Forte #585

FREE! OOD ARTS F C I S siness MU re bu cultu

drunk mums

ly o w n e d

my echo

thundamentals

ballarat // bendigo // geelong // surfcoast // warrnambool // werribee

robyn hitchcock

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issue 585 // 1 MAY 2014 // next issue: 15 may

ASTON SHUFFLE / ANDY MURPHY RUBY ROSE / JOHN DAHLBACK SLICE N DICE / JAM XPRESS NEW WORLD SOUND / JACK N JILL MIC NEWMAN / APOCALYPTO JOHN COURSE / ZOOLANDA / JEBU JANE DAFFY / BUTTERS / GENERIK TIGERLILY / HEY SAM / KATT NIALL FAKE FORWARD / KATIE VALENTINE MIKE METR0 / VANDALISM BENSON / COURTNEY MILLS

WHISPERS GEELONG & EUREKA HOTEL PRESENT

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COMING UP

SATURDAYS www.eurekahotel.com.au 96-98 LITTLE MALOP STREET, GEELONG

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A WORD FROM THE TEAM

!

Forte freebies FORTE mag is published by FORTE PUBLISHING p/l abn 64 054 589 641 pHONE: 03 5229 7969 fAX: 03 5229 0318 po box 1388 GEELONG VICTORIA 3220

PUBLISHER...........................Anton Ballard general..............................enquiries@fortemag.com.au EDITOR/SALES MANAGER....Luke McNamara

luke@fortemag.com.au

Ah, that post-Easter daze. We’ve become too used to three- and four-day working weeks, blissful long weekends and way, way too much chocolate (but if it’s Lint then it’s completely fine to stuff yourself silly).

PRODUCTION........................James Dulce COVER DESIGN.....................James Dulce EDITORIAL ASSISTANT ........Belinda McIntosh SCENE PHOTOGRAPHER.......Marianne Valitutti

We’re back into the daily grind now and we have heaps to be keen about! Propagandhi are gracing our cover and inside the mag you’ll find a great write-up about the band that is about to tour. They’ve got shows in Melbourne and in Geelong at The Barwon Club at the end of this month, so get in and grab your tickets!

Natalie Rogers caught up with the Thundamentals and their MC Jewson on his opinion of artists in the industry these days and to find out the dets on their third album, which is to be released tomorrow (May 2nd). Boy & Bear are to perform in Bendigo, Ballarat, Geelong and Warrnambool. If you’re lucky enough to have tickets you should be in for a ripper show.

As usual we’ve got the Gig Guide to keep you up to date with what’s on around the region and fill in those empty night plans. There’s a great write-up of My Echo ahead of their appearance at Groovin’ the Moo in Bendigo and Amanda Sherring spoke to Sara De La Cruz after her trip abroad that led her to start the Ginsberg Market here in Geelong.

There’s a new ‘Nature Sessions’ track out this week so do yourself a favour and jump online to check it out (and the other tracks, too, if you haven’t already).

So it’s time to get out those stretchy exercise pants and work off those Easter treats – but don’t forget to reward yourself afterwards with some leftover Easter chocolate, naturally.

Catch you in a fortnight!

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Win a double pass to see CHET FAKER at the Wool Exchange Entertainment Complex on June 12th!

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Anthony Morris, Adem Ali, Ben Schultz, Chris Cruz, Chris Lambie, Cyclone, Daniel Meagher, Lucas Skinner, Natalie Rogers, Nekita Roberts, Nina Bertok, Ophelia Symons, Paul S Taylor, Phil Hickey, Renee Abbott, Sam Eckhardt, Sam Fell, Stephanie Zevenbergen, Tex Miller, Wylie Caird, and Tony Montana PRINTED BY.........................

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the HIGHLIGHTS

The Highlights: Where good old boys are drinkin’ whiskey and rye. Coming up you have…

Tensions Mount in The Bronx Folks, start preparing for an assault from The Bronx.

The L.A. band is set to return to Australia next month with their sweaty, desperate, rage-fuelled hardcore punk. Formed in 2002, the band has released four eponymous albums, as well as two albums of mariachi music under their alter ego, Mariachi El Bronx. Joining them will be Melbourne’s High Tension. 170 Russell – June 17. .........................................................................

Friday the 13th … Again It would seem Friday the 13th is getting the reboot treatment … again. Michael Bay’s Platinum Dunes is the force behind the resurrection. Now, this is old news (it was revealed last November), but the latest word on the street is that David Bruckner (V/H/S) is in talks to direct. Bruckner earned his first directorial credit with The Signal, a horror-thriller broken into three chapters. Friday the 13th would mark his feature directorial debut. .........................................................................

Here in the Now with Allday Melbourne-based rapper Allday is set to celebrate the release of new single ‘Right Now’ with a handful of shows which kick off at the end of the month. The single is a nice little insight into his debut album, which he has been working on in Los Angeles. Considering what he brought to the table with his Top 20 ARIA EP, there is sure to be a whole lotta people keen to check it out. Ding Dong – June 7. * Note: Allday will play both U18 and 18+ shows.

It’s Raining Again 30 years ago, Prince, with The Revolution, released Purple Rain. The soundtrack to the 1984 movie of the same name, the album is regularly found in best album lists. To celebrate the occasion, a digitally remastered deluxe edition of the album is set for release later this year. Prince has also struck a new partnership with Warner Bros, and is set to release a new original album, titled Plectrum Electrum, this year.

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Splendourific Splendour

Today’s Letters with Bec Laughton

Outkast (only Australian show), Two Door Cinema Club (only Australian show), Lily Allen, Interpol (only Australian show), Foster the People, London Grammar, Darkside (only Australian show), The 1975, Spiderbait, Saskwatch, Chvrches (only Australian show), City and Colour, Angus & Julia Stone and Vance Joy are part of a humungous Splendour line-up.

Get the rest through splendourinthegrass.com.

“A petit redhead with a monstrous voice and a serious knack for penning a pop hook” is how we are introduced to Bec Laughton via her website. Bec has been making waves in the music world, and those waves are sure to become even bigger with the release of her debut EP this month. Following the May 5 release of M&R, Bec will embark on her first national tour. The Toff – July 3.

Lorde Postpones Lorde has been forced to postpone her eagerly awaited tour due to illness. A Frontier Touring statement reads: “Under doctor’s advice, Ella Yelich-O’Connor will return to New Zealand for immediate rest and recuperation in order to regain complete health and continue touring for the rest of the year.” FT is encouraging fans to keep their tickets handy until new dates are announced.

You may, however, seek a refund through point of purchase. .........................................................................

Crazy, Sexy and Cool TLC

C.W. Stoneking Chills Out

Bad Boys, Bad Boys

Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas and Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, the two surviving members of TLC, are set to tour Australia shortly. Throughout the nineties TLC ruled the R&B world.

Their debut album sold a whopping six million copies worldwide. This, however, was dwarfed by their second album, CrazySexyCool, which sold a monster 23 million copies. The tour, their first of Australia, will also feature dancers and projections The Palais – June 11.

For the first time since 2005, C.W. Stoneking will perform a couple of stripped back performances next month. The blues songman began playing the guitar at the age of 11. By the time he was 13, Stoneking was playing in local bands. Influenced by and incorporating elements of 1920s and 1930s blues, ragtime, calypso, jazz, and hillbilly, C.W. released his debut album, King Hokum, in 2005. St Michael’s Uniting Church – June 13.

During an interview with Bloomberg, Jerry Bruckheimer gave the 411 on Beverly Hills Cop 4. “We’re in the process of getting the script finished. Paramount is very excited about making it, Eddie is very excited, Brett Ratner is excited about doing it, so I think we’re moving forward. Hopefully we’ll start end of summer, beginning of fall and get rolling on it.” This may or may not come as good news for fans of the wise-cracking cop.

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A New Way for iPhone Gaming While killing time playing games on your iPhone is something many can relate to, on-screen controls can be a bit of a pain. Aws Jan has taken to Indiegogo to raise funds for a silicon sleeve dubbed G-PAD that will slip over an iPhone and act as a physical control pad. Designed to work with an iOS Game Boy emulator called GBA4iOS, the G-PAD will perfectly cover the emulator’s onscreen controls. Pledges close June 6.

Time for Some More Fun

My Echo, Echo, Echo

Nate Ruess of fun. spoke to Rolling Stone recently, giving the low-down on the band’s progress on the follow-up to Some Nights. “It’s moving. There’s an apprehension at first, because I don’t want this thing to move too fast, because I want to be able to enjoy being at home.” Some Nights won Grammys for ‘Best New Artist’ and ‘Song of the Year’ and was nominated for four further awards.

May is a busy, busy month for Melbourne punkinfused rock quartet My Echo. They have duties at the Bendigo leg of Groovin’ the Moo. They also have a bunch of other shows that will see out the month. But biggest of all, they welcome a new EP. The follow-up to their 2011 debut The New Approach, the newie was recorded in Melbourne with Hadyn Buxton (Blueline Medic, Trial Kennedy). NSC – May 30.

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When Lying Ends Messily

Turn on Your Short Stack

Experimental rock three-piece outfit Liars have lined up a tiny amount of shows in support of their new album, Mess. The album, their seventh, points to a more confident band, with singer Angus Andrew saying in a press release, “… instead of being doubtful, work on the new album has been immediate, fun, instinctual and confident”. The band formed in 2000, releasing their debut the following year. The Corner – June 5. .........................................................................

Following two years away from the game, Short Stack has returned with new single ‘Television’. Love them or hate them, the band formed in 2005 and was quick to divide fans. However, wherever there are teenage girls, there is a place for a band like this. Short Stack parted ways in 2012 but has since made amends. Whether there is more to follow this single is anyone’s guess. Ormond Hall – June 28. .........................................................................

The Right Touch

HOLEANDCORNER Showcase

Researchers at Georgia Tech have created software that uses the way you interact with your tablet or smartphone as a defence mechanism.

The LatentGesture system studies the user’s taps, swipes and finger gestures over a period of time to create a “touch signature”. If someone was to then steal the device, the system would spot the difference and shutdown operating capabilities. As yet, there is no word on when this technology will be available.

You’ve heard about the indoor dance music festival HOLEANDCORNER, right? Put together by Illusive and Funf Touring, HOLEANDCORNER will make pit stops in Melbourne and Sydney. Lining up you have Hot Chip (DJ Set), Matthew Dear, Henry Saiz, Guy J, Cosmin TRG and Xosar. As well as the tunes, the festival’s plan is to infuse the flavour of the city in order to create a fresh experience. Docklands – June 7.

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Isaac De Heer’s Extended Summer

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Stone’s Throw Away Brother and sister duo Angus and Julia Stone are set to release a new album in August – and they have managed to coax the services of Rick Rubin. Said Rubin of the collaboration: “This album is extraordinary. Angus and Julia are truly unique musicians. They are authentic and pure people who do things from the heart. I’ve never worked with anyone like them before.”

Their third album will be a self-titled affair.

The Timbers’ Debut

They Have the Royal Blood

Hailing from Melbourne, progressive-folk songman Isaac De Heer is holding onto summer a little longer with the release of his new album, Summer.

Released May 8, the album was recorded with UK producer and friend Roger Mars, with a little assistance from Melbourne producer Tony Dupe (Holly Throsby, Jack Ladder) thrown in for good measure. Grace Darling Hotel – June 19.

Adelaide outfit The Timbers are thrilled to release their debut EP, Lawless. According to singer/ guitarist Simon Basey, the album “is the culmination of years of hard work and the band wanting to draw on the musical adventures we have shared over the past years and putting those experiences and hard work into one full-length album”. The album is the result of 18 months worth of blood, sweat and tears.

Penny Black – May 10.

Poison City Weekender

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The Bell X1 Has Rung

A Final Scare

Who Are You Kidding

Super-duper Antemasque

On the scene since 2000, Dublin’s Bell X1 is chiefly made up of former members of Juniper. (Pub trivia: Damien Rice founded Juniper in 1991.) They released their debut album, Neither Am I, in 1991, an album produced by our own Nick Seymour. Their latest album is 2013’s sixth effort, Chop Chop. They are one of the highest played Irish bands in their home country. The Hi-Fi – July 3.

Earlier in the year Big Scary took out the Australian Music Prize of 2013 for their second album Not Art, picking up a handy $30,000 for their effort. While we would have loved for the duo, comprised of Tom Iansek and Joanna Syme, to announce a string of shows, fans instead are going to have to settle for a one-off show – their only headlining show for the year. I hope you get your ticket. Ormond Hall – June 11.

In a chat with Billboard, The Who’s Pete Townsend said that he is scouring the band’s unreleased material to see if there is enough gear to fill an album. “I’m trying to look through my 20,000 hours of complete and utter disorganised music ... I’ll be pulling some songs out of ‘Floss’ to give to Roger [Daltrey] to see if we’ve got enough to make an album … I’m hoping there will be an album.” Floss is Townsend’s on-going rock opera project.

Mid-July is when you can expect the self-titled debut album from Antemasque, the supergroup featuring the talents of Cedric Bixler-Zavala, Omar RodríguezLópez and Flea. A statement from the band reads: “If the whole thing looked unplanned, that’s because it was. The anticipation of what the reaction from fans and critics would be was very real for us with every new song we put out.”

Although a little way off yet, the annual Poison City Weekender has already announced a ton of awesome acts for its sixth outing. Players include Knapsack, Pity Sex, Lucas Brasi, The Bennies, Harmony, The Gifthorse, Clowns, Wil Wagner, Grim Fandango, Paper Arms, Apart From This, Roku Music, Death Mountain and Hoodlum Shouts. The Corner/John Curtin/The Public Bar/The Reverence – August 22-24.

Mike Kerr (bass) and Ben Thatcher (drums) are the chaps behind Royal Blood, a Brighton duo rooted in garage rock and blues rock. With nods to The White Stripes and The Black Keys, the duo, who has only been around since last year, has already won friends in Foals and Arctic Monkeys. Check out their singles ‘Out of the Black’ and ‘Little Monster’; then check them out at The Corner on May 31.

FRI 2 MAY 2014

REST

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The Regular Boys SAT 3 MAY 2014

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THE

FORT-NIGHT

Thursday May 1st BEAVS BAR: Dave Anderson BIRD ROCK CAFE (Jan Juc): Live and Local, $13 Pizza night EUREKA: Thirsty Thursday with Tigerlily, Katie Valentine, Katt Naill and local resident DJ’S

BOY & BEAR

Black Swan Hotel, Bendigo – May 8; Regent Cinema, Ballarat – May 9; Deakin’s Costa Hall, Geelong – May 10; and Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool – May 11

ELEPHANT & CASTLE: $20 Asahi Seafood & Chips Night KAROVA LOUNGE (Ballarat): Eyes Wide Open plus Bury Me In Autumn, A Call To Anguish, Tartarus THE MAX HOTEL: Parmi All Day All Night $14, InnQUIZitive Trivia from 7.30pm till 10.30pm, amazing prizes, call to book your team’s spot THE SPHINX HOTEL: Schnitzel Night from $13 PISTOL PETES: Thexton ODYSSEY TAVERN & BREWERY: Open Mic with Sam Fletcher 7.30 EDGE: Live Music and DJs

WHISPERS: Coming up: DJ’s including Aston shuffle, Andy Murohy, Ruby Rose, John Dahlback, Slice n Dice, Jam Xpress, New World Sound, Jack n Jill, Mic Newman, Apocalypto, John Course, Zoolanda, Jebu, Jane Daffy, Butters, Generik, Tigerlily, Hey Sam, Katt Niall, Fake Forward, Katie Valentine, Mike Metro, Valdalism, Benson, Courtney Mills PISTOL PETES: 2Dogs THE NEWMARKET (Bendigo): Live Bands THE LOFT (Warrnambool): Jack On Fire with special guest Red Eagle MARTIANS CAFE: The Gallant Trees with Josh Durno GPAC: The 13-Storey Treehouse THE BRIDGE HOTEL (CASTELMAINE): Jape Squad and Fraudband

MARTIANS CAFE: $20 International Night including drink

LAMBY’S BAR & RESTAURANT: Live band Stellar and DJs

THE BRIDGE HOTEL (CASTLEMAINE): Rhath + The Exit Crowd 9pm

THE MAX: Hey Charger

Friday May 2nd CITY QUARTER BAR: Friday Unwind with live music then DJ ELEPHANT AND CASTLE: Thank Guinness It’s Friday HOME HOUSE: Homehouse Fridays Party with DJs, Steve Camp, Simon One, Keith Evans, Marcel & more BEAVS BAR: Luke Biscan THE BRIDGE HOTEL (CASTELMAINE): Blue Stratos and the Escargo-Gos EDGE GEELONG: Live Music and DJ BIRD ROCK CAFÉ (Jan Juc): Happy our 5:30-7:30 PISTOL PETE: Georgie Rodgers ODYSSEY TAVERN & BREWERY: Nick Deman 8pm OLD HEPBURN HOTEL: Performance Night 8pm

Propagandhi

HOME HOUSE: Upstairs: Zac De Pedro (CloudNine), Shamelessness (Noizy Neighbours) Downstairs: The Best RnB & Hip Hop with DJ Surrender

THE LOFT (WARNAMBOOL): Salsa and Latin Street Dance Classes

BARWON HEADS HOTEL: Trivia Night from 7pm

KAROVA LOUNGE (Ballarat): $5 night 90’s party The Corner, Melbourne – May 29 & 30 and The Barwon Club, Geelong – May 31

OLD HEPBURN HOTEL: Gab Atkinson ‘Únder the covers’ 9pm

BLACK HATT: Mr Hyde THE GROVEDALE HOTEL: The Regular Boys THE BARWON CLUB: Barbarian and Stormtide

Sunday May 4th CITY QUARTER: Perfect Sunday Sesh Live music and DJ from 4pm THE LOFT (WARNAMBOOL): Cider Sundays with live music in the afternoon BIRD ROCK CAFE (Jan Juc): BIRD ROCK CAFE (Jan Juc): Kids Eat Free 3:30-6:30, Steak and Parma Night, Happy Hour 3:30-5:30 EDGE GEELONG: Live Music and DJ ELEPHANT & CASTLE: Live Jazz from 3-6pm and Parmi Night GEELONG RSL: Bazza Jazz and $13 Carvery Lunch THE LIGHTHOUSE THEATRE (WARNAMBOOL): Primary Performers Registration & Information Session 10-11am THE BABUSHKA CAFE AND LOUNGE (Ballarat): Free practice jam night ODYSSEY TAVERN & BREWERY: Sunday O suns (1.30 till late), Jimmy & the Mex, Forever Son, Eric Stribley, Jessey Jackson, Jimjamz, Sam Fletcher OLD HEPBURN HOTEL: Metaphor sweet Jazzy Funk

BARWON HEADS HOTEL: Happy our 5-7pm $3:50 pots

BLACK HATT: Bergman and the Balladeers With special guest’s Stretch and John Dellimore

THE LORD NELSON: Happy Hour 5pm-7pm

THE BRIDGE HOTEL (CASTLEMAINE): Kim Salmon 4-6pm

GPAC: Annie the musical (until May 10th) THE BABUSHKA CAFE AND LOUNGE (Ballarat):Callm Darke

ELEPHANT & CASTLE: Live Jazz from 3-6pm and Parmi Night

GPAC: Canticles: Festival of Music in Geelong’s Churches (until May 4th)

THE BARWON CLUB: Hillbillies Southern BBQ, Macondo Blowout

THE MAX: Trojan

LAMBY’S BAR & RESTAURANT: Live band and DJs

LAMBYS BAR AND RESTAURANT: Live Band and DJ’s

Saturday May 3rd CITY QUARTER BAR: Live Music and DJ

Monday May 5th ELEPHANT & CASTLE: $20 Steak & Drink night

BEAVS BAR: Steve Pianto

LORD NELSON HOTEL: Parmi & Pot for $15 on presentation of student I.D

THE BARWON CLUB: Glittergang

THE SPHINX HOTEL: Meals for $11

BIRD ROCK CAFE (Jan Juc): Live Music DJRJMC

THE LIGHTHOUSE THEATRE (WARNAMBOOL): Djuki Mala (Chooky dancers) 7:30pm

EDGE GEELONG: Live music and DJ ELEPHANT & CASTLE: Live bands

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KAROVA LOUNGE (BALLARAT): Juan Alban & Los Pelicans, The Hello Morning, Mark With The Sea THE GROVEDALE HOTEL: Cam Bryce The Karova, Ballarat – May 3

THE BABUSHKA CAFE AND LOUNGE (Ballarat): Craig Atkins ODYSSEY TAVERN & BREWERY: Ben Dew 8pm

Tuesday May 6th ELEPHANT & CASTLE: $20 Steak & Drink night GEELONG RSL: Steak Night $13 PISTOL PETES: Open Mic Night BLACK HATT: Bachata Dance Classes

TLY CALENDAR & GIG GUIDE Wednesday May 7th

GPAC: Dragon - The Trilogy Concert

BIRD ROCK CAFE (Jan Juc): Shit Trivia, Spinning Cool Vinyl and Mexican Night from 4pm

OLD HEPBURN HOTEL: Nat Allison

Dahlback, Slice n Dice, Jam Xpress, New World Sound, Jack n Jill, Mic Newman, Apocalypto, John Course, Zoolanda, Jebu, Jane Daffy, Butters, Generik, Tigerlily, Hey Sam, Katt Niall, Fake Forward, Katie Valentine, Mike Metro, Valdalism, Benson, Courtney Mills

GEELONG RSL: Pot and Parmi Night $13

EDGE GEELONG: Live Music and DJ

THE GROVEDALE HOTEL: James Carrigg

PISTOL PETES: Jessy Jackson

BENDIGO STADIUM: Three huge games of Roller Derby! Doors open 1pm $15 Adult, $5 Children, kids under 5 are free!

