Ah, the timeless battle between mod and rocker. Back in the ‘60s, these two subcultures clashed over style and musical sensibilities. But The Like are a fickle band and clearly wanted to try both of the opposing sides on for size. The band’s first release in 2005, Are You Thinking What I’m Thinking?, was an alternative indie rock record – five years and a significant line-up change later, The Like have gone retro. Now not a twee tough-rock group, they are a tough girl-pop group.

Inspired by classic girl groups and ‘60s female songwriters, their new sound features handclaps and Brit-pop guitar.

Useless Children are one of those bands that are undoubtedly better live than recorded.

Through a stereo they can be a little confusing and all together confronting, but their short-sharp abrasive sound will fill a room, making the walls buzz, strip your bones of marrow and fill them with hyperactive aggression, yet never actually want to make you beat up on anyone.

Finally, a new EP can be purchased from the Asthmatic Kitty website for $5. The union of beauty with the overtly experimental works; the album sounding very folk driven, more like his album Seven Swans than Illinois. Heirloom and Enchanting Ghost are very Simon and Garfunkel basic folk.

Meanwhile, All Delighted People (Original Version) borrows Joanna Newsom’s talent for building instrumental and choral arrangements over a ten plus minute song, reaching climax midway. Sadly, the striking Majesty Snowbird didn’t make the cut. Barn Owl, Night Killer (now titled The Owl and the Tanager) adds a brooding pianocentric balance to the EP.

The new sound is a little sweet, but it never turns sickly. While the girls sing predominantly about boys and relationships, it’s tough: less about true love, and more about making the boy who broke your heart wish he were dead. Opening track Wishing He Was Dead establishes the sound for the rest of the record, and songs Fair Game, Catch Me If You Can, and In The End all feature great girl group harmonies.

His time may have come and gone but Sufjan still knows how to swell the emotion of his listeners, even though we all may still roll our eyes at his pretentious inattention to us. peter rosewarne

The album does tend towards becoming slightly same-same, and about half way through the album the tracks begin to blur together somewhat. But each song is still a candy-coated guilty pleasure, so I’m not really complaining. It’d be easy to criticise The Like for being too twee, or super sweet. But when the music is this enjoyable, you might as well like The Like. melissa wellham

The Melbourne trio have gigged relentlessly since their 2008 birth, and make the current venue crisis all the sadder, as they are the epitome of bands that belong in live venues. Having such successful underground fame can always make the recording process all the more challenging, as there’s always a fear that the frenetic energy might not quite translate – however in this case it absolutely does, and brilliantly at that.

Skin is an abrupt release that plays jerkily and struggles to keep up with the fast pace set by front woman Cinta, with her proving on opening track Skin there’s more to being a leading lady than following the obvious Karen O route. Part of her wildly impresses me, the other part scares the shit out of me, but no one likes a fence sitting singer, and that she does not do.

Second track Namesake slams you into the wall and has an epileptic fit all over your ears leaving nothing but a bleeding mess and five seconds to recover and jump back into the final track, People Come, People Go. It’s a short and sweet recording, but encapsulates everything you need to know.

Katy Hall

Aeroplane Superstar [Wall of Sound] Perhaps the only above ordinary cut from Aeroplane’s debut artist album We Can’t Fly, Superstar finds the one man production powerhouse in a retro mood, casting down a particularly bombastic backing track that’s overstuffed with slinky grooves and cheesy piano before being wrapped up with a hot vocoder twist.

Katy Perry Teenage Dream [EMI] Forget a kid in a candy store, this like a child predator in a Sportsgirl change room.

LCD Soundsystem I Can Change [DFA/EMI] Really, they could’ve released anything from This Is Happening and I’d be happy. But it’s a credit to James Murphy’s blinding awesomeness that I Can Change comes next with its unlikely hit factor. Buoyed by that bouncing synth line, Murphy spouts another of his classic rants, cosying up to his funky side for five minutes.

Mayer Hawthorne I Need You [Stones Throw] Nobody nails a modern take on classic soul the way that Mayer Hawthorne does. With the help of some stuttered beats, Mayer gets his smooth on, layering the crooning harmonies and even whistling away in his threepiece suit like a lost member of The Miracles. There’s hope for white boys yet.

39

the word

on films

WITH MARK RUSSELL

Nicolas Cage is a goddamn cinematic enigma. He’s undoubtedly talented but with each new film seems to make an active attempt to set a new low for ‘phoning it in’. In new Disney vehicle The Sorcerer’s Apprentice he’s a very long way from the highs of his Adaptation or Leaving Las Vegas form, he’s not even on The Rock “Dude, someone totalled your Ferrari” form; he’s just, well, shit. He broods and glares like a fresh graduate from the Twilight School of Depth ‘n Stuff, and yet another long-haired look seems a further parody of the baldness we all accepted in him years ago. Seriously Cage, you’re related to the Coppolas!

quote of the issue

“Well he can’t drown another one of you.

You’re not kittens.”

Richard Rycart (Robert Pugh) The Ghost Writer

salt

the ghost writer

Salt is the story of Evelyn Salt (Angelina Jolie), a badass CIA operative whose situation gets a little tricky when a Russian defector accuses her of being a Russian double agent. Pretty soon she’s hunted all over the city and regularly escaping capture by the skin of her perfect teeth.

Maybe it’s the fact that I spent the two hour plus running time of this film in the cinema’s first row and can now only permanently look up that’s affecting my mood, but I just can’t have the same oily critical wank that everyone seems to be enjoying over this film.

