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2 • THE MUSIC • 10TH DECEMBER 2014
THE MUSIC • 10TH DECEMBER 2014 • 3
THIS WEEK
good or shit LIZ GALINOVIC SPENDS SOME PRECHRISTMAS TIME IN BERLIN AND DISCOVERS THE JOY OF DRINKING MULLED WINE.
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the single life NO WE’RE NOT BLOGGING ABOUT DATING, IT’S THE LATEST TUNES FOR YOUR EARS. 4 • THE MUSIC • 10TH DECEMBER 2014
THE MUSIC • 10TH DECEMBER 2014 • 5
CREDITS PUBLISHER
Street Press Australia Pty Ltd
GROUP MANAGING EDITOR Andrew Mast
NATIONAL EDITOR MAGAZINES Mark Neilsen
EDITOR Daniel Cribb
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Kane Sutton
ARTS AND CULTURE EDITOR Cassandra Fumi wa.arts@themusic.com.au
GIG GUIDE Justine Lynch wa.gigs@themusic.com.au
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Bryget Chrisfield, Steve Bell
CONTRIBUTORS Aarom Wilson, Adam Germano, Adrienne Downes, Amber Flynn, Andy Snelling, Annabel Maclean, Athina Mallis, Bailey Lions, Chantelle Gabriel, Christopher James, Claire Hodgson, Eli Gould, Emilie Taylor, Gareth Bird, James Hunt, Jeff Kit, Jeremy Carson, Joseph Wilson, Josie McGraw, Jessica Tana, Kane Sutton, Kershia Wong, Kitt Di Camillo, Liv Gardner, Lukas Murphy, Luke Butcher, Mac McNaughton, Marcia Czerniak, Mark Neilsen, Matthew Tomich, Michael Caves, Michael Smith, Rachel Inglis, Rebecca Metcalf, Rob Nassif, Renee Jones, Ross Clelland, Scott Aitken, Simon Holland, Tess Ingram, Tom Birts, Taelor Pelusey, Zoe Barron.
THIS WEEK THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK • 10 DEC - 16 DEC 2014
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PHOTOGRAPHERS Ebony Frost, Elle Borgward, Jacinta Mathews, Paul Bartok, Ashley Westwood, Kieren Chew, Rhys Machell, Ted Dana
ADVERTISING DEPT Parada Vimolmal parada@themusic.com.au Mike Lyon mike@themusic.com.au
ART DIRECTOR
This year’s Curtin: Stage One production – an initiative of the Performance Studies area at Curtin University, which offers WA playwrights the opportunity to premier a play and allows students to work with resident artists – comes in the form of Teeth 2 Tail. Set in an isolated town, the play follows the story of a 14-year-old girl fighting for her life and identity amidst the chaos of war. It’s on tonight through to Saturday at Blue Room Theatre, Northbridge.
The famous Slidestreet will take over the western end of St Georges Terrace on Sunday. You’ve all seen the video – the 315-metre pop up inflatable water slide is taking the world by storm, and the people of Perth will be the first in the country to try it out. The event also features a pop up bar, food trucks, refreshing icy summer treats, DJs and much more to keep you entertained all day. It’s a ticketed event, so head to slidestreet.com.au to book yourself in.
Brendon Wellwood
ART DEPT Eamon Stewart, Julian De Bono wa.art@themusic.com.au
ADMIN & ACCOUNTS Loretta Zoppos, Niall McCabe, Jarrod Kendall, Leanne Simpson
A self-proclaimed mix between the beautiful indie-folk tones of Fleet Foxes and the dangerously party-vibes of fellow locals The Brow, Mister Wolf are ready and rearing to unleash their debut EP Tricky Timing unto the world. To help them celebrate in style, they’ll be joined at the Astor Lounge this Friday night with folk duo Fox Cat Rabbit, the British rock-inspired Custom Royal, and the hearty Wanderlust. Doors at 8pm.
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CONTACT US Tel 08 9228 9655 info@themusic.com.au www.themusic.com.au Cnr Fitzgerald St and Angove St Rear of The Rosemount Hotel, North Perth WA 6006 PO Box 507 Mount Lawley WA 6929
go PERTH
Wednesday, 10 December
LIMELITE KAROKE
Thursday, 11 December
OPEN MIC NIGHT Friday, 12 December
BUDDY PHOENIX Saturday, 13 December
MATT GRESHAN Sunday, 14 December
POKER NIGHT EVERY TUESDAY!
SHAUN KIRK THE MUSIC • 10TH DECEMBER 2014 • 7
national news news@themusic.com.au DZ DEATHRAYS
GUY PEARCE AND ROBERT PATTINSON IN THE ROVER
AACTA NOMS DZ DOES IT
After recently taking home their second ARIA Award for Best Heavy/Hard Rock Release, DZ Deathrays will hit the road again, announcing a huge national tour to kick off 2015 with Bass Drum Of Death and Hockey Dad. The Get Rich Or Drunk Tryin’ tour will visit Northcote Social Club, Melbourne, 27 & 28 Feb; Amplifier Bar, Perth, 6 Mar; Prince Of Wales, Bunbury, 7 Mar; Newport Hotel, Fremantle, 8 Mar; Newtown Social Club, Sydney, 11 & 12 Mar; The Brightside, Brisbane, 13 Mar; and The Farmer And The Owl festival, Wollongong, 14 Mar. Proudly presented by The Music.
TOUR WITH HART
The fourth AACTA Awards (Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts) nominations have been announced, with winners revealed on Channel Ten on 29 Jan. Musicians Warren Ellis and Nick Cave received nominations for Best Original Music Score, while INXS: Never Tear Us Apart led to a Best Lead Actor nom for its star. Other nominees include actors Kat Stewart, Richard Roxburgh, Guy Pearce and Russell Crowe.
DETH IS THE WORD
An outsider musician, actor and painter who claims to have communicated with aliens, collects puppets and loves trains, American David Liebe Hart is probably best known for his work with Cartoon Network. With a brand new album, Astronaut, ready to drop, Hart is returning to Australia: The Brightside, Brisbane, 19 Mar; Hermanns Bar, Sydney, 21 Mar; Evelyn Hotel, Melbourne, 22 Mar; and Mojo’s Bar, Perth, 27 Mar.
Megadeth’s cofounder and bass player David Ellefson visits Australia in March, for a spoken word tour he’s dubbed My Life With Deth, the title of his autobiography: 19 Mar, The Hi-Fi, Melbourne; 20 Mar, Factory Theatre, Sydney; 21 Mar, The Hi-Fi, Brisbane; and 25 Mar at Civic Backroom, Perth.
GET DOWN ANN VRIEND
VRIENDLY RETURN
Canadian singer, songwriter and pianist Ann Vriend is following the release of her latest album, For The People In The Mean Time, with another tour of Australia that sees her play 1 Feb, Brisbane Jazz Club; 8 Feb, Ellington Jazz Club, Perth; 12 Feb, Paris Cat, Melbourne; 19 Feb, Camelot Lounge, Sydney and 20 Feb, Smiths Alternative Bookshop, Canberra. Proudly presented by The Music.
AVICII
THEY DON’T ID
The world’s largest under 18s festival, Good Life returns with a huge line-up. Avicii, Afrojack, Martin Garrix, Will Sparks v Timmy Trumpet v Joel Fletcher, Blasterjaxx, Frontliner, Carnage, Tigerlilly, Uberjak’d, Slice N Dice, and Some Blonde DJ will be doing DJ sets, with Bliss N Eso, Havana Brown and Allday playing live: 1 Mar, Royal Randwick Racecourse, Sydney; 2 Mar, HBF Arena, Perth; 6 Mar, Brisbane Showgrounds, Brisbane; and 9 Mar, Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne.
TRENDING WORLDWIDE ON TWITTER! STELLA YOUNG WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT WAS A HOOT. MARK SCOTT [@MSCOTT] AND SO MANY OTHERS PAY THEIR RESPECTS TO DISABILITY ACTIVIST, COMEDIAN AND WRITER STELLA YOUNG, WHO HAS PASSED AWAY AGED 32. VALE. 8 • THE MUSIC • 10TH DECEMBER 2014
Chicago house icon Derrick Carter will be enjoying his New Year celebrations in Australia this year, playing TBC Club, Brisbane, 27 Dec; Stables Bar, Perth, 28 Dec; Greenwood Hotel, Sydney, 1 Jan (day); and New Guernica, Melbourne, 1 Jan (night).
YOU LUCA’N AT ME?
Tasmania’s loveable punks Luca Brasi are hitting the mainland for a national tour in March showcasing their second album, By A Thread. Luca Brasi play 11 Mar, The Small Ballroom, Newcastle; 12 Mar, Crowbar, Brisbane; 13 Mar, Newtown Social Club, Sydney; 14 Mar, Northcote Social Club, Melbourne; 15 Mar, Wrangler Studios, Melbourne; 21 Mar, Amplifier Bar, Perth; and 22 Mar, YMCA HQ, Perth.
INTO THE GROOVE
The 2015 dates for the 11th edition of Groovin The Moo have been announced. The festival will hit Bunbury on 26 Apr, Bendigo on 2 May, Canberra on 3 May, Maitland on 9 May, and finally Townsville on 10 May. Tickets are on sale 3 Feb and the line-up’s out 28 Jan.
MORE SMITHS
It’s been a fortnight since The Smith Street Band finished their last tour of the nation and that’s long enough. Their next tour hits 31 Jan, The Hi-Fi, Melbourne; 1 Feb, Northcote Social Club, Melbourne; 6 Feb, The Hi-Fi, Brisbane; 7 Feb, Crowbar, Brisbane; 13 Feb, Metro Theatre, Sydney; 14 Feb, Factory Theatre, Sydney; 15 Feb, Belconnen Magpies, Canberra; and 27 Feb at Rosemount Hotel, Perth. With more dates at theMusic.com.au.
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CLAIRE AND JOHN’S FLIGHTS OF FANCY.. THU 11TH DEC
ACOUSTIC SESSIONS WITH RICKY GREEN AND GEORGE GUNSON FRI 12TH DEC
SH’MON DJ’S SAT 13TH DEC
HAMJAM
CATLIPS + HIDEOUS SUN DEMON + CHILDS PLAY + HENRY KISSINGER TUE 16TH DEC
MEXICAN BINGO XMAS SPECIAL COMING SOON
SUGAR SHACK VS KING TITOS NYE PARTY
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THE MUSIC • 10TH DECEMBER 2014 • 9
local news
FRONTLASH SLIPPERY BUSINESS
A 315 metre-long pop up inflatable water slide will consume St Georges Terrace this Sunday, transforming it into Slidestreet.
A-OKI Local photographer Jarrad Seng went viral after dressing up as Steve Aoki and walking around Stereosonic, talking pictures and interacting with fans. He was such a good match that we wouldn’t be surprised if Aoki decides to hire him.
CURTAIN CALL Long-running sitcom Two And A Half Men has finally been axed. The finale is set to air in the US on 19 Feb. Charlie Sheen is rumoured to make an appearance.
GRAND THEFT AUTO V
BACKLASH IN THE CROSSHAIRS
After a wealth of angry parents – you know the kind – put in complaints about the content in Grand Theft Auto V, Kmart and Target have pulled the game from their shelves. You might also want to take their phones and disconnect your internet. We wonder how many copies they sold before they pulled it.
