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X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays
GREENDAY HEADING UP SOUNDWAVE 2014
Ruby Rose
KING AND QUEEN OF THE DECKS
Greenday
On Saturday, September 29, DJs Ruby Rose and Nino Brown will return to The Court Hotel before Ruby returns to her new home in the US. Ruby will also meet and greet her fans after the gig. Tickets are $20 via eventbrite.com.au.
Greenday are to headline next year’s Soundwave to be held at Claremont Showgrounds on Monday, March 4. Avenged Sevenfold, Stone Temple Pilots, Megadeath, Alice In Chains, Rob Zombie, Placebo and Korn are just some of the acts of the line-up. Tickets go on sale next Thursday, September 5 from oztix.com.au.
The Bellrays Photo by Emmie Etie
ALL THAT JAZZ
Chic Featuring Nile Rodgers
Celebrate the glamour and excess of the Roaring ‘20s this Saturday, August 31,at The Leederville when they pop the cork on The Great Gatsby Party. Recreate the intoxicating atmosphere of an interregnum speakeasy, complete with specialty cocktails, music, dancing, showgirls and more! Prizes for best dressed, but remember to dress for the period. Doors open at 7pm and entry is free - theleederville.com has all the details.
GETTING BACK TO YOUR ROOTS
The Southbound line-up was already impressive, but it just got infinitely better with the announcement that genre-straddling hip hop giants The Roots will be coming along too.They’ll be hitching their horse to a wagon that’s already carrying the likes of Flight Facilities, The Cat Empire, Violent Femmes, Vampire Weekend, Neil Finn and more, making Busselton’s Sir Stewart Bovell Park the place to be on January 3 and 4. For info and tickets, southboundfestival. com.au is your destination.
Legendary left coast garage rockers The Bellrays crash-land at Freo’s Fly By Night on Thursday, November 21. They’ll be flying the flag for their new album, Black Lightning. All else being equal, it’s impossible to resist a band that’s been described as ‘MC5 fronted by Tina Turner.’ Scoot over to flybynight.org for tickets.
WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT
SO CHIC! The Roots, Southbound
HELL’S BELLS
Trendsetting disco mavens Chic are back! Legendary bassist/producer Nile Rodgers, who’s responsible for more epic hits than you can shake a stick at, is back with the band that first brought him to fame before he helped bring the likes of Madonna, INXS and David Bowie to chart prominence, to perform such hits as Le Freak, Everybody Dance and I Want Your Love. Chic Featuring Nile Rodgers perform at The Astor on Sunday, December 8.
Reformed ‘90s UK boy-band 5ive are back it. See them for one show only at Metropolis Fremantle on Wednesday, October 30. Throughout the course of their career they sold 20 million records - not bad yards for just turning up to compete with 3,000 hopefuls at an audition set up by the creators of the Spice Girls. Tix from oztix.com.au.
COMUNICATO STAMPA
2013 Lavazza Italian Film Festival
The 2013 Lavazza Italian Film Festival will be taking place at Luna Palace Cinemas from October 1023 with tickets going on sale today, Wednesday, August 28. Contemporary Italian cinema will be present in all its finery with 26 features and documentaries on offer. Go to lunapalace.com.au for more info.
Tiny Ruins Photo: Georgie Craw
RACK AND RUIN
Tiny Ruins, also known as New Zealand musician Hollie Fullbrook, is on her way to Australia ahead of the November release of her new album, Brightly Painted One. Not only will she play in support of Tex-Mex soundscape engineers Calexico at the Astor Theatre on Friday, September 27 and The Wave Rock Weekender on Sunday, September 29, but she’ll also headline one show only at Mojo’s on Monday, September 30. Tickets are available through Ozitx.
5ive
Lisa Mitchell
HOT IN THE CITY
The City of Wanneroo is proud to present a worldclass concert event at the Wanneroo Showgrounds on Saturday, November 9, when Lisa Mitchell and Josh Pyke team up to bring residents a show for the whole family. It’s a free event, but ticket registration is essential. Wanneroo residents can get in early from Monday, September 2, while tickets will be available to the general public from Monday, September 23 from wanneroo.wa.gov.au
Rob Schneider
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Reactions/Comp Thing Flesh Music: Spender/Naked & Famous/ Cloud Control Music: Craig Shiflett New Noise What’s On Eye4 Cover: Michael Jackson - The Immortal Eye4: News/ Mortal Instruments/ Red 2/ Stoker Eye4: Jobs/ Bernard Fanning Arts Listings Salt Cover: Mathas Salt: News/ Test Pad/ Behind The Decks/ Bias B Salt: Porter Robinson/ Kit Pop Salt: Rewind: The Substance Scene: Live: Tempest Rising / Voltaire Twins Tour Trails Gig Guide Volume
COVER: Franz Ferdinand’s new LP Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action is out now. More on page 11. SALT COVER: Mathas has just taken out triple j’s top Unearthed spot for his new single featuring Abbe May. More on page 27. www.xpressmag.com.au
DEUCE BIGALOW’S COMING TO TOWN
Rob Schneider is bringing his stand up comedy show to the Astor Theatre on Wednesday, October 16. After a 20 year break, Schneider returned to stand up comedy in 2011 with a world tour receiving rave reviews and is now back for round two. Tickets from showticketing.com.au. Do eet!
Maids
PRETTY MAIDS ALL IN A ROW
Direct from Newcastle come heavy rock fourpiece, Maids. Eager to inflict their self-titled EP upon unsuspecting audiences in the West, they’ll be playing two shows in our neck of the woods, with a stellar line-up of local talent in support. Catch them at PICA Bar from 6pm on Saturday, September 14, with Puck, Dead Owls and Pat Chow; and Sunday, September 15, at The Newport with Foam and Hideous Sund Demon. Both shows are free. 7
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Managing Editor Bob Gordon: editor@xpressmag.com.au Dance Music & Features Editor Jo Campbell: danceeditor@xpressmag.com.au Local Music & Arts Editor Travis Johnson: localmusicarts@xpressmag.com.au Gig & Event Guides Co-ordinator guide@xpressmag.com.au Entertainment Services Co-ordinator / Competitions win@xpressmag.com.au Photography Callum Ponton, Stefan Caramia, Daniel Grant, Sammy Granville, Matt Jelonek, Denis Radacic, Emma Mackenzie, Guang-Hui Chuan, Max Fairclough Contributing Writers Henry Andersen, Ashleigh Whyte, Nina Bertok, Shaun Cowe, Derek Cromb,Chris Gibbs,Alfred Gorman,George Green,Alex Griffin,Chris Havercroft, Joshua Hayes, Brendan Holben, Coral Huckstep, Rezo Kezerashvili,Tara Lloyd, Adam Morris, Andrew Nelson, Chloe Papas, Ben Watson,Jessica Willoughby,Miki Mclay,Morgan Richards,James Manning, Joe Cassidy, Shane Pinnegar For band gigs and launches - plugyourgig@xpressmag.com.au
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FALL WITH ABBE
This Saturday, August 31 Abbe May will make a most exclusive and tastefully sensual visit to Mojo’s Bar. This show will be more marvellous than discovering that you are in love and that your life is substantially more excellent than ever before. Supports on the night will come from the Dianas and Todd Pickett. Tickets are only available on the door from 8pm but we’ve got a double pass to give away to one lucky reader. Just make sure you’re available to take the call on Friday.
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Abbe May
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Red 2
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You’re Next
Design + Production Andy Quilty, Anthony Jackson, Kasia Mazurkiewicz
HOME INVASION HORRORS
Printing
You’re Next is the disturbing story of the Davison family who have gathered at their secluded vacation home for a family reunion and find themselves the target of some creative and chillingly cruel killers. When the hapless victims seem trapped, an unlikely guest of the family proves to be the most talented killer of all. It’s out this Thursday and we’ve got some doubles to give away.
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STEVE JOBS FTW
Jobs
Steve Jobs’ ascension from college drop out to one of the most influential and inspiring creative entrepreneurs of our time has been made into a movie. Jobs is out in cinemas this Thursday - enter to win a double pass.
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CAB AUDITED CIRCULATION: 38,000 OCTOBER 2011 – MARCH 2012
GET RED 2
We’ve got five Red 2 prize packs to give away including a T-shirt and in-season double pass Deadlines thanks to Hopscotch Entertainment. In cinemas this EDITORIAL Thursday, August 29 Red 2 is the action-comedy General: Friday 5pm,, Eye4 Arts: Thursday 10am, Comp’ sequel to Red. Retired black ops CIA agent Frank Thing: Monday Noon,, Salt Clubs: Monday 5pm , Local Scene: Moses (Bruce Willis) reunites his unlikely team of elite Monday Noon,, Gig Guide: Monday 5pm operatives for a global quest to track down a missing ADVERTISING portable nuclear device. Enter to win! Cancellations: Monday 5pm, Ads to be set: Monday Noon Supplied Bookings / Copy: Tuesday 12 Noon, Classifieds: Monday 4pm Published by: Columbia Press Pty.Ltd. A.C.N. 066 570 803 Registered by Australia Post. Publication No PP600110.00006 Suite 55/102 Railway Street, City West Business Centre, West Perth, WA 6005 Locked Bag 31, West Perth, WA 6872 Phone: (08) 9213 2888 Fax: (08) 9213 2882 Website: http://www.xpressmag.com.au
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WIN! SANTANA & MCLAUGHLIN LIVE AT MONTREUX 2011
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Courtesy of Shock, we’re giving you the opportunity to get your hands on a copy of a DVD or Blu Ray of these two master guitarists doing their thing. The concert features almost all of their 1973 album, Love Devotion Surrender, as well as a wealth of other material, including versions of Stairway To Heaven, Smooth Criminal, A Love Supreme and more! Let us know if you’d like the DVD or Blu Ray.
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SPIEGEL WORLD
Australian blues legend Lloyd Spiegel will be embarking on a massive tour of WA this October. Spiegel has recently been honoured by Cole Clark guitars, who have commissioned the making of two signature model guitars in his name - the FL2LS1 and FL2-LS2. See him at The Laundry in Busselton, Friday, October 11; Settlers Tavern, Margaret River, Saturday, October 12; Quindanning Tavern, Sunday, October 13; Perth Blues Club, Tuesday, October 15; Mojo’s, Wednesday, October 16; The Indi Bar, Thursday, October 17; Freemasons Hotel, Geraldton, Friday, October 18; Hills Blues Club, Saturday, October 19, and Clancy’s Dunsborough, Sunday, October 20.
Heymus
HEY MAN IT’S HEYMUS
Adelaide indie-pop three piece Heymus have been doing the rounds with their debut EP, Signal Girl, and now it’s Perth’s turn to get a dose. Catch them in store at 78 Records this Friday, August 30, from 4-6pm, with support from local singer/ songwriter T.J. O’Donovan.
Kataklysm
FROM KANADA KOMES KARNAGE!
Canadian death metal demons Kataklysm are descending from their icy fastness to make their long-awaited return to our climes! With more than two decades of destruction under their collective belt and more than a few ruined PAs and burst eardrums to their name, fans know to brace for impact when the men from Montreal unleash such classics as Shadows And Dust, Push The Venom and Taking The World By Storm at the Rosemount Hotel on Sunday, December 8. Also on the bill are Japanese death thrash outfit Gotsu Totsu Kotsu. Tickets are available through metropolistouring.com
Lloyd Spiegel
Katchafire Louis And The Honkytonk
Austen Tayshus
AUSTRALIANA
Austen Tayshus, one of Australia’s genuine comedy icons, heads to the Hilton Park Bowling Club this Saturday, August 31, for a special performance. Along with the laughs there’ll be 50’s R&B, rock’n’roll & rockabilly blues from Pete Stone & The Hiltones. Tickets are $30 per-person for tables of 2-8 people sold at the club located in Shepherd Street, Beaconsfield (phone 9337 2897 after 3pm).
The Midnight Mules
‘ROUND ABOUT MIDNIGHT
Perth rock rebels The Midnight Mules head up a truly impressive line-up of local talent next Friday, September 6, when they cut loose their debut EP, First World Problems, at the Rosemount Hotel. With support from Lacey, FAIM and Paradise Motor Inn, it’s bound to be a hectic night. Doors open at 8pm, tickets are $10 from Oztix.
ANYTHING’S POZIBLE
Pozible Gigs is up and running! The crowdfunding outfit have put up $10,000 worth of cash prizes to encourage Australian music acts to get in on a nation-wide crowdfunded live music project, and now the participating projects have been picked, and they’re all up on the website clamouring for your support. There are prizes on offer for projects that garner Most Funds Raised, Most Supporters, Fastest To Target and so on, and in turn the artists are offering those who pledge a whole raft of incentives, including gig tickets, house gigs, studio sessions and lessons and more. Head on over to pozible.com/gigs to check out the talent.
GRINSPOON
The Love Junkies/Emperors Astor Theatre Saturday, August 24, 2013 With a mute bass, flying drumsticks and toppling cymbals hampering the beginning of their set, The Love Junkies promised to “fight their way through the next 20 minutes” and fight they did. Brimming with energy, passion and jaw-dropping musical prowess, comparisons to early Silverchair and The Vines are probably commonplace for this wild-haired trio – but just one brief set convinced that they’re a beast all their own. Watching them play feels almost voyeuristic, like you’re spying on a jam session; their heavy-yet-catchy formula is made all the more delicious by how uncontrived and organic it feels. A special mention must go to lead man Mitch McDonald, whose plaintive vibrato perfectly complements a ragged, powerful holler dripping with soul ache. Local favourites Emperors were next on the bill, fronting a considerably larger (and drunker) crowd. Since forming in 2010, the fourpiece have climbed to dizzying heights – with a WAMi award, Rolling Stone feature and several national tours tucked neatly into their belts. As bassist Zoe Worrall harmonised oh-so-sweetly with mop-haired frontman Adam Livingston I’m loath to draw the obvious Pixies comparison – but with moody, chugging bass lines and an alt-rock sensibility, one just has to. And that is a compliment of the highest order. While they didn’t possess quite the same vigour as their predecessors, perhaps they didn’t need to; they held punters in their thrall, urging them ever forward and even entreating them to wave at Worrall’s “very embarrassed” mum in the audience. Hearty cheers ensued as national darlings Grinspoon took to the stage amid a haunting soundscape and epilepsy-inducing strobe lights. The years may have passed by, but it sure didn’t feel like it when frontman Phil Jamieson boomed “Stop ruining people’s fun” (and) “Go fuck yourself!” to a hapless security jock, showing that they’ve retained their anarchic, snotnosed attitude of yesteryear. Happily, that’s not all they’ve retained; it takes a special kind of skill to play old tracks as if they’re shiny and new, and that’s exactly what they did with Grinners staples 1000 Miles, Rock Show, More Than You Are and enduring hit, Chemical Heart. www.xpressmag.com.au
Phil Jamieson, Grinspoon Photo: Matt Jelonek A jaunty, tongue-in-cheek version of Just Ace (replete with harmonica) went down so well it had Jamieson exclaiming, “You’re not angry? I’m impressed!” and raising his glass in salute. Pottymouthed banter and some absurd dancing aside, Grinspoon have matured musically; latest single Passerby (off seventh studio album Black Rabbits) is testament to that fact, with catchy, driving riffs and near-flawless vocals showing how far they’ve come since 1998’s unruly DCX3. Having said that, the latter was of course saved for last – and as manic fans crowd-surfed and smashed jumbo boxes of popcorn together by way of applause, it was clear that Grinners still reign supreme in an ever-changing scene. _ ELLIE HUTCHINSON
LOUIS AND THE HONKYTONK LP LAUNCH
Louis And The Honkytonk are launching their self-titled debut album this Saturday, August 31, at PICA Bar. Runner, Atlas Mountains and David Craft will be on support duties and tickets will be just $10 on the door.
KATCHY TOUR
Katchafire are returning to Australian shores with Hawaii’s Common Kings for a tour in support of their Best So Far album. Now an eightpiece, Katchafire cover classic roots reggae, R’n’B, modern dancehall and slinky reggae pop. They’ll be playing Bunbury’s Prince Of Wales Hotel on Thursday, October 10, with the Jamdown Vershun crew, Metropolis Fremantle on Friday, October 11, with De Ja Vu and the Rosemount Hotel on Saturday, October 12, with Jah Moko. Tix from katchafire.co.nz.
FRANZ FERDINAND The Three R’s
Fran Ferdinand have just release their fourth album, Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action. BOB GORDON chats with singer, Alex Kapranos. It’s been a good four years since Franz Ferdinand’s last album, Tonight. Not that they’ve been idle. Word was out as early as 2010 that the band were working on their fourth album . Then again... “That’s absolute bollocks!” laughs vocalist, Alex Kapranos. “I never said that myself. That’s other people making shit up. After we made the last record, I decided that I was never, ever going to announce making a record again. People like to put shit in magazines... but I never said that. “With this one we deliberately didn’t talk about it at all, we didn’t announce it to anybody. I can’t help when other people speak on my behalf. I mean, it’s nice to talk to you today, you’ve been listening to it, we’ve actually got something to talk about. But when you talking about a record that doesn’t exist? Well, you’re talking about nothing.” Thankfully, we do indeed have something to talk about, the just-released Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action. It’s been coming along for a while, it seems, but it’s not as though Franz Ferdinand had ever really stopped in any case. “We never really stop writing songs,” Kapranos states.“While we were touring Tonight I was still writing songs, things I was jamming away on and some that didn’t make this record, but were recorded as part of the sessions that made up this record. “It’s not as if you go, ‘right. I’m going to start writing a record now’. You’re always writing songs and thinking about ideas. But, for me, the point came when we first started meeting up as a band again, I guess that was some time about two years ago.” Interestingly, while quite a number of songs made the outright distance and were key in the direction of the album, others that were lost along the way were equally as important. “Right Action was quite a big one,”Kapranos says of the first single, which has already received worldwide airplay. “Brief Encounters we played quite early all together. “Funnily enough, there was a song called Scarlet And Blue which we all played together really early on, which we thought was going to be like the big single on the record. We thought it was going to define the sound, but we ended up leaving it off the record. It’s strange, you have those little catalysts as you work on a record that bring everything together, but at the end you realise that the things they brought together were actually stronger than they were in the first place.There were other songs like that, called Little Guy From The Suburbs and Fighting The World. It’s often the case. “I think that’s why you can’t be too precious when you’re writing a record too, or working as a band
Franz Ferdinand together. You just have to let things develop naturally and see how things go and make sure everything stays quite spontaneous.The idea you’re led to is often stronger than your original idea.” Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action also features production collaborations with Terry Terje, Hot Chip and Bjorn Yttling (Peter, Bjorn & John), the latter of whom when told by Karpanos that he wanted the album to sound like ‘Franz Ferdinand’ replied, ‘Oh, a cross between Dr Feelgood and Daft Punk?’ “I thought that was really funny,” Karpanos says.“I like that on two levels: it meant he had a sense of humour and also he got two quite good reference points for this band. What made Dr Feelgood such a great band - when they were great - is that raw, rock’n’roll energy. We’ve always tried to keep that in what we do. And we’ve always taken so much from the world of dance music as well. It was very sharp and very astute of Bjorn to recognise that. “He was pulling my leg a little bit as well there and that’s the thing - you can never take yourself too seriously. But if it was two things too close together, like, ‘oh you’re a cross between Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple’, that wouldn’t be very exciting.” Now that the new album is finally out, it’s time to tour it live, which plays nicely into Kapranos’ early vision for what has become Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action. “I just knew I wanted there to be life on the record,” he says. “Life. That was the most important thing. “And you know what? They’re all bangers (laughs).” 11
- so we’re not immersed in the Hollywood culture, we’re hanging out where all the cool bands are and stuff. It’s cool. “It’s a polarising place. Hollywood has that extreme ridiculousness, and then there’s the polar opposite of that, and that’s where we’re hanging out. I do really love it here!”