This film is a lot of fun. It sits somewhere halfway between the Bourne and Die Hard franchises in tone, character and action set-pieces. What results is a film that’s just real enough to make you care, without taking itself so seriously we can’t accept Salt jumping from one speeding semi-trailer to another. Jolie is perfect for the role, exhibiting just the right amount of attitude, nous and femininity.

As the plot progresses, the turns do become a little too easy to spot, and some of the character motivations are less than seamless. But that’s not why we’re watching. The chases are exciting, Evelyn’s ingenuity is amply tested and proven, and the slowly closing net keeps the tension at a maximum. A slight fizzle in the climax is unfortunate but much of this can be attributed to the set up for what will doubtless be a franchise of its own. Welcome to the party, Mrs Bond. mark russell

O, it has its good points.

There’s a good and timely plot, thanks largely to the original novel Ghost by Robert Harris.

Most of the film is well paced, particularly in the beginning, with a slow Hitchcockian attempt at playing with the audience. And there’s an excellent spark of humour and wit throughout, admirably delivered by Obi Wan KeGregor.

Unfortunately, this tale of an unnamed ghost writer taking over the autobiography of ex Brit Prime Minister Adam ‘Tony Blair’ Lang from his mysteriously dead predecessor at the very moment the PM is accused of war crimes falls short of true entertainment.

This is largely due to information being kept from us too long. In superior thrillers No Country For Old Men and The Constant Gardner, there are countless plot points, each more dazzling and thrilling and twisting as the screen time progresses. The Ghost Writer has about four, and each takes about half an hour to get to. Add to this a conclusion that can be predicted early in the film and it makes for a rather unthrilling thriller sprinkled with moments of enjoyment. allan sko

40

the sorcerer’s apprentice The opening of this film is about as cringe-worthy as it comes. After a ridiculously melodramatic, expositional prologue, we meet young Dave (at this stage played by Jake Cherry) who gets separated from his school group through a pretty thin and convenient twist of fate. He stumbles into the work shop of Balthazar (Nicolas Cage) who tells him he’s something called the Prime Merlinian and will do something terribly important and blah blah blah. Some bad stuff happens and Balthazar and Dave are separated for ten years. At about this point in proceedings, the average audience member is shoving stale popcorn kernels into their eyes, hoping to block some of the impact of any more smouldering, hands dramatically akimbo, ‘I’m a badass sorcerer’ stares from Cage. But then we meet Dave as a 20-year-old physics geek (now played by Jay Baruchel) and things take a definite turn for the better.

To say Baruchel carries this film would be a disservice. It would be more accurate to say that just as the bloated mass of soulless, big budget, paint-by-numbers filmmaking starts to sink into an irredeemable mire, Jay shrugs his shoulders self-consciously before reaching down a single charismatic hand of rescue. He’s funny, he’s likeable, he sells some often quite poor dialogue and gives humanity to a difficult role.

With his contribution, this film transforms. It’s fun, funny, exciting and extremely entertaining, with shades of a Neverending Story adventurous spirit. Wear the first 20 minutes with a grimace, then reap the rewards. mark russell

the word on dvds

Date Night [Fox]

The Rebound [Roadshow]

Ponyo – Special Edition [Madman]

Next time you get home exhausted after a tough day working in the factory, bitching at your partner about lasagne for dinner again and complaining about your stupid neighbours, think about James Franco. A few years back James decided he wanted to go back to school.

So he enrolled in four post grad classes. He wrote a novel for his literature class thesis. He went to NYU to study Filmmaking; Fiction Writing and Poetry. Next up a PHD in English and another post grad degree at Rhode Island School of Design. He also found time to star in Sean Penn’s well-received Harvey Milk biog Milk and about six other films yet to be released. And then there’s his bizarre meta-turn on the hoary daytime soap General Hospital as Franco – a photographer/artist/serial killer.

What one of the most in-demand actors around is doing on a daytime Prozac TV is anyone’s guess, probably just what James Franco wants.

The Rebound is… nice? It isn’t smart or sexy, though it’s somewhat sweet – the three qualities apparently most attractive in a man. It isn’t funny or particularly interesting.

There’s not much suspense, nor drama. It’s not very emotionally satisfying, but not the worst two hours of your life. It is, in other words, a bit like a rebound.

Ponyo is the story of a fishgirl who wants to be human.

Following a near death experience with a fishing trawler, Ponyo (Noah Cyrus) befriends Sosuke (Frankie Jonas), a sensitive little chap with a fierce undercut, an absent fisherman father (Matt Damon), and a mother (Tina Fey) who should have her licence revoked for the way she hugs the sharp bendy roads in the seaside village they live in. Ponyo, against the wishes of her father Fujimoto (Liam Neeson), uses her magic power to morph into a sleepy little girl. After which everyone has a jolly good time. I don’t mean to sound flippant – because this is a brilliant film filled with the sort of animation that values craft over technology – but this special two-disc edition is just as much about the special features as it is about the feature. With over four hours of documentary material this is the full Ponyo experience.

Fujimoto, Ponyo’s father and regulator of the ocean, who through overbearing efforts to protect his daughter ends up pushing her away, was devised as a proxy for Japanese fatherhood.