GOING OUT IN STYLE Forget Kim Kardashian, PSY’s Gangnam Style was played so many times on YouTube that it broke their code and forced them to update. To be fair, no one expected it to be played over two billion times.
GET WELL SOON Green Day guitarist Jason White has been diagnosed with a form of tonsil cancer. The band has confirmed it was found early and White is expected to make a full recovery.
10 • THE MUSIC • 10TH DECEMBER 2014
wa.news@themusic.com.au
A WORTHY ADDITION
After a massive response to the 2015 line-up announcement a couple of weeks ago, West Coast Blues N Roots Festival has decided to throw in a sweetener to complete their jam-packed, talent-filled lineup of local and international blues, roots, rock and soul artists. Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires is making his way over to WA to perform, having become a mainstay on the Australian live circuit since releasing his debut album in 2011, at the age of 62. He’ll be bringing his full band, which features members of The Dap Kings, The Menahan St Band, Budos Band and more. There’s more talent still to be announced, so keep your eyes peeled for updates.
FEELING SHEEPISH
From Aardman, the creators of Wallace & Gromit and Chicken Run, comes the highly anticipated big screen debut of Shaun The Sheep. Shaun gets a little more action than he baargained for (sorry) when he decides to take the day off and have fun, landing his farmer in some hot water. The full-length feature film opens in Australian cinemas 26 Mar.
ROCKING THE WORLD Considered one of the ‘Big Four’ pioneers of hard rock and heavy metal in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s alongside Black Sabbath, Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin, British rock legends Uriah Heep are returning to Australia in March next year for the first time since 2011, when they celebrated their 40th anniversary tour. Still touring as hard as ever, they’re offering seven shows to our country, including Astor Theatre, 24 Mar.
MEZZANINE
MEZZ IS DEAD
Local rock outfit Mezzanine are sadly deciding to call it a day this January. Their time together has seen them release two EPs, an album, and tour the country five times, with hits Mannequin Man and Someone To Abuse highlights from their strong catalogue. They’ll be performing one last time at Amplifier Bar on 10 Jan, with support from Tired Lion, Pat Chow, Black Stone From The Sun and Surf Rabbits. Let’s give them a sending off to remember.
ROBO-BOOGIE
Deville’s Pad is rounding out the year in style with a Android-themed Christmas Eve celebration. Hosted by resident MC Magnus Danger Magnus, there’ll be karaoke to enjoy and a variety of energy sources available for machines looking to refuel. Oil up those joints and get down there after 6pm.
A ROCKIN’ CHRISTMAS
While we’re on the topic of holiday events, the Rocket Room is going all out fabulous and putting on a Christmas party in the form of L.A XMAS – Return Of The Spandex. Yep, the themed event requires you to don your best glittery leggings, heavy makeup and teased hair – look to Steel Panther for inspiration. The all-local bill promises to deliver some classic rock numbers, with each band paying tribute to Aerosmith, Metallica, Black Sabbath, KISS, and a range of other acts spanning from the ‘70s through to the ‘90s. Get your rock game in place and get down there 20 Dec.
FLICKERFEST
BACK TO THE ROOTS
If you’re keen to groove your way into the new year with the most positive, chilled vibes possible, head over to the freshly renovated Bar Orient and immerse yourself in some reggae music, brought to you by New Zealand-via-Perth’s NBA Rastaz. There’ll also be DJs in the front bar, including Sista Che and DJ Antikz, another fine New Zealand import. Tickets will be available at the door, so lock it in your calendar now!
FLICKERFEST UNDERWAY AGAIN Australia’s only Academy-accredited and BAFTA-recognised short film festival Flickerfest is getting closer. Screening to 50 venues across Australia, the festival will officially begin on 9 Jan in Sydney for ten days before going countrywide. Tickets and full programme released 18 Dec. Head to the website for details.
local news wa.news@themusic.com.au
CROOKED COLOURS SHAKEY GRAVES
READY FOR WAR
Austin-based singer-songwriter Shakey Graves is making his way Down Under with his debut Australian release, And The War Came. This will be Shakey Graves’ first voyage to Oz, so it’ll be a perfect chance to discover what all the fuss is about: Astor Theatre, 8 Mar.
TECH IT OUT
Rapper and founder of the Strange Music record label Tech N9ne will be in the country in March for a slew of his famous live shows. Having appeared on countless TV shows, in movies and featured on video games, you’ll recognise his tunes: The Bakery, 13 Mar.
BOUND SOUTH
Southbound’s lineup continues to expand with the announcement of a bunch of local acts announced for the festival. Electronic duo Crooked Colours killed it at Laneway earlier this year, so they’ve been invited to perform; the super talented and ever-dreamy Methyl Ethel have a spot on the bill; Melbourne native Jim Lawrie has scored a spot thanks to the John Butler initiative JB Seed; and Stagebound winners Apache will be making their festival debut as well. Things are shaping up nicely, so make sure you check out our guide to the festival in this issue and grab a ticket!
THE LATEST FROM THE PARK
The Vic Park Collective is getting themselves into gear heading into 2015, with the announcement that they’re joining the Fringe World team and putting up a bunch of venues for the festival, which runs from 23 Jan to 22 Feb. They’ll also be teaming up with with Form to bring Public 2015 to Vic Park, which launched in April 2014 and brought over 45 artists from around the world to Perth to team up with local artists and transform over 35 spaces and walls around Perth into an urban canvas. The Collective will be seeking land owners willing to offer their laneways or walls to be painted, and there will also be opportunities to sponsor artworks or contribute to the cost of paint for local artists. There’s plenty more coming up for Vic Park, so keep your eyes peeled!
CIARA
I OVER-TIP BECAUSE I’M REALLY INSECURE AND WANT EVERYONE TO LIKE ME #THEAGONYOFMODERNMANNERS OH, GOODY!
Known for her worldwide hits such as Goodies, Ride, 1 2 Step and more, Grammy Award winner, singer, songwriter, producer and actress Ciara is making her way to Perth to showcase her infectious R&B beats. She’ll be performing at Metropolis Fremantle, 13 Feb.
LOCAL LOVIN’
Laneway Festival has announced the winners of the triple j Unearthed competition across each state, with each winner scoring an opening slot at the event. Playing at Laneway Fremantle will be dream-pop duo Dianas.
BETTER THAN NEVER TIPPING THOUGH, RIGHT @NAKKIAHLUI?
CHALLENGER READY?
Ambar Niteclub is well known for its NYE parties, and they promise this year’s end of year celebration will be one to remember. A Pacman-themed event, the night incorporates a number of their best specialised evenings including Japan 4 and Fresh Produce and more, with DJs Miss Demeanour, Pussymittens, MR. eD, Mo’Fly, Tee EL, Marko Paulo, Standards Down and Philly Blunt, plus a very special guest soon to be announced.
BACK ON THE MAP
Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre is launching itself into 2015 with their Out Of The Box & Into The Cube segment, which will see one huge show a month taking place at the centre. Taking on Southbound at the beginning of the year and successfully selling out their album launch show at The Bakery earlier in the year, indie-rockers Crooked Colours will be headlining the first show, which takes place 16 Jan. THE MUSIC • 10TH DECEMBER 2014 • 11
music
YOUR GUIDE TO SOUTHBOUND 2015 Just in case you’ve been living under a rock, Southbound is returning, taking place at the beginning of January at the usual stomping grounds – Sir Stewart Bovell Park in Busselton – an almost three-hour drive south of Perth. WA’s biggest music, arts and camping festival has done a great job of expanding and entertaining new ideas with each passing year since its inception in 2005, and Southbound 2015 will be the first at which people will be allowed to bring their cars into the camping grounds and camp right next to their vehicles (or sleep in them). If, however, you’d prefer to leave your car in the parking area, you can choose to do so. There’s so much to do and so much to see that we at The Music have decided to put together some tips for getting the most out of your weekend. Kane Sutton is your guide.
1. MAKE SURE YOU’VE PACKED EVERYTHING YOU NEED. This seems simple enough, but the last thing you want is to get down to the festival and realise you’ve forgotten a hat (it’s really hot during the day), or your sleeping bag/ warm clothes (it’s freezing at night), or, in the worst case scenario, your ticket or ID. Make sure you’ve got some comfy shoes and enough cash to get you through each day. We’d also recommend buying yourself a portable phone charger because if, like me, you own an Android that manages to drain your battery after half a day of semi-constant use (you’ll probably be taking a lot of photos), the last thing you want to do is have to line up in a queue of people waiting get their phones charged. And then you’re stuck without a phone for a couple of hours. Sure, it’s a great service on offer, but you don’t want to not be able to take a photo of your favourite band to Instagram when you can just have your phone charging in your bag or pocket as you walk around, right?
12 • THE MUSIC • 10TH DECEMBER 2014
Everyone loves sitting around the campsite in comfort, so feel free to bring camping chairs as well if you like!
2. GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP ON FRIDAY. It’s also verrrrry important to get plenty of sleep the night before. For one, you’re gonna want to get down to the festival early on Saturday morning to get yourself set up in a good spot and with enough time to enjoy the first day. Plus, sure, the music might stop late in the evening, but the punters don’t – a cherished memory was a couple of years back when a couple of super-energetic patrons decided to form a group of people and run around the campsite singing Hey Baby by DJ Otzi for about four hours after 12pm. Last year, people all over the campsite were yelling ‘Alan!’ and ‘Steve!’ across the grounds to each other in
an ode to that Funny Talking Animals video on YouTube. It’s great fun and a huge laugh, but it’ll definitely be cutting into your sleep time. And once that sun rises over the horizon at 5.30am, your tent is gonna be stifling – you aren’t going to get much sleep, so yes, make sure you’re well rested beforehand.
3. KEEP HYDRATED AND APPLY SUNSCREEN. I know, I know, I sound like your mum, but it’s actually so important when you’re spending most of your day out in the field with the sun beating down on you – you don’t want to miss your favourite band ‘cause of sunstroke.
4. IF YOU’VE EVER CONSIDERED IT, GO VIP. They’re more expensive, but they’re so worth it. The limited VIP tickets allow you to enjoy the festival in style with plenty of perks to more than justify the extra expense. The ticket allows you VIP parking with a free shuttle bus to the festival entrance, exclusive access to your own shaded drinking and sitting area (which means no lines and no buzz-kill), eight complimentary alcoholic and eight non-alcoholic drink tickets over the two days, your own bathroom (actual toilets and sinks, with deodorant!), a buffet dinner each night and goodies like Southbound stubbie holders. The drinks alone practically justify the price – you’ll never look back once you make the decision.
5. MAKE SURE YOU ORGANISE YOUR TIMETABLE BEFOREHAND. It sounds like common sense, but if the line-up happens to contain a large number of your favourite bands, you gotta sort out what you’re doing before the festival. Both stages get pretty packed about by 4-5pm, so if you want a good vantage point to dance/take photos/
TOP FIVE ACTS TO SEE AT SOUTHBOUND
5. THE BLACK LIPS BLUEJUICE
Flower-punk band The Black Lips have steadily built a reputation for mayhem and disorder in the glitziest possible way. Their earlier shows were known for nudity and regurgitation, and while their last show in Perth didn’t quite hit those levels of depravity, it was certainly one of the best shows this writer has ever seen. In recent years the Atlanta natives have developed a knack for tunes that can’t be underestimated, their 2014 record Underneath The Rainbow one of the year’s most solid releases.