ELEPHANT AND CASTLE: Thank Guinness It’s Friday ODYSSEY TAVERN & BREWERY: Andy Ellis 8pm

EDGE: Craft Breweries Night, includes beer tasting and nibbles 6-9pm BLACK HATT: Cuban Salsa Dance Classes ELEPHANT AND CASTLE: Trivia Night from 8pm. Have fun win prizes book a table BEAVS BAR: Karaoke open mic with Dave Anderson THE BARWON HEADS HOTEL: Master of Dartness and Poker from 7pm GOLD DIGGERS ARMS: Spinning Wheel and a lot of Parmi’s from $14.50 GPAC: MM - Simon Gallaher Secret Love (Until May 8th)

THE LORD NELSON: Happy Hour 5pm-7pm THE GROVEDALE HOTEL: Trojan NATIONAL WOOL MUSEUM: Ghost Tours with ‘Geelong After Dark’ KAROVA LOUNGE (BALLARAT): Clowns & Mesa Cosa MARTIANS CAFÉ: Luvy Thorne & Sal Kimber THE LOFT (Warrnambool): My Echo

EUREKA: Thirsty Thursday with Tigerlily, Katie Valentine, Katt Naill and local resident DJ’S BIRD ROCK CAFE (Jan Juc): Live and Local, $13 Pizza night

THE LIGHTHOUSE THEATRE (WARNAMBOOL): Melbourne Comedy Festival BLACK HATT: Salsa Social THE MAX: Frequency LAMBY’S BAR & RESTAURANT: Stellar

BLACK HATT: Rocker THE BRIDGE HOTEL (CASTELMAINE): Hoy and Carline No. LAMBY’S BAR & RESTAURANT: Tackleberry THE BARWON CLUB: Tin Alley plus Kill TV

Thursday May 8th

GPAC: Boy & Bear

THE MAX: Figjam COURTHOUSE ARTS GEELONG: Live projections, music, interactive paste-ups and a graffiti battle, 6 – 9pm in the Courthouse ARTS laneway (Gheringhap St, Geelong) AND Wonderwall Gallery opening 6 – 9pm. Both Free.

Sunday May 11th BIRD ROCK CAFÉ (Jan Juc): Kids Eat Free 3:30-6:30, Steak and Parma Night, Happy Hour 3:30-5:30 CITY QUARTER: Perfect Sunday Sesh Live music and DJ from 4pm GEELONG RSL: Weary & Friends and $13 Carvery lunch THE SPHINX HOTEL: Carvery from $17

THE MAX HOTEL: Parmi All Day All Night $14, InnQUIZitive Trivia from 7.30pm till 10.30pm, amazing prizes, call to book your team’s spot

Saturday May 10th

EDGE GEELONG: Live Music and DJ

ELEPHANT & CASTLE: $20 Asahi Seafood & Chips Night

CITY QUARTER: Live entertainment

ODYSSEY TAVERN & BREWERY: Sunday O Suns TBA

THE LOFT (WARNAMBOOL): Salsa and Latin Street Dance Classes ODYSSEY TAVERN & BREWERY: open mic with Sam Fletcher 7.30 MARTIANS CAFE: $20 International Night including drink BEAVS BAR: Andy Forster EDGE GEELONG: Live Music and DJ BARWON HEADS HOTEL: Trivia Night from 7pm THE BRIDGE HOTEL (CASTELMAINE): Infinity Broke (Album Launch) plus Machine Translations PISTOL PETE: Georgia & Maddie- Soul Slam

Friday May 9th CITY QUARTER BAR: Friday Unwind from 5pm. Live with live entertainment and DJ BEAVS BAR: Hayden Scott HOME HOUSE: HOME HOUSE: Homehouse Fridays Party with DJs, Steve Camp, Simon One, Keith Evans, Marcel & more BIRD ROCK CAFE (Jan Juc): Happy our 5:30-7:30

THE BARWON CLUB: Drunk Mums plus Sewercide and Wod THE NEWMARKET (Bendigo): Live Bands BIRD ROCK CAFE (Jan Juc): Live Music DJRJMC ELEPHANT & CASTLE: Live band

OLD HEPBURN HOTEL: Lucie Thorne with special guest Sal Kimber

ELEPHANT & CASTLE: Live Jazz from 3-6pm and Parmi Night GEELONG RSL: Live Jazz and $13 Carvery Lunch

EDGE: Live Music and DJ

BEAVS BAR: Michael Stangel with special guests: Danny Ross, Kiyomi Vella & Brooklyn Blue

TH GATEWAY HOTEL: Diesel & Band ‘Let it fly’ tour BEAVS BAR: Steve Pianto

THE LOFT (WARNAMBOOL): A Man Called Son & Cider Sundays with live music in the afternoon BLACK HATT: Bergman and the Balladeers

OLD HEPBURN HOTEL: Michelle Parsons

THE LIGHTHOUSE THEATRE (WARNAMBOOL): Melbourne Boy & Bear

ODYSSEY TAVERN & BREWERY: Luke Pote 8pm THE BABUSHKA CAFE AND LOUNGE (Ballarat): Alek with friends HOME HOUSE: Upstairs- TV personality Georgia Sinclair (Baroq), Zac Waters (Billboard) Downstairs: Best RnB & Hip Hop with DJ Kay Z PISTOL PETES: Dave Diprose (Melb) BALLARAT SHOWGROUNDS: Bliss N EsoThe Circus Under the Stars tour with Seth Sentry and Horrorshow and special guest Ceekay Jones (USA) (Tickets from Moshtix) THE LOFT (Warrnambool): JackJackJack WHISPERS: Coming up: DJ’s including Aston shuffle, Andy Murohy, Ruby Rose, John

THE BRIDGE HOTEL (CASTLEMAINE): Kim Salmon 4-6pm THE BABUSHKA CAFÉ AND LOUNGE (Ballarat): Free practice jam night THE BARWON CLUB: Hillbillies Southern BBQ, Dukes of Deliciousness LAMBY’S BAR & RESTAURANT: Good Faces for Radio and DJs

Monday May 12th ELEPHANT & CASTLE: $20 Steak & Drink night

BARWON CLUB: $10 Parmis

Tuesday May 13th

LORD NELSON HOTEL: Parmi & Pot for $15 on presentation of student I.D THE SPHINX HOTEL: Meals for $11

GEELONG RSL: Steak Night $13 ELEPHANT & CASTLE: $20 Steak & Drink night PISTOL PETES: Open Mic Night BLACK HATT: Bachata Dance Classes THE LIGHTHOUSE THEATRE (WARNAMBOOL): Bethany Arthouse Film ‘The Hunt

Wednesday May 14th GEELONG RSL: Pot and Parmi Night $13 ELEPHANT AND CASTLE: Trivia Night from 8pm. Have fun win prizes book a table BLACK HATT: Cuban Salsa Dance Classes THE BARWON HEADS HOTEL: Master of Dartness and Poker from 7pm BIRD ROCK CAFE (Jan Juc): Spinning Vinyl and Mexican Night from 4pm GOLD DIGGERS ARMS: Spinning Wheel and a lot of Parmi’s from $14.50 BEAVS BAR: Open Mic, Karaoke and Luke Biscan THE LIGHTHOUSE THEATRE (WARNAMBOOL): Mr Ernie Sigley

Thursday May 15th BIRD ROCK CAFE (Jan Juc): Live and Local, $13 Pizza night EUREKA: Thirsty Thursday with Tigerlily, Katie Valentine, Katt Naill and local resident DJ’S THE MAX HOTEL: Parmi All Day All Night $14, InnQUIZitive Trivia from 7.30pm till 10.30pm, amazing prizes, call to book your team’s spot ELEPHANT & CASTLE: $20 Asahi Seafood & Chips Night KAROVA LOUNGE (BALLARAT): DZ Deathrays, Palms, FOAM THE LOFT (WARNAMBOOL): Salsa and Latin Street Dance Classes BARWON HEADS HOTEL: Trivia Night from 7pm MARTIANS CAFE: $20 International Night including drink BENDIGO SHOWGROUNDS: Bliss N EsoThe Circus Under the Stars tour with Seth Sentry & Horrowshow and special guest Ceekay Jones (USA) (Tickets from Moshtix)

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Custom-Made Touring, Rish Publicity & The Music, by arrangment with Artist Voice, present:

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30 ANNIVERSARY “IT’S NOT HOW IT USED TO BE” TOUR TH

Thursday 12 June Ballarat Karova Lounge with special guests Clowns & Dead Friday 13 June Geelong Wool Exchange with special guests Clowns & Wicked City Sunday 15 June Castlemaine Bridge Hotel with special guests Dead tickets on sale now at usual outlets 14

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Propagandhi written by Natalie Rogers

It’s been too long since Canadian punk band Propagandhi have set foot on Australian soil, but as I found out in a recent heart to heart with founding member and drummer Jord Samolesky, they’re headed our way – and couldn’t be happier about it.

“We just got back from a tour of the West Coast of the US, so right now we’re laying low and spending a few weeks practising and rehearsing, getting everything ready to go,” Jord began excitedly. “The Australian leg is the longest we’re going out this year and we’re really happy to have the opportunity to come back. We’re all looking forward to it lots!”

Propagandhi emerged in the mid ’80s out of Portage la Prairie in Canada, after vocalist/ guitarist Chris Hannah and Jord posted a flyer in a local record store looking for a bass player. Once the line-up was complete they quickly found their feet, becoming the sought-after support whenever US punk/metal bands came to town.

Despite further line-up changes, while opening a show for SoCal punk pioneers NOFX at the Royal Albert Arms in Winnipeg, Propagandhi made such an impression on frontman Fat Mike that they were soon signed to his independent label Fat Wreck Chords and were jetting off to the US to record their debut album, How to Clean Everything (1993). And as they say, the rest is history.

“We’re so happy to be finally touring on our latest record Failed States [released 2012]. We’ve pretty much only done shows in Western Europe and North America for it, thus far.”

Failed States is Propagandhi’s sixth studio album and, although being hailed by critics and fans alike as a success, Jord describes the whole process as being filled with trial and error, and shrouded by moments of self-doubt.

“In some regards, it [Failed States] was the most challenging record we’ve done. Although, having said that, the finished product is very representative of the band as a whole,” Jord explained. “This is the first record that we ever recorded entirely in Winnipeg,

where we’re based now. The atmosphere and feel of the record reminds me of the 7 a.m. walks to the studio in downtown Winnipeg. Walking there in the morning when the sun hadn’t come up yet and it’s forty below out … it was an unforgettable experience grinding out a record in this pretty harsh environment. The upside of it was that we had a lot of time to spend on it.

“The intro on the opening track, Note to Self, is what we used to warm up to at our old practice space, and eventually we built something out of it. We never had aspirations to make it into one of our songs. I love the fact that we left the door open for stuff like that, and then mixed it all up with standard raging tunes and more typical song structures.”

Other tracks worth a mention include ‘Rattan Crane’, ‘Unscripted Moment’ and ‘Duplicate Keys Icaro (An Interim Report)’.

“Writing with Chris, Todd [bass] and Dean [guitar] has always been a pleasure. They’re really cool guys to collaborate with musically and, like I mentioned before, with each passing record we’re becoming more ourselves.”

Known for their unified beliefs and active stance against human rights violations, racism and sexism (among other issues), Propagandhi make music with a message, and Jord considers Australian fans as some of their biggest allies. “We have frequent conversations with our Aussie friends about our similarities culturally. When people ask me what Australia is like I always say that we’ve got more in common with Australians than Americans. Your values and ethics are closely matched to ours. That

makes coming back so much more exciting knowing we’ll bump into a lot of our old friends, and we’ll continue to update each other on what’s going on with the challenges our countries face, especially in relation to Aboriginal affairs.”

When they touch down at the end of May, Jord and the guys will kick things off with two shows at the Corner Hotel in Melbourne, before taking the stage for one night at the Barwon Club in Geelong, followed by a string of dates around the country. “We plan to play a healthy mix from Failed States and our older albums.

We really want to put on a killer show.

“At this point in our lives we’re putting all of our heart and soul into what we’re doing and we’ve come to a point where we’re just enjoying the opportunity and privilege to be able to play music. If there are people who are digging what we’re doing, we appreciate that 100 per cent. We tend to feed off other people’s interest and Australia has always been a really great place for us to do our thing … We’re going to have a blast!”

Before saying our goodbyes, Jord let slip that they plan to begin work on a new album as early as June/ July: “We want to start jamming again this summer.

We also need to set aside some time for serious writing. I can’t wait!”

When&Where: The Corner, Melbourne – May 29 & 30 and The Barwon Club, Geelong – May 31

Staff and Management of the EMC Group Geelong strongly enforce a no-drug policy. Enjoy great music & drinks whilst staying drug-free.

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Thundamentals written by Natalie Rogers

’ MC Jewson isn’t afraid to tell it like it is: “There are a lot of talented artists in Australia speaking with an honesty that’s hard to find within hip hop culture in other countries. Particularly in the States, there’s a massive layer of bullshit that you’ve to scrape through to get to the genuine stuff.

“It’s homogenised rap-money bullshit. It just sounds ridiculous to hear an Aussie rapping about how much money they’ve got, because anyone who makes hip hop in Australia knows the financial reality! It doesn’t add up if you’re broke, boasting and bragging about how f*ckin’ baller you are when everyone knows we’re just scraping by. So you can’t get away with being so braggadocio here ’cause people see through it and say, ‘Yeah? Good onya mate!’”

I caught up with the engaging emcee ahead of the release of their third album, So We Can Remember (out May 2 on Obese Records).

“I feel stoked with the record – it’s the most honest reflection of us yet. I hope people get a real sense of who we are, what we think is important and what we don’t agree with as well. We’re happy with every song on it, just like we’ve always been with our previous releases.”

Featuring singles ‘Smiles Don’t Lie’ and ‘Something I Said (ft. Thom Crawford)’, the Thundamentals’ third offering is enlightened, consistent, original and evocative.

“One of the nicest pieces of feedback we’ve got is that the finished product shows a sense of restraint

and was done with taste,” he explained. “We haven’t sold out in any way. Sometimes artists can go into the recording process trying too hard to make their music accessible to everyone and it can feel a little forced or a little played out.

“Hopefully it’s an album that a lot of people can get into, while we’ve maintained musical integrity. That’s what would make me the most happy.”

MC Jewson and his Thundamentals (DJ Morgs and MC Tuka) have a lot to be chuffed about at the moment. To celebrate the release of So We Can Remember they’re poised to begin a cross country tour, while completing the last shows of everyone’s favourite regional music odyssey, Groovin’ the Moo – and they’ll have some good friends in tow.

“I’m very happy with our touring party – Astronomy Class and a couple of young guys from Melbourne, Fozzey and Van C, though I haven’t met them yet. I can’t speak too much about them but I hear they’re doing great things. On the other hand, Astronomy Class are old friends of ours; in fact, we did our first national tour supporting them!” Jeswon laughed. “They’ve got an album coming out really soon as well.

“On a recent trip to Cambodia they fell in love with the place and the culture, so for their new record they’ve teamed up with a legend of Cambodian music, a woman called Srey Channthy [frontwoman of The Cambodian Space Project]. I’m really looking forward to hearing some of that stuff live. They’re fantastic musicians, absolute pros. We’ve learnt a lot from them.

“Now that we’re in the position to draw people in and play to larger crowds, I wanna say thanks for taking time to check out what we’re doing. We very much appreciate it. It’s a real blessing and we’re over the moon to have that response from people. We’re looking forward to playing the shows and making new friends along the way.”

When&Where: The Corner – May 1 & 2 (sold out)

Dragon written by zach broadhurst

Dragon is a band that has been through a lot in their 40-year existence. The New Zealand-born group won over Australian audiences during the ’70s and ‘’80s with hits like ‘April Sun in Cuba’, ‘Are You Old Enough?’ and ‘Rain’, cementing their place in Australian rock history. They have not been without their hardship, however, losing keyboardist Paul Hewson to a drug overdose in 1985 and lead singer Marc Hunter to cancer in 1998, the latter of which ended the band’s existence at the time.

at it as the three major line-ups of the band and the three eras it sort of focuses it all,” explains Todd.

“So when we do the concert we do the first set of the current stuff, then we do the ’80s and then we do the ’70s last – it’s like an archeologically dig back through the music.”

“After Marc died there was no band and there was never going to be one,” explains Marc’s brother and bassist Todd Hunter. “I did soundtrack work for ten years and at the end of that time I just felt like the songs needed to be played again, and I got a bit lonely for the Dragon songs.”

“I think the trick is to have a young drummer who has a huge amount of energy, but in saying that, though, physically I’m playing a lot harder now than I did when I was 20. Now the whole feel of the music has changed,” says Todd. “In those days there was a sort of back and forth funky sort of sway thing going on. Now you have to play the verse quiet and hit the chorus so fucking hard to get everyone levitating above the crowd. It’s a completely different energy – I love it.”

Todd reformed the band in 2006, adding a third era to the band’s already legendary career and breathing a whole new life back into Dragon.

“What it’s like now is what it was like in the beginning,” says Todd. “Where you just turned up with your guitar and played. It’s very simple now.”

Dragon is currently in the middle of ‘The Trilogy Concert’ tour, a celebration of the three eras of the band evolution, playing all of the hits and some of the more obscure numbers from their four decades on stage.

“It was just a thing of looking at how we could present all the songs. We could never get around all the songs in one night, so we thought if we looked

For Todd, a lot has changed over the years, not to mention he now finds himself in his sixties, but he has a secret to keeping shows as energetic as always.

For fans going along to a Dragon show this year Todd says you can “expect to hear all the Dragon songs you know and to sing them like crazy and just to have a great time”. It’s the perfect way to honour all members past and present.

“Some nights when there are a lot of people and they are singing really loudly, it’s like Mark and Paul live on in their music and it is a complete honour to be part of that,” says Todd. “If Mark was here we’d still be playing. It’s really simple, it’s what you do.”

My Echo written by Xavier Fennell

I’m unsure if it’s been said before, but it almost definitely has to be true: “A band that bathes together stays together”. In the case of Melbourne rockers My Echo, and according to a certain Facebook photo, bathing together seems to work for the better. In a stroke of homecoming beauty, the Melbourne-based band will be returning to their hometown of Bendigo to play one of Australia’s favourite festivals, Groovin’ the Moo. Whilst they’re making their heroic return to the place of Moo, My Echo will also be promoting the release of their new self-titled EP, filling venues all over the country with sweaty punters and their fast-paced rock ‘n’ roll.

My Echo have taken their rock ‘n’ roll seriously with the production of their new EP, opting to keep it real and record live to tape in the hopes of capturing something warm and beautiful that might often be lost in the separate tracking that so often happens when recording these days. Guitarist Brenton spoke to me excitedly about the idea behind the recording process.

“We’d always wanted to do the live to tape thing and the guy we worked with, Haydn Buxton, was also keen on the idea. It’s probably the most cliché thing you can say about tape recording but we really wanted to capture a more organic, warm sound. We really like that we’ve got the opportunity to put out a 7” along with the EP. We think the idea of people being able to have a digital or CD version of the EP is just as cool as having it the way we intended for it to be heard on 7” vinyl.”