“Most fathers suppress their emotions. I think that’s how today’s Japanese fathers are,” laughs creator Miyazaki. There’s also the revelation that during production Miyazaki decided that making a film with a children’s nursery wasn’t enough; he wanted to build a nursery. And so he did. It also unravels the creative of making the film and where it all started – halfway up a mountain overlooking the Seto Inland Sea. Sometimes learning too much about a movie demystifies the experience and clouds the memory, particularly Miyazaki’s elliptical and woozy fantasy films. And for many that sense of magic is usually a function of childlike imagination aligning with visual overload and poetic storytelling. Don’t be afraid though – this spectacular film is not diminished in any way by explanation. If anything the allure is stronger.

Why is this relevant? Because James Franco is the single best thing about Date Night and he’s only on screen for about five minutes. His scene with Mila Kunis as the mistaken Tripplehorn couple displays all the manic, eccentric and wanton stupidity that Tina Fey and Steve Carrell fail to achieve during the remaining 85 minutes.

It’s not their fault – the script is undercooked and plodding which is slight issue for a period drama, but fatal for a supposed screwball comedy. Phil and Claire Foster are drab suburbia personified – a tax lawyer and real estate agent with two kids who find themselves mistaken for the aforementioned Tripplehorns, and in possession of a flash drive. Except they’re not, on both counts. This in turn sets off a chain of wacky scenes, each crazier than the previous. Except they’re not, on any counts. Throw some crooked cops into the mix and you have one of the biggest disappointments of the year.

So, in conclusion: James Franco. justin hook

Sandy (Catherine Zeta-Jones) is a newly single mother, who moves from the suburbs to the city to escape from her scumbag ex-husband. She gets a great new job, finds a cute apartment above a coffee shop, and hires a nanny for her kids in the shape of a good-looking younger man, Aram (Justin Bartha). Things get complicated when their employer/employee relationship takes a decidedly yummy-mummy/boy-toy turn, and become even more complicated when they develop serious feelings for each other.

There are some good things to say about this film, though it would never be worth a serious commitment. It’s surprisingly sensitive, showcasing some fairly solid performances, and doesn’t take the easy option of playing ‘cougar’ for laughs.

The real failing of this film is that where it should be funny, it’s flat. When the script should be witty, it’s weak. This isn’t helped by the fact that – despite the attractiveness of both Zeta-Jones and Bartha – there is not a great deal of chemistry between the two leads. And chemistry, more than anything, is important for a rebound. This DVD doesn’t have any special features, but the benefit of this film being available on DVD at all is that you wouldn’t have to watch it at the cinema. Despite these criticisms, The Rebound is nice.

Well, nice enough. melissa wellham

JUSTIN HOOK

41

the word

Teddy Trouble Debut LP Launch/Horse MacGyver/ Jonny Telafone/Old Ace The Phoenix Pub Sunday August 15

on gigs

Teddy Trouble fans showed true solidarity at the launch of their debut LP The Great Indoors at The Phoenix. Sunday August 15 will go down as a night where foul weather, hunger and thirst were conquered by falafel, local music and winter stouts.

Taking full advantage of the seasoned ‘blind eyes’ of the barstaff, many punters began the night enjoying the unwritten ‘eat-in’ policy for takeaway dinners. Bellies full, locals Old Ace served up the aperitif of the evening: reliable, authentic Aussie rock – they’ve got a didgeridoo, so you know they’re real. Old Ace are reminiscent of a heated political conversation with your dad, set to wharfie riffs and beer that you somehow manage to come out of feeling just fine.

They are truly deserving of scene veteran status.

Canberra after dinner mint Jonny Telafone followed his strong set with a heartfelt plea to his audience to vote Tony Abbott and screw up the world. Both tongues and teeth were firmly in cheek as Horse MacGyver bled some killer mashed-up sax work into Telafone’s oozing lyrical wax. He’s confirmed his place in the hearts of Canberra music fans and their desire to reclaim him from the Melbournian vice. Oh and he treated us to his svelte torso in song Make Your Pussy Cum, making me wonder whether the title was a statement or a demand (strikes me as more of a lawsuit – Bossman). Conclusion: YouTube it if you’re feeling lonely.

As more people huddled into The Phoenix stage room, Teddy Trouble began a set of wonderment with their track Leave These. They sound like a record your parents might have bought in the golden days of California Girls and longboards i.e. before you ruined their life. TT have made amazing progress since their time as the Spaceboys; their range and style have strengthened with numerous house party gigs and the fullness of age. Next track Amazing Flying Boy was like everything and nothing you’ve heard before. Their songs are familiar, playful yet with sinister undertones that can be quite unnerving.

The subject matter floats from insects in jars to fat skeletons in the closet. “You know he’s fat, because of the way the skin hangs from his back”, being some of Chris Tobin’s morbidity. Blended with Kundera’s lightness it makes for fascinating and entertaining listening. Corroboree Park and Ornament Cat were the sweetmeat in a sandwich of psychedelic musical delight, akin to eating a meringue and finding a spider in the middle: sugary bliss and cruel surrealism.

Those still wondering whether to buy the album or download the two tracks on dreamdamage.com found TT’s solid title track a definite decider. A well-packaged, well-oiled set did this professional outfit true justice. Set finale Byths is a showcase track for Chris Tobin’s 12-string, Joel Paine’s (of The Fighting League) steely bassline and Mike Bylsztra’s (of Minimum Chips) dynamic beats; jaunty and warm with impressive breakdowns. Appreciation and incessant applause encouraged an encore, and along with Jonny Telafone it became a surprise Golden Buoy reunion. Warning stoked amber yearning for the goodtimes for some, and for others provided motivation to research yet another Canberra-wave band. Satisfaction all ‘round when the TT boys were finally permitted some respite by the crowd.