4. DMA’S Born from the ashes of several Sydney bands, DMA’s have risen at a mind-boggling speed to become one of the hottest new acts in Australia today. Channelling the likes of Blur and Oasis almost scarily well, their self-titled EP has been a huge hit on triple j and has served them well in building this strong reputation.
SALT-N-PEPA
cry, then make sure you know where you’re going and when. We’ve got the timetable handy in this here magazine, so rip it off and cram it in your pocket – it’ll be your bible for the entirety of the festival.
6. MAKE SURE YOU SPEND SOME TIME IN BASECAMP. Basecamp is the hub of all things chill, so if you’re looking to get away from the music for a bit, it’s the perfect place to be. Basecamp provides some amazing breakfast choices in the mornings when you’re feeling tired and the worse for wear. There’ll be a heap of couches in the Loungeroom to laze about on; the Chai Zone provides the caffeine hit you need to keep going, and the silent disco will get your limbs back in order while simultaneously giving you some much-needed me time. It’s definitely worth checking out the Market Stalls too, since they offer a wacky variety of summery festival hats, sunnies and plenty of hidden gems to remember the festival by.
7. ALWAYS LOOK LIKE YOU’RE HAVING FUN. No matter how tired you may be, you need to be exerting yourself at all times, because you never know who might be watching. I learnt that the hard way by picking the worst possible time to stand around looking grumpy, which was when everyone began dancing in unison at Solange’s set. I was caught on film, arms folded, literally the ONLY person not joining in, and once it was posted to Facebook a few days later, I was (rightly) hit with some choice words from a number
of people about my lack of enthusiasm and alerted to it by multiple people tagging me in the post – so embarrassing. (For the record, Solange actually did an amazing job. I don’t know what was wrong with me!) You can see the video at theMusic.com.au.
8. BRING THE GOOD VIBES. Southbound’s great reputation rests on you, the people, who have done an amazing job over the years of sticking to the rules and keeping it a fun and safe environment for everyone. We’ve done well so far, so let’s keep it that way. Don’t do anything stupid; we’re all in this together and we want Southbound 2015 to be recognised as the best yet. Have fun and we’ll see you down there!
3. THE PRESETS The duo of Julian Hamilton and Kim Moyes continue to produce bangers worthy of the world stage, this year releasing Goodbye Future and No Fun as part of their resolution to continually release singles across the year. With classics My People, This Boy’s In Love and Youth In Trouble surely squeezing their way onto the setlist, we’re in for a massive show.
2. SALT-N-PEPA Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandra “Pepa” Denton became luminaries of the hip hop world when they began their career in 1985 as the first all-female group in the genre, turning the tables on a male-dominated world. Their massive hit, Push It, has endured through an ever-changing musical landscape since its release in the late ‘80s, and as such, they’re an act not to be missed.
1. BLUEJUICE Ahhhhh, Bluejuice. Considering we now know for sure that this is going to be band’s last ever live show, they had to feature in this list. They’ll be taking to the stage with tracks from Retrospectable, a compilation album consisting of the best tracks from their three studio albums from 2007-2011, and we can be assured that the band are going to put on an especially batshit crazy performance. Let’s give ‘em a send-off to remember!
WHEN & WHERE: 3 & 4 Jan, Sir Stewart Bovell Park, Busselton THE MUSIC • 10TH DECEMBER 2014 • 13
music
ELECTROLUTION
band, rather than there just being one style that’s presented to the world fully-formed, straight away.”
From one man’s vision to three like minds, Factory Floor are always changing. Core member Gabe Gursey talks to Simone Ubaldi about evolving.
F
actory Floor have one album to their name, 2013’s visceral self-titled creation that takes post-industrial electro to new, hypnotic heights. Recorded over two years in a warehouse in north London, carved out of endless late night jam sessions on a vintage mixer once owned by the Eurythmics, the record is a blood rush of arpeggiated synth, part ESG, part Giorgio Moroder. The sound itself was eight years in the making. Originally formed in 2005 by West Yorkshire-born Gabe Gursey, Factory Floor was a noise-punk act before
music
morphing into its current dance-focused form, taking shape around Gabe, synth/electronics player Dominic Butler and guitarist/vocalist Nik Colk, circa 2009. “The early stuff, like the single, Bipolar, that was just me playing drums, bass and singing,” Gursey explains. “It’s just a fucking Joy Division ripoff at the end of the day, but fuck it, that’s what I was into at the time. You learn, don’t you? You start forging your own sound, and doing that publicly is a good thing, because it’s interesting. It’s interesting for you to see people’s reactions and it’s interesting for people because there’s history to a
Gursey is obsessed with longevity. “We’re obviously nothing like the Beatles but they had this idea that their fans would growing with them. I think it’s such an important thing in music, for artists to develop. You see so many cases where you see a band just do one thing, bang, and then they throw out another five records of the same shit. Why does it have to be like that when there are so many different ways of working records and so many different ways releasing records? There shouldn’t be any fear of that, people should grasp it and go for it.” He isn’t afraid to fail, and accepts that risk-taking music comes with a wider margin of error. At the same time, an open-minded, experimental approach has led Factory Floor to new and diverse audiences. Known for their intense, immersive live shows, Factory Floor have transitioned from clubs to warehouses to festivals to art galleries, including a hysteriainducing turn at the Tate Modern and a residency at London’s Institute for Contemporary Arts. “Playing in galleries gives you a license to say, right, we’re going to do it like this this time and we’re gonna see how it goes, we’re going to approach it in this way. You feel a bit more relaxed, I think. I think I’ve got it in my head that things can be more experimental in a gallery, so it’s a good way of exploring stuff. It’s an interesting way of working. Our shows are never the same twice, you know. I wouldn’t want to bore myself with doing the same thing over and over again.”
WHEN & WHERE: 13 Dec, The Bakery
MASTERS OF THE ART Death metal juggernaut Thy Art Is Murder are still unleashing hate upon this planet. Vocalist CJ McMahon tells Brendan Crabb about impending world domination.
“T
here’s a lot of stuff out there that doesn’t really float my boat and I don’t really expect everybody to jump on board with what we’re doing,” Thy Art Is Murder growler CJ McMahon ponders via Skype from Massachusetts. “The only thing I find is any sort of hate, or any negative comments that we ever see – which is very rare to see these days – but when we do see it, it’s such a shame, because it’s usually Australians. I would have thought the Australian community would back us just because we’re working so hard, we’re touring our arses off… There’s no other fucking band on the face of this earth that will tour as much as we do. I find it very hard to find another band that’s working as hard as we are.”
a very small amount of people that don’t back our ideas, or don’t think that we’re worthy of headlining certain tours, and these people are just crusty old metal cunts that just have no fucking idea about what the fuck’s going on in the real music world. We don’t really care. We’re having the time of our life, we’re working hard.”
The deathcore act, originally formed in Blacktown, but whose members are now littered throughout Sydney, Brisbane and the US have therefore enjoyed a rapid ascension. They’ve extensively trekked throughout America, the UK, Europe and Australia, and an upcoming national headline tour will conclude 2012 sophomore album Hate’s touring cycle.
Such is their momentum even potential mishaps seemingly only enhanced the band’s profile. Namely, their temporary removal from this year’s Soundwave festival after encouraging a stage invasion in Brisbane.
“I’m pretty sure that we’re gonna impress the haters, and if we don’t, we don’t really care,” McMahon says of more traditionalist metallers who may attend to catch support acts like Psycroptic. “We’ve got enough fans around the world that love us, support us… Occasionally you get 14 • THE MUSIC • 10TH DECEMBER 2014
McMahon feels the incident was misconstrued. “Yeah,
it’s just all bullshit, man. AJ [Maddah, Soundwave promoter], it wasn’t really his fault… I just wanted the crowd participation, wanted people to try and make their way up on-stage and have a crazy show… Everyone had a good time, nothing was broken, nothing was damaged; no one was hurt. “AJ was only doing what he thought was the right thing given the information that he was given. At the end of the day everything fucking turned up Thy Art Is Murder in a good way anyway. Because we had all this free publicity and exposure in the news and people just think we’re fucking psychos, and we’re not. But that kinda boosted us a little bit as far as social media goes anyway, and advertising and marketing. Really, if anything it kinda helped us rather than hindered us.” WHEN & WHERE: 17 Dec, YMCA HQ; 18 Dec, Capitol
THE MUSIC • 10TH DECEMBER 2014 • 15
music
SHOCK TO THE SYSTEM Drum’n’bass superstar ShockOne says he’s pumped to be headlining Breakfest. The electronic producer chats to Scott Aitken about his time-consuming process of writing and his plans to build a studio.
F
ollowing the massive international success of his debut album Universus last year, local producer ShockOne is hard at work on a follow-up. It’s been a long process so far, with the producer having spent close to a year on the new material. “I have a tendency to get an idea and want to explore every possible avenue before coming back to that same original idea,” he says.
“It’s a time-consuming process and it’s not the most efficient way of writing but it seems to be the only way I can write, much to my label and my manager’s dismay.” The producer says he’s also building his own recording studio in Perth for use in recording the next album. As well as providing a professional space to work on new music, he says the studio might also be used by touring acts. “The main point of the studio really is getting a great sounding room and a really creatively conducive environment, a place that you want to be in all the time because that’s where I
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spend 12 hours a day at least,” he says. “It would be pretty much just for myself for writing but quite often there are international guys coming through and they need spaces to work. So if I’m not in there it will be a good spot for people like that to work in as well.” Luckily folks won’t have to wait long to hear some of the new music, with the producer recently announced as headliner for this year’s Breakfest festival where he’ll be spinning some of the new tracks to get the vibe going on Boxing Day. “I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve played Belvoir before but the last time was four years ago for Origin and it was quite early on in the evening. I’m really looking forward to playing a bit later in the night and it’s my first Breakfest which is a festival I grew up going to. It was one of my first big festivals as a teenager so it’s a dream come true really to be headlining.” Unfortunately for the producer he’ll be stepping in for act Knife Party after they were forced to pull out of the festival. The group have also been forced to pull out of a tour for early next year which the producer was to be a support act for. He says while he was looking forward to touring with the group, he sympathises with their situation and wants to still get be on the road early next year. “These kinds of things happen in the music world, it’s just one of those things that you’ve got to live with and it’s a reality of touring,” he says. “There are a lot of factors that go into a tour and it wasn’t my headliner so unfortunately I’ve just got to deal with the decisions made. I might have some news on what I’ll be doing instead of the tour but I can’t really say yet because I haven’t got any confirmation.” WHEN & WHERE: 26 Dec, Breakfest, Belvoir Amphitheatre
MILES ON THE CLOCK New Zealand’s finest The Datsuns still love their rock’n’roll. Frontman Dolf de Borst tells Steve Bell to buckle up because they’re still a long way from the scrapheap.
