17.02.16 Music / Arts / Lifestyle / Culture
Sydney / Free / Incorporating
Issue
126
Welcome to the 11th chapter of this wonderful festival. Come join us for a supreme weekend full of awesomeness, relaxation & a line up featuring:
YOU AM I // DAN SULTAN // OKA // THE BREAK
JEFF LANG // THE BELLIGERENTS // KRISTEN HERSH (US) // BULLHORN VAN WALKERS HEARTBROKERS // THE CACTUS CHANNEL // SUZANNAH ESPIE // CAITLIN PARK POLISH CLUB // WILLIAM CRIGHTON // DAN BRODIE // CITIZEN KAY // DEVON SPROULE (US)
DAVIDSON BROTHERS // SEX ON TOAST // THE BUZZARD MIX // MUCHO SONAR // ASTRO TRAVELLERS BAGHEAD // DASHVILLE PROGRESS SOCIETY // GALLERI // DR PEACH // GRACE TURNER // THE BREAKFAST CLUB
plus
Skate demo • Kids crèche • Yoga • Silent disco • Workshops • Gourmet food & markets • Boutique bar
SPONSORED BY
2 • THE MUSIC • 17TH FEBRUARY 2016
PROUDLY SUPPORTING
FENNESZ KEITH FULLERTON WHITMAN 26 FEB 8PM $35
MICHAEL
GIRA 9 MAR 8PM $35
CURATED BY LAWRENCE ENGLISH/ROOM40 IMAGE: PHIL SHARP
THE MUSIC 17TH FEBRUARY 2016 • 3
ENTERTAINMENT at Dee Why RSL
THIRSTY MERC THE GOOD LIFE TOUR 2016
Fri 4 March 7.30PM | $35
MANPOWER DIRECT FROM LAS VEGAS
Thu 10 March 7.30PM | $35
SPY V SPY & URBAN GUERILLAS
iTedE - STRASSMAN ITS ABOUT CHUCKING TIME!
Tue 15 March 7.30PM | $49
THE RADIATORS + SPY V SPY & THE URBAN GUERILLAS
Book Today @ deewhyrsl.com.au or call 9454 4000
4 • THE MUSIC • 17TH FEBRUARY 2016
Sat 2 April 7.30PM | $30
Friday 19th February
Love child – The Classics
Sunday 28th February
Sports Bar
Saskwatch Waves
Sunday 21st February
Bondi Cigars Sports Bar Saturday 26th march Sunday 26th February
Access Ft Jack thomas, Surf Disco, NIck Lynar & More
Phil Jamieson + Special Guests Waves
Waves
www.towradgibeachhotel.com.au SYDNEYOPERAHOUSE.COM (02) 9250 7777 • TICKETMASTER.COM.AU 1300 723 038
170 Pioneer Road, Towradgi 2518 | 02 42833 588
www.thebasement.com.au
The Home of Live Music Since 1973 LEKAIA ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS
WED 17TH 7PM
BASEMENT
THU 18TH 8PM
(RENEGADE DNB), STEVE P, HOSTED BY D-TECH MC AND TUKKA-D
ELECTRO NIGHTS
ELECTRO, HOUSE, BOUNCE WITH DJS VAUGHAN PRESTWICH AND JEFF GRAY
“SMITTY & B. GOODE”
BLUES ROCK SHOW SUPPORTED BY “THE DUNHILL BLUES” , “DEADWOOD 76”, DJ KENJI AND MANY SPECIAL GUESTS
FRI 19TH 9PM
FRI 19TH 9PM
DUBSTEP/ DRUM’N’BASS/ JUNGLE PARTY
SAT 20TH 9PM
WITH DJS RELOAD (FOURTH QUADRANT/ LIKEMINDED), TWILIGHT GIRL (RPK), SCATTERBRAIN (BASS MOUNTAIN PODCAST/BONDI BEACH RADIO/FBI RADIO), THIERRY D (THE ELEMENTS OF TECH AND BASS), SWITCHBACK
BASEMENT
SUN 21ST 5PM
COMING UP
FEBRUARY CLUB NIGHT
WITH DJS GARY GRIM, NATRIZ, BLACK METAL TWISTER, LIVE PERFORMANCE BY “OFFENSIVE BEHEMOTH” AND MUCH MORE
VENOM CLUBNIGHT
METAL/ALTERNATIVE/ROCK/PUNK CLUB NIGHT FEAT LIVE PERFORMANCES BY “THE ARBITRARY METHOD” , “GENETICS” , “LYCANTHROPE” , “SEVSONS” BEYOND BOOKINGS PRESENTS:
“VALHALLA MIST”
CORE SHOW SUPPORTED BY “ROSES FOR RAYCHAEL” , “FIT BIRD” , “PSYCHO SMILEY” , “RANCOR” AND MANY MORE
Wed 24 Feb: LeKaia entertainment presents Electro Nights with DJs Vaughan Prestwich and Jeff Gray; Thu 25 Feb: 8pm Basement: Punk Rock Show with/Video Release by “Ride For Rain” supported by many special guests; Fri 26 Feb: 8pm Basement: Rock Show with “The Underground Architect” supported by “Amber Lies”, “Fox And The Hound” and many special guests; 8pm Level One: IZMZMAG presents: Grils, Hip Hop, Grime & RnB party with DJs Anissa, Yemisul, Tommy Codling, Ebony Boadu, Flex Mami; Sat 27 Feb: 1pm Basement: Whisk & Key Records presents: Home Is Where Your Mates Live with Heath Anthony, Jack Lundie, “The Bean Project”, Issac Graham, Spencer Scott; 8pm Basement: Grindhead Records presents: “Autolysis” Pathogen EP Launch supported by: “Diminish The Gods”, “Burial Chamber”, “Infested Entrails”, “Nekrology”, “Dyonisis”, “Necrostalgia”; 8pm Level One: No Rest For The Wicked presents: February Club night, Gothic/Alternative/ Industrial Club, feat: DJs S.H.E. and many more; Sun 28 Feb: 12pm Basement: Revival Bookings presents: Hardcore Show with “Xibalba” (USA) supported by “Reactions”, “Burning Season”, “Life’s Ill”; 5pm Basement: Rock Show with “Bermuda Bloom” supported by “Civil Serpents”, “Munjak”, “Nowhere Society”
IN SONG: AGAIN!
WED 17 FEB
KARISE EDEN
FRI 19 FEB
CHASE THE SUN + LLYOYD SPIEGEL + CLAUDE HAY
SAT 20 FEB
THE MONDAY JAM
MON 22 FEB
W/ HEINZ SCHWEERS, BRIONNY FAGAN & JESSICA O’DONOGHUE
DTABM PRESENTS
LEVEL ONE
THE ELEMENTS OF TECH AND BASS PRESENTS:
BASEMENT
THURSDAY 188FEBRUARY SATURDAY JUNE
FREE ENTRY
NOISE IN THE BASEMENT
THE BASEMENT’S GOT SOME CRAZY GOOD TALENT HIDING BEHIND THE SCENES, AND ON THURSDAY FEBRUARY 18, YOU’RE FINALLY GONNA GET A TASTE. THE NIGHT WILL FEATURE PERFORMANCES FROM GREEN MOHAIR SUITS, SANS NORMALITY, ZU KHANU & MATTHEW RAVEN. DON’T MISS THIS!
JUST ANNOUNCED SUN 6 MAR SMADJ (FRANCE) + DAMIAN WRIGHT TRIO + D-JINN SAT 23 APR VINCE JONES & PAUL GRABOWSKY FRI 27/SAT 28 MAY THE GREAT GIG IN THE SKY – A PINK FLOYD CELEBRATION FOLLOW US: ON FACEBOOK @ THE BASEMENT & ON TWITTER @ #BASEMENTSYD RESTUARANT OPENS AT 11AM, SERVING FOOD ALL DAY
– SUMMER SOUL TOUR
THE BASEMENT BLUES SOCIETY:
THU
25 DOM TURNER & SUPRO FEB FRI EUGENE HIDEAWAY BRIDGES (US) 26 – A TRIBUTE TO BB. KING
LUKA BLOOM (IRE)
FEB
SAT 27 SUN 28 FEB
THE MUSIC 17TH FEBRUARY 2016 • 5
Credits Publisher Street Press Australia Pty Ltd Group Managing Editor Andrew Mast National Editor – Magazines Mark Neilsen Arts Editor Hannah Story Eat/Drink Editor Stephanie Liew Gig Guide Editor Justine Lynch gigs@themusic.com.au
Music Music / Arts / Lifestyle / Culture
Carn Hahn
Manu Feildel. Pic: Simon Hewson
Lion have just released their newest brew, called Hahn Ultra. It’s a low-alcohol brew, sitting at 0.9% ABV (equivalent to just 0.2 standard drinks per bottle), but is crafted to offer the full flavoured beer taste that Aussies crave in a refreshing drink.
Contributing Editor Bryget Chrisfield Henry Wagons
Editorial Assistant Brynn Davies, Sam Wall Contributors Adam Wilding, Andrew McDonald, Anthony Carew, Baz McAlister, Brendan Crabb, Brendan Telford, Cameron Cooper, Cameron Warner, Carley Hall, Cate Summers, Chris Familton, Chris Maric, Christopher H James, Cyclone, Daniel Cribb, Danielle O’Donohue, Dave Drayton, Deborah Jackson, Dylan Stewart, Eliza Berlage, Evan Young, Guido Farnell, Guy Davis, Hattie O’Donnell, James d’Apice, Jonty Czuchwicki, Kane Sutton, Kassia Aksenov, Liz Giuffre, Lukas Murphy, Mac McNaughton, Mark Beresford, Mark Hebblewhite, Matt MacMaster, Mitch Knox, Neil Griffiths, Paul Ransom, Mick Radojkovic, Peter Laurie, Rip Nicholson, Roshan Clerke, Ross Clelland, Sam Murphy, Samuel J Fell, Sarah Braybrooke, Sarah Petchell, Sean Maroney, Sebastian Skeet, Sevana Ohandjanian, Simon Eales, Steve Bell, Tim Finney, Tom Hersey, Tyler McLoughlan, Uppy Chatterjee, Xavier Rubetzki Noonan Photographers Angela Padovan, Cole Bennetts, Clare Hawley, Jared Leibowitz, Josh Groom, Kane Hibberd, Peter Sharp, Rohan Anderson Advertising Dept Georgina Pengelly sales@themusic.com.au Art Dept Ben Nicol Felicity Case-Mejia Admin & Accounts Niall McCabe, Bella Bi, Ajaz Durrani accounts@themusic.com.au
Given The Boot Following the release of his debut solo album After What I Did Last Night…, and being named by renowned US countrymusic outlet The Boot as one to keep an eye on in 2016, Henry Wagons has announced a national tour for May.
Girls
Distro distro@themusic.com.au
Wake The Corpse
Subscriptions store@themusic.com.au
German psychrockers Kadavar have announced their return to our east coast shores this April in the form of a short but sweet four-date tour. The trio released their third full-length, Berlin, last year.
Contact Us PO Box 2440 Strawberry Hills NSW 2012 Suite 42, 89-97 Jones St Ultimo Phone (02) 9331 7077 info@themusic.com.au www.themusic.com.au
— Sydney
6 • THE MUSIC • 17TH FEBRUARY 2016
Kadavar
c / Arts / Music / Arts / Lifestyle / Culture
Manu 4 U
Grenadiers
Spend An Evening With Manu Feildel; the MKR judge will appear live on stage around the country in May to share the gourmet specialties of regional France. There’ll be an onstage kitchen, audience participation, cooking tips – it is set to be a theatre variety show about food.
Fast Lives
Hailing from Adelaide, rabid punk rockers Grenadiers have just debuted a new single, Live Fast, Diabetes – the first taste of their upcoming album – as well as announced an east coast headline tour next month.
Girls Girls Girls HBO’s Girls is in its fifth season now, the first episode of which will premiere on Foxtel’s Showcase on 23 Feb, 7.30pm, express from the US. What shenanigans and life changes will Hannah, Jessa, Marnie and Shoshanna get up to next?
$968.36
C&C
Coheed & Cambria
Prog-rock/metal royalty is set to hit Australian shores this May. Coheed & Cambria will embark on a headline tour in support of their latest, The Color Before The Sun, that will make stops at all major cities across the country.
The amount it cost for top level VIP packages to see Prince THE MUSIC 17TH FEBRUARY 2016 • 7
Music / Music / Arts / Lifestyle / Culture
Ganging Up
Post-punk legends Gang Of Four will be visiting our country in April for a national tour. They’ll be showing off their 2015 album, the ode to a dystopian future What Happens Next.
Gang Of Four
Cog
Cogs (Re)Turning It’s been a while between drinks for Cog fans, but the dry spell is over, with the rockers announcing a run of east coast July dates. These promptly sold out, so they announced more. These have also sold out.
Blue’s Clues
Where and when? For more gig details go to theMusic.com.au
8 • THE MUSIC • 17TH FEBRUARY 2016
Bluesfest has gone and announced more sideshows: Eagles Of Death Metal, The Mick Fleetwood Blues Band, and The Bros. Landreth. Irish Mythen will support Melissa Etheridge’s sideshows, and Mike Love supports Nahko & Medicine For The People
The Mick Fleetwood Blues Band
/ Arts / L Music / Arts / Lifestyle / Culture
Frontlash
The World’s Hills
Their anticipated debut album, Hills End, is about to drop, and DMA’s have just announced national tour dates in all major cities in May and June. Before that, they’ll be performing shows in the UK, the US and Canada.
Dean Ween
Wrote a fan an excuse note to get out of an exam so he could see Ween in a rare gig.
AC/DC Bourbon
DMA’s
Screamin’ US melodic hardcore vets A Wilhelm Scream are set for an all-out aural assault on Australia with a national tour coming this May – a little over a year since their last national tour. They’ll be visiting eight cities across the country.
Keep Sydney Open
It’s sad we have to hold rallies such as these, but once again we should show our support against the killing off of the late night economy on Sunday. Dean Ween
Backlash Sunrise
A Wilhelm Scream
299,594
Lashes
It’s such a good match you have to wonder why it hasn’t happened earlier, but even better is how sales will benefit fledgling Australian music artists.
So Kristin Davis comes on to talk about refugees, yet has to put up with Sex And The City hijinks on the breakfast TV show, stupid wig and all.
Mike Baird
Rudimental
He got served re his Facebook post on lockout laws and deserved it.
Rudi Goodie Having just toured a couple of months ago as support for fellow Brit Ed Sheeran, UK drum’n’bass fourpiece Rudimental have announced they’ll be flying back down under in May, this time for their biggest headline shows here to date.
The amount of people who followed our Facebook post highlighting Clairy Browne’s reaction to misogynistic cunts participating in her Periscope interview
Teaser Trailers Look it’s generally all smoke and mirrors anyway, but if the new teaser trailer for Game Of Thrones has predicted the death of some fan favourites, we will be Red Wedding-level distraught.
THE MUSIC 17TH FEBRUARY 2016 • 9
Music / Music / Arts / Lifestyle / Culture
Hats Off To That
Sydney musical theatre stars Trevor Ashley, Queenie van de Zandt, Amy Lehpamer and more unite for annual charity concert extravaganza Hats Off! For Harmony to raise money for ACON and The Bobby Goldsmith Foundation on 22 Feb at Seymour Centre.
Hats Off! For Harmony
Sebastian Maniscalco
Super Bowl Australasia’s largest skate event Bowl-A-Rama returns to Bondi Skate Park, this time partnering with General Pants Co. It’ll be held on 20 & 21 Feb and features guests Tony Hawk, back to defend his Masters Title, and Steve Caballero, Omar Hassan, Pedro Barros, Eddie Elguera and more.
How Embarro Illinois-born comedian Sebastian Maniscalco has named his first ever Australian tour dates for June of this year. The honest, energetic funnyman has committed to bringing his latest show, Aren’t You Embarrassed?, our way. Kristin Hersh
Bowl-A-Rama
Something For Kate
Yummy Gummy Hunter Valley camping festival The Gum Ball has announced its full line-up for the event, happening in Dashville, 22 – 24 April. The final round of artists includes OKA, The Break, Sex On Toast, The Belligerents, Kristin Hersch and more.
10 • THE MUSIC • 17TH FEBRUARY 2016
Something At Spectrum Spectrum Now have announced another stellar addition to the festival, seminal rockers Something For Kate, performing an exclusive greatest hits show to celebrate their 20-year career. Spectrum Now festival runs from 3 – 13 March.
Arts / Li Music / Arts / Lifestyle / Culture
Keep Sydney Open
Keep Sydney Open have called for a public rally to be held on 21 Feb, in response to the growing discontent with lockout laws. The rally begins at Belmore Park at 12.30pm. Speakers include The Preatures’ Isabella Manfredi, Hoodoo Gurus’ Dave Faulkner, Crikey Political Editor Bernard Keane and more.