The Naked And Famous
THE NAKED AND FAMOUS Wave Of Mutual Admiration
Two years touring and a year-and-a-half living together in Los Angeles has made New Zealanders, The Naked And Famous, closer friends than ever, according to band leader, chief songwriter and singer, Thom Powers. SHANE PINNEGAR checks in ahead of their forthcoming Big Day Out 2014 appearance. With The Naked And Famous’ second album, In Rolling Waves, in stores September 16 and touring plans starting to crank up for the next 12 months at least, Thom Powers has a rare moment to reflect on the hard work and friction of making the record. “I feel like sometimes I do a poor job of going about things the right way,” he admits, “And I think that’s maybe because this is my band. I think if I was an outside producer I would be able to let go. So it can become quite heated when you’re hanging out with your friends that you live with, and you’re
making a record. It’s not exactly like you can detach yourself emotionally all the time. “But I think I do okay... yeah, there’s been some difficult moments. But I think if there weren’t, then there’d be something wrong because it would mean that no-one else was as emotionally involved. So it’s kind of a good sign I think if you’re butting heads, because it means that everyone cares. “There’s enough respect I think,” he concludes, “and enough common goal, and enough friendship in this group to keep everything together. We care about each other, so it’s not like we would sacrifice our
friendship over something trivial.” Debut album, Passive Me, Aggressive You, saw the five-piece bounce out of the Land Of The Long White Cloud and onto the world’s stages in 2010, courtesy of singles Young Blood and Punching In A Dream featuring on various movie, TV, game and advertisement soundtracks. Cue exhaustive touring which saw TNAF play to over 600,000 people around the world before they shacked up in a share house near Hollywood and set to work on the follow-up. Powers laughs off suggestions that the band must have felt like fish out of water being such strangers in a strange land, saying instead that their accents opened doors for them. “Definitely - I feel far more exotic!” he laughs. “There’s definitely that side of it and hey, that’s fun. But at the same time I never liked the idea of being too patriotic, because I feel that can close a bunch of doors as well. So I feel I’ve melded into the culture here pretty well. “We definitely do feel a little like a little fish in a big pond,” Powers elaborates, “but not so much fish out of water. Because we’re not exactly living in Hollywood - we were close to it before, but the place where we’re hanging out and working, in Echo Park, is full of cool bands and it’s definitely not Hollywood! It’s like a vibrant and youth oriented area
“We definitely do feel a little like a little fish in a big pond, but not so much fish out of water. Because we’re not exactly living in Hollywood - we were close to it before, but the place where we’re hanging out and working, in Echo Park, is full of cool bands and it’s definitely not Hollywood! It’s like a vibrant and youth oriented area - so we’re not immersed in the Hollywood culture, we’re hanging out where all the cool bands are and stuff. It’s cool. In Rolling Waves was named after a lyric in one song which became very important to the whole band. Powers explains... “It’s a lyric from a song called Grow Old,” he says. “And it was the first song we finished in the writing process for the album. It’s a fairly intense song - both musically and melodically and lyrically, it’s quite a big statement for us. And it became the first thing that we did for the record that felt really positive, like it was this great artistic achievement and everyone felt really great that we had this demo, and it became this thing that we could all fall back on. So no matter how badly things were going, or how stressful things were, it didn’t really matter because we had this song that everyone felt really good about and passionate about as an artistic achievement. “That song really felt like the staple that was holding everything together, so we put it there in the middle of the record. And that was just a lyric that stood out from that song, that I felt really described the nature of the emotional content on the record.”
SPENDER
Pest In The West Having just released his debut EP, Spender is touring with Clare Bowditch as part of her Winter Secrets tour. KRISSI WEISS chats to him in the lead up to the WA show at the Fly By Night on Friday, August 30. It’s probably a good idea to quickly familiarise yourself with Mr Tommy Spender (aka Spender). His debut EP, Modern Pest, has received critical acclaim and hints at the start of big things to come. It was created as only an instrumentalist can – alone in a room surrounded by acoustic instruments, electronic enhancements and the desire to just keep on keeping on. While lead single, Bed & Chair, has made a swift impression on punters, this overnight success has, as always, been years in the making. “Things never happen quickly,” Spender laughs. “Things take a lot of time to make them look like they happened overnight. Things are moving and that’s what’s exciting for me. To give you an image, I’ve been like a caveman slumped over a laptop bashing his head into a guitar or a microphone. There has been a lot of down time for me to get together my thing and now I’ve got it and I’m able to finally start communicating what my thing is. I guess my friends and family have been very patient and I think they’ve been like, ‘What the hell is Tommy doing?’ So it’s a massive relief to show them what I’ve been doing.” So what exactly has kept him going? Lots of musos are, this very minute, holed up in a room perfecting a song that may never be heard because they will run out of steam. Talent is only ever half of the story or even a third (although Spender has that in spades), the ingredient that seems to repeatedly drive an artist to success is persistence. “I reckon my wife, my friends, the songwriters I work with,” he says. “They give you a little nudge by going, ‘What’s going on?’ or ‘I really liked that thing’ and all of those crumbs eventually become a big cake.” Some of those friends appear on his EP, with Clairy Browne and Wally de Backer lending their voices to his tunes. “Clairy I would consider one of my best friends; we lived together years ago 12
CLOUD CONTROL In Dreams Touring in support of their new album, Dream Cave, Cloud Control perform at Capitol this Saturday, August 31. JAMIE ARBUCKLE reports.
Spender and did a duet for a while called Clairy and Tommy before her band exploded,” he says. “She went to high school with my wife – they’re absolute best friends – so she’s family. Wally I’ve known, not as an awesome mate that I’ve like known for years, but we’ve hung out and talked about music and shown each other mutual respect.” After a tour with Mama Kin, Spender is bracing himself for the brilliant chaos that is a Clare Bowditch tour. “She’s got such an insane voice,” he says with genuine admiration. “We’ve had one run through and neither of us had had enough sleep and she was forgetting the words to her songs and she was still amazing. She sounds like a beautiful bell ringing; something really happens when she opens her mouth, there’s a real expression. I do have a band but not for this tour. I’m a bit of a nerd, so I’ll be getting onstage with a couple of different instruments and microphones and I’ll be creating backing bits as I go on the laptop. Things will be different to the recordings, but I like doing that.”
Cloud Control’s new album was recorded inside a cave, and not the metaphorical kind. Joy Division did it on the roof, Radiohead did it in a medieval mansion, and now Cloud Control can add their name to the list of artists who’ve recorded in strange places. Their sophomore release, Dream Cave, was partly recorded on a subterranean adventure that, according to singer, Alister Wright, was influenced by a track on the album. “There’s a song on the album called Dream Cave, so I guess the inspiration to record in a cave came from that song and the desire to record somewhere different that sounded naturally really nice as well. We didn’t record the whole album in the cave, just a few bits on a day trip. We spent a lot of time going around to different caves finding one to record in. You think of caves being really quiet, but there was lots of water dripping and stuff like that… the sound is a little bit like singing in the shower, but the reverb is longer. It sounds pretty magical.” When he’s not exploring rocky hollows in the earth, Wright still has speleology on the brain, as title track Dream Cave was inspired by a cave... of sorts. “I was listening to a lot of Roy Orbison and I had this thought of him being trapped in a cave because I was in this really shitty rehearsal studio
Cloud Control
that smelled like mould and I was thinking, ‘what it would be like if he was trapped in a cave for 20 years like Gollum and ended up going crazy?’ And then I thought, ‘what kind of song would he write?’ and I tried to write that.” While the move to a more electronic sound base may be something new for the band, for Wright it’s a return to high school nostalgia. “I started out writing electronic music when I was in high school; I was a really big fan of anything on Warp Records and all that old electronica kind of stuff. For me, experimenting with that was almost like going back to what I used to be really interested in but it felt really natural and cool to combine that with the kind of work we did on our last album.” The recording process was a collaborative one, according to Wright, with the band taking on more freedom to experiment with their second release. “We all had much more of a hand in writing this time around. There are a few Heidi (Lenffer) songs on the album, some of the best songs on there. Jeremy (Kelshaw) was getting in on writing lyrics and we wrote a lot together… there were a lot of different influences because we all have really different tastes in music. “I was thinking about how some of my favourite bands will do albums where the songs are really different to each other and bounce through different styles. The Beastie Boys would have hip hop mixed with rock, Yo La Tengo would have a punk song and then a Motown song, The Flaming Lips use a lot of electronic drum kits but they’re still a live band. I think we’re different to all of those bands but we took the approach of mixing a lot of different things together and being more free with our palette than last time.” X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays
www.xpressmag.com.au
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Foo Fighters guitarist, Chris Shiflett, talks about the release of his second album with The Dead Peasants, All Hat And No Cattle. JAYDE FERGUSON reports.
CHRIS SHIFLETT & THE DEAD PEASANTS Saturday Night Music
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Chris Shiflet Shiflett & The Dead Peasants P
Best known for his heavy rock riffs with the Foo Fighters, Chris Shiflett is clearly exhilarated about the release of his side project, The Dead Peasants, new album. In between interviews and saying goodnight to his eldest son, Shiflett seems to breathe a sigh of relief at knowing the album is finally done. “It’s exciting to finally get it out there,” he exclaims.“You make a record and there’s all this stuff you gotta do to put it out into the world. It takes forever and as a musician you’re impatient; you’re just like, ‘I want this fuckin’ thing out there!’ It takes so long and then it finally comes and you’re like, ‘ahhhh... yeah finally!’” All Hat And No Cattle takes a much wilder approach than 2010’s self-titled debut; blending a rockabilly, boot stomping, foot tapping and toe twisting feel to it. Shiflett admits it was a whole heap of fun recording it. “I love it man! It’s such a different thing to what I’m used to doing and it’s taken a while to wrap my head around it but now I feel like we’re really comfortable. It’s just great, it’s perfect for being in a bar and everyone’s drunk and out on the dance floor having a good time. It’s just like that... Saturday night music.”
The country vibes entwine easily and Shiflett acknowledges he didn’t have to stray too far away from the harder rock styles to bring this through. It was simply the loss of his security blanket that took the most time to grasp. “We sort of play it like the guys who grew up listening to the Stones, there’s definitely some of that in there which isn’t too much of a stretch,” he says.“But, there’s a different discipline to it that we really had, a different dynamic than hard rock has – that was hardest thing to wrap your head around. “The other thing is you’re playing a twangy, single coil Telecaster through a tiny old Fender type amp and it’s just not that big wall of sound that I’m used to having. That big wall of sound, that’s comfortable, that’s my security blanket! That’s what I’ve been doing for 30 years and to not have that took a little time to get used to, but I love it now.” The record features covers of nine classic songs from the 1950’s to 1960’s era by artists like Don Rich and Buck Owens, with the track A Women Like You, being the only original. Slotting in perfectly to the theme of the album, Shiflett says it definitely drew more inspiration to release more originals in the future. “I kind of see that song as pointing the way forward because it was the first new song we had written after starting this project. It’s definitely heavily influenced by the other songs on the record and that style of music so when we get around to making our next one, I think that this record is going to be a big influence on that.” It’s hard to believe though, that initially The Dead Peasants weren’t even planning on making a record. “We just learnt all these songs and wanted to get a residency somewhere and be a bar band, that was the germ of the idea. Once we went out and did a few shows we thought this is really fun we should record this! Then I thought we should make a live record, bring some gear down to one of the bars and record it - then I realised that would be a pain in the ass to actually pull off (laughs). So fuck it, I have this big beautiful studio we can just set up in that and rip through the set like it’s live and track it. “I’ve never made a record like that before and it was really a lot of fun doing it that way. I feel it comes across in the record, it’s not this perfect, nipped and tucked well-produced record, and it’s pretty much live. At least the music is, we overdubbed the vocals and a few things here and there, but most of it is just live.” The country influences have undoubtedly been mastered throughout the album but still it manages to incorporate the rebellious attitude renowned in heavy rock bands. “It slots right in, that’s what drew me to country in the first place. I mean guys like Hank Williams and Jerry Lee Lewis they were rebels! The real deal, fuck up hard-core (laughs), it’s the same thing! There’s not much difference between those guys and Keith Richards or whoever else, they’re all kindred spirits, I guess.” With 14-plus years of playing with the Foo Fighters and the albums Shiflett’s clocking up with the Dead Peasants, it’s not surprising that the musical impact on his children at home is impressive. “It’s funny, I imagine my kids when they’re 35 years-old will have that moment where they go, ‘oh wait, my dad’s records were actually really good!’ My oldest son at two figured out how to work the CD player and the first record he was really obsessed on was Highway To Hell, it was so cute because he would go crazy and air guitar. Then he got really into KISS, that made me happy because I grew up with KISS, and then I turned them onto The Hives. Every time we get into the car they force me to play The Hives and I love The Hives so I’m okay with that but when I try to play country, if I try to flip on a George Jones record or something my kids all start chanting, ‘Hives! Hives! Hives!’ “Then I have to give in. You can’t win when you have three rowdy boys in the back seat - you can’t fight that power!” In between being a dad and the two bands, Shiflett has a lot in store with Foo Fighters also set to release another album next year, and hopes to tour with the Dead Peasants to Australia in the near future. “I sure hope we get down there at some point, we don’t have plans to right now but that would be a dream come true. I say you go out and start that movement, a national cause (laughs)!”
X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays
LONDON GRAMMAR If You Wait
THE PREATURES Is This How You Feel?
Dew Process
Universal/Mercury
THE XX Innervisions Remixes Young Turks
What happens when the xx enlist Berlin-based house/ techno label Innervisions to remix cuts from their Coexist record? You get a selection of tracks that tempers some of the mournful beauty that was Coexist with a whole new landscape of sound. Innervisions labelmates and co-founders Dixon, Ame and Marcus Worgull, as well as the reigning dame of the underground, Maya Jane Coles, have undertaken remix duties here and each imparts their distinct flavour with ample respect for the original track. Tides has its sorrowful string section brought the forefront by Dixon, who injects a crunching techno beat, and were it not for the occasional strains of the chorus it would leave the original behind almost completely. Meanwhile, Maya Jane Coles’ take on Fiction seems more cohesive than Marcus Worgull’s attempt at the same track. Coles infuses her version with a steady warmth, the gently pulsating house beat working in luscious harmony with the vocals to the point it becomes easy to forget you aren’t listening to the original. Worgull’s version is clean, crisp and punchy, with plenty of sharp percussion elements, and the melody becomes staccato and robotic, stripping away any warmth that Coles had swaddled her version with – or indeed the aching sadness of the original. However, it’s the remix of Reunion by Ame that is the standout here. His take chooses to keep a heavier focus on the vocals – it swirls the original melodies up into a dizzying, well-layered house beat that will leave you breathless.
HORRORSHOW King Amongst Many Elefant Traks
Sydney five-piece The Preatures have an ever-growing fan base, a remix by Classixx and a Vanda & Young Songwriting prize under their belts – and thankfully Is This How You Feel? justifies the growing hype. Following on from 2012’s Shaking Hands EP, The Preatures have pulled out all stops for their second EP, and while it’s all too easy to drag out a Fleetwood Mac comparison, the sound the band have honed here is a well polished pastiche of their influences. The title track is pure, infectious pop that has tinges of retro boogie stamped all over it but manages to be arrestingly current at the same time. Good luck getting the chorus out of your head anytime soon. Frontwoman Isabella Manfredi’s sultry vocals play off fellow vocalist Gideon Benson’s perfectly. Check out the stripped back slow jam All My Love – you can practically see the raindrops spitting on the window and feel the heartbreak oozing into your chest. Sophomore single, Manic Baby, may feature one of the more delectable guitar riffs you’re likely to sink your teeth into this year but closer, Dark Times, comes up trumps. All sparkly, unashamedly upbeat ’70s pop rock, it seems The Preatures saved one of the best to close it all off with a shake of the hips and a cheeky guitar solo for good measure.
London Grammar gained a lot of traction off their beautiful Metal & Dust EP, and through vo c a l i s t H a n n a h R e i d ’s collaboration with Disclosure on their track, Help Me Lose My Mind.Their debut album, If You Wait, is a further exploration of their sound through themes of love and relationships. Album opener, Hey Now, is a perfectly produced track that dances with despair, as Reid’s gorgeous, deep voice speaks volumes: ‘Hey now / Letters burning by my bed for you / Hey now / I can feel my instincts here for you’. The percussive guitar plucks, sparing drum echoes and swelling synth pads blossom around Reid’s strong vocals and it all makes you feel so close yet distant; strong yet so vulnerable; warm but so cold. And Reid’s vocals are really the lynchpin to London Grammar – the instrumentation is like a beautifully sprinkled garnish over her absolute main course of a voice. The sombre cover of Nightcall is a take on Kavinsky’s ’80s electro soundtrack (the theme for 2011 film, Drive). London Grammar strip the song of its electronic backbone, and when it is Reid bleeding anguish out of the words instead of the dehumanising vocoder on Kavinsky’s version, it becomes an anthem of sorrow and loneliness.
Hailing from Sydney’s inner west, dynamic duo Adit (production/mixing) and Solo (vocals) are back after somewhat of a hiatus with a brand new album, King Amongst Many. On their latest effort, Horrorshow showcase witty wordplay, dynamic flow and engaging storytelling, all backed by smooth production which incorporates subtle influences from other genres such as trip hop, funk and electro – no doubt accredited to Adit’s diverse background producing tracks for electronic act, Left. Opening track, Human Era, is a highlight, setting the tone for the album and showcasing Adit’s production skills as well as Solo’s flow and thoughtful lyrics. He shows off a deep understanding of lyrical composition, whether he’s musing about what it takes to inspire greatness in oneself on Free or contemplating the transient nature of modern society while he observes the demise of a local neighbourhood on Listen Close. Despite featuring lots of heavy subject matter, the album contains light-hearted moments like the catchy Nice Guys Finish Last and the positive, upbeat Make You Proud. Doctor’s Orders and Dead Star Shine are also stellar tracks, rounding off a great album that is sure to set a new benchmark for what Aussie hip hop is capable of.
_ MARISSA DEMETRIOU
_ RAF SENEVIRATNE
_ MARISA LUGOSI
_ MARISSA DEMETRIOU
LAURA VEIRS Warp & Weft Bella Union/Mushroom
It’s an odd melting pot akin to the real America: a bright, yet often tragic land of harmonious contradictions. L a u r a Ve i r s, a regular guest with The Decemberists and a passionate artist in her own right, is an all-American. Born in Colorado, bouncing around to Minnesota (and briefly to China), she’s now a native of Portland, channelling her frustrations into music. Veirs joins with some impressive collaborators here including k.d. lang, Neko Case and Brian Blade to name but a few. A deep love for the heartland courses through this record. Electric guitars and fiddles splash over tunes with country twang. Veirs’ breathy, woodwind-like voice dances on air but her words often sting. ‘How can it be so cold out here in America?’ she gracefully coos on acoustic ballad, America. ‘Everybody’s packing heat in America / Training their barrels on the city streets of America’. Old dustbowl bluegrass lilts around Sun Song and Fenders crank into overdrive for shuffling rocker, Say Darlin’ Say. Pace tumbles over alt-country rock on That Alice, a rock bio of jazz harpist Alice Coltrane. Folky guitars and melancholy harmony haunt Dorothy Of The Island (AKA Motherless Children); and vivid harp and guitar spark up Sadako Folding Cranes, a track which deals with the atomic horrors of World War II. Amidst a flood of female singer-songwriters, this isn’t a flat batch of cardigan-clad ditties fit for hatchback commercials. In essence, Warp & Weft carves up a hearty slice of adult contemporary Americana.