By the time punters began filing out, the limited pressing of 50 copies had sold out.

PHOTOS: SARAH NORGROVE

Recorded and mastered by drummer Mike Bylsztra at The Crossroadz, a favourite local haunt, samples of Teddy Trouble’s debut album The Great Indoors can be found at dreamdamage.com.

SARAH NORGROVE

42

GIG GUIDE Sept 01 - Sept 03 wednesday september 01 Arts Short + Sweet

Comedy Civic Pub Comedy Club

Feat. Amelia Jane Hunter. $10, 8pm.

CIVIC PUB

The biggest little play festival in the world. Top 20 - Week 1. $25/$20.

6275 2700.

Live

Conjunction

THE HUSH LOUNGE, PHILLIP

COURTYARD STUDIO, CTC

An exhibition of new work by ceramicists Debra Boyd-Goggin and Chris Harman. ‘Til Sept 25.

CRAFT ACT

Call of the Small

An exhibition in miniature by AnnaMaria Sviatko. ‘Til Sept 25.

CRAFT ACT

Reflection

An installation of glass and mixed media incorporating mechanised components by Simon Maberley.

CRAFT ACT

Life, Death and Magic

The first large exhibition ever to explore the captivating art made in Southeast Asia. ‘Til Oct 31.

NATIONAL GALLERY OF AUSTRALIA

National Youth Self Portrait Prize 2010

Encourages young people to embrace self portraiture and its expressive possibilities. ‘Til Sept 12.

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY

Gooch’s Utopia

Collected works from the Central Desert. ‘Til Sept 26.

ANU DRILL HALL GALLERY

Jerzy Michalski Recent Paintings

Exhibition takes Michalski’s deft technique and insight from the metropolis to the interior.

CHAPMAN GALLERY

Accursed Gilded Wishes

Exhibition by Jay Kochel. ‘Til October 2.

CANBERRA CONTEMPORARY ART SPACE GORMAN HOUSE

Esoteric Football League

Exhibition by David Spooner. ‘Til October 2.

CANBERRA CONTEMPORARY ART SPACE GORMAN HOUSE

My Life in the Bush of Ghosts

Exhibition by Andrew Moynihan. ‘Til September 5.

CANBERRA CONTEMPORARY ARTS SPACE - MANUKA

Rock Nation Unplugged 8pm, free.

Wednesday Lunchtime Live

Arc: Love in a Puff (2010, M15+)

Of Earth and Sky

arc cinema, national film and sound archives

CANBERRA THEATRE CENTRE

The Hong Kong box office hit. 2pm.

Arc: Fish Tank (MA15+)

The Cannes Film Festival winner from Andrea Arnold, one of UK cinema’s leading filmmakers. 7pm. arc cinema, national film and sound archives

Marcela Fiorillo Piano Students Recital.

Comedy

Captain, My Captain

Greenfaces: David Smiedt

WESLEY MUSIC CENTRE

Performed by Bangarra. Bookings 6275 2700. ‘Til September 4.

Short + Sweet

The biggest little play festival in the world. Top 20 - Week 1. $25/$20.

6275 2700.

COURTYARD STUDIO, CTC

Dance REV

Canberra’s weekly alternative party. DJs spin indie, rock, electro, grunge, punk.

Free before 10.30.

Free live music at Canberra’s warmest watering hole.

Tickets from Canberra Ticketing or greenfaces.com .

THE PHOENIX PUB

CANBERRA IRISH CLUB

Hippo Live

HIPPO LOUNGE

Dance

Something Different

Faux Real

Fame Trivia

KNIGHTSBRIDGE PENTHOUSE

Tech, prog, trance feat Peekz, Enerv8, Legodancer, Kiron and B-tham. $10, 9pm.

Live

Jemist

The Rob Mac Project

KNIGHTSBRIDGE PENTHOUSE

Do you know lots of stuff about nothing? Then why not try your hand at trivia every Wednesday at 6pm P J O’REILLY’S, CIVIC

Jumptown Swing - Lindy Hop/ Swing Learn to swing with Jumptown! No experience or partner necessary!

6.30pm, $14.

WHITE EAGLE POLISH CLUB

thursday september 02 Arts Beer ‘n’ Bliss

Works by Emma Beer and Joel Bliss, M16 ANU Emerging Artist Support Scheme Recipients. ‘Til Sept 2.

M16 ARTSPACE

Eve II

Video work by Sharon O’Connor, M16 ANU Emerging Artist Support Scheme Recipient. ‘Til Sept 2.

M16 ARTSPACE

House

Selected work from current M16 studio artists. ‘Til Sept 2.

M16 ARTSPACE

Short + Sweet

The biggest little play festival in the world. Top 20 - Week 1. $25/$20.

6275 2700.

COURTYARD STUDIO, CTC

Low end bass driven thrills.

8.30pm-12am.

CHISHOLM TAVERN

Domus Adultus

Alice Cottee, Swoon and Flat Earth Confederacy. 9pm, free.

THE PHOENIX PUB

Open Mic Night 9pm, free.

POT BELLY BAR

Battle of The Backyard Bands 7pm.

DEAKIN FOOTBALL CLUB

Chicago Charlie 9pm-midnight.