I
t doesn’t seem like very long ago that Kiwi rockers The Datsuns were the new kids on the global rock block, blowing everyone away with their retro stylings, but a lot of water’s passed under the bridge since then. These days the four-piece are verging on elder statesmen status, with six records and well over a decade of experience under their belts, and – despite now being scattered to the wind and living all over the planet – they’re showing no signs of banging on the brakes anytime soon. Their new album Deep Sleep finds them continuing on their merry way, although it was birthed in somewhat different circumstances than usual. “We wrote the new record really, really fast at the start of the year – we basically wrote it as we recorded it over that ten day period,” recalls vocalist/bassist Dolf de Borst. “We live on two different sides of the planet and some of us are starting to have families and stuff now, so all of that has to be taken into consideration, and when we do see each other it’s like, ‘Let’s try and make a record!’ It was all very spontaneous, I think we had maybe two or three days booked, and that ended up becoming five or six days, and then we were, like, ‘Fuck, let’s try and make a record!’ We’d never really tried anything like this before in that quick a time, so we kind of set ourselves a bit of a manifesto – which we don’t normally do – and I think the experiment was pretty successful, creatively anyway.
16 • THE MUSIC • 10TH DECEMBER 2014
“The album we did before, Death Rattle Boogie, half of it was done in Sweden and half of it was done at a studio in Auckland called Roundhouse Studios, owned by Neil Finn, and we got into a nice rhythm working there. So when we went back [to Roundhouse this year] we’d been really comfortable there, so this time around we wrote down specifically how we wanted things to sound and how we wanted to go about recording. It was all done very, very fast.” Rather than usher in a feeling of tyranny of distance, de Borst believes that the bandmates being separated from each other serves to keep the dynamic fresh.
“The thing is that we’ve always been massive music geeks, and we’re super into ‘60s and especially ‘70s stuff – not just classic rock stuff, but record collector geeky stuff too,” he admits. “Plus all the modern stuff we listen to. So when we get together it’s, like, ‘Check out this record!’ or ‘Check out this weird thing I found!’ – we’ve somehow managed to stay music fans. Which is really important because with a lot of musicians, especially as you get older, the cynicism can really set in, like, ‘I’ve heard this before’. We try to stay fresh in our approach to music and try to stay in love with it, because it’s so easy to fall into, ‘Fuck that band’, or ‘This band sucks!’ or whatever.” WHAT: Deep Sleep (Hellsquad/Valve) WHEN & WHERE: 11 Dec, Leisure Inn, Mandurah; 12 Dec, Prince Of Wales, Bunbury; 13 Dec, Astor Theatre; 14 Dec, Railway Hotel To read the full interview head to theMusic.com.au
THE MUSIC • 10TH DECEMBER 2014 • 17
music
FORWARD MARCH They may have had an insanely busy year, but Dead Letter Circus are showing no signs of slowing down. Kane Sutton chats to Kim Benzie about their surprise acoustic record.
A
s a huge supporter of the band’s output, this scribe is all too keen to let the frontman know about it at risk of sounding like a fanboy. Dead Letter Circus released their first, self-titled EP in 2007 after uploading some of the tracks up to MySpace in 2006. Benzie chuckles. “We did The Mile, Lines and Are We Closer? in one mob. We were rehearsing at the time next door to our good friends The Butterfly Effect and we showed them, and they totally knocked out our confidence, like, ‘Oh man, that’s just too full on, you’re trying to do too much’ kind of thing. That was The Mile, and it yeah, it really dented us and we were like, ‘Man,
maybe we suck.’ We went, ‘Fuck it, we’ll just put it up on MySpace,’ and The Butterfly Effect shared it or whatever it is you used to do on there; they put us in their top friends, and I got a call from our guitarist saying, ‘Dude, get on the internet, we’ve had like 400 plays today!’ and I was just like ‘Fuck off, what? It must be broken.’ Then we just watched the play count go up and every day we were sitting on 800-900 plays a day. It was a really interesting experience.” The prog-rockers have released two full length records since then (2010’s This Is The Warning and 2013’s The Catalyst Fire), signed with UNFD in 2013 and
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toured around the world playing festivals and as support acts for bands such as Animals As Leaders, Linkin Park, Karnivool and more. This year saw the band drop a surprise EP: a stripped-back, acoustic play on a selection of songs from the latest full-length record. After playing an acoustic version of Killing In The Name by Rage Against The Machine, which polarised listeners, they decided to continue meddling. “We did that Like A Version with triple j, and we always muck around with ideas in rehearsal and that cover was a vague idea of stuff we wanted to try. We did it with one, inverted it and changed vocal melodies and changed guitar bits and all that stuff and we were like, ‘Yeah, that was pretty fun,’ so we hit the label up with the idea and they were like, ‘Well, we don’t really have any money to throw at it,’ so they gave us a ridiculously short amount of time to get in there and do it. I think we did it in about a day. We recorded some grand piano at a school the day after and then spent a week trying to piece it together. It was a very stressful week but it came out well in the end.” The band are gearing up for their final tour of the year, and are currently running a one-on-one competition through Facebook to decide which songs to play. “[We love the old songs] as much as the new ones, so when it’s time to get a set together, we’re going, ‘Yeah, we wanna play some of these old ones,’ but then that means you have to cut Cage or something. We’re going to do this shootoff for a couple of days and see what happens.” WHEN & WHERE: 12 Dec, Capitol; 13 Dec, Prince Of Wales, Bunbury To read the full interview head to theMusic.com.au.
HEART OF GLASS Glass Animals met as tweens and drummer Joe Seaward (adorably) admits to Bryget Chrisfield, “I now have two families, which is cool, and I love them both equally”. And, like any family, the bandmates are equally capable of pushing each other’s buttons.
T
hey seem such nice, wholesome lads, so the fact that one of Glass Animals’ songs was originally called ‘Crystal Meth’ comes as a surprise. “Ah, that was Black Mambo,” the band’s drummer Joe Seaward confirms. “Dave [Bayley, frontman] wrote it while he was watching Breaking Bad and, I dunno, it’s one of those things: it’s like having a child and calling it James for the first year of its life and then having to change its name to Frank... So we got used to it and lived with it and then we realised that we couldn’t call it that in the real world, because I don’t think people would’ve liked it. And also it didn’t really make much sense outside our very small bubble so, yeah! It ended up changing but we still call it ‘Crystal Meth’.” Spending some time with Glass Animals last time they were in town – for three intimate, East Coast club gigs in April before their spectacular debut album Zaba dropped – their interest in our flora and fauna was endearing. “I did not see a koala,” Seaward despairs. “I saw a possum. We were all really shocked and kind of impressed that we’d seen a possum, which had a baby on it, but all the Australian people we were with were just SO unimpressed. I think it 18 • THE MUSIC • 10TH DECEMBER 2014
must’ve been like seeing a squirrel [would be] for us.” The drummer also saw “a dolphin with a surfer in a wave, which was very cool”. Seaward estimates he’s spent a grand total of five days at home in Oxford since aforementioned tour Down Under. “I didn’t see anyone in the band, which was really nice, for five days and I think we all felt recharged enough to go and do some more [touring].” So were there big hugs when Glass Animals reunited? “I gave Drew [MacFarlane, guitarist/ keyboardist] a hug
when I saw him,” Seaward laughs.”I mean, we spend so much time together that it’s like having a kind of other family. I now have two families, which is cool, and I love them both equally so it’s good. “Drew can make me more angry than anyone else on this planet. We’re all like a big married couple, I guess. But the thing is we’ve known each other for such a long time. I mean, we met when we were 12, 13... We know where all the buttons are so it just depends on whether I want to make Drew cross – if I feel, like, in the mood where I want to piss him off, then I absolutely can do that quite easily. And I know the times when it’s worth me disappearing for an hour.” WHEN & WHERE: 3 & 4 Jan, Southbound, Sir Stewart Bovell Park To read the full interview head to theMusic.com,au.
THE MUSIC • 10TH DECEMBER 2014 • 19
music
SOUL MATES Bryget Chrisfield sits down with Paul Kelly and Clairy Browne and discovers The Merri Soul Sessions singers were so awesome that recording finished a day early. So what did they do? Kelly wrote and recorded “a last-minute song” in one day.
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s we settle into couches in a secluded nook of The Age Docklands building’s lobby, the subject is handbags. Dressed in an elegant suit, Paul Kelly jokingly apologises for having left his bag at home and Clairy Browne expresses her love for all things Vivienne Westwood. Kelly’s latest album (his 20th) is the result of various songwriting sessions and features a rollcall of this nation’s finest voices. “That’s what’s great about The Merri Soul Sessions,” Kelly enthuses, “is that the songs are mine, but the other singers come in and jump into them.” Kelly’s tea arrives, he stirs and continues: “The idea started off when Vika Bull was singing Sweet Guy
with the band. I thought, ‘We’ve gotta record that song,’ and then I wanted to add some other [songs] around it.” A couple of years ago, Kelly and Dan Sultan thought they’d try and write some songs together and once a few songs started taking shape, Kelly shares, “That’s when we thought, ‘Oh, well that song sounds like a good song for Vika and that one sounds good for Linda.’ And when we wrote the songs, Dan actually sang them... I wouldn’t have written a song like that unless Dan was there. That’s the good thing about co-writing.” Browne lends her pipes to two songs
comedy
on the album, one of which, Where Were You When I Needed You, happens to be this scribe’s favourite. ”I’m a particularly literal singer and I really enjoy cathartic expression,” Browne reveals. “That’s why I really enjoyed Paul’s songs, because they gave that platform to express, that’s the vessel.” On recruiting Browne to sing on his record, Kelly points out, “Even when you agree to work together, you don’t know whether it’s gonna work. It’s nice when it clicks. That’s the beauty of writing songs or collaborating with somebody, you’ve gotta be prepared that it’s not gonna work, you just try stuff out.” So how do songwriters deal with a situation where a co-writing session is not working? “If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t matter, you just walk away,” Kelly offers and Browne, who has been doing a fair bit of co-writing in the States lately, adds: “Exit gracefully. It’s just like speed dating, really.” Such was the quality of Kelly’s selected singers, that recording finished a day early. So what did they do with the extra day? “I had some lyrics about Noah and The Flood so I thought I’d just knock it up into a song [Hasn’t It Rained],” Kelly tells. We can’t help but laugh. “He’s a master,” Browne opines. Kelly allows, “I always like it when you get a last-minute song.” WHAT: Paul Kelly Presents – The Merri Soul Sessions (Gawd Aggie/Universal) WHEN & WHERE: 17 Jan, Sundown Sessions, Scarborough Beach; 29 Mar, West Coast Blues ’N’ Roots, Fremantle Park To read the full interview head to theMusic.com.au
HUMAN SACRIFICE
Eddie Izzard is taking his new show Force Majeure around the world looking for people who get the humour in human sacrifice. He talks to Guy Davis.