[Formerly The Hi-Fi Bar & Venue]
TIX + INFO
1300 724 867 MA XWATTS.COM.AU
WED 24 FEB
THE SWORD
USA
WED 27 FEB
Kanye’s drafts folder: - “HOLOCAUST WAS LIES !!!!” - “GHOSTBUSTERS ARE MEN !!!” - “BURR WAS BETTER !!!” - “CRYSTAL SKULL RULES !!!” @davidehrlich jests but look, pls just think b4 u tweet yeezy
CYRIL HAHN + CHROME SPARKS SELLING FAST
FRI 04 MAR
SOPHIE-ELLIS BEXTOR FRI 11 MAR
THE CHARLATANS UK SAT 12 MAR
ASH UK SAT 19 MAR
EPICA NLD Nadia Reid
Reid Me New Zealand singer-songwriter Nadia Reid’s debut album Listen To Formation, Look For The Signs was released last year and now Reid has announced a world tour. After playing in Australia in April, she’ll head to the UK and Europe.
SUN 27 MAR
‘DRAG FEST 2016’ SAT 16 APR
DILLON FRANCIS USA FRI 22 APR
VIC MENSA USA
ERROL FLYNN BOULEVARD, ENTERTAINMENT QUARTER, MOORE PARK, SYDNEY
THE MUSIC 17TH FEBRUARY 2016 • 11
Music
Alvvays singer Molly Rankin tells Anthony Carew that playing honey-sweet indie-pop doesn’t mean you don’t have to throw down sometimes.
“S
ometimes, for whatever reason, shows can just get really rowdy,” says Molly Rankin, the 27-year-old leader of Canadian indie-pop outfit Alvvays. With Rankin’s honeysweet voice and the band’s penchant for jangling guitars, they hardly seem like the most likely rock band to start a riot. But since the release of their debut self-titled LP in 2014, the quintet have attracted an ardent, occasionally out-of-control following. “It can be confronting for us,” Rankin offers. “People just jump up on stage, and suddenly they’re there in your space, and you kind of want to ask them: ‘Ok, you’re up here with the band, now what’re you going to do?’ We played a show in [New Brunswick], a girl got up on stage and tried to rip our Alvvays flag off the wall. Our drummer had to fight her for the flag in front of the whole audience. My mom’s first cousin was there, and she’d never seen our band before, and I think she was completely mortified by how barbaric the situation was. It was just one of those DIY shows at a college, so there are obviously no security measures, because who would expect you’d need them with a band like us?
12 • THE MUSIC • 17TH FEBRUARY 2016
“But maybe we do. Like, we played another rowdy show in Austria. And, get this, my mom’s cousin was at that show, too. Somehow she was both at this one show on the east coast of Canada, and at this other show in Austria, and both times things got crazy. This time a guy climbed up on stage, did a backflip off the monitors, and crashed into the crowd. I could feel her disapproving gaze! Like, my mom was going to hear all about this.” The ‘Alvvays flag’ that Rankin speaks of comes from the video for their perfect jangle-pop single, Archie, Marry Me. Allison Johnston, who co-directed the video and shot the super-8 footage of the band sailing, painted the flag to flutter from the boat. Even though the band hail from islands in the Canadian Maritimes - Rankin and keyboardist Kerri MacLellan from tiny Cape Breton, guitarist Alec O’Hanley, bassist Brian Murphy, and drummer Phil MacIsaac from Prince Edward Island - sailboats weren’t a part of their childhood. “Maybe the boys did some sailing where they grew up, but where Kerri and I are from, it’s more of a fishing town. People there associate sailing with wealth, so I don’t think anyone dares to sail,” Rankin says. “There was a little more civilisation for the boys than where Kerri and I grew up. It was a real small town, we were pretty much the only two families living on the dirt road we grew up on. We had no mall, no movie theatre. It was just a grocery store and a gas station. And if you could see the grocery store, you would probably fear for our wellbeing. There wasn’t much to do. We derived a great deal of entertainment from spending a lot of time in the woods, from trying to conquer boredom. We were really into drawing and painting, and both of our families - our parents, our older brothers - owned a whole lot of musical instruments. So, from a really young age, we learned how to play piano and fiddle, and to play them with other people. Music is a huge tradition in Cape Breton, especially through the winter, if only to keep everyone in high spirits during a really bleak time of the year.” Rankin was born into that tradition. Her father, the late John Morris Rankin, was a member of the Rankin Family, a familial folk act that gathered a sizeable following in the ‘90s. Molly played fiddle with the band often in her childhood. “There’s
definitely old videos of me playing folk music as a kid that I try to look back on in a fond way, because, otherwise, that stuff’ll just drive you crazy,” Rankin says. From there, she graduated into high school musicals, of which there’s also video lurking, destined to one day come to light. “I’m sure videos’ll soon start surfacing,” Rankin laughs. “But in one of the main productions I was in, I was wearing a fat suit, so it may be a bit hard for people to recognise me. I played Sophie in our high school’s production of Mamma Mia, so I ended up learning just a tonne of ABBA songs. That’s something I still really love, ABBA. It was one of the most beneficial experiences I had, musically and confidencewise, growing up, and quite a feat for our tiny little high school.” From there, Rankin began writing her own songs: confessional, folky tunes on acoustic guitar, cutting her teeth playing talent shows and house parties. But, then came a transformative trip to a record store in Halifax, Nova Scotia. “I remember having two black eyes at the time, and going in and
“That’s something I really bonded with Alec about,” Rankin remembers. “We both loved Teenage Fanclub. We were feeding each other all these records, getting excited about writing our own songs. Maybe a little too excited: Archie, Marry Me is totally Everything Flows. Which I know is on Catholic Education, by the way. I think that that was the whole approach I was trying to take when I was writing the song. Luckily, we had enough differences that they don’t really sound alike at all. But when I think about writing that song, that’s where my brain goes. Because I spent six months on Prince Edward Island obsessing over that song, driving around in my car.” In making their self-titled debut, Alvvays recorded with oddball songwriter Chad VanGaalen, collaborated with Holy Fuck’s Graham Walsh, and had long-time indie-rock producer John Agnello mix the record. But, beyond wanting to find a label to release the album in the US (which they did, with Polyvinyl), Alvvays had no great hopes or plans for their first LP. “We never had a goal or a vision of what we were going to do,” says Rankin. “And I think that’s benefited us. Right now, it’s really hard to have expectations, because everything is constantly changing with music. You can still be hopeful, but you have to remain realistic, even when things are going well. We’ve been able to tour so much with this record, and I feel incredibly lucky that we’ve been able to do that.”
Our drummer had to fight her for the flag in front of the whole audience. My mom’s first cousin was there, and she’d never seen our band before, and I think she was completely mortified by how barbaric the situation was. buying Grand Prix by Teenage Fanclub, a Replacements record, and Meat Is Murder by The Smiths. All on the same day! It totally opened my mind up, and was a huge turning point for me. I remember spending a lot of time alone, in my apartment, listening to those records - I still really cherish them.” Rankin was living on Prince Edward Island when she first put out a solo EP in 2010, recorded with O’Hanley, but touring behind it she eventually assembled the future Alvvays as her backing band. Performing under her name, Rankin began writing and perform the pop songs - Party Police, Archie, Marry Me - that’d become the band’s staples. They changed their name to Alvvays in 2013, moved to Toronto, and unveiled their first single, Adult Diversion. The description on their SoundCloud at the time dubbed their music ‘Bandwagonesque-esque’.
When & Where: 4 Mar, Plan B Small Club; 5 Mar, Spectrum Now, The Domain
Alvvays’ debut Australian tour finds them playing at Divine Times, alongside noise-pop legends The Jesus And Mary Chain, playing their classic 1985 LP Psychocandy, with outsiderpop oddball US Girls, electronic chops-ists Seekae, and brandreinventing songwriter Jonathan Boulet rounding out the bill. Divine Times will take place at the Domain, the centre of Spectrum Now, a two-week, wide-ranging festival now in its second year. Among the plentiful art, food, theatre, talks, kids events, the music program serves as the centrepiece, and it boasts many highlights. Calexico: Long-running Tex-Mex legends bring their dusty twang and brassy big-band back to Australia, in support of their latest excellent LP, Edge Of The Sun. Forest Swords: English electronic producer Matthew Barnes has made waves with his dark, disorienting take on dub, from a run of early witch-house era singles to his monumental debut LP 2013’s Engravings. Godspeed You! Black Emperor: after going on permanent hiatus in 2003, legendary Québécois post-rockers GY!BE came back to life in 2010, first for a run of reunion shows. They’ve since delivered two towering LPs of long-form noise-scapes, 2012’s ‘Allelujah! Don’t Bend! Ascend! and 2015’s Asunder, Sweet And Other Distress.
THE MUSIC 17TH FEBRUARY 2016 • 13
Music
More To Midnight
Releases
This Week’s Releases
Animal Collective Painting With Domino/EMI
Sydney twin brother duo Cosmo’s Midnight tell Annabel Maclean what’s next for them after a huge 2015.
Hilltop Hoods Drinking From The Sun, Walking Under Stars Restrung Golden Era/Universal
Lake Street Dive Side Pony Nonesuch/Warner
Wild Nothing Life Of Pause Captured Tracks/ Remote Control
14 • THE MUSIC • 17TH FEBRUARY 2016
C
osmo and Patrick Liney are taking the dance music world by storm. Having only released their sophomore EP Moments last month, the boys are set to embark on a national tour in celebration before heading to America for the first time to play SXSW. “I can’t remember which show is first,” Patrick Liney says down the line from Sydney, still trying to take it all in. “Maybe Sydney is up early. It’s gonna be fun, I’m really excited. I need to choose a support to each show actually.” Perth’s avant-electronic lass Kucka, who features on the duo’s track Walk With Me, will be joining the boys on all dates of their forthcoming tour and fellow collaborator Wave Racer will be showcasing his live outfit on the Adelaide leg of the tour. “We wrote Walk With Me, it was just an instrumental,” Liney says of how he and Cosmo initially came to collaborate with Kucka. “I was just looking around and then I stumbled on Kucka on SoundCloud and I was like ‘Oh my God, this person exists in Australia.’ “So I just hit her up and was like ‘You have to come work with us, if you like our track that is,’ and then she came to Sydney twice and we worked on some music and we finished Walk With Me during that time and she killed it.” The boys’ first live show with Kucka was supporting American DJ and producer Porter Robinson in Sydney. “That was really cool,”
Liney says. “It was really fun. It was the first time we had bought someone on stage to sing with us so it was really exciting. We’ve got other songs that she can do amazingly well as well — like the AlunaGeorge remix we did, she just did that amazingly.” Unlike the video clip for Walk With Me, Liney says it might be a bit too hot to don their famous tracksuits on the tour. “We’ve bought some new tracksuits,” he says. “Those ones we got from like a $2 shop and they just fell apart. They’re passed their use-by date now.” But will they still bust out some dance moves on stage like they do in the clip? “Maybe,” he chuckles. “I haven’t done it yet but maybe for the tour.” But, if it happens, it’ll be planned, unlike the clip. “I just read the script and it was like ‘Cosmo and Patrick join the dancers’ and I was like ‘Wait, what?’ and they were like ‘Yeah you should dance,’” he says, laughing. “They convinced us and then we had to learn the dance moves... It took us like four hours to get it right on the day and it was so hot. I got so sunburnt.” Along with the dance moves, the duo will also be playing instruments on the tour. “I play on a drum pad and my brother plays keys and we have amazing visuals courtesy of our friend Sam,” he says. He did the visuals for Wave Racer’s tour and Basenji’s tour and I saw videos of him at Jack Rabbit Slim’s and it looks pretty awesome.” And then it’s off to America for the lads to play SXSW. “We are in the process of getting our visas approved,” he says. “I’m super excited to be going to America. There’s so many Americans who come to our shows. We met a whole bunch of them from LA. It’s exciting.”
What: Moments (Nite High/Sony) When & Where: 20 Feb, Oxford Art Factory
THE MUSIC 17TH FEBRUARY 2016 • 15
Theatre
The Latest In Bluesfest sideshows
Mike Love
After unveiling their set times, Bluesfest have announced another sideshow for one of the festival’s drawcards – Grammy-nominated Mick Fleetwood, cofounder of the inimitable Fleetwood Mac and frontman of The Mick Fleetwood Blues Band. The band, along with original Fleetwood Mac vocalist and guitarist Rick Vito, will perform a selection of their own tracks as well as some of your favourite Fleetwood Mac songs when they head to Metro Theatre in Sydney on 28 Mar, or 170 Russell in Melbourne on 29 Mar. Out of the Bluesfest camp today are some more sideshow announcements, with The Bros. Landreth announcing a single exclusive show in Sydney on 28 Mar. Irish Mythen will also be opening for Melissa Etheridge on her This Is M.E. tour, encompassing two Sydney shows, and one each in Brisbane and Melbourne. Finally, on a tour proudly presented by The Music, Nahko & Medicine For The People have announced their support act in the form of Hawaiian reggae act Mike Love. Last but not least, Eagles Of Death Metal have already announced to perform at Bluesfest, however their Easter 2016 visit will also include headline shows in Sydney and Melbourne.
16 • THE MUSIC • 17TH FEBRUARY 2016
production of Henry V, and as soon as we stood up and started playing with it we realised that all these characters are all just human beings.” The character Strouthos gets to play with this time around is Mercutio, the ill-fated friend of Romeo who has wit and flair but also harbours a darker side to his soul. Though Strouthos says it’s hard to zone out the many previous Mercutio performances he’s seen over the years, he’s also been able to take advantage of the vast amount of analysis that has been done on his character. “My research has taken me to weird places like psychologists analysing Mercutio as a manic depressive. He’s got plenty of amazing traits about him that I don’t have. I’m trying to play someone who is so witty and funny but dark and bawdy at the same time. “When I was a kid growing up at high school I was already exposed to the Baz Luhrmann and Franco Zeffirelli productions, even before I considered being an actor. I suppose those things will always inform you but at the end of the day there’s no way to do what they did. You can only bring yourself to these roles.” Strouthos’ last Bell Shakespeare performance was in The Tempest in November last year. That show was John Bell’s final performance as the Company’s namesake and Artistic Director. Now Strouthos and his fellow actors are being directed in this new production by incoming Artistic Director Peter Evans. “They work in very different ways,” Strouthos explains. “They’re both so supportive in their ways. It’s very exciting to see how John worked and then now where Pete is taking the company. I think there are amazing years to come with Pete at the helm.”
Beyond The Bard
Damien Strouthos tells Danielle O’Donohue about the time he performed Romeo And Juliet to a group of Shakespeare newbies.
D
amien Strouthos was 19 when Bell Shakespeare hired the young actor to bring the magic of the Bard to school kids in remote parts of NSW. Arriving in Wilcannia, a tiny town in far western New South Wales, Strouthos encountered something he never imagined an audience of kids desperate to find out how Romeo And Juliet ended. The mostly Aboriginal audience had never studied the play and Strouthos says their emotional reactions to the play were among the most honest he’s experienced as an actor. “It’s probably the most important production of Romeo And Juliet that I’ve been a part of so far,” Strouthos says. “Because these kids had no idea how it ended I remember them being very vocal through the final death speech and saying, ‘Don’t kill yourself because she’s still alive.’ It was very moving to be a part of that and have a discussion with the kids afterwards to get their insight into the play and what they felt about it.” Like most of us, Strouthos first encountered the Bard in a classroom - so he understands why a lot of people find the language frustrating and difficult to unpack. “I feel sorry for English teachers because they’ve got to teach a 450-year-old play as a piece of written literature, which it’s not. It makes it very boring for school kids. “Kids grow up going, ‘This language is impossible for me to understand,’ because it’s never meant to be sat down and read in a classroom. I was in a play in Year 9, a
What: Romeo And Juliet When & Where: 20 Feb - 27 Mar, Playhouse, Sydney Opera House; 1 - 9 Apr, The Playhouse, Canberra Theatre Centre
THE MUSIC 17TH FEBRUARY 2016 • 17
Music
Wu-Tang Is Forever “First of all, always know that, if it’s only one of us, if it’s only two of us, you’re always gonna get a dynamic show,” Wu-Tang Clan’s Masta Killa, aka Elgin Turner tells Cyclone.