With their EP tour well on its way, it would be safe to say the boys of My Echo are excited and ready to

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return to their hometown to ‘groove the moo’ and catch up with old friends. The opportunity to play one of Australia’s much-loved festivals can only be a positive for an upcoming band, and Brenton spoke happily about the privilege that had been sent their way. “This is technically our first big festival [and] it’ll be a great day to catch up with all our old friends and listen to music all day. Our bass player actually can’t make it to Groovin’ the Moo because he’s got a wedding to go to, so we had to get our old bass player back to come and play the show, which is good actually. Rehearsals have been really fun; he still remembers most of the songs, and we always have a laugh.”

It’s no secret that touring can take it out of anyone – long van rides, fast food, late nights, countless beers and, of course, playing a few sets here and there. My Echo struck me as the kind of band that wouldn’t let fatigue or serious lack of nutritional sustenance get in the way of shows. Surely months or more of touring in a fast-paced rock ‘n’ roll band must toll on the energy of even the strongest. “We’ve done this touring thing a few times, so we’d like to think we’re used to it, but it is hard yakka and it does take you out physically.

“There’s a lot of ‘should-dos’ on tour but we’re always still so excited to be on the tour that the other bands are usually off to bed while we’re cracking on with the beers.

When&Where: The Loft, Warrnambool – May 9 & NSC – May 30. You can also catch them at Bendigo’s Groovin’ the Moo

When&Where: GPAC, Geelong – May 9; The Capital, Bendigo – May 10; and The Palms @ Crown, Melbourne – June 14

TALK OF THE

TOWN!

Keepin' it Regional!

Robyn Hitchcock

geelong after dark

Jack’s Bacharach

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TALK OF THE TOWN! Talk of the Town: Where we’re stranded on our own. Coming up you have…

The Michael Stangel Combo Michael Stangel will perform his first local show this month since August 2013 in support of new single, ‘Come On Over’. Growing up in Geelong, Michael began his music career playing everywhere and anywhere he could. By the time he was 16, he was making a decent crust. A few years later, Michael signed a deal with a European label based out of Spain and promptly made the move abroad.

After some minor successes, Stangel returned home to focus on his writing and production skills. Together with Paul Wiltshire, Jellyfish Records was created. He has experienced his share of highs and lows over the years, a high being a top 3 placing in Joel Madden’s team in The Voice. An Aussie Spirit is the (appropriate) name of his debut album. Beav’s Bar, Geelong – May 11. .........................................................................

Picking the Right Jape Squad Back in 2002, a bloke by the name of Blake Jape had managed to con a bunch of people into forming a band.

Jape, along with his believers, set out to put the groove back into rock. They did just that. Going by the name Jape Squad, the band released their debut album, Modern Holiday, in 2003. By all accounts it was a chaotic experience, with lead singer ‘Woody’ filling on drums and a stream of extras walking in and out of the studio. It wasn’t until halfway through the recording of their second album that a more settled line-up began to take shape. Towards the end of last year the band released their latest effort, Wanderlust. They lend their name from Philip K. Dick and his novel, The Man who Japed. The Bridge, Castlemaine – May 3. They will be joined by Fraudband. .........................................................................

Infinity Broke & Machine Translations Infinity Broke and Machine Translations have teamed up for a show at The Bridge, Castlemaine on May 8.

Infinity Broke features the talents of Jamie Hutchings and Jared Harrison, who some may know from Bluebottle Kiss (1993-2007). Rounded out by Jamie’s brother, Scott, and bassist Reuben Wills, the band was formed after Jamie returned from his third European tour late in 2011. Originally exploring Bluebottle Kiss tracks, the band would slowly but surely become a tighter unit. They’re now thrilled to welcome their debut album, River Mirrors, an album recorded in a shearing shed in the NSW central coast. Effortlessly bridging the gap between pop and classical sounds, Machine Translations is the brainchild of multi-instrumentalist and home-recordist, J. Walker. .........................................................................

Mother’s Day Blues Tram While a bucket of chicken from a certain fast food franchise may seem like the perfect gift for the person who gave you life, believe it or not there are some treats your mum deserves more than a grease overload.

Bendigo’s Blues Tram has lined up a very special Mother’s Day (May 11 – don’t forget!) run featuring the talents of Hailey Calvert and Benny Walker. For those unfamiliar, the Blues Tram departs from the Central Deborah Goldmine, before making its way at a leisurely pace through the streets of the city. It then takes a pit stop at the Joss House before making its return. With a bluesy rich voice and fluid guitar style, Hailey considers herself a blues singer, though she tends to write folk songs. Wish your mum a happy Mother’s Day for me. .........................................................................

Comedy Roadshow 2014 One of the best parts of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival is the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow. It is a chance for those who missed out on the big gig an opportunity to revel in some of Australia’s (and some fine international friends) finest funny men and women. The comedians tend to dig it, too, as they become like delirious drunken ramblers on a comedy odyssey. Last year’s run took in a whopping 109 shows in over 60 regional towns and cities across Australia. A leg in Singapore, Hong Kong and India followed. Those in the ‘Talk of the Town’ precinct have a bumper run of shows, kicking off at Warrnambool’s Lighthouse Theatre on May 10. Cal Wilson and Harley Breen will perform, with two further acts to be announced. New Zealand-born Cal Wilson took her first steps in her comedy career after co-founding the Court Jesters improv group in 1990. In 2001 she won the ‘Best Newcomer’ Award at the MICF. Dave Callan is your MC. Other dates include The Capital, Bendigo on June 11; APAC, Ararat on June 12; COPACC, Colac on June 13; Aireys Pub, Aireys Inlet on June 14; and Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat on June 27. .........................................................................

Pricked by Lucie Thorne Lucie Thorne grew up in northern Tasmania as a daughter of a poet father and a music loving mother. She later spent a little time in Melbourne, before moving to the tiny locality of Bimbaya on the edge of Bega Valley on the far south coast of NSW. Although she has been writing and performing for some time, it was her 2009 album, Black Across the Field, which saw her reach a wider audience. It was shortlisted for the Australian Music Prize and awarded ‘Best Roots Album’ of 2009 by the Sydney Morning Herald. She currently has six albums and three EPs under her belt, as well as a collaborative album with US songwriter Pieta Brown. A new album is slated for release in 2014. Martians Café, Deans Marsh – May 9; Main Bar, Ballarat – May 10; and Old Hepburn Hotel, Hepburn Springs – May 11.

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Built on Chet Faker

Beyond the Bastards Can you do something for me? Come on, just humour me. Picture Nancy Sinatra jamming with Dick Dale and The Gun Club at the best party of the year. Are you doing it? I hope so, as that is how Melbourne outfit La Bastard go about business. Formed in 2010, the band is an explosive mix of 1950s rock and roll, ’60s surf and ’80s punk attitude. It’s quite the mix indeed.

Since 2012 the band has built a pretty impressive resume. Release wise, they have dropped two EPs and two full-length albums; gig-wise, they have played alongside The BellRays, Spanish garage rock gods Los Chicos, the Meanies, Cash Savage and the Last Drinks and the ReChords.

In his review of their 2013 album Tales from the Beyond, Themusic.com.au’s Glenn Waller wrote: “Tales from the Beyond sounds like it was created with one purpose firmly in mind: to provide the soundtrack for women in sequined dresses and suspended cages to dance to in a ’50s-style rum bar. If this was La Bastard’s intention then they’ve succeeded, with surfer-rock guitar whammy bars soundly tweaked over the methodical pounding of drums and sultry, squealing vocals.”

The Newmarket, Bendigo – May 17. The Dead Lurkers will give them a hand.

The fine team at Spinning Half is thrilled to welcome electronica whiz Chet Faker to the Wool Exchange Entertainment Complex next month.

Born Nicholas James Murphy, Chet signed to Downtown Records in 2012, a move which saw the release of EP Thinking in Textures. The same year he would win ‘Breakthrough Artist of the Year’, while Thinking in Textures would win ‘Best Independent Single/EP’ at the Australian Independent Records Awards. The good times for the release would follow in 2013, snatching a ‘Best Independent Release’ courtesy of the Rolling Stone Music Awards. A tough ask to follow, Chet released his debut album, Built On Glass, last month. Wool Exchange Entertainment Complex, Geelong – June 12. Don’t be caught slacking when it comes to tickets.

Let’s Talk About She Rex Geelong is set to get a red-hot serving of two of Sydney’s finest rising stars a little later this month. In one corner you have She Rex; in the other, Lepers and Crooks. She Rex has shared the stage with bands including The Preatures, Stonefield, Children Collide and Dune Rats. They also find themselves as hot picks for having a breakout year (Tone Deaf, Rolling Stone). ‘The Heist’ is their new single.

Then you have anthemic-style five-piece, Lepers and Crooks. Hitting the scene in 2012, the band has become hot property, thanks in part to their debut single, ‘Her Kiss’.

The Barwon Club, Geelong – May 16. .........................................................................

Return of the Rat I am assuming that Brisbane punk rockers Dune Rats have been good to their mums over the years. Their selftitled debut album, set for release on June 1, was written and recorded in a beach house shed that belongs to one of their mums. Speaking with triple’s j’s The Doctor, the band said: “We recorded [the whole album] over a week in the studios in Melbourne. And then it was mixed in four days. It’s self-titled and that’s all I know about it. We did it in December because we were there on my birthday. And I remember my birthday…” Once their album drops, the band will take in a short stint abroad before returning for a run of local shows. While you wait for the album to drop, you can check out lead single ‘Funny Guy’. The Karova, Ballarat – June 19. .........................................................................

Squeaker’s New Single

Northeast Party in da House We have dug their sounds for a little while now, all the time hoping they would just get their stuff together long enough to make an album. Well, it’s here and it’s called Any Given Weekend.

Yep, Northeast Party House, the party everyone is invited to, is set to release their debut album on May 16. The band formed in 2010, becoming ‘Unearthed’ by the triple j team the same year for their song ‘Dusk’. Combining the exhilaration of dance music with pop hooks and a rock backbone, the band has since played at a variety of festivals and supported names including Jungle Giants and Midnight Juggernauts. As for the album, members Sean Kenihan and Malcolm Besley show their talents are not confined to the stage by producing the album. Besley, is should be noted, has also clocked up production points with Snakadaktal and The Holidays. Why so long for an album? Sean Kenihan explains: “Everything has always revolved around our live show. Playing live has always been a very different experience to listening to our (recorded) music. And that’s always been the confusion with us.” You may have heard lead single ‘The Haunted’ already (it’s been receiving a ton of airplay from their triple j buddies); if not, kill a few minutes and check it out. The Karova, Ballarat – June 20.

Quick bite: Adelaide’s Squeaker will be in town this month in support of their new single. When it comes to their tunes, “raunchy guitar, hard-hitting beats and rock ‘n’ roll femme fatale” is the name of the game. The band released a single called ‘Jesus Ain’t my Boyfriend’ back in 2007. It took a few years, but in 2011 the band released their debut EP, Fly Baby Fly. I can’t tell you much about the new single, but I reckon it’s gonna be pretty sweet.

Music Man Megastore, Bendigo – May 16.

through iTunes and Spotify. Next up you have Golden Gate Jumpers. Based out of Castlemaine, GGJ is the baby of Wayde Suchodolskiy. While a solo project at its core, Wayde is joined by trusted friends in a live setting. Finally you have Oscar Galt. Picking up drums at 13, followed by guitar at 15, Oscar’s sound falls somewhere between grunge and blues. The Bridge, Castlemaine – May 10.

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Those Cheeky Little Bastards

The Romance of Annie & Bern

The month of May is going to be a memorable one for Melbourne’s Little Bastard, with the mighty seven-piece set to drop their debut album. The 11-track self-titled album was recorded with Lachlan Mitchell (The Jezabels) at Sydney’s Jungle Studios. The band identifies themselves as a punk-string outfit, incorporating guitars, bass, fiddle, banjo, harmonica, mandolin and beats to create old-time jangles. They have performed at festivals including Peats Ridge and Gum Ball and supported names including Joe Pug and The Snowdroppers. The Brag: “Little Bastard’s no-bullshit approach to their music has been garnering them a lot of attention across the country in recent times.

The Bastard’s are starting to present themselves as a must-see act.” The Karova, Ballarat – July 3.

Ann-Marie McKee and Bernard Robertson have trimmed the fat of their names a little for Annie & Bern, a delightful duo whose romantic vintage pop is too snug and cosy to resist. The pair met around 12 years ago after Bern responded to an advertisement posted by Annie. They have played in several bands over the years, with members coming and going. Speaking with Forte’s own Tex Miller late last year, Annie spoke about how things just seem to be clicking as a duo. “Bernie and I are very likeminded and we have the same tastes, aims and goals to this particular band. Working together is very easy, and although it’s fun being in a band and having that camaraderie, I think that the duo format is working really well for us now.” The Bridge, Castlemaine – May 11.

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Triple Your Fun

Roo Twilight Music Series

You have to love it when you head out for a gig with a few bands on the bill. While you may not always be familiar with all the names, it’s these times where pleasant discoveries can be found. First up you have The Trotskies. This Melbourne five-piece’s sound comes from their endless hours of listening to the post-punk of the ’70s and ’80s.

The result is dreamy pop. You can check out their debut

In terms of songwriting partnerships, Burt Bacharach and Hal David (1921-2012) had one of the greatest. The two first met in 1957, penning their first hit, ‘The Story of My Life’, the same year. Hits to follow included ‘Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head’, ‘I’ll Never Fall in Love Again’, ‘Do You Know the Way to San Jose’, ‘Walk on By’, ‘What the World Needs Now is Love’, ‘I Say a Little Prayer’ and

‘(There’s) Always Something There to Remind Me’. Their songs include Oscar-nominated and Oscar-winners, as well as Grammy Hall of Fame inductees. This month, as part of the fantastic Roo Twilight Music Series, Jack Howard and a handful of wonderful players will pay tribute to this great songwriting team. Well-worn muso Jack Howard has been called “one of the great quiet achievers of Australian music”. A go-to trumpeter for many years, Howard was a part of Hunters & Collectors’ dynamic brass section. He has also played with Rodriguez, The Violent Femmes and Midnight Oil among others. Jack will be joined by the Michael sisters, Heather and Marj, John Berto on guitar, Rob Walker on bass, Greg Murray on drums and Amy Valent Curlis on percussion. Anglesea Golf Club – May 24. .........................................................................

Enda Kenny Hits Ararat Live Though he was born in Ireland, Melbourne-based songman Enda Kenny sings songs with a rich flavour of his adoptive homeland. Enda moved to Melbourne in 1987 and released his debut album, Twelve Songs, in 1994. The Sydney Morning Herald described his debut as “the best folk album to be released in this country since Eric Bogle’s Scraps of Paper”. He has released a string of albums since, balancing his time writing and performing with working in public housing. He has performed in the UK, Ireland, New Zealand and Hong Kong and is a two-time winner of the Port Fairy Folk Festival Award. Heart Tattoo is his latest release.

Joined by long-time musical companion Lindsay Martin, Enda will take in a show at the Ararat Red Room as part of Ararat Live on May 22. .........................................................................

Saskwatch Takes a Dive The gloriously warm and vibrant sounds of Saskwatch will take in another Ballarat gig a little later down the track. The Melbourne nine-piece that go by the name of Saskwatch have a brand new album out and they want to show it off. The album is called Nose Dive and it comes after a signing with Remote Control Records.

The journey of the band is quite a remarkable one.

From busking on the streets to gracing the stage of Glastonbury within four years, the band has become a powerful live force. Main songwriter Liam McGorry gives the low-down on one of the album’s standout songs, ‘Born to Break Your Heart’: “We recorded BTBYH with Magoo in his converted church studio Applewood Lane in Fernvale QLD. It’s about a darker side of relationships and losing control.” The Karova, Ballarat – July 4.

Wagons Relentlessly lauded as one of Australia’s great bands, Wagons are excited to be hitting the highways and byways near you, battering their heels upon some sorely neglected local stages. Having spent more time touring and honing their craft in North America than on home shores in recent years, the boys now have their sweaty eyebrows solely set on home turf once again.

This will be the first full band Australian national tour in over three years to celebrate the upcoming release of their much-awaited album Acid Rain and Sugar Cane, out May 16. As well as their home state of Victoria, this tour also incorporates visits to Tasmania, Western Australia, South Australia, ACT, New South Wales and Queensland and the Northern Territory spanning across this May and June.

VIC Regional dates include - Friday June 6th - Barwon Club, Geelong VIC, Sunday June 8th - Karova Lounge, Ballarat VIC (Pub Hol Eve) and Tickets on Sale NOW!, Wagons “Acid Rain and Sugar Cane”, out Friday May 16th through Spunk [photo by Kane Hibberd]

DZ Deathrays Smell a Rat Teaming up with Burke Reid (of Gerling, whose credits include The Drones, Seekae and The Mess Hall), DZ Deathrays – the collective jam of Shane Parsons and Simon Ridley – have come up with their second album, Black Rat. Due for release at the beginning of May, the album has a tough act to follow. Their debut, 2012’s Bloodstreams, received praise from the likes of NME and Pitchfork. It also led to two years on the road, playing with such acts as Foo Fighters, Crystal Castles and Sleigh Bells. So, just how does a band go about following up something like this? Burke Reid is a great start. The addition of a third member to the live show is another. And just who is that musician? Now, where would the fun be in that?! Get your butts to one of their shows.

The Karova, Ballarat – May 15.

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Graveyard Train’s Next Stop It looks like Graveyard Train will be hitting the touring road next month for their ‘Takes One to Know One’ tour. And whad’ya know, that is the title of their brand-spanking new album. The horror country band teamed up with European label Cargo Records for the release and will head abroad for a month-long tour of Europe once they complete their duties here. The band has sure come a long way since getting drunk and playing tiny venues.

Now they get drunk and play bigger venues. And not only can they boast performances at festivals across the country, but they can also boast a gig to inmates at Barwon Prison. The Barwon Club, Geelong – June 19; Old Hepburn Hotel, Hepburn Springs – June 29; and The Loft, Warrnambool – July 6. You can check out a clip for the title track now. .........................................................................

The Smell of Escargo-go’s In times of wonderment, have you ever wondered what ‘France meets Australia meets France’ rock and roll style would sound like? Because I yell ya, if you haven’t then you haven’t lived. So, here is the deal: led by ‘Charly Cheese’, and backed by a bunch of members from some much-loved Melbourne bands, The Escargogo’s take French pop songs from the last 40 years and give them that rough ‘n’ tumble, sweaty pub rock style.

There are songs from familiar names such as Piaf, Brel and Gainsbourg, and hidden gems from the likes of Indochine, Noir Desir and Trust. It’s a little boozy. It’s a

little messy. It’s a little sweaty. But you will dance. The Bridge, Castlemaine – May 2. They will be joined by Blue Stratos: the true scent of a band. .........................................................................

Upstream with Kim Salmon Over 35 years ago a guy by the name of Kim Salmon formed the Cheap Nasties. What was so special about this band, who would later become The Manikins, is that it was Perth’s first punk band. It was also the first of many bands Salmon would ride throughout the years to come, arguably all of which would play an important role in the musical landscape, both locally and abroad.

Take The Scientists, for example. Throughout the ’80s, Salmon’s work with the band would influence the grunge movement. Later, his reputation paved the way for the instrumental group Salmon. Hell, it’s no easy feat securing the talents of Clare Moore, Michael Stranges, Dave Graney, Ash Naylor, Penny Ikinger, Matt Walker and Anton Ruddick. The Bridge, Castlemaine – May 4.

Dragon City Derby Dolls Triple Header Roller Derby Bout Dragon City Derby Dolls, Bendigo’s own Roller Derby league present a triple Header Roller Derby Bout on the 10th May 2014. Your chance to see three games of action packed Roller Derby for one low admission price.

Doors open at 1pm and the action kicks off at 1.30 with ‘The Witches of East Vic’ taking on Geelong Roller Derby.

Bendigo’s home team, the ‘Chiko Rollers’ coming off a 65 point win from their last bout against the Rosebud Rebels, take on North East Roller Derby (NERD) at 3.30pm The final bout see’s Ballarats ‘Rat Pack’ take on VRDLs ‘Gold Lions’ 5.30pm with the festivities wrapping up around 7.30pm.