_ TOM VALCANIS
CHRIS SHIFLETT AND THE DEAD PEASANTS All Hat And No Cattle Shock Records
It’s a little country, a little rock and a whole lot of tobacco spitting, foot stomping and toe twisting guitar licking tunes. All Hat And No Cattle follows from The Dead Peasants’ 2012 debut album and continues Chris Shiflett’s love for rockabilly rhythms. Renowned for his heavy rock guitar work with the Foo Fighters, Shiflett also leads a country side project. Inspired by artists like Waylon Jennings, Buck Owens and Don Rich, the album is the reverse from their debut featuring nine classic covers from such artists. The record starts slow and steady, introducing the country-rock sounds of Don Rich’s Guitar Pickin’ Man and then moves its way to the honky-tonk vibrations defined by a range of rockabilly musicians. Without straying too much from the original version of the songs, Shiflett’s voice blends well with the guitar tones and together the band sounds tight, producing a much fuller and fresher sound of the late 1950’s era whilst still incorporating Shiflett’s rock drive. A Women Like You, the only original track is sharply written and draws inspiration from the musical styles throughout the record, complimenting the overall sound and leaving you intrigued. Faron Young’s vintage Live Fast Love Hard Die Young really shows off the vibrant guitar work by Shiflett and Luke Tierney only adding to the upbeat and funky vibe. Bursting with flavour, these raw recordings will most certainly wear your boots down. _ JAYDE FERGUSON www.xpressmag.com.au
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The footy folks would have it that There’s One Day In September. WRONG! There’s 30, actually, and there’s a bunch of stuff to do from start to end...
WHAT’S ON IN SEPTEMBER SALMON VERY
WATCHING US
The Left Bank
LEFT BANK LIFE
It’s all happening in September at The Left Bank – kicking off Sunday Session season with the Queen’s Birthday Long Weekend and $8 Rekorderligs. Every day deals at The Left Bank mean that every meal is a treat! Come to the venue that was voted the best place to watch sport in Perth (*by someone who likes to watch sport) and don’t miss out on a spot to watch the AFL Grand Final on their 4m mega-screen.
WE DO LIKE REGGAE
Over the last 10 weeks the Reggae Club (at Bar Orient ever Friday) has been hosting the Reggae DJ Competition. With a grand prize of $1000 cash, it has attracted a high standard of contestants from backgrounds such as Belgium, Kenya, Nicaragua, Bahamas, Byron Bay, DJ Veeness, Bar Zimbabwe, Germany and Orient’s Reggae DJ Perth. Competition Next Friday, September 6, is the Grand Final, with DJ Sexy Chocolate (Bahamas ) vs DJ Veeness (Australia - the only female DJ in the comp). Both contestants bring hype and energy to their sets and are dedicated reggae and dancehall specialists. This competition is decided in crowd response, so if you love reggae, or one of these DJs, be at the Reggae Club, Bar Orient in Fremantle from 8pm-1am, free entry- and get loud and get involved, as you will decide who will be crowned champion reggae DJ 2013!
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Michael Robotham
Best selling novelist Michael Robotham will be launching his latest chilling new psychological thriller, Watching You, on Wednesday, September 11, at Fremantle Town Hall. He’ll provide guests with a sneak preview into the novel with The West Australian’s books editor and arts writer, William Yeoman, from 6.30pm. The event is free but bookings are essential via gcorders@dymocks.com. au.
The Cult Kim Salmon
C’ARN THE CULT
The Cult will be docking into Metro City on Saturday, September 28, as part of the Australian leg of their Electric 13 World Tour. They’ll be performing their legendary album Electric in its entirety and a second set from their now classic back catalogue. It’s presented by X-Press Magazine, tickets from Oztix.
BURN MAN BURN
To coincide with the Burning Man Festival in Nevada, Blazing Swan is hosting a huge day of festivities this Sunday, September 1, at Camelot Theatre, Mosman Park, from 10am-10pm. Synchronicity will feature DJs and live Heath Franklin’s Chopper, Rottofest music on the bill as are films and interactive Rottofest is proud to announce its biggest line-up workshops relating to yet, with over 30 comedy performers and 20 music Burning Man culture acts set to perform across five venues on Rottnest and a live stream of the annual burning of Island from Saturday, September 7, (don’t worry, you The Man effigy. Tix are can vote on Rotto – or for more info visit the Australian $30 to this all-ages Electoral site) to Sunday, September 8. event (kids under 18 Headline comedy acts this year are $15 and under 6 include Heath Franklin’s Chopper, Greg Fleet, Tahir (Fat are free). More details Pizza), Steady Eddy, Joel Creasey and Smart Casual, as at blazingswan.com. au. well as local improv favourites, The Big Hoo Haa.
He may have just released a more folkytype album with his mate Ron Peno in The Darling Downs (itself following up Runaways, a collaboration with Spencer P. Jones), but The Godfather of Grunge, Kim Salmon, continues to wave the wand of noise when and
where he sees fit. He returns to WA on Saturday, September 28, for the Wave Rock Weekender and then takes the stage on Sunday, September 29, at Mojo’s. Salmon will be joined on stage by Todd Pickett (drums) and Pete Stone (bass), with support for the Mojo’s show coming from Perth heavyweights The Chemist, The Floors and DJ Razor Jack. Tickets are yours from Oztix and Heatseeker.
ROTTO LIFE
Sticky Fingers
FINGERS LICKIN’ Synchronicity, Burning Man Effigy
Sydney based rude boys Sticky Fingers are playing The Bakery on Friday, September 6, with support from Lime Cordiale (NSW), Lo & Behold and DJ NDORSE. These guys play a garage/pop, psych/soul mash of reggae and are just about to embark on their Shine Down On Us All Tour. Tickets are on sale now via nowbaking.com.au.
X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays
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DEAD LETTER CIRCUS
TOMORROW WENDY
This September sees the irrepressibly awesome Wendy Matthews return to WA to perform songs from her new album, The Welcome Fire, which hits the shelves on August 23. You can catch Ms Matthews at Friends Restaurant on Thursday, September 12; the Ravenswood Hotel on Friday, September 13; at the Charles Hotel on Saturday, September 14, and the Bridgetown Hotel on Sunday, September 15.
Cataclysm Wendy Matthews
You don’t know who’ll meet at The Meet Market
MEET & GREET
Online you’ll never find out he has goat’s breath and laughs like a toy machine gun… It’s time to get real Perth. Join The Meet Market now to have your launch event ticket included free! Join us on the launch, Thursday, September 12, from 7-10.30pm for our quiz night with a twist (and carnies!) For more information visit themeetmarket. com.au.
www.xpressmag.com.au
Doctopus, Flyright Launch Party
RITE OF PASSAGE
Dead Letter Circus have just released their second album, The Catalyst Fire. They hit the Prince of Wales, Bunbury, on Thursday, September 19, and Metropolis, Fremantle on Friday, September 20. TOM VALCANIS reports.
The Flyrite Launch Party has been set for Thursday, September 5, at Northbridge’s newest nightspot Parker. Featuring Doctopus, The Dianas, Puck, Red Engine Caves and Thee Gold Blooms, Flyrite will showcase some of Perth’s best local acts every Brisbane’s Dead Letter Circus attained alt-prog Thursday. Door sales are $10. titan status after releasing their debut. The Catalyst Fire is the band’s follow-up to This Is The Warning, an ARIA Gold awarded and triple j Hottest 100 Album Of All Time. The Catalyst Fire took three years to spark and catch flame. Taking swathes of time off to explore the jungle and themselves, they’ve dangled scraps of the record on their website throughout 2012. Ever the community builders, DLC kept fans in touch with their meticulous writing and recording process. By record’s end, they layered countless instruments atop an undulating ocean of sound. Did they cling to a raft of deadlines? Not likely. Making The Catalyst Fire took as long as DLC saw fit. “We are of the persuasion that you don’t get through a shit bit to get to a good bit,” Benzie notes. “If you’re trying to be deep and meaningful Mantra within the boundaries of rhyme and rhythm and a limited word set, it’s a mega challenge. We couldn’t Aussie hip hop maestro Mantra’s third album, Telling force it; we just had to let it happen.” Dead Letter Circus proudly wear their Scenes, is almost upon us, being scheduled to hit hearts on their guitar strings and keyboards.Their last the shelves on September 13, and the occasion album shot to #1 on the ARIA charts in 2010. This Is is being marked by a national tour. Mantra hits The Warning was Benzie and the band’s “awakening,” Perth for two shows on Thursday, September 19, a realisation an anti-nature, anti-human structure at Flyrite and Friday, September 20, at Mojos, with traps our world underneath its soulless veil. Benzie Grey Ghost providing support. Tickets through thinks we should reject the roles society dictates for us. mantraemcee.com.
BE SCENE
Dead Letter Circus “Three years ago, we tried to plant signposts,” he reveals. “We tried to say, ‘look around you, there’s definitely some kind of construct at work here’. There’s something guiding us on a way to live. Bricklayers around a barbecue are even talking about it. They see what’s wrong but think, ‘What could I possibly do about it?’” If Warning tore blinkers off, The Catalyst Fire is DLC’s call to arms. It affirms that change is possible. “It’s not a Malcolm X, standing on the podiums, screaming at the masses kind of thing,” Benzie says, putting the album into context. “It’s more like you’re the guy in the crowd, listening to someone speak or having that little revelation within yourself. That’s the way this album comes across. “I’m not well spoken enough to do political rants between songs on stage,” he laughs. In our most paranoid delusions, we think the government spies on us. We have nightmares of earpiece wearing stuffed shirts tuned into our phone calls while they’re reading our emails. With Edward Snowden’s revelation’s about PRISM and the NSA, it turns out our inner Oliver Stone was right. “I don’t think anyone trusts the government, I think we have to get over the thought that nothing can be done,” he implores. “Everyone’s waking up to the fact we’re not separate. Right now if you hear someone screaming, you’d lock the door. In the old days, you’d come roaring out there to help. We’re becoming more of a community. As soon as that community spirit can happen again, we can all walk out on to your front lawn and stand together.”
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KVELERTAK
TWELVE FOOT NINJA
Tattoo You
Norwegian heavy-hitters Kvelertak storm Amplifier Bar on Thursday, September 19. SHANE PINNEGAR reports. They may traverse a number of metal genres with ease, but Kvelertak bass player, Marvin Nygaard, explains that the band’s pigeon-hole-defying style came about naturally. “BJ, our guitar player, makes most of the songs,” he says. “When we started playing together, me and him, we basically wanted to do a power pop band. Then Kvelertak started, and we weren’t sure what it was going to be, and Erlend (Hjelvik), the singer, he’s always been into dark metal, so he introduced us to it. So I guess we all just came from different directions and that’s why it is what it is. Basically, I like to say we play some rock’n’roll with some metal elements and try to do every show with energy from hardcore shows that we’ve been to ourselves.” For a band that weren’t sure what they wanted to sound like when they first formed in Norway six years ago, Kvelertak have quickly become a big deal in the metal world and gained a large fanbase, as well as the respect of several celebrity fans. “It’s mind-blowing,” exclaims Nygaard about the likes of Foo Fighter Dave Grohl and Baroness singer John Baizley’s praise of the band’s latest album, Meir. “What can you say? Every time that happens it’s like I’m on a new adventure and it never stops!” Nygaard says Baizley insisted on contributing the album’s striking cover art after hearing an early demo. “He got a hold of the demo,” he explains, “and while we were in the studio, he wrote us and he didn’t want anyone else but him to make the artwork for the album. That was mind-blowing for us, and then of course it was fucking natural for us. And we felt like musically we had a natural progression on this new album and we felt like it would be natural for him to do the artwork on the record too. “I’m pretty sure that was the first thing he did, artwork wise, after the accident.” Nygaard goes on, referencing Baizley’s August, 2012, tour bus crash which almost killed him.“And I heard too that he’s getting our
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Mission Pozible
Kvelertak logo - everyone in the band has a triangle upside down with a K in it tattooed on us, and I heard he’s gonna get that tattooed on him too.” The bass player is similarly excited at the prospect of playing the new songs to Australian audiences in their first visit down under since Soundwave 2012. “We’re playing, like, 50-50 from the old record and the new one,” he enthuses.“So yeah, it’s awesome. It seems like a fresh breath going into the shows, its good.” The lyrics on Meir are more diverse than the Norse Mythology themes of their self-titled debut, says Nygaard, because “If Erlend made another record singing about Vikings, then he had to be doing it for the next album as well, so he wanted to do something a bit different so we’re not locking ourself in a corner.” Kvelertak have managed to recruit fans worldwide whilst singing in their native tongue, which makes for some fun for the band. “I guess it surprised me that that many people show up when we are playing in the US and other countries,” he muses,“but I guess music is just like a universal language. It sounds cliché but I guess people can feel the energy and they can feel basically what we want to express. But it’s pretty funny to see when they try to sing in Norwegian!”
Melbourne progressive rockers Twelve Foot Ninja are on their national Shuriken tour which will bring them to Bunbury’s Prince Of Wales on Thursday, September 26, and the Rosemount Hotel on Friday, September 27. SHANE PINNEGAR speaks with guitarist, Stevic McKay. Twelve Foot Ninja recently raised $52,000 through a Pozible campaign to make a new music video - the highest amount raised so far for this pursuit. That’s more than enough to make a new album. Is that a sensible use of the funds? “Absolutely not!” guitarist, Stevic McKay, laughs heartily of the as-yet-unreleased video. “Film clips cost shitloads of money. They cost so much more than albums. When I say that I don’t mean to generalise, because you can make a brilliant film clip for a thousand bucks - but if you want multiple locations, and you want to have action and props and all that sort of stuff, and create that elaborate vision, then there’s no way to avoid spending tens of thousands of dollars. And I can say that with authority, because I absolutely pulled epic favours from everyone who worked on the clip and the band still put 10 grand of our own money into it to make sure that it happens, and that was after we got the crowd funding money.” McKay admits there is “a lot of negative portrayal of crowd funding as glamorised charity which is inaccurate, but I think creating a product that is purely for the hell of it, and is not going to
Twelve Foot Ninja line our pockets in any way, I think people dig that, when they know it’s just a collaborative thing.” Any artist who has put together a grant application or crowd funding campaign knows that the biggest risk at stake isn’t always the time and money initially spent, but the spectre of public failure if it isn’t successful. “Well it’s pretty much absorbed four months of my life this year,” McKay states with admirable candour. “Nothing but working on that. It’s scary in a way - you have to really back yourself. Imagine if we’d failed - how embarrassing! But I just had a feeling that this was within the realms of possibility and the rest is history, I suppose.” Throw in a Penthouse Pet, a seven-foot stuffed bear and the band getting extra violent as they deal with a loathsome internet troll, this could be the most ambitious independent Australian video clip ever, with the comedy balanced by the serious subject behind the clip. “It’s going to be a polarising concept,” says McKay, “because it does touch on cyber bullying and that sort of world, even though we do deal with it in the more sort of horrific, violent kind of way. In no means are we condoning that... it’s not an instructional video! “I think internet trolling will dissipate, because more people will be less affected by the words of internet trolls and have more sympathy for them, because to be an internet troll is evidence of mental impairments, as far as I’m concerned. You’ve got issues if you’re lashing out to that extent.”
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WOLF MAIL Over And Above
Touring in support of his new album, Above The Influence, Wolf Mail performs for the Perth Blues Club at the Charles Hotel on Tuesday, September 3. BOB GORDON reports. Above The Influence is Wolf Mail’s sixth album. As a blues artist who is constantly on the move, the album was borne of the energy that comes with touring. “My initial idea for Above the influence was to capture the rawness and energy we had developed on tour,” he recounts. “So we basically recorded the album with a live set up; drums, bass, guitar and vocals. We were all playing at the same time with glass separation so we could make eye contact. Some tracks were first take, some required a second one, but I don’t believe in tracking a song more than twice, you start losing the spontaneity. It’s kinda like saying I love you more than twice in a sentence, its hard to be convincing. “I also wanted to bring out a more simple and effective songwriting, most of the songs have no more than three chords to them. I think a few things changed along the way from the original vision, but I gotta say I feel pretty good about this album and hope the fans like it.” Mail’s early influences still play a part in his creativity and playing, mainly as a template on which he continues to build on. “My early influences are the basics of my music,” he says.“It all started with Elmore James, then Hendrix, Peter Green and later on Albert Collins. “I try to preserve a sense of rawness, passion and spontaneity in my writing and performance. I also try to nail my ideas as they come.” Mail has some 20 shows to play in Australia before the end of October, at which point he’ll set off to Europe starting in Dresden, Germany and going through Scandinavia and Russia, before heading to Taipei and concluding in Japan in November. As a child he was constantly on the move with his parents
Wolf Mail and travel has remained an integral part of his life. “Most of my inspiration comes from travelling,” he says, “being on the road, discovering new places and particularly meeting new people. The interesting thing is when I come up with a song, if I don’t record it within a reasonable amount of time, it’ll start mutating into something else. “It’s like all the new experiences start altering the song and my playing. I try to stay openminded and soak up my travelling experiences into the creative process.” Born in Canada, then raised in California, Mail relocated to Australia in 2006. It seems to be agreeing with him. “As I tour seven to eight months out of the year, Australia is where I usually relax and kick back till the next tour,” he says. “I also spend quite a bit of that time writing here. There’s lots of space, not a lot of people, great weather and laid back attitude. I love it!”
FULL MOON PARTY Newport Hotel Wednesday, August 21, 2013 The Newport Hotel’s new Full Moon Parties launched last Wednesday with none other than a bona fide full moon. It don’t get much better than that, unless of course the Purple Sneakers DJs are on the decks (and of course they were). The next Full Moon Party is on Wednesday, September 25, so get along and keep a look out for giveaways of bar cards, cases of Red Bull and DJ Starter Kits. Boom! Photography by Matt Jelonek
Gabrielle, Lara, Alex
Shane, Stacey
Amy, Talitha
Josh, Marianne
Sara, Jessica Hannah, Heyley, Rachael, Brooke, Amy
Luke, Helen, Nobby, Jake www.xpressmag.com.au
Gabby, Brodie, Taylor 19
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X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays
THE IMMORTAL WORLD TOUR Return To Neverland Michael Jackson: THE IMMORTAL World Tour comes to Perth Arena from Wednesday, August 18, to Sunday, September 22. Tickets are available via cirquedusoleil.com/michaeljackson. BOB GORDON reports. He’s been gone for some four years now, but it’s as if Michael Jackson never went away. It’s a scenario that the new Cirque du Soleil show, Michael Jackson: THE IMMORTAL World Tour, is both part of and adds to. For Dutch dancer, Gianinni Semedo Moreira, being a part of a show based on the music and dance of Michael Jackson is the realisation of his own musical upbringing. “I’ve been raised with his music,” he says.“I come from a family of musicians and performers and they were always big Michael fans. As long as I can remember, since I was two-three-four years-old, I was always seeing his music videos and hearing his music around me. “I’ve grown up with his music and it’s always been part of my life.When it comes down to it, Michael Jackson is a synonym, to me, for music. They are one.” Moreira has danced professionally since the age of 15, experiencing success on the Dutch TV version of So You Think You Can Dance? and dancing in tours for Shakira and Rhianna. He moved to Los Angeles and scored the IMMORTAL role in the very same year. Once he was in, however, the work had only just begun. “The training process itself was a huge,” he recalls,“an amazing adventure. To be at Cirque de Soleil HQ, it’s so big and to be with the coaches and choreographers, it was such an amazing experience to be there from the beginning, and to see this whole thing come alive from day one,
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although they’d probably been already preparing for over a year when we started. “To have the training and make changes constantly as this beautiful diamond was polished, ready to show the world, I couldn’t ask for more. As a professional dancer it’s made me even more up to the level I want to be. “Throughout the whole show I’m sweating and running and dancing. It’s amazing.” It’s no wonder, as Moreira is involved in 13 of the 28 routines that make up the show, including Childhood, Dancing Machine, Smooth Criminal, Heartbreak Hotel and Dangerous. The show combines the intangible magic of Cirque de Soleil, with the music, dance, style and fantasy that characterised Michael Jackson at his best. Added to this - Jackson family-endorsed - spectacle is the authenticity given to the music, played by many musicians who had toured with MJ in the past. “That part is just wonderful,” Moreira says. “To hear stories from people who worked by his side, ones that you don’t often hear in documentaries or magazines. You hear it from the people who were with him for so long; you hear how he was on stage and off the stage. I feel like a little kid every time I hear those stories. It’s inspirational for all of us and a reminder, in hearing it from the musicians, about how big what we are doing is, representing Michael. It’s a privilege to work with them.” As we all well know, Michael Jackson’s final years were embroiled in seedy controversy and not the artistry that defined the best years of his life. For Moreira, it’s a chance to restore some balance to the memory. “In seeing the show, people who already know how amazing he really is or was, you will get a reminder in the face, ‘just wow, wow, wow’. For people who, for some reason, don’t know much about Michael, they’ll be shocked, they’ll be overwhelmed by the message he gave. “His artistry and Michael as a person, combined with Cirque de Soleil, it’s just golden.”