T
he Wu-Tang Clan unleashed supposedly their final album, the slept-on A Better Tomorrow, in 2014. But the fabled New York hip hop collective are not done touring, descending on Australia next month. The big mystery is who of RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa and Cappadonna will turn up. Indeed, the Wu are notoriously unpredictable, which, ironically, is integral to their mythology. Nonetheless, Masta Killa (aka Elgin Turner) is ready. “Well, first of all, always know that, if it’s only one of us, if it’s only two of us, you’re always gonna get a dynamic show,” Turner assures. “But I know everybody wants to see the
When you’re a part of an all-star cast, everyone has their favourites. It’s like a comic book of superheroes!
whole Wu-Tang Clan. Sometimes even for me that’s difficult to say [who will perform]. But, as long as you have Masta Killa there, as long as you have any member of Wu-Tang Clan, you will never be disappointed as far as enjoying real hip hop - [we’ll be] bringing you back to the golden era of the ‘90s when everything was lovely.” One who will be there in spirit only is the Wu’s uniquely eccentric Ol’ Dirty Bastard, who died from a drug overdose in 2004. “He’s greatly missed,” Turner says fondly. “Remember he said, ‘My name is Ol’ Dirty Bastard because there’s no father to my style’ (laughs) - that’s very true.” With RZA as chief MC/producer, mogul and mastermind, The Wu formed in Staten Island, NY, which, in a Wuniverse inspired by martial arts flicks, they renamed ‘Shaolin’. The clique debuted with 1993’s now classic Enter 18 • THE MUSIC • 17TH FEBRUARY 2016
The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), which reinvented hardcore rap with its intricate lyricism and innovative production. Turner, then a novice, rapped on one track. RZA negotiated an unprecedented deal with Steve Rifkind’s Loud Records, allowing its MCs to pursue independent careers. The Wu developed into not only a movement, but also a franchise, complete with fashion brand. Musically, their quality control did falter. However, today the Wu have influenced everyone from Kanye West to Drake to Run The Jewels. The Wu fragmented as RZA, lured away by Hollywood, became less autocratic. He had acolytes cut beats. Yet, after a remobilised RZA decided to take 2007’s comeback 8 Diagrams in a more ‘musical’ direction, other Wu members, notably Raekwon, revolted. These conflicts reemerged during the recording of A Better Tomorrow, with its sentimental over streetwise orientation. Turner just hopes it’s not their last LP. “I never wanna say that it’s the final chapter, because Wu-Tang is forever. But I don’t think that it was our best work, because I’m always striving to get better. I still feel like there’s so much more for us to offer. I don’t feel like it’s over, you know?” Turner acknowledges the Wu’s disharmony on A Better Tomorrow, attributing it to the members’ divergent artistic trajectories. “It was mixed emotions when it came to the production of the music, because sometimes I think, where RZA has grown to, musically, you have to catch up to things, production-wise or even as an artist.” They didn’t properly re-bond in the studio, either. “We’re so busy, doing so many different things. And just sometimes the magic really comes from us being together. That chemistry that you felt from the first album is what’s missing, and that chemistry was us all being in the studio together at one time, resting on the same board.” In theory, the Wu do have another album, the private collectible Once Upon A Time In Shaolin. RZA, who conceived the record with his Dutch-Moroccan protege Cilvaringz, auctioned it to the highest bidder - a statement about the devaluation of music in the digital age. Fans felt the manoeuvre elitist. Some pragmatically initiated a crowdfunding campaign. Turner appreciates RZA’s motives. “But I know not too much about that album,” he says, despite contributing. “I didn’t even hear the finished product!” The story took a twist when it was disclosed that Once Upon A Time In Shaolin was purchased for US$2 million by Martin Shkreli, the controversial CEO of Turing Pharmaceuticals Shkre the licence for Daraprim, a drug used in HIV (on acquiring ac treatment, he raised its price astronomically). In December treatm FBI arrested Shkreli for securities fraud, sparking viral the FB schadenfreude. Ghostface has called Shkreli a “shithead”. “To schad tell you the truth, I know nothing about this person,” Turner says diplomatically. “I mean, I thank him for respecting our music and our group enough that he would buy it...” Turner remains Wu’s “most mysterious” MC - the last to drop a solo album (2004’s cred No Said Date). “When you’re a part of an all-star cast, everyone has their favourites,” he laughs. “It’s like a comic book of superheroes! Most people are gonna run to Superman and most people are gonna run to Batman and most people are gonna run to whoever. So my thing was always winning, to be successful - as long as my group was successful, ultimately I’m happy.”
When & Where: 24 Feb, Allphones Arena
FROM BLUESFESTTOURING.COM.AU BLUESFEST TICKETS 02 6685 8310 & THE VENUES
ON SALE
NOW!
SIDESHOWS MORE INFO FROM BLUESFESTTOURING.COM.AU
GRAMMY AWARD WINNING
GRAMMY AND ACADEMY AWARD WINNER
WITH SPECIAL GUEST
IRISH MYTHEN
WEDNESDAY LIMITED MARCH TICKETS THURSDAY MARCH
23 24
ENMORE THEATRE ENMORE THEATRE
WITH SPECIAL GUEST
BLIND BOY PAXTON
TUESDAY MARCH
2 bigger ones: Sebastian and Tommy 3 smaller: AIB, Sarah, Luka
22
ENMORE THEATRE
27 & 28 FEBRUARY • THE BASEMENT
BOOKK AT MO MOSHTT IX 133 00 GE T T IX MOS OSHTIXX .COM.AUU OR 9 251 2 7977 THEBBASEM MENTT.COM.A C .AU
2ND SHOW ADD ED BY POP ULA R DEM
AND
2ND SHOW ADDED D! DDUE TO POPULAR DEMAN
21 & 22 APRIL enmore theatre
9 & 10 APRIL SSEYMOUR CENTRE SOLD OUT
BOOK AT FESTIVAL BOX OFFICE 9020 6966 SYDNEYCOMEDYFEST.COM.AU OR TICKETEK 132 849 TICKETEK.COM.AU
BOOK AT SEYMOUR CENTRE BOX OFFICE 9351 7940 SEYMOURCENTRE.COM.AU OOR TICKETEK 132 849 TICKETEK.COM.AU
AABPRESENTS.COM.AU
SUN 8 MAY ENMORE THEATRE
SATURDAY 4 JUNE ENMORE THEATRE BOOK AT TICKETEK 132 849 TICKETEK.COM.AU ABPRESENTS.COM.AU • SEBASTIANLIVE.COM
SARAHMILLICAN.CO.UK @SARAHMILLICAN75
BOOK AT
FESTIVAL BOX OFFICE 9020 6966 SYDNEYCOMEDYFEST.COM.AU OR TICKETEK 132 849 TICKETEK.COM.AU
INDIA’S EDGIEST COMEDY COLLECTIVE
ABPRESENTS.COM.AU | ALLINDIABAKCHOD.COM
THE MUSIC 17TH FEBRUARY 2016 • 19
Indie Indie
Hatch
Three Wise Monkeys
Weapons Of Choice
Have You Heard
Answered by: Jerry Gorman
Answered by: Brad Kypo
Hatch, New Direction (UV boi Remix), Onelove (2014) UV worked his magic on this remix and put some heavy, crunchy booty bass action in there. Instant trap arms!
When did you start making music and why? 3WM got together five years ago, playing at various jam nights and band comps around Sydney. We’d play three original tunes, and got a lot of encouragement from other musicians, and it kind of snowballed from there.
Ivy Lab, Rorschach, Critical (2015) I really dig the fusion of gritty boom bap production, with toptier bass music production, with thunderous low end! Mura Masa, Lotus Eater, Jakarta Records (2014) Lovely organic tones and flutes with a nice serving of bass. When and where for your next gig? 17 Feb, Sosueme at Beach Road Hotel. Website link for more info? soundcloud.com/hatch
Sum up your musical sound in four words? Original Instrumental prog fusion. If you could only listen to one album forevermore, what would it be and why? Eric Johnson — Live From Austin, TX (1988) because there is enough on that record to last anyone for a lifetime. Greatest rock ‘n’ roll moment of your career to date? We did a gig once with Captain Kickarse & The Awesomes, and their bass player did a forward flip off the front of the stage, landed on his head, then jumped up and trashed his amp. That was rock’n’roll. Why should people come and see your band? If your into guitar, drums or bass, 3WM is right down your alley, plus after us is PLINI. When and where for your next gig: 19 Feb, Newtown Social Club. Website link for more info? 3wm.co
20 • THE MUSIC • 17TH FEBRUARY 2016
Pasha Bulka
EP Focus Answered by: Lewis Armstrong EP Title: Time Is Currency How many releases do you have now? Our 2013 debut EP Oyster Cove along with single releases such as our most recognised track My Father Taught Me. Was anything in particular inspiring you during the making? Plenty of unfortunate set backs due to line-up changes, hospitalisations and studio mishaps. This is where the main theme underlies in this EP, despite what may occur just keep on rolling with the punches. What’s your favourite song on it? Old Antique Store. Every other song has very dark undertones, whereas this track has high energy and a positive message. We’ll like this EP if we like... Post hardcore that doesn’t fall into the constant, tiresome regurgitated conventions of the genre and shapes into an unlikely sound that differentiates through each passing song with passion and aggression. When and where is your launch/ next gig: 24 Feb, Hamilton Station Hotel. Website link for more info? facebook.com/pashabulkahc
Samuel Dobson
Album Focus Album title? Samuel Where did the title of your new album come from? Samuel is a story-based concept album, with each track playing out as a scene from different character’s perspectives. The main protagonist’s name is Samuel and this is where the title comes from. How long did it take to write/ record? This project has taken just shy of two-and-a-half years to complete. But I haven’t been alone in this process — I’ve had a lot of help from some pretty inspiring people. Was anything in particular inspiring you during the making? Around the time I began writing I was going to a lot of classical concerts, mostly to SSO and the ACO. The depth, complexity and elongated structures in that music was definitely a big inspiration. What’s your favourite song on it? Customers — I feel it’s the most vivid and visceral scene, almost hard to listen to. Production-wise P Major kills! Will you do anything differently next time? Definitely! It’s important to scrap all preconceptions about the process and tackle each project like it’s your first. When and where is your launch/ next gig? 3 Mar, Slyfox
BLUESFEST
SIDESHOWS
ALL ARTISTS ALSO PERFORMING AT
TICKETS FROM BLUESFESTTOURING.COM.AU 02 6685 8310 & THE VENUES MORE INFO FROM BLUESFESTTOURING.COM.AU
BLUESFEST 2016 FIRST AUST TOUR
ON SALE NOW!
GRAMMY AWARD WINNING SINGER FROM CAROLINA CHOCOLATE DROPS 2016 GRAMMY AWARD NOMINATION - BEST FOLK MUSIC ALBUM “2015’s next big thing”
“(an) amalgamation of hearty Southern rock, alt-country and deep soul.”
“Lord Huron’s music is so impressionistic; it sometimes sounds like it emanates from a dream.” BOSTON GLOBE
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
THE NEW ORLEANS TIMES-PICAYUNE
“Phenomenal vocal power, effortlessly jumping between gospel holler, tender folk song and lachrymose country ballad.” THE GUARDIAN
FIRST AUSTRALIAN TOUR
WED MAR
23
OXFORD ART FACTORY
WED MAR
23 THE BASEMENT
MON MAR
21 FACTORY THEATRE
BRIAN WILSON D’ANGELO THE DECEMBERISTS DON MCLEAN JACKSON BROWNE JANIVA MAGNESS LUCKY PETERSON LUKAS NELSON & P.O.T.R. NAHKO & MEDICINE FOR THE PEOPLE THE RESIDENTS THE SELECTER SHAKEY GRAVES SONGHOY BLUES ST. PAUL & THE BROKEN BONES STEVE EARLE & THE DUKES TAJ MAHAL TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND VINTAGE TROUBLE THE WAILERS THE WORD
ALSO TOURING
mardi gras film festival
feb 18 - mar 3 2016 FESTIVAL STARTS THURSDAY
FRONT COVER
DRAG BECOMES HIM
WAITING FOR B
BARASH
SAT 27 FEB 9.30 PM
SAT 27 FEB 7PM
FRI 26 FEB 6.45PM
THU 25 FEB 6.30 PM
Ryan is a gay ChineseAmerican who has distanced himself from his heritage. Yet when he meets Ning, a closeted Chinese actor, the clash of egos leads to a heated attraction.
RuPaul’s Drag Race fans love season 5 winner, Jinkx Monsoon. Drag Becomes Him is a raw and unseen look at Monsoon’s life from his working class upbringing to being on the road.
A heartwarming crowdpleaser which follows a group of Beyoncé fans camping out for two months to get the best seats. A very fun documentary like the legendary Paris is Burning.
Naama escapes her small-town life by getting stoned at dance parties. Dana introduces her to hip lesbian clubs, drugs and kissing girls. Destined to be a lesbian cult classic.
Ticketing and more info at
queerscreen.org.au
THE MUSIC 17TH FEBRUARY 2016 • 21
Film
Our Guide To Mardi Gras Film Festival The Music’s film guru Anthony Carew takes us through this year’s Mardi Gras Film Festival line-up.
E
verlasting Love comes billed as “Spain’s answer to Stranger By The Lake”, but it’s more like Stranger By The Lake crossed with We Are What We Are. It haunts a spooky Catalan forest cruised not just by bearish men, but itinerate gangs of creepy teens who abduct wayward youths, indoctrinate them into their ranks via loving mutilation, and seem like sure suspects in a spate of grizzly local murders. Marcal Fores’ follow-up to his surrealist talking-teddy-bear nightmare Animals is just as singular, an artful mash-up of animal attraction, nocturnal terror, doom-laden synth outbursts, and trips to indie-rock
Beautiful Something
Scrum
Everlasting Love
Summertime
shows; culminating with Sonny & The Sunsets playing in its woods under handwritten, blood-spattered credits. Everlasting Love is the sure cinematic standout at the 23rd Mardi Gras Film Festival, but it isn’t the sole piece of inspiring cinema. There’s also Fort Buchanan, an odd reel of grainy celluloid from French-based American expat Benjamin Crotty. It’s a queer take on ‘army wives’, with the left-behind partners - all cooped up in one remote base - sexually pursuing whoever else is around, gender or orientation be damned. Crotty sourced the dialogue from soap opera close captioning, cut it up, and stuck it in his actors’ mouths, the mix of mumblecore naturalism and tonally off words giving Fort Buchanan a sense of wonderful absurdity. 22 • THE MUSIC • 17TH FEBRUARY 2016
Also highly recommended is That’s Not Us, an American indie that sends three couples - one gay, one lesbian, one straight - to one beach house for a weekend. That set-up suggests sitcom hijinks and convenient conflict, but William Sullivan’s film shows a thoughtful, complex, considered study of relationships, touching on the way any partnership can ebb and flow by way of colliding neuroses. Elsewhere, there’s all manner of other films programmed for the MGFF, including screenings of Finding Nemo and In Bed With Madonna. The fest opens with Summertime, a piece of bourgeois arthousery from Catherine Corsini, in which Izia Higelin plays a country lass who falls into the budding feminist movement, and into bed with Cecile de France, in 1971 Paris. Another high profile pic is Addicted To Fresno, the latest black comedy from Jamie Babbit, in which Judy Greer and Natasha Lyonne play odd couple siblings whose cover-up of an accidental homicide is loaded with hijinks.
Everlasting Love is the sure cinematic standout at the 23rd Mardi Gras Film Festival, but it isn’t the sole piece of inspiring cinema. The Firefly is a creaky Colombian film that uses dramatically tidy tragedy to bring together Carolina Guerra and Olga Segura, who look less grief-stricken, more like they’ve just walked off the runway. Departure is a polite, toffee English take on adolescent obsession, set in the French countryside and starring the kid who played the schoolboy Turing in The Imitation Game. And the direly earnest, painfully stagy Beautiful Something features plenty of hot young flesh, but in an era of abundant porn, its supposedly ‘steamy’ sex scenes are so unconvincingly simulated as to seem ersatz, almost quaint. The fest’s many documentaries include Remembering The Man, essentially the backstage guide to the real life star-cross’d queers behind the Holding The Man story; Ecco Homo, Lynn-Maree Milburn and Richard Lowenstein’s loving, critical portrait of St Kilda scenester and self-mythologising fabulist Troy Davies; Drag Becomes Him, a life-and-times chronicle of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season Five winner Jinkx Monsoon/ Jerick Hoffer (which features one of cinema history’s definitive on-screen pisses); and Scrum, a local look at the men of “the greatest gay rugby club in the world”, the Sydney Convicts.
When & Where: 18 Feb - 3 Mar, various locations
THE MUSIC 17TH FEBRUARY 2016 • 23
While Twitter Gently Weeps (and we laugh at them).