This is the third Dragon City Derby Dolls event to be held at the Bendigo Stadium and we are really excited as the Bendigo Stadium is a fantastic facility and having the Stadium’s support is recognition that Roller Derby has arrived as a sport that has legitimate athletes who have trained hard to reach the representative level.

Tickets are free for children under 5 years, $5 for children 6-16 years and $15 for 17 years and over

When&Where: Bendigo Stadium, West Bendigo - Saturday 10 May and are available at the door on the day or online through the Dragon City Derby Dolls website (www. dragoncityderbydolls.com).

Doors will open to the public at 1pm. There will also be market stalls, food, bar, games, raffles and great entertainment at the game.

No BYO alcohol or chairs.

We hope to see you there supporting our very own Chiko Rollers!

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OLD HEPBURN HOTEL

TALK OF THE TOWN! One Night Stand Grows

The Return of Brant Bjork

The lovely folk at triple j have made One Night Stand a whole lot more fun by inviting another guest along for the evening. Hitting Mildura this month, locals WZRDKID will perform alongside Illy, Dan Sultan, The Jungle Giants, Violent Soho and RüFüS. The experimental hip hop duo, chosen from a pool of over 90 hopefuls, features the pairing of rapper/producer James Cook and producer/ instrumentalist Chase Williams. Here is what the triple j crew had to say: “Ultimately it was the futuristic hip hop of WZRDKID that stood out to us among the tough local competition. Being removed from the influences of major capital cities, the duo of Chase Williams and James Cook make music that sounds rather alien in comparison to a lot of Aussie hip hop.” The Nowingi Place, Hugh King Drive – May 17. Free entry.

We really must throw out a friendly reminder that Brant Bjork is set to hit Australia this month – his second visit to our shores this year. In the world of stoner rock, Bjork’s name is king. While still in high school, Bjork got together with mates Josh Homme and John Garcia to form a band called Katzenjammer. This band, of course, would later be renamed Kyuss. As a solo artist Bjork released his debut, Jalamanta, in 1999. Bjork got cosy with Australia at the beginning the year when he toured the Big Day Out with his flagship band Vista Chino, formerly Kyuss Lives! On his return he will be bringing his Low Desert Punks crew, an amazing team featuring Dave Dinsmore on bass, Bubba Dupree on guitar and Tont Tornay on drums. The Barwon Club, Geelong – May 30.

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More Fun in the Sun

236 MAIN ROAD HEPBURN SPRINGS 3461 03 5348 2207 drink@oldhepburnhotel.com.au www.oldhepburnhotel.com.au

Inspiration often hits while one is travelling, and such is the case for Jim Paterson. While backpacking in Australia in 1993 as part of a round the world trip, a light bulb moment occurred. “I was just visiting South Australia to visit a friend when I got invited to a recording studio to hear this band. I loved their sound so much that I eventually co-produced the album, married the lead singer and bought a house in Adelaide.” It was then we welcomed to the music world The BordererS. The Scottish/Irish/Australian band has since performed at festivals including Byron Bay Blues & Roots, Port Fairy, Edinburgh and WOMAD Festivals in Australia and the UK, as well as supported artists including Tom Jones, The Proclaimers and Shane McGowan. COPACC, Colac – May 17.

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National Celtic Festival

Scotty, We Need More Power!

The National Celtic Festival is the largest celebration of Celtic culture in the Southern Hemisphere, and it happens right here in Victoria. The line-up is already pouring in. International artists include Barrule (Isle of Man), The Druids (IRE), Heartstring Quartet (UK), Fèis Rois (Scotland), Mairead Hurley (IRE) and Fiona Ross (Scotland); local acts, meanwhile, include Sasta, The BordererS, Catherine Fraser & Duncan Smith, Tolka, Claymore, Melbourne Scottish Fiddle Club, Señor Cabrales, Shamrock Sheilas and Siobhan Owen.

Another feature of this year’s event is international collaborations fostered with Celtic cultural organisations globally. The NCF takes place at Port Arlington from June 6 through June 9. For all the information you need, head to nationalcelticfestival.com.

City of Greater Geelong Mayor Darryn Lyons says, “Change is happening rapidly across the Geelong municipality it’s happening at all levels of community, the economy and across the landscape. M~M is a response to this change, creating links across diverse communities.”

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Loathing the Creation If you have some sort of electronic device (or, you know, a pen and some paper) that allows you to record important information I suggest you take it out and take note of this as it isn’t happening for a little while but deserves recording.

America, Australia and New Zealand will come together in September for a massive heavy-hitting show at Geelong’s Barwon Club. Christened the Loathing the Creation tour, Abolishment of Flesh, Tortured, Carnal, Horrendous Disfigurement and Bane of Bedlam will perform. Ramon Cazares formed Abolishment of Flesh in 2008 out of West Texas. Despite several line-up changes, the band gigged hard and in 2011 secured a two-and-a-half week run with Insidious Decrepancy’s Shawn Whitaker. The following year saw the release of EP Decimation, a release which took the band to a new level. Last year saw the band release their second album, Creation to Extinction, and headline the Brutal Alliance tour for the second year running. Musically, the band is a blend of death/black metal and thrash. From the band’s Facebook: “The name Abolishment of Flesh is a concept of how we as humans are our own enemies and will be the eventual cause of our own demise.” The Barwon Club, Geelong – September 20.

Photo: National Wool Museum

Geelong After Dark … what lurks around the dark corners? Was it murder or accident? Merely a legend or do they really exist?

M~M2014 is a 24hr extreme arts walk, a biennial pilgrimage from mountain top to river mouth.

Following a ceremony at 2.30pm, the journey starts late afternoon on Friday 9th May at You Yangs Big Rock and finishes at dusk on Saturday 10th May at the mouth of the Barwon River.

Funds raised from M~M2014 will support the Karingal Foundation to present inclusive environmental projects along the M~M pathway.

You want more? You want MORE? Okey-dokey. Steve Thew has a couple of dates lined up at Saints and Sailors, Portarlington on May 5 and Port Pier Café, Portarlington on June 7. Anchor & the Butterfly do their fine thing at The Newmarket, Bendigo on May 10. The lovely Bliss N Eso hit the Ballarat Showgrounds on May 10 and the Bendigo Showgrounds on May 15. Harry Hookey tackles The Bridge, Castlemaine on June 6; Mollongghip Town Hall, Ballarat on June 7; and Hepburn Springs Hotel, Hepburn Springs on June 8 in support of his debut album, Misdiagnosed. My Echo hit The Loft, Warrnambool on May 9 in support of their new self-titled EP. The Gallant Trees will be joined by Josh Durno at Martians Café, Deans Marsh on May 3. Callum Darke takes in Babushka, Ballarat on May 2.

Okay, it’s here. The Groovin’ the Moo festival takes place this weekend, and while I don’t doubt that you have already made studious notes about the festival in order to make your day run as smoothly as possible, we at Forte are going to go ahead and give you a few tips anyway. Gates open at 10.30 a.m., with the first band set to hit the stage around 11.00 a.m. The last band will finish around 10.30 p.m. There are no pass outs. There is no BYO alcohol. You may, however, bring a sealed plastic bottle or empty plastic bottle to fill up at the provided water stations. You may also bring your own food. Small still cameras and mobile phones are okay; however, professional recording gear is a no-go zone. Cloakrooms and ATMs will be available on site. Have fun, kids.

geelong after dark

Mountain to Mouth (M~M2014) is a cultural beacon for the Geelong region. In these times of great change, M~M2014 is an innovative cultural event, gathering together people from all walks of life for a shared journey through the unique landscape of the Geelong region.

M~M2014 will also incorporate ‘Geelong After Dark’ – a vibrant city centre arts event on Friday 9th May from 6pm that will energise Geelong with spontaneous performances, music and art installations.

Beyond the BordererS

Another round of post-classic rock mayhem is on your way, with The Electric SunKings warming up their amps to make sure they hum just right. If you have read Forte before, you would have seen their name pop up here from time to time. That’s because they seem like cool cats. Last year, Forte’s Dan Lock gave the skinny on their live performance: “Their brilliant blend of psychedelic rock perfectly covered all ages with their new takes on old sounds. Being in the crowd, one would just have to bend their ear a bit to hear people comparing their tunes to Frank Zappa, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones ... the audience responded with loud applause, and many a fan was made that day.”

Eastern Station Ballarat – May 10 & The Barwon Club, Geelong – May 17.

mountain to mouth

M~M2014 invites people of all ages and abilities to register to walk one or more stages of an 80km pathway. The walk incorporates a program of music, visual arts, storytelling and sporting elements presented by local and guest artists under the artistic leadership of internationally renowned Meme McDonald, recent recipient of the Ros Bower Award.

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Groovin’ the Moo

6pm – 10pm, Friday 9 May 2014 Come to the National Wool Museum for a night of fantastical stories, gruesome and untimely endings, frightful circumstances and unexplainable occurrences.

When&WherE: Starts at You Yangs Big Rock Friday 9 May and finishes on Saturday 10 May at the mouth of the Barwon River M~M2014 is one of the most unique cultural events this city has seen.

Mayor Lyons says, “the M~M idea of establishing a local contemporary ‘songline’ has been nationally recognised for its originality. It’s an exciting addition to the city’s vibrant and ever-expanding cultural calendar.”

Cr Andy Richards, Portfolio Holder for Arts and Culture says, “M~M is based on a pilot journey in 2009, when water was taken from the mouth of the Barwon River and carried by community ambassadors to the top of the You Yangs. “M~M2014 returns the water to the ocean,” said Cr Richards.

“Since the pilot there has been broad community demand to bring the journey back as a recurring pilgrimage.”

Everyone is invited to take the challenge and discover the unique landscape and culture of the Geelong region. The walk is open to all, allowing participants to choose to walk either the full distance, or one or more stages. The walk can also be undertaken as a workplace relay.

Register today at www.geelongaustralia.com.au/mtom For schools, community groups and corporate involvement, go to the M~M2014 homepage or contact the Karingal Foundation by phone: 03 5249 8900/03 5249 6365 or email: carolinem@karingal.org or lindalf@ karingal.org.au

Join the team from Twisted History [Melbourne] as they share stories about the building and from around Geelong and guide you through the Museum by torchlight. We [the NWM] opened our collection and archive for them and they selected several objects never before on display and researched numerous stories all sure to send chills down your spine.

Is it coincidence the National Wool Museum, Australia’s home of wool heritage and Geelong’s museum, is on Moorabool Street? The very word ‘Moorabool’ means ghost. It is no surprise the Museum is haunted by a ghost.

“You don’t want to be there alone, at night, when it’s dark,” said one staff member who wishes to remain anonymous.

“It starts with a ‘feeling’ like … like you aren’t alone. Then a sound and suddenly you see a figure from the corner of your eye disappearing along the ramps.”

When&WherE: National Wool Museum, Geelong - 9 May The Museum’s ghost was unavailable for comment at press time, but the marketing department has purchased a Ouija board with hopes of offering interviews in the future.

Geelong After Dark at the National Wool Museum, Friday 9 May 2014 6pm – 10pm. Admission Free.

Stories and tours vary and are suitable for all ages and constitutions from the bravest adventurer to the meekest scaredy cats.

When&Where: The Barwon Club, Geelong – May 10 & The Karova, Ballarat – May 24. * Note: the band is also playing Melbourne’s Cherry Rock.

Drunk Mums written by Natalie Rogers

They’re the personification of punk rockers of the past: loud, raucous and rude, yet they possess a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ that we find irresistible. So it’s no great surprise the Drunk Mums have been touted as “one of the best bands coming out of Melbourne” by manager and Cherry Bar owner, James Young.

They haven’t always called Melbourne home – think somewhere much higher and hotter. Cairns, to be

exact. And coincidentally that’s where yours truly first encountered the guys on a balmy night six years ago.

“Oh, that must have been at that dive bar in town!” recalled Jake Doyle (guitar and vox) when I mentioned our meeting. “There was never anything going on in the back room so we used to take it over once a month. Wow! – that was years ago. We’ve been in Melbourne for four years now. There was never much going on for us in Cairns, still to this day I guess.”

Since their calculated move down south things have been rolling along nicely for the four friends, having released an EP (Eventual Ghost, 2011) and a selftitled album (2012) to favourable reviews. Now the stage is set for another round of drunken garage rock, with news that they’ve already recorded fourteen completely new tracks. “The album was recorded in two days about four months ago now, so we’ve just been waiting to hear it. It’s agony – we’re in limbo. We wanted to do it live – we just smashed everything out.

We over-dubbed the vocals but that’s it. We wanted to grasp the live element that you’d hear at our shows.

We didn’t want it to sound like a fake polished up thing … that isn’t us.”

The first single, ‘Plastic’, is out now, and Jake tells me they plan to release a couple more just as a tease. “I think we’ll release two more singles before we officially

drop the album, as a way of getting more people on board. I’m not 100 per cent sure but I’m hoping we’ll have the finished product in two months from now. Go ahead and pencil that in!” Jake laughed.

In the meantime, Drunk Mums are about to feel the wind in their mop tops as they embark on their furthest reaching tour to date that includes both Cherry Rock14 events in Melbourne and Sydney. “It’s probably the most organised tour that we’ve planned,” Jake admitted, “and the biggest. It’s also special because we’ll be playing at the last Cherry Rock in AC\DC Lane. It’s because of new apartments in the area and it’s already been confirmed that there’ll be no more due to noise restrictions. But that’s alright – our manager [Cherry Bar owner] is killing it. He just bought his third venue, so he’s laughing.

“We can’t wait to get out of Melbourne more. It’s safe to say we’ve clocked it and 90 per cent of our followers are there, more so than our home town. It’s getting ridiculous – we need to get out and play around the country. But don’t get me wrong, we love the crowds in Melbourne. People are dancing and having fun way more than they used to. I don’t back the idea that people in Melbourne are all pretentious, stand back, cross their arms and never f*ckin’ move at all.”

So when they roll into your town prepare to rock-out.

“Expect a powerhouse punk event!” smiled Jake. And to make it even more explosive: “All the support acts have been hand-picked by us. They’re bands that we want to play with and that we’re interested in. These shows will not be just thrown together like most gigs are these days, where the band has no input. So that’s what we’re looking forward to.”

Among the bands personally selected to come along for the ride are local types – The Kremlings, Rick Moranis Overdrive (one-half of Yacht Club DJs) and WOD (made up of two members of the Mums themselves). “We’re bringing the other guys from WOD along to play most dates, so that’s going to be a lot of fun.

“While we’re playing all these shows we’ll be saving our pennies to get overseas … if we can get our sh*t together … we’re the most unorganised band ever!”

Jake said jokingly. “We want to turn it into a reality and not just a dream – and the dream is to get to America

by September and to play around Australia more.

Let’s help Jake, Dean, Jonny and Adam live their dreams – get drunk on the Drunk Mums, the most fun you’ll have, minus the hangover ... Let’s be real, you’ll probably have a little one.

KEEP UP WITH ALL THE LATEST LOCAL MUSIC NEWS AT

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Record Store Day

(The) Basement Discs, Melbourne - 19th April 2014

written By Chris Lambie I don’t care much for the downloading of music. A mundane, solitary exercise far removed from the essence of the art. So call me a Luddite. (Seriously.

My home is actually off the grid.) What I do love and have loved for as long as I can remember - is any form of record store and I’m not the first to wax lyrical on the joys of the physical product be it wax, vinyl, compact disc or even cassette.

One of my first weekend jobs in retail was at a mixed business: toys, jewellery and records. Test driving Scalextric cars, modelling faux bling while listening to a rocking new release was about as good as a Saturday morning can get. My local ‘real’ record shop offered bargains by the bin-load for a suburban girl with ‘different’ taste. I snapped up more than one Loudon Wainwright III album at a reduced price in Box Hill where Smokey was more de rigueur than the folkie rebel with the funny name. (Loudon? Loudon? Who the…)

Decades later, a few purveyors of recorded sound served me well in regional Victoria. Favourites include ‘High On Music’ near Bendigo (preloved products) and ‘Burke’s Music’ in Castlemaine (now closed and sorely missed). Thankfully, a brief period bereft of such outlets is over in The ‘Maine; our friendly video store now boasts a growing stock of CDs, DVDs, vinyl, indie gems, instruments and associated paraphernalia. But I found myself in Melbourne’s CBD this Record Store Day. Breakfast in the Block Arcade led our party of two to the iconic Basement Discs. We were early, so the in-store entertainment was yet to strike a chord. However, platters of grapes, cheeses, crackers and Twisties were laid out around the cavern. Wine was chilling. Yet our eyes were on the prize. It

would be unthinkable to enter this hallowed space and leave empty-handed. Admittedly, I enjoyed the hunt as a solitary exercise. Searchers in close proximity could have been scanning covers of Backsliders or Beck for all I noticed. Eventually I found the perfect purchase - The Jimi Hendrix Experience Are You Experienced(?) Just $16 on CD. And yes, I planned to quickly transfer the tunes onto my portable pocket-sized player. Affordable ‘Manic Depression’ would once again be mine as my long-lost cassette copy was finally to be replaced.

(A DIY bootleg recording brought in Hong Kong by an aunt on special commission. Cost less than a dollar.) But then, a prolonged search behind the shop counter revealed a hitch. “Somebody must have sold the wrong disc in the wrong cover.” Huh? Out of the twelve bazillion recordings in this store, I picked the one they couldn’t provide! The fickle law of Murphy had struck. Consolation came when my companion handed me a shiny long player sealed in plastic. Lou Reed. Rock’n’Roll Animal. That helped. Something old-school and wonderful - and vinyl - to look forward to when we got home. It felt right.

Heavy metal/death metal vocalist & lyricist looking to join a band. Have original material ready to go. 0432959094

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Jazz & Funk. Please contact Matt on 0404 543 416 or email mattgroove@gmail.com Drummer Wanted for original punk rock band around Ballarat. Influences include NOFX, The Offspring, Millencolin and AC/DC. If you enjoy jumping around and making noise phone 0417566478

Lead Guitarist with Vocal Ability wanted for a 70’s/80’s Wanted expirenced Cover Band. Age: 30 -35++. must be reliable. drummer to start Gigs waiting. Contact a metal/death metal Phil: 0410465634 band. Must be or 0352758691 dedicated, be able to play double bass Guitarist & very well and be able Keyboard Player to perform original Wanted for pop/rock material. 0415676768 originals band. Looking for experienced Looking for musicians who can talented singers, also sing harmonies, male and female, are easygoing and who would like to reliable. Contact Phil collaborate and 0421 901 530 www. record on a project for zeffamusic.com submission to labels.

We are coming close 30ish year old to completion of the trumpet player, 31 track demo and are looking to form or looking for people who play in jazz group. can sing (all styles) to Ballarat area. Contact contribute to certain Mel 0435360076 tracks, please don’t 19yo Male singer hesitate to call for looking for funk/ more information. Call rock musicians: Matt on 0468632012 Want similar aged guys Drummer Available who like Led Zeppelin, - Geelong. 20 years Hendrix, Beatles, and + live experience to ANYTHING funky play in a working/ bass! i love ANY music near working band. I prior to 1950s all the have pro equipment way back to classical & transport. Can play and beyond! I also a range of styles play trumpet, Contact from Rock, Blues, Sam 0407347444

Keith MacQueen

written By Daniel Waight

written by Darlene Taylor

Geelong band Velvet Bow has just released their debut EP, Terracotta Tales. Formed by a group of students from Geelong College, the band features Ben Wade on vocals and guitar, Emma Hurley on vocals, guitar and synth, Peter Angliss on drums and the Surf Coast’s own Luke Wood on guitar and vocals.

Keith MacQueen has experienced striving for musical success that never came, a ten-year hiatus from music, a rekindling of his ardour, and now the transformation of his relatively old project, The Bridesmaid, into a three-piece trio that’s due to make its debut in Bendigo.

Born and bred in Aireys Inlet, Luke says Velvet Bow just happened one morning before school at the last minute. “We were actually filling in for a musical performance at a school assembly one week because we all did music as a subject,” he says. “They were missing an act one week so they sort of just asked us [and] so we got together that morning of the assembly and put something together … We got good feedback, so we just kept playing music together.”

“We put that up on the triple j page and got good feedback again,” he says. “So we decided to record a couple of other songs, so we’ve got six on the EP. We just got it printed a couple of weeks ago.

We did it with the same guy who did our single – he did a good job on that one. We did a lot of them live, which actually turned out really well and gave them a natural sort of feel. It was a good experience.”

Experienced 22 y/o singer, songwriter, guitarist looking for a drummer, bassist and lead guitarist to start up an original rock band based in Geelong.