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ROTTOFEST RELEASED!
The list of finalists for this year’s Rottofest’s Funniest Shorts has been released. Of the more than 100 entries received, 18 have made the grade and will now slug it out for $1000 Funniest Short Film prize and the $500 Funniest Sketch purse. Local talent that made the cut include How To Stop Cats Forever by Kristen Turner, The Picnic by Stuart Morrice, How The Cookie Crumbles by Sam Longley and Killer Bees by Vaughan Hunt. Rottofest is held - where else? - on Rottnest Island from September 7 - 9. Head to rottofest.com.au for more.
THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS: CITY OF BONES The Mortal Instruments: City Of Bones Twihard Directed by Harald Zwart Starring Lilly Collins, Jamie Campbell Bower, Robert Sheenan, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Lena Headey Cynicism can be a very easy intellectual exercise. With a slew of young adult novels converted into films, many being box office smashes, one could be forgiven for being cynical towards yet another one off the rack. The Mortal Instruments: City Of Bones is the first of a successful urban fantasy series. It’s the tale of Clary Fray (Lily Collins) a seemingly typical girl. Her apparently mundane life is shattered when she witnesses a murder, committed by people only she can see. As her reality falls apart, she comes to realise that it was all a lie. She is in fact a Shadowhunter, an angel/human hybrid and an enemy of Demonkind, existing in a world of monsters and magic. Clary must team up with the other Shadowhunters, led by Jace (Jamie Campbell Bower), a man genetically incapable of buttoning up a shirt, and along with the terminally friend-zoned Simon (Robert Sheenan), they must try to save Clary’s kidnapped mother (Lena Headey) from the villainous Valentine (Jonathan Rhys Meyers), and chase the Macguffin of the Mortal Cup. Along the way a romance blossoms between Jace and Clary, leading to the obligatory tension of a romantic triangle with Simon. Director Harald Zwart (The Pink Panther 2) presents us with a passable vision of a New
York tinged by the fantastic. As Clary’s world turns towards the strange, there is a degree of promise in the films exploration of it moving off-kilter. One action sequence in particular, involving a rampaging, shape-changing dog, would do John Carpenter proud. Unfortunately it quickly becomes clear that we have seen all these fantastical elements before. Werewolves are bearded men in blue jeans, vampires hang off roofs in abandoned hotels, and Shadowhunters wear tight black clothing to prowl the streets at night. To compound matters the film demonstrates a lack of faith in the audience, not only by telegraphing every dramatic plot point well in advance, but by also having characters tell us about other characters motivations rather than seeing that for ourselves. The mandatory love story further weighs the movie down. Collins and Bower make a brave stab at it, but the romantic dialogue is so hackneyed it promotes laughter in the audience. Sheehan, as the third wheel, fares a little better, being able to deliver his dialogue with enough tongue-in-cheek touches to make it genuinely engaging. As for the adults, Headey is ingenious for finding a role that allows her to sleep through the last half of the film while Jonathan Rhys Myers, sporting a scraggy beard and a rat king’s worth of rat-tails, chews the scenery so vigorously you wonder if there’s any lycanthropic blood in there. City Of Bones is aimed squarely at a young adult market, without giving them any credit for intelligence or taste. Unless you are an avid fan of the original material, skip it. _ DAVID O’CONNELL
A Temporary Understanding Unconscious Articulation Rottofest’s Funniest Shorts
NICE PLANET, WE’LL TAKE IT
Planet in Mt Lawley is a cultural institution here in Perth, having supplied the discerning with film, literature, music and pop ephemera for about as long as anyone cares to remember. Celebrate that fact this Saturday, August 31 with Planet Day. Head down to the shop for a day filled with live music, DJs, a live art showcase and 20% off all books, vinyl, CDs, DVDs and posters. Doors open at 10am.
GIVE A FIG
The Black Swan Salon Des Refuses Art Exhibition runs from September 1 - November 30. Taking place at all three Fig Cafe venues - Wild Fig in Scarborough, Naked Fig in Swanbourne and Picked Fig in Scarborough - Comprised of works that oh so narrowly missed out on making the finals for The Black Swan Portraiture Prize, with The Picked Fig displaying entries into The Black Swan Youth Prize. In addition, The Fig Group are holding their own REMAKE portrait competition, where entrants must reinterpret a famous artwork and the winner scores a free meal a day at any of the Fig locations for a year! Head to thefig.com.au for details.
It’s Not The Mileage, It’s The Years Directed by Dean Parisot Starring Bruce Willis, John Malkovich, Helen Mirren, Anthony Hopkins, Mary-Louise Parker, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Lee Byung-hun Helen Mirren shines as Victoria, an ageing but still ruthlessly efficient British intelligence agent who finds hers professionalism and coolness under fire put to the test when she’s caught up in the misadventures of a cadre of retired CIA operators in this sequel to the 2010 film, RED. Sadly, this is not her story. Instead, our focus is set firmly on Frank Moses (Bruce Willis) the former killing machine who’s rather enjoying the quiet life with his girlfriend, Sarah (Mary-Louise Parker) until crazy old Marvin Boggs (John Malkovich, mugging hard to compensate for a functionless role) drags him back into the world of elderly espionage. This time around they have to lay their hands on a nuclear device that was hidden in Moscow at the height of the Cold War, largely thanks to the work of a brilliant weapons scientist, Dr Edward Bailey (Anthony Hopkins). Along the way they must contend not only with CIA bagman Horton (Neal McDonough), but Russian agent Katja (Catherine Zeta-Jones), whose history with Frank arouses feelings of jealousy in Sarah. Willis was recently quoted as saying he’s bored with action roles, and it really shows here. To be fair, if this is the calibre of script he’s been 22
getting lately, we can’t really blame him. RED 2 is a pale shadow of the original film, and when your progenitor is only a mildly amusing mid-range actioner, that’s pretty damning. Every story beat is heavily telegraphed, almost every fight sequence is rote, and the globe-trotting storyline feels small and cheap (it was largely shot in Montreal). Tonally, it’s a mess. The essential binary opposition is Sarah’s desire for a life of adventure vs. Frank’s wish for normalcy, but it’s dramatised in such a manner as to make the normally quite watchable Parker come across as shrill and annoying. Later on, they decide to make her character confront the grim realities that come with having a license to kill, which is a bit rich in a film where Willis and co. spend the entire running time cheerfully brutalising the supporting cast. Mirren acquits herself well, as does Korean action star Lee Byun-hun as an assassin with a grudge against Frank, and Brian Cox also returns for a brief cameo which means you get two Hannibal Lecters for the price of one. There are a few half-decent action beats, but nothing to really write home about and, for all the end-of-the-world-posturing, the stakes never feel particularly high. Between this, Liam Neeson’s late-career rebranding and Stallone’s Expendables franchise, we’ve had a reasonable if not exactly earth-shattering run from the geriactioner genre, but unless the third RED Is wholly focused on Mirren and Lee slaughtering mooks while looking fabulous, we can pretty much close the doors on this one. Sometimes it’s better to fade away than to burn out. _ TRAVIS JOHNSON
Unconscious Articulation is a group exhibition taking place at Carlisle’s Melody Smith Gallery from September 7-28. Taking as its thematic inspiration the hypnopompic and hypnogogic states - the hazy, half-remembered borderland between sleeping and waking and vice-versa the exhibition has been curated by Zoe Barry and includes works in paint, sculpture, ceramic and more, by Sue Codee, Ben Crappsley, Annei Errey, Angela McHarrie, Andy Quilty, Amanda Shelsher, Free will and Barry herself. For further information, head to melodysmithgallery.com
MUSEUM MUSINGS
Every Friday until September 20, the Western Australian Museum’s exhibition, Secrets Of The Afterlife: Magic, Mummies And Immortality In Ancient Egypt will be open until 8pm, because night time is the right time to check out a show about antique thanatology. Plus, if investigating the burial rites of the Nile Delta gets you peckish, the Museum’s Muse Cafe will be propping open the door after hours too. Normal admission fees apply - go to museum. wa.gov.au/afterlife for more details.
Stoker
RED 2
RED 2
FULLY ARTICULATED
STOKER
Fun For All The Family Directed by Park Chan-wook Starring Mia Wasikowska, Matthew Goode, Nicole Kidman, Jacki Weaver, Dermot Mulroney Critically lauded Korean director Park Chan-wook (Oldboy, Sympathy For Mr. Vengeance) makes his English language debut in this overwrought but entertaining psychosexual thriller. The sensitive and withdrawn India Stoker (Mia Wasikowska) loses her devoted father, Richard (Dermot Mulroney) in a tragic car accident on her 18th birthday. Her emotionally distant mother, Evelyn (Nicole Kidman) offers ineffectual support, but India is drawn to her uncle, Charlie (Matthew Goode), who she meets for the first time at the funeral. Charlie says he’s spent his life travelling the world, but Aunt Gwendolyn (Jacki Weaver) doesn’t seem to buy it. What is Charlie’s secret? Does he have designs on India or Evelyn? And are those designs amorous or murderous? It’s a potboiler alright, and one that would have done the Master of Suspense proud. Hitchcock’s fingerprints are all over the film, from the screenplay by actor-turned-scribe Wentworth Miller, to the carefully designed sets and exquisitely composed camerawork, to the somewhat heavy-handed Freudian symbolism scattered throughout. It’s a film that revels in its artifice, and though you never quite buy the actuality of what’s happening, it’s hard not to get drawn into Stoker’s sumptuous yet insular world
of family secrets and generational rot. For all his meticulous control of what we see in the frame, Park is in a playful mood here, and that’s probably for the best given the melodramatic subject matter. The piece is drenched in emotional Sturm und Drang, but Wook’s sheer exultation in the possibilities of cinema unfettered by classical notions of realism shines through in every mirrored composition, every paralleled action. The result is a film that is not a procedural thriller but a kind of lush fever dream, all chiaroscuro, lengthening shadows and suppressed desires. Every object is heavy with hidden meaning, and every character’s motives are suspect. Out of a sterling cast, Wasikowska stands out as the troubled girl undergoing a sexual and psychological transformation. Kidman gives us yet another turn as an icy authoritarian which, although hardly stretching her range, is certainly effective, and Goode delivers the right mix of charm and menace as the film’s mysterious narrative catalyst. Only Weaver falters a little, evidently having trouble with the measured delivery demanded by Miller’s stridently self-aware dialogue. Holding Stoker accountable to such standards as logic and plausibility does the film no favours, but those are crude tools with which to measure art anyway. It’s a deliciously disturbing Gothic melodrama committed to emotional resonance and striking visual beauty over anything so common as ‘realism’. Keep that in mind and you’ll have a very pleasant nightmare with this one. _ TRAVIS JOHNSON X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays
Jobs
JOBS
Personal Computer Jesus Directed by Joshua Michael Stern Starring Ashton Kutcher, Josh Gad, Dermot Mulroney, Ron Eldard, Lukas Haas, Matthew Modine, JK Simmons It would appear being a genius is an excuse for being an awful human being, but that is okay as long as you invent the iPod. At least, this is what Joshua Michael Stern’s biopic about the late Apple founder would have you believe. The film opens with Steve Jobs (Ashton Kutcher), a no-shoe-wearing, LSD-taking wunderkind, padding around Berkley, taking whatever classes he likes because, you know, he’s a genius. After some clunky exposition, Jobs and his acquaintance Steve Wozniak (Josh Gad) decide to join forces and build a computer together and during a car ride to an exhibition, Apple Computers is born. Jobs wants to be The Social Network so hard it can taste it, but whereas David Fincher portrays Mark Zuckerberg’s genius and neurosis as part and parcel of his personality, creating a vivid portrait of the man, Stern cannot seem to do the same with Steve Jobs. For the most part he’s a genius, but his perfectionism which borders on pedantry and his overbearing narcissism make him seem like a man nobody wants to be around, no matter how hard the
filmmakers try to convince the audience otherwise. It is no surprise he was fired by his own company. The film is also extremely heavy-handed, with director Stern going for the most obvious dramatic beats. The overuse of period music to do a lot of the heavy lifting (Cat Stevens is playing? Must be the ‘70s!) and the incessant cutting back and forth between Jobs proselytising and his worshippers nodding their heads is maddening. The acting for the most part is actually quite good. Ashton Kutcher, while not a revelation by any stretch, does fairly well in the role although sometimes it does come dangerously close to caricature (can anyone pull off a convincing lisp?) Josh Gad’s worst comedic tendencies are dialled back to allow for quite a decent portrayal of Wozniak, and the veteran actors like Matthew Modine and JK Simmons do what they do well. Although there seems to be a lot of actors whose roles have ended up on the cutting room floor, with both James Woods and Lesley-Ann Warren floating around the edges, like ghosts from a better movie. Bizarre. There really isn’t anything to recommend this film as anything other than as a drinking game. Each time Jobs does something prophetic or people look upon him in awe, take a drink. It won’t take long for the movie to be turned off and the drinking to continue improved by the absence by such unmitigated crap. _ LIAM DUNN
BERNARD FANNING Big Scary/Vance Joy Astor Theatre Monday, August 26, 2013 Bernard Fanning wrapped up the last show of his Australia-wide Departures tour on Monday night at the Astor Theatre in Mt Lawley. In an evening of guitar-based power-rock, the former Powderfinger rocker wooed an audience of loyal fans who were more than happy to see the frontman back on stage performing his solo material. Fanning opened his set with the slower love song, Hope And Validation from the Tea And Sympathy album, before moving quickly to the harder pub rock sound that was his trademark for many years. Songs such as Limbo Stick and Tell Me How It Ends in particular were full of clean guitar riffs and driving highly polished bass lines typical of Fanning’s style. Drifting through blues-pop/rock territory with songs like the quasi-gospel Believe, Fanning proved that even after a few celebratory beverages (or perhaps with the assistance of a few celebratory beverages) both he and his band knew their way around a power-rock tune. Moving to acoustic guitar, Fanning made a detour through his softer material. Ballads like his cover of the 1964 Gordon Lightfoot classic The Early Morning Rain (which had some stellar mandolin playing) and the title track to his latest album, Departures, had even the staunchest bogan a little teary at the eye. Not staying their too long however, Fanning quickly moved back into faster, louder material, at times channelling a little bit of funk with guest saxophone taking the stage during Here Comes the Sadist. Finishing off the night a was the allAustralian ballad Wish You Well, sending the crowd into an absolute frenzy of adoration, and an upbeat cover of the George Harrison classic What Is Life, which featured members of the support bands in an uplifting and almost gospel ending that had some members of the crowd literally begging for more. Supporting Fanning was Vance Joy, whose recent attention on triple j has been well deserved. Joy’s vocals cradled a captive audience through a set of acoustic guitar-based lyrical ballads, with the artist proving that he could handle himself as a solo performer. In particular Play With Fire and Riptide both played on ukulele - had both the lyrical maturity and musical wherewithal of a musician who was sure of himself and his songwriting. www.xpressmag.com.au
Bernard Fanning Melbourne duo Big Scary followed this, in a mix of sweet piano-based pop, and some harder ‘90s inspired rock. Playing both new and old material, this band stole the stage before the main act had a chance to get on it, proving that in another context they would be well worth seeing as the main act. Fanning’s fanbase may have aged, and his gigs may no longer be (entirely) in grotty pubs, however he still clearly knows his way around a rock song. Monday night proved that the artist formerly known as one-fifth of Powderfinger holds his own as a solo performer and still holds a place very dear in the hearts of his audience. _ LEAH BLANKENDAAL 23
WIL ANDERSON GoodWil To All Men
Ahead of his new one man stand-up show, GoodWil, we had a word with Aussie TV, radio and stage icon Wil Anderson about comedy, politics, travel and time management - the usual. We’re lucky to get a few minutes out of Wil Anderson, the lanky, larrikin comic probably best known for his work on the ABC shows The Glass House and The Gruen Transfer. He’s not a man who likes to let the grass grow under his feet. “I’m just arrived back to Australia from four months of overseas touring,” he explains to us. “London, LA, Seattle, Montreal and Washington DC, and now straight into Gruen Nation. When I left the country there was a different PM, so I was just glad I wasn’t coming back on a boat or I would be doing my shows in PNG.” For that we should be grateful, as Anderson’s new show, entitled GoodWil, promises to be well up to his usual standards. He describes his current batch of material as dealing with “...the idea of how we reconcile personal tragedy or hardship with the idea that in general we live remarkably advanced and lucky lives. I guess it’s me talking about a shitty year I had, but trying to put that in perspective with actual suffering, and working out whether you can choose how happy you are... oh and dick jokes, there are still plenty of dick jokes.” Anderson’s work has always straddled that fine line between sardonic and savage, and behind his cheeky smile and laidback demeanour there is a keen intellect armoured in a disregard for sacred cows and hypocrisies - hardly surprising for a man who lists the likes of Dylan Moran, Louis CK, Billy Connolly, Stewart Lee, Anthony Morgan, Greg Fleet, Judith Lucy, Tom Gleeson, Eddie Izzard, George Carlin, Bill Hicks, Chris Rock, Richard Pryor and Sarah Silverman amongst his comedic heroes. It almost goes without saying, then, the current Australian political situation will feature in his act. “I think like a lot of people I am frustrated my politics at the moment,” he tells us. “I wish our parliament was like an Etch-A-Sketch and we could shake it clean and just start again from scratch. I believe there are good people with noble intentions who go into politics on all sides, but I feel like the system is broken. The focus group obsession reminds me of the French politician who said: ‘There go my people. I must find out where they are going so I can lead them.’”