“Y
ou make a plan, and then you get ready to improvise at a moment’s notice,” says comedian Eddie Izzard. “That’s what I do with the show – I know the overall direction but I can improvise if something happens; if I get an idea I can go off on a tangent. I have five-and-a-half years before [I go into] politics, and I have things roughly planned out until then. But if something that appeals to me comes up – let’s say a role in a film or something – I can adjust. Know what the objective is, and then improvise on the way to the objective.” Improvising seems to have worked out quite nicely so far for Izzard, who is currently in the middle of taking his new stand-up show Force Majeure around the world. Since beginning in 2013, it has been seen by audiences in 25 countries on five continents, and in January 2015 he’ll be performing it across Australia. The title of the show is often taken to mean ‘act of God’, but outspoken atheist Izzard doesn’t have much time for the notion of a supreme being. “I feel like maybe to get through this world, where I don’t feel any humane God is coming to help us, we all have to be our own forces of nature to deal with dictators and despots and people who make up religions,” he says. And to illustrate that, he looks at some of the more bizarre and excessive forms of human behaviour over the 20 • THE MUSIC • 10TH DECEMBER 2014
centuries, taking a cue from his comedic heroes, the Monty Python gang. “They were doing stuff on religion and other issues with Life Of Brian and that’s what I’ve tried to do with my work – you start off trying to be silly and funny and then you gradually add layers to it,” he says. “With Force Majeure, I start off with human sacrifice, that maybe it was the beginning of fascism: ‘The crops have failed, the weather is bad, the gods must hate us, we’re going to kill Steve.’ It’s totally illogical but surely someone must have come up with that process. ‘But didn’t the gods create Steve as well? Surely they’re going to be very angry
if you kill something they created. Maybe we should do a dance instead or bake them a cake?’ But, no, someone thought that endless murder was the best tactic. “When I say ‘human sacrifice – what was that about?’ the kids in Moscow go, ‘Yeah, it was a bit weird.’ They get it in Istanbul or Oklahoma City or Reykjavik – they get it, and in whatever language. It’s absolutely the same. My theory is humour is human and not national. I keep it universal and that’s what makes it work. But I am playing to more progressive audiences around the world. Mainstream Britain, Australia, Russia, Afghanistan doesn’t get me. But there are people who dig it, and it seems I can play any major city or town in the world and there’ll be enough people who’ve heard of me. And who get it.” WHAT: Force Majeure WHEN & WHERE: 4 & 5 Feb, Riverside Theatre
album/ep reviews
PAUL KELLY
Paul Kelly Presents – The Merri Soul Sessions
Monument To An Elegy
The awkwardly titled Monument To An Elegy, part two of the ongoing Pumpkins musical experiment Teargarden By Kaleidyscope, is pretty much more of what you’d expect after Oceania, which is to say, it’s not at all bad, but not at all warranted either. Prog-rock influenced post-grunge ballads carry the record, all anchored by Corgan’s seemingly ageless vocal chops. The songwriting is competent and occasionally quite enjoyable, especially on highlight track, the grungy rocker One And All. For all the hype surrounding Tommy Lee’s percussive appearance on the record, his presence ultimately
★★½ does little outside of solidify the man as being a hype over substance drummer. Surprising as it may sound though, Corgan and co. seem to know their limitations here, keeping the album lean and short, barely clocking in at over half an hour. Smashing Pumpkins will never reach their 1990s heyday again, but really, this is an honest to god better record than we ever had dared to expect from them in a post-Zeitgeist world. Even if Monument... is part of the ongoing piece of music that is his best material in over a decade, it doesn’t save it from being ultimately meandering, generic and a shadow of former wonder. Andrew McDonald
Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? A Pledge campaign, a series of collectable 7” singles, guest vocalists aplenty – Aussie music icon Paul Kelly is thinking outside the box with requisitely strong results. Named for Merri Creek, which runs past the Northcote studio that housed these fruitful recordings, The Merri Soul Sessions stem humbly from Kelly’s desire to record a version of Vika Bull singing his 1989 single, Sweet Guy, long a live highlight, for posterity. From there things quickly snowballed, the mandate soon becoming to record a “soul revue type record” using one band but numerous vocalists. Largely penned by Kelly (with a couple of co-writes), the batch of songs tap directly into rampant emotions in that finest soul tradition, dissecting relationship travails with an eye for the minutiae of the heart
that makes the best such songs ring so true. Yet it’s the soaring, sincere vocals that make this collection so special, whether it be Linda and Vika Bull together (the heartfelt Down On The Jetty) or separately (Vika’s insistent, building What You Want), Clairy Browne (the sultry Keep On Coming Back For More) or Dan Sultan (the gently swaying Don’t Let A Good Thing Go). Kelly himself offers the pianolaced Thank You and the chugging Righteous Woman, but while we don’t get a lot of his voice here we get plenty of his essence. A delightful foray. Steve Bell
ALBUM OF THE WEEK
Gawdaggie/Universal
Martha’s Music/Cooking Vinyl Is anyone seriously invested in Billy Corgan’s musical exploits these days? Nonetheless, the reformed unit have certainly been improving since they first jumped back on stage.
★★★★
SMASHING PUMPKINS
MORE REVIEWS
themusic.com.au/music/album-reviews
★★★
★★★½
★★★
CHARLI XCX
HTRK
MARLON ROUDETTE
Atlantic/Warner
Sleeperhold Publications
Warner
Sucker’s lead single Boom Clap is an exhausting affair; infectious but disposable – the reason some shun pop music. There’s lots of fun to be had here, though. Body Of My Own swings and sways. Famous, with its pinballing verses and chanting hook, is engaging. Break The Rules is unsophisticated fun. XCX’s vocal production recalls that of Melbourne’s noughties superhero Muscles. Numerous, varied vocal takes are layered on top of each other causing a woozy, euphoric final effect. XCX clearly still has something to offer. Sometimes it’s well hidden, though.
A new HTRK release is always cause for celebration, even when it’s just a three-track EP. Body Lotion is compiled from tunes that can be traced back to 2011’s wonderful Work (Work Work) long-player and it shows. The pop-infused groove the band has displayed recently is only being developed here, with gorgeous droning melancholia the name of the game. Highlight, Sugar, could be a modern coldwave post-punk classic were it ever to receive the audience it should. This lovely little release is an early Christmas present from one of our most exciting acts.
The second solo outing from the one-time Mattafix (Big City Life) vocalist initially appears to adhere to pop convention whilst there’s actually much seething under the surface. The Londoner has soulful, funky chops with a perspicaciously lyrical versatility – seductive one minute, wandering late-night Soho streets the next – so how this rich body of talent has so far failed to convert into mainstream success is baffling. Electric Soul has the nostalgic pulse of the early pirate radio era Kiss FM with a desperately needed maturing of the heart of contemporary R&B.
James d’Apice
Andrew McDonald
Mac McNaughton
Sucker
Body Lotion EP
Electric Soul
NOFX – Backstage Passport Soundtrack Leonard Cohen – Live In Dublin Ueno – Variation Of Weeds Knife Party – Abandon Ship Paul Smith & Peter Brewis – Frozen By Sight Primordial – Where Greater Men Have Fallen The German Panzer – Send Them All To Hell
THE MUSIC • 10TH DECEMBER 2014 • 21
album/ep reviews
★★★★
★★★
MISTER WOLF
HOT SINCE 82
Independent
OneLove
The debut EP from these locals is something to get seriously excited about. The five-piece have managed to discover the perfect folk-rock medium, with an intricate and oft-times romantic sound, while keeping the tempo upbeat and pacey with some great hooks. The inclusion of brass alongside catchy guitar lines and Cobie Mason’s smooth and confident vocal delivery makes for strength across all aspects of the record, with third song, Davy Jones, containing that whole package. At four tracks, the EP satisfies the palate yet leaves you wanting more. So much more.
Known for playing defyingly long endurance DJ sets, this is a timely reminder of the deep housey delights Daley Padley delivered at his recent Aussie Stereosonic shows. Though the album is almost wholly impeccably mixed, itಬs odd that several gaps break the flow. Nonetheless, the track selection forms a stream that meanders hypnotically enough. The mid-section, comprising Ross Evansಬ HoneyTrap and The Scumfrogಬs Wave2 echoes Dave Clarkeಬs darker early noughties excursions while the inclusion of his celebrated alien arrival take on Everybody Everybody (Black Box) keeps the vibes smilinಬ.
Tricky Timing
Knee Deep In Sound
Kane Sutton
Mac McNaughton
★★★½
MATT GRESHAM
I Am A Superhero
Independent
The local alt-folk band has been quietly refining their sound the last couple of years and the result is a finely-tuned debut EP. Not necessarily a game-changer, the production is strong and Ben Wilson’s vocals are marvellously smooth. Tracks like Maybe You Were Right play like a dream with some great little guitar twangs at all the right moments and a steady drum beat that you can just picture yourself laying back on the couch and exhaling a contented sigh to. A wonderfully chill record, it seems they’ve discovered a sound they excel at making.
Independent
The fifth album from WA’s Matt Gresham is an album wrought with the tender emotions of a tragic journey through love and loss. Far more minimalistic and stripped back than the upbeat, heavy-hitting live performances that made a name for his music way back in his teens, these songs are meaningful and profound, with wisdom, life and worlds of experience behind them. Gresham often takes a step back vocally on the album, instead letting guests sing or simply recite some spoken-word musings to convey his message.
Kane Sutton
Lukas Murphy
S
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22 • THE MUSIC • 10TH DECEMBER 2014
RALWAY BELL
The Beautiful Emptiness
YOUR NIGHT STARTS HERE
“Works flawlessly and is so easy to use. Can’t recommend enough.”
★★★½
Available on
live reviews
LEEDERVILLE CARNIVAL Leederville surrounds 7 Dec Leederville Carnival took place on Sunday, this year extending out across multiple closed-off streets, which were packed with food and market stalls containing everything from fashion to groceries, beer gardens, carnival rides, multiple art displays, outdoor music stages and DJ booths. The West Australian Stage kicked things off in the open Newcastle Street at the stroke of noon, with Dubarray enticing early punters from the get-go. The performance rounded
great place to cool down and relax, with performers taking to the stage at Babushka for a number of purely acoustic sets. There were some interesting and enjoyable covers across a number of performances, including Kelly Clarkson’s Since U Been Gone, Bouncing Souls’ Sing Along Forever and Carley Rae Jepsen’s Call Me Maybe. The Brow were a huge hit with the kids, the experienced hip hop/funk/jazz hybrid wrapping the audience around their collective finger at the West Australian stage and busting out classics such as Kaboom and Two Fires. 44th Sunset performed as a duo at the HQ stage – Nik Thompson was solid on vocals while guitarist Jack Charles provided vital backup. Older tracks Cages and Caesar were the most
44TH SUNSET LIGHT UP LEEDERVILLE FESTIVAL. PIC: JULIET DUVAL
off a massive national tour for the band, and they made the most of their momentum with some catchy funk beats. Kitchen People kicked things off at the YMCA HQ stage, bringing the venue to life with some intense, riff-heavy rock. Bassist Vin BuchananSimpson was at his weird and wonderful best, while lead singer and guitarist Jake Suriano was in top form with his powerful punk-rock vocals. Late Night Hysterics didn’t draw much of a crowd, but their lulling dream-pop beats went down an absolute treat. Back over at the West Australian stage, Wisdom2th DJed and danced his way through an entertaining the set, working the collective audience into a groove. Upstairs in the Leederville Hotel proved a
SASHA GREY, LUKAS WIMMLER, BEECROFT SUX, AKILLA Villa Nightclub 5 Dec Porn star-turned-DJ Sasha Grey played her first show in Perth at Villa Nightclub on Friday. The night started with AKILLA spinning tracks to an empty dance floor, with the audience remaining on the outskirts of the venue and occasionally near the bar. While the DJ performed a solid set, not even the sounds of Yung Lean’s Kyoto and Dave Aude’s bass-heavy
PAT CHOW LIGHT UP LEEDERVILLE FESTIVAL. PIC: JULIET DUVAL
warmly welcomed, but all up, it was an enjoyable show.
remix of Partition could ignite interest amongst the audience.