Influences: QOTSA, Sublime & Dave Grohl. Contact Tom at: 0487067083

BENDIGO:

Velvet Bow

Terracotta Tales is the band’s second release, having released a single, ‘Hang Me Out to Dry’, which was recorded and produced by a school friend a few months ago.

SEND YOUR INFO TO: editorial@fortemag.com.au or p.o. box 1388, geelong 3220 or fax 5229 0318 INDIVIDUAL USE ONLY, NOT FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES.

Before leaving Basement Discs, I asked the vendor if they had, by chance, anything along the lines of a ‘Best of Gilbert & Sullivan’. “Was that Gilbert and Sullivan or Gilbert O’Sullivan?” he asked wideeyed. “Definitely and,” I stressed - as though that were the way more cool answer. (Eclectic, moi?)

Thank God for record stores where they understand the likes of me.

surf coast:

Since then, Velvet Bow has played at a number of events across the Geelong and Surf Coast regions. Luke says they’re still learning and figuring out what they want to do as musicians.

“We’re sort of still defining ourselves at the moment. We do a bit of everything.

I guess you could call it indie folk, but there’s definitely an essence of pop in it. We also play a bit of rocky stuff and a bit of acoustic stuff, depending on the gigs I guess.”

FREE CLASSIFIEDS

“Going way back, back in the early ’80s,” he says, “was when I first started doing original music. So in my very, very young days, like a lot of young people, I did the running around doing original music not getting anywhere (thing). Then I gave up music for a long time.”

Luke has been brought up in a very musical family. His father, Tim, part-owner of the Aireys Inlet Pub, has released albums in the past, while his younger brother, Sam, is also a very talented musician.

The three of them have a regular slot before the ‘special mystery guest’ at the annual Aireys Inlet Music Festival. He says it’s been great growing up in that sort of culture.

“It’s really helped. We’ve all played music since we were kids, and dad was a muso for a while. And it’s a really musical town as well so I’ve got to play music with lots of friends and grow up with it. The music festival’s great. You see a whole heap of different bands and play with heaps of different people and it’s really, really good fun.”

For the moment, Luke is taking a year off while he travels and works before heading to Uni next year to study Arts/Law. He hopes to possibly get into the music industry through the legal side of things.

As for when the band will receive their first ARIA Award…“A couple of weeks,” he jokes.

Velvet Bow will be supporting The Kilniks at the Evelyn Hotel in Fitzroy on May 5, which will double as an unofficial launch of Terracotta Tales. To purchase the EP, look them up on their Facebook page – facebook.com/velvetbowmusic.

When&WherE: Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy – May 5

With years past since his days of seeking acclaim to no avail and his break from music, MacQueen reflects with what seems to be at some regret at his choice not to pursue what he loved doing for a time. “Perhaps I hid my passion for a while and I realised, ‘don’t do that’; I mean, passion is what everyone’s about,” he says.

MacQueen has developed something of a profile in the local music scene due to his membership in The John Grossman Project, a cover band with its tongue considerably in its cheek and setlists that feature songs by the likes of AC/DC and ABBA. In contrast, The Bridesmaid, as evidenced by songs on its eponymous CD such as ‘Strawberry Blonde’, has more of an ’80s independent pop feel than a hard rock or cutesy supergroup sensibility (for example, this listener swears she hears hints of The Smiths).

Indicating the long path to The

Bridesmaid’s present incarnation, MacQueen came up with the concept in 2009, released that CD in 2010, played songs from the CD and also other unrecorded tracks solo at a gig late last year, and spent the last six months or so completing a line-up that now features himself on vocals and guitar, Jim Marshall on bass and Albert “Skip” Skipper on drums.

For MacQueen, whose lyrics are largely about disintegrating relationships, a commitment to connecting with suitable musical companions was somewhat the reason for taking his time to get The Bridesmaid to where it’s at. “It’s been something that’s been on my mind for years”, he says, “but it was a case of finding the right people to gel with.

“It’s good having the other guys to bounce off, but good that they’re sympathetic to the songs,” he adds.

The singer-songwriter offers a notably different voice as the frontman of The Bridesmaid than he does as The John Grossman Project’s chief vocalist: the approach for the latter venture’s full of cover band bravado, while the former has a gentleness that lends sweetness to songs that are bittersweet. Nevertheless, MacQueen says that the ensemble live will be “punchier” than the CD. Unsurprisingly for someone who’s capable of disparate singing styles, MacQueen supports the idea of an inclusive and diverse music community. “I’m one who believes that there’s a place for every kind of band within a scene,” he says. “I think it’s important that a healthy scene has a good range of bands … for all people to catch,” he adds. Perhaps partly because of this he’s got no intention of leaving the group that’s helped him build a presence in this town.

The Bridesmaid’s first gig as a trio will take place on Friday, May 30 at the Golden Vine Hotel.

FORTEMAG.COM.AU

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Jape Squad written by zach broadhurst

If you’re someone who loves to stand in the audience and feel like part of the show, if you love a band to challenge you to move and dance, then it’s time you got along to a Jape Squad show.

“I always like to get in the audience’s face a little bit, try and drag them into the joy and the energy which is present in all Jape Squad shows,” says Woody, Jape Squad’s lead vocalist. “With Jape Squad we really like to take the audience on the musical ride. We have all been playing music for a long time and nothing gives us more pleasure than the enjoyment of listening to music and playing music, and because we enjoy it so much we like to take the audience on that ride.

“So audience members can expect some interaction, they can expect some pretty punchy rock and roll tunes that will make them want to get up and dance, and they can expect a pretty awesome display of fine musicianship.”

Jape Squad will go to the extremes to make sure that their audiences are enjoying themselves, so much so that Woody has a tendency to join the audience and personally make sure everyone is having a good time.

“Those guys are kind of stuck on stage and I’m not,” Woody says of the rest of Jape Squad. “It’s all about making sure that the audience is feeling what we are feeling; that they are part of what we are doing and that everyone’s along for a party.”

Jape Squad have been engaging audiences for more than a decade now, with each passing year growing tighter and playing smarter.

When&Where: The Bridge, Castlemaine – May 3 & Cherry Bar, Melbourne – May 11 “I think we have just gotten better at knowing what our strengths are ... The thing we have learnt, even in the last few years of playing together, is knowing exactly what the strengths of each individual Jape Squad member are and how to best play to them.” And it’s this knowledge of each other’s playing ability that allows for spontaneity and improvisation at all Jape Squad shows, building their reputation as a band whose shows are always unique.

“I think Jape Squad now has a certain brand, it has a certain following or a certain renowned amongst the music community, and people know when it comes to a Jape Squad show that they are always going to see something different and they are always going to see something of quality,” says Woody.

“Jape Squad shows are never the same; we don’t know what we are going to do from one show to the next. We’ve got a setlist like any band, but within those

songs there is a lot of room to move and to improvise and to feel out the music the way we are feeling it at that time. We would have gotten bored a long time ago if we didn’t allow ourselves that freedom to experiment and express what we are feeling in the moment.

“Jape Squad gigs are just like a party. You can do a certain amount of planning and you can do a certain amount of organisation but at the end of the day the beauty in it is the randomness.”

Robyn Hitchcock written by Tex Miller

Robyn Hitchcock is on a bus, riding around the inner streets of Sydney, when I finally get on to him to chat about his upcoming couple of months of touring around Australia. With a couple of special anniversaries celebrated throughout his solo show, Robyn is also teaming up with Steve Kilbey, frontman for seminal ’80s Oz rockers The Church, for a couple of shows. Having never met Steve before, Hitchcock is excited about the somewhat spontaneous nature of these shows.

For those old enough to remember, Hitchcock was the lead singer for ’70s UK pop/punk/rock band The Soft Boys; for those younger Forte readers, The Soft Boys discography is available digitally through iTunes and Spotify.

“To be back in Australia once again is lovely. It’s a long way from Europe and the US, and so therefore, I don’t come here as often as I would like to. Throughout the next few months I have multiple visits to Melbourne coming up.”

Following the dissolution of The Soft Boys in 1980, Hitchcock set to work on recording some solo material which saw the birth of the 1984 classic, I Often Dream of Trains. Celebrating playing the album in full on the 30th anniversary, Hitchcock was quick to note to it was an album that he never envisaged playing live.

“It was one of those records that I was thought would just be a studio release. I wasn’t playing any live gigs around the time I wrote and recorded it and was primarily just writing songs for my friend, ‘Captain Sensible’ [Raymond Ian Burns]. I shacked up in the English countryside and let everything slip past me. It was a very dead place and it was a time when I was trying to avoid everything.

“At that time I never thought I would visit Australia, and yet here I am thirty years later celebrating the anniversary. It wasn’t a popular record by any means, but it has been an enduring one.”

In addition to the Insects and Stars tour with Steve Kilbey and the ‘I Often Dream of Trains’ shows, Hitchcock will be celebrating Bob Dylan’s 73rd birthday with a tribute show in the middle of May. Talking about the influence of Dylan on modern music and 21st century life, Hitchcock relates that his favourite Dylan track is ‘Visions of Johanna’, off Blonde on Blonde.

“Dylan has influenced a lot of musicians over the years and it is an important thing to celebrate his birthday. Since I was 13 years old, I have always loved Visions of Johanna.

For me, it is the template of songwriting, and I will definitely be playing that at these shows. I think that Dylan is an incredible storyteller and someone that will be talked about long after he is gone.”

Together with Kilbey, the Insects and Stars tour is set to roll into the Arts Centre on the 3rd of May for one unforgettable night. Playing a couple of solo sets as well as combining for a few tracks here or there, you can expect to hear many classic songs throughout the evening. Having released many albums over the years in different projects, Hitchcock believes that he has avoided success and failure.

“What I have been successful in is playing music and writing the songs that I want to write. I also haven’t had to package fish fingers for a living either, which is quite a relief. “

When&Where: Playhouse @ Melbourne Arts Centre – May 3

Jack’s Bacharach written b Daniel Waight

Hunters & Collectors trumpeter Jack Howard is bringing his band, The Ambassadors of Love, to the Anglesea Golf Club on May 24. The performance, part of the venue’s Roo Twilights music series, is a tribute to the songs of songwriting legends Burt Bacharach and Hal David. According to Jack, the Ambassadors of Love arose out of what was intended to be a one-off gig at a St Kilda record shop.

“The little record store in St Kilda, Pure Pop, suggested to a whole pile of artists to choose a classic album that you played from start to finish,” he says. “I kind of ummed and ahhed what I might do – people were doing Rolling Stones, Beatles, all sorts of stuff. And there was this one record of Bacharach’s that was more of an instrumental and kind of arranged record, which was always right up my alley and I loved the arrangements on it. So I kind of replicated those arrangements for the line-up that we had.”

The album was 1967’s Reach Out, which features iconic Bacharach songs such as ‘Alfie’, ‘The Look of Love’ and ‘What the World Needs Now is Love’. Jack says he’s always been a Bacharach and David fan and felt that the performance was successful enough to repeat elsewhere.

“We did that show a couple of years ago, which went fantastically, and immediately thought we could be doing some more shows with this because they’re such great songs and it’s such a terrific band,” he says.

The band features Jon Berto on guitar, Rob Walker on bass, Greg Murray on drums, Amy Valent Curtis on

24

FORTEMAG.COM.AU

percussion and Heather and Marj Michael on vocals, while Jack himself plays trumpet and sings. They will open the show with a half-hour set of Jack’s original songs, including some from his recently released album, Day of the Dog. Jack is most famous as a member of Aussie rock icons Hunters & Collectors during the 1980s and ’90s. They recently reformed for a national tour, which included a performance at last year’s AFL Grand Final and being the support act for Bruce Springsteen at AAMI Park.

“It was a hoot,” Jack says. “We hadn’t really toured for a long time. I think maybe because everyone’s grown up and been out in the world doing their own thing everyone’s a lot more well-adjusted. And we got on like a house on fire … we were playing better than ever, I thought.”

Having the opportunity to support Springsteen in front of more than 30,000 people was a particular highlight for the self-proclaimed “massive Springsteen fan”.

“I saw him back in ’85 at the Showgrounds and I was the first in the queue to actually line up and see him,” he says. “I’ve always loved him, so to get the opportunity to support him twice was just huge for me and huge for the band. It was a great experience.”

Apart from Hunters and The Ambassadors, Jack has certainly been keeping musically active. He has released a number of solo albums, as well as playing with artists like The Violent Femmes and The Break.

He also has a full-time teaching job at Wesley College.

“Between all of those things I’ve been managing to keep busy,” he laughs.

When&Where: Anglesea Golf Club, Anglesea – May 24

written WRITTEN by BY chris CHRIS cruz CRUZ

Hi ya, ya, kids! kids!Ready Is it that time again already?

Damn!

Hi to have your minds warped withOkay, a little let’s do this... punk rock?

You’d better be, if you’re reading this!

The (a rad festival held I feelFest kinda badpunk/indie/alternative about going on and rock on and on about in Florida, that goes for three days each so allGainesville, these rad music festivals happening overseas, Halloween) haslet announced 2014 one line-up, and it’s I’m just gonna y’all knowitsabout more exciting a doozy! The Descendents willtopic headline, alongside prospect before retiring the for a little bit. The 9th Hot Water Music (who willFest be celebrating theirplace 20-year annual Amnesia Rock will be taking this anniversary as ainband!), New Jersey melodic June (20-21st) Montebello, Canada, and punk has a lineheroes Lifetime, Over It, Masked Intruder (who have a up that is nothing short of jaw dropping: Motley Crue, new album on the way!), LessLagwagon, Than Jake, Cypress Kepi Ghoulie NOFX, Megadeth, Weezer, Hill, (of the Groovie Ghoulies), Menzingers, Danzig, Anti-Flag, Dead The Kennedys, HenryMixtapes, Rollins (not Cheap Girls, Canadians The Flatliners and Chixdiggit, sure, however, if it’s spoken word, deejaying, or a live plus Strike Anywhere and an unprecedented Aussie band at this stage), Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, contingent, with no less than three Melbourne bands Reel Big Fish, Blink-182, Cannibal Corpse, MxPx, being confirmed to be taking part: The Bennies, Anchors Alice in Chains, Suicidal Tendencies, Mists, New and The Smith Street Band. Crazy!

Found Glory, GOB, H2O, Fear, Bigwig, No Use for a Devo have announced a US tour for this summer, their Name, Black Flag, Venom, 88 Fingers Louie, Strife, first the untimely death of guitarist Joanouting Jett, since Mastodon and many, many more. Bob Crazy, Casale.

The Hardcore Devo setlist will on the right? Right!

And more thantour anything, I’mfocus digging the band’s material. metalcore, indie pop-rock and lack of earliest emo, screamo, Rumours surrounding Soundwave 2015 are already tweenwave bands that seem to litter OTHER festival swirling, line-ups.with Disturbed, Dream Theater, Social Distortion, Melbourne punk institutions Strawberry Fist Cake and K-Mart Warriors have a joint album launch coming

Papa Lacuna and Marilyn Manson up at Roach, the Hi-Fi Bar inCoil Melbourne on Friday, mentioned as possibilities.

May 23. Woot!

Sexy times afoot! Supports expected torock/pop/alternative/grunge be announced any time now...

Melbourne rockers Kill TV have served up an impressive debut 20 years after the death of frontman Kurt single in ‘Never Gonna Change’. It has a Cobain, Nirvana will be inducted into the Rock distinctly ’90s flavour, and I mean that in the best and Roll Hall of Fame this year, alongside KISS possible way. It brings to mind bands like Magic and Hall & Oats. Krist Novoselic has let slip Dirt (especially with the strong Australian accent online that he’sand been upPretty on hisessential bass on the vocals) Thebrushing Breeders. parts, leading many believe that SOME listening – go see ’emtolive, too. Local originalsort of live performance is forthcoming.

Hmmm... bands just aren’t getting the support they need these daysof toKISS, keep going.

Speaking I’m kinda surprised they’re

There’s now a petition Facebook

by Australian nally getting a look inonafter being ignored all fans to tour. frontman Not exactly thesedesperate years, tofor theRancid point where Paul sure whyhas theyopenly won’t tour here –the surely it’s not Stanley criticised committee still whole Brody thing?

Seriously, get andthe called them outDalle about it. Interesting! over it. Andnow stopthat keeping the whole dangwhat country Ironically, the band is getting it accountable. wants, they’ve declined the chance to perform at the ceremony because theyatcan’t So Nirvana DID end up playing theirdecide Hall which current andAND former bandanmembers of Fame induction, played invitationdeserve asatGene and only showtototake 300 part, guests a clubSimmons afterwards.

Paul Stanley refuse to share a stage with Ace Amongst the guest vocalists chosen to take part – Joan andCriss Lorde.

Interesting to see if Frehley andJett Peter ever again. Seriously? anything of it,all even if only a DVD of the It’s Gunscomes N’ Roses over again.

Personally, show...

I’d love to see Vinnie Vincent make a return to the line-up!

Okay, we all know that there are some ridiculous band names out there (probably because I keep We’re creeping closer and closer to the pointing them out!) but I just came across another Melbourne leg of Hits & Pits, which is now stupid one that I just couldn’t keep to myself. Are sold out. Face to Face, Unwritten Law, The you ready? Get this: EMPIRE! EMPIRE! I WAS Casualties, Masked Seriously?!

Intruder and more!

A LONELY ESTATE. That is all one name. does it even mean?! FML. So, lastWhat week local lads Culzean opened for And on Mastin that extremely lame note, I’m OUTTA Reece at Market Square and, in my HERE forwere another See ya,go, kiddies! opinion, wayissue. better!

You Culzean!

Killer EP, too!

Until next time, kids, stay cool.

Le Monde Entier - T r Ra Av Ve El L Co Ol Lu Um Mn N - written WRITTEN by

BY Madelin MADELIN Baldwin BALDWIN

We finished last week on San Francisco. To head San Francisco down to Las Vegas it’s a 4-5 hour drive down Route Theor City

By Theone-hour Bay, andflight. a lovely bay itis is.aSan 66, a quick Vegas weirdly Francisco isplace: a fascinating numerous landmarks wonderful where city, elsewith in the world can and things do that characterise it and make it one you find a to host of casinos and all of the glitz andof the main places to see in California, if not glamour that Las Vegas has to offer, inthe theStates. middle of thelucky desert?!

Only one-hour thehere airport I was enough to astart my USAflight, roadtrip a is close to the main strip, so a cab shouldn’t cost more few years ago.

From Melbourne there are a number of than a tenner. airlines that will y you the 14 off hour journey, and the luckyStrip’ thingisabout yingstreet to America you arrive onthe the ‘The the main of LasisVegas, where same day you left!casinos Unluckily time curses biggest and best lie.the Many ofdifference them are themed, you New with aYork-New 2 day journey home, here like York with its but verythats ownneither impressions northe there. of Empire State Building and the NYC skyline, or The Carlo,interesting a take onthing the Monte on the One Monte of the most about Carlo San Fran is French complete marble blinding AlcatrazRiviera, Island. It’s an old with prison island,floors only and a short ferry chandeliers, right down to the Venetian which forms Par ride from Fishermans Wharf, and was literally functioning Tòt, the largest 5 diamond hotel and resort complex right up until 1963! Once you get over there, you pay in the world. for an audio tour. Nothing makes walking around an

Accommodation (apart from peak/high season) is ex prison island, that walking around it with a bunch generally thantalking, the rest of following the States, as they of people cheaper who are not and directions want to lure you through in and spend all of your pennies in the and information their ear phones!

I think all the casinos!

Most offollow the hotels have route their own casino, different languages a different as well, so and if you is are bettingabout, in anyreminiscent way, shapeoforghosts, form, your everyone walking staring drinks are free.

FREE! a 25c slot machine into empty cellsYep that –once heldI used federal prisoners.

It shut for a few hours andthe had endless piña There down largely after extreme cost to coladas! keep it running are loads of placesontothe stay in Vegas, but the strip is the as was reopened main land, whilst obviously still best as open everything within staying theseisdays forwalking tourism.distance, and the best 4-5* hotels are found here. There are also loads of There are 2 main areas to stay if you’re after accessibility, clubs to go to at night, as you’ll find when you walk along safety and fun. Union Square is, in true San Fran form, the strip during the day and the club promoters hand all about hills that clubs, restaurants and huge you coupons, freehold entries andbars, drinks tickets and cards department stores like If you head here in Winter, featuring naked girls …Macys. go figure. you’ll also be treated to a huge ice rink! Fishermans Las Vegas alsoahas of the alargest shopping malls Wharf is either nicesome long stroll, quick cab or tram ride in States, another way to spend allyou’ll of your money away, andagain as mentioned before is where nd the down in Nevada!