Wil Anderson For all that, he is at pains to point out that he enjoys his work. “I also know I am extremely lucky to have a job that is extremely social and that is also my passion. I got into comedy because I was a fan of comedy, so if I wasn’t hanging out in comedy rooms for work I would probably be hanging out in comedy rooms for fun, but this way I get the free drinks out the back.” Wil Anderson performs GoodWil at The Perth Convention Centre on Friday, August 30 and Saturday, August 31. For tickets, head to Ticketek.com.au. _ TRAVIS JOHNSON
Whitney Richards, Paul Ashcroft and John Howard in Shrine - Photo by Daniel Grant
SHRINE
Whitney Richards Before she co-stars with John Howard, Luke McMahon and Sarah McNeill in Shrine, the third play written by Australian literary heavyweight, Tim Winton, actor Whitney Richards speaks to us about the joys and challenges inherent in such an undertaking. Young WA actor Whitney Richards never expected to make a living out of acting. Her initial explorations into the craft began at Curtin University, where she had taken a Drama minor to complement her Media degree.“I thought I’d end up in journalism,” she admits. “Or documentary making or working on TV dramas, so I was doing it as a hobby, but towards the end of my degree I was spending more and more time at the theatre and it just pointed me in the right direction, I guess.” As it turns out, it was a fortuitous change in tack. In only a few short years her acting career has blossomed and she now boasts an impressive list of film and stage credits to her name. In fact, it was her performance in last year’s Black Swan State Theatre Company production of Arcadia that led, more or less directly, to her role in Shrine. “Kate Cherry was directing that,” she says, referring to the Perth theatre mainstay who also directs Shrine. “I had a good time, but it was a pretty hard role. I think Tim - Mr Winton - saw that and 24
towards the end of 2012 we did a workshop of Shrine and I was invited to come and participate in that. At the end of that week, everyone who had participated in the workshop had been offered the parts in the actual production. So we didn’t officially audition, but the workshop kind of was a bit of an audition.” In the play, Richards plays June, a small town girl whose grief for Jack (Paul Ashcroft), leads her into the life of his father, Adam, played by perennial Australian actor John Howard.“My character is pretty integral to the narrative because she sets the play in motion. It’s been over a year since Jack died in a car accident and she’s been setting up this roadside shrine and paying homage to him, expressing her love for him that no one really knew about.” For Richards, one of the most rewarding parts of the project as being able to reconnect with an author whose work she, like many other West Australians, had absorbed when she was younger. “When I was a kid I read Lockie Leonard and I read The Bugalugs Bum Thief and then in Year 12 they made us study Cloud Street,” she laughs a little. “As they do. I wasn’t able to enjoy it in Year 12 because it was being forced down our throats and I wasn’t able to get swept up in the story, but he is incredible. In person he is just so warm and friendly and so sharp, it’s amazing. As soon as I signed on I started reading some of his books again and I have a new appreciation now.” Shrine runs at the State Theatre Centre from August 31 - September 15. Head to bsstc.com.au for tickets and session times. _ TRAVIS JOHNSON X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays
New World Order: Venn Gallery A group exhibition from artists Tom Muller, Yarra Vega and Augustyn Schwarzwald that takes a look at globalisation and the shifting liminal lines between fiction and reality through print, sculpture, installation Eclectica: Emerge Black Cat And Beyond... Diatribe Of The Squeegee: and video. It runs until October 4, and venn.net has Art Space further details. Fremantle Arts Centre A group exhibition A collection of political posters crafted by Black Cat/ from Angela Gato Negro, an anarchist collective formed in New York 33: Fremantle Arts Centre McHarrie, Pierre City in the late ‘70s. It runs until September 15. Go to fac. An exhibition of works from three Martu women - Nora Capponi, Lindsay Wompi, Bugai Whyoulter and Nora Nungabar - that Harris, Gigi org.au for further details. carries on from the successful We Don’t Need A Map. On Hesterman and display until September 15. Go to fremantle.wa.gov.au Kathryn Haug. runs Riley (the cow): Fremantle Arts Centre from August 28 - A look at the central character that has dominated the for further info. work of Perth artist Rachel Salmon-Loams for the past Angela McHarrie: September 18. Go to 18-odd years. It runs until September 15. Go to fac.org. Aconitum: YMCA HQ Gallery emerge-art.com.au Experiment In Colour #2 The first solo exhibition by emerging WA artist Dominika au for more. - Eclectica for more. Grotowski. It runs from August 30 - September 12. You & Me (Part 1): Ruck Rover General Store A collection of works by Perth based artist and writer Face Up: Wanneroo Library and Cultural Centre Kate-Anna St. Valentine. It runs until August 31. Go to An exhibition of large scale portraiture by Adelaideborn artist Daniel Connell. It runs from September Secrets of the Afterlife: The Western Australian ruckrover.com.au for more. 7 - October 13. Go to wanneroo.wa.gov.au for further Museum This collection of over 100 Egyptian artefacts from the The Colours Of My Life: The York Mill Boiler Room information. British Museum collection - including two mummies! Gallery - explores ancient attitudes to life after death. The This collection by Sue Duperouzel is inspired by Brief Moments Of Sanity: Blend(er) Gallery exhibition runs until September 22. Go to museum.gov. childhood recollections and dreams that followed the A joint exhibition by Harry Davies and Renata Wright. It death of her mother last year. It runs until September 1. runs from September 15 - 28. au for more. Head to theyorkmill.com.au for details. Recent Acquisitions Your Collection: Art Gallery of WA Many of the more recent additions to the gallery’s Pilltati And Other Stories: Elements Art Gallery extensive collection are on display until October 27. Go An exhibition of works by the Tjungu Palya Indigenous community, curated by Dr Jo Lagerberg. On display to artgallery.wa.gov.au for more. until September 1. Go to elementsartgallery.com.,au for Hedda: The Blue Room Theatre This bold interpretation of Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Van Gogh, Dali and Beyond - The World Reimagined: more. Gabler stars Norwegian actors Marthe Snorresdotter Art Gallery of WA The third exhibition in AGWA’s MoMA Series Barrack Street - A Time To Reminisce: The State Rovik and Tone Skaardal and is directed by the brilliant Renato Fabretti. The season runs until August encompasses works from Vincent Van Gogh, Paul Library Of WA Cezanne, Richard Long, Frida Kahlo and more. The An interactive exhibition that looks at the changing face 31. go to blueroom.org.au for session times and exhibition runs until December 2. Go to artgallery. of Barrack Street throughout the thoroughfare’s history. bookings. It runs until September 6. Part of the Perth Winter Arts wa.gov.au for further information. Season. The Little Mermaid: The Blue Room Theatre This reworking of Hans Christian Andersen’s darker Little Paintings, Big Stories: Lawrence Wilson Art Mekel - Illustrative Exhibition: Tu Gallery than you may remember children’s tale by director Gallery Ethereal illustrations by Mekel, featuring model Chrysta Ian Sinclair is a far cry from Disney - and that’s a good Runs until December 14. Copland and fashion from Flannel, Dyspenea, Ae’lkemi thing. It runs until September 7. Head to blueroom. and Kemi. It runs until September 15. Go to tu.com.au org.au for tickets and session times. The Figure: Buratti Fine Art An exhibition of works inspired by the human form for details. Colder Than Here: The Melville Theatre that features pieces by Alex Proyas, Salvador Dali, Pablo A thoughtful comedy about a woman facing terminal Picasso, Johnny Romeo, David Spencer and more. Runs Mackenzie Thorpe: Linton & Kay Galleries A collection of new original paintings from the cancer, written by Laura Wade and directed by Susan until September 1. go to buratti.com.au for more. acclaimed artist, as well as limited edition serigraphs Lynch. It runs from August 30 - September 14. Go to and sculptures. It runs until September 3. Check in with meltheco.org.au for session times and bookings. Here & Now 13: Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery This annual exhibition of contemporary Western lintonandkay.com.au for more. Shrine: The State Theatre Centre Australian artists includes works from Katrina Barber, Presented by The Black Swan State Theatre Company, Patrick Carter, Clive Collender, Aquinas Crowe, David Lab Partners Showcase: Outré Gallery Guhl, Tim Maley, Julian Poon, Jane Ryan, Robert Turpin, Original paintings and prints by San Francisco-based written by Tim Winton, starring John Howard. Runs Lisa Uhl and robin Warren. Runs until September 28. Go husband and wife team, Lab Partners. From November from August 31 - September 15. Go to bsstc.com.au for more information. 1 - 30. Go to outregallery.com for more. to lwgallery.uwa.edu.au for more. Beyond The Pale - Hits From Australia’s Top Rock Poster Studio: Fremantle Arts Centre This fascinating tour through the history of rock art runs until September 15. Go to fac.org.au for further info.
Storm Boy: The State Theatre Centre Barking Gecko Theatre Company presents this adaptation of Colin Thiele’s immortal Australian children’s classic, which runs from September 19 - October 5. Barkinggecko.com.au has further information. Tickets available through Ticketek. Cavalia: The White Big Top This magnificent equestrian event combines spectacle and acrobatic skill reminiscent of Cirque Du Soleil with jaw-dropping displays of horsemanship and derring-do. From December 4 - 29. Head for cavalia.net for more.
MUSIC
VISUAL ARTS
THEATRE/DANCE/ PERFORMANCE
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The Whitlams and the Western Australian Symphony Orchestra: Perth Concert Hall Performances August 30 - 31. Go to waso.com.au for information and bookings.
FESTIVALS Perth Winter Arts Season: Various Locations Over 200 events are planned, encompassing film, comedy, cabaret, opera, literature, dance, music and fine arts. The season runs until August 31. Head to perthwinterarts.com.au for more information. AICE Israeli Film Festival: Cinema Paradiso Opening with The Ballad of Weeping Spring, this celebration of Israeli cinema, which includes 19 feature films and documentaries, runs until August 28. Head to lunapalace.com.au for details. Rottofest: Rottnest Island Our annual explosion of stand-up comedy, music and film runs from September 6 - 8. Head to rottofest.com. au for details and tickets. The 2013 Perth Fashion Festival: Various Locations The biggest event on the calendars of WA’s fashionistas runs from September 11 - 16. Hola Mexican Film Festival: Cinema Paradiso This celebration of south of the border cinema runs from November 14 - 24. Go to holamexicoff.com for more.
To have your performance, exhibition or cultural event listed, get in touch via
localmusicarts@xpressmag.com.au
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X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays
MATHAS
HUNGRY HUNGRY HIP HOP
Championed by local rap icons and indie bands alike, Mathas has just released a new single that’s already making a great impact. Preparing to support Thundamentals on their upcoming tour, he found some time to talk about his latest material (and his feet) with NICK SWEEPAH.
If you’ve been to see a fair bit of live music in Perth over the last few years, of any genre, chances are you’ve caught a set from a rapper named Mathas. Having played alongside a vast spectrum of local artists, from Abbe May to Injured Ninja to his cohorts from The Community (not to mention supporting internationals hip hop acts like Shabazz Palaces, Sage Francis and even RZA), he’s sharpened his live shows to an extremely fine point. He’s worked hard at his craft, and with the release of his latest single Nourishment (featuring Abbe May), it seems to be paying off. With a relatively quiet announcement via his Facebook page, the song was launched onto an unsuspecting Internet, the citizens of which seem to be embracing the tune in ever growing numbers. According to the man himself, this wasn’t what he originally had in mind. “The funny thing about this tune is that I never intended it to be a song that was released as a single. It’s a five and half minute song. Before I ended up having the miraculous idea of getting Abbe on the song to sing the hook, I was trying to sing it myself. I was having a lot of trouble with the way it sounded, I didn’t particularly like it. It was always just supposed to be a song that would just be on the album.” He goes on to explain that “It was just me putting my own thoughts into a song, trying to do it in a way that was emotive and subtle, without trying to be preachy, even though it may turn out a little bit that way, but you can’t avoid that.” For those reading this that haven’t heard the song, it’s more than just the running time that makes it an unlikely single - despite having now received spot rotation on Triple J, it’s a song with a pretty serious message. “Basically, I’m a person that’s worked in the food and drink industry for a very long time. I personally feel that the act of sharing food, especially in the sense of
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family and friendships and social development is quite important. I think it’s a huge part of human development. I feel like some part of the country’s history is very long and very old, but lost, and the only thing we identify with as a food culture in Australia are things from British inheritance, or American influence. “So basically it’s about, personally, feeling like I lack some very crucial element of culture and I feel like that is due to the fact that I, personally, have very little contact with the people who are indigenous to this country.” After leaving it at that for a moment though, he expands on this, adding that it’s “A very white perspective. Or it’s trying to talk to people who feel the same as me, as opposed to trying to convert other people into a way of thinking. That’s really not what it’s trying to do.” Anyone familiar with some of Mathas’ recent output will be aware that his previous single (with spectacular video) was entitled White Sugar. Again, the food theme arises - but is that through any conscious effort? “I don’t know whether it’s something I intentionally do,” he explains,“I just think my natural thought process goes back to food a lot. I don’t feel like I freestyle very well, but I do enjoy doing it, and sometimes I get on a really good tangent and feel good about it - and quite often it’s about food!” Food themes aside, if you’ve seen Mathas play live more than once, you may have noticed something else. The guy clearly doesn’t like to wear shoes on stage.“I think I’ve always done that, in terms of rap shows as far as I can remember. There was something about the first time I did it, when I took my shoes off I felt more like I was in my living room. It made me feel more comfortable when I was scared as fuck being on stage.” Nowadays the nerves aren’t such a big deal.You’ll still catch him barefoot, although he says that “Recently, I’ve become aware that feet are associated with kind of stank and gross, which I never really minded because I don’t mind associating myself with those things. But I’ve definitely become aware that it’s more polarising than I thought it was.” If you let this put you off seeing him sometime though, just know that you’ll be missing out on a big part of the future of Perth hip hop.
» MATHAS » NOURISHMENT (FEATURING ABBE MAY) OUT NOW
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REEKO & ARCHITECTURAL THE BLUE ALBUM POLEGROUP RECORDINGS
On The Blue Album, Spanish producer Juan Rico has melded two of his alter-egos, Reeko and Architectural, into a combined long-player, released via Polegroup Recordings run by fellow Spaniard Oscar Mulero. The artist has previously studied as an architect and in this album has employed his design skills to work in an electronic musical space producing a varied and encapsulating sound structure. The album ebbs and sways in style and pace from beatless dubby soundscapes such as Sex on Kepler - 22b through to the pulsing techno rhythms of tracks like Startling Idea but it still sits well as a whole. Opener Blue, with its inviting synth textures really draws the listener in and has echoes of Leftfield’s 1995 offering Melt, whilst the reverbed bassline and liquid groove of Dualities is equally as hypnotic. Force Carriers, with it’s pounding kick-drum is straight-up 3am, four to the floor techno could go in the same direction as previous track Looking Ahead by appearing on a Berghain compilation for Ostgut Ton - whereas String Theory is at the opposite end of the spectrum, the occasional beats and pulses like other-worldly sounds on some isolated landscape. The quality of over 40 previous releases really shows through here and Rico has produced a solid long-player that showcases knowledge, experience and above all excellence in his field.
» ANDREW NELSON
MODERAT
II MONKEYTOWN RECORDS Moderat is the pairing of German wunderkinds Modeselektor and Apparat. Following up 2009’s self-titled debut they triumphantly return with another superb slice of electronic virtuosity. II made the Top Ten in their home country, and it’s not hard to understand why. The two acts have fused their sound into an even more cohesive symbiosis. The heavy electro breaks and freaked-out analogue funk of the Modeselektor boys is perfectly tempered by the soft touch and melodic strains of Apparat aka Sascha Ring, who really comes into his own here with some strong vocal performances. The mighty Bad Kingdom gets the album off to a storming start, all breaks and bluster, before Ring’s vocal comes in over the top, fitting perfectly, lifting the track. The moody, rumbling, dubstep of Versions is offset by its successor, the majestic, shimmering Let In The Light – its pitched down vocals giving it a hazy, loved-up, house vibe. The centrepiece, Milk, clocks in at 10 minutes and is a slow burner featuring a building, repetitive, rhythmic, throbbing beat in the vein of The Chemical Brothers. Damage Done is another soaring, potential anthem that bubbles beneath the surface without ever exploding and This Time is the gorgeous, melancholic closer – stuttering beats surf pulsing waves of synths before gliding down gently to a twinkling halt. Undoubtedly one of the best electronic LPs of the year.
» ALFRED GORMAN
BIAS B
The 4 Aces
DOPE DOWN UNDER SKILLZ
Down Under Ground Events is turning two and is celebrating with The Alliance Tour at The Bakery on Saturday, September 7. The night will feature The 4 Aces (Fluent Form, One Sixth, Mata & Must), Maundz with Deece & Discourse, Dialect & Despair and Social Change with local support from Sound Magnetiks Affiliation and The Psych Ward crews, emcee Azmatik, Rob Shaker and Jamu. Tix are $20 from nowbaking.com.au.
John ‘00’ Fleming
EDM SATURDAYS
Get your Euro clubbing fix with Metro City’s next edition of EDM Saturdays on Saturday, September 7 featuring John ‘00’ Fleming (J00F) and MaRLo. J00F’s deep, progressive trance sets are in demand across your Gatecrashers and Godskitchens while MaRLo’s tech infused beats take in an eclectic span of techno, trance and tech-house. Tickets are $20+bf or $30 on the door. Support from: Ruthless, Angry Buda, Illuminor, Makka, John Tresham, Jason Creek, Matty S, Stevie M, Damien Blaze and Nick Neaves.
Spenda C
BASS TRAP
Metropolis Fremantle is bunkering down for a big night of Australian bass and trap with Leah Mencel and Spenda C on Friday, September 13. These two both bridge the gap between dubstep, trap, moombahton, drum’n’bass, hip hop and electro and Spenda C is fast becoming hailed as a leader of Australia’s trap scene having gained support from Diplo, Flosstradamus, and Baauer. Tickets go on sale today, Wednesday, August 29 via Oztix.
Claptone
CLAP YO HANDS
The deep, soulful house sounds of the mythical, bird-shaped creature that is Claptone are on their way to Geisha on Friday, September 13. Up to the present day, Claptone releases have been birthed on Germany’s influential Exploited label, picking up props from the likes of Pete Tong, DJ Sneak, Soul Clap, DJ Hell, Jesse Rose and A-Trak. He’ll be playing an epic three hour set. Early bird tix are $30+bf via Geisha’s website.
BEHIND THE DECKS
SALT NIGHTS OUT
MUSIC ONLY As Bias B heads west to celebrate a friend’s birthday with the SBX crew at Rocket Room, the Melbourne rapper takes some time to reflect on his career with TOM KITSON on his career. Looking forward to a relaxed gig format for his mate Matty B, Bias B says he’s got respect for Perth’s unique hip hop scene and artists. “I’ll be dropping all the classics with a few drinks under my belt for this one,” he says. “As it’s a birthday celebration for Matty B, I won’t be taking it too serious and just want to have a fun night with the WA crew. “Perth has always had its own sound and kept it that way. I really appreciate that we don’t all sound the same. I’ve been down with the SBX crew for over a decade now and have always been like an honorary member/cousin/uncle in a way. We go way back.” Forging a long career in the industry after starting out as a young graff writer, Bias B has always had a passion for hip hop and says he’s met some great people along the way. “There’s definitely a community feel amongst the older generation,” he says. “We saw it grow from day one and helped to build it to what is now so we are all just one big family now. “Music was a natural progression from painting graffiti for so many years for me,” he says. “I started doing covers of the US stuff I was hearing to entertain mates in the park, and eventually started writing my own raps and everything progressed from there. I never expected radio play or dollars; it wasn’t about that,” he says. “I just wanted to make good rap music.” Finding inspiration to work hard has come from a variety of sources, including close friends, fans and music from artists he loves. “Life, emotion, and passion – they’re what inspire me,” he says. “It’s all about the feeling you get when you hear that new banging track, or when a fan tells you how you helped them through hard times. It really makes it all worth the effort.” Earning his reputation from putting in the work when the scene was just becoming recognised, Bias B says he has respect that proves music has been worth his time and commitment. “I think I just came out at the right time,” he says.“I was one of the first to 28
Killafoe
UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH KILLAFOE Best track to open or end a set with? A new tune from me yet to be released called House Party. What’s your favourite new track? I Am Legion (Noisia x Foreign Beggars) - Choosing For You. Best track to clean the house to? Any trap, moombah or metal. What’s the most twisted tune you’ve ever played? Some breakcore tune from producer ‘Satan’. I can’t remember the name off the top of my head. Brutal tune.
Bias B (Photo By Seshanka Samarajiwa) really make a name in Australian rap and gave others a belief that they could do it too. “From the CD’s to promoting and doing PBS radio, the foundation laid gave others a path to follow. So many of today’s rappers are still thankful for what I did back in the ‘90’s and that respect carries on today.” His advice to upcoming battlers and hip hop artists is to take the tough road with your music and put in the effort to create something you can be happy with. “Master your craft and make an impact when people hear you for the first time,” he says. “Get out there and learn stage presence, delivery and working a crowd but when it comes to that debut release, wait till you are 100 per cent ready - you only get one chance.”
» BIAS B » MATTY B’S 4OTH BIRTHDAY BASH » FRIDAY, AUGUST 30 @ ROCKET ROOM
YAYO YAYO: A fresh monthly night of futuristic sounds with a clubhouse feel. $12 YAYO members, $15 general admission. Expect to hear: Future beats, house and gangsta from 11pm. The lineup: Kit Pop, Clunk, Leon Osbourn, Bazil Zemplys, Manimal, Everyteen.