Pat Chow’s performance was a favourite and a highlight of the day – they fitted the venue perfectly and rocked it out like legends. Their track “made especially for Christmas” was the best thing heard all day, while their “song that sounds a bit like a carnival” contained some of the best guitar riffs this writer has heard in a long time. The night wound down with a thank you speech from Leederville’s mayor and a fab fireworks display out in the street thanks to the City Of Vincent. A supposed 80,000 people attended across the day, and given that level of success, everyone will rightly be hoping the carnival makes a return next year.
More people had arrived by the time Beecroft Sux took to the stage, who chose to kick things off with a Poolclvb remix of Sugar Man and Snoop Dogg’s Sensual Seduction. Unfortunately, by the time Sux was halfway through his set, there were even fewer people than before, with many either having left or gone outside to the now crowded smoking area.
Kane Sutton
mate Jessica Gonyea on hand to make sure everything was set up and working for her. Applause was given as she launched into Calvin Harris’ Summer and Mark Knight’s Your Love, but by the time she got to play a Tensake remix of Duke Dumont’s I Got U, the audience was looking less than energised. “Come on Perth, let’s see you guys dancing,” said Grey while hopping to enliven the crowd, but it was all in vain. Towards the end there were only a handful people on the dance floor; however some still had some energy to use up. Fifteen minutes before the end of her show, an overly eager fan ran and jumped up on stage to say hello to Grey, only to be quickly grabbed by security and ejected from the premises. It was probably the last sign of enthusiasm from the crowd as
With 40 minutes until Ms Grey was set to play, it was up to Lukas Wimmler to get something of a dancefloor going. Starting with the nu-disco sounds of Everybody Does and Bag Raiders’ Shooting Star, Wimmler managed to entice people onto the dance floor and keep them there with tracks like Call Me and Overtime. Shortly after midnight, Sasha Grey started her set with tour
the show finished, with Grey closing out the set with Sander Van Doorn’s This and her remix of Ghetto Superstar, thanking the audience and leaving the stage to a small cheer from the few left in the club. Scott Aiken
JOAN ARMATRADING, COWBOY X Astor Theatre 5 Dec British singer-songwriter Joan Armatrading, after more than four decades of game-changing tracks, mega-successful albums and soldout performances internationally, is going out on top. The icon’s latest and final tour is a celebration of one of music history’s most remarkable careers. The Astor THE MUSIC • 10TH DECEMBER 2014 • 23
live reviews Theatre, given two shows thanks to popular demand, gave her Perth audience two last chances to fully embrace her presence. Australian blues-roots group Cowboy X were tasked to warm up the impatient crowd. The band’s enjoyable dynamic and rambunctious sense of humour, led by singer and guitarist David Sofield, kept everyone enthralled. The band dove straight into gritty numbers Love’s Gonna Burn and I’m Coming Back (To Try Again). Sofield, dedicating specific renditions to his wife and daughter, poured everything into each sterling note, lyric and guitar riff. His band’s true blue, Paul Kelly/Bob Dylan vibe resonated with the stunned crowd. The group, performing hits from their new album, solidified its all-too-brief set with spirited renditions of Whiskey And Water and Away From Home. Soon after, Joan Armatrading – donning silky, black attire – sauntered up on stage and into an overwhelming spotlight to thunderous applause. The 64-year-old blues-rock-pop-folkreggae-jazz sensation, embracing
her well-deserved notoriety throughout the intimate solo performance, struck a balance between modesty and snarky wit. Armatrading’s lively persona and beaming smile gave her complete control over the excitable crowd, while her ethereal presence elevated soulful renditions of City Girl and Promise Land. The mega-star, playing the piano on stage for the first time since 1976, revelled in the opportunity. Her digging-into-the-keys rendition of More Than One Kind Of Love became a show-stopping ballad. Animated graphics and stock footage – displayed across the stage background – enhanced each track’s effect. Despite the odd technical issue, Armatrading’s haunting, distinctive vocals echoed harmoniously around the venue. Throughout this once-in-alifetime occasion, she displayed a wide array of talents, flourishes and emotions, jumping from a blue electric guitar to black acoustic guitar to piano between each song. Switching the tempo up between tracks and verses, the scintillating guitar riffs and
solos boosted the experience. In addition, tracks, including All The Way From America and In These Times, told valuable, gutpunch-like stories about war, society and humanity. Jaunty jazz-pop hits Mama Mercy, My Baby’s Gone and Down To Zero alleviated the tension. Armatrading ended the first half with a fascinating slideshow chronicling famous photo shoots, her MBE and meetings with the late Nelson Mandela. Armatrading then explored a vast range of uber-hits and underrated gems. She reached searing high notes and gritty lows in Kissin’ And A Huggin’ and Empty Highway. However, The Weakness In Me became the performance’s standout number. Her head-andheart approach elicited a welldeserved, thunderous reaction. The tempo drastically changed thanks to upbeat and pulsating versions of the soul-blues star’s biggest hits Love And Affection, Back To The Night and Drop The Pilot, while Rosie and Me Myself I unified the audience. Her heartfelt encore, Willow, received a warranted standing ovation.
Truly, this was a brilliant performance and fond farewell from one of music’s biggest hitters. Bravo Joan! Thomas Munday
MORE REVIEWS
themusic.com.au/music/live-reviews
DRUNK MUMS @ DEVILLES PAD
Ne Obliviscaris @ Amplifier Bar Yacht Club DJs @ Amplifier Bar Cypress Hill @ Metro City
arts reviews if-it’s-supposed-to-sound-local (Noomi Rapace, whose bizarre multi-national register remains unremarked-upon, here, just as it was in Prometheus) to a fantastic-part-of-a-menacingturn (Matthias Schoenaerts, all coiled physicality).
THE DROP
THE DROP Film
In cinemas
★★ ½ “I just tend bawwwww,” Tom Hardy drawls, in a passable take on Brooklynese, the taciturn barman claiming he’s above the low-rent criminal milieu in which he mixes the drinks; the lad, obviously, doth protestin’ too much. Hardy’s sonorous, 24 • THE MUSIC • 10TH DECEMBER 2014
sing-song Welsh accent sat at the centre of Locke – it was, after all, a film whose drama consisted entirely of Hardy making phone calls, the timbre of his voice as important as the content – but his accent, here, is just as symbolic. The Drop is a film that affects the authentic airs of small-time goons in a rough-and-tumble Brooklyn neighbourhood, but fills its cast with European actors whose accents range from passable (Hardy) to horrible-
Belgian auteur Michaël R Roskam, who directed Schoenaerts in the eye-catching Bullhead, here makes his American debut. Comparisons to other, better crime movies persist – even something as contemporaneous as Andrew Dominik’s brilliant Killing Them Softly – but, though it feels like a well-worn entry in a well-worn genre, The Drop doesn’t lack merit. Adapted by Dennis Lehane from his own short story, it’s a fully-formed world full of literary symbols (even if some are a little on-the-nose), its single-neighbourhood setting claustrophobic, disconnected from the outside world. Lehane works the drama towards a climax whose flip-the-script reversal is expertly timed and
delivered with showstopper chutzpah. And, The Drop marks the final-ever film for James Gandolfini, whose hangdog air and desperate fatalism give the picture a haunted quality. Where, around him, foreign thesps try out their low-rent accents and methodacted takes on the torturedcriminal, Gandolfini sits calmly in the middle, the acme model, effortlessly bringing gravity and grace to his every scene. Anthony Carew
the guide
UTAH JAZZ Answered by: Luke Wilson When did you know DJing was the gig for you? When I was 14 and watching my older brothers mix jungle records in our London bedroom in 1994. I was mesmerised by the way different tracks blended into one. What’s your most memorable musical moment? DJing at Fabric aged 19 with Konflict Messiah as intro and MC GQ asking the crowd to hold up their lighters. What release should everyone have in their collection? Pulp Fiction by Alex Reece on Metalheadz. A genre-defining record for drum & bass from 1995 that’s absolutely timeless. I don’t think I’ll get that feeling from a record ever again. Who’s the act everyone will be talking about in 12 months? Lynx. Not remotely new to D&B but he’s Hospital’s latest exclusive signing which’ll hopefully give him the widespread recognition he thoroughly deserves. A amazingly unique producer. What can punters expect to hear when you’re in control of the dancefloor? Funk, soul, energy, emotion all wrapped up into a drum & bass journey. Anything goes from the last 20 years of this scene and I’ll be enjoying the tunes just as much as you! When and where are your next gigs? 26 Dec, Breakfest, Belvoir Amphitheatre Website link for more info? en.wikipedia. org/wiki/Utah_Jazz_(producer)
THE MUSIC • 5TH NOVEMBER 2014 • 1
eat/drink
MEATBALLS
MAKE ME, EAT ME MOROCCAN MEATBALLS
Where to get them.
“I WILL RUIN YOU LOL.” STILL FROM EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND, S02E15, MARIE’S MEATBALLS.
IN POP CULTURE
ILLUSTRATION: SOPHIE BLACKHALL-CAIN
The Meatball Bar – 745 Newcastle Street, Leederville
The Meatball Bar really step it up a notch with their bold flavours and intriguing fusions. And they’re consistently working on their menu to make it even better! That’s a good excuse to go back again to see what’s new. For a classic Indian-style dish, go for the butter chicken with Pualo rice. If lamb is your thing, opt for the Moroccan lamb balls served on a bed of cous cous and topped with
26 • THE MUSIC • 10TH DECEMBER 2014
saffron yogurt cheese. The people at The Meatball Bar also provide excellent salads that may just steal the show (well maybe not, but they’re good)! Grab a blood orange and fennel salad – a great accompaniment to any flavoured meatball. They even have a section of the menu aptly named Sexy Balls – if you’re in the mood for that little something special. Get on down and enjoy all the ball-related puns.
Music “On top of spaghetti, all covered with cheese/I lost my poor meatball when somebody sneezed.” Tom Glazer’s On Top Of Spaghetti. Classic children’s song. Immortalises the cheeky meatball who dreams of a better existence. Films Lady And The Tramp. Many of us watched that iconic scene as children and promptly asked our parents how babies are made. And also if we could have spag bol that night. TV Everybody Loves Raymond, S02E15, Marie’s Meatballs. Marie teaches Debra how to make her famous meatballs, but secretly sabotages the recipe to make her look bad. OH NOOOO. Bob’s Burgers, S01E09, Spaghetti Western And Meatballs. Bob and Gene bond over spaghetti westerns, making Louise jealous. Bob and Linda are in charge of catering the conflict-resolution dinner at the kids’ school; there are a food fights.