They also have loads of of seafood coupon ferries.here There are also an amazing collection books (you know Americans big on coupons). restaurants, wherethe you can enjoyare a cocktail or two and Some casinos, like theover MGM, their own shopping some local foods right thehave water.

Somewhere to mall the complex, you don’t haveespecially to travel far back steerinclear of though so is Market Street, at night. to your room!

Although not, in my experience, dangerous, it is lled with homeless and lingerers.

Due to the year round Vegas haspeople year-round shows that shouldn’t be missed either.

Cirque du Soleil is the popular.

Originally sunny and vibrant weather in most San Fran, sadly homeless

BLUES NEWS Presented by The THE Sleepy SLEEPY Hollow HOLLOW Blues BLUES Club CLUB written WRITTEN by

BY John JOHN (Dr (DR John) JOHN) Lamp LAMP

Kick theto Jams Start as Out you mean continue

It’s one thing to select a pizza off the menu, I often getyou’re askedathow to get started in you but when home or with friends, music.

I almost think that if youexactly have towhat ask,you can select and mix and match then you won’t make it. That sounds pretty all like.

Machiavellian, but really being a musician is OK, that’s a weird way to start a music moresooften “must” than “want”. column, but what I want to talk about this time is “jamming”.

Many people seen the term, Four years ago I was at thehave Anglesea Music but don’t really think Festival, on theknow prowlwhat with it’s my about, trusty or recorder, it’s just for out musicians which isOne definitely searching people only, to interview. of wrong.

Jamming is nothing more or less than the people I spotted was Jessey Jackson. musicians playing together.

She came getting across together as young,and self-assured This could mean playing – those and exuberant – just the standards sort of person for songs which are known byItall – or an interview, andwell so she was. was a they good could be experimenting with some of interview; she happily talked aboutnew her ways music, approaching playing. musicians in her ambitions, the lifeEqually, she sawthe ahead. a jam could be well known to each other, or they Now never none of thatset seemed at each all unusual, but may have eyes on other. The whatthing I didn’t know that this is was only one they havewas in common thenot music. the first time she’d played a festival, it was Now, this might sound a bit “hit and miss” in pretty much her first major gig. The question is: terms of what the audience might get out of it, how is someone that self-assured so early in and it is to a large degree, but sometimes, fairly her career? often, you will get a slate of musicians or a set of songshas thatbeen takeplaying you to aaswhole new place.

Jessey long as she can I have even been to gigsmusic were the jam as is better remember, and writing almost long. than headliners, though won’tneck, actually Fromthe a single Yamaha with awe bowed she mention now has that. an embarrassing number of guitars and switches from place one tointhe in her Jams tend to take folkother music, jazzgigs. and blues. You could almost say that folk music Since thatjams meeting in 2010, she has also is largely and solos.

The idea developed anbands interest in recording and mixing, of folk music is relatively and is now that art. recent.

Jazzstudying is well known forShe has put out some and self-recorded EPs, but recently released jams, the Chicago scene had a full album.

As if occurred to emphasise many jams which whenthat she does things the hard way, she funded the recording musicians got together after gigs. and producing through and had Interestingly these jamscrowdsourcing, often well and truly Blues enough fans is to well reach the target. played blues! music known for jams.

Here Victoria, Last weekend was theinlaunch of her CD at Sea the Melbourne Blues Eyes in Anglesea, theAppreciation very venue where she Society has a weekly jam session was making her debut when I first met her. That at theshe Royal and the night hadStandard, an artist supporting her, but a Sleepy Hollow Club runs few weeks ago Blues she was supporting the James a jam before its headliners each Reyne Trio. That’s doing it the hard way. There month. is no X Factor here, just hard work with family

compatible people for more long-term events.

Many bands have started out from jamming.

A few years ago, Sleepy Hollow had a float at Pako Festa, and after the parade the players jamming on the trailer of the float were asked to play a gig. Of course they said yes, and that’s how the band “Trailer Trash” was born.

When a club has regular jams that people know about, often you’ll get professional musicians drop in and play as well. Over the years I have seen Jeff Lang, Stevie Paige and people from Dreamboogie drop in at Sleepy Hollow unannounced. Players dropping in from other blues clubs is also quite well known.

So what’s in it for the audience? Over the duration of a jam, you have a continually changing line-up of players – at Sleepy Hollow each line-up can only play three items. The line-ups will be of varying quality, but you are pretty much guaranteed that at least one of them will make you sit up and listen – probably more than one. will not her last.

She willnew succeed, because For the be players, especially players, time to she doesn’t is an alternative. stretch your see legsthat andthere your musical abilities, and have a great time, expand your repertoire, and I have enjoyed watching Jessey over the years; make some new contacts which can help you I was one of the crowd funders, and it was great along in your musical life. to hear her last weekend. She is maturing into a It’s the mixstyle and match pizzas which are richalways and personal and has a future in the the best! business.

But this is not to put off aspiring musicians, even if it is an accurate retelling of the start of a career. Even so, for every amazing, successful gig or career, there are many more that don’t go as you expect. You won’t make it by sitting at home waiting for the phone to ring. You have to get out there, accept that this is going to take some time, that there will be setbacks, but that the journey is well worth it.

Get involved in the music scene that speaks to you. There are open mic nights, there are music clubs, and these can be more supportive.

The Geelong Folk Club has regular events; The Sleepy Hollow Blues Club has monthly jams – a great place to get started with other musicians, and to hear what they think of you.

and friends supportinguseful you and Jams are particularly for waiting for the day. musicians. It’s a way to test new yourself against others and to find Jessey will go on, and her new CD, Deliver Me, Make Jessey your hero!

people ock here to escape a cold night.

Driving over the Golden Gate Bridge is an experience a performing group fromother Canada, they have intouring itself, but once you’re on the side there is so set shows set hotels every night of the week much to do!atTheres a little town on the other sideand named the performances arecoffee a mixture all the Sausalito, where the cupsofascircus big asacts yourfrom head, around thea world.

Heightcoastal and death-defying, town has lovely chilled feel, and youwhat can was see supposed be a one-year project is now a reason the big citytothrough the fog on the other side! people will flock to the casinos in awe. I saw ‘Ka’ at the The Muir Woods are an awesome national visit.

MGM, which shows a story of a young manpark andto woman, For people 16not and over, entrance feebut is $7USD. and features only acrobatic acts, mixes ofThe martial treesand trunks are rounder people standing back arts puppetry and is than said 15 to be ‘the most lavish’ to back, and probably that upwards! performance out there.higher Makethan suredouble you check it out!

They cover the ground and you can hike up through Another amazing sitenon is the GranditsCanyon.

Actually them, though for the athletes not too exhausting situated theheaps State of easily accessible and thereinare of Arizona, routes toit’s follow! in a variety of ways from Vegas. You can hire a car Afterdrive all ofthe this,4.5 your trip in Sanon Fran cannot nished and hours, jump a bus tour,be or take a without heading to personal the Napachoice Valley is forthe some helicopter trip! My bus.excellent For around local wines!

Youperson, can organise transfers andhotel dayspick tripsup $100$130 per you can have the with drop local off, companies will take dropalong you and be takenwho to some coolyou littleand towns backway, in the city.isWe were luckily enough visit the lunch included, and you get totogo to about three 4-5 wineries and of the wines, beers and snacks different areas of try theall Canyon! along the way. My favourite (and I so apologies, I can’t The helicopter is for those more time poor. Picked up remember the name!), served a small tray of red wine, in and dropped off near the strip, you fly to the Canyon, chocolate shot glasses - Amazing! stand in one area around half an hour, have a token glass of champagne, and flythrough back! The will take a After you’ve eaten your way thebus seafood delights, whole dayyourself out of your Vegas trip, whereas could shopped silly and experienced a bityou of city meets almost the helicopter donedrive by lunchtime, so at country,have you can hire a car and the coastline to least LA, you havetothe or head thechoice! oh so excellent Las Vegas!

TOO HEAVY TO HUG WRITTEN BY PAUL S TAYLOR

Welcome premier source of all WelcometotoTHTH, THTH,Forte’s Forte’s premier source of things heavy, hard,hard, fast and all things heavy, fastmetal. and metal.

It appearswith a conclusion has reached in Keeping the theme ofbeen modern music metal’s mundane, bitter,less childish spats industrymost case studies and with legal metal, for no reallyanyway, gives a shit about: thethe oneWu-Tang that owns thisone edition news is that the Queensrÿche moniker.

Clan is set to release their new album, The Wu – Once Upon Time inthis Shaolin soon.

What’s THTH has beenafollowing saga for the years fascinating this release that itsohas spanned. about We here at album THTH are superistired, Wu-Tang going to make solitary so for one are last only time let’s recap: Geoffa Tate, original copy of for thethe album. vocalist band, was fired in 2012 after 30 years of fronting group.

Apparently, The idea behindthe it –prog which is part fascinating, Geoff’s wife and prior tono theone firing, part genius, andband partmanager I can’t believe Susan Tate, was a bitbefore of a bitch her alleged has thought of this – iswith for the album questionable practices and similarities to to follow the business same path as a painting or Yoko Ono. Geoff Susan filed lawsuit in 2012 sculpture.

It’ll beand released and a then exhibited, asking the rights name Queensrÿche. where for punters can to gothe and listen to the album The members of Queensrÿche in anremaining exhibition-type setting.

Now, I know – Michael Wilton,surely Eddie someone Jackson and you’re thinking willScott just record Rockenfield a counter lawsuit against Geoff it as it plays–infiled some art gallery then chuck it and Susan, accusing Geoff of violent behaviour up on The Pirate Bay. Measures are currently and creative obstruction. being considered to reduce this particular risk. So, the album has Geoff completed its Since the once filing of the law suits, Tate and tour it’ll be auctioned offhetocould the highest bidder. whatever session musos find released Numbers from millionand to five million have an album to poorone reception played shows beena thrown as price the final with bargain around basement tag, auction while thefigure and at the moment legalities surrounding Queensrÿche consisting of Wilton, Jackson copy rights and ownership rights worked and Rockenfield charged moreare for being the shows through in preparation for the purchaser. they played and their album release

Queensrÿche Tate has Ireceived there be beanalbum bagswithout and couches? like to a good and it’ll be expect think reception they’d try–to make thehard art to space, orevery the other receive suchyou a good club, album into a they giantrelease loungetoroom where can reception while itlistening still sounds likealbum an album from feel like you’re to an for the the spat also means thathome a lot of webfirst’80s. timeThis in the comfort of your with based music media bigtoo, issue to put your buddies; and won’t they’dhave wanta to, because under microscope. importantly, there’sthe a cover chargeMost to even get intowhat the this means to everyone exhibition space. concerned is an end to the mess that have is thissaid Queensrÿche feud, in that Wu-Tang this whole ideaand isn’t about there arebut a few lessons we can learn. Like, money about integrity andallbringing their don’t start a band with Geoff Tate, bands whose music closer to fine art, but if they do this right members wivesmight who want to manage or be and pull ithave off, they just change music a part of the band in anyWhile capacity never a good consumption forever. the is similarities idea and, lastly, and more of a between fine art or this highis culture, if prediction you will, and than lesson, but now that is resolved I think somea genres of music hasthis been discussed the whole “whose side for aredecades, you on” flavour of this on academic papers Wu-Tang will be attract well worn out, which the lure of might a whole newmeans curious audience Queensrÿche run out. based solely has on their album release. Heck, the In other news…even grabbed the attention of announcement Forbes Story of Magazine the Year willeditors. be at 170 Russell on Sunday, June 29. news…

In other

Body release their new Russell album, on StoryCount of thewill Year will be at 170 Manslaughter, later this year.

Sunday, June 29.

If you local metal bands, you have haveany anynews newsabout about local metal bands, shows know by by emailing to shows or oralbums, albums,letletTHTH THTH know emailing tooheavytohug@hotmail.com or getoringet touch via to tooheavytohug@hotmail.com in touch Twitter at @TooHeavyToHug via Twitter at @TooHeavyToHug

received better reception.

In an agea where music is consumed without the appreciation it once was, Only recently, changes to web pages wherebeen for the masses music is no have made and Geoff Tate’s more than a filler time between states: “Geoff Tate: of The Voice of trains and attention spansathat Queensrÿche” and features link can’t to handle one whole album, Wu-Tang “Queensrÿche without Geoff Tate”, are single-handedly flipping music which directs to Queensrycheofficial. consumption on its head. com.

The the serious At theserious time of question writing thisforthere’s music listener, whoout might enjoy no official statement there, but a drink with their album or the TV one can only imagine what it’ll say. on mute let’s as they try to“Geoff sync Tate, the the Actually, imagine: album with movie, how an ultimate ’80sacry baby,iswill be will crying exhibition-type setting gowhich down? a river after the settlement hasI don’tbeen wantfinalised.” to generalise, but don’t now all rap fans smoke blunts? Can you What does this in drawn outexhibition? spat smoke blunts an art really to anyone?

Well, Wheremean will people sit for thepretty duration much nothing.

Sure, the newest of the 31-track double album? Will

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arts news from around town – and beyond!

GOLDEN PLAINS HERITAGE TRAIL

ANNIE Presented by Geelong Lyric Theatre Society Directed by Bryce Baumgarten Annie is a Broadway musical based upon the popular Harold Gray comic strip Little Orphan Annie, with music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin, and the book by Thomas Meehan. The original Broadway production opened in 1977 and ran for nearly six years, setting many records and winning the Tony Award for Best Musical in 1977. The musical’s songs “Tomorrow” and “Hard-Knock Life” are among its most popular musical numbers.

Set in 1930s New York, Annie is the story of a loveable young orphan, Annie, jointly played by Tayla Gartner and Delia McBurney, who tries to combat the hardhearted orphanage matron, Miss Hannigan, played by Davina Smith Crowley, and escape the oppressive orphanage in search of her parents who had promised to return to collect her one day. Other featured cast members include Andrew Lorenzo as Daddy Warbucks, Tony Wasley as Rooster and Howard Dandy as President Roosevelt, supported by a talented ensemble of local performers to bring this award-winning musical to the local stage once again.

WHERE: GPAC. 50 Little Malop Street, Geelong.

WHEN: 2-10 May. INFO: www.gpac.org.au TIX: 5225 1200

Discover hidden gems with guided historic walks and rare photographic and memorabilia displays throughout the Shire.

Townships involved are: Linton, Smythesdale, Steiglitz, Meredith, Lethbridge and Inverleigh.

WHERE: Various venues around Golden Plains Shire.

WHEN: Saturday 17 May. 10am-3pm INFO: www.visitgoldenplains.com.au

CREATIVE DESIGN MARKETS At Art@ wintergarden Expressions Of Interest From Stall Holders We are seeking stall holders for our Creative Design Markets. The dates are - Sunday 18 May, Sunday 17 August, Sunday 23 November; 10am - 4pm. As normal the card tables are $50 with the larger table being $70. Handmade items only. Undercover and free parking.

WHERE: Wintergarden. 51 McKillop Street, Geelong.

WHEN: Market dates are Sunday 18 May, Sunday 17 August, Sunday 23 November; 10am-4pm.

INFO: jillart@optusnet.com.au

Jeff Raglus When you have such a passionate thirst for both music and art, time management can become an issue. However, Jeff Raglus makes it all look effortless. Always a pleasure to have a chat with, we were thrilled to have another chinwag with the artistic handyman.

Hey Jeff, it’s been a while since we have spoken. Today we are talking about art, as opposed to your other passion, which is music. How have you been lately?

We feel pretty busy of late. Besides our normal stuff of running and doing gigs, I have also been involved in three separate art exhibitions – two at Outré Galleries (Sydney and Melbourne) and this one coming up at Boom Gallery in Geelong.

Besides all that, we have also been spending a lot of time working on our O/S tour which starts this June.

Just quickly, how is the music going?

I’d have to say it’s going well. The best thing we did with our last album was to do some film clips. That has really helped us in so many ways.

Whilst most of our readers will be acquainted with your work, for those who are not, can you give us a description of the sort of pieces you do and your style?

I guess I’d describe my style as pop art.

This upcoming show at Boom is something different though. It’s all original poster art and mostly from the coast. I have also included some original Mambo graphics from the nineties, and other stuff that’s never been seen before.

What better way to celebrate books than to browse the more than 50 book shops and stalls that transform the township of Clunes each May. The concentration of books - new, second-hand, collectable and out-of-print across all genres - surpasses any capital city in Australia. Nowhere else can you find so many book traders within a square kilometre than over the Festival weekend. A highlight this year is Biblio the Book Artists expo. Nine national and international artists lead by renowned book artist Nicholas Jones will show examples of the book as contemporary art. Federation University students’ Altered and Artists Books project will form part of the expo along with the finest artists books from the collections of the State Library of Victoria and the University of Melbourne. Festival guests this year include Alex Miller and Henry Reynolds who were both recently named recipients of the 2014 Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards for fiction and non-fiction respectively. The Children’s Booktown precinct returns, bigger than ever, inviting entry to the world of Tim the Outback Mailman, a 2013 CBC awardwinning children’s book. The precinct will be alive with readings, demonstration and workshops. Punch and Judy, face painting and the haybale maze will be back, with pop-up street theatre - including appearances by ‘The Bard’ in the most unexpected places. Workshops, music, wine and food complete the festival.

WHERE: Fraser Street, Clunes, VIC 3370.

WHEN: 3-4 May. INFO: www.clunesbooktown.com.au

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What is one piece you will have on display that will blow people away?

The ‘Hemispheres’ World Music Concert poster for the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

Some of it is quite ‘collectable’ ... such as original posters for the old Nash Hotel, which has gone now, as you know.

Whilst there is material on display dating as far back as the ’90s, will there also be some more current stuff on display?

Tell us about your wonderful little space down in Aireys inlet. Is that still where all the magic happens?

There is stuff from 1994 right up to 2014.

Have you used the Boom space before? Are you excited about doing a display in Geelong?

Yes. I still paint and do graphics from my backyard studio. Everything in this Boom show was done in Aireys Inlet.

Well, I have been in some group shows at Boom, but never had my own show, so this is special. I love what they do there and the look and feel of the place. It’s a great gallery and Geelong is lucky to have it.

Tell us about what you have planned for Boom Gallery. We are led to believe there is some very interesting stuff that will be on display.

Yes, it’s a chance to own a little piece of local history … and some art all at the same time!

Can we expect much Mambo material to be on display?

CLUNES BOOKTOWN FESTIVAL

Yes … I found stuff I didn’t even know I had! So many folders of old stuff I checked through!

For those thinking about coming down, why should they make it a date?

It’s a one-off show. I’ve been meaning to show this stuff for years.

Anything else?

Yes! I’m doing an ‘artist’s lunch’ talk the next week.

Could be fun and interesting!

TWELVE ANGRY JURORS Presented by Torquay Theatre Troupe Directed by Geoff Gaskill

BRITISH ART POTTERY 1880-1980 This exhibition comprises a selection of works from Geelong Gallery’s permanent collection of British art pottery largely donated in the 1990s

by Adelaide collector, Dr HD Chamberlain.

The display represents many of the prominent manufactories active since the 1880s. The term ‘art pottery’ refers to ceramic wares that are hand-thrown and hand-decorated by craftsmen rather than by machine or production line. Dramatic and colourful glazes—frequently combined with rich, textural effects—are the distinguishing features of art pottery of the period. Several works exemplify skilful modelling and relief carving.

CHICAGO A Musical Vaudeville.

The ‘Merry Murderesses’ awaiting trial in “CHICAGO”, include Velma Kelly, the current prison Queen Bee and newcomer, Roxie Hart.

But murder can be fixed in Chicago!

A young man stands accused of fatally stabbing his father, and his fate now lies in the hands of his peers, twelve men and women from all walks of life, each with his or her own agenda, fears and personal demons. It is a ‘pressure cooker’ drama that sets the twelve jurors in a room during one hot summer’s day. They hold the life of an (unseen) accused man in their hands. Initially it seems the case is open and shut. Then doubt creeps in. By the end we are left with the lingering suspicion that though our “twelve good men and true” of the jury may be unanimous we, the audience, are not so sure. It is a story about conflict, loyalty, right and wrong, prejudice and the desire for revenge. But most of all it is about a search for that most elusive of things – truth. It is said that Justice is blind. But with this play it is also about how she may be deaf and dumb too.