KING O’MALLEY’S, CIVIC

Velvette

BAR 32

The Stafford Brothers ACADEMY NIGHTCLUB

4Sound Sessions

LOT 33

Turntabletastic hip-hop and party fun.

Party By Jake Presents Flight Facilities

With Sean Kelly, Strangeways DJs, Get Stellar, Staky, Princi, Hazan, Celebrity Sex Tape. $25.

TRANSIT BAR

Live The Paris Crash (Syd)

Supported by Activate Jetpack and Starfish Hill. Doors at 8pm.

THE BASEMENT

Dan Granero 9pm-12am.

CHISHOLM TAVERN

HIPPO LOUNGE

Yeti

Pyramid Presents The Touch (Adelaide)

THE BASEMENT

With Fun Machine and Strangeways DJs. Free.

TRANSIT BAR

friday september 03

With Yoko Oh No, The Drill and The Far Canals.

The Rob Mac Project 10pm-2am.

HOLY GRAIL, KINGSTON

Andrea Keller Quartet

Full $20/$15/$10. Tickets available at the door from 7pm.

Arts

ANU SCHOOL OF MUSIC

ANU Za Kabuki

10pm-2am.

A great deal of comedy and crossdressing packaged up in a musical extravaganza.

THE STREET THEATRE

Killing The Sound KING O’MALLEY’S, CIVIC

Touch of Soul

With The Amosa Brothers.

HIPPO LOUNGE

Synergy 9pm.

SUB URBAN

43

GIG GUIDE Sept 04 - Sept 10 Charles Chatain

Playing all your favourite covers from 8pm.

P J O’REILLY’S, CIVIC

Disco Nap

Brisbane indie outfit were Unearthed by triple j in 2009. Supported by Voss. $10/$8, 8pm.

THE FRONT CAFE AND GALLERY

saturday september 04 Arts A great deal of comedy and crossdressing packaged up in a musical extravaganza.

THE STREET THEATRE

Short + Sweet

The biggest little play festival in the world. Top 20 - Week 1. $25/$20.

6275 2700.

COURTYARD STUDIO, CTC

Dance

sunday september 05

wednesday september 08

Arts

Arts

Arc: Fish Tank (MA15+)

Short + Sweet

arc cinema, national film and sound archives

COURTYARD STUDIO, CTC

The Cannes Film Festival winner from Andrea Arnold, one of UK cinema’s leading filmmakers. 4.30pm

Live The Baker Suite

Straight from the heart and reminiscent of a smoky French café. 7.30pm.

THE FRONT CAFE AND GALLERY

Dead Letter Circus

With Black Devil Yard Boss and Evening Son. $20+bf, $25 on the door. 8pm.

THE MARAM, ERINDALE CENTRE

Sunday Sessions On The Deck With The Wedded Bliss. 2pm, free.

CANBERRA IRISH CLUB

Irish Jam Session

Candy Cube

Come and have a fiddle from 5pm.

CUBE NIGHTCLUB

Rock Steady!

The biggest little play festival in the world. Top 20 - Week 2. $25/$20. 6275 2700. ‘Til Sept 11.

Live Wednesday Lunchtime Live Canberra Grammar School Wind Ensemble.

WESLEY MUSIC CENTRE

Rock Nation Unplugged 8pm, free.

THE HUSH LOUNGE, PHILLIP

Hippo Live!

HIPPO LOUNGE

C.C. Thornley

Free live music at Canberra’s warmest watering hole.

THE PHOENIX PUB

Something Different

10pm ‘til 5am with DJ’s Matt and Pete.

KING O’MALLEY’S, CIVIC

Ben Morris

Sunday reggae roots and culture plus Jamaican BBQ from 2pm.

Fame Trivia

Something Different

P J O’REILLY’S, CIVIC

With B-tham, Team Wing and Oli Y. $10, 9pm.

LOT 33

UG Beats Presents Paqman

I’ve Got The Big Beat. With Miss Universe, DJ DFP, Alistair, Not You, Jemist. Free.

TRANSIT BAR

Ashley Feraude

Deep and groovy, smooth, and plenty of ice.

KNIGHTSBRIDGE PENTHOUSE

Live Horrorshow

With Seth Sentry. 8pm.

ANU BAR AND REFECTORY

Oscar

10.30pm-2.30am.

KING O’MALLEY’S, CIVIC

Dusty Grooves With DJ Jemist.

HIPPO LOUNGE

Death Metal at the Maram III Insidious Torture (VIC), Mass Burial (NSW), Tortured (ACT) and Point 17 (ACT). 8pm, free.

THE MARAM, ERINDALE CENTRE

Hello Satellites

With Mr. Fibby and Kate Grealy.

THE PHOENIX PUB

The Danny John Trio

TRINITY BAR

Blues Basement

Blues class and social dancing.

6.15pm.

K’MOTION DANCE STUDIO, LONDON CCT

monday september 06 live Bootleg Sessions

Duncan Sargeant, Glen Harvey, Angels Are Architects and Scaramouche. 9pm, free.

THE PHOENIX PUB

Something Different Fame Trivia

Do you know lots of stuff about nothing? Then why not try your hand at trivia every Monday at 6pm.

P J O’REILLY’S, CIVIC

Hospitality Night

Nurse your wounds. Lolz.

TRANSIT BAR

tuesday september 07

With Taliesin, ZZG, Paulie The Water Tiger.

comedy

Khancoban

All female show. Local and interstate comedians. 8pm, $10.