We’ve all had the meatballs at IKEA, or made by our mum, but have you ever changed your recipe? It’s time. Put Crosby, Stills & Nash’s Marrakesh Express on while you cook. This recipe has been taste-tested and given the stamp of approval by our art director Brendon. Thanks Brendo, even though you didn’t bother sharing with the rest of us. 1. The meatballs. Mix together your all-important 450g of minced beef, an onion, garlic clove, and ginger, 1tsp of paprika, 1tsp of ground cumin, ½ tsp of ground coriander and ¼ tsp of cinnamon. Roll them around and around ‘til they’re walnut size. They should look like little spherical brains if you’re not sure. 2. Fry away, then let ‘em rest. 3. To make them saucy, add crushed 1 tsp cumin seeds, ½ tsp coriander seeds and ¼ tsp fennel seeds and some chilli flakes to an empty pan with a chopped red onion, garlic clove and grated ginger. Let it sweat. 4. Add to this 1 tbsp of tomato paste, 800g of tinned plum tomatoes, 200mls of water, ½ tbsp sugar, salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 10 minutes. 5. Add meatballs back in to shake and pop for 20 minutes in the sauce. Sing along to the tenth play of Marrakesh Express: “All aboard the train,” – as in, the MEATBALL TRAIN. Destination: my belly. 6. Sprinkle it all with mint leaves, fresh coriander and slivered almonds over a bed of couscous for that Moroccan edge. This dish is an ideal sharing alternative for Christmas. Go the whole way to Morocco by making a fresh batch of black tea with fresh mint and sugar to go with it.
HAVIN’ A (MEAT)BALL
What is it about meatballs that is so appealing? Restaurants are popping up that are dedicated to showcasing the round goodies. Is it because they’re a fun shape? Is it because you can serve them with so many different things: sauces limited only by the imagination, pasta, potato (done many ways), polenta, rice, bread, wraps, soup, vegies, by themselves? Or maybe it’s because of the variety of the delicious spheres themselves; they can be made from any meats (and even veg for the meat-avoiders), and you can add your own extras into the mix, too – herbs and spices, cheese, veg, other meats... Look, let’s not overthink it. A good meatball can reduce even the most intelligent person to a meathead spluttering incoherently because the taste and texture has rendered them incapable of forming words.
the guide wa.live@themusic.com.au
LIVE THIS WEEK
CHART WRAP
FUZZED UP
FEELING BLUES
O, ANNA
Feels like yesterday that King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard were in Perth giving us a taste of their second record released this year, I’m In Your Mind Fuzz. After receiving critical acclaim for the album, they’re back playing the Rosemount Hotel this Saturday.
Energetic blues and soul purveyor Shaun Kirk has been busy making his way across the country supporting his second single Two Hands On The Wheel from his latest record, Steal The Wheel. He’ll be at Settlers Tavern on Friday and Indi Bar on Sunday.
After spending the last few months working on new music, Anna O is launching her new single Symphony this weekend. Immerse yourself in her warm, soulful tones at Amplifier Bar this Saturday.
TAKING UP RESIDENCE
UNPLUGGED
FOURWARD, MARCH
Folk-rocker Carus Thompson continues his homecoming residency at Clancy’s Fremantle this Thursday night. He’s showcasing tracks from his Acoustic At The Norfolk record over three weeks, with the last performance taking place 18 Dec.
Connect The Chords is back with its Acoustic Candlelight Sessions segment this week at the Kidogo Arthouse this Wednesday. Catch melodic storyteller Fiona Rea and Jake & The Cowboys frontman Jarred Wall perform from 7.30pm.
Austrian drum’n’bass maestros Fourward this year released their Countdown EP, signed with Shogun Audio and have been included on the Way Of The Warrior 2 label compilation. They bring their show to Villa Nightclub this Saturday.
BEATING HEARTS
PASSING BY
POWER PLAY
Local pop-rockers Brufield released their new single Black Hearts last week, and they made a music video to go with it. Your first chance you hear it played in the flesh comes this Sunday when they play at the Rosemount Hotel as part of Scorcherfest.
Indie-pop duo Luluc are making their way to Perth after a huge trip across the US supporting J Mascis. Check out tunes from their new album Passerby at Four5Nine Bar on Wednesday and Mojo’s Bar on Thursday.
Last Night is gearing up for a massive evening at Amplifier Bar this Thursday night, with metal juggernauts Make Them Suffer, plus Graves, Ocean Grove and Surroundings. They also play Eliot Street Bar Saturday and YMCA HQ on Sunday.
LOCAL TALENT
ONWARDS AND UPWARDS
SHAKE IT DOWN
The WAM Song Of The Year Competition is offering over $40,000 worth of prizes to WA’s finest songwriters. On top of the Grand Prize of $3000, each of the 16 Category Prize winners take away $500 cash and more. Get your songs in by Monday!
One of the southwest’s treasures Katie White and two of Perth’s finest local indie-folk songwriters Leah Miche and Lucy Peach are teaming up for an intimate show at the Kidogo Arthouse on Sunday.
Shakedown is on this Saturday at Ambar, featuring a collab of old crews armed with drum’n’bass, jungle, 2step, garage and bass house sounds. Ekko & Sidetrack, Gracie & Sistym, Maker, Micah Black, Devo, Rivers and Bockman feature on the bill.
FOR MORE HEAD TO THEMUSIC.COM.AU
HILLTOP HOODS. PIC: COLE BENNETTS
Stalwart hip hop outfit Hilltop Hoods have knocked Will Sparks off his brief perch atop the Carlton Dry Independent Music Charts, with the revered rappers seeing tour namesake track Cosby Sweater back at #1, sending Sparks’ Ah Yeah down a peg, to #2. Melburnian muso Ben Abraham was the only debutant for the week, with his new album Sirens grabbing #16 on the full-length chart – though not totally without action; ARIA winner Chet Faker, whose Built On Glass LP remains at #1, saw his single Talk Is Cheap rise four spots to #8, while San Cisco saw a resurgence for recent cut Run, which makes its way back inside the top 10, jumping up from #14 to #9. There were also some big moves from Faker (Gold, #13), Vance Joy (Mess Is Mine, #17), Sheppard (Sheppard, #18), and Emma Louise (Full Hearts And Empty Rooms, #20), whose singles all made return appearances to the top 20 after. It was a similar story on the full-length ladder, where Kingswood (Microscopic Wars, #14), Faker (Thinking In Textures, #15) and Illy (Cinematic, #17) all materialised on the charts once more. Hilltop Hoods were strong performers on the album chart too, with Walking Under Stars nabbing them the second-highest position, below Faker, but still in above both the Countdown retrospective (#3) and Jimmy Barnes (30:30 Hindsight, #4). There were massive jumps as well for Sheppard (Bombs Away, up nine places to #5), Sia (1000 Forms Of Fear, up nine places to #6) and Dan Sultan (Blackbird, up six places to #7), all of whom have now seen their respective albums spend 20 weeks inside the top 20. THE MUSIC • 10TH DECEMBER 2014 • 27
the guide wa.live@themusic.com.au
SINGLE FOCUS
SHEPPARD Answered by: Amy Sheppard Single title? Smile What’s the song about? Smile is a song the euphoric feeling you get when you meet someone special. Love is a drug. How long did it take to write/ record? Smile didn’t take too long to write but we recorded it three times. We wanted to find the right balance for the song. We kept overthinking it and overproducing it. Is this track from a forthcoming release/existing release? The track is from our debut album, Bombs Away, but exists as its own single.
What was inspiring you during the song’s writing and recording? We wanted a summery vibe, nothing too serious: a song which made people want to take a holiday. We’ll like this song if we like... Summer holidays and good vibes. Do you play it differently live? I feel that when we play live there’s a different energy for sure. With the live drums and electric guitar it sounds a lot bigger. When and where is your launch/ next gig? 2 – 6 Apr, Bluesfest, North Byron Parklands. Website link for more info? wearesheppard.com
THOUGHTS ON SONGWRITING
TIMOTHY NELSON Entries for the WAM Song Of The Year Competition close at 5pm on 15 Dec with $40,000 worth of prizes to be won. Previous winner Timothy Nelson talks us through his journey into songwriting and how to write a good song. When I was very young, I was – as they say – hyperactive. I loved to scream and shout, break things, climb things, jump off things that were high up and go walkabout the second one of my parents looked the other way. I was a real terror. So naturally, you’d imagine the worry my mother felt one day when she heard something in the house not heard since before I
was born: silence. Upon closer inspection, that silence became the sound of The Beatles’ album Beatles For Sale playing on the hi-fi system, in front of which was yours truly staring at the speakers. Then it was Deep Purple. Then it was Oasis, because it reminded me of The Beatles. Then it was Britney Spears. I’d make cassette tape dubs of Video Hits episodes. My love of music started with realising how good music could make me feel, and through trying to find out why, I became a musician. A great melody is like tasting ice cream for the first time. A good lyric can make you realise you’re not alone and teach you things about yourself. As we try to understand music and figure out it’s formula, the hardest thing we’ll ever have to do is learn how to let go of everything we’ve learned and start making music the same way we began listening to it: with pure feeling.
HAVE YOU BEEN TO
ALBUM FOCUS the rest of the year refining and finishing these demos between our respective solo careers and touring schedules.
ANDRAS & OSCAR Answered by: Andras Fox Album title? Cafe Romantica Where did the title of your new album come from? Cafe Romantica is the name of our favourite late night pizza restaurant and pool hall, in Lygon St. It’s where we spend our time after recording sessions, and we named the album in it’s honour. How many releases do you have now? This is our follow-up to the album Embassy Cafe which we released in 2013. How long did it take to write/ record? We generated the raw ideas and instrumentals during early 2014, and spent 28 • THE HEE M MUSIC • 10TH DECEMBER 2014
Was anything in particular inspiring you during the making? Romance, croissants, “Frenchness”, “Italiano”, Salvador Dali’s handwriting, 707 drum machines, rimshots, $40 keyboards, lambs and long blacks. What’s your favourite song on it? Everytime I Go is indicative of the album – simple percussion pattern, Oscar’s powerful vocals, and a gratuitous keyboard solo. Will you do anything differently next time? Maybe record the multitrack tapes at a higher speed and quality. Maybe record more in stereo. Try more monophonic synth lines instead of saccharine sweet chords. When and where is your launch/next gig? 11 Dec, Goodgod Small Club Website link for more info? facebook.com/events/1529 629610607667/?fref=ts S U P P O R T I N G
4 HORSEMEN
L.A XMAS 2
leather big hear and makeup and be ready for a great time!
Name: Tony Croce
Do you have any plans for the event in the future? This event comes back every year due to public demand and if it keeps going we plan to do this as long as the public wants it.
Why should punters visit you? This is the Rock’n’Roll Glam event of the year, it’s a night of spandex, big hair, eyeliner and ‘80s Rock!! Tribute bands made from Perths best original musicians.
When and where for your next event? This one is on the 20 Dec at the Rocket Room.
What’s the history of the event? 2012 the 1st L.A.XMas soldout, 2013 the charity event Rock’n’Xmas soldout, all the tickets sales donated to SupportAc.