Exported to Australia in quantity in the first half of the twentieth century, British art pottery exerted a notable influence on Australian studio potters and china painters who adapted the characteristic motifs and methods of the imported wares. In due course, Australian artists incorporated native flora and fauna designs to give their work a distinctively Australian quality.

At $5000 a case Chicago’s shrewd, smoothtalking lawyer, Billy Flynn, can fix it.

WHERE: Geelong Gallery. Little Malop Street, Geelong.

WHERE: Her Majesty’s Theatre, 17 Lydiard Street South, Ballarat.

WHERE: 16 Price Street, Torquay.

WHEN: 15-25 May.

INFO: www.ttt.org.au

WHEN: Until 10 Aug. INFO: www.geelonggallery.org.au

Based on fact, with an engaging 1920s jazzinspired score by John Kander with lyrics by Fred Ebb, an outstanding book by Ebb and original director/choreographer Bob Fosse.

Chicago is one of the world’s most popular smash-hit musicals… “And All That Jazz!”

INFO: www.hermaj.com.au TIX: 5333 5888.

WHEN: 15-23 May. PHONE: Marie 5261 9035.

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tweet of the week

another b loody

SPLINTERS MIXTAPE

“ I want followers like Lady Gaga. Ones who make a hoot and a holler and then never support any of my business endeavours.” witter legend @LilPoundCake1 has a point…

Written by Adem Ali

MADONNA 14

WILLAM TAKES A #HOLEPIC

Album Number 14 dropping in 2014, featuring production and songwriting prowess via Splinters favourites Natalia Kills, Avicii and Cherry Cherry Boom Boom. To say there is some excitement toward this release is a bloody understatement.

HIT

Willam Belli, who’s best known for being one third of parody pop outfit DWV (and being the first contestant from RuPaul’s Drag Race to be disqualified from the competition), continues her track record of offensively brilliant pop parodies with a take on The Chainsmokers’ hit ‘#Selfie’. Once again Belli plays with gay culture, aiming ‘Hole Pic’’s lyrics at the stereotypical image exchange that goes on via man-meating-apps such as Grindr, Tinder, Manhunt and Scruff. Following tradition, the video clip itself is also a totally hysterical piece in its own right and worth more than a load through the browser of your choice. But beware: as you may have already guessed by its suggestive title, Hole Pic is strictly ‘Not Safe For Work’.

Splinters was lucky enough to catch Alaska live last fortnight at St Kilda’s Greyhound Hotel where she performed the new single and confirmed to us after the show it would be appearing on iTunes “very soon”, before calling us her “sweet grasshopper”. We can’t wait for it to become the viral, pop sensation it’s clearly designed to be…

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Our favourite new DJ knocked it out of the proverbial park last week at the Greyhound Hotel’s annual Glitterball event.

VEEP

It’s back for Season 3 – and it’s funnier than ever.

Queen of Pop and current Queen of Instagram, Madonna is tipped to “pull a Beyoncé” by dropping her reportedly ‘finished’ album very soon. Those closest to the star have taken to social media in the past fortnight, claiming to have heard the completed album in full, with Girl Gone Wild video director Mert Alas even going as far as to include unheard lyrics from the record into his social media post.

The album, which Madonna has allegedly been working on since late last year, has a vast array of producers and songwriters linked to it, many of whom have been ‘outed’ along the way via Madonna’s very own Instagram account. Posting an impressive series of photographs to the social media platform she seems most enamoured with, Madonna poses with Splinters favourites such as Natalia Kills, former Gaga songwriter, producer and A&R man Cherry Cherry Boom Boom (aka Martin Kierszenbaum), folk-EDM king Avicii, Toby Gad (who produced the incredible ‘Untouched’ for our very own The Veronicas, amongst other titles by Fergie and John Legend), and even hip hop hit-maker Symbolyc One, whose list of collaborators includes everyone from Beyoncé to Kanye West’s recent affair Yeezus, even adding his production flair to Eminem’s best-selling 2013 record, The Marshall Mathers L.P. Volume 2.

So what trend is Madonna going to be either following or creating with this new record? Clearly she is no longer focused on a straight-up EDM/Dance music

GWEN STEFANI FOR THE VOICE

SHIT!

ALASKA THUNDERFVCK THINKS YOUR MAKEUP IS TERRIBLE ARE WE ABOUT TO GET RuPaul’s Drag Race is not A MADGE-DROP? only taking over the world of television, it’s now grown a mind of its own in the music business! Season 5 finalist Alaska Thunderfvck released her debut single Ru Girl last year to a smattering of applause, but it’s the bloody hilarious next release which has us clutching at our pearls with excitement.

The catchier-than-VD ‘Your Makeup is Terrible’ is Alaska at her simultaneously funniest, most annoying and most brilliant, with an undeniable EDM-styled bassline that would give most of the genre’s ‘flavours of the month’ a run for their money.

DJ KITTY GLITTER

affair like MDNA was, a tell-tale sign being the list of producers involved. The interesting thing about this list of collaborators is the fact that the genres they are ‘known for’ all differ from the next.

After the mild success of 2012’s MDNA and the lukewarm-to-frozen reaction the record received from critics, it certainly looks as though Madge has a lot riding on this next effort. MDNA was accused by many (including her former producer William Orbit) of being a rushed affair: for the first time in her career, Mo was embarking on the creation of a record solely to go on tour, whereas in the past she had gone on tour to support an album she had worked long and hard on. MDNA was the first time the tour came ‘first’, in a sense, with the halfhatched record thrown together as a promotional effort purely to accommodate its eventual reign as the Highest Grossing Tour of All Time.

That being said, in a world where we dispose of our pop stars quicker than you can say ‘reductive’, Madonna ’14 is the Queen of Pop’s chance to prove that she is a lot more than just a fantastic, live ‘heritage’ act. This is the time to prove she still has that Midas touch we’ve all grown to adore across three impressive decades, and judging by all of the social media footprints Madonna has been casually tracking through the internet, Splinters think this could end up being a rightful return to form.

Once we hear more, so will you.

How about you just get on with releasing that new No Doubt album instead, dear? Between all of the babies this woman has had it makes you wonder how on earth she will EVER find the time to complete the record, much less also be a Professional Judge on a TV show that perhaps nobody is even watching.

XTINA BEING DUMPED FROM THE VOICE Poor Xtina really isn’t having the best 24 months of her career, is she? In fact, she hasn’t had a good year since … 2008?

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The Creative Revolution – Market with a Difference written by Amanda Sherring

It seemed very fitting to meet Sara De La Cruz, the founder of the Ginsberg markets, in such a cool location as Box Office Café. After travelling around the world for five years, including a trek through South America, working on a boat in Greece, and living in London and the Gold Coast, Sara is back to her hometown with a new idea to revitalise the city.

“The idea came to me when I woke up one morning in Ecuador. I was doing a bit of soul searching and thought wouldn’t it be a great idea to start a market,” she says. “Then I came back and saw that there was a gap in the market. There was no platform for our creatives to get their work out.”

Unlike many people of Geelong, Sara’s break from her hometown has allowed her to see that the city is on the cusp of change. “It’s at that pivotal point where change is here. Darryn Lyons is now mayor, and it’s just really evident that Geelong’s ready for change,” Sara says.

With a bit of determination and drive to succeed, Sara enrolled in the NEIS program (New Enterprise Incentive Scheme) and has spent 10 months finetuning the idea.

“Going overseas gave me a new-found appreciation for Geelong. We live in a beautiful country and a beautiful town but we’re not utilising it to its full potential. And that’s where my drive came from,” Sara says.

Paul Van Ross written by Tex Miller

Last year, acclaimed Melbourne saxophonist Paul Van Ross headed overseas to lay down two albums. In the lead up to the release of the Cuban album, I sat down with Paul to chat about the writing and recording of the new material.

Creating space between where the songs were written and recorded as well as getting some of the most accomplished players around has allowed for a “more natural sounding” and great collection of songs, as Van Ross relates. With a jazz trio, Van Ross is set to hit the Castlemaine Jazz Festival over the Queen’s Birthday weekend in June.

“That show is going to be very fun because I’ve got a bass player and a drummer with me and it will be more standard jazz than what I have been working on recently, but still fun nonetheless. I recorded a few tracks in Castlemaine a few years ago, so it is sort of a homecoming in a way.

I can’t wait.”

With two albums of material at the ready, there is something for everyone in these upcoming releases. “I think that this Cuban record is something a little different to what you would expect from a jazz saxophonist.” The album, which was recorded in the same studio that the Buena Vista Social Club recorded, was an experience that was “pretty awesome”, and I could tell that Van Ross was holding back his excitement in telling me about the experience.

“I remember when I first got there, I had a contact on the ground and he helped me set everything up. We walked into the main room in the studio and it was just like walking into a history book. All the musicians in Cuba say that

Sara’s passion for Geelong is evident, as she hasn’t created an ordinary Saturday market but a market that gives back to the community.

“The idea is that a certain percentage of our door sales and sponsorship will go into the artist and designer kitty,” she says. “At the end of the season through public vote, we’ll decide on who’s had the most impact and been the most influential. They then get that kitty as funding for their brand or whatever they need to do.”

Sara could easily keep that money for herself but she’d much rather see her fellow creatives make a name for themselves, whether it be through creating a website, buying art supplies, or whatever they need to succeed.

“It’s all about nurturing the creatives we’ve got. And we really want to see them succeed and get somewhere,” Sara says.

Aside from the money aspect, Sara really wants to create an event where people can gather together, hang out and share ideas. “I really wanted to make it more of an event where people can come and chill out; where they don’t feel like they have to leave,” she says. “To be somewhere where a bunch of creatives can all gather and all be inspired by each other. “ As for the name of the market and logo, it’s actually the face of Allen Ginsberg, an American poet infamous for starting the Beat Generation and revolution. “It’s really

info: facebook.com/theginsbergmarket about getting this creative collective and pioneering a creative movement, and he’s just so symbolic of that,” she says. “He has inspired me to instil some sort of creative revolution in Geelong, and I think that’s a beautiful thing.”

After a successful first market, Sara hopes to one day

start a company that can fund projects for artists in Geelong. “Hopefully I will create a company where if somebody wants to start a magazine or do a skate video we will give them the money to make it possible,” Sara says. “It’s about being able to enable dreams, and that’s a nice feeling. “

EGREM is the best recording studio in the country and I remember thinking about all the famous musicians that have been in there over the years. It was quite a pinch yourself moment, really, looking back; a surreal experience and definitely something that I’ll never forget.”

In 2014 Van Ross is one of the most acclaimed jazz saxophonists in the country; however, it took a while of working up through the woodwind instruments to finally start learning to play saxophone. “I started out playing the organ and then moved on to playing the recorder. I stayed home for a couple of days from school until I could play ‘Greensleeves’ absolutely perfectly – and so I could impress my teacher. From there I moved to the clarinet, and then eventually to the sax.”

From just one look at the instrumentation list on Van Ross’s website, it is easy to see that all of the instruments are up to eighty years old. The main reasoning behind this is due to the vintage and old-fashioned sound that can be achieved. “I think the oldest instrument in my collection is my 1933 Tenor saxophone. The tones that you can pull are quite unique and different because sadly those older technologies have been superseded over the years.”

Although there is no massive tour schedule planned just yet, Van Ross has scheduled a few dates around Melbourne and is hoping to play in Geelong and Ocean Grove in the not too distant future. Having previously done some work with ClaveMania, Van Ross feels that they are the perfect fit for the newly finished Cuban album. “We’ve got a few shows coming in May and June and it would be good to do a few more around Victoria. It’s a great mixture of personalities and tunes in this outfit and I am really excited to get out on the road and play to as many people as possible.”

If you want to check out what the Cuban album is all about be sure to head over to Paul Van Ross’s website for a free download of one of the tracks. The New York record is slated for release in 2015, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for that one, too.

When&Where: Paris Cat Jazz Club – May 23 and Castlemaine Jazz Festival - 7-8 June

Michael Stangel written by Tex Miller

Geelong locals will be all too familiar with the name Michael Stangel. Having grown up around the area, he is one of our biggest success stories. For those other regional readers of Forte, well, Mr Stangel is one of Australia’s biggest record producers, working alongside The Veronicas, Dean Geyer and Shannon Noll, as well as being a contestant on last year’s season of the Channel Nine show, The Voice. Ahead of his gig at Beav’s Bar on May 11, I caught up with Stangel to have a chat about his illustrious career thus far.

It’s been about twelve months since Stangel played in Geelong and given the opportunity for another hometown show, as expected he is very excited. In a way it is something a little different that listeners will be used to, given this show is the Michael Stangel Combo, which draws some slight comparisons to The Black Keys.

“It’s going to be really good to get back out in Geelong and show my wares to the locals because I haven’t really played around the local traps in quite a while doing my own gigs, and so it’s something a little different. [It’s] going to be something quite special I think as well,” Stangel said about the May 11th date.

Born and bred in Geelong, or Geetroit as it’s better known these days, Stangel has seen changes through the years to particular venues coming and going. Yet that said, there are still numerous opportunities for musicians to get out of their bedroom to play.

“Geelong has changed a lot; however one thing that hasn’t changed is people who are forward thinking and put a lot of effort into their craft because they find a way

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to play venues that do really well. Geelong a few years ago had heaps of great live venues and I think that has sort of dried up since the National Hotel closed its doors.

It’s no cause for concern, though; there is plenty of other opportunities around.”

Gifted a drum kit from the age of three, Stangel hasn’t looked back since and has been lucky enough to make a career out of record producing and playing around the traps. Influenced by the likes of Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin, Stangel has played in many different bands and outfits and in the upcoming months will lead a tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival, amongst his own gigs with Michael Stangel Combo.

Having lived in L.A., and with 30 years’ experience in the industry, I asked Stangel who we should be keeping an eye out for in the local music scene over the next twelve months. “Justin Carter, who was originally based in Torquay and now Sydney, has done the hard yards as a musician. Self-promoted and produced, he writes some amazing songs and is definitely a talent to watch.

I also really like Chet Faker with his electronic vibes and storytelling. He is destined for big things.”

Talent shows can nurture or hinder a career, and Stangel’s experience on The Voice was one of the most positive of his career thus far. And if you pay close attention you may just see him pop up in the upcoming series. “There have been a few people on social media saying that I am a sell out for going on the show but it was an incredible experience and really helped push my career to the next level. If you’re looking to get played on commercial radio I would definitely recommend auditioning!”

When&Where: Beav’s Bar, Geelong – May 11

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The New Classic

WHAT’s NEW!?

Simply Bublé and To Be Loved Michael Bublé Would you look at that? A new album and a biographical DVD released within two days of each other. Michael Bublé’s people are marketing geniuses. Available now on Reprise Records.

Iggy Azalea Australia’s fastest-rising hip hop star, Iggy Azalea has released her debut album.

See if she can back up all the talk and hype. Available now on Island Records.

Indie Cindy

Meteorites

Pixies

Echo & the Bunnymen

Legendary outfit the Pixies have released their first album in twenty-three years.

Recorded in Wales and produced by regular Pixies collaborator Gil Norton, this one should be pretty standard fare. Available now on Pixiesmusic.

Sheezus

Natalie Merchant

Lily Allen

Natalie Merchant

Rocketing back out of obscurity is Lily Allen.

The often outspoken, incredibly talented Allen is back with her first album since her hiatus. Available tomorrow on Parlophone.

Never quite the same without the other 9,999 Maniacs, Natalie Merchant’s solo stuff is still fantastic. This is her first album in thirteen years, but it promises to be special. Available tomorrow on Nonesuch Records.

Another legendary UK outfit, Liverpudlians Echo & the Bunnymen are back with their twelfth album – their first in five years. This one should be interesting. Available now on Ocean Rain.

So We Can Remember Thundamentals The third album from Sydney’s Thundamentals is So We Can Remember. It’s a continuation of the sheer quality we’ve come to expect from these guys. Available tomorrow on Obese.

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FILM REVIEWS

by anthony morris

Transcendence

Bad Neighbours

Our story begins in a bleak San Francisco future where computers are doorstops, mobile phones are trash in the street, and everyone sits around looking really, really bored. Through this wanders Max Waters (Paul Bettany), a man who, with no internet to distract him, has plenty of time remember how this all started, five long years ago… Wait: this story about how we have to be terrified that computers are going to take over the world is only set “five years ago” and not in 1991? That’s when just about every theme and piece of technology seen here first started turning up in movies – and movies usually lag a good decade or more behind written science fiction when it comes to ideas. If you’re going to make a scary cautionary tale about how computers will become our masters, it would help to put a new spin on this and not just be rehashing, say, The Thirteenth Floor.

Mac (Seth Rogen) and Kelly (Rose Byrne) are a young couple trying to convince themselves that being married and having a baby doesn’t mean they have to give up on having fun, even if all their attempts at having fun fizzle out. So when a fraternity moves in next door – seriously, aren’t there laws against a bunch of teenage guys buying a house in a suburban street to turn it into a party dungeon? Obviously not – they try to befriend the frat’s leaders, Teddy (Zac Efron) and Pete (Dave Franco). Despite their embarrassing “cool neighbour” act, things start well and a massive party night seems to have sealed their bond … only the frat guys are partying again the next night, and Mac and Kelly need time to recover. But when their attempt to get the frat to settle down backfires, it kicks off a prank war that neither side can hope to win – though they’re both going to put in a lot of effort trying.

Anyway, in this thrilling past where the internet is king, the scruffy because brilliant Will Caster (Johnny Depp) is at the forefront of research into creating artificial intelligence, largely because a sinister terrorist group has murdered everyone else in the field while he was off giving a TED Talk. Unsurprisingly, considering when asked “aren’t you trying to create a god” he replies “sure, why not”, he then gets shot. Initially he seems okay, but it seems the “radical neo-luddites” shot him with a radioactive bullet and now he’s dying.

According to his wife Evelyn (Rebecca Hall), obviously the solution is to upload his brain into one of the supercomputers they just have lying around, so they hole up in a grubby abandoned school and have Will read chunks of the dictionary aloud while electrodes scan his brain.

Rogen and Byrne are spot-on as a loving couple desperate to still be fun, while Efron and Franco do just as well as dumb but basically good-hearted frat guys. The lack of any real villains here (each side sees themselves as legitimately reacting to the others’ provocation, even when it involves flooding a basement or hiding car airbags in office chairs) and some cartoony set-pieces keeps the overall tone light, but director Nicholas Stoller grounds the laughs in enough real life concerns – this is a surprisingly savvy look about aging and coming to terms with the fact that you can’t keep doing everything you used to – to keep this from just being a bunch of stoner jokes … Then again, the frat does pay its bills by selling anatomically correct dildos; there’s probably not too much of a lesson to be learnt from that.

Good news: it works. Bad news: Will 2.0 now wants to be linked in with Wall Street, which even Max thinks is seriously evil. But who cares what he thinks, because he’s promptly captured by R.I.F.T. and thrown in a cage for two years while the entire middle act of the movie goes on without him. And it’s all even further downhill from there, as Evelyn sets up a new base for Will 2.0 in a crummy desert town where he starts to turn the locals into Wi-Fi-linked zombies.

With bland performances (Hall gets to emote a little, but that’s basically it) and a script that’s muddled when it’s not just listing cool yet evil things a self-aware super computer could do, this isn’t silly enough to be fun or smart enough to take seriously.

The Other Woman

The Amazing Spider-Man 2: The Rise of Electro The big complaint – well, one of the many big complaints – about the last Spider-Man film was that in rebooting the franchise they tried to cram way too much in. This sequel doesn’t really have any less story – there are three name-brand spider-villains on the rampage here, which conventional movie logic would have you believe is two too many – but at least this time out everyone involved seems to have the information overload under some semblance of control.

Picking up roughly where the last film ended, Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) is still in love with Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone), only he’s now all too aware that anyone close to him is in a lot of danger after the death of her father. So they break up, only they’re young and still have the serious hots for each other so clearly they’re going to drift back together and that probably isn’t really a good idea. That’s pretty much the main plot thread here, but there’s a bunch of others, including: Oscorp electricity expert Max Dillon (Jamie Foxx) becoming obsessed with Spider-Man after Spidey saves him from a runaway truck, which becomes a problem when he falls into a vat full of electric eels and becomes supervillain Electro; Norman Osborn dies and leaves everything to his son (and childhood friend of Peter) Harry (Dane DeHaan), who gradually becomes obsessed with using Spider-Man’s blood to cure a genetic disease that is slowly killing him; and all that stuff from the first film about what exactly Peter’s dad was doing with his experiments with radioactive spiders continues to play out.