THE BASEMENT

Half folk, half noise, and masters of musical space. Supported by Nic Dalton and Ruby for Lucy. 8pm.

THE FRONT CAFE AND GALLERY

Something Different Carry On Karaoke

Warm up your vocal cords and get ready to sing from 9pm.

P J O’REILLY’S, CIVIC

Comedy Club Ladies Night

Do you know lots of stuff about nothing? Then why not try your hand at trivia every Wednesday at 6pm

thursday september 09 Arts Elapsed

Exhibition by Tracey Sarsfield. ‘Til September 19.

CANBERRA CONTEMPORARY ARTS SPACE - MANUKA

Greenfaces: Best Of

Tickets from Canberra Ticketing or greenfaces.com .

CANBERRA IRISH CLUB

Arc: Fish Tank (MA15+)

The Cannes Film Festival winner from Andrea Arnold, one of UK cinema’s leading filmmakers. 2pm. arc cinema, national film and sound archives

Dance Effigy Presents Ahmet Sendil (TUR)

Presented by Effigy. With String Theory, Yohan Strauss, Fourthstate, Luke Ellis and Biggie.

HIPPO LOUNGE

Karaoke

9pm ‘til 11pm followed by DJ Pete ‘til 5am.

CUBE NIGHTCLUB

Open Decks

TUGGERANONG ARTS CENTRE

Giveaways, free entry.

Tuggeranong Arts Centre Comedy Club

Faux Real

Feat. Lou Sanz (Melbourne). $10, 8pm.

TUGGERANONG ARTS CENTRE

Something Different TNT Karaoke Dynamite

Open up your pipes to win big.

TRANSIT BAR

LOT 33

Straight up gangsta lean.

KNIGHTSBRIDGE PENTHOUSE

Live Domus Adultus

Rafe Can’t MC, Army of Ignorance and Margaret Helen King.

THE PHOENIX PUB

Open Mic Night 9pm, free.

POT BELLY BAR

Battle of the Backyard Bands 7pm.

DEAKIN FOOTBALL CLUB

44

GIG GUIDE Sept 10 - Sept 15 Special K

9pm-midnight.

The Bohemian Masquerade Ball

The Red Eyes

The Barons of Tang, Mr Fibby, Brothers Grimm, Lolo Lovina, Mojo Juju and more. 7.30pm, $26.

TRANSIT BAR

Jacquie Nicole CD Fundraiser

KING O’MALLEY’S, CIVIC

$15 entry.

friday september 10 dance Jemist

Delicious downtempo vibes.

ALBERT HALL

7pm-9.30pm, $10, bookings essential.

ADORE TEA, FEDERATION SQUARE, GOLD CREEK

Aaron and Jacinta

Always guaranteed to please, from 8pm.

P J O’REILLY’S, CIVIC

KNIGHTSBRIDGE PENTHOUSE

FH

REV

THE BASEMENT

Canberra’s weekly alternative party. DJs spin indie, rock, electro, grunge, punk.

Free before 10.30.

BAR 32

Wildlife

Jungle, D&B, dubstep feat. Dred, JayCee, Buick, Faux Real, Risky, Twisted System and more. Free, 8pm TRINITY BAR

Rewind Fridays

Retro, ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s.

ACADEMY NIGHTCLUB

With Totally Unicorn and Carcass Brains.

saturday september 11 dance Nathan Frost

Warmin’ you up, gettin’ you down.

KNIGHTSBRIDGE PENTHOUSE

Pull Up! Reggae Dancehall Session

The Crunch

Buick, Jayo, JR Rebel (live), De Cruze, Nashoot + HieronymusIX.

Cube’s 5th Birthday

Candy Cube

HIPPO LOUNGE

MONKEY BAR

MM9

Heuristic

Line Drawings THE PHOENIX PUB

With The Devil Rock Four, Chassis Black and Atlantis Awaits.

THE BASEMENT

Canberra Roller Derby League

Strangeways… On a Boat!

TRANSIT BAR

Live The NEO

Bringing hot new tunes from Darwin’s tropics, with Canberra’s cracking funk and jazz outfit Duck. 8p

HIPPO LOUNGE

Tass

Supported by B-tham, Hartattack and DJ Lylt. $10, 9pm.

LOT 33

Live

Open up your pipes to win big.

wednesday september 15

Brindabelters will play off against The Black ‘n’ Blue Belles in the first game of the new season.

TUGGERANONG SOUTHERN CROSS STADIUM

Arts Momentum

You Dance Festival 2010. 7.30pm, $30/$25.

Carry On Karaoke

CANBERRA THEATRE CENTRE

Warm up your vocal cords and get ready to sing from 9pm.

Dance

P J O’REILLY’S, CIVIC

sunday september 12

Dirty Disco Youth (Dim Mak) $10, 7pm.

LOT 33

dance

Live

Cube Sunday

Alexis Nicole and The Missing Pieces

Live

With Biggie, Anjay, Hubert, Tim Heaney, Yohan Strauss and Gabriel Glamour. $15 before 10, $20 after.

TNT Karaoke Dynamite TRANSIT BAR

Something Different

Give Or Take Presents Marc Romboy (GER)

Strangeways

Something Different

Hell City Glamours

10pm ‘til late with DJ TJ.

LOT 33

TUGGERANONG YOUTH CENTRE

With Tonight Alright and John Lollback.