Theatre
The More Things Change
Prince
The artist formerly known as The Artist Formerly Known As Prince has broken hearts all over Australia after, expectedly, selling out tickets and simultaneously crashing the internet – snaps to the guy who asked Telstra after they announced a “mass” outage if they’d tried turning it off and turning it on again. Virtual queuing times for Prince tickets stretched north of an hour-and-a-half in some cases, according to the punters stuck waiting in vain hope for pages to refresh and tell them that, yes, they had a date with the Purple one. Tickets for $99.90, $400 and even an obscene $968.36 have gone, turning Twitter into a simultaneous graveyard of dreams and childish parading of success as people come to terms with their individual realities regarding their prospects of seeing Prince. If you’re into schadenfreude and our sarcastic social media commentary, this one’s for you.
Tweets on pg 25
24 • THE MUSIC • 17TH FEBRUARY 2016
The Blind Giant Is Dancing’s warning about power’s ultimate corruptibility still rings true today. Zahra Newman talks to Danielle O’Donohue.
I
t’s been 33 years since Stephen Sewell’s play, The Blind Giant Is Dancing, first premiered in South Australia. Look around. The political landscape he had the foresight to sketch out has an eerie ring of truth to it - a play about power and corruption in government and an alliance between the political sphere and the business world. Zahra Newman, seen recently at Belvoir in Artistic Director Eamon Flack’s highly satisfying production of Ivanov, plays Rose Draper and says it didn’t take long for the director and cast to see the connections between the play’s setting and modern Australia. “What Stephen was writing, he was envisioning a future and that future has happened,” Newman explains. “Some of the stuff that he talks about - predicting the nature of Australian politics and the nature of how politics and business work together now, in a way that we’ve come to expect - it was not always like that. I think good plays, the reason that they are still done is because they’re about humans and human nature and we relate to that through the ages. Stories about family, and stories about love, stories about compromise and about power, the things that we struggle with every day, there’s always a connection you can make.” Split into three acts that get faster as the play progresses, The Blind Giant Is Dancing is a real work out for the actors but one
Newman is relishing. “The play is in three acts and the third act has twice as many scenes as the other two acts. It’s a little work changing scenes and the scenes happen quite quickly, so you have to get all that technical stuff down. What you realise is how you expend your energy in the scenes, especially for Dan Spielman who’s playing the lead role. There’s big sections of the play where he barely leaves the stage. “You get used to it,” Newman says. “You get into the rhythm of it. And once you do it at that pace you feel like you’re hurtling toward the end of something, which actually helps the play make more sense. Also exhaustion of actor and exhaustion of character is reflective of the world. Just the feeling of characters having been through what we’re going to see in the play.” This is the first time Newman has worked with all of her fellow cast mates, including current TV favourite in the US Yael Stone (Orange Is The New Black) and Spielman (The Code, Offspring), so the Jamaican-born actress is glad her director Eamon Flack is a familiar face. “I think if you’ve worked with a director before you’ve got an affinity with that person because you’ve gone through a process with them but to an extent is does always feel a bit like first day of school. It’s not just about you and the director. There are other people in the room as well. You have to learn how they all work together and how we’re going to work together to build this thing. “And we never really know what a play is until we have everybody in the room together and even then it doesn’t fully reveal itself until you get an audience. That’s the last little piece of the puzzle.”
What: The Blind Giant Is Dancing When & Where: To 20 Mar, Belvoir Upstairs
The Victorious Braggers: Music
Higher Aspirations
When it came time to followup 2012’s Apocryphon, Texas stoner-rock quartet The Sword wanted to move further away from their doom metal background if only to, as frontman John D Cronise tells Tom Hersey, stop metalobsessed fans bugging them at shows.
“I
’ve heard that there’s been a little dissatisfaction from metal types,” John D Cronise says of the response to the band’s 2015 good-time rock‘n’roll opus, High Country, “but frankly those are the type of fans that I’m ready to lose. I’d rather have fans that are more open-minded about music and would like to hear different-sounding records from the same band, rather than the same thing, over and over again. Because those types of people are weird, man. Having met a lot of them over the last ten years, those are the kind of people that talk to you and talk to you at the show about the strangest minutiae and don’t ever take the hint they should maybe move on. Frankly, I’ve been trapped in enough conversations with dudes like that to want more fans who are a bit more open to some different stuff.” For a band once known exclusively for their thundering doom riffs and an oh-sometal lyrical bent obsessed with Norse mythology, Cronise’s views could amount to heresy, or they would if High Country wasn’t such a damn good record. Where the band’s
2010 concept record, and first attempt to step outside of the metal world, Warp Riders was too confused to be viewed as much more than a promising misstep, now The Sword have found their voice outside of the metal world. They’ve tapped into the bombastic boogie of acts like Thin Lizzy and ZZ Top. “Each record is just another step along the way, and after Apocryphon and touring that, we decided we wanted to take a bit more of a laidback approach. We didn’t just want a collection of ripping guitar solos and pummelling riffs. We kind of did away with the more classically influenced heavy metal stuff. There’s still a little bit of that stuff still there, but really it’s a straightahead rock album. Our songwriting is coming from a different place now from when we were young, hungry 20-somethings. If we were trying to still write songs like our first album, it would be really forced. High Country is the sound of a band that’s been around for ten years and seen a thing or two.” As for how the band approaches their older, more metal, material live, Cronise has a concise answer. They just don’t. “The old material we play is the stuff that’s more in line with the new material. There’s some stuff that we don’t really play anymore, because it would make for an awkward show if we did. We want to show where we’re at as musicians these days. Not that we don’t love our back catalogue and those songs, but at some point — especially in the genre we came from and the arena we started in — it just kind of became limiting. And there’s a lot of stuff that are songs that are fan favourites, but for us to play them live, it doesn’t feel natural. It feels like we’d just be doing it to please the fans, and that’s not the statement we want to make as musicians.”
When & Where: 24 Feb, Max Watts
@SpiffingFrocks: AFTER 300 MULTIPLE SITE CRASHES...I GOT TICKETS....1HR 40 MINS LATER #Prince #fuckYeaaaaah Good for you. The rest of us couldn’t sit in that queue all day because we have, you know... jobs. @NeilMcMahon: Not sure how I managed to both score second row Prince tickets and dodge #telstra outage but am feeling like a right happy arsehole today. Yes, Neil, you are an arsehole. @maungle: Whew. Two #Prince tickets at the Sydney Opera House $800. #purplepain Good luck paying your internet bill next quarter. @PaulAndrews2043: Got one of the bastards! #Prince #tickets #mayhem #nevertypedsofast onmyphoneinmylife You know what Paul? #youreallydontneedtomakeup longhashtagstotry andappearfunnyontwitter
The Sore Losers: @CaptureNZ: Well that was exciting. FTR, I decided $800 for two tickets in the bleachers was $600 to many. ILU Prince, but... #NoPrince4Me FTR, so did we. ROFL @SallyannMoffat: I feel like rocking rhythmically back and forth is the only thing that makes any sense. #wearinganimalprintandpurple #princetickets Sally, we feel ya. But no matter how depressed you are, animal print and purple is never a good idea. @LeFouPedalant: #PrinceTickets Hanging around on the website even after they said the sale was postponed ...... as if there might be another encore Ah… if only. @kingnivin: I’m sad I couldn’t get Prince tickets #WhenNivinCries You, and about half the country. You’re not #foreveralone. But we’re still not using it as an excuse to refer to ourselves in third person.
THE MUSIC 17TH FEBRUARY 2016 • 25
Eat / Eat/Drink
If salad is good for you, and breakfast is the most important meal of the day, then breakfast salads must be one of the greatest meals a human can ingest. Following this logic, here are a few of our favourites. Words: Xavier Fennell.
Ruby’s Diner – 1/173-179 Bronte Rd, Queens Park Ruby’s Diner is mostly focussed on coffee, offering some pretty fancy filter options as well as their patron favourite single origin. Their all day breakfast menu features a raw brekkie salad with kale, broccoli, avocado and poached eggs on soft feta. They also do a Rainbow Salad Eggs and the Pump Up The Jam eggs includes a cucumber and quinoa salad.
brekkie salads Kawa Cafe – 348 Crown St, Surry Hills Kiwi-owned Kawa Cafe is one of the friendliest places in Sydney to grab a bite. Generous portions and a great selection of sweets and breakfast classics are sure to keep you coming back. Their famous brekkie salad is packed with the good stuff: kale, spinach, broccoli, green apple, quinoa, buckwheat seeds, lemon dressing, avocado, poached egg and chilli.
Shenkin – 53a Erskineville Rd, Erskineville Shenkin has long been considered the backbone of the local cafe culture. With an Israeli influence and huge felafel wraps, it’s easy to grab a quick, healthy and filling feed. Their Shenkin Salad is a beast of a thing with haloumi, pickled capsicum, okra, tuna, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, corn, olives, red onion and a boiled freerange egg.
26 • THE MUSIC • 17TH FEBRUARY 2016
Bruce Leaves – 91 O’Riordan St, Alexandria The master of punny menus, Bruce Leaves doesn’t shy away from a little play on words. This salad bar/cafe combo sources their ingredients from the local growers’ market, allowing them to easily whip up their raw vegetable market salad, with market veggies of the day, kale, mint, coriander, chickpeas, mixed seeds and grains and a fresh lemon and tahina dressing.
/ Drink Eat/Drink
Gauchito Gil’s Malbec World Day
Having become a cult hit in Melbourne over the past three years, Gauchito Gil’s Malbec World Day will be held in Sydney for the first time this year, on 23 Apr.
Celebrate
Gauchito Gil’s Malbec World Day
The event is Australia’s largest celebration of Argentina’s most famed grape, Malbec.
We’re seeing more and more winning examples of the full-bodied red in our country, and the event will see more than 80 styles of the wine from both Australia and Argentina (which boasts the largest Malbec production area in the world) being showcased.
The celebration includes live tango dancing and a traditional Argentinian feast including empanadas from barbecue kings Porteno. The event is on from 1 — 6pm at Cell Block Theatre, National Art School. Earlybird tix are $40 per person, and each ticket includes a Plumm REDa wine glass (valued at $30) and all the wines on tasting. From 1 Mar, tickets will be $50 each. For info and bookings visit gauchitogil.com.au.
Project YUM
At Broadway Shopping Centre
In order to complete the final stages of a $55 million re-development, Broadway Shopping Centre have announced the shutdown of their iconic food court on Level 2. Scheduled for completion by springtime, the finished renovation will introduce four unique areas to the level (Fashion High Street, The Laneway, The Urban Room and Restaurants), three of which will be dedicated to providing a new and improved experience to food and drink.
Until then, fear not, Broadway shoppers! While Level 2 remains in construction, there will be 15 alternative food options throughout the centre including $10 lunch specials from Soul Origin, Top Juice, Relish Foods, Sushi World and Fisherman’s Fresh. Broadway will also run a pop-up food festival called PROJECT YUM, providing food stalls, free wifi, seating pods and live entertainment throughout February. Lillie Siegenthaler
Foodie News
Broadway Shopping Centre Project YUM
Picnic On The Green Picnic On The Green
Hot Spot
Greenwood Plaza is inviting you to come along to the biggest picnic the North Shore has ever seen. Hosted on the plaza’s evergreen rooftop, Picnic On the Green kicked off 15 Feb and will go until 19 Feb.
Giant Chess and Connect Four tournaments; and free ice cream and popcorn are just some of the reasons why you should head down. Lillie Siegenthaler
The crew at the Plaza have been busy sprucing up the rooftop with hammocks, deck chairs, picnic rugs and umbrellas. Cute little $5 lunchbox deals will be available, with other special offers at the fingertips of Greencard holders. A performance by Pop Dynasty;
THE MUSIC 17TH FEBRUARY 2016 • 27
Music
Getting Over-Baird
According To Dan
Unless you live under a rock, or are happily drunk at 3am in a city outside of Sydney and couldn’t give half a shit about our dying nightlife, then you would have most likely heard about the Baird boo-boo over some misleading statistics and a viral Facebook post last week. To simplify it for you, we’ve made a timeline. Because everyone loves watching social media escalate stuff quickly. 5 Feb: Businessman Matt Barrie publishes a lengthy opinion piece slamming the government for destroying the city’s nightlife. The article, posted to his LinkedIn account, was entitled, ‘Would The Last Person In Sydney Please Turn The Lights Out?’
Brynn Davies digs around ska and unearths Dan Potthast, who refuses to predict the future of the genre.
9 Feb at 11:52am: NSW Premier Mike Baird, ever the modern man, posts a lengthy status on Facebook describing calls for the end of lockouts as “growing hysteria”.
nyone born post ‘95 know about ska? That cool-as melting pot of reggae vibes, jazz, a little rhythm and blues and a touch of calypso. Basically — for us who know/remember it — it’s funky shit, and hasn’t fallen into obscurity so much as undergone a number of facelifts over the years. After seemingly falling off the planet when reggae split into its own distinctive genre in the ‘60s, ska didn’t come up for air again until 1980, when the revival gained traction through England and parts of the USA. Today, ska has mixed with punk rock to create a third wave, and riding it through is Dan Potthast: the Yank that fronted MU330 which he co-founded during the late ‘80s, and who currently tours with his own Santa Cruzbased ska collective. He’s red-blooded proof that the genre is alive and well. “I guess it’s gone up and down through the years, but I feel like whether ska is ‘popular’ at the moment or not, the one constant is that if there’s a good band out there, people will find them,” he muses. People did find him recently... on their property. Potthast just wrapped up a 63-date living room tour across the US and Canada “all in people’s living rooms, back yards, attics, basements, and garages” and “basically ate barbeque for three straight months”. Despite gaining “a bit of weight”, the intimacy of the experience left him with a newfound love of the food-gig combo. “There is something basic and primal about breaking bread with people that connects us with our humanity,
“The main complaints seem to be that you can’t drink till dawn any more and you can’t impulse-buy a bottle of white after 10pm,” Baird writes. “I understand that this presents an inconvenience. Some say this makes us an international embarrassment. Except, assaults are down by 42.2 percent. And there is nothing embarrassing about that.”
Mike Baird. Pic: Via Facebook
Continued on pg 29
28 • THE MUSIC • 17TH FEBRUARY 2016
A
and it was great to do that every night. It’s a great formula. Share food then share music. People are awesome,” he said. Potthast has also been busy working on a new solo record set to drop in a few months called To The Lions — on coloured vinyl none the less! As soon as that goes, his ten-piece ska band will start recording a new album at the end of March. And if that’s not enough, he’s reviving the older stuff: “Sharkanoid is recording a new full length in late April. I’ve been demoing the tunes this week, and Ted Moll from MU330 will be playing drums on this record. But wait! There’s more... MU330 recorded a new song over the holidays, and will probably lay down basic tracks for another new tune in late April during the Sharkanoid session. I’m not sure where these songs will wind up, but it’s the first time we’ve written and recorded music together in about 15 years, and it’s been exciting to see that process happen again.” With so many fingers in as many pies, it almost seems like Potthast is single-handedly holding up ska through 2016. But he’s content to play the genre rather than predict where it’s going to go next. “Ska is definitely on the upstroke. Get it? Actually... I don’t really feel like it’s my job to follow or predict trends or shifts in what people like or don’t like, or if a genre is good are bad, or where people’s opinions are headed, or what other people are going to create or record. “So if you play ska, be good at it. Just like if you’re a plumber, or a banker or a racecar driver... Be passionate and do your best and people will find out about you and appreciate you.”
When & Where: 24 Feb, Newtown Social Club; 26 Feb, Dicey Riley’s Hotel, Wollongong; 27 Feb, Chopdog’s Harbour Cruise, Sydney Harbour
Music
Sweet Victory
Line-up changes are normal, but this wasn’t the case when Andrew Stockdale’s cofounders left Wolfmother. He explains “the penguin theory” to Bryget Chrisfield.