It’s still a bit of a mess story-wise but it’s well-paced, so even when storylines don’t really add up to much they at least move fast and never become confusing. The effects are well-handled, too: there’s loads of SpiderMan eye-views as he swings through the city (with the skyscrapers giving it a sense of scale and perspective you don’t get from Superman’s zooming through the sky), while the fight scenes are largely filmed using wider frames and longer takes than is the norm these days, meaning you can actually tell what’s going on as people swoop and swing around each other.

It’s the characters that hold it all together: this version of Spider-Man is even more about the quips during the fights, and there’s real chemistry between Garfield and Stone (no surprise there, as they’re dating in real life). It’s still a bit of a mess, but it holds together well enough so that when the all-too-obvious signposts for the inevitable spin-offs and sequels crop up in the final scenes, the prospect of more of the same is more intriguing than something to dread.

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Cameron Diaz is Carly, the kind of hard-hitting, go-getting lawyer who doesn’t have time to practice any actual law – she’s too busy sleeping with a variety of men whose names she doesn’t even bother remembering because they’re just that disposable. Then she meets Mark (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), and all that changes: now she’s not only remembering his name, she’s only sleeping with him. Now that she’s in love, she does what everyone does when they’re in love: she dresses up as a sexy plumber and goes over to his house to help him with “his pipes”. This is a bad move because who should open the door but Mark’s wife, Kate (Leslie Mann). Why a man cheating on his wife would give his mistress – who doesn’t know he’s married – his home address is a mystery that’s swept under the carpet as Kate, a): has a total breakdown over discovering her husband is cheating on her, then b): decides to latch on to the woman he’s cheating on her with as her new best friend. Which are the funniest scenes in the film right up until the moment her giant dog takes a dump on Carly’s floor. Next up: revenge! On Mark, not the dog.

Unfortunately this film isn’t really interested in the revenge side of things all that much, so while Carly and Kate comes up with a variety of schemes to ruin Mark’s life (slipping him female hormones! Putting hair remover in his shampoo!), each scheme plays out exactly as you would expect for one follow-up scene (he grows boobs and his nipples are sensitive! His hair kind of falls out!) and then is never mentioned again.

By this stage, Mark’s third lady friend, Amber (Kate Upton), has arrived and jogged up and down along a beach in a bikini, so the film doesn’t really care about her anymore and the rest of the film turns out to involve some kind of massive financial scam Mark is running, which wouldn’t even be a problem if he was smart enough to rip off poor people but he seems to have made the mistake of messing with rich dudes so he’s got to be taken down, and hard.

Does this sound like a fun time to you? If so, go for it; otherwise this occasionally funny but largely slap-dash mess is one to avoid.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier The Marvel Movie Machine churns on with an effort that falls more at the upper scale of acceptable parameters

thanks to some decent action sequences and a cast that are probably too good for this generic Marvel tale – you know, secret bad guy, everyone turns against

the hero so he has to solve the conspiracy on his own … the usual stuff.

Divergent

In a future where society is organised into castes based on temperament,

one teenage girl can’t be so easily defined.

Which results in an above average (yet not quite Hunger Games level) story of rebelling against the system

… mostly by jumping off speeding trains and climbing up the side of buildings.

Muppets Most Wanted The Muppets are back, and if this adventure isn’t

quite as sharp and funny as their last one, at least the songs are still catchy.

And even when they’re kind of lame, The Muppets are always still kind of funny.

MUSIC REVIEWS l i V e re v i e w

Jake Bugg Palace Theatre - Thursday April 17 Over the years, the Palace Theatre up the top of Bourke Street has been very good to me. To be finally saying goodbye due to the redevelopment into apartments is very sad, but having the opportunity to see English indie kid Jake Bugg there was very exciting indeed. Out here for the recent Bluesfest at Byron Bay and Deni, as well as sideshows, it was very exciting to see Bugg in action after hearing so much about him and watching live videos on YouTube.

Support came from The Growl and The Creases, who were in fact a little disappointing as support acts. The Growl playing a one-man band loop show that lacked the intensity and presence that Bugg demanded the minute he stepped on stage; The Creases, although playing a polished set, were probably more suited to playing alongside Deep Sea Arcade.

Finally when Bugg graced the stage, the crowd were going ballistic – and it was a truly memorable occasion. Playing all the hits in the early part of the set, including ‘Two Fingers’, ‘Trouble Town’, ‘Kentucky’ and ‘Messed Up Kids’, off his most recent album, Shangri La. Thank you, Palace Theatre. You’ve been the venue that allowed me to see Stereophonics, Mumford & Sons and Band of Horses. It’s sad to see you go, but thanks for the memories.

Tex Miller

Nose Dive Saskwatch Northside Records It feels like ages since we heard Saskwatch’s 2012 debut Leave it All Behind, but luckily their sophomore has finally arrived and is well worth the wait. After a couple years’ break, the band has had time to finetune their style in their new release, Nose Dive. This time around they’ve stepped away from the ‘soul band’ tag and have experimented with a bit of rock and funk.

It wouldn’t be a Saskwatch album without their well-known dance anthems, and they’ve delivered that with ‘Hands’ and ‘Give Me a Reason’. Both songs are equally danceable, but ‘Hands’ seems to have won audiences over with several plays online and on triple j.

Trumpet and saxophone are still features throughout the album but there are a few tracks where they’ve taken a backseat and let other elements stand out.

‘Left Me to Die’ is a clear example of this. The guitar and haunting vocals work perfectly together to create a darker – and unfamiliar – sound for the band.

‘A Love Devine’ seamlessly pair punchy vocals and guitar to create a match made in heaven. Nkechi Anele’s vocals tease listeners as she sways between emotions and intensity. Her vocals come in almost like a kick to the gut, but a whole lot more pleasant.

This is by far a standout of the album and a newer sound for the band, with its bluesy rock feel.

So We Can Remember

Blue Mountains natives DJ Morgs, MC Tuka and MC Jeswon, collectively Thundamentals, are back with the follow-up to 2011’s Foreverlution. And it lives up to that legacy.

album, familiarity aside. It’s clean (the sound, not the lyrics), has a great beat and is just a good groove. It leads straight into ‘Quit Your Job’, which really shows the guys’ lyrical ability, while still having a pretty catchy chorus and a cool little hook. Next up is ‘Something I Said’, which has also been getting radio play on the J’s. It’s a cool little tune – Thom Crawford’s vocals on the chorus are great.

‘Smiles Don’t Lie’ has been getting radio play for a while now and is probably the best track on the

The whole album is a great groove start to finish; the beats and tunes are fantastic. The

Tremors

drumbeat continues throughout.

Unlike its predecessors, this track feels natural and flows seamlessly from start to finish. From here on, Sohn manages to deliver song after song, and each success makes you forget about his failures early on.

Thundamentals Obese

rapping and the lyrics are pretty standard, but it’s the melodies and the featured artists that really steal the show vocally. All in all, it’s a good album worth buying on the back of ‘Smiles Don’t Lie’ and ‘Something I Said’ alone, but with tracks like ‘Noodle Soup’ and ‘Holding Your Hand’ on there too, it’s well worth your money.

These guys are touring this month, so go check them out if it’s not too late.

Cameron Brogden

Nose Dive manages to inject Saskwatch’s newer sound while still maintaining the crowd favourites. This is definitely worth a listen for its faultless vocals and ability to make brass instruments just about the coolest thing ever.

Amanda Sherring

Loopholes The Murlocs Flightless After three years with several delays, the boys from The Murlocs have released their much-awaited debut, Loopholes.

At four-and-a-half minutes, ‘Control Freak’ eases you into the unique sound that is The Murlocs. With country twangs, garage rock and their own brand of soulful RnB, it’s hard to pin them to a genre. Coming from the Surf Coast of Victoria, it makes their style a little bit more understandable.

Part of The Murlocs’ appeal is lead singer Ambrose Kenny-Smith’s unique high-pitched voice. ‘Paranoid Joy’ plays on this perfectly.

His vocals are the standout, with the guitar and drums harmonising them to a T. ‘Rattle the Chain’ is a unique track, even for The Murlocs. The heading suggests it but it has that old county jail feel to it. Ambrose moans and howls throughout this track, with the harmonica matching his lyrics word by word. Essentially the album follows the same mixture of harmonica, jangly guitars and screechy vocals, but that’s because it works and is by no means repetitive.

A few slower tracks are thrown into the mix: ‘Evolve and Absorb’ and ‘Serial Imposter’, and aside from the already hit single, ‘Space Cadet’, ‘Lonely Clown’ is a highlight. With its dreamy, rosetinted glasses feel it’s an easy listen.

Loopholes closes with the impressive title track. This time around the harmonica isn’t the main drawcard; instead, warbling guitar, a steady drumbeat and Ambrose’s vocals are on show.

Even after their laptop was stolen, with three quarters of the initial recordings, The Murlocs have made a killer debut release.

M&R Bec Laughton Independent If you need music to pick you up on a Monday morning, well have I got the fix for you! M&R, the latest release from Brisbane indie soulstress Bec Laughton, is a disco and RnB toe-tapping release that is sure to keep you warm throughout winter.

Opening with ‘M&R’, this release features a lot of electronic instrumentation that I can hear in parts drawing comparisons to Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs and Flume on a very chilled out level.

Saxophone melodies and funky guitar are all part of an unbeatable lush sound that will pull you up and out of the heaviest weekend, or help you relax in downtime.

Playing at Soulfest in Brisbane alongside Aloe Blacc, Mos Def and D’Angelo to name but just a few, Laughton is definitely one to keep your eye out for. On an extensive Australian tour throughout June and July, the tour wraps up in Bendigo on the 4th of July. Come on Forte, mark this in your diaries and boogie on down to the lush electro soul sounds of Bec Laughton.

Tex Miller

SOHN 4AD I’m normally a fence-sitter when it comes to produced music, but Sohn’s new release, Tremors, has me reconsidering my position.

After a false start with a few very repetitive, somewhat over-produced tracks with elements that just don’t gel, Tremors soon gets on to the good stuff with ‘Artifice’. The track starts off strong, with multiple complimenting layers, before Sohn’s vocals come in and an African-esque

Whilst being successful, each song is also completely different from the last. ‘Bloodflows’ is a slower number, where Sohn’s vocals are the standout and are smooth as silk; then, ‘Ransom Notes’ is a dark, broody track. Occasionally Sohn drifts into dance territory, with ‘Lights’ and ‘Lessons’ producing beats that would suit many of the

clubs in Geelong.

Unsurprisingly, Sohn closes with his strongest track, and title track, of the album Tremors. This is another easy listen, where Sohn’s vocals are the standout and aren’t ruined by too many elements.

As the album comes to a close, you kind of get a new sense of the album name. Aside from being highly emotive, the sound of each song has an underlying tremor to it.

Whether this was intentional or not is unclear, but it certainly makes the album stick.

Amanda Sherring

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Grog Watch When you’ve been drinking vodka for as long as I have – and no, I don’t mean “47 hours straight!”, I mean as a drink of choice over a period of years: I’m trying to be serious here, sheesh – there are certain facts you have to come to terms with. Well, OK, just the one fact really: the stuff tastes like crap. To be fair, “crap” is a seriously relative term when it comes to alcohol: you have to be pretty hardcore to take a sip of beer at nine and think “hell to the yeah, keep it coming bitchez!”

The path to adulthood is basically paved with you trying to convince yourself that disgusting tasting booze is something you actually enjoy the taste of, because heaven forbid you drink the stuff to get drunk. The end point of all this is, of course, wine, which thousands of people will tell you they drink for the taste even though there has been

PULP. >>>>>> By Cameron Urquhart & Alastair McGibbon

Alastair: It really looks like its Image Comics’ time to shine this year. The nominees for this year’s Eisner awards were announced a little while ago, and Image is absolutely dominating the list. All up, Image has 20 nominations, with four out of the five nominees in the ‘Best Continuing Series’ category belonging to the rising-star publishing house. The comic I’m talking about this time around is actually one of the Image titles up for an Eisner award (‘Best New Series’) – Lazarus.

Written by Greg Rucka (Punisher, Detective Comics), Lazarus is a fantastic dystopian sci-fi – the best kind of sci-fi – that could well be taking place ten or twenty years from now. The world of Lazarus is a grim one – Earth is no longer divided by geographical boundaries, but by financial ones.

The rich have all the power, and each Family controls large swathes of territory. Those that serve the Families are looked after, but the rest are Waste and must fend for themselves. In each Family, there is always one person that is given the best training, technology and abilities that the Family can provide: the one named as the Family’s sword and shield, the titular Lazarus.

The series follows the Lazarus of the Family Carlyle, a young woman named Forever, as she navigates the political intrigue and inter-Family rivalries that could see her snuffed out in an instant.

Lazarus is like a sci-fi version of Game of Thrones – secrets and lies abound, the Families act much like the noble Houses and there’s even a bit of incest to liven things up. Michael Lark (Gotham Central, Terminal City) churns out some excellent art, too; his landscapes are fantastic, particularly the scenes of a ruined Los Angeles. Rucka has built an excellent world, and Lazarus is well worth reading.

Cameron: Five psychics are summoned by their friend (who is also a psychic) to a hotel in California.

In this hotel, before his death, doll maker Andre Toulon had hidden away the secrets to bringing puppets to life thanks to the magic of the ancient Egyptians. Unfortunately, the living

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a grand total of zero “wine-flavoured” non-alcoholic beverages sold throughout history that people have drunk of their own free will.

Booze tastes bad, we all know it. We drink it because of the way it makes us feel not because of how it tastes, so get off that high horse you were just about to mount so you could look down on me for drinking vodka – the most notoriously foul-tasting of all the spirits. Not that I always drank vodka, mind you.

Like more normal folks I started off swilling down all manner of more tolerable booze, usually mixed with anything else handy. Does anyone still drink Bundy ‘n’ Coke? Too much bad fun was had on that stuff for me to ever go back, but rum makes for a decent gateway drug when it comes to spirits thanks to it being kind of sweet compared to, say, methylated spirits.

Anyway, after rum I moved on to scotch, which is where a lot of people going down the spirit path end up, due to scotch being somewhat acceptable to drink on its own due to legions of wankers talking up “single malt” varieties like it was freakin’ wine.

Does it get you drunk? Yes. End of story as far as I’m concerned – if you don’t like the taste, pour in a bunch of stuff you do like the taste of until you can choke it down. Clearly with that attitude any halfway decent scotch was wasted on me, plus scotch has a fairly distinctive taste even when you mix it with coke and clearly if all I was going to do was mix it with

puppets are conspiring against the psychics to stop them from learning these archaic methods.

This is the plot of Puppet Master, a film which somehow has nine sequels and a spin off film.

Usually I find a reason to recommend these films, but I can’t even explain why I like this movie so much, let alone a reason someone else should watch it. Puppet Master is a pretty bottom of the barrel horror movie, but it’s not unwatchable. In fact, I’ve watched it a few times, and have been a fan since the first. Perhaps because I was banned from watching horror in my childhood and this was one of the few films I managed to watch during that blackout period. Somehow in my mind it’s been elevated to some special status. It shouldn’t have been.

It really is an odd little film. The premise itself is so silly, yet it is played with such deadpan seriousness, though the few moments of intentional comedy fall rather flat. And that plot I mentioned is taken care of in the first 20 or so minutes. After that it’s all about puppets killing people and some decent special effects.

If you like odd films or you’ve run out of horror I guess you could give this a watch. But don’t expect it to be scary. Or funny. Or overly exciting. But at least you’ll have a conversation piece afterwards.

coke I might as well start drinking something with no real taste at all and, oh look, a bottle of vodka just rolled into the room. Which was seriously good timing, because it was around this time that I realised if I wanted to keep a lid on my boozing I had to do something to make boozing less appealing, and as turning my life around and becoming a productive member of society seemed more that a little unlikely, I decided to start drinking what is generally seen as the foulest-tasting of the spirits – straight. Yeah, pulling that vodka face – you know the one – after every drink certainly did manage to … okay, it didn’t slow down my drinking, but it did stop it from increasing quite as fast, which I’m calling a win. Or at least win-shaped. Win-adjacent?

I bring all this up because, as you well know, in recent weeks my previous favourite brand of vodka has been cruelly taken off the market and I’ve been desperately searching for a replacement. Rather than simply returning to my old standby Absolut (with Stoli a close second), I’ve taken to shopping around – and as it seems the prices of what I’d consider basic vodkas (bottled overseas, 40% alcohol content) have been slowly creeping further and further north of $30 over the last year or so.

Suddenly the more pricey bottles don’t seem quite so far out of reach. Which has led to a somewhat startling discovery: if you buy pricey vodka, it doesn’t taste like lighter fluid.

I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised: I knew the cheap stuff tasted horrible (I still remember a drunk buddy and I tipping half a sack of sugar into one particularly vile bottle to try and make it palatable) and the decent stuff tasted better, but I just assumed the higher you went in price the more excuses they made for why it still tasted bad. But this stuff is … okay, when you do a shot of vodka first you get the chilly initial sensation, then after a second or so the petrol-like aftertaste kicks in, right? With this stuff, no aftertaste.

So now I have two problems. One: I’m now drinking a vodka that I actually like the taste of, so that whole “drink something that tastes like crap, it’s the only way to stop from passing out dead drunk by lunchtime” scheme seems to have gone out the window hard and fast, which is a serious worry considering my near total lack of willpower.

The second problem is that all this talking about how booze tastes makes me think I’m maybe turning into one of those wanky wine-drinkers who I loathe. And if there’s anything that fuels my boozing, it’s self-loathing. Which should solve both my problems: if I keep boozing on at this rate, I won’t be able to afford the good stuff and I’ll be back on the foul-tasting turps in no time! Yay? Tony “Next Issue: Which Mouthwashes Will Get You Drunk? You Won’t Believe What Our Research Uncovered” Montana

POrPe! cultu

By An th on

y M or ri s

Chris Lilley’s back, and going by the ABC’s latest attempt to promote his upcoming new series, they’re not all that confident he’s served up a winner. For this weekend only (assuming you’ve grabbed this copy of Forte as soon as it hits the streets), the entirety of his new show Jonah from Tonga will be available to watch on the ABC’s iView streaming service – from 6 p.m.

Friday, May 2 until 6 p.m. Sunday, May 4 AEST, to be exact. There’s next to no information about Jonah at this stage, but from the previews it seems safe to say that despite Jonah being shipped back to Tonga at the end of Summer Heights High he’s somehow made his way back to an Australian high school for this series, where he continues to disrespect teachers, fellow students, women in general, and … well, it’s a Chris Lilley show, so as they used to say, “nothing is sacred”.

Considering the lacklustre response to fellow Summer Heights High spin-off Ja’mie: Private School Girl late last year, it’s a little difficult to see why the ABC would be rushing another Lilley series to air (presumably contracts were signed), especially as this particular one seems to be suffering from much of the same problems that plagued the meandering, muddled and messed-up Ja’mie.

What seems fresh and funny in 2008 now seems stale and tired, and while with Summer Heights High the fact that all the characters were operating on basically the same note – all three leads (drama teacher Mr G being the third) were making the lives of everyone around them

a living hell – was part of the point of the show, to justify giving these characters standalone series something new really needs to be added to the mix.

Of the three, Jonah was the one with the most depth (which really just means he had a reason for acting like a prick), so perhaps this series will actually stand up as more than just Lilley’s usual quasi-racism and trite “shock” comedy.

But dumping the whole series on iView in one burst makes that seem a little unlikely.

Lilley’s last two series – Ja’mie, and before that Angry Boys – both started out with strong ratings, only to see viewers drift away once they realised Lilley was basically a one trick pony.

So while this iView approach seems a bit like self-sabotage – why give the whole show away for free before it’s even aired on ABC1 – if you think about it it’s not hard to see this strategy as an attempt to try and maximise ratings this time around: this way the ABC can claim whatever figures the weekend session gets (presumably they’re expecting the high ratings that Lilley usually gets) are for the whole series instead of just the first episode. And then, if ratings for the screenings on ABC1 aren’t so good, they can say that “everyone” watched it when it was available on iView. None of which seems like the kind of thing you’d need to do if the series itself was any good.

Fortunately, the one real benefit of this approach is we’re not going to have to wait much longer now to find out.

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