ACADEMY NIGHTCLUB

B-tham, Hartattack and Team Wing. $10, 9pm.

Feat. Attack Attack, Pierce the Veil, Dream on Dreamer. AA.

KING O’MALLEY’S, CIVIC

Lot Fridays

Ashley Feraude

Take Action Tour

10pm-2am.

10pm ‘til 5am with DJ’s Matt and Pete.

CUBE NIGHTCLUB

live

THE MARAM, ERINDALE CENTRE

9pm ‘til 5am with DJ Pete and Sydney drag queen show.

CUBE NIGHTCLUB

tuesday september 14

With Escape Syndrome and Super Best Friends. $14+bf, 8pm.

CUBE NIGHTCLUB

Free live music at Canberra’s warmest watering hole.

THE PHOENIX PUB

Irish Jam Session

Come and have a fiddle from 5pm.

KING O’MALLEY’S, CIVIC

Sunday Sessions On The Deck With Kooky Fandango. 2pm, free.

Francesca Sidoti Followed By The Argonaut

Sidoti was raised on folk, country and blues. The Argonaut sings tales of humanity. 7.30pm.

THE FRONT CAFE AND GALLERY

CANBERRA IRISH CLUB

Wednesday Lunchtime Live

monday september 13

Sophia Mitchell (mezzo soprano) with Anthony Smith on piano.

WESLEY MUSIC CENTRE

Fiasco In Solace

Numbers Radio & Young Revelry

something different

Canberra Union Voices THE MERRY MUSE

THE BASEMENT

Your Sweet Disposition

Hospitality Night

Nurse your wounds. Gets me every time.

THE FRONT CAFE AND GALLERY

With The Naddiks and John Lollback.

John Couch and Judith Hickel Guitar and violin concert.

WESLEY MUSIC CENTRE

The Novacaines

With Black Creek, The London Circuit and Hancock Basement. Free, 8pm.

THE MARAM, ERINDALE CENTRE

TRANSIT BAR

Collaboration of Connor Hicks and Cary Longman. A combination of violin, guitar and vocals. 8pm.

THE FRONT CAFE AND GALLERY

Soulfly

With City of Fire and Incite.

TRANSIT BAR

7.30pm, $17/$14/$12.

John Butler Trio

With Blue King Brown. Tix from Ticketek.

ROYAL THEATRE

Rock Nation Unplugged 8pm, free.

THE HUSH LOUNGE, PHILLIP

ANU BAR AND REFECTORY

Frühling, ja du bist’s!

Yes spring, it is you! Music for the season of love.

WESLEY MUSIC CENTRE

pARKWAY DRIVE OUT sept 15 REGURGITATOR

RICHARD IN YOUR MIND

BLUEJUICE ...and more!

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FIRST CONTACT SIDE A: BMA ARTIST profile

PARYCE Where did your artist name come from? It’s actually my middle name.

Describe your sound: Melodic, strong and emotional.

Who are your influences, musical or otherwise? Vocally I would have to say that Duffy and Jeff Buckley are my biggest influences and musical inspirations, amongst others.

What’s the weirdest experience you’ve had whilst performing? Performing without fold back speakers in a large room. The sound would take half a second to travel back so everything seemed completely out of sync. It was a really random gig and I had to keep looking over at my fellow guitarist to make sure we were playing in time with each other.

What’s your biggest achievement/proudest moment so far? I guess just getting out there and performing my stuff. It can be a daunting thing when you share your music and your innermost self to the world around you; music can certainly reveal that.

What are your plans for the future? I’m hoping to move to Melbourne at the end of next year and delve into the music scene there. Then after that, fame of course.

What makes you laugh? Life. And my little sister Taylor.

She’s a riot!

What pisses you off? Ignorance.

What’s your opinion of the local scene? We could do better for the creative folk but it’s definitely growing.

What are your upcoming gigs? Various places around Canberra. My EP launch is on Saturday November 20 this year @ The Venue, Southside CIT campus.

Contact info: dparyce@gmail.com, www.myspace.com/ paryce88 and befriend me on Facebook @ Dani Paryce and you can join my group page Paryce and keep up to date with upcoming gigs and events!