“I
’m actually in a really good mood after doing all this press,” Andrew Stockdale, in Sydney for a day of promo, laughs somewhat disbelievingly. And after repeat Victorious listens, we’ve also come to the conclusion that Stockdale definitely sounds inspired. “I feel like something kicked in, yeah,” he allows, adding that working on Wolfmother’s fourth studio album was a “very fulfilling process”. As well as singing, Stockdale supplied guitar and bass on Victorious and recruited both Josh Freese and Joey Waronker for drum duties. “Before I went to LA, Brendan [O’Brien, producer] asked me who I’d like to drum and I said, ‘Look, in all honesty I’d love to have Joe Waronker on there, like, if you can get in touch with him, you know, I’d be honoured to have him on the record.’ And that’s the amazing thing about LA; you turn up and Joey Waronker’s sittin’ there havin’ a coffee ready to play! And then I think Joey was, like, about to work on a record so he did half the record [Victorious] and then started on something else. Josh Freese got back from a tour with The Replacements and then just came straight into the studio, and he did the other half of the record. So it all kinda worked out, I think.” When it came to divvying up which tracks these legends would drum on, Stockdale
explains they played to their individual strengths: Waronker’s “shuffling” style showcases “lots of very quick drum fills”, which Stockdale utilised on songs such as City Lights; Stockdale admires the “power” in Freese’s style as demonstrated on tracks like Victorious and Simple Life. Let’s rewind back to 2008 when Stockdale’s bandmates, Chris Ross and Myles Heskett, left Wolfmother. Stockdale was portrayed as impossible to work with and it sorta stuck. These days it seems perfectly acceptable for artists to change up the musicians they work with for different creative purposes (see: Tame Impala, Queens Of The Stone Age, Northlane). “That’s true,” Stockdale concurs. “It’s like the penguin theory: it’s like the first penguin that jumps off and breaks the ice gets eaten by the shark so that the rest of the penguins can follow unharmed; I was the first penguin... It’s just kinda opened up the playing field to being creative, I guess.” We discuss the fact that Josh Homme rarely performs live with Eagles Of Death Metal despite being in all the band’s press shots and Stockdale concludes, “If the music’s good, all is forgiven”. Reflecting back on Wolfmother’s stratospheric rise, Stockdale enthuses, “We made it on our first record! We got Dave Sardy, one of the best producers in rock’n’roll, and a great manager, John Watson, and Pav [Steve Pavlovic] with Modular... We did our bit and they just, you know, assisted us to kind of be in the right places and play to various people.” The success of the band’s debut album meant that they “didn’t have to learn all the hard lessons that bands learn over, like, six years playing in bands and making records themselves”. “I think sometimes you have to be open to success,” he suggests.
Getting Over-Baird Alison Wonderland
10 Feb: Director of the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, Don Weatherburn, refuted claims made by Baird that alcohol-related violence has dropped by 60 percent in Kings Cross and almost 43 percent in the CBD. “The problem with that is assaults have been coming down in NSW since 2008, so you had this pre-existing downward trend,” Dr Weatherburn said. “What the lockout laws did was accelerate the existing downward trend, so it fell even faster than before.” 10 Feb at 11.05am: Nina Las Vegas posted, “I, like so many other Sydneysiders, have been seriously affected by the lockout laws. As a DJ who has built a career on performing, I’ve seen TOO MANY businesses close, empty cabs, lost night shifts and closed clubs to believe that Sydney is ‘more vibrant than ever’.” 10 Feb at 10:22am: Alison Wonderland also added her own scathing letter to the growing pile: “Our beloved Sydney’s reputation has taken a fucking battering & words can’t explain how embarrassed I am that my home, the most beautiful and once most vibrant city in the world has become a laughing stock internationally. Go on… keep arrogantly ignoring us. It seems to have worked well for your predecessors. This is not footloose.” 10 Feb at 7:31am: Flight Facilities released a lengthy statement regarding the debate and have suggested punters are better off heading to Melbourne for a night out. “It’s perfectly comparable to Sydney in size,” the Facebook post reads. “How about you let the public vote on the issue instead of an out of touch group of suits?”
What: Victorious (Universal) THE MUSIC 17TH FEBRUARY 2016 • 29
Music
I Am A Belieber
Cosmic Chemistry
Simon Cohen & Justin Bieber
You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who hasn’t heard Justin Bieber’s global chart-topping track Love Yourself, but what many don’t know is that the vocals for the song were recorded by Aussie vocal producer Simon Cohen in Melbourne last year. Cohen was contacted by Bieber’s camp in September - while the singer was in the country on a promo tour - via an email which read, “There’s another song we need to do, are you available, can you be in Melbourne today?” Cohen explained that though there are rumours that Bieber isn’t the easiest to work with, it couldn’t be further from the truth. “I hate to be the one to dispel the rumour, he’s actually a lovely guy,” Cohen said. Love Yourself peaked at #1 in a number of countries including the UK, Australia, Ireland, Sweden, Ireland, Denmark, New Zealand and the US, where it has sold 1.1 million copies. Cohen said that while he was initially surprised with how much the song connected with fans, he personally thought it would be a hit. “I’m a fan of his writing, it’s a great song and I guess with all that kind of stuff, you like to hope that everyone else hears what you hear in it.” Surprisingly, Cohen revealed that he has had no contact with Bieber or his camp since working on the song together, saying, “I should send them a congratulations box of chocolates.”
30 • THE MUSIC • 17TH FEBRUARY 2016
High On Fire’s larger-thanlife frontman Matt Pike tells Steve Bell why the metal lords treat the studio like a science project.
C
alifornia-bred metal icons High On Fire have gradually, by a combination of volume and stealth, become one of the most lauded outfits in the heavy world, decimating all and sundry with their thundering riffs and furious explorations of metal bombast. This maelstrom is all abetted nicely by the well-versed but wary worldview of frontman Matt Pike - also guitarist for ‘90s doom legends Sleep - whose thoughtprovoking screeds and deconstructions of modern society and the human condition add great heft to the band’s already humungous power. On their seventh album Luminiferous which when released last year was lauded by many pundits as the pinnacle of High On Fire’s formidable bastion - Pike’s lyrical attention wandered to aliens, mind control and conspiracy theories, all par for the course for this fascinating behemoth. “Once I have an idea and I have the first line written, usually it just flows,” Pike tells. “I’m lucky like that I guess. Once I have an idea and once I write the first line everything falls into place. The lyrics are a very important part of the process for me though - I just wouldn’t feel right about myself if I just threw some bullshit together. I’m pretty thorough about the way that I want to present it and the point I’m trying to make,
whatever that song might be.” A couple of the album’s tracks such as The Sunless Years and The Cave, however, seem a bit more personal than the standard High On Fire diatribe. “Yeah, they are,” Pike admits. “They’re personal themes but I use metaphors; I take metaphors and I mix them up so that it’s not so much about myself even though it’s about myself. I’m not trying to feed my ego or anything like that, I’m trying to express my childhood or the death of love in my life. A lot of them are very personal, and I’m very conscious of what I’m talking about if it is personal.” Pike, for his part, seems more excited about the music that he and his bandmates Des Kensel (drums) and Jeff Matz (bass) concocted for Luminiferous. “It’s some of the best music I’ve ever been fortunate enough to play on,” he enthuses. “It’s a great record, and I’m stoked on it still. I still listen to it, and usually I can’t stand listening to myself. I knew what I was aiming for: I was just aiming to make it as epic as possible.” And, somewhat strangely for a band considered such a live force, Pike doesn’t believe it’s difficult for High On Fire to capture that lightning in a bottle in the studio. “No way, I think that’s where we shine,” he booms. “That’s where we shine. We get into a studio and we know what we want to do but then we’re experimenting like a science project: you’re trying to get perfect tones, you’re trying to get the perfect take and on top of that you’re excited about being able to hear a complete song instead of just a bunch of cut-up riffs here and there. When it all comes together it’s a pretty amazing feeling.”
When & Where: 20 Feb, Manning Bar
S A MUE L 1 8 F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 6 DEBUT ALBUM BY SAMUEL DOBSON
“It gave me chills, no lie� d av e ru b y h ow e
• W W W. S A M U E L D O B S O N . C O M
)( - & ()1 0#
111 ( 1.)1(-) # & &/ )' (
%#(! -. ( 1.)1(
(! ##,
1 #
, #) ')- )1 86$ 6(//,1* )$67
. -
(:;
. -
(:;
")&3 - ,* (. %#(!- -.,)3 86$ *&#(# 6(//,1* )$67 ." .)(!/
')(. #!(
' 2 ,)-.
. -
." - ( 1 -)/." 1" & j-1 ,0 -) # .3 k ES
( ' & ")#, 86$ 025( ( *).." -. 86$
86$
(:;
. -
(:;
&/( !, ( "#!" . #&-
$), ( , % # 6(//,1* )$67
' .&) % *" (.)' -&# %
$), ( , % #
. -
(:;
j-1 ,0 -) # .3 k ES -* $/(%
"#( -
/,." )3 6(//,1* )$67
86$
' 2
. -
(:;
,)-. 86$ 6(//,1* )$67
0 ( & 6(//,1* )$67 ( . &# *, -- 86$ & )/- " , #(! '# 3-)(
0 ( &
/,." )3
(! ##,
' (! &1/,4 & #!!#(! ,)).- &$1 ." & /, &- ")&3 -)/& ,/ 3 )). %)# "#& , 4 3 ), &$1 ")/( ')/." 86$ 1 # 62/' 287 ." ,)- & ( , ." &$1 .#! ,.)1( (# & " '* !( /-. , ')(. #!( 6(//,1* )$67 , )),# ( 86$ ( # , # 1= %,#-.#( " ,-" 86$ -/* ,-/ % ,- 86$ ,# "# , ')( 86$ "#( - 86$ 6(//,1* )$67 " (,3 1 !)(-
." )(&3 "#& , (
" **3 ")/, *#(.- ')( ,# .) *' AA %#. " ( )* ( & . *&/- " *- '), . 111 ( 1.)1(-) # & &/ )' THE MUSIC 17TH FEBRUARY 2016 • 31
OPINION Opinion
Dance Moves
Get It To g et her Hip Hop
The sentiments in this column are indebted to Sydney indie music stalwart Adam Lewis’ reflections on sexism With James and Nick Skitz’s despicable recent single Tits Out For The Boys. D’apice “Bitch” remains an acceptable insult in rap music. It’s how you describe a coward or a weakling. As a verb, it describes complaints delivered behind someone’s back. It’s also a word rappers, their fans, and their followers use to describe 51% of the population. Ever wondered why there are so few women at rap shows? Ever wondered why women are so woefully underrepresented on the mic? Why the few female artists who’ve popped up have been drowned out for being too attractive or not attractive enough? Why the few who have touched success haven’t hung around to enjoy it? Being referred to as a “bitch” and being expected to accept it may well be part of the problem. It’s a word we have all used. It’s a word almost none of us intend to be sexist. But it’s there, it demonstrates contempt for women, and it’s easily jettisoned. “Boys will be boys” may be the refrain. Perhaps. But don’t forget: that’s only true if we allow it to be. We have the power to change the scene we find ourselves in. So let’s seize it.
Wa ke The Dead The Ghost Inside
Punk And Hardcore With Sarah Petchell
Punk and hardcore are built on communities. Sometimes it doesn’t seem that way. Then something happens that reinforces that we are a part of a community that helps and supports, celebrates and mourns. Sometimes we have a very narrow view of what constitutes a punk or hardcore (or both) community. We think that it is just what happens at a local level, at your
32 • THE MUSIC • 17TH FEBRUARY 2016
KING
weekend show. But equally as often it is apparent at an international level as well. And often it is demonstrated and articulated by bands that may seem too big to be a part of that community, though that is relative. A band may seem huge when they travel internationally but they return home and are a local band again. The recent van crash involving California metal core band The Ghost Inside unfortunately becomes a part of the point I’m trying to make. The crash was horrific. Both drivers died. Band members lost toes and legs, some are learning to walk again. The response, not only by fans, but by fellow bands really shows that we’re all in this together. A person I know who is a fan of the band raised $800 at a show in Sydney. Bands like Bring Me The Horizon and The Amity Affliction donated to a crowdfunding campaign to help with the band’s medical expenses. Epitaph Records (the band’s label) donated all proceeds from the band’s record sales back to the band. Locally, we forget that some bands and labels share the same roots. We’re all part of the larger community.
OPINION Opinion
New Currents
Two months into the year, and we have With Tim Finney already witnessed two defining R&B events of 2016. The first you know about: Beyonce’s surprise single Formation. The second you may not: the long-awaited release of the debut album from R&B trio KING, titled, straightforwardly enough, We Are KING. This second event is in many ways the antithesis of the first. Whereas Beyonce takes “the personal is political” to its logical extreme, We Are KING abjures both politics and personality. We Are KING is the diametric opposite of the contemporary trend for grab-bag releases hosting a cavalcade of writers, producers and stylistic affectations: entirely self-written and self-produced by its members Paris Strother, Amber Strother and Anita Bias, it’s also monolithically consistent in its excavation of a certain groove and - dare I say it - mode of being, its 12 tracks effectively an extended meditation on a single utopian ideal of ‘80s soft-focus synthetic funk-pop, the tracks dissolving into one another like aspirin in water. On each song, lusciously thick synth chords and bass lines are gently tended to by soft electronic percussion, while the three singers wrap their delicate vocals around the arrangements as if they were languorously tying a ribbon on a present. Musically it’s as myopic as the deepest of deep house, or even the infinitesimal resolutions through repetition of Rhythm & Sound, and it shares with these unlikely comparators an aesthetic rejection of sharpness: no sound, no individual voice, ever fully disentangles itself from the music’s molasses-thick envelopment. This is an album to which the epithet “It all sounds the same” undeniably applies, but as glowing endorsement rather than criticism. The more conscious reference point is the thick, billowing balladic R&B from an ‘80s moment that retro-revivalism forgot: Imagination’s In The Heat Of The Night, Rene & Angela’s Your Smile and You Don’t Have To Cry, Angela Winbush’s Angel. If there’s a point of difference, it’s that (with the exception of Imagination), ‘80s R&B was largely committed to the big-chested proto-Whitney models of emo-vocalising. KING’s overlapping and harmonising vocals are certainly “soulful”, but they imply a denial of the sense of individual personality which R&B traditionally has promoted. It’s not that KING come across as blank or inscrutable, it’s that such questions don’t even arise: the
trio do not sing to the listener so much as within them, rendering tangible the emotions of hope, delight or gentle wonderment that the songs evoke. Ironically, close inspection reveals that the songs are fully formed stories or character studies - The Greatest is a paean to the joys of sport; Mister Chameleon surveys the perils of a lover with many disguises - but the trio could have been singing Liz Fraser-style glossolalia and the impact would be the same. This album has been a long time coming, originally foreshadowed by 2011’s three-track EP The Story. Its belated arrival heralds no sudden sideways swerves which we might expect to see from a Beyonce release (indeed, each of The Story’s three tracks return on the album in scintillating extended mix form). KING offers no surprises, but instead the opposite of surprise, in the form of the total fulfillment and culmination of expectations. It’s a beautiful ending of sorts, even while the music offers the bewitching sensation of slipping into a dream you never want to end.
N E W A L B U M ‘ S Y N T H I A’ O U T N O W “ … A S T R O N G R E T U R N T O F O R M . A DA R K , E V E N M E N AC I N G, R E C O R D AT T I M E S ” ROLLING STONE
THEJEZABELS.COM
THE MUSIC 17TH FEBRUARY 2016 • 33
Album / E Album/EP Reviews
Album OF THE Week
Wolfmother Victorious Universal
★★★★
Stoner-rock is bigger now than ever. It’s in this climate that Wolfmother - a band that was always too poppy for metalheads, but too bizarre for sustained chart success - drop their fourth full-length, and the results are interesting. For the most part, Andrew Stockdale - working mostly with session musicians now - keeps to the Wolfmother ethos of paying tribute to Uriah Heep, Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. However, it would be unfair to say that was all that was going on with Victorious. The band leaves their comfort zone with the acoustic, indie jangle of Pretty Peggy and the Lenny Kravitz-esque Baroness. Victorious seems to capture a turning point in Stockdale’s journey as a songwriter: moving on from his tried-and-true formulas while also making a bid for relevance in a musical landscape with vastly different politics than when he began. Whether you see Victorious as an earnest evolution or a callous cash-grab, there’s a few things that can’t be denied: the songwriting is tighter, the production is light years ahead of the band’s previous work, and Stockdale is working from a place of focus and direction. This may be the record that propels Wolfmother back into mainstream consciousness, or it may give them some street cred in the stoner-rock scene they missed out on the first time around. Or maybe this will be the same old Wolfmother story: too weird to live, and too rare to die. Cameron Cooper
Mavis Staples
Animal Collective
Livin’ On A High Note Anti
Painting With
★★★★ Mavis Staples comes from a long line of legends, adding to the line herself. But her voice and music isn’t all that’s on show here - so strong is her appeal that the likes of Nick Cave, Ben Harper, Valerie June, M Ward and Justin Vernon (aka Bon Iver) have given her original tunes for this release. Overall blues and gospel is the main sound, but Cave’s Jesus Lay Down Beside Me takes her to country rather than blues, barely moving melodically but letting Staples ring out her rich husky sound. It’s an interesting combination of redemption and despair, although it’s not always easy to guess which artist gave it which flavour. M Ward’s Don’t Cry is a much straighter pop/ uplift tune, while Justin Vernon’s Dedicated has the space in it that some of his other big tunes have allowed. In Staples’ hands,
34 • THE MUSIC • 17TH FEBRUARY 2016
Domino/EMI
★★★
it echoes and rolls around beautifully, filling the speakers with warmth and a simple sweet love song refrain. Ben Harper’s contribution, Love And Trust, is familiar but not derivative, also allowing Staples to play with some deep harmonies and a Bowie-like backing (Young Americans-type “ba-ba-ba”). But a real standout is Action, a protest song with the harrowing like “What a terrifying time to raise our voices/But I don’t feel I have other choices”. Its chorus ends “Who’s gonna do it if I don’t do it?”, and while Staples isn’t alone, gosh her voice adds gravitas. Liz Giuffre
Painting With was born from immersive 12-hour jamming sessions where images of dinosaurs projected onto the walls in order to conjure that prehistoric feel. Animal Collective’s intentions might have been to make something more primitive-sounding, but with the layers of electronic tribal drums and processed instruments the end result is something utterly 21st century, as tracks like Vertical could probably be slipped in between your Hudson Mohawke and Sophie records on a more open-minded dancefloor. Their gaze may be focused on several million years BC but there’s an evolution of sorts going on. It’s difficult to deduce whether Animal Collective’s heavy use of technology is through choice or reliance,
but the synapse-rewiring psychedelia of old is largely absent, mostly as a result of the compressed sound production and thumping kick drums throughout. There are several highs, including the rubbery bass of Hocus Pocus, the hyperactive build of Natural Selection and the swampy riffs of Lying In The Grass, but the bulk of the inspiration is frontloaded into the first six or so songs. While the kaleidoscopic haze of Vertical echoes some of their career highs, Painting With rarely matches their dizzying, optimistic triumphs such as Merriweather Post Pavilion. Christopher H James
EP Reviews Album/EP Reviews
Jack Garratt
Monster Truck
Mia Dyson
Michael Waugh
Phase
Sittin’ Heavy
Right There
What We Might Be
Universal
Dine Alone/Cooking Vinyl
MGM
MGM
★★★½
★★★
★★★½
★★★
The debut album from Brit Jack Garratt is an impressive exercise in balance, straddling the blurred line between electronic dance music and the blues. Equally influenced by the soulful experimentation of artists like Frank Ocean and the analogue emotions of rock’n’roll blunderbuss Jack White, Phase is an album that seeks to meld man and machine. It’s when he embraces this juxtaposition that Garratt sounds the most engaging, with songs like Weathered, Breathe Life and Surprise Yourself marrying his warm singing with distanced electronica that springs to life at all the right moments. It’s hot and cold, quiet and loud, life in death.