» YAYO @ PARKER NIGHTCLUB » FRIDAY, AUGUST 30
What was the track that got you into your favourite genre? I don’t have a favourite genre as such. I don’t like to pigeon hole myself as I love all bass music. But the tune that got me into bass in the first place was Q-Project’s Champion Sound. What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you whilst DJing? J.Nitrous vomiting on me in the middle of one of our sets. Raddest DJ trick? Never paying for alcohol at the club - probably my best trick.
» KILLAFOE » INHIBIT’S 7TH BIRTHDAY @ SHAPE » FRIDAY, AUGUST 30 X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays
PORTER ROBINSON ED(&)M
Having only taken up the art of spinning after making it to Beatport’s top spot with his track, Say My Name, Porter Robinson is a force to be reckoned with. TOM KITSON chats with him about his creative drives ahead of his appearance with The M Machine in October. As we begin the interview, Robinson says he’s been at home working on a new tune all week, a process it seems I’ve interrupted. Despite this, he’s forthcoming and open; keen to let people in on why and how he creates music. He’s had some recent success, touring globally with his instrumental and emotively capturing single, Language, followed up with Easy, but having just celebrated his 21st birthday and now being legal in the States, he’s a producer with much more to create. “The music I’m writing today is a bit different to what I’m known for,” he says. “I’m writing an album, which I’ve been on for the last year, so I’ve only been taking weekend tours for the most part. “The core focus of this record for me is to be emotional, sentimental, beautiful and personal,” he says. “I’m not writing it for festivals or DJ sets, I’m writing it to make something important and to be something that touches my heart. The number one thing I’ve taken away from whatever success I’ve had is that the songs that tend to be the best are the most personal and honest,” he says. “Language and Easy were the two I cared most about when I was writing them.” Robinson says he loves Australia, as many artists do, currently preparing for a mammoth four month touring schedule through the southern spring, with many shows already sold out. Having previously toured the country as an underground artist with a smaller, club focused set he says he can’t wait to do headliners and add to the experience of his sets at Stereosonic and Future Music. “Me and my friends are beyond excited to come back to Australia,” he says. “This time it will
Porter Robinson be cool to do headline stuff because you’re not competing with other artists on other stages. It’s great to play one hour festival sets with like 80,000 people there, but I also love playing a three and a half hour set in a club where I can let everything ride out a little longer. That’s something I’m looking forward to on this tour.” Starting out at the age of 12 and drawing musical influence from the soundtracks of the Japanese video games he used to play, Robinson is a wise head on young shoulders. He learned to DJ only after releasing his first tunes. “For me it’s always been listening music first, dance music second,” he says. “When I started releasing music under my own name three years ago, it was different because people were requesting me to come play at their venues and I hadn’t learned to DJ – it wasn’t even in my headspace.”
» PORTER ROBINSON AND THE M MACHINE » SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26 @ VILLA
Kit Pop
KIT POP STITCHED UP
One of the leaders of the thriving local beats scene, producer and DJ Justin Elwin, aka Kit Pop, is about to release his latest effort, Seams. He chats with JOSHUA HAYES about the EP, which will be released as a free download next week. Seams was originally intended to be released through Sunday Records, run by Elwin’s frequent collaborator Ta-ku. He will be lending a helping hand to Sunday Records, having founded and run the local Paper Chain record label from 2007 until it closed shop last year. However, when the new imprint’s first release was scheduled for next year, Elwin decided to release the EP through his Bandcamp page.“I thought I’d put it up now for free to get it out there and off my chest,” he says. Elwin describes Seams, which he has been working on in between other projects, as “future R’n’B sounding” and exploring mellower trap and beats sounds. “I thought all of those songs were my interpretation of modern music that I like at the moment,” he adds. He also describes it as an extension of his debut EP, 2011’s Smoke Cloud. “Smoke Cloud was kind of looped samples and stuff like that, whereas this one the same sort of idea but using a lot more modern sounds and modern ways of making music. Smoke Cloud was what I was making at the moment www.xpressmag.com.au
from music I was listening to, and this is another example of my own interpretation of stuff that I’ve been listening to, kind of like a meld of everything,” he says. Although Elwin says Smoke Cloud didn’t generate much buzz here in Australia, it got quite a lot of high rotation on European radio, especially in France – not that this bothers him. “I’m not really fussed on the whole radio situation,” he says. “I just make the music for whoever wants to play it, so if they want to play it, that’s fine, [but if they don’t] I don’t really give a shit.” Elwin notes that a full length debut would be another year or two away, as he continues to refine his sound. Despite this, he has been putting ideas aside. “I’ve still got heaps of different material that I’m writing, and some of them I still put aside in that folder that says ‘Album’. I keep going back to it every now and then and seeing if it will work,” he says. In the meantime, amongst other projects that he’s keeping under wraps, Elwin has been busy working on remixes for Sydney acts Wave Racer and Cosmo’s Midnight, which should be released in the coming months. Elwin also says he and Ta-ku may round out the year with a new mixtape, #BEATS, following their previous collaborations #EATS and the recently released #TREATS, which received over 50,000 plays and generated international interest. “#BEATS we just thought would be, playing with stupid words, but getting a lot of local producers and Australian producers to submit beats. We just thought it would be a good platform to get music that hasn’t been heard out from Australia.”
» KIT POP » SEAMS OUT ON BANDCAMP THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 29
Deadline Monday 5pm. The Club Manual is a service to advertisers listing all DJs & Dance Music. All inclusions are at the discretion of X-Press. Email guide@xpressmag.com.au
AMPLIFIER/CAPITOL
WEDNESDAY 28/08 Amplifier/ Capitol - Harlem Wednesdays ft. Js/ Genga/ Peter Payne The Bird – Kick Out The Yams The Brass Monkey - Victor Captain Stirling – Jordan Scott Club Red Sea – Cheek Gold Bar - Famous Midweek Beats The Grand Central – Lokie Shaw Groove Bar (Crown) – DJ Crazy Craig Leederville Hotel (upstairs) - Kreem ft. DJ Karl Blue and MishTee Leederville Hotel (downstairs) - Arena Party ft. DJ Vi Son/ Pup The Llama Bar - Club Akuna Mustang Bar - DJ James MacArthur Newport Hotel - RnB Heaven with Mr Phat ft. DJs Tom Drummond/ Angry Budda/ Mel B Sovereign Arms – James Barclay
THE COURT
The Village Bar - Village People Wednesdays ft. Ruby May
THURSDAY 29/08
The Avenue – Jon Ee The Beat (downstairs) Fantasy Thursdays The Bird - Starkytronn is ded ft.DJs Capelas/ Pete/ Raaghe The Causeway - Xport Thursdays Club Bay View - Dj-Vi Son The Craftsman – Michael Britliff Eve Nightclub - Retro Thursdays ft. DJ Crazy Craig The Grand Central - DJ Roger Smart Kalamunda - Grizzly Leisure Inn - DJ Peta Mustang Bar - DJ James MacArthur Newport Hotel - Tiki Bar Open Mic Night Sovereign Arms – ANG3L Swallow Bar – DJ T King
Nina Las Vegas
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FRIDAY 30/08 Air Nightclub - VIP Platinum Fridays Ambar – Da Hoot! Ft. Devo/ Subwalker/ Informant/ Benny P/ The Barons Red Amplifier - Fridays Are Back ft. KLa The Avenue - DJ Lokie Shaw The Aviary (Birdcage) – DJ Screech The Aviary (Rooftop) – Andrei Maz/ Paradise Paul The Bakery - Ryan Hemsworth & Kaytranada Bar Orient - The Reggae Club The Beat (downstairs) – PLAY The Bird – Riddimatizzim #32 Carnival Edishun ft. Fahmi & Marcus/ Andrew Sinclair/ Cale Herbet/ Dave “Supa Soca” Clark Broken Hill – DJ Lukey D C5 – Bass Attic ft. Bass Attic DJs Capitol - Capitol Fridays ft. DJ Roger Smart Capitol (upstairs) - I Love 80’s & 90’s ft. Darren Tucker The Carine - Az-T The Causeway – Acoustic Sundowner Club Red Sea – Fresh Superheroes VS Villains Party The Como - Funadelic Fridays ft. Philly Blunt The Craftsman – James Barclay Devilles Pad – Why Be Normal? 80’s Night East End Bar - Eightoeight Eve Nighclub - DJ Don Migi Flawless - Monarch Fridays Flyrite - The Beat-Sitters Club Geisha Bar - Habitat Back 2 Back Allstar Attack Gilkisons Dance Studio - One. Five.Zero ft.Tuneboy/ Nik Fish Ginger Nightclub - Mondos “Feel Good” Dance Party The Grand Central – Jay Mackay Groove Bar (Crown) - DJ Crazy Craig The Hyde Park - DJ Hages Lakers Tavern – Grizzly/ Merqury Library - Sneaky Metro Freo – Triple J House Party Vol 2 ft. Nina Las Vegas
I LOVE 90’S
CAPITOL
Mustang Bar - Swing DJ/ Cheeky Monkeys/ DJ James MacArthur My Place - Karaoke Newport - Karaoke Classic with Steve Parkin with DJ Tahli Jade/ Angry Buda/ Sardi/ Mr Phat Paramount Nightclub – Flyte with DJ John Jordan Parker - YAYO The Queens - Reuben Rocket Room - Howlers ft DJ Frank N Bean Sovereign Arms - ANG3L Shape – Inhibit 7th Birthday ft. Killafoe& J.Nitrous Tiger Lil’s - Paul Malone/ Adam Kelly/ Alex Koresis The Vic - Friday Funktion ft. Jix Project Villa - Speakeasy ft Alison Wonderland YaYa’s - ACE ft DJ Pup
SATURDAY 31/08 Ambar - Japan 4 ft. Bezwun/ DNGRFLD/ Philly Blunt/ Marko Paulo Amplifier - Pure Pop ft. Eddie Electric The Avenue - Jon Ee The Aviary – Zel/ Paradise Paul/ Samuel Spencer The Balmoral - Back To The 80’s Beat Nightclub (Upstairs) CANVAS Beat Nightclub (Downstairs) Runaways The Bird - Djilba Flower Explosion Broken Hill - DJ Roger Smart C5 - I Love 80s + 90s ft. Darren Tucker + Dr Wazz Capitol - Death Disco ft. Death Disco DJs Capitol (Upstairs) - Cream of the 80’s ft. The Great RV The Causeway - House party The Court – Trance All Stars ft. Lange/ Max Graham Club Red Sea – Fresh Saturdays East End Bar - Home Flyrite - FΔMILY Flawless – Cube Geisha - 2013 Habitat Dj Competition HEAT 2
Alison Wonderland The Generous Squire – Tastes Like Chicken The Good Shepherd Chocolate Jesus The Grand Central - Jay Mackay Groove Bar (Crown) - DJ Dan Leederville Hotel (downstairs) – Great Gatsby Party The Library - DJ Victor / DJ Riki Lost Society - Chalk (indie/ hip-hop) Metro City – EDM Saturdays Metro Freo – Metropolis Saturdays ft. Darren Tucker/ Dr Wazz/Ben Carter/ Shane Hewson Newport – Karaoke Classic with Steve Parkin Parker - Parker Saturdays Paramount Nightclub – Felix with DJ John Jordan The Queens - Kenny L The Saint – Roger Smart Tiger Lil’s - DJ Bojan/ Benjamin Sebastian/ Alex Koresis The Wembley – Lokie Shaw YaYa’s - Arcadia
SUNDAY 01/09 The Aviary (Rooftop) - Aviary Rooftop Sessions ft. Ben Sebestian/ Troy Division/ NDORSE Broken Hill - Matt Milford Empire Bar - DJ Victor/ DJ Riki Eve Nighclub – DJ Slick Groove Bar (Crown) - DJ Crazy Craig Mustang Bar - DJ Rockin’ Rhys Newport - DJ Tom Drummond The Queens – James Barclay & Sam Spencer Rosemount Hotel - soundz like sundayz The Saint - DJ Jon EE/ Az-T
MONDAY 02/09 Mustang Bar - Triple Shots The Rosemount Hotel - Bada Bingo!
TUESDAY 03/09 Mustang Bar - Danza Loca Salsa Night
X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays
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FRAT HOUSE FRIDAYS
METRO FREO
THE MUSTANG
ONESIES PARTY
BEAT NIGHTCLUB
IN THE THIS WEEK Inhibit 7th Birthday ft. Killafoe& J.Nitrous Friday, August 30 @ Shape Bar
The Beat-Sitters Club Friday, August 30 @ Flyrite
Miss Nine Friday, September 6 @ Parker
The Aviary Rooftop Sessions ft. Ngaiire/ Morgan Bain/ Lucy Peach Sunday, September 29 @ The Aviary
EDM Prime ft. Triple J House Party Vol John 00 Flemming & 2 ft. Nina Las Vegas Marlo Friday, August 30 @ Saturday, September 7 Metro Freo Listen Out YAYO ft. Kit Pop/ @ Metro City Sunday, September 29 @ Clunk/ Leon Osbourn/ Crissy Criss & Mc Felon Ozone Reserve Bazil Zemplys/ COMING UP Saturday, September 7 Manimal/ Everyteen @ Villa Machine Gun Kelly Sander Van Doorn Friday, August 30 @ Wednesday, September Thursday, October 3 @ Midnight Juggernauts Parker 4 @ Capitol Saturday, September 7 Metro City @ Capitol Speakeasy ft Alison Fierce Rap City 2013 ft. Talib Wonderland Friday, September 6 @ Ghost Poet Kweli/ Homeboy Friday, August 30 @ Villa Geisha Bar Thursday, September 12 Sandman @ The Bakery Saturday, October 4 @ Villa The Aston Shuffle (DJs) Friday, September 13 @ Horrorshow Thursday, October 3 Parker Prince Of Wales Bunbury Hiline ft. Valentino Friday, October 4 Amplifier Khan Friday, September 13 @ Saturday, October 5 Ambar Mojos Bar
Chet Killafoe Faker
INHIBIT 7TH BIRTHDAY FT. KILLAFOE& J.NITROUS FRIDAY, AUGUST 30 @ SHAPE BAR
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Claptone Rufus Friday,September 13 @ Thursday, October 10 @ Geisha Mojos Bar RA The Rugged Man Friday, October 11 @ Friday, September 21 @ Villa Rosemount Hotel Booka Shade + Ministry Of Sound: Digitlism Clubber Guide To Friday, October 25 @ Spring Villa Friday, September @ Villa Porter Robinson Laurel Halo & Objekt Saturday, October 26 Saturday, September 27 @ Villa @ Bakery Chet Faker Illy: On & On Tour Thursday, October 31 @ Saturday, September 28 ARTBAR @ Villa King and Queen of the Decks ft. DJs Ruby Rose/ Nino Brown Saturday, September 29 @ The Court Hotel
THE SUBSTANCE
beef up their already analogue-heavy digital blend and a videographer in place to film the launch of their most recent single, Vandals. Masters at fusing hip hop and dubstep/ drum ‘n’ bass beats, these guys have the X factor with emcee/vocalist 2Ray leading up front and brothers Brock and Steele Carter cranking seamless tempo changes via the Friday, August 23, 2013 use of a series of synths and drum machines. Their sound defies easy classification, so let’s Perth’s burgeoning live dance music scene is signature ramping up with the addition of punk/rave/hip just call it raaaaaw digital mayhem. hop/bass crossover outfit, The Substance. Signed Photos By Ari Yeung to Central Stations Records, last Friday’s gig was the trio’s third appearance at Villa since forming in » JO CAMPBELL 2011, this time with the addition of a drummer to
VANDALISM SHOWCASE @ VILLA
The Substance
Stereosonic Saturday, November 30 and Sunday, December 1 @ Claremont Showgrounds
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CLAIM THE THRONE
Voltaire Twins - Photo by Rachael Barrett
VOLTAIRE TWINS
Jack Stirling/Leure/SEAMS/Willy Suede Mojo’s Bar Saturday, August 24, 2013 Voltaire Twins played their final gig in Perth for a while at Mojo’s Bar in Fremantle on Saturday night. In an evening of space-psychedelia and synth/sample heavy pop, Voltaire Twins shone in what was clearly an emotional gig for them. Throughout the evening they danced and weaved, creating a weird and wonderful paradise through tribal percussion and intense vocals. The band opened their set with Solaris, an upbeat pop number from their recent EP, Apollo. Solaris is a track that encapsulates the sound of this band: their penchant for ooo sounds, their love of all things space orientated, and their heavy synth backing. The set continued in this vein for most of the evening, never really slowing down or taking a detour. Highlights included Young Adult, which sparked interest with its quirky syncopated melodies and slightly slower tempo, and the highly creepy Anamalia, which delved into bizarre world of taxidermy. Voltaire Twins are a band who clearly know their set and have performed each song numerous times. They are a band that has found its sound and knows how work that sound with few major
issues. What would be good to hear, however, would be a little more variation on this signature style – throughout their set on Saturday one song drifted into another without a great deal of rise and fall in energy. By changing it up a little more and including a few songs at different tempos or with different moods, Voltaire Twins would reach that next level of performance, moving away from their current level of solid pop outfit to something very special. Supporting were an eclectic assortment of the weird and wonderful. Former Joe Kings Jack Stirling kicked off, with a strange combination powerful vocals, clever guitar, and pre-recorded drum tracks. SEAMS seemed to be having an unusually off-night; the local quartet is known for its solid indie dream pop, however their early material lacked a bit of their usual spark. This improved towards the end of the set, with guitarist Lyndon Blue leading the band through a couple of up-beat tracks to finish up, in a blaze of retro-inspired space psychedelia. Electronic darling Leure had a rough night with some sound issues however pulled together a brooding set of heavy bass and ethereal vocals, managing quite successfully not to sound like Enya (which is always a triumph in this style of music). Voltaire Twins now make their way across to the Eastern States, to spend some time making it big in Melbourne. They also sadly lose their regular drummer Matt Gio, whose solid, creative work with the skins gave the band a really innovative sound. We wish them every success and hope that they’ll grace our shores sometime soon for a welcome home tour steeped in their signature space-pop haze. _ LEAH BLANKENDAAL
Claim The Throne - Photo by Matt Jelonek
Tempest Rising/Psychonaut/Beyond Never The Civic Hotel Saturday, August 24, 2013 Ahead of their Japanese tour, Tempest Rising gathered together some of Perth’s finest metal bands, of some albeit oddly mixed genres, to help celebrate the launch of their single, Dominion That Falls. The crowd certainly did seem DTF - Down To Flail - as the metal spewed forth, the hairmills whipped wildly, marking this occasion as anything but dull. Melodic metal band Beyond Never kicked off this oddball night with some monk-like chanting with hands in prayer position, setting the mood for a band that dance to the beat of a different drum. Deep vocals interspersed with metal growls, melodic guitars and driving drums emanated from the lively characters throughout this prop-filled set. Long-lived and loved metal heavyweights Psychonaut picked up the pace with their patented brand of ‘power, speed, thrash, death, rock, metal.’ With their hilariously high-pitched screams and fast, ferocious drumming from the animated drummer, these guys smashed out one hell of an entertaining set. The facetious declaration ‘Thanks guys, we are Claim The Throne’ kickstarted inevitable hijinks between the bands. With each song, another button seemed to undo on the vocalist’s shirt; all were thankful the band finished their powerful set before the pants followed suit.