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Aaron Peacey Aaron 0410 381 306 Activate Jetpack activatejetpack@ hotmail.com Adam Hole Adam 0421 023 226 Afternoon Shift Adam 0402 055 314 After Close Scotty 0412 742 682, afterclose@hotmail.com Alcove Mark 0410 112 522 Alice 0423 100 792 Allies ACT (Oxfam Group) alliesact@hotmail.com/ myspace.com/alliesact Amphibian Sound PA Clare 0410 308 288 Amplif5’d Classic rock covers band Joy 0407 200 428, joybarac-heath@hotmail.com Annie & the Armadillos Annie 6161 1078/0422 076 313 The Ashburys Dan Craddock 0419 626 903 Aria Stone, sax & flute, singer/ songwriter (guitar) Aria 0411 803 343 Australian Songwriters Association (Keiran Roberts) 6231 0433 Arythmia: Ben 0423 408 767/ arythmiamusic@gmail.com Backbeat Drivers Steve 0422 733 974, www.backbeatdrivers.com Big Boss Groove Andrew 0404 455 834, www.bigbossgroove.com.au Bill Quinn Overheard Productions www.myspace.com/overheard productions, Ph: 0413 000 086 Birds Love Fighting Gangbusters/DIY shows - bookings@birdslovefighting.com Black Label Photography Kingsley 0438 351 007 Blister Bug Stu 0408 617 791 Bridge Between, The Rachel 0412 598 138, thebridgebetween.com.au Bruce Stage mgr/consultant 6254 9857 Caution Horses Nigel 0417 211 580 Chris Harland Blues Band 0418 490 640 chrisharlandbluesband@yahoo.com.au Clear Vision Films rehearsals/film clips/stunts - 0438 647 281 wcoulton.clearvisionfilms.com Cole Bennetts Photography 0415 982 662 /colebennetts@gmail.com Cris Clucas Cris 6262 5652 Crooked Dave 0421 508 467 Danny V Danny 6238 1673/0413 502 428 Dawn Theory Nathan 0402 845 132 D’Opus & Roshambo hifidelitystyles@yahoo.com DJs Madrid and Gordon 0417 433 971 DJ Latino Rogelio 0401 274 208 DJ Moises (RnB/Latin) 0402 497 835 or moises_lopez@hotmail DNA Vic 0408 477 020 Drumassault Kate 0414 236 323 Easy Mode Daz 0404 156 482, easymodeband@gmail.com Entity Chris 0412 027 894 Epic Flagon band@epicflagon.com Fighting Mongooses, The Adam 0402 055 314 Final Warning Brendan 0422 809 552 Fire on the Hill Aaron 0410 381 306/ Lachlan 0400 038 388 4dead Peter 0401 006 551 Freeloaders, The Steve 0412 653 597 Friend or Enemy 6238 0083, www.myspace.com/friendorenemy Funk Shui Dave 0407 974 476 Gareth Hailey DJ & Electronica 0414 215 885 GiLF Kelly 0410 588 747, gilf.mail@gmail.com Groovalicious Corporate/Weddings/ Private functions 0448 995 158 groovalicious@y7mail.com Guy The Sound Guy live & studio sound engineer, 0400 585 369, guy@ guythesoundguy.com HalfPast Chris 0412 115 594 Hancock Basement Tom 6257 5375, hancockbasement@hotmail.com Happy Hour Wendy 0406 375 096

Haunted Attics band@hauntedatticsmusic.com Hitherto Paul 0408 425 636 In The Flesh Scott 0410 475 703 Inside the Exterior Nathan 0401 072 650 Itchy Triggers Andrew 0401 588 884 Jacqui Seczawa 0428 428 722 JDY Clothing 0405 648 288/ www.jdyclothing.com Jenn Pacor singer/songwriter avail. for originals & covers, 0405 618 630 Jim Boots 0417 211 580 Johnny Roadkill Paulie 0408 287 672, paulie_mcmillan@live.com.au Karismakatz DJ Gosper 0411 065 189/ dj@karismakatz.com Kayo Marbilus myspace.com/kayomarbilus Kurt’s Metalworx (PA) 0417 025 792 Little Smoke Sam 0411 112 075 Los Chavos Andy 0401 572 150 los.chavos@yahoo.com.au Manilla Green Herms 0404 848 462, contactus@manillagreen.com, Mario Brujo Gordon world/latin/ reggae/percussionist and DJ. 0405 820 895 Martin Bailey Audio Engineer 0423 566 093 Words for You: writer/publicity/events Megan ph 6154 0927, megan@wordsforyou.com.au Mercury Switch Lab Studios mercuryswitch@internode.on.net Missing Zero Hadrian Brand 0424 721 907 hadrian.brand@live.com.au Moots aspwinch@grapevine.com.au Huck 0419 630 721 MuShu Jack 0414 292 567, mushu_band@hotmail.com MyOnus myonusmusic@hotmail.com/ www.myspace.com/myonus No Retreat Simon 0411 155 680 Ocean Moses Nigel 0417 211 580 OneWayFare Chris 0418 496 448 Painted Hearts, The Peter 6248 6027 Phathom Chris 0422 888 700 The Pigs The Colonel 0422 412 752 Polka Pigs Ian 6231 5974 Premier Audio Simon 0412 331 876, premier_audio@hotmail.com Rafe Morris 0416 322 763 Redletter Ben 0421 414 472 Redsun Rehearsal Studio Ralph 0404 178 996/6162 1527 Rhythm Party, The Ross 0416 010 680 Roger Bone Band Andy 0413 483 758 Rob Mac Project, The Melinda 0400 405 537 Rug, The Jol 0417 273 041 Samsara Samahdi 0431 083 776 Sansutra J-Ma 0403 476 350 Simone Penkethman (Simone & The Soothsayers, Singing Teacher) 6230 4828 Soundcity Rehearsal Studio Andrew 0401 588 884 Solid Gold Peter 0421 131 887/ solid.gold@live.com.au Super Best Friends Matt 0438 228 748 Surrender Jordan 0439 907 853 Switch 3 Mick 0410 698 479 System Addict Jamie 0418 398 556 The Morning After (covers band) Anthony 0402 500 843/ myspace.com/themorningaftercovers Tiger Bones & The Ferabul-Zers Danny feralbul@aapt.net.au Tim James Lucia 6282 3740, LUCIAMURDOCH@hotmail.com Top Shelf Colin 0408 631 514 Transmission Nowhere Emilie 0421 953 519/myspace.com/ transmissionnowhere Udo 0412 086 158 Undersided, The Baz 0408 468 041 Using Three Words Dan 0416 123 020, usingthreewords@hotmail.com Voodoo Doll Mark 0428 650 549 William Blakely Will 0414 910 014

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