On their second full-length, Ontario’s Skynyrd-worshipping southern rockers Monster Truck deliver 11 slabs of heavy groove with little regard for hooks. Outside of the sweeping, Freebird-esque singalong choruses of Don’t Tell Me How To Live and Enjoy The Time, that is. These semi-ballads certainly add to the record’s potency, but it would’ve been nice for the band to mix the soup a little bit more, rather than resigning to chugga-chugga choruses for the album’s heavier tunes which are, otherwise, pretty killer. Boot-scooter Things Get Better demonstrates that there is a lot to be said for what is here, even if some elements are missing.
Mia Dyson hit a fine songwriting streak on her last full-length Idyllwild and she continues that here, especially this EP’s first single Tearing Up The Lawn. It’s a carefree, big and bold wash of rock guitar and an ineffable chorus hook. Elsewhere she finds great emotion and beauty in the more restrained corners of songs such as the slow-burning Talk To Me and the melancholically chugging Right There. The soulful, piano-led The Sad Part Of Feeling Good channels Lucinda Williams while I Want Honey takes a Ryan Adams countrified approach to round out what is a varied and yet another strong release from Dyson.
Cameron Cooper
Chris Familton
Michael Waugh is able to portray the small things in life with great clarity. Lovingly produced by the talented Shane Nicholson, What We Might Be is an authentic original album that breaks through its country genre. Kicking off with the sweet Heyfield Girl, Waugh ticks off his influences in the song mentioning Kenny Rogers, Charley Pride and Jim Reeves to name a few. The quirkiness of Mafeking Hill manages to swerve away from cliches that could besot such a colloquial portrait. Another highlight is the simple and heartfelt Paul, which captures childhood bullying with a brilliant intimacy. An honest and touching album.
Roshan Clerke
Sebastian Skeet
More Reviews Online Useless Eaters Temporary Mutilation
theMusic.com.au
Glenn Hansard A Season On The Line
Scraper Misery
THE MUSIC 17TH FEBRUARY 2016 • 35
Album / E Album/EP Reviews
Simple Plan
Essaie Pas
Kanye West
Us The Band
Taking One For The Team
Demain Est Une Autre Nuit
The Life Of Pablo
But Where Do They Go
Atlantic/Warner
DFA/[PIAS] Australia
★★★
★★★½
★★★★
★★★½
Heavy guitar riffs explode off the album in opener Opinion Overload as the punk rock beat takes over, while single Boom! has catchy lyrics and an infectious sound that makes you want to dance. The rest of the album has a mellow energy, with a few catchy, upbeat songs - but they lose that rock feel and become a little poppy. Pierre Bouvier is still as charismatic as ever with his witty lyrics and exceptional vocals. Singing In The Rain featuring R City is riddled with Jamaican vibes, while I Don’t Wanna Go To Bed featuring Nelly is on the verge of being a serious pop song. It’s like they’re trying to change their style. Simple Plan, stick to what you know.
One of a number of unconnected acts breathing life back into the cybernetic lungs of ‘80s gothdisco, husband and wife team Essaie Pas, or “don’t try” in their native French Canadian tongue, make their DFA debut with a title that translates as Tomorrow Is Another Night. Ranging from the urgent electropop of standout Le Port du Masque Est de Rigueur to the stripped down retro-techno with seductive film noir undertones found on the likes of Facing the Music, Demain Est Une Autre Nuit is a fine example of 21st Century future-primitivism.
A truly great album. The young man who once bombarded us with drums is now the master who uses them like a chef uses seasoning. The anger of Yeezus has been replaced by wisdom, by self-knowledge. Feedback is all lights-out sexual energy; Famous is several songs in one, a year composed of contrasting seasons; and Ultra Light Being is literally perfect. For all the arrogance and tweets and nonsense our host brings us, this is the album that lets us love Kanye the greatest way we can. To paraphrase our host’s own amazing, self-deprecating punchline, with The Life Of Pablo we can love Kanye like Kanye loves Kanye.
This punk outfit, recently signed by the very reliable people at Rice Is Nice, cite Cloud Nothings and Thee Oh Sees as inspiration, however their debut EP borrows from classic ‘70s music of bands like The Ramones and The Damned, if those bands were just two people. From a production point, everything is spot-on and arguably more ‘older-sounding’ than their contemporary influences. They’ve reportedly got the attention of the popular music press, including the likes of NME and Henry Rollins, and there is plenty of energy that sounds like it would translate into a great live show - here’s hoping they go places in 2016.
James d’Apice
Adam Wilding
Christopher H James
Universal
Rice Is Nice
Aneta Grulichova
More Reviews Online So Pitted Neo
36 • THE MUSIC • 17TH FEBRUARY 2016
theMusic.com.au
Nathan Hawes I Wasn’t There
Listen to our This Week’s Releases playlist on
SATURDAY 20TH FEB SAT 20 FEB
PRESENTS
THUR 25 FEB SAT 27 FEB FRI 04 MAR THUR 10 MAR FRI 11 MAR TUES 15 MAR FRI 18 MAR
HIGH ON FIRE + I EXIST + L0!
SAN CISCO
+ OLYMPIA + LETTERS TO LIONS
DATSIK NEKO NATION ANIME / J-CORE DJS / BUBBLEGUM POP
BUILT TO SPILL + BEN SALTER
FREDDIE GIBBS SUNN O))) BOOTLEG RASCAL TUKA s ELYSIAN s KORA s KADAVER s
COMING ELUVEITIE s CHERIE CURRIE s SOON SCREECHING WEASEL + MxPx s DEATH DEALER s
T H E VA L L E Y 71 BEACH RD, BONDI
WWW.BACKTOYOURS.COM
DRINK RESPONSIBLY
WWW.MANNINGBAR.COM BAND BOOKINGS DAVE BATTY: DAVE@CUSTOMMADE.COM.AU VENUE HIRE KELSEY RIMMER: K.RIMMER@USU.EDU.AU
THE MUSIC 17TH FEBRUARY 2016 • 37
Live Re Live Reviews
Grimes @ Enmore Theatre. Pic: Angela Padovan
Grimes, HANA Enmore Theatre 10 Feb
As one of the new ‘it’ girls currently floating around town, the high ponytail-wearing LAbased newcomer HANA (Hana Pestle) played the support set of the night for her Instagram BFF Grimes’ sold out show. With her whispery, echoing vocals and impressive flashing neon Japanese-style parasol set up on stage behind her, she performed her debut single Clay. Though her sultry blend of indie-synthpop may sound like something we’ve already heard, there’s no denying Pestle’s voice is strong, capable and chock-a-block full of potential.
Gideon Bensen @ Newtown Social Club. Pic: Clare Hawley
Grimes @ Enmore Theatre. Pic: Angela Padovan
Thievery Corporation @ Enmore Theatre. Pic: Clare Hawley
Grimes catapulted the audience into the inner workings of her mind with a show that was insanely fast-paced, erratic, playful and a even little bit twisted.
incredibly well on stage, with the penetrating, hypnotic light show spinning lasers and spraying dotted lights onto the walls and ceiling. Performing mostly new tracks off her latest album Art Angels, it felt a lot like Grimes was channeling Die Antwoord’s Yolandi Visser and Madonna’s wild child ‘80s punk vibe - and she absolutely made it work to her advantage. Hardcore fans in the downstairs moshpit roared with screams and applause after almost every song, attempting to hang onto every word - even when she picked up the mic and spoke so rapidly her words were almost indistinguishable. At one stage, she forgot the lyrics to one of her songs (twice), scrambling to pick up the notes on her keyboard before continuing on with the show. Most didn’t seem to notice or care as they had already allowed themselves to be entirely consumed by the mesmerising, high energy, multi-coloured performance on stage in front of them. Boucher took the audience by surprise when she sung a stripped back, almost eerie, ethereal cover of Ave Maria, before diving into crowd favourite Oblivion and ending with Kill V. Maim, proving herself not only as a talented, successful underground performer but also a world class act. Tanya Bonnie Rae
Thievery Corporation @ Enmore Theatre. Pic: Clare Hawley
Moses Gunn Collective @ Plan B Small Club
38 • THE MUSIC • 17TH FEBRUARY 2016
Running up on stage in what appeared to be activewear tights under Muay Thai kickboxing shorts and a giant red velvet Minnie Mousetype bow, 27-year-old Claire Boucher aka Grimes catapulted the audience into the inner workings of her mind with a show that was insanely fastpaced, erratic, playful and a even little bit twisted. Flesh Without Blood and REALiTi worked
Thievery Corporation Enmore Theatre 11 Feb Thievery Corporation were trip-hop’s sunny side. They were a weed-soaked adventure through Moroccan alley ways, or an aimless wander through a Middle Eastern bazaar. While everyone else was still tearfully reading the liner notes of Portishead albums alone in the
eviews Live Reviews
dark, fans of TC (and there are plenty) were sipping iced tea and getting high, enjoying the company of friends, most likely. The one-two punch of The Mirror Conspiracy and The Richest Man in Babylon was the high water mark in terms of creative output, but they continued to press records for another decade, softly prodding at the rotting heart of capitalism with their psychedelic dub anthems of love and inclusion. Their sellout performance at the Enmore was surprising — not only for the fact they still have the capacity to fill a venue like this, but also that they could wring so much energy
at odds with his bandmates and it made him the focus of mischief from Franca. Of note: Rob Garza represented the duo on his own. Eric Hilton does not look to be joining them on their tour at all, either here or in New Zealand. What his role would have been on stage anyway is pure speculation, as Garza played a minimal part, letting the band do the heavy lifting. Matt MacMaster
The Moses Gunn Collective, Noire, Top Lip Plan B Small Club 13 Feb
They could wring so much energy out of material that’s so deliberately stoned. out of material that’s so deliberately stoned. The key was the players. The band consisted of around a dozen performers, all talented, including seven vocalists. They all had their own styles that they brought to bear on tracks like Lebanese Blonde, The Richest Man In Babylon, and Take My Soul giving personality to even the most rote songs. Rob Myers on the sitar was far better than Rob Myers on the guitar, but his scratchy Les Paul riffs were enough to add nice textures when required. Jeff Franca was great on drums, providing real heft and bounce with some nicely animated patterns. Ashish Vyas on bass earned a lot of love, dancing barefoot across the stage from start to finish, black hair flowing wildly. His constantly dour expression was
Let’s just start by saying that rock music sounds damn good in the gig room at Plan B Small Club - right up there with the best in Sydney; the Opera House has been having some weird speaker issues of late and Factory/ Metro/Enmore are all adequate without being impressive. When you add some really impassioned, talented bands to the mix, you’re either going to have a good time or you’re a bad person. Top Lip and Noire were both champions of washed out melancholy; Top Lip were decisively rockier, while Noire lead singer Jessica Mincher’s dreamy vocals reached the heights - on a mood-setting level - of acts like Beach House and Mazzy Star. The Moses Gunn Collective had the crowd in the palm of their sweaty psych-rock hands from the get-go. It’s unclear how many of the fairly packed house were family and friends, but they all certainly acted like they’d had a few wild nights out with the group. That could’ve just been because they nailed it though; everything from the sequintinged outfits to the ‘nobody’s watching’ dance moves were in
fine form. Bella Carroll earned herself Best In Show with dance moves so flamboyant that it’s almost advisable she upgrades to a keytar to give her body a
The wildest, most discordant tracks had the shirts-tuckedinto-acid-washjeans crowd gurning away. bit more freedom to do its thing - the fact that she had to reach over to hit keys at regular intervals turned out to be a real Milhouse for her dance routine. From a purely sonic perspective, the tunes that kept a bit more of a cohesive song structure (like the brilliant Shalala) had the biggest impact, yet in terms of keeping the party atmosphere alive, the wildest, most discordant tracks had the shirts-tucked-into-acid-wash jeans crowd gurning away. In a live room this vibrant, and with the crowd so locked-in, the band could’ve shit in their hands and clapped and it would’ve been a good night. Alex Michael
Gideon Bensen, ADKOB, Service Bells Newtown Social Club 13 Feb Tonight was all about Gideon Bensen; here to launch his first solo EP Cold Cold Heart to some much deserved hype. Armed with vocals that ooze sex appeal and a band that didn’t miss a beat, it was hard to believe that this was only their second live show. Service Bells greeted the
audience with some hard and fast rock; playing a technically competent, but not overly memorable set. ADKOB, just off the back of their triple j Unearthed Laneway Festival win, treated us to a fun set of breezy, indie pop. Their sound was exciting, their charisma hard to resist, with the crowd creeping forward as the set went on to soak it all in. Jangly, danceable single Glue closed out their set.From the get-go, the audience was hooked on Gideon Bensen’s infatuating new wave sound, melding ‘70s rock influences and ‘80s synths to produce polished, hook-laden tracks. In the interest of keeping it short and snappy, he pumped out all four of his EP tracks, beginning with Shame, which featured a glorious sax solo, and chose to only include a few unreleased cuts. This visual backdrop was simple but effective during All New Low, but it was all about those sensual R&B beats and Jack Moffitt’s surprise guitar solo, who was not the only member of The Preatures out tonight. Talk Talk evoked an old school feel, showcasing the edgier side of Bensen’s vocals. The real winner was title track Cold Cold Heart, which closed out the set. Damn, that chorus is electrifying and the hook just makes you want to come back for more. This song could fill an arena and that still wouldn’t be able to contain its contagious energy. Melissa Borg
Purity Ring Sydney Opera House 9 Feb The house lights dimmed and Purity Ring entered under a haze of smoke to a hearty round of cheers and applause. The stage lights lit up in time with the electronic drums in Stranger Than Earth, with Megan James THE MUSIC 17TH FEBRUARY 2016 • 39
Live Re Live Reviews
More Reviews Online theMusic.com.au/ music/live-reviews
GoldLink @ Oxford Art Factory Boy & Bear @ Hordern Pavilion
hiding among the hanging lights and Corin Roddick taking his place behind the decks. It was all a bit mysterious, hooking the audience in from the get-go. James emerged from the curtains of lights to perform Repetition and welcome us, genuinely amazed at the beauty of this iconic venue and dedicating Push Pull to Australia, because we seemed to like it.
The whole show was a sensory overload, from the smoky haze to the amazing light show.