Demonstrating a large range of vocal talent, beginning with pitch perfect clean vocals and shifting into deep growls, Tempest Rising gave the room a taste of the high energy, nu metal and metalcore lovechild-baited morsels they’ll soon be serving up to Japan. The crowd lapped it up, with punters getting rowdy as the band continued to spur on the rambunctious revellers into a feeding frenzy of good-natured yet spirited shoving, moshing, and of course ‘milling’. The ‘groovy as fuck’ Curb Stomp kept the energy up, with the lead singer jumping off stage to scream lyrics into the faces of a select few. Folksy, highland music called out to the inner child, drawing the expectant and booze sozzled audience into the clutches of melodic folk metal band Claim The Throne. High pitched vocals assaulted the ear drums, while a barrage of unrelenting rolls, jig-inducing keyboards, and wailing guitars pillaged the other senses. Although this group of usurping peasants are mostly in jest, they still know how to hold a tune, making the set not just silly entertainment, but also a solid musical performance. Their playful ribbing of support band Psychonaut between songs -‘Maybe if we had more cleavage and songs about zombies we’d be truer (metal)’ - added to the casual fun. Finally the time had come for crowd favourite Set Sail On Ale, and no one had to be told twice with the song evoking swigs of beer between fist pumps and devil horns. What can only be described as rum soaked pirate scatting filled the cavernous haunt, an absurd and apt ending to this whimsical folly of a set, and indeed a remarkable night of perfect musical lunacy. _ LIANA KELLY
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THE BEAT NIGHTCLUB
This Friday, September 2, the lads from First And Final will get the night going with sweaty rock. Perth’s favourite tribute band, Pink18Stink, will tickle your undercarriage with their pop punk stylings. Black Fridays will then take to stage earlier than usual to make way for Belle’s Fluro Party afterwards! Saturday night, Runaways Mexican Party will go off with Anchored and We Run With Wolves. Doors 10pm. Party Time, Excellent.
YAYA’S
The Scotch Of Saint James are kicking off the weekend hard this Friday, September 2, with the launch of their album. It’s going to be a massive one! On Saturday see the final in a trilogy of performances by the amazing Jacob And The Rudeboys, who have absolutely blown audiences away with their foottappingly catchy mix of reggae-infused covers and originals. Don’t forget to stick around after the gigs for DJs spinning your favourite tracks till late.
ALMOST FAMOUS THE BRASS MONKEY Friday, August 23, 2013 The Grand Final of the Crazy Sexy Cool Almost Famous Model Competition brought a lot of beautiful people out of the woodwork both onstage and off at The Brass Monkey on Friday night, which we thought well worth a few social snaps.
Kimberlee, Catherine, Kaitlyn, Catherine
Photos By Matt Jelonek
SWALLOW BAR
Thursday, August 29, Maylands’s very own DJ T King, the Master of Soul. is kicking off at 7pm. Then, on Sunday, the incredible Shotdown From Sugartown are back in the building once more, playing a heady mix of rockabilly and honkytonk blues from 5pm.
RAILWAY HOTEL
We Run With Wolves
ROSEMOUNT HOTEL
This Wednesday, August 28, catch Bury The Heard, September Sun and more! Then on Thursday it’s Make Believe Me and Still Water Claims with special guests. Friday catch Archer & Light launching their new EP with special guests Anton Franc, These Winter Nights and The Atlas Mountains. Then on Saturday local rockers Creature launch their debut album with help from The Branson Tramps, Welcome To Loco and Insinnerators. Doors open 8pm each night, head to rosemounthotel.com.au for ticket info.
This Friday, September 2, it’s Rock The Vote featuring The Brow Horn Orchestra, Ensemble Formidable and more. Doors open 8pm, $20 entry. Saturday catch the Rock For Cancer fundraiser show featuring The Remakes, ATM and Somethins Come A Gutza. Doors 8pm, $10 entry.
THE INDI BAR
Wednesday night Simon Kelly And The Big Bamboo are playing a special acoustic double set as part of their long awaited album launch. On Sunday, Stonefield are bringing their much talked about live show to The Indi Bar is support of their new single, Put Your Curse On Me. Tickets are available through Oztix.
Ally, Jason
Cecilia, Jamie, Racine
FLY BY NIGHT
This Friday, August 30, Clare Bowditch brings her Winter Secrets Tour to Fly By Night! Winter Secrets is an annual institution where CB takes one super-talented collaborator (last time it was Lanie Lane, this time it’s new wunderkind Spender), and creates an absolutely mind-blowing show all around Australia where you, the audience, get to be her back-up band. Importantly, the night is also a chance for one really talented musician in each state to join Clare on stage for a cover of One Little River and be in the running for $1000 worth of prizes. Info on the audition process is at clairebowditch.com 32
Stonefield
MOJO’S
Thursday, August 29, Melbourne underground sensation Whitehorse play Mojos Bar with support from Drowning Horse, GOAT and Grandmothers. Entry is $15 from 8pm.
Kane, Eske
Michelle, Tara, Jamie X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays
Edited by T RAV I S JO H N S O N
THE SCOTCH OF SAINT JAMES The Scotch Of Saint James
Three years on from their fist full length release, Vigilante Neck Tie Party, The Scotch Of Saint James launch their eagerly anticipated follow up, Real People Fucking, this Friday, August 30, at YaYa’s, sharing the stage with Catbrush and Pat Chow. That was a good enough excuse for us to sit down with singer/Guitarist Michael ‘Paver Pickins’ Paver.
ARSON ABOUT
Electro-pop delights abound at Amplifier this Friday, August 30. The Arsonist head a stellar lineup that also includes UPNUP, Oak Tree Suite and Sparks Vertigo. Doors open at 8pm.
Well, that’s a provocative title... We were throwing around ideas and that one just stuck. We think it sounds real, not perfect but real, which is most important. Real people with blemishes make sweet love also. What’s changed since Vigilante Neck Tie Party? We have had a lineup change and are self-managed, both of which have allowed for a fair bit of growth within our sound and songwriting. This album is us feeling out what we can do with this new lineup and the following releases will be an extension of some of the ideas and vibes captured on this album. Who’d you record with this time out and how did it go? We recorded with Andy Lawson at Debaser. the magnificent gent he is. It all went really smooth. We were trying to capture more of a live feel or a more real representation of what we were doing at that exact moment, which I think we have done. What are old fans gonna like about this one? What are new fans gonna discover? Old fans will like it as it has the fun aspects of our earlier works and new fans will discover a fun rock ‘n’ roll band who are pretty honest about everything and aren’t afraid to say or be it. If you had to boil it down to an EP, what would make the cut? Can’t choose. It would have to be a long EP. One song from each of the three singers then its anyone’s guess. What’s up next? East coast tour in the new year, as well as releasing a new EP early in the new year and another album towards the end of the year.
HARDCORE ACADEMIA
Tonight, Wednesday August 28, it’s The Academy at Amplifier, and this time around it’s a special two stage event: Metal Vs Hardcore! The gauntlet has been thrown, and Sensory Amusia, Blkout, Iconoclast, Idle Eyes, Hollow Ground and Protest have answered the challenge. Which genre will come out on top? Doors open at 8pm, entry is $20.
The Arsonist
OPEN SECRET
Secret, the new single from the effervescent Simone & Girlfunkle, makes it’s debut at PICA Bar this Friday, August 30 with support from The High Learys, Dianas and DJ Koko of Boys Boys Boys! Doors open at 8pm, entry is $10.
Sensory Amusia
THE LIGHT BRING THE HEAT
Incandescent indie-poppers Archer & Light give their debut EP to the world this Friday, August 30, at The Rosemount Hotel. Our Love Is Confetti will be heralded by sterling sets from Anton Franc, These Winter Nights and The Atlas Mountains. Doors open at 8pm, entry is $10.
Simone & Girlfunkle
DO IT FOR DOOG
The inaugural - and at this stage still largely mysterious - Camp Doogs draws ever closer, and so this Saturday, August 31, sees a fundraiser taking place at The Bird. Catch Sacred Flower Union, Henry Neil Mcmagic, Basic Mind and DJs Brett Murray, Naynay and Jefferson Burrows from 8pm. Entry is $5.
BAMBOOZLED
Not content with the launch of their album, Ride On, last week down Freo way, Simon Kelly And The Big Bamboo have decided to do an encore of sorts tonight, Wednesday August 28, at the Indi Bar, with a special acoustic launch. Entry is $5, $10 with CD.
MICHE ON A MISSION
In the lead-up to the release of their single in November, Leah Miche And The Regular Hunters are ramping up their live schedule, beginning with a turn at Freo’s Xwray Cafe this Friday, August 30. Support comes from Golden String and David Craft, doors are at 8pm, and entry is $5.
Leah Miche And The Regular Hunters
IS THERE A DOCTOPUS IN THE HOUSE?
Archer & Light
30/08/2013 Archer & Light Our Love Is Confetti EP Launch @ The Rosemount 30/08/2013 The Scotch Of Saint James Real People Fucking LP Launch @ YaYa’s 30/08/2013 Simone And Girlfunkle Secret Single Launch @ PICA Bar 31/08/2013 Creature Self Titled LP Launch @ The Rosemount 31/08/2013 Louis And The Honkytonk Self Titled Album Launch @ PICA Bar 06/09/2013 The Midnight Mules First World Problems EP Launch @ The Rosemount 06/09/2013 Timothy Nelson & The Infidels Born In The ‘90s Single Launch @ The Amplifier 07/09/2013 Patient Little Sister Self Titled EP Launch @ PICA Bar 13/09/2013 Chainsaw Hookers Party Man Video Launch @ Amplifier 13/09/2013 Vida Cain The Rule Of Gravity Album Launch @ The Bakery 14/09/2013 TV Snow Neon Nights Single Launch @ Amplifier 19/09/2013 Julius Lutero Hazy Day Video Launch @ The Rosemount 19/10/2013 Sirgin One Love EP Launch @ The Civic
It’s a hell of a lineup - gutter-rough garage rockers Doctopus along with Thee Gold Blooms and Aborted Tortoise. It’s all happening at YaYa’s tonight, Wednesday August 28. Doors open at 8pm, entry is $5. www.xpressmag.com.au
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X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays
Cloud Control, August 31
Parkway Drive, September 14 - 16
RUDIMENTAL 13 Metro City (sold out) RODNEY RUDE 14 Metro City 28 Civic Hotel PARKWAY DRIVE STONEFIELD 14 Metro Freo 29 Prince Of Wales, 15 & 16 Capitol Bunbury MAIDS 30 Players Bar, 14 PICA Bar Mandurah 14 Newport 31 Amplifier CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: 1 Indi Bar MICHAEL JACKSON THE WHITLAMS/ IMMORTAL WASO 18 – 22 Perth Arena 30 Perth Concert Hall RED DIRT ft JIMMY CLAIRE BOWDITCH / BARNES SPENDER 19 Kalgoorlie Boulder 30 Fly By Night Race Club PERFECT TRIPOD DAN CRIBB 30 & 31 Regal Theatre 19 Newport Hotel CLOUD CONTROL 20 PICA Bar 31 Capitol KVELERTAK WHITEHORSE 19 Amplifier 29 Mojos Bar DEAD LETTER 31 Civic Hotel CIRCUS MANHATTAN 19 Prince Of Wales, TRANSFER Bunbury 1 Regal Theatre 20 Metro Freo WOLF MAIL MANTRA & GREY 3 Perth Blues Club GHOST 19 Flyrite (Charles Hotel) 20 Mojo’s Bar THE PREATURES SEPTEMBER 20 Flyrite MACHINE GUN KELLY 21 Mojos Bar 4 Capitol THE PAPER KITES HIT THE LIGHTS/ 21 Fly By Night HEROES FOR HIRE/ THE DRONES STATE CHAMPS 21 The Bakery 5 Amplifier FOALS FAT FREDDY’S DROP 22 Metro City 5 Astor Theatre RIHANNA 24 Perth Arena JOSH PYKE ROLO TOMASSI 5 Prince Of Wales, 25 Amplifier Bunbury LAMB OF GOD & 6 Fly By Night MESHUGGAH 7 Astor Theatre 26 Metro City SNAKADAKTAL CALEXICO 5 Newport Hotel 27 Astor Theatre 6 Capitol TWELVE FOOT NINJA 7 Settler’s Tavern, 26 Prince Of Wales, Margaret River Bunbury THE CAT EMPIRE 7 Red Hill Auditorium 27 Rosemount Hotel MELBOURNE SKA MIDNIGHT ORCHESTRA JUGGERNAUTS 27 Fly By Night, 6 Prince Of Wales, 28 Astor Theatre Bunbury 29 Wave Rock 7 Capitol Weekender REZUME WAVE ROCK 7 Civic Hotel AMANDA PALMER & WEEKENDER 28 - 30 Wave Rock THE GRAND THEFT Caravan Park ORCHESTRA THE CULT 8 Astor Theatre 28 Metro City CONVERSATIONS ILLY WITH GHOSTS 28 Villa 8 Perth Concert Hall 29 Prince Of Wales, JAMES REYNE Bunbury 8 Newport Hotel KIM SALMON ANBERLIN 29 Mojos 11 Metro Freo ONE DIRECTION FOR THE FALLEN 28 & 29 Perth Arena DREAMS XAVIER RUDD/ 11 YMCA HQ DONAVON 12 Amplifier FRANKENREITER/ WENDY MATTHEWS NAHKO & MEDICINE 13 The Ravenswood FOR THE PEOPLE 14 Charles Hotel 28 3 Oceans Winery, THE BIG SCARY Margaret River 13 Fly By Night 29 Fremantle Arts THE GETAWAY PLAN Centre 12 Prince of Wales, LISTEN OUT Bunbury FESTIVAL 13 Players Bar, 29 Ozone Reserve TINY RUINS Mandurah 30 Mojos Bar 14 Rosemount Hotel 15 YMCA HQ
THIS WEEK
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OCTOBER SWERVEDRIVER 3 Rosemount Hotel HORRORSHOW 3 Prince Of Wales, Bunbury 4 Amplifier CHOCOLATE STARFISH 4 Charles Hotel EMMA LOUISE 4 Astor Theatre JINJA SAFARI 4 Prince Of Wales, Bunbury 5 Astor Theatre THE BLACK SORROWS 5 Charles Hotel KATE CEBERANO 5 Regal Theatre SOILWORK 6 Rosemount Hotel KATCHAFIRE 10 Prince Of Wales, Bunbury 11 Metro Freo 12 Rosemount Hotel HARRISON CRAIG 11 Regal Theatre ME FIRST & THE GIMME GIMMES 11 Amplifier 12 Prince Of Wales, Bunbury BRING ME THE HORIZON 12 Challenge Stadium WELCOME TO THE VALLEY 12 Belvoir Amphitheatre RICKY MARTIN 12 Perth Arena THE DAVID LIEBE HART BAND 13 Amplifier DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT 15 Metro Freo LLOYD SPIEGEL 15 Perth Blues Club 16 Mojos Bar 17 Indi Bar AMORPHIS 16 Capitol REGURGITATOR 16 Indi Bar 17 The Prince Of Wales, Bunbury 18 Metro Freo 19 Rosemount Hotel MARINA PRIOR 18 Astor Theatre JUNGLE GIANTS 17 Newport Hotel 18 Capitol LOONLAKE 17 Flyrite SPIT SYNDICATE 17 Newport Hotel 18 Amplifier DIESEL 18 Fly By Night 19 Charles Hotel 20 Ravenswood Hotel ELECTRIC VINES 19 Oakover Winery MICKY AVALON 19 Amplifier KIM WILDE 20 Astor Theatre PAUL DEMPSEY 20 Fly By Night EVERY TIME I DIE 24 Amplifier
Twelve Foot Ninja, September 26 -27
BEHEMOTH 24 Capitol THE AMITY AFFLICTION 26 Metro City 27 Metro Freo MATT CORBY 27 Fremantle Arts Centre TELEVISION 28 Fly By Night SLEEP 28 Rosemount Hotel THE CRIBS 29 Rosemount Hotel ANDRE RIEU 29 Perth Arena TONY HADLEY 30 The Astor Theatre 5IVE 30 Metro Freo CHET FAKER 31 ARTBAR THE BREEDERS 31 The Astor Theatre ENSLAVED 31 Rosemount Hotel YELLOWCARD 31 Capitol VIOLENT SOHO 31 Mojos Bar
NOVEMBER VIOLENT SOHO 01 Amplifier BABY ANIMALS 2 Astor Theatre JESSICA MAUBOY 2 Perth Arena PITBULL & KEI$HA 5 Perth Arena BEYONCE 8 & 9 Perth Arena LISA MITCHELL/ JOSH PYKE 9 Wanneroo Showgrounds DREAM ON DREAMER 10 Amplifier 11 YMCA HQ SCOTT KELLY AND THE ROAD HOME 10 Rosemount Hotel LEONARD COHEN 13 Perth Arena DANCE GAVIN DANCE 13 Amplifier BEAUFORT STREET FESTIVAL 16 Beaufort Street DAN SULTAN 16 Fly By Night 17 Ellington Jazz Club JILL SCOTT 17 Riverside Theatre AN EVENING ON THE GREEN 17 Kings Park NILE 17 Amplifier BELINDA CARLISE 20 Astor Theatre THE BELLRAYS 21 Fly By Night BOY & BEAR 22 Metro Freo 23 Astor Theatre FLEETWOOD MAC 22 & 23 Perth Arena HITS & PITS 2.0 Black Flag, Boysetsfire, Bad Astronaut, Snuff, No Fun At All, Good For You, Off With Their
Heads, Jugheads Revenge 24 Amplifier & Capitol MOONSORROW 24 Rosemount Hotel EROS RAMAZZOTTI 23 Challenge Stadium THE ATARIS 29 Amplifier STEREOSONIC 30 Claremont Showgrounds MUSE 30 Perth Arena SCREAMING JETS 30 Astor Theatre
DECEMBER MARTHA DAVIS & THE MOTELS 4 Astor Theatre CITY AND COLOUR 7 Belvoir Amphitheatre AIR SUPPLY 8 Perth Concert Hall JUSTIN BIEBER 8 Perth Arena CHIC & NILE RODGERS 8 Astor Theatre KATAKLYSM 8 Rosemount Hotel THE BRIAN JONESTOWN MASSACRE 10 Astor Theatre TAYLOR SWIFT 11 Perth NIB Stadium BON JOVI 12 Perth Arena HUMAN NATURE 20 Perth Zoo
JANUARY PARAMORE 16 Perth Arena CELTIC WOMAN 24 Riverside Theatre
FEBRUARY BIG DAY OUT Pearl Jam, Arcade Fire, Blur, Snoop Lion, Major Lazor, Tame Impala, Flume & more! 2 Claremont Showgrounds BRUCE STRINGSTEEN & THE E STREET BAND 7-8 Perth Arena THE NATIONAL 14 Belvoir Amphitheatre BRUNO MARS 28 Perth Arena
MARCH SOUNDWAVE Green Day, Stone Temple Pilots, Alice In Chains, Rob Zombie, Megadeth, Placebo and more! 3 TBA 30 SECONDS TO MARS 25 Challenge Stadium
APRIL MICHAEL BUBLÉ 26 & 27 Perth Arena
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Bury The Heard, Wednesday at The Rosemount
WEDNESDAY 28.08 AMPLIFIER The Academy Metal vs Hardcore Sensory Amusia BLKOUT Iconoclast Idle Eyes Hollow Ground Protest BAR 120 Felix THE BIRD Doctopus Thee Gold Blooms Aborted Tortoise BRASS MONKEY Sugar Blue Burlesque CARINE Open Mic Night Chris O’Brien CIVIC HOTEL Rodney Rude CLAREMONT HOTEL Acoustica GREENWOOD Bernadine ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Ali Bodycoat Trio Night Cap Session GROOVE BAR (CROWN) 5 Shots INDI BAR Simon Kelly & The Big Bamboo LUCKY SHAG Howie Morgan MOJOS BAR General Eclectic Ensemble Formidable King Of The Travellers Justin Walshe & The Bogans of Boogie MOON CAFÉ Going Solo Shontay Snow Little Sky Lucas Jones MUSTANG BAR Blue Gene DJ James MacArthur
NEWPORT HOTEL A Seriously Sweet Student Party Stevie Mink PADDO Bashamm Graphic Fiction Heroes Craig Skelton ROSEMOUNT Bury The Heard September Sun Lying Dying Mitch Jones UNIVERSAL Retrofit VILLAGE BAR Village People - Open Mic YAYA’S Rich Widow Yeti Resort The Eerie Serpent