Website link for more info? facebook.com/ events/1522911014632413/
Any advice for f irst timers who want to visit the event? (e.g. dress code etc): Come dressed up in your best 80’s glam rock gear! Spandex, I N D E P E N D E N T
A U S S I E
M U S I C
THE MUSIC • 10TH DECEMBER 2014 • 29
the guide wa.gigguide@themusic.com.au
THE MUSIC PRESENTS DEAD LETTER CIRCUS: DEC 12, Capitol; DEC 13, Prince Of Wales, Bunbury THY ART IS MURDER: DEC 17, YMCA HQ; DEC 18, Capitol
SOUTHBOUND: JAN 3 & 4, Sir Stewart Bovell Park, Busselton 65DAYSOFSTATIC: JAN 5, The Bakery NAS: JAN 27, Metro City ANN VRIEND: FEB 8, Ellington Jazz Club
GYROSCOPE: 20 Dec, Rosemount Hotel
BEN HOWARD: MAR 26, Fremantle Arts Centre
BREAKFEST: DEC 26, Belvoir Amphitheatre
GIG OF THE WEEK DEAD LETTER CIRCUS: 12 DEC, CAPITOL
WED 10 Trivia: Albion Hotel, Cottesloe Open Mic Night with Shaun Street: Carine Glades Tavern, Duncraig
GYROSCOPE
Trivia: Como Hotel, Como
CLUB GUIDE
WED 10 Modesty Blaze + Leighton Shred + Various DJs: The Bird, Northbridge Metric Christmas Party + Various DJs: Villa Nightclub, Perth
THU 11 Ahoy x Breakfest with Ben Franc + Philly Blunt + Micah Black + Bezwun + Relapse: Bar 120, Hillarys
FRI 12 Shakedown feat. Ekko & Sidetrack + Gracie & Systym + Maker + Micah Black + Devo + Ricey + Bockman + MC Xcessiv: Ambar, Perth Word Life: Geisha Bar, Northbridge Candy feat. G-Wizard: Parker Nightclub, Northbridge DJ Paypal + Shobu + Various DJs: The Bakery, Northbridge
SAT 13 Japan 4 Ahoy Takeover feat. Various DJs: Ambar, Perth Cosmo Gets + Savior DJs: The Bird, Northbridge Tantrum Desire + Fourward: Villa Nightclub, Perth
SUN 14 Day Woo + Various DJs: Flyrite, Northbridge Get Down with Aslan + Klean Kicks + more: Rosemount Hotel (Backyard), North Perth
A Christmas Carol wth Catherine Summers Duo: Ellington Jazz Club, Perth
Last Night feat. Make Them Suffer + Graves + Ocean Grove + Surroundings: Amplifier Bar, Perth Karaoke: Brooklands Tavern, Southern River
Ty Segall + Doctopus + Hamjam: The Bakery, Northbridge
Trivia: Captain Stirling, Nedlands
Hip Hop Kara”yo!”ke: The Bird, Northbridge
Carus Thompson: Clancys Fish Pub, Fremantle
Trivia: The Saint, Innaloo
Trivia: Herdsman Lake Tavern, Wembley
Perth Cabaret Orchestra: Ellington Jazz Club, Perth
Karaoke: Indi Bar, Scarborough
Open Mic Night + Various Artists: Indi Bar, Scarborough
Watership + Greg Dear + The Beautiful Losers: Mojo’s Bar, North Fremantle Turin Robinson + Robert Hinton: Moon Cafe, Northbridge Luluc + Benedict Moletta + David Craft: Rosemount Hotel (459 Bar), North Perth The Witches + Tracksuit + Setvice + World-A-Fuzzy: Rosemount Hotel (Main Stage), North Perth Best Years of Your Life with DJ Anton Maz: Rosemount Hotel (Beer Garden), North Perth Open Mic Night + Various Artists: Settlers Tavern, Margaret River Virtual Insanity: Universal Bar, Northbridge Trivia: Vic, Subiaco
THU 11
S U P P O R T I N G
Mark Neal + James Bosley + Matt Waring + Sean Gorman: Swan Lounge, North Fremantle
The Datsuns + The Volcanics + Legs Electric + Scalphunter: Leisure Inn, Rockingham Luluc + David Craft: Mojo’s Bar, North Fremantle The Newport Record Club: Oasis - What’s The Story Morning Glory with High Horse feat. Timothy Nelson: Newport Hotel, Fremantle Open Mic Night + Various Artists: Peel Ale House, Halls Head
Off the Record: Universal Bar, Northbridge
FRI 12 Slippery When Wet - Bon Jovi Tribute + Hysteria - Def Leppard Tribute: Admiral Hotel, Kwinana The Dimebag Darrell 10 Year Tribute Show + Frankenbok + Tempest Rising: Amplifier Bar, Perth Various Artists: Balmoral, East Victoria Park Various Artists: Belgian Beer Cafe, Perth Various Artists: Belmont Tavern, Cloverdale Vicktor: Brass Monkey Hotel, Northbridge
Enemy Minds + Sciatika + Magnolia: Rosemount Hotel (Main Room), North Perth
Frenzy + DJ Misschief: Brighton Hotel, Mandurah
Comedy Night + Various Artists: Rosemount Hotel (Four5Nine Bar), North Perth
Dead Letter Circus + Sleepmakeswaves + Voyager: Capitol, Perth
Katy Steele: Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
I N D E P E N D E N T
Various Artists: Brooklands Tavern, Southern River
Andras & Oscar: Connections Nightclub, Northbridge The Martini Club feat. Sugar Blue Burlesque: Devilles Pad, Perth
A U S S I E
M U S I C
the guide wa.gigguide@themusic.com.au Various Artists: Dunsborough Tavern, Dunsborough
Aborted Tortoise + Secret Buttons + The Darling Rangers + Emu Experts + Dirtwater Bloom + more: Rosemount Hotel (459 Bar), North Perth
Katherine Curnow Trio + Juliana Areias: Ellington Jazz Club, Perth
Howie Morgan : Sail & Anchor, Fremantle
Cross Eyed Cats + Brad Martin Project: Fly By Night, Fremantle
Pimps of Sound: Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
Chris Gibbs: Gosnells Hotel, Gosnells
Indecision + The After Project + more: Swan Basement, North Fremantle
Various Artists: Herdsman Lake Tavern, Wembley
Factory Floor + Kucka + Sacred Flower Union + Allstate + Rex Monsoon b2b The Monarchy + Craig Hollywood + Lightsteed: The Bakery, Northbridge
Ngati: Indi Bar, Scarborough DJ Grizzly + Various DJs: Lakers Tavern, Thornlie Moana + Usurper Of Modern Medicine + Kitchen People + Joni In The Moon + more: Leederville Hotel (Babushka), Leederville
Soul Corporation: Universal Bar, Northbridge
SUN 14 Various Artists: Balmoral, East Victoria Park
Slackjaw + Kash + Bowser: Mojo’s Bar, North Fremantle Karaoke: Newport Hotel (Two Sparrows Bar), Fremantle The Datsuns + The Volcanics + Dingbats: Prince of Wales, Bunbury The Mondays + Della Fern + Indecision + Rupert Crook Confusion: Railway Hotel, North Fremantle Dux & Downtown + Union + Cavalier: Rosemount Hotel (Four5Nine Bar), North Perth A Not So Silent Night feat. The Floors + Scalphunter + Legs Electric + Skullcave + Black Stone from the Sun + HYLA + more: Rosemount Hotel (Main Room), North Perth
Various Artists: Belmont Tavern, Cloverdale
A NOT SO SILENT NIGHT: 12 DEC, ROSEMOUNT HOTEL Anna O + Velveteen + Future Entity: Amplifier Bar, Perth The Sun Records AllStars: Astor Theatre, Mount Lawley The Datsuns + The Volcanics + The Caballeros: Astor Theatre (Astor Lounge), Mount Lawley Various Artists: Balmoral, East Victoria Park Various Artists: Brass Monkey Hotel, Northbridge
Howie Morgan : Sail & Anchor, Fremantle
DJ Squinty: Brighton Hotel, Mandurah
Shaun Kirk: Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
Graves + Ocean Grove + Make Them Suffer + Iconoclast + Finders + Daybreak: Burlington Hotel (Elliott Street Bar), Bunbury
Pale Blonde Mexicans + Guests: Swan Basement, North Fremantle Doctopus + Chief Richards: The Bird, Northbridge Various Artists: The Highway Hotel, Bunbury Nightmoves: Universal Bar, Northbridge Lij Gilmour: YMCA HQ, Leederville
SAT 13
Flamingo: Causeway Bar, Victoria Park Saritah: Denmark Markets, Denmark Various Artists: Dunsborough Tavern, Dunsborough Vivian Sessoms: Ellington Jazz Club (7pm), Perth
Late Night Groove with Steph Ryan + Sophie Foster: Ellington Jazz Club (10.30pm), Perth The Waifs: Fremantle Arts Centre, Fremantle Various Artists: Gosnells Hotel, Gosnells Various Artists: Hyde Park, Perth Matt Gresham: Indi Bar, Scarborough Frenzy: Leisure Inn, Rockingham Greg Carter: Leisure Inn, Rockingham Gunns + Hamjam: Mojo’s Bar, North Fremantle Karaoke: Newport Hotel, Fremantle Dead Letter Circus + Sleepmakeswaves + Voyager: Prince of Wales, Bunbury Bloodklot + The Arcadian + Drown The Faith + Tears For Atlantis + Souls of Bughuul: Railway Hotel, North Fremantle King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard + The Babe Rainbow + Hideous Sun Demon: Rosemount Hotel (Main Room), North Perth
S U P P O R T I N G
Various Artists: Brooklands Tavern, Southern River Various Artists: Como Hotel, Como Various Artists: Dunsborough Tavern, Dunsborough Emily Grant: Ellington Jazz Club, Perth Blue Shaddy: Fremantle Arts Centre, Fremantle Various Artists: Gosnells Hotel, Gosnells Shaun Kirk: Indi Bar, Scarborough Various Artists: Kalamunda Hotel, Kalamunda Siren & Assassin: Leisure Inn, Rockingham King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard + The Babe Rainbow: Mojo’s Bar, North Fremantle
Luke Dux + Todd Pickett + Leah Miche: Swanbrook Winery, Henley Brook Friends of the Ocean Fundraiser with Steve Hughes + King Cactus + Silver Hills + KZ the Boogieman + Henry Maxwell + more: The Bird (4pm), Northbridge Howie Morgan : The Saint, Innaloo Graves + Ocean Grove: YMCA HQ (All Ages), Leederville
MON 15 Various DJs: Brass Monkey Hotel, Northbridge Prita Grealy: Ellington Jazz Club, Perth Darren Hanlon + Rabbit Island: Mojo’s Bar, North Fremantle Trivia: Rosemount Hotel (Main Room), North Perth
TUE 16 Open Mic Night + Various Artists: Brass Monkey Hotel, Northbridge Perth Blues Club feat. Lawrie & Gioia + Tindog + Moonshine Trust: Charles Hotel, North Perth Gary Lee Quartet: Ellington Jazz Club, Perth Josh Wade: Mojo’s Bar, North Fremantle John Legend + Dami Im: Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre, Perth Bex & Turin’s Wide Open Mic: Rosemount Hotel (Main Room), North Perth Wanderlust + more: The Bird, Northbridge
The Waifs: Old Broadwater Farm, Busselton The Datsuns + The Volcanics + Scalphunter: Railway Hotel, North Fremantle Scorcher Fest + Various Artists: Rosemount Hotel (Main Room), North Perth Graeme Dickinson: Settlers Tavern (Verandah), Margaret River James Bosley + Wayne Glasson + more: Swan Lounge, North Fremantle
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M U S I C
32 • THE MUSIC • 10TH DECEMBER 2014