Begin Again was the perfect end to the world class experience that is a Purity Ring show. Melissa Borg
Birds Of Tokyo Taronga Zoo 12 Feb Birds Of Tokyo kick off with Broken Bones and though a handful of people flock to the front of the stage, the sold-out gig has an unmistakably intimate feel. Ian Kenny’s awkward white-boy dancing (bless) is,
the crowd watching in awe, is super refreshing. More gigs should feel this relaxing. I’ll Go With You Anywhere is given a semi-acoustic makeover, with Ian Berney playing a viola bass and Adam Weston bringing some triplets and rim shots out on the kit. Kenny and Spark take Wayside fully acoustic for a song, letting the rest of the band have a breather as they lead the crowd on a singalong that could wake the baby meerkats (hope not). Silhouettic even warrants the use of a saxophonist, all of them shrouded in heavy red
Purity Ring @ Sydney Opera House. Pic: Josh Groom
Battles @ Manning Bar METZ @ Oxford Art Factory DIIV @ Factory Theatre Health @ Oxford Art Factory Majical Cloudz @ Newotwn Social Club Gillian Welch @ Enmore Theatre
40 • THE MUSIC • 17TH FEBRUARY 2016
The whole show was a sensory overload, from the smoky haze to the amazing light show that featured strobe lights in perfect synchronisation with their glitchy tunes, to James’ dress and hair being swept away by a wind machine. But don’t be fooled, this wasn’t all just smoke and mirrors; James’ piercing vocals mesmerised the audience and was balanced perfectly with the accompaniment. The whole scene verged on disorientating, but in the most spectacular way, making it addictive and impossible to draw your eyes away. Mid set, James invited us all to stand because it was about to turn up, and to her word they played hard-hitting tracks Sea Castle, Dust Hymn and set highlight Flood On The Floor, which really let James’ vocal range shine as she writhed and twisted her body across the stage, encouraging some audience members to dance.
of course, on show through songs like Weight Of The World and Plans, the latter getting many a middle-aged mum up and dancing, especially when it breaks into Eye Of The Tiger. The band’s uniform tonight is all black - Kenny’s wearing a black shirt over his tee, buttoned just at the top like a Latino gangster, while guitarist Adam Spark dons a Jared Leto-esque sarong and Glenn a huge wide-brimmed hat. Tonight is as much about the band as it is about the audience. Maybe this scribe has just had enough of pushy young kids storming to the front of the pit, but the fact that people are content to stand around and dance, snack a little, have another glass of wine, let their kids hang at the front of
lights, the band grinning at their guest after his solo. “We’re gonna do something by a hero of ours, someone we just lost,” Kenny says as he leads us into Bowie’s Ashes To Ashes, something our demographic know and hold dear. The opening notes of Anchor also send the crowd into pre-emptive cheers, and the song and its huge chorus doesn’t disappoint. The fake encore consists of unofficial Australian anthem of sorts Lanterns along with similarly epic This Fire. Selfies are taken with the band in the background, hands are thrown up in surrender, and then we file out, bidding good night to the animals we kept up. Uppy Chatterjee
THE MUSIC 17TH FEBRUARY 2016 • 41
Arts Reviews Arts Reviews
Trumbo
Arcadia
Theatre Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House to 2 Apr
★★½
Trumbo Film In cinemas 18 Feb
★★★½ Bryan Cranston’s acting chops can’t be called into question after his very different but equally impressive TV roles — first as the befuddled dad in Malcolm In The Middle and of course as the chilling Walter White in Breaking Bad. Here, his Golden Globe-nominated performance of Hollywood blacklisted screenwriter, Dalton Trumbo, is also very watchable as he completely inhabits the man who refused to bow down to the paranoia of ‘40s and ‘50s ‘reds under the bed’ thinking. If you’re not familiar with what happened in the movie industry at the time, Trumbo is certainly an education, but even if you know the basics it’s still very informative and brings the whole concept of ‘naming names’ into perspective. Trumbo, identified as a communist at a time when that was enough to put you into jail — where he landed for a while — and refused to sell out his colleagues when he had to go before the House Un-American Activities Committee. Written by John McNamara and based on the book by Bruce Cook is deftly directed by Jay Roach, who melds black and white news footage and parts of old movies with the action. There are many great performances, including Louis CK as Trumbo’s friend and fellow writer, Arten Hird (a composite character), Elle Fanning as his daughter, Nikola, Helen Mirren as gossip columnist and anti-communist Hedda Hopper, and John Goodman as blustery B Movie producer, Frank King. In the end, Trumbo is about the triumph of integrity and of strength in the face of enormous pressure. It should make us all question whether we would cave in under similar circumstances. Vicki Englund
42 • THE MUSIC • 17TH FEBRUARY 2016
Director Richard Cottrell’s Arcadia is difficult. Beautifully costumed by Julie Lynch, and put on with enviable bluster by a talented cast (including the under-utilised, hilarious Glenn Hazeldine), the play in the end doesn’t quite hit the mark - because of flaws in Stoppard’s 1993 text, or because of a distinct lack of chemistry between cast members, or because our set, created by Michael Scott-Mitchell, blocks off much of the action with a long dining table.
Arcadia. Pic: Heidrun Lohr
We’re shoehorned into this single room, watching two narratives play out concurrently - in the present Andrea Demetriades (a standout) and Josh McConville attempt to uncover the literary secrets of an English country house; and in 1809 Ryan Corr and Georgia Flood are a teacher and his student traversing complex mathematical theory and the exact meaning of “carnal embrace”. Corr is mesmerising - he’s the person on this stage who’s going to go off and do great things - as our handsome and quick-witted Lothario, demanding attention, keeping us in thrall. But he is held back by a text that is too dense, and could do with an act of translation from someone like STC’s former Artistic Director Andrew Upton. If someone was to interrogate exactly how to get complex ideas about chaos theory and thermodynamics and literary theory and make them digestible to a restless Friday night audience, this play could potentially be fascinating. But instead it’s presented on stage as ‘worthy’ (because it’s Stoppard!), so it is the audience who fails to interpret it, not the storytellers who fail to make the story accessible. Hannah Story
The Guide
Graphic Design
Teacher To The Stars!
POSTERS & FLYERS 250 A6 Gloss $30 100 A4 Gloss $40 100 A3 Gloss $80 www.blackstar.com.au Sydney CBD Ad ID: 15734
General Tuition BEAT LIKE A DRUM With over 20 years experience under my belt, I have the experience as a drummer who has played in bands across major venues throughout Sydney combined with essential rudimental drumming knowledge. I have also had the privilege of being mentored by some of the country’s most talented well accomplished global drummers. I specialise in rock drumming but can teach all styles and genres and classes are available from beginners to advanced. Come along, have some fun, learn from an experienced drummer and see where your journey may take you. I am based in a home studio on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Ad ID: 17772
Steve Ostrow, New York voice teacher and vocal coach who discovered and nurtured the careers of Bette Midler, Barry Manilow, Peter Allen, Stevie Wonder and countless others now Sydney City based and welcoming students on all levels; beginners, advanced and performers; Rock, Pop, Classical etc. For availability call on 0408461868. For a free e-copy of my book ‘On Becoming a Singer. A Guide To How’ email me on sostrow@bigpond. net.au. Lessons include the entire scope of singing...voice production, musicianship, interpretation, performance skills etc. I look forward to hearing from you. Ad ID: 15736
ĄĂăćŶēŶ ŶćĆŶēŶĺĆĂČĂĂ
AMID #54 The 2015
Power 50 On Sale Now ab]`S bVS[caWQ Q][ Oc
7<2CAB@G
THE MUSIC 10TH FEBRUARY 2016 • 43
Comedy / G The Guide
Wed 17
The Peep Tempel
Maxi Priest + The Spindrift Saga: Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul Musos Club Jam Night: Bald Faced Stag, Leichhardt
Lukas Nelson & Promise Of The Real: 28 Mar Factory Theatre
The Music Presents Spectrum Now: 3 – 13 Mar The Domain A Day On The Green ft. Hoodoo Gurus and more: 5 Mar Bimbadgen Winery Steve Earle & The Dukes: 16 Mar Rooty Hill RSL, 17 Mar Metro Theatre St Paul & The Broken Bones: 21 Mar Metro Theatre Rhiannon Giddens: 21 Mar Factory Theatre The Selecter: 23 Mar Factory Theatre The Residents: 24 Mar Factory Theatre Bluesfest: 24 – 28 Mar Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm Lukas Nelson & Promise Of The Real: 28 Mar Factory Theatre
Pale Ryder: Brass Monkey, Cronulla Dave Rawlings Machine: Canberra Theatre (The Playhouse), Canberra Raw Comedy 2016: Comedy Store, Moore Park Mitch Anderson & His Organic Orchestra: Coopers Hotel, Newtown UB40 + Sly & Robbie + Inner Circle: Enmore Theatre, Newtown Trivia: Fitzroy Hotel, Windsor Big Red Fire Truck + Red Gazelle + Thin Air: Frankie’s Pizza By The Slice, Sydney Drums Bone Bass Trio: LazyBones Lounge, Marrickville Live & Local feat. Prahlad Little + Muskateer + Dr Peach: Lizottes Newcastle, Lambton Songwriters Live: Old Manly Boatshed, Manly Waxahatchee + Infinite Void + Mere Women: Oxford Art Factory, Darlinghurst
Allen Stone: Mar 30 Factory Theatre
Video Game Jazz with The Consouls: Play Bar, Surry Hills
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats: 31 Mar Metro Theatre
Naked + Julia Why? + White Blanks + Orphans: Rad Bar, Wollongong
Nahko & Medicine For The People: 30 Mar Metro Theatre
Joseph Calderazzo + Mark Da Costa: Rock Lily, Pyrmont
The Blind Boys Of Alabama: 2 Apr Factory Theatre
Illy. Pic: Caleb Macintyre
Caligula’s Horse: 15 Apr Oxford Art Factory; 16 Apr The Basement Canberra; 17 Apr Small Ballroom Newcastle
Electro Nights with Vaughan Prestwich + Jeff Gray: Valve Bar, Ultimo
Thu 18
Radio Moscow + Holy Serpent + Kings Destroy: Newtown Social Club, Newtown Trivia: Oatley Hotel, Oatley Rob Henry: Orient Hotel, The Rocks
Osaka Punch + Rick Dangerous & the Silkie Bantams + Reidemeister: Bald Faced Stag, Leichhardt
Heems + Zuri Akoko: Oxford Art Factory, Darlinghurst
Russell Morris: Brass Monkey, Cronulla
Tasman Keith: Oxford Art Factory (Gallery Bar), Darlinghurst
Juju Wings + Sye McRitchie + DJ Zabroc: Brighton Up Bar, Darlinghurst
Brother Be + The Somedays + Renee
Hot Damn! feat. Home On A Monday + Aces + Eights: Bristol Arms (Retro Nightclub), Sydney
Jo Lawry: Camelot Lounge, Marrickville Musos Club Jam Night: Carousel Inn, Rooty Hill
The Gum Ball: 22 – 24 Apr Dashville Ratatat: 27 Apr Enmore Theatre Henry Wagons: 13 May Newtown Social Club
The Illest
The Cat Empire: 20 & 21 May Enmore Theatre, 22 May Canberra Theatre
Illy has kicked off his Swear Jar single tour, with Dylan Joel and Citizen Kay supporting, and is set to come to Metro Theatre on Saturday. The single is Illy’s first new work since his 2013 album Cinematic.
40 in Song feat. Heinz Schweers + Brionny Fagan + Jessica O’Donoghue: The Basement, Sydney Trivia: The Oxford Hotel, Darlinghurst Bad!Slam!No!Biscuit!: The Phoenix, Canberra
44 • THE MUSIC • 17TH FEBRUARY 2016
Melbourne’s The Peep Tempel are set to play a last gig at Factory Theatre on Friday, with support from Ausmuteants and The Dead Heir, before they head back into the studio to work on the follow-up to Tales.
Dave Graney & Clare Moore: Camelot Lounge (Django Bar), Marrickville
Deradoorian: 16 Apr Newtown Social Club
DMA’s: 10 Jun, Metro Theatre
Final Peep For A Bit
The Biggest Comedy Show on Earth: Comedy Store, Moore Park
Three Wise Monkeys
Jeremih + Young Tapz: Enmore Theatre, Newtown
Monkeying Around
Kate Miller-Heidke + Ayla: Factory Theatre (All Ages), Marrickville
Sydney experimental fusion band Three Wise Monkeys will be taking the stage at Newtown Social Club on Friday, supporting Plini’s A Very Short Tour along with Heavy Metal Ninjas.
Glenn Esmond: Fortune of War Hotel, The Rocks BB Brown & The Wolfe: Frankie’s Pizza By The Slice, Sydney Harbourview Hullabaloo feat. Zack Martin + Ben Osmo + more: Harbour View Hotel, Dawes Point Soul Roots Revival Band: LazyBones Lounge, Marrickville
Steele: Rad Bar, Wollongong Maxi Priest + V-Tribe: Rock Lily, Pyrmont
Steve Crocker: Manly Leagues Club, Brookvale
Tim Draxl: Slide Darlinghurst, Surry Hills
Larger Than Lions: Marble Bar, Sydney
Hi-Tops Brass Band + Recall + The Cooking Club: Slyfox, Enmore
Gigs / Live The Guide
The Story of CBGBs with Damien Lovelock + Friends: Camelot Lounge (Django Bar), Marrickville
Rob Eastwood: Castle Hill RSL, Castle Hill
Michael Kopp: Chatswood RSL, Chatswood Marshmello + Just A Gent + Gradz + Deckhead + more: Chinese Laundry, Sydney Kate Miller-Heidke
Izakaya Jambalaya with DJ David Silver + DJ FranDamme: Cinema Izakaya, Darlinghurst
KMH TBH
Blink 182 & California 90s: Colonial Hotel, Werrington
Kate Miller-Heidke will be performing an all ages show at Factory Theatre on Thursday. The pop singer with the operatic voice (or is it the other way around?) will be playing strippedback versions of her songs. Ayla supports.
The Biggest Comedy Show on Earth: Comedy Store, Moore Park
Noise in The Basement feat. The Green Mohair Suits + Sans Normality + Zu Khanu + more: The Basement, Sydney Kieran Glasgow: The Bradford Hotel, Rutherford Karise Eden: The Depot on Beaumont, Hamilton
Mouthing Off
Paul Dempsey + Fraser A Gorman: Factory Theatre, Marrickville
The Tongue will be taking to the Newtown Social Club stage on Saturday as part of his album launch tour for brand newie, Hard Feelings. He’ll be supported by Omar Musa and The Strange Arrangement.
Dave Debs: Figtree Hotel, West Wollongong
Tate Sheridan + Bonniesongs + The Gypsy Scholars: The Vanguard, Newtown Ben Salter: Union Hotel, Newtown Smitty B Goode + The Dunhill Blues + Deadwood 76: Valve Bar (Basement), Ultimo
Classic Rock Show feat. Barry Leef Band + Peter Northcote: Brass Monkey, Cronulla Armandito & Trovason: Camelot Lounge, Marrickville
Bruce Mathiske: Lizottes Newcastle, Lambton
Dave Graney & Clare Moore: Smiths Alternative (7pm), Canberra
Marti Smith: Manly Wharf Hotel, Manly
Dave Graney & Clare Moore: Smiths Alternative (9.30pm), Canberra
RAW Showcase: Manning Bar, Camperdown Paul Dempsey
Maxi Priest + Vtribe: The Star, Pyrmont
Chris Drummond: Blacktown Workers Club (Jack McNamara Lounge), Blacktown
The Tongue
The Peep Tempel + Special Guests: Factory Theatre (Factory Floor), Marrickville
Joe Echo: Jacksons on George, Sydney
Whispering Jack - A tribute to the music of John Farnham: Bankstown Sports Club, Bankstown
Robbie Lowe + Mark Dynamix + Paul Holden: Slyfox, Enmore
Cath & Him: Ettalong Beach Hotel, Ettalong Beach
Dan Melchior + Thunderbolt City + Passive Smoke + Wet Dream: The Phoenix, Canberra
Killed By Death - A Tribute To Motorhead with Cruciform + Sin 4 Me + Kvlts of Vice + more: Bald Faced Stag, Leichhardt
Steve Lane & The Autocrats + Napoleonic + The Vacationists: LazyBones Lounge, Marrickville
A Star Wars Burlesque Parody with The Empire Strips Back: Enmore Theatre, Newtown
Original Sin - INXS Show: Heathcote Hotel, Heathcote
Glenn Esmond: 99 On York, Sydney
Greg Poppleton & The Bakelite Broadcasters: Slide Darlinghurst, Surry Hills
Cult with DJ Zok + Kanza + Junya Kudo: Different Drummer, Glebe
Gingers Jam feat. Sheena Wilbow: The Oxford Hotel (Gingers), Darlinghurst
The Cactus Channel + Wallace: 505, Surry Hills
Kate Miller-Heidke: Laycock Street Theatre, North Gosford
Evie Dean: Dee Why Hotel, Dee Why
Blake Wiggins: Fortune of War Hotel, The Rocks
Fri 19
Courtyard Sessions feat. Jordan Millar: Seymour Centre (Courtyard), Darlington
Ted Nash Duo: Crown Hotel, Sydney
Songwriters Live: The Duck Inn, Chippendale
Jacob Pearson + July Morning + SCK-CHX: The Record Crate, Glebe
Prints Familiar + more: Lass O’Gowrie, Wickham
Mornin’, Paul In support of the newly released single Morningless from his forthcoming second LP, Paul Dempsey’s off on tour. He’ll come to Factory Theatre on Friday, with support from Fraser A Gorman.
Luna Grand: Jetty Memorial Theatre, Coffs Harbour The Spit Roasting Bibbers: Kings Park Tavern, Kings Park
Brown Sugar: Marble Bar, Sydney
Dave Anthony: Tahmoor Inn, Tahmoor
Plini + Heavy Metal Ninjas + Three Wise Monkeys: Newtown Social Club, Newtown
Twilight At Taronga 2016 feat. Mark Seymour & the Undertow + Ben Salter: Taronga Zoo, Mosman
DJ Nino Brown: Oatley Hotel, Oatley
Karise Eden: The Basement, Sydney
The Nobody: Orient Hotel, The Rocks
The Headliners: The Beach Club, Collaroy
Bowles Bros: Oriental Hotel, Springwood
Dan Melchior + Nathan Roche + Dead Farmers + Dry Finish + Tim & The Boys: The Chippendale Hotel, Chippendale
Albert Hammond Jr + Gunns: Oxford Art Factory, Darlinghurst Riley Beech: Padstow Park Hotel, Padstow The Chosen Few: Penrith RSL (Castle Lounge), Penrith ‘73 til Infinity: Play Bar, Surry Hills Stephanie Lea: Quakers Inn, Quakers Hill The Gooch Palms + Los Tones + Solid Effort: Rad Bar, Wollongong The Salsa Kingz: Revesby Workers (Infinity Lounge), Revesby Stephanie Grace + DJ D-Flat + Dirty Cash + DJ Kitsch 78: Rock Lily, Pyrmont Flamin’ Beauties: Royal Hotel, Springwood Chugger: Royal Motor Yacht Club, Newport
The Bar Tones: The Merton Hotel, Rozelle Jeffrey Chan: The Newsagency, Marrickville Massive Sherlock + String Elephants + Azim Zain & his Lovely Bones: The Phoenix, Canberra Loaded Six Strings: The Vineyard Hotel, Vineyard Love Child: Towradgi Beach Hotel (Sports Bar), Towradgi Radio Moscow + Kings Destroy + Holy Serpent: Transit Bar, Canberra City Dubstep/Drum n Bass/Jungle Party with Reload + Scatterbrain + Thierry De + more: Valve Bar (Basement), Ultimo DTABM feat. Offensive Behemoth: Valve Bar (Level One), Ultimo THE MUSIC 17TH FEBRUARY 2016 • 45
Comedy / G The Guide
Sat 20
Alanna Cherote Duo + DJ Cool Jerk + Flash 54 + DJ Eko: Rock Lily, Pyrmont
Hi-Tops Brass Band
On The Stoop: 505, Surry Hills
Touchwood: Springwood Sports Club, Springwood
DJ Tigerlilly + Art Of Sleeping + Indian Summer + Nicole Millar: Australian Technology Park, Eveleigh
Jazz Nouveau: St Johns Park Bowling Club, St Johns Park
Horizons Edge: Bald Faced Stag, Leichhardt
Blues On The Water Cruise with The Arc Riders: Sydney Harbour, Sydney
Celtic Jam + Lindsay Martin: Bald Rock Hotel, Rozelle
Prince: Sydney Opera House (Concert Hall), Sydney
Yours feat. Cassian: Beach Road Hotel, Bondi Beach
Twilight At Taronga 2016 feat. James Morrison Big Band: Taronga Zoo, Mosman
A Day On The Green with Simply Red + Tina Arena + Natalie Imbruglia: Bimbadgen Winery, Rothbury
Breizers + The Salty Tenders + Slow Culture: The Annandale Hotel, Annandale
Confetti Disco Band: Blacktown Workers Club (Jack McNamara Lounge), Blacktown The Songs Of Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and Deep Purple with Peter Northcote: Brass Monkey, Cronulla The Gooch Palms + Wild Honey: Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle West Miriam Lieberman: Camelot Lounge (Django Bar), Marrickville Attune to Blues with Doggin It : Camelot Lounge, Marrickville
Chase The Sun + Lloyd Spiegel + Claude Hay: The Basement, Sydney
That’s Tops This Thursday at Slyfox’s Live At The Sly, Hi-Tops Brass Band will be headlining in all their brassy glory. Head along early to catch supports Recall and The Cooking Club. The Sphinxes: Crown Hotel, Sydney The Beat Kitchen with Palma Rubia + Archie + Harry Sounds: Different Drummer, Glebe
Cassian
The Vanda & Young Songbook with John Paul Young & the Allstar Band: Enmore Theatre, Newtown Original Sin - INXS Show: Ettamogah Hotel, Kellyville Ridge Glenn Esmond: Fortune of War Hotel, The Rocks Beastwars + Sumeru + Buffalo Trio: Frankie’s Pizza By The Slice, Sydney
Double Trouble Smirnoff Summer Parties is taking over YOURS for the month of Feb. This Saturday at Beach Road Hotel, it’s a double headliner (free entry) featuring Cassian. Time to dance.
Gold: The Ultimate ABBA Show: Capitol Theatre, Tamworth Mainline: Carousel Inn, Rooty Hill Karise Eden: Central Hotel, Shellharbour City Centre Route 94 + Jack Beats + LO’99 + more: Chinese Laundry, Sydney Izakaya Jambalaya with DJ David Silver + DJ FranDamme: Cinema Izakaya, Darlinghurst Band of Men: Club Cronulla, Cronulla The Biggest Comedy Show on Earth: Comedy Store, Moore Park Whelan & Gover: Coogee Bay Hotel, Coogee Final Drive: Corrimal Hotel, Corrimal 46 • THE MUSIC • 17TH FEBRUARY 2016
Soundabout: The Beach Hotel, Merewether
Queen Porter Stomp: Gasoline Pony, Marrickville Finn: George IV Hotel, Picton Tale of Us: Greenwood Hotel, North Sydney Blues On The Water Cruise with The Arc Riders + Cass Eager & The Velvet Rope: Harbour Cruise, Sydney Samuel Dobson + Project Collective Ska + Anatole: Hotel Gearin, Katoomba Steve Crocker: Kings Park Tavern, Kings Park
An Evening with Keith Potger: Milton Theatre, Milton Groovology: Moorebank Sports Club, Hammondville Mountain Sounds Festival 2016 feat. Violent Soho + Albert Hammond Jr + Alpine + Art Vs Science + The Delta Riggs + Green Buzzard + Harts + Hockey Dad + Holy Holy + I Know Leopard + Jack Beats + The Lazys + Motez + Nina Las Vegas + Odd Mob + Sea Legs + Set Mo + Slumberjack + Tropical Zombie + World Champion + Catalyst + Elwood Myre + more: Mt Penang Gardens, Kariong The Tongue: Newtown Social Club, Newtown One Hit Wonders: Oatley Hotel, Oatley Party Central + Jonathan Jones: Orient Hotel, The Rocks
Not Merely Mere Women will be performing first at Oxford Art Factory on Wednesday night, warming up the crowd for Infinite Void followed by headliner Waxahatchee, who’s visiting our country to promote her latest album Ivy Tripp.
Cosmo’s Midnight + Kucka: Oxford Art Factory, Darlinghurst Gunns + Two Age + Rookie: Oxford Art Factory (Gallery Bar), Darlinghurst Dave Graney & Clare Moore: Paragon Cafe, Katoomba The Starliners: Penrith Panthers, Penrith
Yossarian + Winters End + Grand Master Monk: Lass O’Gowrie, Wickham
Soul Nights: Penrith RSL (Castle Lounge), Penrith
Deanna Rose: Lizottes Newcastle, Lambton
Satellite V: Petersham Inn, Petersham
Cath & Him: Manly Leagues Club (Menzies Lounge), Brookvale
Big Rich: Picton Hotel, Picton
DJ Graham M + Raye Antonelli: Manly Wharf Hotel, Manly
Afro Brasiliana with El Chino + Tom Studdy + Raphael Ramires + Various DJs: Play Bar, Surry Hills
High On Fire + I Exist + Lo!: Manning Bar, Camperdown
Radio Moscow + Kings Destroy + Holy Serpent: Rad Bar, Wollongong
Cavan Te & The Fuss: Marble Bar, Sydney
Vanessa Heinitz: Red Cow Hotel, Penrith
Illy + Dylan Joel + Citizen Kay: Metro Theatre, Sydney
Planet Groove: Revesby Workers (Infinity Lounge), Revesby
In Stereo + Yours Truly: Metro Theatre (The Lair/All Ages), Sydney
Mere Women. Pic: Claudia Ciapocha
The Party Scarves: The Belvedere Hotel, Sydney Rebecca Johnson Band: The Bradford Hotel, Rutherford Pacha feat. Exis: The Ivy, Sydney Squeezebox Boogaloo: The Merton Hotel, Rozelle Naked + Wives + California Girls: The Phoenix, Canberra Infinity Broke: The Record Crate, Glebe Venom Nightclub feat. The Arbitrary Method + Genetics + Lycanthrope: Valve Bar (Basement/Level One), Ultimo Jed Zarb: Wallacia Hotel, Wallacia John & Yuki: Well Connected Cafe, Glebe
Gigs / Live The Guide
Sun 21
Drummond: Live ‘n’ Lounging, Leumeah
Saviour + Ocean Grove + Ambleside: Bald Faced Stag, Leichhardt
Russell Morris + Phil & Trudy Edgeley: Lizottes Newcastle, Lambton
D’Luna + Montes Jura + Bones Atlas: Brass Monkey, Cronulla
Michael Fryar: Macarthur Tavern, Campbelltown
The Brand New Heavies: Calais Estate, Polkolbin
Aden Mullens + KLP + DJ Brenny B Side: Manly Wharf Hotel, Manly Jemma & The Clifton Hillbillies:
Vanessa Heinitz: Rocks Brewing Company, Alexandria Leroy Lee: Royal Motor Yacht Club, Newport
Prince: State Theatre, Sydney Misbehave: The Beach Hotel, Merewether Dave Graney & Clare Moore: The Bearded Tit, Redfern Rebecca Johnson Band: The Bradford Hotel, Rutherford
High-tails
Spike Flynn & The Open Hearted Strangers: The Merton Hotel, Rozelle Dave Debs: The Mill Hotel, Milperra Bondi Cigars: Towradgi Beach Hotel (Sports Bar), Towradgi James Thomson & the Strange Pilgrims: Union Hotel, Newtown Valhalla Mist with Roses for Raychael + Psycho Smileys + more: Valve Bar (Basement), Ultimo
Mon 22 Ladies of Hip Hop feat. Dawn Laird + Madam Wu & Elise Graham + Nardine + Sarah Connor: Corridor Bar, Newtown
High-tail It Into There Sydney guitar popsters High-tails are hitting the road in support of new single My Heart. The ten-date tour is their biggest run yet, and stops at Moruya Gold Club on Friday, with Colourblind and Freklz supporting. More Syd dates to follow.
The Lounge Quintet: Camelot Lounge, Marrickville Sam Westphalen + Zeitgeber: Camelot Lounge (Django Bar), Marrickville Lloyd Spiegel: Coalcliff Surf Club (Bombie Bar), Coalcliff The Arc Riders: Coast Hotel, Budgewoi Sound City Duo: Coogee Bay Hotel, Coogee J Boog: Enmore Theatre, Newtown Super Open Air feat. Tama Sumo + Lakuti + Mike Servito: Factory Theatre (1pm), Marrickville Steve Crocker: Fortune of War Hotel, The Rocks Hardcore Sausage Fest #3 feat. Trophy Eyes + Pledge This! + Our Past Days + Grizzly Adams + Punchdagger + Pasha Bulka: Frankie’s Pizza By The Slice, Sydney Datsik: Great Northern Hotel, Newcastle Charades / S.A.S.H with Vakula + San Proper: Greenwood Hotel, North Sydney
Marrickville Bowling Club, Marrickville J Boog + Nattali Rize + DJ Tikelz + more: Metro Theatre, Sydney
Sonic Mayhem Orchestra: LazyBones Lounge, Marrickville
Cover Note + U2 Elevation: Orient Hotel, The Rocks Lime Cordiale + Wax Witches + Ocean Alley + Mesa Cosa: Oxford Art Factory, Darlinghurst Dave Anthony: Panania Hotel, Panania Gabe Bondoc: Parramatta RSL, Parramatta Songs On Stage feat. Melissa Page + #5 Blues Drive: Petersham Inn, Petersham
The Mighty Surftones: LazyBones Lounge, Marrickville
Blues On Stage feat. Andrew Denniston + The Honeysippers + Warren Munce: Red Lion Hotel, Rozelle
When was the last time you went to the zoo? Well this Friday’s Twilight At Taronga concert sees Mark Seymour & The Undertow headlining, with Ben Salter supporting, so maybe you’re due for a visit. The Monday Jam: The Basement, Sydney The MatchBox 20 & Rob Thomas Tribute Show: The Oaks Hotel, Albion Park Rail The Bootleg Sessions feat. Northbound Flats + Nick Delatovic + Lavers + Tom Woodward: The Phoenix, Canberra
Tue 23 Songwriter Sessions with Karl Broadie: Coogee Diggers, Coogee
Swerve Society feat. Dan Melchior: Newtown Social Club, Newtown
Open Mic Night with Champagne Jam: Dundas Sports Club, Dundas
Steve Twitchin: Orient Hotel, The Rocks
Passenger: Enmore Theatre, Newtown
The Gooch Palms
JD McPherson + Sons Of The East: Factory Theatre, Marrickville Songs On Stage feat. Tim Walker + Russell Neal + The Paulbearers + more: Gladstone Hotel, Dulwich Hill Songs On Stage feat. Stuart Jammin: Kellys on King, Newtown The Once: Lizottes Newcastle, Lambton
Sunday Showdown feat. Gypsy & The Cat + Gordi + Porches: Newport Arms Hotel, Newport
Dave Anthony: Oatley Hotel, Oatley
See More Seymour
Leftfield: Metro Theatre, Sydney
Hunee + Touch Sensitive + Mark E + Love Bombs + Adi Toohey: National Art School, Darlinghurst
SongQuest Semi 2 feat. Stuart Jammin + Murder of Crows + more: Harlequin Inn, Pyrmont
Colin Jones + Delta Review + Andrew
Songs On Stage feat. Russell Neal + Chris Brookes: Kellys on King, Newtown
FCxMCA feat. Anthony Naples + Sleep D: Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), The Rocks
These New South Whales: Newtown Social Club, Newtown
Mark Seymour & The Undertow
Live & Originals feat. Ali Fawcett + Sabrina Soares + Katey Brookes: Mr Falcon’s, Glebe
Sweaty Palms This Friday at Rad Bar, Wollongong, The Gooch Palms will be raising the roof. Los Tones and Solid Effort will be getting the party started. Then they’ll do it again at Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle on Saturday with Wild Honey.
Chris Cook: Orient Hotel, The Rocks BandQuest feat. Zack Martin + IONIA + more: Ruby L’Otel, Rozelle Simply Red + Natalie Imbruglia: Sydney Opera House (Forecourt), Sydney Stephanie Claire: The Record Crate, Glebe
Rob Thomas + Pete Murray: Royal Theatre, Canberra Sufjan Stevens + Ngaiire: State Theatre, Sydney
Troy T + Suite Az: Rock Lily, Pyrmont THE MUSIC 17TH FEBRUARY 2016 • 47
K C O T S LIQUIDATION
SALE S R A T I GU 50% UP T
O
OFF
TECH
50%
O
RRP
L A R T S E H C BAND & OR
P
ALTSSS DE AT NT EN GRAE ME TM RT AR PA EP DE LLL D IN AL IN
% 0 3
UP T
OFF
UP TO
OFF RR
RRP
KEYS
UP TO
IN -STOR
OR WHIL E STOEC /K ONLINE S LAS T
ALEXANDRIA - 108 Botany Rd SYDNEY - 228 Pitt St PARRAMATTA - 1/197 Church St 1300 ALLANS (1300 255 267) www.allansbillyhyde.com.au
30% OFF RRP
The RRP is the recommended retail price as set by the Australian distributor of the product. While stocks last. Products pictured are for illustration purpose only.
The Music SLS 2015 NSW.indd 1
48 • THE MUSIC • 17TH FEBRUARY 2016
6/01/2016 8:51 AM