THURSDAY 29.08 AMPLIFIER/ CAPITOL Triple Js House Party Vol 2 Nina Las Vegas Flight Facilities Cassian Tyler Touche Wave Racer ART GALLERY OF WA Gallery Sessions David Craft Hayley Beth BEAT NIGHTCLUB (DOWNSTAIRS) Fantasy Thursdays THE BIRD DJs Capelas Pete Raaghe BRASS MONKEY Rhythm Bound Karaoke BRIGHTON Open Mic Night Rob Walker BROOKLANDS TAVERN Celebrations Karaoke
Creature
CREATURE THE BRANSON TRAMPS WELCOME TO LOCO INSINNERATORS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 THE ROSEMOUNT HOTEL
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Ensemble Formidable, Wednesday at Mojos THE CAUSEWAY BAR Xport Thursdays ft:Matt Waring LOBBY LOUNGE (CROWN ) Monarchy DEVILLES PAD Rock & Roll Karaoke DUNSBOROUGH TAVERN Pat Nicholson ELEPHANT AND WHEELBARROW Distant Sun ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB WAYJO presents Quincy Night Cap Session THE GATE Greg Carter GROOVE BAR (CROWN) Dr Bogus INDI BAR Bex’s Open Mic Night LUCKY SHAG James Wilson MARKET CITY TAVERN Bsyde Kai Kimberley Heberley Head Flood Mitchell Jones Lost @ Sea Angela Scaturro MOJOS BAR Whitehorse Drowning Horse GOAT Grandmothers MUSTANG BAR Custom Royal DJ James MacArthur NORTH FREMANTLE BOWLS CLUB The String Beans PENINSULA TAVERN Rodney Rude PRINCE OF WALES BUNBURY Stonefield ROSEMOUNT HOTEL Make Believe Me Still Water Claims Vice Versa Afraid Of Heights SETTLERS TAVERN Acoustic Open Mic Night SWALLOW BAR DJ T King UNIVERSAL Off The Record YA YA’S Bury The Heard In The Dead Hours Shouting at Camels Tashi
Make Believe Me, Thursday at The Rosemount
FRIDAY 30.08 78 RECORDS Heymus T.J. O’Donovan AMPLIFIER The Arsonist UPNUP Oak Tree Suite Sparks Vertigo THE BAKERY Ryan Hemsworth Kaytranada BALMORAL Mike Nayar BAR ORIENT The Reggae Club BEAT NIGHTCLUB (UPSTAIRS) Under The Covers PJ Party Pink18Stink The Black Fridays First and Final BEAT NIGHTCLUB (DOWNSTAIRS) PLAY BELGIAN BEER CAFÉ Jeane Proude BELMONT TAVERN Chris Gibbs THE BIRD RIDDIMATIZZIM #32 Fahmi & Marcus Andrew Sinclair Cale Herbet Dave “Supa Soca” Clark THE BOAT Ben Merito THE BOAB TAVERN Almost Famous BRASS MONKEY Acoustic Aly C5 METRO FREO Residence CHASE BAR & BISTRO James Wilson CITRO BAR Adrian Wilson CIVIC HOTEL BACKROOM Death Dependant Enforce Imminent Psychosis Blunt Force Trauma DEVILLES PAD Why Be Normal? Razor-Jack Holly Doll DUNSBOROUGH TAVERN Qynn ELEPHANT AND WHEELBARROW Darren Reid & The Soul City Groove ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB The Seals The SPREAD ftg Jade Webb EMPIRE BAR Shawne & Luc FLY BY NIGHT
Claire Bowditch FREMANTLE ARTS CENTRE Gallery Sessions Odette Mercy & Her Soul Atomics GROOVE BAR (CROWN) Tod Johnston & Peace Love HYDE PARK HOTEL Travis Caudle INDI BAR Vdelli KALAMUNDA HOTEL Astrobat KULCHA Nadis LEOPOLD HOTEL Karma M ON THE POINT Retriofit MAHOGANY INN Dean Anderson MOJOS BAR The Backsliders Morgan Bain & secret special guests MUSTANG Adam Hall & the Velvet Playboys Swing DJ Cheeky Monkeys DJ James MacArthur NEWPORT HOTEL Karaoke Classic Steve Parkin PADDO Easy Tigers PADDY MCGUIRES Mada Montage PARAMOUNT NIGHTCLUB Flyte PEEL ALE HOUSE Better Days PERTH CONCERT HALL The Whitlams @ WASO PICA BAR Simone and Girlfunkle The High Learys Dianas DJ Koko PLAIN ST BAR Kizzy PLAYERS BAR MANDURAH Stonefield PORT KENNEDY TAVERN Dirty Scoundrels THE PRINCIPAL B.O.B. REGAL THEATRE Prefect Tripod ROSEMOUNT Archer and Light Anton Franc These Winter Nights The Atlas Mountains ROSIE O’GRADYS FREMANTLE GrooVe SAIL AND ANCHOR Howie Morgan SAIL AND ANCHOR (UPSTAIRS) NightShift
X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays
Deadline Monday 5pm. The Gig-Guide is a service to advertisers listing all LIVE MUSIC. All inclusions are at the discretion of X-Press. Email guide@xpressmag.com.au
The Seals, Friday at The Ellington Jazz CLub SOUTH ST ALEHOUSE Robbie King Karaoke SPRINGS TAVERN Die Hard Karaoke SWAN BASEMENT Who’s Your Daddy Flyball Gov’nor The Killer Hipsters The Coloured Chai SWINGING PIG Frenzy Greg Carter THORNLIE BOWLING CLUB Mustangs UNIVERSAL Nightmoves X-WRAY CAFE The Regular Hunters David Craft Golden String YA YA’S The Scotch Of St. James Catbrush Pat Chow YMCA HQ Fallback To Catch A Fox Let The Evil Go East Defy The Leader Vultures
SATURDAY 31.08 AMPLIFIER Stonefield BALMORAL Retriofit THE BAKERY Seekae BAR 120 Flyte BEAT NIGHTCLUB (UPSTAIRS) CANVAS BEAT NIGHTCLUB (DOWNSTAIRS) Runaways Anchored We Run With Wolves BELGIAN BEER CAFÉ Mike Nayar THE BIRD Sacred Flower Union Basic Mind Henry Neil Mcmagic Camp Doogs DJS BOAB TAVERN James Wilson CAPITOL Cloud Control THE CIVIC HOTEL BACKROOM Whitehorse Grief Contest Drowning Horse Ourobonic Plague CLANCYS DUNSBOROUGH The Backsliders THE CLAREMONT HOTEL ANTICS From The Dunes Willy Suede CRAFTSMAN GrooVe DEVILLES PAD The Domnicks Les Sataniques
Friday Friday Travis Caudle From The Dunes, Saturday at Travis Caudle FlyBy ByHotel Night the Claremont Fly Night
ELEPHANT AND WHEELBARROW Blue Hornet ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Why Georgia Jade Crompton FLY BY NIGHT Tell Mama Shotdown From Sugartown DJ Safari THE GATE Jamie Powers GOSNELLS HOTEL Nitro Zepplin GREENWOOD Cargo Beat GROOVE BAR (CROWN) Slim Jim & The Phatts HYDE PARK HOTEL Howie Morgan Project INDI BAR Blue Shaddy Queens Boulevarde INDIAN OCEAN BREWING CO Shawne & Luc KULCHA The Miracle Band LAKERS TAVERN Celebrations Karaoke M ON THE POINT Rhythm 22 MOJOS BAR Abbe May Dianas Todd Pickett MUSTANG The Continentals Rockabilly DJ Milhouse DJ James MacArthur NEWPORT HOTEL Karaoke with Steve Parkin PADDO Cheeky Monkeys PADDY MCGUIRES Frenzy PARAMOUNT NIGHTCLUB Felix PEEL ALE HOUSE Tequila Mockingbirds PICA BAR Louis and the Honkytonk Runner The Atlas Mountains David Craft PORT KENNEDY TAVERN Jonny Dempsey QUARIE BAR & BISTRO Blackbirds RAILWAY HOTEL Rock The Vote The Brow Horn Orchestra Ensemble Formidable Guests REGAL THEATRE Prefect Tripod ROCKET ROOM Kickstart
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ROCKINGHAM HOTEL Last Resignation ROSEMOUNT Creature The Branson Tramps Welcome To Loco Insinnerators ROSIE O’GRADYS FREMANTLE Flava SAIL & ANCHOR Better Days SAIL & ANCHOR (UPSTAIRS) Childs Play SETTLERS TAVERN The Arsonist THE SHED Huge SOUTH ST ALE HOUSE Robbie King Karaoke SPRINGS TAVERN Die Hard Karaoke SWAN LOUNGE The Fireplace Sessions Kyle Bonser Josie Crosby Duo Aaron Gwynaire SWAN BASEMENT Blue Lucy Ducks On A String The Qualified Service Personnel Amy Church Family Band SWINGING PIG Greg Crater Tandem UNIVERSAL Soul Corporation YA YA’S Jacob and the Rudeboys Turin Robinson Sam Gibson Mason Vellios
SUNDAY 01.09 BAILEY BAR & BISTRO Gary Fowlie BALMORAL Andrew Wintont BELMONT TAVERN Dove BOAB TAVERN Chris Gibbs Duo BRIGHTON Nate Lansdell BROOKLANDS TAVERN Gerry Azor THE CAUSEWAY Accoustic Sunday CHASE BAR Chasing Calee CIVIC HOTEL Mike Nayar ELEPHANT AND WHEELBARROW Darren Reid & The Soul City Groove ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Ameila Ong FLY BY NIGHT Heroes For Hire Alex The Kid
The Brow Horn Orchestra, Saturday at The Railway Hotel
THE FLY TRAP (FLY BY NIGHT) Stage Fright Open Mic THE GATE Greg Carter GOSNELLS HOTEL Conny The Clown GROOVE BAR (CROWN) Peace Love INDI BAR Stonefield INDIAN OCEAN BREW CO Retriofit KALAMUNDA HOTEL Kizzy LAKERS TAVERN Wesley Goodlet Jamboree Scouts LITTLE WING CORNER GALLERY Laura Keirnan Curtis McEntee Ruby May Cameron Scarrot Father Johnson Sam Stopforth Sam With The Funky UFO Balor MOJOS BAR Seekae Water Graves Leon Osborn MUSTANG Tailgate Sundays Day Of The Dead Shot Down From Sugartown DJ Holly Doll RAILWAY HOTEL Rock For Cancer The Remakes ATM Somethins Come A Gutza REGAL THEATRE Manhattan Transfer ROSEMOUNT Soundz like Sundayz SPRINGS TAVERN Jonny Dempsey SWALLOW BAR Shot Down From Sugartown
SWINGING PIG Pat Nicholson Travis Caudle UNIVERSAL Retrofit
MONDAY 02.09 BRASS MONKEY Wire Birds ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Holly Norman EP Launch GROOVE BAR (CROWN) Louise Anton Trio MOJO’S BAR Wide Open Mic MUSTANG BAR Triple Shots YA YA’S Big Tommo’s Open Mic Night
TUESDAY 03.09 BRASS MONKEY Open Mic Night Josh Terlick THE COURT Open Mic Night THE CRAGIE TAVERN Open Mic Night GROOVE BAR (CROWN) Ruby’s Groove ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Helen Shanahan KALAMUNDA HOTEL Open Mic Anthony Kay LOBBY LOUNGE (CROWN) Hans Fiance MERRIWA TAVERN Celebrations Karaoke MUSTANG BAR Danza Loca Salsa Night YA YA’S National Campus Bands Competition Heat 1
Abbe May
ABBE MAY DIANAS TODD PICKETT SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 MOJOS
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MUSIC GEAR & TECHNOLOGY
DANCE CLASSES BELLYDANCECENTRAL.COM.AU DANCE CLASS Join us at our harem style dance studio for lots of hip shaking fun. Free classes on Fri 11/10. Term starts on Mon 14/10. For more info & free class invite contact dance@ bellydancecentral.com.au FOR SALE HEADPHONES all brands & styles. 23 Harrogate Street, West Leeder ville. Co n t a c t H e a d p h o n i c 0 8 9 3 8 8 6 3 3 3 headphones.com.au INTERNET SERVICES OZURBAN RADIO Soul, RnB, Hip Hop, Urban Tunes, Real music, Real presenters. Internet Radio 24/7 www.OzUrbanRadio.com MUSOS WANTED DRUMMER WANTED for original skater punk/ power pop 3 pce. Serious muso’s only. Matt 043 995 1979 GUITARIST WANTED FOR COVER BAND Female pref with vocals. Inf: Alanis, Pink, Adele and similar. Good equip reqd. guitaristauditions@outlook.com OPEN MIC NIGHT every Thursday night at Indi Bar. Just call Bex on 0404 917 632. OPEN MIC NIGHT @ THE CRAIGIE TAVERN Tuesdays from 8pm. Solos, Duos, Trios, Originals and Covers. Contact Paula or Ceelay 0420375670 or openmiccraigie@hotmail.com POP-ROCK DRUMMER WANTED Must enjoy Foo Fighters. Own transport req’d. Must be innovative & serious w/interest for touring. Call/text 0433 056 548 WANTED: GIRLS FOR A SPICE GIRLS TRIBUTE ACT. Focus Promotions. 9272 4144 Mon to Fri 9-5. PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT PHOTOGR APHY Pr o m o photography, studio, live, location. Mike Wylie 0417 975 964 www.projec tphotography.com When its time to ice the cake... PRODUCTION SERVICES * L I G H T I N G * AU D I O * S TAG I N G * www.nightstarlightingaudio.com.au www.nightstarlightingaudio.com.au www.instandt.com.au www.instandt.com.au 9381 2363/ 9444 6651 CD & DVD MANUFACTURE Check out our latest CD & DVD specials online at www. procopy.com.au 9375 3902 DISK BANK Perth’s premier CD & DVD manufacturer, with options for all budgets. (08) 9388 0800. www.diskbank.com.au/specials. MATRIX PRODUCTIONS AUSTRALIA Lighting, staging, sound systems, smoke machines, night club FX, intelligent lighting, strobes & mirror balls, crowd barriers, video projectors. 9371 1551 RECORDING STUDIOS ALAN DAWSON’s WITZEND RECORDING STUDIO Prof quality albums or demos, large live room, experienced engineer, analog to digital transfers, mastering.. Alan 0407 989 128 or Jeremy 0430638178 www.witzendstudios.com
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ANDY’S STUDIO International multi award winning songwriter / producer. No band required. Broadcast quality. A songwriter’s paradise. Ph 9364 3178 B A N D S ! - U N LO C K YO U R S O N G S ’ POTENTIAL + F R E E A P P R A I S A L S . U K Producer, 40,000+ hours studio experience. 20 yrs in London with bands and songwriters. Kicking arrangements, great studio and the ability to really listen will give your material the edge you need. Call Jerry on 0405 653 338 or visit www.jerichomusic.com.au GOLDDUST Production Mixing, recording and composition. Leederville $70 p/h. 0408 097 407 POONS HEAD MASTERING Master with tape, tubes & transformers. Clients include: The Melody’s Echo Chamber, Pond, Gossling, Knife Party, Felicity Groom, The Floors, Jeff Martin & The Panics. World class facility. World class results. www.poonshead.com 9339 4791 R E CO R D I N G M I X I N G M A S T E R I N G PRODUCING Fremantle location. Call Pete Kitchen Cooked Records. Ph 0407 363 764 / 9336 3764 REVOLVER SOUND STUDIO Ph 9272 7505. www.revolverstudio.com.au S AT E L L I T E R E C O R D I N G S T U D I O www.satelliterecording.com 0419 908 766 ProTools..17 Years exp REHEARSAL STUDIOS AAA VHS REHEARSAL ROOMS Great facilities, great vibe & great price!!! Unit 5 /16 Peel Road, O’Connor. Phone 9418 5815 or 0413 732 885 BIGBEAT SOUND STUDIO Clean rooms, all new PA systems, air-con and good parking . Willetton Ph: 0425 698 117. PLATINUM SOUND ROOMS Professional rehearsal rooms, airconditioned, quality PAs mob 0418 944 722 STREAM STUDIO’S 89 Stirling St, Perth. Mobile: 0403 152 009 info@streamrehearsal. com.au VISION REHEARSAL Per th’s premier rehearsal facilities. Visit www.visionstudios. com.au for all info. East Vic Park. Email rehearsal@visionstudios.com.au or call 0432 034 122 TUITION ***GUITAR LESSONS*** Perth’s ultimate guitar studio. Beg-adv, all styles and levels including bass. Cliff Lynton Guitar Institute. Mt Lawley 9342 3484 / www.clifflynton.com BASS LESSONS Rock, funk & jazz. Tony Gibbs 9470 6131 G U I TA R & K E Y B O A R D T U I T I O N (Beginners- Professional) One on One lessons. Free guitar trial lesson. Burswood Ph 6460 6921/ 0415 238 729 www.gvkschoolofmusic.com.au To advertise in Classified call 9213 2888 or email musicservices@xpressmag.com.au
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Santana & McLaughlin Live At Montreaux 2011
SANTANA & MCLAUGHLIN LIVE AT MONTREUX 2011 Eagle Vision/Shock
In 1973, latin rocker Carlos Santana and fusion maestro John McLaughlin united for an album, Love Devotion Surrender. Primarily a tribute album of sorts to John Coltrane, the album contributed to the fusion explosion of the early ‘70s. Fast forward to 2011, where the two guitarists reunite for a one-off revisit of their early collaboration at the Montreux Jazz Festival, captured live on film just in time for a 40th anniversary 2013 release. Eagle Vision are responsible for bringing numerous live music titles into the market, many of which are filmed at Montreux. As with several other Live At Montreux releases, long-time presenter and festival founder Claude Nobs takes to the stage to introduce the artists preceding the concert and contributes harmonica at a later stage. It was sad to watch the legendary concert promoter on screen knowing that his particular role in music history has come to an end after complications following a skiing accident in December 2012 which ultimately took his life. For the most part, the vision is crisp and detailed throughout the performance and the multiple cameras only occasionally switch to an angle that is a little irrelevant to what is happening sonically. The packaging includes a detailed booklet on the concert with quotes from the two guitarists relating to Nob’s unexpected passing. Santana favours a wildly saturated tone more suited to a hard rocker for this performance, whereas McLaughlin has favoured a heavily modulated chorus effect with lighter gain saturation for many years now, and it takes a while for these two colliding, (intentionally?) mismatched guitar tones to gel in the overall mix. In fact, Santana’s guitar seems to sit just a little high in the mix for most of the performance, occasionally stepping on McLaughlin’s more reserved sonic input. It must be said that this reunion concert – in the spirit of fusion music – is more of a celebration and
exploration of the material rather than a finely-tuned and well-planned performance, so there are moments where some of the arrangements aren’t 100% and other moments where some of the improvised ideas don’t pay off, but fans of this genre of music have long accepted those terms as part of the journey, the tradeoff being occasional moments of pure inspiration. On this performance, which includes a wealth of material not only from the aforementioned 1973 album but also versions of Led Zeppelin’s Stairway To Heaven, Miles Davis’ Right Off and John Lee Hooker’s Shake It Up And Go amongst many others, Santana takes on the role of bandleader, while McLaughlin takes his instructions and tries to weave them into context. When McLaughlin gets a chance to stretch out and work his fast fusion magic into proceedings, things start to sonically solidify and find their way. Throughout the concert, McLaughlin exerts pure joy and takes it all in his stride, even in some of the looser moments. Santana, on the other hand, seems to take some time to find his way into the performance, adding occasional licks that come across as inappropriate even for a style of music that thrives on experimentation. Having said all that, thank God for live music that takes some risks and isn’t planned down to the tiniest subdivision with sequencers holding the whole thing together in case someone drops the ball. When the guitarists hit their straps and find their sweet spots there are moments of magic in this concert which outweigh the odd misplaced phrase or lost chord progression. The fact that legendary players of this stature are still making music for companies that want to bring that music to listeners is encouraging in a musical landscape which often trivialises the contributions to contemporary music that many rock forefathers made and still make. _ CHRIS GIBBS
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X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays