33,560 OCTOBER 2012 MARCH 2013 - AUSTRALIA’S HIGHEST CIRCULATING STREET PRESS
THE ROOTS
N’FA JONES
MYSTERY ROAD
LITTLE SKYE
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BANG ON!
NINS & QUEENS
Currently on their third tour of the US, Clairy Browne & the Bangin’ Rackettes have announced a run of Australian dates to round out what’s been a very good year indeed. Joined by Melbourne’s Miles And Simone they’ll hot the Rosemount Hotel on Saturday, December 14. Tickets are available from oztix.com.au
Nine Inch Nails and Queens Of The Stone Age are joining forces for a massive double bill at Perth Arena on Tuesday, March 11. Frontier members can get pre-sale tickets via www.frontiertouring.com/ ninqotsa on Tuesday, October 22 at 12pm to Wednesday October 23 at 12pm. General public tickets go on sale from Thursday, October 24 at 9am through Ticketek (www. ticketek.com.au)
BEAUFORT ST MUSICAL LINE-UP UNLEASHED Clairy Browne & the Bangin’ Rackettes
NORFOLK LANES
The Norfolk Lanes Youth Festival is coming up once again and, as ever, is a showcase of the best on Fremantle’s musical up-and-comers. Tame Impala and San Cisco played the festival in their earlier days and it’s a pretty big deal for you bands to get on the bill. This time out it’s Chela, Bass Reflex, Tashi, Moana, Grrl Pal, Water Graves, Villain, Mad Rabbit, Everybody And The Stuff, The Liarbirds, Connor Minervini, Claudia & Ebony Tero, Dylan McCoy and Aborted Tortoise. It’s a good thing on Saturday, November 9, from noon-7pm in Norfolk Lane and Essex Street, Fremantle. It’s free event for all-ages.
Command Q, Expresstival
FESTIVAL EXPRESS
Chela, Norfolk Lanes
TINA ROCKARENA
Australian pop diva, Tina Arena is making a special in-store appearance at the Centre Court stage at Garden City Shopping Centre on Saturday, October 19, at 12pm. It’s all in celebration of her new album, Reset, and her autobiography, Now I Can Dance, which you can pop down and get autographed in person. Arena will also be appearing on this weekend’s Telethon.
Now in its second year, Expresstival is dedicated to supporting charities that aid disadvantaged children. It’s a diverse local line-up planned, with Command Q, Childs Play, Phil Walley Stack, Radio In Motion, Ji D3 (with Pete Renzullo & Davor Gajzek), The Bitter Grins, Shotdown From Sugar Town, Kobi Morrison, T & A, plus dance classes, bellydancing, food stalls and all sorts of kids activities. It’s all happening at ECU Joondalup this Sunday, October 20. It’s only $10 entry (kids under-12 free) with all proceeds going to the Smith Family and the Manna Foundation. Stop by expresstival.com for more details.
The Beaufort Street Festival is a huge annual event that just gets bigger every year. It more than delivers with music and the organisers, JumpClimb, have just announced the musical line-up for the day. Get set for Amanda Merzdan, Anton Franc, Apache, Bastian’s Happy Flight, Boom! Bap! Pow!, China Doll, Ensemble Formidable, Freqshow, Harlequin League, Husband, Jake & The Cowboys, Leure, Lilt, Louis & The Honkytonk, Minky G & Rosco, Mt. Mountain, Phil WalleyStack, Red Engine Caves, Shameem, Simone & Girlfunkle, Special Brew, Stillwater Giants, Stratosfunk, Sugarpuss, The Amani Consort, The Disappointed, The Floors, The James Cross Quintet, The Last Fair Deal, The Shakeys, These Winter Nights, Timothy Nelson & The Infidels, Villain, WAYJO Big Band & Swing Band and Wisdom2th. The Beaufort Street Festival happens on Saturday, November 16.
Queens Of The Stone Age
WA ARIA AWARDS NOMINEES
The nominees for the ARIA Awards were announced yesterday, with good Perth representation from the likes of Tame Impala, Birds Of Tokyo, Abbe May, Empire Of The Sun, San Cisco, Bob Evans and Karnivool. Congrats to all. For a full list of nominees, head to xpressmag.com.au/aria-awards-nomineesannounced/. The winners will be announced on Sunday, December 1, at The Star Event Centre in Sydney.
QUARRY, BE HAPPY
The 2013-14 Live At The Quarry series is on the horizon, with news that the last of the concerts has been the first to sell out. As such Kate Miller-Heidke will follow her March 21 show with another appearance on Saturday, March 22. A third concert by rock-opera ensemble, The TEN Tenors has also been announced for Friday, November 29. The other Live At The Quarry dates are Archie Roach on Friday, December 13 and Josh Pyke on Wednesday, March 12. Tickets are on sale now from ticketmaster.com.au.
THREE AT LAST
Congrats to Perth venue YaYa’s, which will mark its third birthday with a sound bash on Saturday, October 26, from 6.30pm. Gathering to entertain and celebrate will be Turin Robinson (acoustic), Burst And Bloom, Three Hands One Hoof, Pat Chow, The Midnight Mules and, after 11pm, a DJ mixing tunes on the decks. Entry is free all night and there’s small price drinks between 6.30-8pm. For more details, head to ya-yas.com.au.
Turin Robinson Photo: Rachael Barrett
TRUE BROMANCE
They’ve been a little quiet of late, but the Sunshine Brothers are back and ready to “turn shitness into fitness” this Saturday, October 19, at Mojos. It’s an aer-brobics dancefloor workout that also features Earthlink Sound. It’s $10 entry from 8pm, but apparently the first 10 people wearing only leotards and leg warmers get in free. Good luck with that.
Sunshine Brothers
ON THE BALL
Tina Arena
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Reactions/Comp Thing Flesh Music: Loon Lake/Nancy Vandal/Dream Theater/Television Music: The Breeders Music: The Fratellis/Enslaved Music: Alex Lloyd/Midlake New Noise Eye4 Cover: Mystery Road Eye4: Mystery Road/About Time/Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa Eye4: Black Swan Theatre Company/ Stephen Glassborrow Arts Listings Salt Cover: The Roots Salt: News/Testpad/Behind The Decks Salt: N’fa Jones/Rene LaVice Salt: Club Manual Salt Rewind: Welcome To The Valley Scene Live: The Volcanics/Darkwave/ Tired Lion Local Scene Tour Trails Gig Guide Volume
Cover: X-Press presents The Breeders at the Astor Theatre next Thursday, October 31. Full story on page 15. Salt Cover: The Roots play Southbound on Friday, January 3. www.xpressmag.com.au
Gomez guitarist/vocalist, Ian Ball, has announced a solo tour of Australia, hitting our shores next month. Ball’s Unfold Yourself tour will kick off here in the West Coast on Monday, November 18, at Mojos, and Tuesday, November 19, at PICA Bar. Tickets are available through oztix.com.au.
AMAZING GRACE
Grace Barbé
WAMi Award-winning AfroKreol artist Grace Barbé is set to launch her longawaited second album, Welele!, at the Fly By Night on Saturday, November 2, as part of the forthcoming Fremantle Festival. Grace will be joined on the night by Boom! Bap! Pow!, Beleza Band & Samba Fusion Dancers, DJ Charlie Bucket and the Tropical Addiction dance group for what will be both a diverse and danceable evening. Tickets are available from flybynight. org.
WARM UP FOR BREAKFEST
The line-up for Breakfest 2013 was announced last week, but if you feel you can’t wait that long the good news is that a special warm up party is being held at Ambar on Friday, October 18. Tonic & Bezwun, Panda & DNGRFLD, Mo’Fly & Tee EL, 4by4 and Marko Paulo will soundtrack the night, door sales are $10 before midnight $15 thereafter. There’ll be Super-Mega Breakfest ticket giveaways and guest of honour will be Breakfest icon, Stumpy! 7
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The Cooper’s Amp
HAPPY BIRTHDAY YAYA’S!
Above & Beyond
STEREOSONIC
If you’re a fan of EDM then Stereosonic is a twoday festival you’re not going to want to miss. Featuring the world’s most illustrious musicians from all spectrums of the electronic community (a list to long to mention) including headliners David Advertising 9213 2888 Guetta, Calvin Harris and Armin Van Buuren. It’s all happening on Saturday, November 30 and Sales Manager Sunday, December 1 at Claremont Showgrounds. Craig Mauger - advertising@xpressmag.com.au Head to ticketmaster.com.au to purchase a ticket, Online Marketing or if you’re really lucky, you could win one of two Craig Mauger - advertising@xpressmag.com.au double-passes. Just tell us who on the line-up you Music Services / Musical Equipment / want to see and why.
Supporters of local and original music, YaYa’s in Northbridge are celebrating their birthday and it means you win in multitude of ways! For starters they’re throwing a birthday bash on Saturday, October 26 from 6.30pm featuring a whole stack of bands including The Midnight Mules, Pat Chow, Three Hands One Hoof, Burst and Bloom, Turin Robinson and a special solo performance from Timothy Nelson. It’s free entry all night and happy hour runs between 7pm and 8pm with 25 per cent off the bar. They’re also giving you the chance to win a $100 bar card and runners up could win a Coopers mini-Amp, including speaker, EQ and volume control. To enter, email win@xpressmag.com.au and tell us about the best gig you’ve seen at YaYa’s this year.
Rooftop Movies. Photo by Jarrad Seng
ROOFTOP MOVIES
After a winter hiatus, Rooftop Movies - the pop-up venue on top of the Roe Street car park, Northbridge is set to reopen on Halloween - Thursday, October 31 with a screening of 2008’s cult Swedish romantic horror film, Let The Right One In. The season runs until April 2014 and you can expect something for everyone including old-skool gems, blockbusters and cult and art house movies. Rooftop Movies will be open nightly from 6pm (excluding Mondays) and to see the full program and pre-purchase tickets, head to rooftopmovies.com.au, or enter now to win yourself a double-pass.
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MERCHANTS OF BOLLYWOOD
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high-energy music and flashy dance moves together with all the extravagance, escapism and romance that will excite the senses in this lavish new production, Distribution 9213 2853 which features hits from the biggest Bollywood Distribution distribution@xpressmag.com.au blockbusters. This production runs between Tuesday, October 22 and Friday, November 1, and we’ve CAB AUDITED CIRCULATION: got five double passes to giveaway to the show 34,000 OCTOBER 2012 – MARCH 2013 on opening night. Just tell us what your favourite Bollywood film is to win! Accounts
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EDITORIAL General: Friday 5pm,, Eye4 Arts: Thursday 10am, Comp’ Thing: Monday Noon,, Salt Clubs: Monday 5pm , Local Scene: Monday Noon,, Gig Guide: Monday 5pm ADVERTISING 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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WA BEER WEEK: GOLDEN TICKET
Like beer? Love craft beer? Then we’ve got the prize for you. The WA Brewers Association, WA Beer Week and X-Press are giving you the chance to win a Golden Ticket for WA Beer Week. Encompassing over 40 events across nine days, you’ll have access to 15 ticketed events including the Fremantle Beer Fest, Double Night Of The Barrels at Sail & Anchor, Beer Fact Hunt at Clancy’s Fremantle and the title fight between Josie Bones and Five Bar to battle it out for East Vs West supremacy - six courses, six beers, three rounds, one winner! As well as winning a limited edition beer lover’s pack. Check out the full list of events at wabeerweek. com.au and email us at win@ xpressmag.com.au, letting us know why you deserve to win!
IT’S A DEADWEIGHT! TING
Dedicated to showcasing the best underground music, but putting the focus back on the party, dipping it in pop rocks and soaking it all in rum and Red Bull, It’s A DeadWeight! Ting’s next party is at Flyrite on Friday, October 25. This one will be a big one with the UK’s J:Kenzo (Tempa, Rinse FM, Artikal Music UK) making a guest appearance. Blending dub dread vibes with echoes of jungle and techno, he’s a sought after player in the dubstep landscape and can rock the hardest of dancefloors. To get your name added to the guest list, While much-loved WA rapper, Hunter, has sadly passed away, he’s left us with one final album enter now at win@xpressmag.com.au. containing nine tracks, which have been produced by Dazastah of Downsyde and Syllabolix fame. These are his final musical contributions - right up to his last moments of a long and public battle with endocrine cancer. Keep your eyes peeled for a possible launch party featuring some of his friends in the hip hop community, but in the meantime buy a copy of the album from Obese Records or if you’re really lucky, we’ve got four copies of the record to giveaway. Enter by emailing win@xpressmag.com.au and make sure you include your mailing address to win.
HUNTER: BRING IT ALL BACK
Hellions
THE ACADEMY FT. HELLIONS
Starting on Wednesday, October 23, Monster Management is presenting The New Academy. It’s bigger and better than the old Academy with a continued onslaught of the best international, national and local acts, plus an added arsenal of new drink prices, more prizes and one hell of a line-up, starting with east coast hardcore/metal band Hellions on opening night. Also on the line-up is: Monuments, Dropbears and Protest. Tickets are $20 on the door (or $15 if you get on a host list), or if you’re lucky, you can win one of five double passes by emailing us now!
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EKKO & SIDETRACK Bro Time
WAM ON
More WAM Festival announcements have landed this week, as the auspicious event draws ever closer. Firstly, the next round of artists performing at the WAM Festival’s Saturday Spectacular on November 9 in Northbridge are Adam Trainer (DJ set), Amanda Merdzan, Anton Franc, Axe Girl, Boom! Bap! Pow!, Chris Wheeldon (DJ set), Clint Bracknell, Codie Sundstrom, Cosmo Gets, Craig McElhinney, David Craft & Friends, Ekko & Sidetrack, Flighflow, FOAM, Gilded, Graphic Fiction Heroes, Jack Doepel (DJ set), Jake & The Cowboys, Jordan McRobbie, Kit Pop vs Zeke, Lilt, Masonik, Minute 36, Natasha Shanks, Our Man In Berlin, Oz Island, Patient Little Sister, Rabbit Island, Rachel Gorman, Rok Riley, Sable, Sam Perry, Sarah Pellicano, Shimmergloom, Sid Pattni, Simon Kelly & The Big Bamboo, Sludge Bucket, Smrts, The Brow Horn Orchestra, The Disappointed, The Flying Embers, Tracey Barnett, True Science, Wisdom 2th and Ylem & Dease. Secondly, more speakers have been added to the WAM Festival Music Conference on ThursdayFriday, November 7-8. Hello to Adam Zammit (Big Day Out/Peer Group Media - NSW), Heath Bradby (Fidelity Corporation/Warner), Jodie Regan (Spinning Top Music/Tame Impala), Leigh Treweek (The Music), Nick O’Byrne (AIR/BIGSOUND) and Sebastian Chase (MGM). Check out WAM’s website at wam.asn.au.
The Gooch Palms
PALMS UNITED
Lo-fi pop-rock-punk Novocastrians The Gooch Palms have just released their debut LP, NOVO’S, and are trailing off around the nation to celebrate. They’ll hit Perth on Thursday, October 24, with a show at The Bird. Night Signal (featuring members of Soviet Valves, Bamodi, Smrts and Ducks On A String) and Trash House (Dianas/Flower Drums) provide quality support. It’s $10 entry from 8pm.
Ekko & Sidetrack
RTRFM’s dance music program, Full Frequency is throwing a party this Friday, October 18, at Geisha, featuring some local and finely chosen electro, breaks and bass music DJ/producers, one being drum’n’bass duo, Ekko & Sidetrack. RACHEL DAVISON finds out what havoc the boys have been causing on the dance floor of late. Miami Horror
SUMMER SETS
The massive summer dance party, Sets On The Beach is kicking off again on Sunday, December 8, at Scarborough Beach Amphitheatre with a big line-up including the return of dance adventurers, Miami Horror, who are back in Australia from Los Angeles; plus DJ Snake (France), the lovely Alison Wonderland, Fort Knox Five (USA), Psychemagik (UK) and Punks Jump Up (UK). Season passes for the entire summer of Sets On The Beach are already sold out, so get your tickets quick for this one from Oztix and the usual outlets.
Waka Flocka Flame
SET ALIGHT
US rapper and ex-Brick Squad member, Waka Flocka Flame is heading to Australia for the first time to promote his latest LP, Flockavelli II. Whilst Juaquin Malphurs aka Waka Flocka Flame always intended to be a basketball player, he ended up a rapper and now he’s know for his next level ferocity in the growing Southern Rap phenomenon, plus his krunk stage presence. Catch him on Thursday, December 19, at Metropolis Fremantle. Tickets on sale on Thursday at 9am through Moshtix and Oztix.
MORE ACTS FOR SOUTHBOUND
Axe Girl
GIRL POWER
The girls (and boys) of Axe Girl are about to release a new single called Give Me Your Tee Shirt and are promoting it ‘round town. Featuring front woman Addison Axe plus Jebediah members, Vanessa Thornton and Brett Mitchell, the new song is the first release from their debut album, which they recorded with Perth super producer, Dave Parkin. Catch them on Saturday, November 2, at the WA Pride Festival party in Russell Square at 3pm; and on Saturday, November 9, as part of the WAMi Spectacular at YaYa’s at 7pm.
Making some impressive melodic and energetic drum’n’bass tunes and bootlegs which you can hear on SoundCloud and YouTube, Ekko & Sidetrack, who also happen to be brothers, released Bullet/From Me To You, on local drum’n’bass label, Cue Recordings, late last year. They also did an official remix for Greg Packer, one for UK trio Dexcell, and a remix for the now-Melbourne-via-Perth producer, Drop Frame. The unofficial ones though, like the one they did earlier this year of Bravado by Lorde, can often end up as a favourite. “The unofficial ones normally come about because we really love a tune and it inspires us,” says younger brother, Jono Hansen. “Some bootlegs have never seen the light of day, but they usually turn into originals. “So far the responses have been great,” he says of the Lorde bootleg. “At first I don’t think many people recognised the Lorde aspect of the tune and just enjoyed it as a drum’n’bass tune. It’s off her older EP, but I think as her popularity has grown so has people’s recognition - other DJs have also been into it!” In the studio they’re using mostly Abelton Live and plug-ins to create their tunes although they’d like to add some hardware into the mix, “but that costs money we don’t have at the moment,” Hansen says, as he goes on to tell us how to create an unofficial bootleg, when you haven’t been sent
WAM SONG OF THE YEAR Fly By Night Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Beat producer and socially-conscious MC, Mathas, who’s been doing the hard yard for years, has most deservedly taken out the Grand Prize in the 2013 WAM Song Of The Year Awards for his song Nourishment featuring Abbe May. The awards ceremony took place at the Fly By Night last Wednesday evening with Mathas also winning the category awards for Electronic and Urban/Hip Hop for the same song. Full winners list...
The Southbound Festival has now announced the full Coconut Club line-up. Getting you on your feet this time around will be Anna Lunoe (NSW), Purple Sneakers DJs (NSW), Sosueme DJs (NSW) and Tyler Touche (QLD) as well as Coconut Club locals Boston Switch, Charlie Bucket, DJ Mandy Bubb with L.C.Drums, DJ Swami Adima, Frankie Button, The Housejunkie, Micah, Mutchy & LZ, Pussy Shoogah and Slumberjack. Local bands should also get their entries in for the Stagebound competition by Wednesday, October 23 - head to Sonicbids for more info. Southbound is happening on Friday, January 3, and Saturday, January 4, 2014 at Sir Stewart Bovell Park, Busselton.
HITS & PITS
Swedish punk band, No Fun At All are heading out on the next installment of the bi-annual travelling festival, Hits & Pits 2.0 along with Melbourne band, Clowns and Adelaide’s Beaver. There’s shows happening all ‘round the country, but it stops in at Perth on Sunday, November 24, at Capitol/Amplifier. Doors open at 5pm and early bird tickets are on sale now. www.xpressmag.com.au
ROCK: Eleventh He Reaches London, Body Unbind POP: BOOM! BAP! POW!, Suit ELECTRONIC: Mathas, Nourishment (ft. Abbe May) FOLK: Formidable Vegetable Sound System, No Such Thing As Waste EXPERIMENTAL: Cycle~ 440, So We Beat On, Boats Against The Current BLUES & ROOTS: Jordan McRobbie, High Tide COUNTRY: Graphic Fiction Heroes, First And Last URBAN/HIPHOP: Mathas, Nourishment (ft. Abbe May) HEAVY: Sleepfreak, Frankenstein MENTALLY HEALTHY: Rachel Gorman, Hurting Bird WORLD: 7 Beats, Ananth: The Endless Dance SCHOOL 14 YEARS & UNDER: Emmanuel Navarro aka ENAV, Listen SCHOOL 15-17 YEARS: Julia Nicholls, Thing Of Ours INDIGENOUS: Jarred Wall of Jake & The Cowboys, Friends REGIONAL: Minute 36, Three States JAZZ: Nick Abbey of Abbey | Foster | Falle, Avina Photography by Daniel Grant
SHEPHERDING HOME
Brisbane cutesy pop six-piece, Sheppard on the back of their catchy radio hit, Let Me Down Easy, are heading on a tour of their home country. Featuring siblings Amy, George and Emma Sheppard along with friends Jay Bovino, Michael Butler and Dean Gordon, they’ve been touring the UK, US, the Philippines, South Africa, and even India and now they’re heading to WA for the first time. See them play on Friday, November 1, at The Leisure Inn, Rockingham; Saturday, November 2, at Amplifier and Sunday, November 3, at Mojos.
the original parts of the track - like the bass, drums and vocals etc. “We just used any part of the tune that didn’t have big drums over it basically,” he explains, again referring to the Lorde remix. “The whole intro of the original is a capella so that made it perfect to work with. Other than that, it’s all about selective equalising and processing to render everything but the vocal. Lorde’s stuff is pretty minimal so it lends itself to bootlegging, more so than other artists.” With quality productions, comes good gig offers - and they’ve been playing some great ones recently. “We’ve supported Sigma and the Brookes Brothers at Villa and Shapeshifter at Metro’s,” Hansen says. “It’s always an honour to play with artists you respect and have a chat to them. Shapeshifter were amazing to see, especially the live sax, and they were such nice guys! The last gig at The Switch (fortnightly Friday’s at Shape Bar) was really fun. Just the vibe in the club was awesome. Had lots of new tunes to play and people really came along for the ride.” Dart, Charlie Chan, Micah & Philly Blunt, Riot Class and Sardi will all be joining Ekko & Sidetrack at the Full Frequency Presents: Broken, Beaten, Scratched show this Friday.”We should have finished the VIP of our tune Bullet in time (for Friday), so keep an ear out for that, it’s something a bit different from us. Otherwise we hope to showcase a wide variety of tunes and take the party on a bit of a journey through drum’n’bass.”
Carnival Macabre
SPOOKY FESTIVITIES
Pete, Chief
The City of Perth’s Carnival Macabre returns for its second year to celebrate Halloween and Day Of The Dead with some spooky activities in Northbridge including film screenings, exhibitions, food markets, Halloween parties and well, plenty of opportunities to dress up. There’s more than a week of activities happening between Friday, October 25, and Sunday, November 3, so head to showmeperth.com.au for the full list of tricks and treats.
Jake, Alexandra
HUNT-WORTHY
There’s no doubt about it, Aussie folks missed their Hunters & Collectors and dug seeing them at the AFL Grand Final telecast. The band have sold-out shows around the country, and have now scored a full-house sign for their Evening On The Green show at Kings Park on Saturday, March 29, with Something For Kate, Diesel and British India. Enjoy it if you were lucky enough to get in early!
Catherine, Tomas
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LOON LAKE Roamin’ In The Gloamin’ Touring in support of their debut LP, Gloamer, Loon Lake perform at Flyrite this Thursday, October 17, with support from Timothy Nelson & The Infidels. KRISSI WEISS reports. Loon Lake brought to life their debut album, Gloamer, while perched on the edge of the Australian continent, living in a tiny town along the Great Ocean Road. Surfing had a lot to do with it – so it’s only fitting frontman and primary songwriter, Sam Nolan has just returned from a surf when we chat. The indie pop-rockers write frustratingly catchy music with instinctively Australian lyricism: Nolan has his heart on his sleeve and a cheeky grin on his face. But despite all the good humour in Nolan’s conversation – and the press descriptions of the band that insist on using that cringe-worthy Aussie label, ‘larrikins’ – Loon Lake have absorbed their storytelling on this album into a world of change, loss and hope. “It was a bit of change that inspired it all,” Nolan explains. “Two of us had come out of really long relationships a bit prior; actually around the first EP, Not Just Friends. We were experiencing so many new things as well and we had all these amazing things happening with our music career and we were maybe over-indulging a bit – going out too much – but then a lot of it gets dramatised in the songs. It comes from experiences but then I make the songs
Loon Lake just kind of bigger stories. “Also, what we were listening to influenced us. The two main things were; as a band we were all into that Frank Ocean album (Channel Orange), and we were going through a Beatles stage too. That’s something you just do through your whole life, I reckon. I had a bit of writer’s block and was listening to some full-on cheesy pop music too, like Bruno Mars kinda stuff. It wasn’t to write like that but just to try to step out of that guitar pop formula.” Nolan is already feeling the pressure of having his lyrics scrutinised and, as is often the case, that pressure generally comes from those that are closest to the action. Friends, family, lovers – they ache to see themselves immortalised in a song and then loathe what they see. “Yeah, big time, that’s so true,” Nolan agrees. “I had a fair bit of shit from the song, Bad To Me, an old song, just because I’d broken up with my girlfriend – but it is embellishment. If it’s a good story, that’s what I care about. Carolina is a direct story of a mate’s girlfriend who left and went back to Sweden so I called him and made sure I cleared it with him before I went ahead with it. I think it’s pretty reckless if you start writing songs about the stories of your close friends that are bang on without checking.” Gloamer was recorded just as Loon Lake exist: relaxed and on their own terms. Steven Schram (Little Red/San Cisco) took on co-production duties with the band’s drummer, Nick Nolan. “It was pretty cool the way it worked,” Sam says.“We did three sets of six or seven day blocks over about two months. Schram encouraged us to learn ProTools and because Nick and I live together, we were able to record a lot of it at home. Schram was really happy for Nick to add his two cents’ worth. I loved all the recording; I was really nervous about it at first but I had a really good time.”
DREAM THEATER Sense Of Self American progressive metallers Dream Theater have released an album so good, in their opinion, that it is worthy of the self-titled moniker. A big call, according to keyboardist, Jordan Rudess, but one they feel justified in making. JESSICA WILLOUGHBY reports. Every band has a mission statement. The modus operandi with which they base their sound and all their music-related decisions on. For many, this personal ethos goes unsaid but understood by all members. Outfits such as longstanding progressive metal pioneers Dream Theater have spent the last 28 years of their career slotted into this category. But, on the dawn of their 12th release, they decided it was time to lay out their approach for all to hear on their first-ever self-titled album. So why did they wait so long to use the coveted album title? “We just realised we were really creating something that we were really feeling great about,” Dream Theater keyboardist Jordan Rudess tells X-Press. “It seemed to represent us so well and it was a very solid presentation. The idea of a self-titled album came during the writing process. We were kind of able to write out our mission statement and then really meet it. A lot of very talented musicians in bands can play great, but they can never get anything done. Because maybe they don’t trust in themselves or whatever. Dream Theater can really produce. As we 12
Dream Theater
saw our mission coming together, we thought ‘this is working… let’s call this Dream Theater’.” Revealed to their base of loyal followers in September, Dream Theater saw the band coming together in more ways than one. With iconic drummer, co-producer and founder Mike Portnoy leaving in 2010, the band were left scrambling to pick up the pieces. That was until formidable skinsman Mike Mangini picked up his sticks. But even though Mangini has been playing with the five-piece since the split, it wasn’t until selftitled that he was able to really let loose in the studio – as much of 2011’s A Dramatic Turn Of Events was written and recorded prior to his arrival. “We wanted to be able to just capture our inspiration,” Rudess says. “Our drummer Mike, he does things on the drums that no one else on the planet can do. He also has a very active mind. Sometimes it’s better to catch him before he has the chance to over-think something because he is a great improviser. You just present him something and he just plays the first thing that comes to mind; it can be great. Then he starts to get too academic about it, sometimes. So we set-up the studio so we could capture his initial feeling about it; he’s super smart. “But we could also capture anything else in the studio. A lot of the times, there was some real inspiration in the moment. That was a really cool thing. Then we’d go back and record each person separately. The dynamic was also vastly different because of Mike being in the room. His energy and his very special type of personality – he’s upbeat, lively and energetic. “Behind the drums, he’s a monster. It really influenced our writing process. It brought an element of real fun to the process as well. He also knew when to step back; when John (Petrucci, guitarist) and I are physically writing this music. Not only did the album turn out great but, equally as important, everyone just had a good vibe.” #youshouldreadxpress
NANCY VANDAL All Aussie Adventures
With a new album, Flogging A Dead Phoenix, out now, and a slot on the Soundwave Festival at Claremont Showgrounds on Monday, March 3, 2014, singer/guitarist Fox Trotsky tells SHANE PINNEGAR that Nancy Vandal are back, exploding “like a really, really small firecracker.” From 1993 to 2000 Nancy Vandal assaulted the Aussie punk scene like a diabetic with homicidal sugar cravings, releasing five albums and two EPs before disbanding until 2009. Singer/guitarist, Fox Trotsky, explains that they launched a Pozible crowd funding campaign to properly honour the band’s anniversary. “Well, it was 20 years since we started,” laughs Trotsky, who lives an alternate life as renowned comic book artist, Mike Foxall. “So we thought we should do something. And I’d hate to do something half-arsed – we should go all in, so we decided to do an album, and organised a little tour, then the Soundwave thing honestly came out of absolutely nowhere, so that has just given it a life of its own, really.” All in is right. The album, complete with a comic book illustrated by Foxall, posters and merch and an Eastern States tour all add up to Nancy Vandal having pretty much gone from zero to 150 in one step. “Yeah – it’s almost like we’re overcompensating,” Trotsky laughs, “I like all that stuff - I’m a nerd for bands that I like, and I love all the extra little titbits that they do. So I always try to go hard to do as much of that stuff as I can.” Trotsky agrees that with its DIY put-it-inthe-hands-of-the-fans ethos, crowd funding is a very punk ideal. “Yeah, it’s a modern DIY kind of model, just with a few extra little computery bits attached
Nancy Vandal to it. The end result is it’s like a little cottage industry at Nancy Vandal HQ, which it always was back in the day too - we were always doing newsletters and posting stuff out, pre-internet. We’ve always had that DIY, homemade aesthetic to the band, so it’s just an extension... it helps sort of pay back.” Trotsky strongly believes that a band’s artwork is integral to the enjoyment of their music. “For me, music and art go together, massively,” he explains. “All of the bands that I ever liked had an artistic element to them - big bands like KISS, to underground bands like The Hard-Ons. They all had a graphic element to them that went along with the music, so it always goes hand in hand for me. Almost everything I do art-wise has a musical element to it, or imagery that is covered in rock music or heavy metal music and stuff. They just make a good marriage.” Whereas some bands go out of their way to sing in a generic, accent-less way, Nancy Vandal sound Australian through and through, the album dripping that distinctive vernacular and trademark piss-taker’s sense of humour. “I’m really glad that you said that,” Trotsky says, happily. “I wouldn’t say we strived for that but I love the way that you can sing in a really distinctive Australian accent. Definitely, that’s a conscious effort on our behalf. It is basically fast pub rock, which is an Australian thing.”
Television
TELEVISION
Man On The Moon Still sounding as vital as when it was released some 36 years ago, Television’s Marquee Moon stands as one the most important and influential debut releases in the contemporary rock canon. They’ll perform it in full at the Fly By Night on Monday, October 28. LACHLAN KANONIUK checks in with Tom Verlaine. Defined by a penchant for guitar complexities and lead singer Tom Verlaine’s verbose and colourful lyricisms, Marquee Moon has long been lauded from a critical standpoint. “We’ve never actually performed it live in full before,” Verlaine says of the album. “Most of the songs we’ve done live over the years, but never all in one show. To me, people just like to hear songs they like. Maybe some new things too. I can’t say I think too much about it. If I go see a band, it’s because I like some of their songs, or I like the way they play.” The abundance of guitar solos authored by Verlaine and former guitarist Richard Lloyd on Marquee Moon won’t necessarily be recreated verbatim in the live setting. “The solos probably won’t be the same. They’ll be in the same mood and some will have familiar phrases. I think things like Friction are pretty much the same, Jimmy (Rip, Lloyd’s replacement, who once toured Australia with Mick Jagger in 1988) is playing some of Richard’s solos pretty much the same. Some of those solos I www.xpressmag.com.au
don’t even know where my hand was on the neck when I played them. So to figure them out is really time consuming.” The amicable transition of guitarists in 2007 proved to be a smooth process, with Rip and Verlaine’s longstanding rapport proving to be a natural fit within Television. “I’ve been playing with Jimmy since 1981, including a bunch of instrumental shows and tours of Europe. I’ve actually done more shows with him in my life than any other guitar player.” The prospect of a fourth Television LP, the first since the middling 1992 self-titled record, is a very real one. “We have 12 to 14 songs,” Verlaine reveals. “We’ve cut the basic tracks for them, but all sorts of other things happened so we haven’t finished them up. We’re working on another three. We played a tour this May in Japan, and Japan is a great place to play new material because they like to listen to things. Of course they want to hear Marquee Moon, but they also get enthusiastic about hearing something they’ve never heard before. We played a lot of new things over there.” As for the release of the record, Verlaine is aware that previous strategies need to be adjusted in the current climate. “What we’re aiming to do is finish up this record and figure out what to do with it. Since I last did a record, that whole world has changed and this generation basically gets music for free. All these sponsored tours. Everything’s so different, and we’d have to sit down and plan it all. It’s useless for us to get a record deal, it’s a kind of waste of time. The real factor is how you let people know you have something available, outside the people that would look around for it anyway. That’s the real tricky thing,” he reasons. “The word of mouth thing is really interesting, it bypasses all publicity. It’s a blessing. That’s the thing that interests me about the internet, how things can come out of nowhere and have an audience within a year or two. I don’t know how to exploit that,” he states wryly. 13
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#youshouldreadxpress
THE BREEDERS Back To The Splash The Breeders perform their Last Splash album in full at the Astor Theatre next Thursday, October 31 presented by X-Press Magazine. BOB GORDON speaks with guitarist, Kelley Deal. Kelley Deal’s having a rare moment in Dayton, Ohio. The last six months or so have been all about The Breeders, per forming their 1993 album, Last Splash, at the invitation of Deerhunter for All Tomorrow’s Parties and following that gesture around the world. But, for now, it’s about home. The kettle has boiled and her knitting - she’s a world-class knitter at that - is on the table. “It is a little strange but it’s good,” she says of 2013’s momentary stops at home. “My mom and dad are older and I have a cat so it’s really nice to be able to touch down and spend a couple weeks here. ‘Is everybody alive? Does everybody have a pulse? Okay, good. Does the cat have four legs? Okay, excellent. See you guys later.’ “Then I’ll leave for a couple more weeks or however long then come back and do the same thing.” Rejoining as The Breeders (1992-’94 lineup) with sister Kim Deal, bassist Josephine Wiggs, drummer Jim McPherson and guest violinist, Carrie Bradley, began with a show in Brooklyn in April and has continued in a merry way. “Everything still seems to be going really well,” Deal notes. “We’re all still getting along; we’re all still enjoying ourselves. In London - and I blame Josephine for this, it’s her fault - she thought it would be a good idea if we played Last Splash and then, for the encore, instead of coming on and doing whatever songs we were gonna do, go on and play all of Pod (1990). From start to finish. So that was fun, but it was nerve-wracking learning all these idiosyncratic leads. It was just super fun.” If getting a band back together is a surreal feeling, then playing the album where it all came together - then eventually fell apart - must be even more so. “It does bring you back,” Deal confirms. “As you’re going from song to song, you do have memories. It is a period of time. It’s not just going from this song to another song; not that you’re thinking this while you’re playing it, but there is the idea of it. “We didn’t have cell phones in ‘94. So you couldn’t text. If somebody had a question on whether or not you went to a B or an Am or something. ‘Hey, does that go to an F there or what?’ Just those little things, little time bubbles. “But not really,” she adds, by way of qualification. “It’s not like I’m standing there thinking of a specific event or anything, but there’s just a similar patina from song to song. That’s the way I think I would describe that, instead of a different hue to each one... if albums were colours (laughs).” While Kim Deal’s departure from The Pixies seems as complicated as that band’s dynamic always was, it seems The Breeders is a much more casual association. “No, it’s not like everybody left being mad at each other and were never speaking to each other again,” Deal explains. “Jim McPherson lives like 20 minutes outside of Dayton and we’d see him at shows and clubs and we’d see his wife around town. With Josephine, we’d actually played with her a couple times. She played bass with us for a 4AD anniversary thing and then when Mando (Lopez), our other bassist, when his wife had a baby, we had some shows scheduled and had to leave the tour and Josephine joined us to play the Last Splash songs. So we were all talking and stuff like that. “It was more like, ‘are you guys not important enough in your jobs where you can actually leave your job and come and do this with us for a year?’. And luckily, that’s the case (laughs).” If there were any doubts upon the regrouping - and it seems there definitely weren’t www.xpressmag.com.au
- Wiggs’ bass intro to Cannonball at the band’s first rehearsal was just the tonic. “Oh my God,” Deal exclaims, still sounding moved. “It was so weird. I’ve heard that bass part played by other people before. By fine musicians. They’re great musicians. But it never sounds like when
Of course, not only does the Last Splash album and era mean a lot to the band, it means just as much, if not more, to the fans. It speaks of a different time in music and indeed in life. Memories, as they say, are made of this. “We talk about this,” Deal says.“Sometimes you do a show and you just feel there is so much love and excitement for the record and what it means to this particular group of people, that I don’t know if I can do the songs service. I don’t know if I could possibly play them as good to help with their memory. “But I’m signed up. I’m completely into doing that for now. I’m happy to do that for them if it gives them joy. Just like I would like to see the Rolling Stones just play Some Girls again. That album... that was so good. My memories of that are fantastic. I have such distinct memories for myself. “So I know how that is. I respect it; it doesn’t matter who you are, you have that.” In celebrating such memories, Deal is aware that the prospect of creating more is a distinct possibility. There’s plenty to draw upon song-wise, but it’s also important to take one step at a time. The Breeders, 1993 “I would love to do that,” she says. “Have you seen Kim’s website, kimdealmusic.com? She has beautiful songs. It’s a series of six or seven singles Josephine plays it. It’s bizarre. I’m sure it’s the way she and they each have an A and a B side. I don’t know plays it. It’s her bass. Her decisions that she makes on why we don’t do Likkle More. We could do Dirty the amps. It’s just like, ‘oh my God. It’s that song’. Hessians, which is an instrumental. There’s another “And also, we’ve realised we can’t play called Ranch On Castle, which isn’t out yet. it wrong. We cannot play the song wrong. It’s not “I wanna know why we’re not doing those songs? But, as you say... first thing’s first.” possible.”
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The Fratellis
THE FRATELLIS
We Need Medicine The Fratellis have just released their third album, We Need Medicine, after almost three years in hiatus. John Fratelli speaks to LEAH BLANKENDAAL about getting the band back together, writing an album that’s not about the singles and why they’re not a Britpop band.
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John Fratelli had a rough ride to fame. After spending almost a decade playing to small crowds in cramped bars, the singer/songwriter tried his luck at a ‘musicians wanted’ advert in a local music store. A year later and The Fratellis had released their first album, Costello Music, the second single from which, Chelsea Dagger, made them an international name. Just as soon as this fame had been found however, the band felt the pressure building to melting point. In 2007 Fratelli bailed on the band halfway through an American tour that included the Coachella Festival, leaving the other two band members in the lurch. In 2009, just before The Fratellis took their hiatus, he has admitted that the band weren’t even speaking to each other when they played their whirlwind Japan/Australia tour. “The last time we were in Australia I think we spent three weeks and didn’t speak to each other once,” Fratelli says. “It must have shown – it isn’t possible that that didn’t show on stage.” We Need Medicine is a step away from the straight rock’n’roll sounds of The Fratellis’ previous albums. Borrowing from the blues, it is a mature move in a different direction for the lads from Glasgow. “Nobody was waiting for us to release anything, so even the people who liked us weren’t expecting anything,” says Fratelli. “You almost go back to that place that you’re in when you make your first record, when you have no audience yet, so you can only possibly be making that record for yourself.” This attitude has resulted in a solid album. Written in the jam room within a very short period of time, it is a cohesive product that works together as a whole, rather than as just a string of singles. Gone are the young lads from Glasgow trying desperately to make it big with catchy pop tunes. The Britpop influence in songs such as Chelsea Dagger and Flathead is also unheard in this album, in favour of a more mature sound channeled from continental shores. This direction is one that Fratelli is at home in. In response to comparisons with superstar Britpop acts Blur and Oasis, he can’t even see why the comparisons were ever made. “I don’t really even like Blur,” he laughs. “In my opinion, all rock music comes out of America. There might be British people who do it exceptionally well, but it comes from America”. Fans of The Fratellis shouldn’t be disappointed with this latest offering. Highlights include Halloween Blues, which brings back the long exiled saxophone solo from pop music, and Seven Days And Seven Nights, a gospel-inspired shuffle that will surely be a singalong favourite at their shows. Hopefully this album will bring The Fratellis back to our shores sooner rather than later.
Enslaved
ENSLAVED
Go With The Flow One of Norway’s finest progressive black metal exports, Enslaved, will be hitting Perth for the first time in their illustrious career this Halloween. JESSICA WILLOUGHBY chats with vocalist, Grutle Kjellson, ahead of their show at the Rosemount Hotel on Thursday, October 31. “Our biggest fear is to become caught in some sort of pattern,” Enslaved frontman/bassist, Grutle Kjellson, says of the band’s philosophy. “That would be the end of the band.” The five men that make up this Norwegian heavy outfit have always looked to toe-the-line between a spread of extreme genres. Making a name for themselves during their early days due to their black metal ties, they now look to define themselves by their freedom to venture wherever their inspiration takes them. Often at the centre of controversy from fans and critics alike for their progressive nature, it seems evolution is an integral part of the Enslaved process. “The philosophy has always been to just go with the flow,” Kjellson says. “We’re very impulsive when it comes to making music. Always being very free-minded; that’s been the crucial thing about Enslaved. If it becomes too constructed, we put on the brakes and start all over again. It’s very important to
not be conservative when it comes to music. There’s no point in releasing the same album. Let AC/DC do that; they’re pretty good at that. “We’ve put the challenge to ourselves to not look back and try and create something new. You are also putting the same challenge on the audience, because some of our albums are very different from the previous ones. I like it when my favourite bands release albums that are strange at first, but they usually grow on you and they become your favourite works by them.” The band’s most recent effort, 2012’s RIITIIR, once again stepped into genre-defying territory. A slice of raw power, Enslaved chose to actually take a step back in their bid to recapture the brutality of their sound live. But the only way they could focus on their time in the studio was to handover some of the producing duties to a third party. A big call, considering the band has handled this in-house since Mardraum – Beyond The Within (2000). “There’s a couple of things we wanted to change or rather develop with this release,” Kjellson says. “We’ve being producing ourselves for quite a many albums now, especially myself and Ivar (Bjornson, guitarist). Somehow, we didn’t feel like we were stuck but we thought it would be healthy for us to have someone else to question what we are doing. A person to offer a different approach to the arrangements and actual recording. So we decided to bring in an extra member into the production team. “In doing so, we had discussions with the newest member. He’s called Iver Sandøy; he’s a very good engineer and musician himself. We started talking about how we should record the album, trying to do it a couple of steps backwards. Trying to do it more organic; so we decided to play the whole thing live – to get a bit more of an old school, jammin’ band feel to it. Less modern production involved. I think it sounds a lot more dynamic.”
#youshouldreadxpress
Midlake
MIDLAKE Fall And Response
Midlake are a much loved Denton, Texas, outfit who have put out an impressive display of experimental, yet accessible albums. This investigative nature was recently put to the test when long-time front man Tim Smith left the band mid-way through recording an album. Guitarist Eric Pulido stood into the role left by the singer as Midlake forged on to make their fifth album, Antiphon. CHRIS HAVERCROFT reports.
ALEX LLOYD
Alex Lloyd
Urban Wildlife Alex Lloyd jumps back into the music spotlight to release his sixth album, Urban Wilderness, giving his audience a taste of something a little different. JAYDE FERGUSON reports.
Australian singer/songwriter Alex Lloyd has returned home after nearly six years of immersing himself in the joys and busyness of fatherhood and London life. “We lived in London for six years and made a life there so we’re trying to get used to life here again,” he says. “It’s nice, I’ve got to say it’s beautiful, the weather is beautiful – that alone makes up for a lot!” It’s a long time, though, to stay reasonably quiet and no doubt there are a lot of eager fans out there waiting to see what Lloyd has in store next. In all the excitement from the album though, he admits it’s been nerve-wracking stepping back into the music scene. “It’s strange, but I’m getting there. I was a little bit nervous,” he acknowledges.“In the UK I didn’t do a lot of touring. I did more in the studio working on documentaries and TV work. I guess I was just trying to be a bit more family oriented as well and now, coming back, I hope it goes well enough for me to be able to sustain it.” The album has a fun vibe flowing through it and showcases a completely different style to Lloyd with a stronger, bluesier flavour, influenced by his collaboration with the Pigram Brothers on the soundtrack to the film, Mad Bastards, last year. It also reflects the transformation of living in London, but Lloyd admits that while he was writing songs there was no intention of making an album. “I was just lucky it worked the way it did,” he laughs. “It’s definitely a more positive record and I don’t know where that’s come from, maybe growing up a little bit or being a father, I’m not sure.”
The new album isn’t the only arrival Lloyd has had this year, with the recent birth of his fourth child. Fatherhood has matured him as a writer and impacted on the album’s approach all whilst teaching him a valuable lesson in multitasking. “I’ve just had less time to do it,” he laughs. “It’s really busy and you’ve got to try and wear more than one hat. That’s something I’ve never been that great at, but I’m working on it.” There’s a strong influence on this album from his children and their inspiration on tracks including Waterfall and Better The Less You Know. “Music is a big part of their lives and for better or worse, they have to listen to all my demos in the car. While I was recording I had mixes on high rotation and they’ve gotten quite into the record (laughs) – they’re probably my biggest fans they’ve heard it so many times!” Lloyd explores the culture diversity in his music and concedes that the best part of living in London was being able to jump on a plane and be in a different culture within an hour to soak it up. And the disadvantages? “Just the weather really,” he laughs. “The darkness for six months, but that being said you spend more time inside and I had a nice studio so did a lot of work in there. It works both ways, being home now for the kids – it’s the best thing in the world and I’m hoping we will get a couple of gigs that way so I can bring them over and they can experience that. It’s such a beautiful part of the world.”
After Midlake had completed their touring schedule for 2010’s The Courage Of Others they returned to the studio as they always had. In the process of trying to make a new album vocalist, Tim Smith, became more disillusioned with band life and left Midlake. It was a move that could have led to the end of the much loved and ambitious band if not for the resolve of guitarist, Eric Pulido. “Well there was kind of a transition now that I look back with hindsight,” says Pulido of Smith’s departure. “It was no secret that Tim wasn’t a big fan of touring and at times he was unsatisfied with some of the music that we were making. Even at that time he was pulling back and I was singing most of the melodies with him and standing in the middle of the stage and doing most of the talking. The big leap that it could have been wasn’t as drastic due to the transition I had. “When he decided to leave it was still a daunting task as there was still so much I didn’t know. We were used to doing things in a different way and it shook things up. As you know in life it can be a good thing to break out of the mould of something and test yourself and see how it goes.” The fact that Midlake have always been a band to push the boundaries and take a left turn with each new album turned out to be their saving grace. As the band’s sound continues to change as they grow and mature, Midlake out of any band were well placed to make a record without a member who had historically been the lead singer. “There was a type of naivety that came along because it was almost like starting over. We did literally start over on the songs and the record, so in that moment you try to define what it is that you are doing. Once Tim left we all got together within 24 hours and put the pieces back together. We did it in a way where we felt that we could all feel ownership over it. I think we got more out of everyone’s voice figuratively and literally and it made for a much more dynamic record in many ways.” Pulido states that although they talk about Smith’s leaving as it is relevant to the making of Antiphon, it has been over a year since the time he left and the band have come to terms with it. Midlake are now in the headspace to embrace what is ahead of them instead of looking back at what was. As such, while an antiphon is often defined as a responsory by a choir or congregation, or a call-and-response style of singing (from Gregorian chants to sea shanties) Pulido is more inclined to look at the word to mean the opposite voice. “In terms of call and response, this is our response to what happened with Tim,” he states. “Also, I feel it is about the plight of man where it is not about what happens to you in life, but how you respond to it, is how you are defined. “I thought it was a nice word that tied up in a little bow to capture what this time as a band and friends is for us.” www.xpressmag.com.au
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HUNX AND HIS PUNK Street Punk
GROUPLOVE Spreading Rumours
JAE LAFFER When The Iron Glows Red
Hardly Art
Atlantic/Warner
Dew Process/Universal
CASE STUDIES This Is Another Life
Last Fringe Festival surprise visitors Hunx And His Punks have significantly abandoned their glam power There are albums that work pop sounds and embraced a more dirty, aggressive totally differently depending approach to their music. Street Punk starts with the on the situation they are fast and raw Bad Skin and pretty much stays in the played in - This is Another Life is a perfect example. Play it when you are buzzing same vein for the next 20 or so minutes. Seth Bogart’s vocals remain as camp with positive energy on a sunny afternoon and it won’t work. But put it on the way home from work as before, which gives the album a similar feel to after an exhausting day and it will kick all the right listening to early GG Allin recordings, where an unusually gentle, melodic voice lays on the top of spots. Out of Seattle, Case Studies are Jesse fiercely played music. While there are a couple of way too short, Lortz and a bunch of people not afraid to play it low and slow and set the mood for that mellow wintery perhaps not that necessary songs on the record, there evening, when a listener can put on this record and are plenty of killer tracks, such as You Think You’re think, ‘it’s okay, I’m not the only person feeling like shit’. Tough” ‘60s girl band-inspired Mud In Your Eyes and Most of the songs have that Leonard perhaps the best song in Hunx’s opus, I’m Coming Cohen/Nick Cave vibe about them, with a totally Back, with one of the best choruses in modern punk. Producing a bunch of snappy songs and different singer though. Lortz’s voice is not so melodramatic, but equally wounded and not putting them all on an album way shorter than usual overly optimistic. The music around it is a slow running time has been done before, but only once blend of piano driven ballads, heavily leaning to in a while as entertaining as Street Punk is. Let’s hope folkish/Americana sounds, handsomely subtle and the band comes back and spreads love to our shores soon. captivating.
Grouplove’s sophomore effort is a bright, fizzy cartoon of an album. It’s ideal Sunday afternoon drinks listening, seemingly engineered with ‘triple J feature album’ status in mind, and that is both a compliment and an insult. It’s consistently pleasing, lousy with grabby hooks and even genuinely beautiful in places. But it’s very rarely impossible to ignore. Which isn’t to stay Spreading Rumours never achieves brilliance – these kids know their way around a pop song. On opener, I’m With You and the bright electronica via ‘60s surf pop, Shark Attack, they shift gears to breath-catchingly lovely outros. On the best track frontman, Christian Zucconi, claims he can’t Sit Still, and there’s a degree of truth to that. Within the spectrum of the decidedly sunny side of the street, Spreading Rumours is a fairly diverse record. From the swirling pianos of I’m With You, to the expansive rock of What I Know to the gentle folk of the closer Save The Party, they touch down in many unthreatening locales. But the effect is fairly insubstantial. Treat this record, then, like a summer fling; fun and invigorating, but fleeting and ultimately ephemeral.
_ PREDRAG DELIBASIC
_ CHARLIE LEWIS
Sacred Bones
_ PREDRAG DELIBASIC
Gee it’s a pleasure hearing the old familiar voice. I‘m not sure you even need to know The Panics to know Mr Laffer. His voice is just synonymous with Aussie music. A Paul Kelly in waiting of sorts. While it isn’t leading its usual bunch of Panics, this is a pleasant listen. Perhaps the biggest point of difference between this and a Panics album is the musicianship, not to say there isn’t any here. It’s just The Panics’ albums are lush and big, almost cinematic in scope. This is a little more minimal, generally relying on an acoustic guitar, a bit of a piano, some inoffensive drums and showcasing that voice. Opener, Leave A Light On, is a great way to begin. It is a catchy ditty about a man lamenting the dissolution of his relationship - wanting to get closer because he feels a distance. With a nice shuffling tempo and some keys almost reminiscent of the orient, it’s Jae Laffer all over. Always So Close is a cracker – another slice of adult contemporary for 30-something existentialism, but the drums are sick and will keep your fingers dancing away on the steering wheel. Don’t Make Me Wait wouldn’t be out of place on Paul Kelly’s Under The Sun album. Similarly Ill Be Leaving On Time has some early ‘80s Paul Kelly-isms with some freestyle saxophone. No Love Lost and I See Myself In You are a couple for the Essential Jae Laffer in a about a decade. The album sort of culminates in these two songs; building towards, but never quite reaching until these gems. It’s a great album, one that won’t surprise any Panics fans, just as it won’t disappoint.
_ JACK PARSONS
BILL CALLAHAN Dream River Spunk
Bill Callahan’s intent was to make Dream River the last record that people would listen to at the end of their day. Going on some of his past works and reputation for being a master of misery, people may envisage this is because they would be too low to get up and put another record on, but in this case Callahan wanted the listener to feel smooth and relaxed with Dream River acting as the perfect end to the day. The recording and intent of Dream River may have seen a change of pace for Callahan but it hasn’t meant he would trade in his signature baritone and dispassionate vocal or the steady and simple chord progressions of his tunes. What he has done is built on the lushness of recent releases with fiddle, flute and liberal use of the clave. Callahan rarely puts his foot on the accelerator although Javelin Unlanding is about as jaunty as he has been for some time. Small Plane settles the pace as Callahan reflects on the smaller moments in life to realise his own luck. Whether you would choose to have Dream River as the typical way to wind out your day probably says more about you than it does about Callahan, but what is hard to dispute is that Dream River continues to see the Maryland singer build some more concise moments to his absorbing catalogue.
_ CHRIS HAVERCROFT
SAVAGES Silence Yourself Matador
Remember when post punk was all the rage back in 2003-04? Savages do. And if they don’t, at least they know how to produce the music reminiscent of some of the best Slits/Siouxsie & The Banshees moments. Although post punk is a wide term, some of its most recognisable characteristics are thumping tribal bits, driving bass, plenty of guitar feedback and wailing vocals. There are enough of those on Silence Yourself to cry ‘copycats’, but enough amazing moments to actually treat it as a very strong debut album, regardless of if it sounds too familiar or not. The songs are melodic, aggressive, quiet and dramatic at exactly the right times and the band is obviously in total control of their songwriting skills. The delivery is spot on, always passionate and never as cold as post punk can sometimes be. Most of the bands who fit in this genre, including the abovementioned two, changed their sounds as their career progressed on. It will be interesting to see how Savages will handle second album syndrome and if they will live up to the high expectations they set with their debut.
_ PREDRAG DELIBASIC 18
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ALEX LLOYD Urban Wilderness
J.COLE Born Sinner
MGM Distribution
Columbia/Sony
MICHAEL FRANTI AND SPEARHEAD All People
THE 1975 The 1975 Sony
Capitol/Boo Boo Wax
Inspired by the cultural diversity of living abroad for six years as well as the joys of fatherhood, Alex Lloyd has come home to release his sixth studio album, Urban Wilderness. Telling stories of love and family infused with Lloyd’s transition of living in London, Urban Wilderness is the product of an Australian singer/ songwriter that has stepped his way back into the music scene with a punch of courage to give his fans a positive, upbeat and classic sounding record. Black Cat, recorded in his London home studio is the opening track and introduces the listener to the smooth, catchy tunes and Lloyd stepping outside his comfort zone lyrically. Waterfall and Better The Less You Know hold close to his firstborn Jake and two year-old Elvis, rolling into a well-crafted blues and roots vibe. Bring It On is a raw, feel-good track with a powerful snare drum sound that leaves you buzzing with happy vibrations. The sound is lifted to a raunchier and hard-hitting blues feel with Good Thing, a song written in flight from Sydney to Perth working fantastically with its in-depth emotion. Urban Wilderness speaks for itself, showcasing a diverse side to Lloyd and reuniting him with his past love of blues and roots music preserved into a natural and developed sound.
In one way Born Sinner is a strikingly solitary venture – J.Cole is involved in the production of all but two tracks, and only hosts one guest rapper (Kendrick Lamar, because of course). In another, the fingerprints of other artists are all over it. Twice he directly samples other iconic tracks (A Tribe Called Quest on Forbidden Fruit tops the Outkast bite on Land Of The Snakes). A whole track is about his disappointment that Nas hated his record. That’s the half that shows J.Cole is a selfconscious fan (and student) of his craft. It’s also (apart from Let Nas Down) the half that tells you the least about him. Far more interesting is his look at the culture. Canny use of sermons and stand up between songs places his work (as good hip hop often is) somewhere between the two - although, BS is a touch light on stand up – and at its best the album offers a clear-eyed look at how an obsession with largesse and being ‘hard’ affects relationships and self-perception. On the sparkling Chaining Day, a selfloathing take on constant trips to the jewellery store, he admits, ‘I need you to love me’. When he stops caring what Nas thinks and drops a masterpiece, people surely will.
M i c h a e l Fr a n t i f u r t h e r cements himself as an agent of love and positivity with his eighth studio album, All People. Along with his band Spearhead, and joined by a couple of like-minded collaborators, Franti proves that music is one of the greatest tools for helping people find calm in a chaotic world. Eschewing an overtly political message, the music on this album goes from high to high with a clear message that happiness is the mind state most conducive to change. It seems that his desire to reach a more vast audience has led to the injection of catchy and uplifting dance music style beats, while still featuring his mellow voice and a perfectly strummed guitar. The titular and opening track sets a perfect tone, the only obvious criticism of which is the lack of deviation from this style which does become a little tired by the final track, Say Goodbye. Michael Franti and Spearhead show themselves willing to throw their hat into the global ring and push forward a sound which aims only to lift the burdens of those who hear it.
Track one of The 1975, by The 1975 is called The 1975. Does such bravado indicate a grandiose statement of intent? Well, it’s a faux-poetic come on that veers from icky to borderline nonsensical (‘Step in your skin? I’d rather jump in your bones’) set against production so smooth and polished you can see your grimacing reflection in it, and it’s halfway into the next track before you realise that it’s finished. So, yes. The 1975 are less a band, more a collection of stock photos of trendy people. Their music is disco-infused emo for people with above average self-esteem. Singer, Matt Healy, puts everything in an impassioned, mewling yelp, as if all this dicking and all these loaded looks at awesome parties weigh heavy on his soul. Which may be true, but we never even get near the potentially interesting bit, which is why. All this would be at least ignorable were it not for interminable bombast of the music – it’s an endless wall of sound, giant ‘80s drums competing with lush synths and roaring guitars. It’s an album about sex without a shred of intimacy to it. On the Phil Collins bop of Heart Out Healy asks ‘Why don’t you figure my heart out?’ I fear my answer would offend him.
_ CHARLIE LEWIS
_ JAMES HANLON
_ CHARLIE LEWIS
_ JAYDE FERGUSON
THE OCEAN PARTY Split Spunk
If the sound of their new album, Split, is anything to go by, the members of The Ocean Party were the kind of lads who had sand kicked in their faces by bullies at the beach. Split is a long cry from the jock dominated sounds of your typical Aussie rock band. Over the band’s first couple of albums, Lachlan Denton was encumbered with the frontman duties, but Split has seen a change in strategy from the five-piece who now reside in Melbourne. As all members of The Ocean Party are songwriters, they have taken the move of each individual being responsible for singing each of the songs that they pen on Split. The Ocean Party sing about Australia’s national dish in Chinese Takeaway and their experiences in the big city after having moved from Wagga Wagga. Newest member and drummer Zac Denton sings the title track that forms one of the high points with the clean guitars and back handed nature of Every Decision. The Ocean Party manage to add a dose of Flying Nun, The Go Betweens and Teenage Fanclub to their brand of cerebral Australian tunes and yet remain quintessentially Melbourne sounding. Split is without a doubt one of 2013’s high marks for melodic pop.
_ CHRIS HAVERCROFT
MGMT MGMT Interscope
This is the most joyless album since Burzum last committed the sound of a burning church to tape. With 2010’s Congratulations, MGMT had threatened to slash and burn through the fans who had clambered aboard with Time To Pretend like they were so much Indonesian rainforest, and here they greet anyone in search of a good time with a terse smack around the ears. Trying to throw off the shackles of expectation is an admirable thing, but MGMT is a failure in every sense of the word; by completely disowning their pop instincts, they’re left with empty weirdness and self-indulgent frippery that makes Zaireeka feel like Fleetwood Mac. When they do finally offer up a hook in Your Life Is A Lie, they repeat it to the point of sarcasm, as if to say, sure, they could just knock some pop tunes out, but they’re not going to. MGMT dares you to believe in the existence of a genius the band isn’t willing to share, but they are trying to prove that they are artists first and tunesmiths second, they obviously have no idea who they are, and as a result this record is 45 minutes of a profoundly lonely identity crisis. It may be shorter than an AA meeting, but you get free coffee at those.
_ ALEX GRIFFIN
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With the challenging neo-Western whodunnit, Mystery Road, Indigenous Australian director, Ivan Sen looks at issues of race and class through the lens of a classic genre film. TRAVIS JOHNSON reports. If it wasn’t for Ivan Sen’s desire to stretch himself as a filmmaker, Mystery Road might have ended up looking pretty similar to his previous works. “Initially I wanted to do a story about some teenage Indigenous girls living in a small town,” he recalls.“But when I went into that approach I realised I was making something similar to Toomelah and I didn’t want to repeat myself.” Sen, who first came to wide notice with the 2002 drama, Beneath Clouds, before drawing considerable critical acclaim with 2011’s Toomelah, looked to be yet another in a long line of Australian social drama directors beloved by critics and largely ignored by audiences, but Sen admits to wanting to move out of the arthouse ghetto. “I’ve always loved genre films,” he says. “And I’m heading that way with my work - I want to reach wider audiences and make bigger films. I guess the generic element worked its way into that initial idea, which was about a cop caught between two worlds, pretty much, an Indigenous cop who has to solve a crime while negotiating his way between a suspicious Aboriginal community as well as a white-dominated police force with elements of corruption and racism inherent in that.” Thus, Mystery Road, which sees Aaron Pedersen’s Aboriginal detective strive to solve the murder of a young Indigenous girl, all the while contending with a host of less than trustworthy characters essayed by the likes of Hugo Weaving, Ryan Kwanten and David Field.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 22
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THE FINAL WORD MONKEY BUSINESS
See one of the most seminal monster movies over committed to celluloid this Sunday, October 20, when the Australian Museum Of Motion Pictures And television Western Region presents a charity screening of the 1933 classic, King Kong. The event kicks off at 10am with a pre-feature newsreel, cartoon and trailers, with the main monkey hitting the screen at 10.30am. Tickets are $10 for the general public, $8 for seniors and $5 for AMMPT members. For more info, call (08) 9367 1663.
Final Shavasana is the latest exhibition by Western Australian artist, Andrew Varano. Featuring a selection of sculptural and drawing work, the show continues Varano’s ongoing explorations of shape, movement and systems, chiefly though kinetic sculpture. The exhibition runs at Venn Gallery from October 18 November 22. Head to venn.net for more information.
IT’S ONLY ART IF IT’S WELL HUNG
Burlesque And Backstage by Wendy Sharpe is the latest exhibition to grace Fremantle’s Buratti Fine Arts. The paintings on display, inspired by performers in Perth, Paris and Sydney, celebrate the playful, powerful and sexy nature of the world’s burlesque showgirls. It opens this Friday, October 18. Go to buratti.com.au for further information.
THE NAME OF THE DAME
King Kong Mystery Road
CONTINUED FROM COVER Pedersen, an Australian film and television veteran, was Sen’s first and last choice for the lead role. As he explains, “I wrote it for him. I had the first part of the idea about six years ago and I told him about it one night, but I didn’t revisit it until I finished Toomelah a couple of years ago and that’s when I sat down and wrote it. He’s known it’s been coming but he gets a lot of people saying stuff like that and it never happens. I wrote the draft before I called him up, and when I sent it to him he was so excited - I said, ‘Here you go, bro - you’ve got a whole feature film where you’re in every single scene.’ And he loved it because he got to speak with silences and use his eyes.” Still, though a genre exercise, Mystery Road still tackles the racial themes that have featured so strongly in Sen’s work up to this date, although perhaps not as directly as before. “Merely having an Indigenous character at the core, being a black cop in a small town, makes it inherent.” he maintains. “The socio-political themes are inherent in him - he’s a product of colonisation. I didn’t have to worry too much about that stuff, because it was always going to show on him. My intention was always to kick it off as a murder mystery and the first convention is having a
body turn up in the first five minutes and that’s what happens. So, for me it was the genre driving the film, the story, and then the social elements coming as layers - which people can take as much as they want out of but, in the end, it’s the mystery of the murder and the enhancement of the Western genre which is the crux of the story.” Those Western elements grew from both the film’s chosen setting and Sen’s own fascination with Aboriginal stockmen and trackers. “I always had a fascination for the Indigenous tracker, the black tracker, and I think that’s probably why. I’ve always had to move between the two worlds like they do and Indigenous people do when they work for the government and for their communities, which is what this detective is trying to do. These cowboys are loners and they’re always in nature with a horse, in a natural environment. That’s something that, I guess, is similar to my own character - I’m drawn towards nature and I’m drawn towards being alone. And I don’t mind guns - I grew up around guns. there’s something about a gun that... I don’t know... it’s a part of the package of being out there in the country. And Indigenous people have been cowboys in this country since colonisation - they’re like the best horsemen you can find in the country.”
Renowned soprano, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, is coming to Perth as part of her 70th Birthday Gala Tour. Te Kanawa will perform a range of her personal opera favourites, accompanied by New Zealand. Tickets for the concert go on sale Monday, October 21 from 9am through Ticketek. Te Kanawa performs at The Perth Concert Hall on Tuesday, May 13, 2014.
COME DOWN FOR COMICS
As you may have read any time in the past 30-odd years, comics aren’t just for kids any more. The best way to test that assertion for yourself is head down to Perth’s newest comic shop, Perth Comics Centre this Saturday, October 19, for their Grand Opening Party. We’ve been promised a veritable cornucopia of special events, including exhibitions by local artists, live music from Hayley Beth and DJ sets from Laith Tyranny. The official after party happens at The Beat Nightclub in the form of the Big Kidz Superhero Party from 11.30pm, which promises ‘90s party tunes, video games, cartoons, and more. Wearing a superhero or villain costume gets you free entry.
ROAR FOR RAW
This Saturday, October 19, The Bakery plays host to the RAW Perth Showcase Launch. RAW is an independent, international arts organisation which aims to provide emerging artists across a wide range of disciplines with the resources and exposure they need to work creatively. Featured artists include Danielle Decay, Johannes Reinhart, Suzi Homemaker, Miss JamJam, Marijke Loosjes and Jerome Davenport. Tickets are $15. Head to rawartists.org for more details.
Kiri Te Kanawa
Mystery Road
MYSTERY ROAD
Dark Deeds In The Desert Directed By Ivan Sen Starring Aaron Pedersen, Hugo Weaving, David Field, Ryan Kwanten, Jack Thompson, Tasma Walton Race, class, and both sides of the law collide in this slow moving but arresting modern Western from director Ivan Sen (Toomelah). When the body of a young indigenous girl is found on the outskirts of a remote outback town, the investigation of her murder falls to Aboriginal detective Jay Swan, (Aaron Pedersen). Recently returned from the city and stuck in the no man’s land between the world of the police force and his own roots, Swan must navigate a treacherous landscape where everyone’s motives are murky, all agendas are concealed, and anyone could be an ally or an enemy. His search for the truth forces him to confront both the possibility of corruption amongst the police, and his own problematic position as the servant of an institution that, at base, isn’t all that troubled by the unsolved death of a black girl. Sen has crafted a slow moving film here, and those expecting something along the lines of a more conventional contemporary thriller are sure to get fidgety. The plot is oblique to such a degree that the motive behind the murder, when finally revealed, could be easy to miss, and Sen’s deliberate, at times almost ponderous, pacing means the film’s narrative build is difficult to grasp, following a fairly flat trajectory right up until the explosive finale. 22
But it’s also a beautifully constructed and thoughtful film, shot in a rich, classical style and peopled by one of the best Australian casts in recent memory. Pedersen invests the taciturn Swan with a combination of authority and uncertainty, giving a convincing portrait of man confident in his skills but uncertain of his position. Hugo Weaving is mesmerising as a compromised narcotics cop, while David Field and Ryan Kwanten - the latter frequently a less than interesting screen presence - ooze menace as a pair of outback ne’er-do-wells. Australian screen legends Jack Thompson and Bruce Spence also turn up for brief but memorable turns. Not every cast member shines, though, and on the odd occasion when a performance does fall flat - Zoe Carides’ brief appearance as a motel proprietor springs immediately to mind - it stands out all the more in contrast to the otherwise top notch acting on display. Sen could also use a little more discipline in the editing suite - while not quite falling within the purview of the slow cinema movement, Mystery Road is at times more trying than entertaining and, indeed, often easier to admire than it is to like. It is exceedingly admirable, though, and absolute proof that Sen is an auteur worth keeping an eye on. While it doesn’t quite successfully marry the tropes of the thriller or Western genres with the social concerns that have thus far dominated Sen’s work, Mystery Road is a distinctive and important work from one of Australia’s most promising film artists. _ TRAVIS JOHNSON
About Time
ABOUT TIME Time After Time
Directed by Richard Curtis Starring Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams, Bill Nighy On his 21st birthday, shy retiring Tim (Domhnall Gleeson) is indoctrinated into the family secret by his father (Bill Nighy), and it’s a doozy. For some unknown and unexplained reason the males of the family are able to time travel within the bounds of their lived lifetime. Each member often chooses a purpose to utilise this ability for, and Tim dedicates himself to finding love. After a few rocky starts, Tim meets and falls in love with the delightfully quirky Mary (Rachel McAdams) and seeks to use his powers to create the perfect life. The narrative shares much in common with Groundhog Day, but lacks the dark humour of the lead character going off the rails when facing a Sisyphean task. With seemingly no horrible side effects from time travelling (at least for the first twothirds of the movie), Tim is free to travel back in time as often as he can to solve any issue. This robs the script of any dramatic impetus, and makes it feel like the plot just meanders for its two hour running time. Director Richard Curtis’ script does of course come with all the charm one would expect from the writer of Four Weddings And A Funeral (as well as Notting Hill and Love Actually), it just never quiet seems to know
what to do with it. Towards the end of the movie some limitations are introduced to the time travelling, but it seems purely there to create tension and give the movie an end point to work towards, something it has been lacking for the majority of its run. Domhnall Gleeson puts in a good performance, despite coming across as a Weasley possessed by the spirit of Hugh Grant. Again blame here rests on Curtis’ script for producing a similar voice to previous characters. Still, there is a fair amount of charisma on display and Gleeson is quite likeable. Bill Nighy is the epitome of serenity, believable as a character that has lived every moment at least twice over. His interaction with Gleeson is easily the highlight, and forms perhaps the most rewarding emotional bound explored in the film as he passes on his wisdom to his son. Rachel McAdams is appropriately cute and quirky, providing some genuine chemistry in this overly sweet love story. Finally of note, Tom Hollander does inject some much needed humorous bastardry into the film with the minor role of Tim’s caustic playwright roommate. About Time has a genuinely sweet heart and uplifting message, perhaps so much so that it comes across as slightly cloying. Robbed of forward momentum by its own plot device, it just seems to flounder for its overly long runtime with little conflict. Curtis provides a film brimming with charm, but it is everything we have seen before in films directed or scripted by him. You don’t need to have just stepped out of a blue police box to experience deja vu here. _ DAVID O’CONNELL #youshouldreadxpress
Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa
ALAN PARTRIDGE: ALPHA PAPA Radio Waves
Directed by Declan Lowney Starring Steve Coogan, Colm Meaney A straight transposition of character from the small to the large screen is always fraught with problems. Can the concept sustain the story through the longer time frame? Can a balance be struck between maintaining the interest of long-time fans, while providing easy access to first time viewers? Should the production go larger in storyline to justify the change of format? As Mr Bean or Ali G demonstrated, getting it wrong can produce a fairly damp squib. Fortunately, Alpha Papa doesn’t stray too far from the mark for Alan Partridge. North Norfolk Digital is taken over by a media conglomerate and rebranded to appeal to a hipper demographic. In an attempt to save his career, radio DJ Alan Partridge (Steve Coogan) sacrifices fellow DJ Pat Farrell’s (Colm Meaney) job, while claiming he was supporting him. When Farrell besieges the radio station, the only man he will trust to negotiate is Partridge. As media attention is drawn to this incident, due to it now being broadcast by Farrell and Partridge, Alan sees a chance to capitalise on his fame. Long-time British TV director Declan Lowney does a great job of bringing this iteration of the character to the screen. The script is full of snappy dialogue, containing many irreverent comical
one liners, but also allowing the opportunity for trademark Partridge rambles as he unwittingly adds more fuel to an embarrassing situation. The pacing lags a little towards the end as the movie struggles to find resolution, but it finally manages to produce a satisfactory conclusion. Ultimately this is Steve Coogan’s show, a vehicle for a character he has managed to inhabit for over 20 years across multiple formats. The movie lives or dies on his sense of delivery and comic timing, and he delivers with a well-honed performance. This version of Alan, sans the patchy aging make-up and the cardigans, is slightly more likeable than those previously portrayed, without straying too far from the source material. In part this is because the character’s pettiness, selfishness and narcissism is toned down, but also due to him being compared against more ruthless corporate raiders. As such there is far less cringe as Coogan rapid fire delivers some well scripted comedic dialogue. Colm Meaney acts as a great straight man, but is also able to switch from effortlessly affable down trodden soul to heavy handed thug in a heartbeat (which is pretty much Colm’s film resume). A number of supporting characters also follow Alan’s transition to the big screen, most notably his long suffering assistant Lynn, ably played Felicity Montagu. She manages to convey a sense of serenity and act as moral compass, when things threaten to spiral out of control. Hilarious but by no means flawless, with some third act and one or two gross comic misfires, Alpha Papa is a good dose of British TV comedy made larger for the silver screen. _ DAVID O’CONNELL
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LAVAZZA ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL OPENING NIGHT PARTY Cinema Paradiso Thursday, October 10, 2013 Fans of continental cinema descended upon Northbridge’s picturesque Cinema paradise for a screening of lauded director Paolo Sorrentino’s The Great Beauty before heading to The Bakery for the traditional opening night shindig. Photos by David Chong
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Dust - Image by Rob Frith
Laughter On The 23rd Floor - Image by Rob Firth
THE BLACK SWAN STATE THEATRE COMPANY 2014 SEASON Spread Your Wings On Monday, October 14, 2013, the much-lauded Black Swan State Theatre Company unveiled their program for the next 12 months at the State Theatre Centre. 2014 will see the company mount six plays in the Heath Ledger Theatre as well as two in the smaller Studio Underground as part of the Black Swan Lab program. Director Kate Cherr y will not only direct Sigrid Thornton as Blanche DuBois in a new production of Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire, but she will also be in charge of Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull, which is set to star Greta Scacchi and her daughter, Leila George. Sometime Fremantle resident, Ben Elton, will be revisiting his 1980 play, Gasping, under the tile Gasp! The work will be updated for a new time and a new country, and is directed by Wesley Enoch and presented with the Queensland Theatre Company. Australian comedian, Peter Rowsthorn takes
the lead role of comedian Max Prince in Neil Simon’s Laughter On The 23rd Floor, which draws on Simon’s experiences writing for Sid Caesar’s Your Show Of Shows in the early years of broadcast television. Dust, by Suzie Miller, is a new play about a very dusty day in Perth and will have its world premier next June. Meanwhile, Roger Hodgman will direct the Shakespeare comedy, As You Like It, which we are told will feature a sprawling Western Australian cast. The Black Swan Lab program will present two world premieres in the coming year: Flood, written by Chris Isaacs and The House On The Lake, written by Aidan Fennessy. A number of subscription options are available for those keen to soak up some of the best theatre that the Perth scene has to offer. Interested parties should make their way to bsstc.com.au for more information. _ TRAVIS JOHNSON
STEPHEN GLASSBORROW Man Of Bronze
Born in Hammersmith in the United Kingdom, it seems fitting that renowned sculptor, Stephen Glassborrow’s career took the path that it did. “I’d never actually thought about that,” he says, chuckling. “But I guess it is an ironic twist. I mean, with my surname I should have been a glassblower or something like that, but I somehow ended up being a sculptor.” Glassborrow became an artist the oldfashioned way: he went to art school. However, he admits that he only came to sculpting after events demonstrated that his skills might lie away from his initial creative aims. “In the UK there’s a system in the arts where you have what’s called a foundation year where you try a lot of different forms of art, including sculpture, painting, graphics, all that sort of thing. I actually wanted to paint but they said, ‘You’ve got more of an aptitude for sculpture.’ So I did a degree in sculpture and it just kind of grew from there.” Within six months of graduating, Glassborrow had packed his bags for Australia, where he began the slow process of working his way up in the art scene, eventually taking on big businesses as clients. “I used to work in the corporate world where you make a design pieces for foyers and for architects, but they tend to specify what they want. So that’s where I started and made a living from that, but gradually I built a following and started to have exhibitions and now, all I really do is have exhibitions and produce bronzes for exhibitions and sell my work. My principal means of survival is through the gallery system.” However, he still does the occasional piece of public work, although only now and again. “Every so often, maybe once every two years, I do large public sculptures. I did the sculpture of Lionel Rose, the boxer, and I’m in the process right now of doing another one of John Famechon, who is also a boxer - he lives down in Frankston, Victoria, so I’m in the process of doing that. So, between the two, that’s pretty much all I do.” Still, one does wonder why Glassborrow chose to work almost exclusively in bronze, an archaic and difficult material not much in favour in modern art. “It’s a very challenging material,” he agrees. “Sculptors are cut into three areas: you 24
Rocking Horse by Stephen Glassborrow have sculptors who fabricate and build things out of maybe welding steel together or wood or even more contemporary materials; then you have those who carve out of wood or stone; and then you have artists like myself. I actually model in clay first of all and then I make moulds. From the mould you can cast into many different materials, like resin, clay and bronze. “And really, bronze is sort of the ultimate material because it lasts for thousands of years, it never deteriorates and it has that quality that is almost like gold; you can polish it, you can do so many things with the piece that you can’t with many of the other materials because they’re not strong enough. So I set out on a path many years ago to try and develop my career around bronze casting.” 1200° C, Stephen Glassborrow’s new exhibition, runs at Linton And Kay Galleries from October 15 - 29. Go to lintonandkay.com.au for details. _ TRAVIS JOHNSON #youshouldreadxpress
Gemstones And Millstreams: PS Art Space This new body of work by Jo Darvall explores multiple facets of the West Australian landscape. It runs until October 22. Go to psas.com.au for further information.
VISUAL ARTS
1200°: Linton And Kay Galleries A collection of bronze sculptures by renowned artist, Stephen Glassborrow runs until October 29. Head over to lintonandkay.com.au for full details.
Recent Acquisitions Your Collection: Art Gallery of WA Many of the more recent additions to the gallery’s extensive collection are on display until October 27. Lab Partners Showcase: Outré Gallery Go to artgallery.wa.gov.au for more. Original paintings and prints by San Franciscobased husband and wife team, Lab Partners. From Van Gogh, Dali and Beyond - The World Reimagined: November 1 - 30. Go to outregallery.com for more. Art Gallery of WA The third exhibition in AGWA’s MoMA Series encompasses works from Vincent Van Gogh, Paul Cezanne, Richard Long, Frida Kahlo and more. The exhibition runs until December 2. Go to artgallery. wa.gov.au for further information. Trampoline: The Blue Room Theatre This dark comedy by Shane Adamczak explores what Little Paintings, Big Stories: Lawrence Wilson Art happens when a shiftless dreamer actually meets Gallery the girl of his dreams. It runs until October 23. Shoot Runs until December 14. over to blueroom.org.au for session times and tickets.
THEATRE/DANCE/ PERFORMANCE
alltervatn: Feast Your Eyes Outpost The inaugural exhibition at the new art space in Fremantle’s old Myer building features a selection of stunning aerial photographs by Jarrad Seng. The exhibition runs from until November 3.
The Tribe: The Blue Room Theatre The latest confrontational work form Renegade Productions is a multi-part performance piece that examines the darkest parts of the human psyche. It runs from October 15 - November 2. Go to blueroom. org.au for session times and tickets.
Mine: Linton And Kay Galleries This exhibition by West Australian artist Matthew McVeigh draws on works he created while working as an artist in residence in Tom Price for three months. It runs until October 22. Go to lintonandkay.com.au for more.
The Tribe Bruce: The Blue Room Theatre A new two man, one puppet show by Tim Watts and Wyatt Nixon-Lloyd that runs from November 19 December 7. Go to blueroom.org.au for more. 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.
When The Lights Go Down: Phoenix Theatre The latest effort from Dark Psychic Productions is a backstage drama set in a Las Vegas cabaret club. It runs from October 25 - November 9. Tickets are Little Women The Opera: The Geoff Gibbs Theatre, available through TAZTix.com.au. ECU WAAPA presents the Australian premiere of American composer Mark Adamo’s opera, adapted from Louisa Better Left Unsaid: Fremantle Arts Centre Acclaimed hand-lettering and typography specialist, Gemma O’Brien, explores how the shape and form May Alcott’s timeless literary classic. The season runs of the written word can transform its meaning. Runs until November 17. Go to fac.org.au for details. until October 19. Bookings through waapa.ecu.edu.au
MUSIC
Nosferatu - Symphony Of Horror: Perth Cultural Centre A Halloween screening of F.W. Murnau’s seminal vampire film, with live musical accompaniment by MotET (Music Of The Electronic Times). Film begins at 8pm on October 31, entry is free.
FESTIVALS
Better Left Unsaid - Gemma O’Brien
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Lavazza Italian Film Festival: Cinema Paradiso, Luna On SX Until October 23, experience the finest cinema Italy has to offer. Go to italianfilmfestival.com.au or lunapalace. com.au for films and session times.
17th Japanese Film Festival: Hoyts Carousel and The State Library Theatre Presenting a mix of classic and contemporary Japanese cinema, including Gatchaman (which you may remember as Battle Of The Planets or G-Force), Arrietty, Children Hand In Hand and The Grand Master. From October 23 - 27. Go to japanesefilmfestival.net for more information. Proximity Festival: PICA 12 intimate performances created for an audience of one. One artist and one audience member alone in a space together. Runs from October 23 - November 2. For details, head to proximityfestival.com. Fremantle Festival: Various Locations, Fremantle Over 100 events across two weeks, encompassing a staggering variety of forms and media. Runs from October 25 - November 10. Go to fremantle.wa.gov. au for details. 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. The Beaufort Street Festival: Beaufort Street, Mt Lawley On Saturday, November 16, Beaufort Street is transformed into a Mecca of music, art, culture, shopping and food in a celebration of the inner city spirit. Go to beaufortstreetfestival.com.au for details.
To have your performance, exhibition or cultural event listed, get in touch via
localmusicarts@xpressmag.com.au
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THE ROOTS SO U L DY N A ST Y It’s late in New Jersey and Tariq Trotter aka Black Thought from The Roots, has just come home from another night fronting the house band on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon. He’s watching the news about why his country doesn’t have a working government right now. JODY MACGREGOR reports. House Republicans responded to the impending delivery of Obamacare by shutting down the government, and while every person on the internet seems to be making the same joke about turning it off and then back on again, someday, The Roots are probably going to write a killer song about it.
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Right now, it’s a bit too soon, and Trotter’s still trying to come to terms with something that seems more like an episode of The West Wing than reality. The Roots have dealt with reality and politics through their music from their earliest days, when Trotter met drummer Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Thompson at the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts and formed a duo, The Square Roots. Their Philadelphia upbringing has always been an important part of their music, but never more than on the 2011 concept album Undun. That record was about the life of a character they called Redford Stephens, a man who could have been a poet in a different world but was driven instead into the life of a drug dealer.“The story of Redford we’d taken right out of a Philadelphia photograph,” says Trotter. “There is no Philadelphian who doesn’t know a Redford, if that makes any sense.”
As well as telling its own gripping story, Undun told the story of hip hop as a whole. Riddled with musical and lyrical references to Snoop Dogg, Wu-Tang Clan, Swizz Beatz and more, it was a densely packed document showing how far hip hop has come over the years. Although The Roots had recorded 11 albums before Undun, this was their contribution to the tradition. “Wherever you set the bar is where you set the bar, whether an artist realises it or not. That is what you have to live up to next,” Trotter says. “If you’re not able to, as an artist, make a serious positive contribution to an already amazing legacy, then you shouldn’t make a contribution to it. You should just let what has already taken place; let the history speak for itself.”
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TECHNOID ADVENTURES
Art Department The Roots Trotter’s own history is currently in the process of being told in the memoirs he’s working on with hip hop critic and author Jeff Chang. “He interviews me and family members, friends and people who played a role in my story. I write it and he writes it, we’re doing it together.” Chang is famous for his own contribution to hip hop’s legacy; the book Can’t Stop Won’t Stop: A History Of The Hip-Hop Generation, is one of only a handful of books to tackle the early days of the genre. It’s what attracted Trotter to the idea of working with Chang in the first place. “I really enjoyed Can’t Stop Won’t Stop and in the few brief meetings that he and I had prior to doing this writing relationship, we just hit it off really well.” While Undun has become the definitive Roots album, there were plenty before it, like the classic Things Fall Apart. But what makes it stand out is its cohesiveness and that came about because of a change in how The Roots made a living. While famous for the live shows that showcase their abilities as a full band - still rare in hip hop - taking time off from touring gave them the opportunity to create their best work. When they landed the gig as the house band on Late Night it meant regular work that kept them near home.“It’s very time consuming doing that show five days a week, you know, 40 to 44 weeks a year,” says Trotter. “It’s a bit of a commitment. We tour and we do shows during the other times.” Late Night also meant they were near the recording studio, and were constantly writing new music together. Having to come up with musical fills and segments for TV every day of the week taught them brevity – Undun may be densely layered, but it’s only about 40 minutes long. One of the recurring segments they perform on Late Night is a freestyle where Fallon picks someone out of the audience, asks for a few personal details, and then gets The Roots to perform an impromptu song
Canada’s Art Department and UK producer, Jacques Lu Cont are heading to Perth for a house-y Sunday session on November 24 at Parker. Art Department is techno/house legend, Kenny Glasgow and label owner, Jonny White. The two joined forces in 2009 and they’ve been making and remixing countless underground, futuristic sounds ever since. Jacques Lu Cont (aka Tracques, Les Rythmes Digitales and Thin White Duke) is dance music royalty these days, producing electro, house, pop and epic funk for the likes of Miike Snow, New Order, Madonna and Kylie. Get your tickets in advance for this one from Moshtix.
about them. As if that isn’t intimidating enough, Fallon always adds some complication at the last possible moment:“And I want you to do it in the style of... 1950s doo-wop. Go!” The fact they manage to pull it off each week, and that they’re trusted to not screw it up, is a testament to their well-honed live instincts. “It’s like, ‘I’m not gonna make it that easy for you, that it’s just gonna be freestyle. We know that you guys can freestyle but I’m gonna throw you this curveball of musical genres to try and one-up you’.” While Trotter has enjoyed the four years they’ve spent working in television, it’s come at a price. They had to cancel their 2009 appearance at Good Vibrations in Australia and have scaled back their touring considerably. “It’s cool to be home every day and to interact with so many amazing artists, people you collaborate with every day, but at the same time there’s something to be said about the creative energy that comes from travelling.” They’ll finally be remedying that this summer, heading to Australia for the Falls and Southbound festivals. It’s been a long time since we’ve had a chance to see The Roots in Australia, so what should we expect? “Something old, something new, Sirgin something that you can sing-along with. Standard Roots procedure,” Trotter says.“There’s a lot of ground to cover so depending on who we’re playing for will determine what songs we play. We don’t get too deep Perth MC and producer Sirgin Supadi will shortly into it; it’s not that involved a process deciding what drop a new album, One Love, which will be available the set list is. We just get up on stage and rock out.” online from October 19. After a stint in the US immersing himself in hip hop music and culture, the local producer has returned to Perth, written and produced a 14-track album, and has set up his own » THE ROOTS record label to release it. Check out the first singles » FRIDAY, JANUARY 3 @ SOUTHBOUND, SIR STEWART Dreamin and I Keep Riding and get down to his launch BOVELL PARK, BUSSELTON show this Saturday, October 19 at the Civic Back Room.
SIRGIN SOUNDS
PRODUCER’S CUT
REPENT REPLENISH REPEAT SUNDAY BEST / [PIAS] AUSTRALIA
‘I know it sounds weird, I do want you to look back on this and smile, but I kinda want that smile to be through tears.’ So begins this album, one that melds some of the best elements of UK electronic music, with some thought provoking hip hop lyricism. Rapper Scroobius Pip has a simple and deliberate vocal delivery, but that simplicity belies the craftsmanship that’s gone into his writing before he even hits the booth. Opening track Stunner is a love song of sorts, but one dripping with malice, as indicated by the line quoted above. dan le sac’s instrumental is a crushing cyberpunk number, the pounding rhythm providing an interesting juxtaposition to Pip’s heartfelt storytelling. Whether the narratives throughout the album are personal tales or not, it doesn’t really matter when they’re written in such a way that the listener can so readily relate to. Terminal, for example, is a spoken word piece that’s simultaneously a chemically driven night time adventure and a meditation on loss, while standout track Porter weaves the lives of characters from Alice In Wonderland, Wizard Of Oz and Peter Pan into reality like a post-backpacker rap version of Alan Moore’s Lost Girls comics. Rap and bass music haven’t been used this well together since Techno Animal’s The Brotherhood Of The Bomb.
» NICK SWEEPAH
SMALL PYRAMIDS
SLOW IT DOWN GLASGOW UNDERGROUND Underground LA producer Small Pyramids’ debut LP follows up his memorable 2011 single, I Want Blood on reinvented label Glasgow Underground. The record features that pre-released deep house single along with nine other minimal, deep/disco house tunes, with opener Slow It Down doing just that with ‘70s dancefloor accented instrumental and lyrical sampling, smooth bass and down tempo beats. Lil’ Bit delivers an instantly body-moving bassline groove in an old school, slow disco jam you just can’t ignore. The Music brings us back to the present day where classic house is being reinvigorated globally, speeding up the tempo a little and led along by another driving, minimalistic low end. Don’t Do It To Me is distinctly house with the hats and vocal sample prominent, while Make It Smoother again backs off in tempo, continuing with the do-exactly-what-the-title-suggests brief. The record has to draw interest from the burgeoning deep house community, adding a chill out aspect to the bass, kick and hats combo. It’s an LP to save until the end of the night serving as a spacious but groove-filled pick-me-up, but the order of the tracks going from house to disco to slow jam can, at the right time, take a dancefloor on a journey by itself.
» TOM KITSON
FENDI PRODUCES: Drum’n’bass and other bassrelated music
DEEP HOUSE HALLOWEEN
Malt Supper Club’s regular deep house night, The Collective is putting on a Halloween party on Thursday, October 31 featuring the Berlin-based Andre Crom of Off Recordings. Perhaps best known for his Beatport chart-topping track, Hanging On - a collaboration with Teenage Mutants, plus his remix for Romanthony’s timeless classic, Ministry Of Love, Crom’s been DJing around the world with shows in Brazil, Ibiza and all over Europe, so its definitely not one not to miss if you’re a lover of house music. Support on the night comes from Tom Love, Parakord, Colour x Binny and Ben Sebastian. Tickets on sale via Pulse Radio and you’re encouraged to dress up spookily for this one.
» » » »
ONE SEVEN FOUR EP OUT NOW VIA IAMFENDI.COM FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18 @ VILLA SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27 @ WET BEATS VOL. 1, CARNAC ISLAND SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1 @ STEREOSONIC, CLAREMONT SHOWGROUNDS
SALT NIGHTS OUT
Describe your new record, One Seven Four EP: The tracks are basic and straight to the point. I’m trying to convey a sound that people don’t have to think about, analyse or dissect. Just straight up dance floor drum’n’bass to get people moving (I hope!). Tools of your trade? Coffee in the studio. Lots of coffee. Sometimes that can backfire though, because I’m working on the worst piece of crap Macbook. My temper is tested pretty badly when the CPU hits 1,000,000 per cent. The number of Snapchat’s I have sent mates of my laptop borderline melting and me borderline weeping is many. Anyway, when I’m playing out all I need is my mates in the booth with me having some fun.
Jack Doepel
TINY CLUB MONTHLY When: One Friday a month (check facebook. com/itstinyclub as it varies) at Good Shepherd, Leederville.
Most exciting moment on stage? Handing my bootleg remix of Rave to Zeds Dead. Then they used it. That was awesome, and still is. Playing after ShockOne at Shape will always be a great experience too.
Ethos: Selectors obsessively on top of what’s new and well schooled on the classics. No dark stuff.
Weirdest thing that’s happened on stage? It’s always weird when the hat flipping guy jumps in the booth at Shape, but the weirdest thing is being licked in the ear by Genga. The big hunk of man that he is, it gets a little invasive when you feel his tongue make contact with your brain via ear.
Next lineup: Jack Doepel & George Capelas, Escha, Cambourghini, Manimal, Lemon Lime & Biddiss, Willy Slade and Roland The Realest.
Have you ever just pretended to ‘twist knobs’? There’s this awesome scene in Scrubs where Dr Cox says “no” in about 100 different ways. That comes to mind for this question (laughs).
Attend if...: You like dancing with people who don’t like it when people don’t dance.
Producers/DJs you’re digging right now? I have always had a massive producer crush on Delta Heavy. Their track Space Time is the reason 28
Andre Crom
I began producing in November last year when I heard it in a Drum & Bass Arena compilation. But after ShockOne released Universus on Viper Recordings, I lost my shit. Others that I can never say no to are: The Prototypes, Phetsta (especially his remix of Dodge & Fuski vs Culprate’s Vice), and Zeds Dead. I love Zeds Dead.
Fendi
DAN LE SAC VS SCROOBIUS PIP
Hardware-based techno producer, Container from Nashville, USA is heading to Perth for a warehouse party in a yet-to-be-disclosed location on Saturday, November 9. Ren Schofield aka Container has been putting out twisted machine sounds since 2009 and is well known for his I Just Live Here record label, which releases cassette tapes. His music has been described as among the most out-there mutations of dance music to have emerged from the noise underground. Support comes from Sydney’s Pimmon plus Emerald Cabal, Reece Walker, Basic Mind and DJs Heather Grey and Jason Burton. Tickets on sale through ticketbooth.com.au.
Expect to hear: House and disco in the main room. Full scale party weirdness in the Nano Club.
Cool stuff: $6 Tecate, plus check the bar for cocktail specials. Free entry before 9pm.
» TINY CLUB MONTHLY » FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18 @ GOOD SHEPHERD #youshouldreadxpress
N’FA JONES GAME CHANGER
Former 1200 Techniques frontman N’fa Jones is in town this weekend for a string of shows to promote Life’s A Game, the first single from his upcoming full length album Black + White Noise. He speaks with JOSHUA HAYES. When Black + White Noise is released – Jones is aiming for late February – it will be almost eight years since his full length solo debut, Cause An Effect. Jones has spent a number of the years in between overseas, living in London and France, dealing with personal highs and lows while releasing a string of EPs. The uplifting Life’s A Game reflects on this journey. “About 2006, just after Cause An Effect came out, something happened in my head where I started getting stuck in yesterday a lot, thinking about ‘yesterday, yesterday’ or ‘should’ve, should’ve’, and all that kind of stuff,” Jones recalls. However while living in France in 2011 his son was born – a life changing experience for anyone, but especially so for Jones. “When he came, all of that finally stopped,” he says. “I started just being much more in the moment, thinking about today and what to do tomorrow, thinking about trying to provide for him and make life right. It’s quite astounding, the changes since. I feel like my old self.” These experiences shape Life’s A Game, and Jones says they are explored at length on Black + White Noise, which he has largely worked on since returning to Australia early last year. Life’s A Game is jointly produced by Perth’s Ta-ku and Melbourne beatmakers Sensible J and Dutch, while the likely next single is produced by 2012 ARIA Producer Of The Year, Styalz Fuego. “That came about by accident. I bumped into him in Coles just after I got back from overseas and his studio was around the corner so I just went to hang out for a minute. An hour later we’d written a song,” he says. Black + White Noise will be released on Drapht’s record label, The Ayems. The pair has worked quite closely in recent years with Jones appearing on Drapht’s singles, Bali Party and 1990’s. “Drapht’s been
Rene LaVice
RENE LAVICE RAMMING IT HOME
A recent addition to the influential Ram Records label, Canadian producer Rene LaVice heads to Perth this week as part of his first Australian tour. TOM KITSON spoke to this fresh talent in drum’n’bass, who’s just coming to terms with his rise to prominence. Just off a 28-hour flight from Toronto, LaVice is understandably tired, yet willing to speak in detail about his career progress so far. After a few releases on his friends’ labels in Canada, his big break came after his tracks ended up in the hands of Ram Records co-founder and drum’n’bass heavyweight, Andy C, who happened to take a liking to his music and invited LaVice on board. www.xpressmag.com.au
N’fa Jones a very great influence, helping me and seeing that I had this record and making me get my mind right and believe in it and do it,” Jones says. “We were just hanging out a lot and I was playing him stuff and he was like, ‘Man, you’ve gotta do something with all of this; finish it up and make it happen’ and it’s all come together. He’s been nothing but a blessing, that fella.” Perth punters will be able to get a taste of the album this weekend, when Jones joins local DJ and producer Charlie Bucket for three shows as part of a joint national tour to promote both artists’ new singles – Charlie Bucket’s horn-heavy Dynamite, which features Jones on vocals and The Clash’s Nick Sheppard on guitar. “I’ll play some of the older stuff, the right stuff that connects, but a lot of the set will be new music giving people a bit of a taste and feel for what’s coming,” Jones says. “It should be cool. I’ve been gigging a bit over in Melbourne with the set and the new tunes seem to be going down nicely.”
» » » »
N’FA JONES FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18 @ THE MANOR SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19 @ ELECTRIC VINES, SWAN VALLEY SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20 @ THE GET DOWN, ROSEMOUNT HOTEL (DJ SET)
“We had some tracks sitting around including Headlock which was set for release on John Rolodex’s label (Machinist Music),” he says. “There were some issues getting distribution but in the meantime, John had sent some stuff to Andy C which didn’t even have my name on it.” At this point LaVice was feeling limited with regards to opportunities to progress his career and wasn’t aware of what could happen once his music was heard on a larger scale. “Six months later I got a call from Andy saying he’d been searching for me since he got my music and he’d been playing my tracks in his sets,” he says. “I thought it was a prank at first, but then he asked me to send him more music and I sort of pursued that.” Earning the praise of such a respected figure in the genre has opened many doors, including the release of his debut album, Insidious released earlier this year, plus he’ll be bringing the bass to Villa along with Mind Vortex this week in the latest crop of Ram Records artists to hit our shores. Back home in Canada, LaVice says the drum’n’bass scene is really exciting and he can now discover more of what’s happening on his doorstep with his new found exposure and label support. “I’m discovering it as I go - this is the coolest thing about the last year, actually,” he says. “I’d only played in Toronto with friends before, but since then I’ve burst into the forefront of everything and I’ve been able to go to places in Canada that I’d never been to before.” As well as finding a new sense of patriotism and love for his country through touring and meeting new people, LaVice also has plans for new releases to follow up his debut album and remixes. “We’ve got some really exciting stuff in the works right now,” he says. “We don’t want to shout about it to much but there will be the second part of my Insidious album remixes and some new solo stuff for me in the new year probably. “You won’t hear many live recordings of my sets because I’m always playing unreleased stuff to try to gauge the crowd reaction,” he says. “I want to know before we release something that the music is breathing and has a life of its own.”
» INHIBIT PRESENTS RENE LAVICE, MIND VORTEX & MEFJUS » SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19 @ VILLA 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
AMBAR
COURT
WEDNESDAY 16/10
THURSDAY 17/10
Amplifier/Capitol – The 2013 Triple J Bon Voyage Party The Bird – Tw!st ft. Foxman/ Seventh Son The Brass Monkey – Victor Captain Stirling – Lokie Shaw Club Red Sea – Cheek Gold Bar - Famous Wednesdays The Grand Central – Fiveo Groove Bar (Crown) – DJ Crazy Craig Hula Bula Bar – Island Nite ft various DJs Leederville Hotel (upstairs) Kreem Leederville Hotel (downstairs) Arena Party The Llama Bar – Akuna Club ft. Benson Mustang Bar - DJ James MacArthur Players Bar - Why Wait Wednesday? ft. DJ Ambadextrus Sovereign Arms – Jordan Scott The Village Bar - Village People Wednesdays The Velvet Lounge - StickyTapes Vol. 2
The Beat (downstairs) Fantasy Thursdays The Bird – Lower Spectrum Album Launch The Causeway - Xport Thursdays Club Bay View - Dj-Vi Son Club Red Sea – Candyshop The Craftsman – Fiveo Eve Nightclub - Retro Thursdays ft. DJ Crazy Craig Flyrite – Loon Lake Hula Bula Bar – The Hi-Fi Lounge ft Varios Djs Kalamunda - Grizzly Leisure Inn - DJ Peta Malt - The Collective Mustang Bar - DJ James MacArthur Newport Hotel - Tiki Bar Open Mic Night Ocean One – Lokie Shaw YaYa’s - Yarhkob/The Weapon Is Sound/Freqshow/Child’s Play
Porter Robinson - Saturday, October 26 & Sunday October 27 @ Villa
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FRIDAY 18/10 Air Nightclub - VIP Platinum Fridays Ambar – Breakfest Warm-Up Party ft. Tonic/ Bezwun/ Panda/ Dngrfld/ Mo’Fly/ Tee El /4by4 DJs/ Marko Paulo Amplifier - Fridays Are Back The Avenue - DJ Lokie Shaw The Aviary - Troy Division/ Tomas Ford Bar Orient - The Reggae Club The Beat (downstairs) – PLAY The Bird – Motor City Miscellaneous The Brass Monkey - Jon Ee & Jordan Scott. C5 – Residence ft. Bass Attics Capitol - Capitol Fridays Capitol (upstairs) - I Love 80’s & 90’s Connections - Milly/Mama Cass & Kapitol P/Cinnamon/Curlee & JJ Daily Planet - Sundowner Sessions ft. Twistafex The Carine – Jimmy Beats The Causeway – Acoustic Sundowner The Como - Armee The Craftsman – Michael Brittliff The Deen - Student Night Eve Nightclub - DJ Don Migi
Flawless - Monarch Fridays Flyrite – Rumpshaker Records Launch Party ft. Beatslappaz/ Philly Blunt/ Nightcrawlaz/ RuKasu Geisha Bar - RTRFM’s Full Frequency Presents: Broken, Beaten, Scratched ft. Micah/Philly Blunt/ Dart/Sardi & more The Generous Squire – Fiveo Ginger Nightclub - Mondos “Feel Good” Dance Party Gold Bar – Friday Vanity The Good Shepherd – Tiny Club October The Grand Central – Jay Mackay Groove Bar (Crown) - DJ Crazy Craig Lakers Tavern – Grizzly Library – Dorcia The Manor – N’fa Jones/ Charlie Bucket Mustang Bar - Swing DJ/ Cheeky Monkeys/ DJ James MacArthur My Place - Karaoke Newport - Karaoke Classic with Steve Parkin Parker – Sandro Silva/Zelimir/ Mel Bee/Jump the Gun Paramount – Flyte/ Dj John/ Jordan Players Bar - Hooch The Queens - Reuben Rocket Room - Howlers ft DJ Frank N Bean The Saint – Mikeee Sovereign Arms – Ang3l Tiger Lil’s - Paul Malone/ Adam Kelly/ Alex Koresis YaYa’s - ACE ft DJ Pup
Mind Vortex - Saturday, October 19 @ Villa
MUSTANG BAR
SATURDAY 19/10 Ambar - Japan 4 ft. Escue/ Mo’Fly/Dngrfld/Marko Paulo/Oli v Tone Amplifier - Pure Pop The Aviary – Zel + Troy Division + NDorse The Balmoral - Back To The 80’s Bakery – RAW Perth Showcase Launch Bar 120 – Little Nicky/ Jordan Scott Beat Nightclub (Upstairs) CANVAS The Bird – International Day of the Girl Fundraiser Brass Monkey – DJ Peta & Jordan Scott C5 Metro Freo - I Love 80s & 90s Capitol - Death Disco ft. Death Disco DJs Capitol (Upstairs) - Cream of the 80s The Causeway - House Party The Civic Backroom – Sirgin One Love Launch Club Red Sea – Fresh Saturdays The Como – Jay Lee Lloyd East End Bar – Home Flaswless – LQ Saturdays Flyrite - FΔMILY Flawless – Cube Gold Bar – Saturday Pure Gold The Good Shepherd - Chocolate Jesus Groove Bar (Crown) - DJ Dan Leederville Hotel (downstairs) – Under The Arena Party The Library - DJ Victor / DJ Riki Lost Society - Chalk (indie/ hip hop) Metro City – Havana Brown Metro Freo – Metropolis Saturdays Newport – Karaoke Classic with Steve Parkin Parker - Parker Saturdays ft. Paul Scott + Jackness + Acebasik + Chiari + KNO Agents Paramount – Felix/ DJ John / Jordan Players Bar – LUXE Tiger Lil’s - DJ Bojan/ Benjamin Sebastian/ Alex Koresis Villa - Rene Lavice / Mind Vortex/ Mefjus/ Rregula/ DJ Illusiv Wolf Lane - Soulville YaYa’s – Arcadia All Nighter
Spit Syndicate - Friday, October 18 @ Amplifier & Sunday, October 20 at the Newport
SUNDAY 20/10 The Aviary (Rooftop) - Aviary Rooftop Sessions ft. DJ Ben Sebastian + Paradise Paul + NDorse The Bird – Elliott Smith Tribute Night Empire Bar - DJ Victor/ DJ Riki Eve Nighclub – DJ Slick Groove Bar (Crown) - DJ Crazy Craig Lakers Tavern - DJ Hages Mustang Bar - DJ Rockin’ Rhys Newport - DJ Tom Drummond Rosemount Hotel – The Get Down ft. N’fa Jones
The Saint - DJ Jon Ee/ Az-T The Queens – Fiveo & Mikeee
MONDAY 21/10 Mustang Bar - Triple Shots The Rosemount Hotel - Bada Bingo!
TUESDAY 22/10 The Bird – Barefaced Story Battle 2013 Heat 3 Mustang Bar - Danza Loca Salsa Night
Lower Spectrum
LOWER SPECTRUM ALBUM LAUNCH THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17 @ THE BIRD
#youshouldreadxpress
See yourself? Tag yourself! Head to faceboåok.com/XPressMagazine
I LOVE 90s
CAPITOL
FRAT HOUSE FRIDAYS
METRO FREO
PARKER
IN THE THIS WEEK
Booka Shade + Digitalism Saturday, November 2 @ Court Russell Square, Northbridge Friday, October 25 @ Villa Chic & Nile Rodgers Akuna Club ft. Benson Getter Rokwell & Groom album Sunday, December 8 @ The Wednesday, October 16 @ Friday, November 8 @ launch Astor Theatre Llama Bar Friday, October 25 @ Mojos Shape Bar Sets On The Beach ft. Yarhkob/The Weapon Is Container Miami Horror/DJ Snake/ Sound/Freqshow/Child’s Saturday, November 9 @ The Hoot ft. Arms In Alison Wonderland/Fort Play secret warehouse location Knox Five/Psychemagik/ Thursday, October 17 @ YaYa’s Motion/ Escue/ Charlie Chan, Standards Down & Punks Jump Up Alex Smoke Keymist/ Benny B Sunday, December 8 Lower Spectrum Album Friday, October 25 @ Ambar Saturday, November 9 @ @ Scarborough Beach launch Geisha Amphitheatre Thursday, October 17 @ The 10 Years Of Exit Records ft. Bird Kid Mac dBridge & SP:MC/Truth Looptroop Rockets/Sage Friday, October 25 @ Shape Wednesday, November 13 Francis Spit Syndicate @ Mojos Bar Friday, October 18 @ Wednesday, December 18 Thursday, November 14 @ @ Villa J:Kenzo Amplifier Friday, October 25 @ Flyrite Prince Of Wales, Bunbury Sunday, October 20 @ Friday, November 15 @ Newport Waka Flocka Flame YaYa’s ASTA - Aviary Rooftop Thursday, December 19 @ Saturday, November 16 @ Sessions Sandro Silva Metropolis Fremantle Sunday, October 27 @ The Settlers Tavern, Margaret Friday, October 18 @ Parker River Aviary Dim Mak presents Botnek Sunday, November 17 @ RTRFM’s Full Frequency Friday, December 20 @ Indi Bar RTRFM’s Hotcakes Presents: Broken, Beaten, Parker Sunday, October 27 @ The Scratched ft. Micah/Philly Big Sean Velvet Lounge Blunt/Dart/Sardi & more Breakfest 2013 Sunday, November 17 @ Friday, October 18 @ Geisha Thursday, December 26 @ Capitol Porter Robinson Belvoir Amphitheatre Saturday, October 26 & 27 Breakfest 2013 Warm-Up Mr Grevis @ Villa Party Friday, November 22 @ The Salt On The Beach ft. De Friday, October 18 @ Ambar La Soul Technoberfest ft. Ben Sims/ Rosemount Saturday, November 23 @ Tuesday, December 31 @ DJ Qu N’Fa Jones Prince Of Wales, Bunbury North Fremantle Sunday, October 27 @ The Friday, October 18 @ The Court Manor Origin ft. Wiz Khalifa/A$AP Art Department and Saturday, October 19 @ Rocky Jacques Lu Cont ft. Sunday Sessions Summer Electric Vines Party, Swan Tuesday, December 31 @ Shadow Brothers DJ Superstar Search Valley Ozone Reserve Sunday, November 24 @ Sunday, October 20 @ The Get Sunday, October 27 @ The Parker Claremont Hotel Down, Rosemount Hotel Cuban Club ft. De La Soul/ DJ Yoda Stereosonic Chet Faker Rene Lavice/Mind Vortex/ Wednesday, January 1 @ The Saturday, November 30 Thursday, October 31 @ Mefjus and Sunday, December 1 @ Flying Squadron Yacht Club ARTBAR Saturday, October 19 @ Villa Claremont Showgrounds Club Paradiso ft. Bag Raiders Metric Halloween Party Sirgin & Yacht Club DJs Saturday, October 19 @ Civic Thursday, October 31 @ Villa The Bamboos Wednesday, January 1 @ Salt Thursday, December 5 @ Backroom On The Beach Capitol Andre Crom Thursday, October 31 @ Malt St Jerome’s Laneway Todd Terry Festival ft. Cashmere Cat/ Saturday, December 7 @ Challenger Ready: Earl Sweatshirt/ Four Tet/ Geisha Bar Halloween Jamie XX Atlas Divine 20th Friday, November 1 @ Ambar Slanted & Enchanted ft. Jon Saturday, February 8 @ Anniversary Party ft. Asta/ Hopkins/Le1f/Kelpe/Lower Esplanade Park & West End, Boys!Boys!Boys!/DJ Yon Jovi Aerea Negrot Fremantle Spectrum & more Thursday, October 24 @ Friday, November 1 @ Saturday, December 7 @ Parker Connections Future Music ft. Deadmau5/ The Bakery Macklemore & Ryan Lewis/ Mulder single launch Rainbow Nation ft. Sneaky 15th Annual Perth Dance Phoenix/ Hardwell Thursday, October 24 @ Sound System/ Didier Sunday, March 2 @ Arena Flyrite Cohen/ Sarah McLeod/ Sun Music Awards Sunday, December 8 @ The Joondalup City/ Tomas Ford
COMING UP
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WELCOME TO THE VALLEY VALLEY SOUNDS
The Aston Shuffle/Sampology/Ball Park Music/ Cassian/Sosueme DJs @ Belvoir Amphitheatre Saturday, October 12, 2013 In a precursor to the summer of festivals ahead, Welcome To The Valley showcased the unique surroundings and atmosphere of one of Perth’s most beautiful areas and quality outdoor venues. Prior to the start of the party at Belvoir Amphitheatre, patrons had the chance to attend either Oakover Winery or Elmar’s Brewery in the Swan Valley for an afternoon of drink appreciation and local music from Charlie Bucket, Loretta Angus, Logan Crawford and Peachy. Once the Oktoberfest-themed festivities got into full swing, bus loads of lederhosen-clad locals descended upon Belvoir as Soesume DJ’s opened proceedings. The Amphitheatre itself never reached full capacity during the night, possibly due to overconsumption of ridiculously large steins of beer (so big they weren’t permitted inside the Amphitheatre) wearing out would-be ravers. Ball Park Music took to the stage as the queues started building and delivered an outstanding set of their best tunes including Surrender, All I Want Is You, It’s Nice To Be Alive and unexpected covers of December 1963 (Oh What A Night) by The Four Seasons and MMMBop by Hanson, which frontman Sam Cromack breathed new life into with his vocal ability, high energy stage presence and dangly, scarecrowlike appearance. The band closed with their much loved love hit, Fence Sitter and left the crowd in an even better mood than when they arrived. Changing things up next was Sydney DJ/ Producer Cassian, who performed a solid set of house classics including his own mixes of beats from Duke Dumont, Frank Ocean, Breach, Disclosure and Rufus, to name a few. His relaxed and introverted stage presence was forgotten quickly thanks to a big show of lighting effects and smoke machine puffs, adding life to the set and keeping the crowd entertained. Renowned audio-visual DJ Sampology backed by the big screen behind him displayed some hilarious illustrations including edited movie clips featuring Dustin Hoffman, Princess Leia from Star Wars, cats and even P. Diddy and the cast of Get Him To The
The Aston Shuffle. Photo by Daniel Craig
Sampology. Photo by Daniel Craig Greek miming lyrics and seemingly partying along with the crowd. He brought another bout of energy to the venue, using video stimulation to bring his set to another level, timing each track with the on-screen visuals and seamlessly mixing it all together. Mikah Freeman one half of The Aston Shuffle, paid homage to the previous acts and brought his customary, bouncy energy to reinvigorate the atmosphere as the queues began to die down and the Amphitheatre slowly emptied. Those who were keen to dance on were not disappointed, as the set descended into trap territory with new tunes like RL Grime’s Heard Me and Freeman bounced away on stage, showing how one person’s love of music can come through physically and resound through a crowd. Sosueme DJ’s came back to close out the night, playing the biggest hip hop and dance tracks from artists like Baauer and Flume, rounding out a show that added a different dimension to a day out in Perth’s wine region.
» TOM KITSON
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DARKWAVE The Rosemount Hotel Friday, October 11, 2013
THE VOLCANICS Datura/The Wishers/The New Invincibles Amplifier Saturday, October 12, 2013 The Volcanics launching a new album was always going to be an important event on the Perth music calendar, so it was a strange feeling entering a very underpopulated venue just as the night was about to kick off. Opening support acts, The New Invincibles and The Wishers, were left performing to just a smattering of punters, augmented by the odd person who looked like they’d gotten lost on their way to or from Oktoberfest. That was a crying shame because both bands gave it their all, with energetic performances of their respective forms of solid classic garage rock that didn’t so much warm up the gig as start it with an explosive bang that set the perfect tone for the night - loud, dirty and electrifyingly executed. By comparison to long standing Perth rock stalwarts The New Invincibles, The Wishers are a relatively new band in their current form, but a lineup that combines musicians with long and illustrious careers with a contingent of younger members, The Wishers are a perfect storm of experience and youthful vigour. Lesson number one, Perth punters: don’t wait until the headline act to show up. You may be missing some of the best new music out there. Perth rock royalty Datura stepped up next, bringing a much heavier vibe that almost seemed like an unlikely but hugely successful combo of Alice
THE BEAT NIGHTCLUB
A huge week for tours coming to The Beat this week with Cold Ground (Melb) and special guests Blkout and more on Friday, October 18. And then downstairs Saturday 19th, Sweden’s Adept take to the floor with A Breach Of Silence and Finders. Big Kidz Superhero Party kicks off from 11.30, too!
The Volcanics - Photo by JFFoto Cooper and Springsteen with a touch of psychedelia and the occasional heavy blues riff. They closed their set with an absolute ripper of a track that set the stage beautifully for the main event. By the time The Volcanics erupted onto the stage in a deluge of feedback and heavy bass, it was clear who most people had come out to see - the venue was heaving and within bars of the first song they had the usually sedate Perth crowd popping Iike corn in a frypan. When you witness a Volcanics gig one thing is very clear: this is a band who know what they’re doing. Lead singer John Phatouros has the kind of charisma usually reserved for stadium acts, and in a venue as intimate as Amplifier you can’t help but feel like you’re seeing something seminal. Track after track the band impressed with their raw animal energy and flawless delivery, even dishing out a cover of The Easybeats ‘I’ll Make You Happy’ that paid tribute to the roots of the bands influences while owning the song so well they could take Stevie Wright and Co. to school. Add some special guests in the form of a horn section into the mix, and the audience were treated to a whole new level of sound - an unexpected blend of heavy garage and big band that knocked it out of the park. If the audience reaction on the night was anything to go by Get A Move On is an album that is going to fly off the shelves and this reviewer, for one, left the venue thoroughly reminded that The Volcanics aren’t just Perth rock at its best - they’re rock at its best, full stop. _ MACEO POWERS
10 bands, five hours. Darkwave organisers pushed logic aside, packing The Rosemount to the rafters with some of the best local musical talent. With mere minutes between sets, punters enjoyed a near constant barrage of curiosity-piquing sounds. The Frighteners kicked things off with their delightful mix of bluesy rock and roll and infectiously groovy tunes. Known for his mindmelting sets, Ourobonic Plague followed, and he didn’t disappoint, mesmerizing early comers with his loops of hard industrial beats, squeals, waves and crackles. Heytesburg’s quick jazz y drums, thick full bass, soft complimentary vocals, and interestingly scenic backing track set each other off nicely, ensuring an outstanding and very professional set. The more relaxed, jam session feel to Shouting At Camels’ set greatly complimented their raw rock sound. The band seemed to enjoy themselves, with the frontman often dropping to his knees to belt out some strong, slightly gravelled vocals during the grungier songs. A Hendrix-esque guitar solo followed by an equally unbridled drum solo capped off their stellar performance. Seams followed with a more diverse mix of styles, starting with a simple yet solid rock song, they gradually grew into a pop performance. The vocal harmonies were well delivered, and the organ-like keyboards added some depth to the overall sound. Ramping up the energy, the crowd loved the Rag n’ Bone frontwoman’s Courtney-Lovemeets -Tina-Turner style vocals, which were very prominent even over the heavy, dirty, country style rock. Another change of pace, beginning with a captivating instrumental song, and continuing with a tight set full of infectious indie rock, Harlequin League were like a well-oiled machine, though that didn’t stop them from having a bit of fun on stage. The fun continued and it was clear from the get-go that two man band Goat were going to be anything but generic, bleating like their moniker for the sound check. The amount of noise these two managed to make was impressive,
This Friday, October 18, catch Ol’ Bouginvillea, Goat, The Right Way Up and Kortisol for a night of heavy rock. Doors open 8pm and entry is $10. Saturday night sees The KBI Sound System take over the venue for the second instalment of Teachings In Dub. Doors open 8pm and entry is free!
This Wednesday, October 16, catch Louis And The Honkytonk, 10 Points For Glenroy, Golden Strings and Odlaw, and Thursday night it’s The Butterfly Effect with special guests Sleep Parade (VIC) and Opia. Friday night catch locals Oh White Mare launching their debut EP with help from Doctopus, Apache and Erasers. Doors open 8pm each night. Head to rosemounthotel.com.au for ticket info.
TIRED LION Sugarpuss/These Winter Nights/Thee Gold Blooms/ Feyek
Adept The Bakery Saturday, October 12, 2013
INDI BAR
Needing no introduction, Regurgitator play tonight, Wednesday, October 16! Tickets are flying out the door. This Saturday, hot on the heels of releasing their debut album, So Heavy, Boom! Bap! Pow! finish off their tour. This night of rock ‘n’ soul tunes is not to be missed. Ending the weekend with some good ol’ boogie blues, Huge Magnet launch their debut album on Sunday.
Butterfly Effect
MOJOS
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due partly to loops and delays of the guitar, and an absolute hammering of the drums. Debuting their largely anticipated electronica/ synth-pop side project LYTS, the enviably multi-talented Laith Tierney and Yaeger Mora-Strauks absolutely blew the crowd away with their full wall of sound. Atmospheric and sometimes haunting sounds emanated and looped from the keys, and with Laith’s deep, dark vocals layered over, evoked some very dark waves indeed. The set weaved slowly into a more pop style, but managed to stay full of depth and emotion. Smooth, crooner style vocals from Laith soon gave way to a seedier feel and sound reminiscent of Mike Patton, contrasting with Yaeger’s clean backups and adding yet more depth. Due to the format of the night, the set was over all too soon, but what a tempting taste of the great things to come. _ LIANA KELLY
RAILWAY HOTEL
ROSEMOUNT HOTEL
Wednesday, October 16, Fremantle Blues And Roots Club presents Lloyd Spiegel. Supports include Rose Parker and Anton Thomas. Entry is $10. Doors at 8pm. Thursday, October 17, Bobby Alu are heading west to launch the new album, Take It Slow. Supports include Mister and Simon Kelly Acoustic. Entry is $15 at the door from 8pm. Friday is an awesome night of rock and roll! Get down for psychedelic, indie, post-rock and grunge. Headliners are Hunting Huxley, who are set to raise much need funds for their upcoming release. Supports on the night are FOAM, Mudlark and Race To Your Face. Entry is $10 from8pm. To win a double pass to see Boby Alu, email your details to mojos@coolperthnights.com.au with Bobby Alu in the subject header.
Harlequin League - Photo by Rachael Barett
FLY BY NIGHT
Aussie music legend, Diesel hits the stage at the Fly this Friday, October 18, as part of his Let It Fly Tour. His first studio album since 2008, Let It Fly is a twelve track romping guitar journey - classic and eclectic. The album features Canadian singer/songwriter/instrumentalist Tim Chaisson and vocalist Lila Gold. Now with 13 albums in his body of work, Diesel’s live show grows each time he hits the road bringing his powerful band, Lee Moloney on drums & Richie Vez on Bass. Doors open at 8pm, and tickets are $38.50, including booking fee, through flybynight.org.
Creativity was once again manifested in physical form on the stage of The Bakery for the launch of Tired Lion’s new EP All We Didn’t Know. Packing a sweet and accessible sound, a decent crowd gathered for the occasion and for once the scene deemed the music worthy of a little bit of movement. Local duo Feyek began the night with a rambling journey through ‘verbed out chords and random, often imprecise, plucks. Their music, while rather repetitive, did have a meditative and soothing quality. Small variations and embellishments were the saving grace of an otherwise dull, self absorbed set by two guitarists with their heads firmly turned away from the audience. Thee Gold Blooms injected some life into the situation with a soaring lead male vocalist. Possessing a swell and innocent sound, tinges of high paced rock and roll coloured the set nicely. Even though spring seems loathe to make itself known, Thee Gold Blooms were ready to sprout and brought the vague smell of summer to the venue with a fun brand of boppy surf pop. Despite the steadily increasing temperature, These Winter Nights proved that their talent and stage presence are not affected by the weather, once again putting on a quality show for the evening revellers. The lead singer has a vocal tone brimming with mid-range masculinity, but also
Tired Lion - Photo by Rachael Barrett capable of hitting seemingly impossible highs with a clear, almost theremin-like quality. The energy was steadily rising and Sugarpuss were ready with the goods. Armed with a quiver of intricate, sometimes even psychedelic compositions, these lads transitioned smoothly between a lovely, airy sound to something with a heavier edge. Feedback-fuelled excitement made way for a sleazy, washed out eastern vibe and their physical presence on stage helped to further boost the crowd. The time had come and Tired Lion cruised to the stage with an ineffable coolness that was surpassed only by the lead singer’s unassuming sexiness. Frontwoman Sophie Hopes’ powerful vocals were a foot-stomping contrast to strong and wailing guitars and an extraordinarily professional standard was set as they took us through the grungy and riff-driven titles of their fresh EP. The audience was gifted with moments of break out heaviness to which they responded energetically, indicating that perhaps these moments were a little too sparse for the inebriated late night crowd. While additional variations in tempo would not have gone astray, an attention grabbing and dark edge was the connecting thread between the tunes and they completed their set to an explosion of applause. Tired Lion proved that they are well deserving of their place amongst the evolving ranks of Perth’s dynamic music scene, and the work and thought put into this release was not only obvious, but resulted in a seriously entertaining experience. Thankfully, the lion broke the stereotype and decided not to sleep tonight, as it’s roar was something not to be missed. _JAMES HANLON #youshouldreadxpress
Edited by T RAV IS JOHNS ON
some very talented friends and my sister Indi and we re-worked the songs and had a good time and here we are! Would you say you’re a band or a solo artist with backing musicians? There is a fine line, but I would definitely say we are a band! Everyone collaborates in the writing process and contributes a lot to the band!
LITTLE SKYE Originally a solo act, Little Skye is now a group fronted by Ashby Ranson, who was good enough to have a chat to us ahead of the launch of their new single, Didn’t Say A Thing, at PICA Bar on Saturday, October 19, with support from Dead Owls, Flowermouth and Children. What’s the Little Skye story? I’d always written my own stuff, but never had the confidence to play it live. Instead I just sung for some pop punk bands. When they started to slow down a little, I started writing more and started doing some solo gigs around Melbourne and Perth. After a few months of this, I missed the energy of performing with a full band, so I gathered
HONKYTONK ROSE
If you ‘re in the mood for some psychedelic indie-pop, then make The Rosemount Hotel your destination tonight, Wednesday October 16, to get a dose of Louis And The Honkytonk. Also onstage will be Ten Points For Glenroy, Golden String and Odlaw. Doors open ay 8pm, entry is $5.
Louis And The Honkytonk
MARE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK
Perth four piece Oh White Mare launch their eponymous debut EP this Friday, October 18, at The Rosemount Hotel. On hand to help will be Doctopus, Apache and Erasers. Doors open at 8pm, entry is $10.
How would you describe your sound? I always find this question hard! We have a heavy indie rock sound with thoughtful chord progressions and dynamics. Our key influences range right across the board from Manchester Orchestra to Sigur Ros. Where did you record the single? We tracked with Crispin Wellington at Mixed Signals studio. He is a wizard! Then we sent it to Jim Power at Yo-Yo Studios for more mixing wizardry. Overall, it went very well, but it has been quite rushed! What made Didn’t Say A Thing stand out as a single? A lot of our songs are on one end of scale, either very folk-pop-ish or mellow-jam-heavy-ish. Didn’t Say A Thing is a good demonstration of a little of both styles, with quieter more intricate verses and a big loud chorus! What’s up next? We are about half way through tracking our EP, so we’ll be launching that in about March and then setting off for our first national tour!
LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE GIRL
Saturday, October 19, get down to The Bird for the International Day Of The Girl Fundraiser. The night features an impressive roster of xx chromosome talent, including Dianas, Mei Saraswati, Nora Zion and Jo Lettenmieter on the decks. There’s also an accompanying art exhibition, and proceeds form all door and art sales go to Plan International’s Because I Am A Girl. Doors open at 8pm, entry is $10.
Mei Saraswati
BALLS TO THE WALL
Alt-rockers We Move Walls will be taking to the stage at YaYa’s this Tuesday, October 22, alongside up and comers Segue Safari and Eerie Serpent. Doors open at 7.30pm, and entry is $5.
We Move Walls
Ol’ Bouginvillea
RIDING THE RAILS
Anyone finding themselves in the mood for some heavy, no-holds-barred rock could do a lot worse than making their way to The Railway Hotel this Friday, October 18, where Ol’ Bouginvillea, Goat, The Right Way Up and Kortisol will be making it noisy. Doors open at 8pm, entry is $10.
THE THRILL OF THE HUNT
Hunting Huxley are desperately pulling together the cash to foot the bill for their upcoming release, and to that end they’re putting on a show at Mojos this Friday, October 18, alongside FOAM, Mudlark and Race To Your Face. Entry is $10 from 8pm.
ROUND ABOUT MIDNIGHT
Blues-rock outfit, The Midnight Collective, unleash their self-titled debut EP this Friday, October 18, at The Northshore Tavern. Support comes from The Blue Stooges, Heath Marshall, Salv and Justin Blankenship. Doors open at 6.30pm.
18/10/2013 Oh White Mare Self Titled EP Launch @ The Rosemount 10/10/2013 Th e M i d n i g h t Co l l e c t i ve Self Titled EP Launch @ The Northshore 19/10/2013 Little Skye Didn’t Say A Thing Single Launch @ PICA Bar 19/10/2013 Sirgin One Love EP Launch @ The Civic 24/10/2013 Mulder Magic Mike/Love Will Tear Us Apart Double Single Launch @ Flyrite 25/10/2013 Rokwell & Groom New Parts Album Launch @ Mojos 25/10/2013 Sensory Amusia Disrepair Album Launch @ Amplifier 26/10/2013 Lights Of Berlin Brand New Day EP Launch @ The Rosemount 26/10/2013 Special Brew In The Borough Video Launch @ The Bakery 02/11/2013 Anton Franc All This Talk EP Launch @ The Bakery 02/11/2013 Axe Girl Give Me Your Tee Shirt Single Launch @ WA Pride Fest 07/11/2013 Scalphunter 10” Vinyl EP Launch @ C5 15/11/2013 Mezzanine Strange Paradise Album Launch @ Amplifier 23/11/2013 Our Man In Berlin Airhead Single Launch @ Flyrite 20/12/2013 Kristie Smith The Bunny Boiler Album Launch @ The Fly Trap
The Midnight Collective www.xpressmag.com.au
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Karl Smith
KARL SMITH Fly As A Kite
Karl Smith may have spent more time playing music in Melbourne than he has on Western shores, but the former frontman of Thermos Cardy and Sodastream will always be much loved in and around the Perth music scene. He performs in support of Jae Laffer next Thursday, October 24, at Mojos and Friday, October 25, Upstairs At The Astor. CHRIS HAVERCROFT reports. Thirty years after picking up his first guitar, Karl Smith has finally put the name on his birth certificate to an album. When Smith started writing songs for his previous outlet Lee Memorial, what was to be a solo endeavour quickly turned into a full blown band. Smith was conscious not to give up the reins so easily for his new LP, Kites. “I thought that I’d release Kites under my own name and then regardless of what happened around it with a band or no band, I could just do what I want,” explains Smith. “The older you get, the harder it is to get together to play with old friends and to get together and make new friends. I had a studio at my old house so it was great to be able to go down there in the evenings after work and potter around to make some tunes.” The other addition to Smith’s life in recent times has been the birth of his daughter which has shaped many of the songs on Kites. His change in circumstance led to a vastly different record than the straight ahead ‘plugged in’ approach of Lee Memorial.
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“Lyrically the songs changed quite a lot because as you approach the defining moment of the birth of your first child, you are going through quite a lot. “For guys I think it is a different process for going through that stuff around being a father for the first time. Most guys live in denial and don’t really think the process through until they can’t ignore it anymore. They say dads become dads on the day of the birth, but mums become mums when they find out they are pregnant. I think that you go through the process in that supporting role but when the big day hits it throws into focus the chaotic thoughts you had in the preceding months and it starts to make sense.” With birth being such a significant part of Smith’s life in the lead up to recording Kites, you would think the album title would be a reflection of the bond that he shares with his daughter and how she shaped the songs. At face value it may not appear so. “ That is more of going back to my childhood where I grew up in Bangladesh and we flew a lot of kites over there,” offers Smith regarding the album’s title. “There was kite fighting and that kind of stuff. I guess I have always seen it as a metaphor for the imagination. The further you let it go out the less control you have and the less clearly you can see it. The less control you have the more possibilities there are. And I also like kites!” The tour to accompany the release of Kites will see Smith on the road with Jae Laffer from The Panics. The two songwriters have much in common having both gut their teeth in the venues of Perth, had some critical acclaim in the UK and both now reside in Melbourne. For this reason alone, the Perth shows are bound to be ones not to miss. “We only met relatively recently but obviously I had known his music for a long time, and when we met he said that he had grown up listening to Thermos Cardy. It is always nice to meet people that you have a common history with and he is a lovely guy so I’m really looking forward to it. I’ll be joined on stage with a guitarist and a viola player, and I will play a lot of piano. I guess it will be a slightly stripped back version of what’s on the record but there will still be plenty of colour in there to keep things interesting.”
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Spit Syndicate, October 17-18
THIS WEEK LLOYD SPIEGEL 16 Mojos Bar 17 Indi Bar
VIOLENT SOHO 31 Mojos Bar LIMP BIZKIT 31 Metro City
AMORPHIS
NOVEMBER
VIOLENT SOHO 1 Amplifier YACHT ROCK BALL REGURGITATOR 1 Fremantle Town Hall 16 Indi Bar 17 Prince O f Wales, SHEPPARD 1 Leisure Inn Bunbury 2 Amplifier 18 Metro Freo 3 Mojos 19 Rosemount Hotel EL VEZ/ JORDAN C MARINA PRIOR THOMAS BAND 18 Astor Theatre 2 Devilles Pad BABY ANIMALS JUNGLE GIANTS 2 Astor Theatre 17 Newport Hotel JESSICA MAUBOY 18 Capitol 2 Perth Arena COLD GROUND BLUEJUICE 18 Beat Nightclub 2 Capitol LOONLAKE 3 Prince Of Wales 17 Flyrite THE SEEKERS & 3 Riverside Theatre SPIT SYNDICATE 2PITBULL & KEI$HA 18 Amplifier 5 Perth Arena 20 Newport Hotel BEYONCE DIESEL 8 & 9 Perth Arena 18 Fly By Night USELESS ID 19 Charles Hotel 8 Prince Of Wales, 20 Ravenswood Hotel Bunbury 9 Rosemount Hotel ELECTRIC VINES LISA MITCHELL/ JOSH 19 Oakover Winery PYKE MICKY AVALON 9 Wanneroo 19 Amplifier Showgrounds KIM WILDE & NICK ONEREPUBLIC 9 Metro City KERSHAW DREAM ON DREAMER 20 Astor Theatre 10 Amplifier PAUL DEMPSEY 11 YMCA HQ 20 Fly By Night SCOTT KELLY AND THE ROAD HOME 10 Rosemount Hotel OCTOBER LEONARD COHEN EVERY TIME I DIE 13 Perth Arena 24 Amplifier DANCE GAVIN DANCE THE GOOCH PALMS 13 Amplifier 24 The Bird BLACK REBEL JAE LAFFER MOTORCYCLE CLUB 24 Mojos 13 Metro Freo 25 Astor Theatre KID MAC BEHEMOTH 13 Mojos Bar 24 Capitol 14 Prince Of Wales, NARISSA CAMPBELL Bunbury 25 Ellington Jazz Club 15 YaYa’s WOLF & CUB 16 Settlers Tavern, 26 Amplifier Margaret River THE AMITY 17 Indi Bar AFFLICTION SINCERELY, GRIZZLY 26 Metro City 14 Newport Hotel 27 Metro Freo 15 Amplifier MATT CORBY BODYJAR 27 Fremantle Arts 15 Rosemount Hotel Centre 16 Prince Of Wales, TELEVISION Bunbury 28 Fly By Night THE MEMBERS SLEEP 16 Rosemount Hotel 28 Rosemount Hotel BEAUFORT STREET THE CRIBS FESTIVAL 29 Rosemount Hotel 16 Beaufort Street ANDRE RIEU DAN SULTAN 29 Perth Arena 16 Fly By Night TONY HADLEY 17 Ellington Jazz Club 30 Astor Theatre THE RED JUMPSUIT 5IVE APPARATUS 30 Metro Freo 17 Villa Nightclub CHET FAKER BIG SEAN 31 ARTBAR 17 Capitol THE BREEDERS JILL SCOTT 31 Astor Theatre 17 Riverside Theatre ENSLAVED AN EVENING ON THE 31 Rosemount Hotel GREEN YELLOWCARD Hoodoo Gurus, You Am I, The Whitlams, 31 Capitol 16 Capitol
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Diesel, October 18-20 Dave Graney & The Mistly, Rainy Day Women 16 Kings Park & Botanic Garden AN EVENING ON THE GREEN Bernard Fanning, The Cruel Sea, Sarah Blasko, Bob Evans 17 Kings Park & Botanic Garden NILE 17 Amplifier SARAH BLASKO 18 Fremantle Arts Centre Courtyard IAN BALL(GOMEZ) 18 Mojos Bar 19 PICA bar TEX PERKINS 19 Fremantle Arts Centre Courtyard BELINDA CARLISE & 1927 20 Astor Theatre THE BELLRAYS 21 Fly By Night BOY & BEAR 22 Metro Freo 23 Astor Theatre JEDWARD 23 Regal 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, Jughead’s Revenge 24 Amplifier & Capitol MOONSORROW 24 Rosemount Hotel EROS RAMAZZOTTI 23 Challenge Stadium I KILLED THE PROM QUEEN 28 Prince Of Wales, Bunbury 29 YMCA HQ 30 Amplifier THE ATARIS 29 Amplifier STEREOSONIC 30 Claremont Showgrounds BIRDS OF TOKYO 29 Metro Freo MUSE 30 Perth Arena SCREAMING JETS 30 Astor Theatre
Ian Ball (Gomez), November 18-19
JACK JOHNSON 7 Kings Park INSANE CLOWN POSSE 7 Metro Freo CITY AND COLOUR 7 Belvoir Amphitheatre SLANTED AND ENCHANTED 7 Astor Theatre/The Bakery AIR SUPPLY 8 Perth Concert Hall JUSTIN BIEBER 8 Perth Arena CHIC & NILE RODGERS 8 Astor Theatre KATAKLYSM 8 Rosemount Hotel SETS ON THE BEACH 8 Scarborough Beach Amphitheatre THE BRIAN JONESTOWN MASSACRE 10 Astor Theatre TAYLOR SWIFT 11 Perth NIB Stadium STEEL PANTHER 12 Metro City ARCHIE ROACH 12 Fremantle Arts Centre Courtyard 13 Quarry Amphitheatre POND 12 Metro Freo BON JOVI 12 Perth Arena CLAIRY BROWNE & THE BANGIN’ RACKETTES 14 Rosemount Hotel THE NERVE 19 Mojos Bar WAKA FLOCKA FLAME 19 Metropolis Fremantle HUMAN NATURE 20 Perth Zoo BREAKFEST 2013 26 Belvoir Amphitheatre DE LA SOUL 31 Salt On The Beach
FEBRUARY BIG DAY OUT Pearl Jam, Arcade Fire, Blur, Snoop Lion, Major Lazer, Tame Impala, Flume & more! 2 Claremont Showgrounds BRUCE STRINGSTEEN & THE E STREET BAND 5,7,8 Perth Arena LANEWAY FESTIVAL 8 Fremantle THE NATIONAL 14 Belvoir Amphitheatre BRUNO MARS 28 Perth Arena
MARCH
FUTURE MUSIC Deadmau5, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Phoenix, Hardwell, Knife Party, Eric Prydz, Rudimental, Tinie Tempah, Chase & Status 2 Arena Joondalup THE WONDER STUFF 2 Rosemount Hotel SOUNDWAVE Green Day, Stone Temple Pilots, Alice In Chains, Rob Zombie, Megadeth, Placebo and more! 3 Claremont Showgrounds BILLY BRAGG 8 Perth Concert Hall QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE & NINE INCH NAILS 11 Perth Arena JOSH PYKE 12 Quarry Amphitheatre KATE MILLER-HEIDKE 21-22 Quarry Amphitheatre DARK TRANQUILLITY & ORPHEUS OMEGA 25 Capitol JANUARY 30 SECONDS TO DE LA SOUL/DJ YODA MARS 1 Cuban Club (Flying 25 Challenge Stadium Squadron Yacht HUNTER & Club, The Esplanade, COLLECTORS Dalkeith) 29 Kings Park & SOUTHBOUND Botanical Garden !!!, Bonobo, Crystal (sold-out) DECEMBER Fighters, Grizzly I KILLED THE PROM Bear, Horrorshow, QUEEN APRIL Johnny Marr, London 1 Newport Hotel WEST COAST BLUES Grammar, MGMT, SCREAMING JETS Neil Finn, The Roots, N ROOTS 1 Wintersun Hotel, Matt Corby, Michael Vampire Weekend Geraldton Franti, John Mayer, MARTHA DAVIS & THE and more! 3-4 Sir Stewart Bovell Dave Matthews Band, MOTELS Park, Busselton, WA Doobie Brothers, Boy 4 Astor Theatre DAUGHTERS & Bear ALICIA KEYS 14 Amplifier 13 Fremantle Park, 5 Perth Arena PARAMORE Fremantle THE BAMBOOS 16 Perth Arena BOZ SCAGGS 5 Capitol HALF MOON RUN THE MELVINS & 14 Crown Theatre 16 Fly By Night HELMET MICHAEL BUBLÉ MISFITS 6 Metro Freo 26 & 27 Perth Arena 19 Amplifier NATURAL NZ MUSIC CELTIC WOMAN FESTIVAL MAY 24 Riverside Theatre 7 Red Hill Auditorium JASON DERULO WE ARE SCIENTISTS CAVE 10 Perth Arena 26 Amplifier 7 Astor Theatre
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Nevsky Prospekt, Wednesday at The Paddo
WEDNESDAY 16.10 AMPLIFIER Amorphis Voyager BAR 120 Felix BIRD TW!ST Seventh Son Foxman BRASS MONKEY Sugar Blue Burlesque CARINE Open Mic Night Chris Gibbs CLAREMONT HOTEL Acoustica GREENWOOD Bernardine ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Astrid Ripepi Kiera Owen Callum Morrison Ben Humphreys Night Cap Sessions GROOVE BAR (CROWN) 5 Shots THE GROSVENOR Rick Steele INDI BAR Regurgitator Wampire LOBBY LOUNGE (CROWN) Decoy Duo LUCKY SHAG Howie Morgan MOJOS BAR Perth Blues Club Lloyd Spiegel Rosie Parker Anton Thomas MOON CAFÉ Going Solo Craig McElhinney Ringham Kenta Alpha Is The Omega MUSTANG BAR Flash Nat & The Action Men DJ James MacArthur PADDO Nevsky Prospekt The Loved Dead Ben Protasiewicz ROSEMOUNT Louis And The Honkeytonk 10 Points For Glenroy Golden Strings Odlaw UNIVERSAL Cartel
THE VIC Leighton Keepa VILLAGE BAR Village People - Open Mic YAYA’S Giggidy
THURSDAY 17.10 BEAT NIGHTCLUB (DOWNSTAIRS) Fantasy Thursdays BALMORAL Howie Morgan THE BIRD Lower Spectrum Leon Osborn Omega Is The New Alpha THE BOAT Jen de Ness BRASS MONKEY Rhythm Bound Karaoke BRIGHTON Open Mic Night Rob Walker BROOKLANDS TAVERN Celebrations Karaoke THE CAUSEWAY BAR Xport Thursdays DEVILLES PAD Rock’n’Roll Karaoke DUNSBOROUGH TAVERN Open Mic Night Pat Nicholson ELEPHANT AND WHEELBARROW Distant Sun ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Tim Chaisson Night Cap Sessions FLYRITE Loon Lake Timothy Nelson & The Infidels FRIENDS RESTAURANT Diesel THE GATE Greg Carter GRAND CENTRAL PARK Karin Page GROOVE BAR (CROWN) Dr. Bogus INDI BAR Bex’s Open Mic Night Lloyd Spiegel
Cal Peck And The Tramps
CAL PECK & THE TRAMPS VINTAGE REDS LES SATANIQUES SUGAR BOY ASH
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18 DEVILLES PAD
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Nathan Gaunt, Friday at Caves House KULCHA Bluegrass Parkway with Charlie Walden Patt & Possum LANEWAY LOUNGE Libby Hammer Trio LOBBY LOUNGE (CROWN) Monarchy LUCKY SHAG James Wilson MARKET CITY TAVERN Original Night Nathan Mayers Jeff Smith Clayton Sharp Emrys Robby James Kathryn McCarthy Kara Gil MOJOS BAR Bobby Alu Mister Simon Kelly MUSTANG BAR The Crooked Cats Special Guests DJ James MacArthur NEWPORT HOTEL The Jungle Giants Northeast Party House Greyjoy NORTH FREMANTLE BOWLS CLUB The String Beans PRINCE OF WALES BUNBURY Regurgitator Wampire ROSEMOUNT HOTEL The Butterfly Effect Sleep Parade Opia SETTLERS TAVERN Acoustic Open Mic Night Claire Warnock UNIVERSAL Off The Record THE VIC Voudou Zazou YAYA’S Yarkhob Freqshow Weapon Is Sound Child’s Play
FRIDAY 18.10 THE ALBION Jen De Ness Trio AMPLIFIER Spit Syndicate Joyride THE ASTOR Marina Prior BAILEYS BAR Hi-NRG BALMORAL Shades Of Indigo BAR ORIENT The Reggae Club The Empressions Sista Che Mumma Trees BEAT NIGHTCLUB (UPSTAIRS) Blkout Cold Ground The Others Cabin Fever Idle Eyes BEAT NIGHTCLUB (DOWNSTAIRS) PLAY BELGIAN BEER CAFÉ Mama Red & The Dark Blues Feisty Burlesque
WiseOaks, Saturday at YaYa’s
BELMONT TAVERN Matt Angell BEST DROP TAVERN Carbon Taxi THE BIRD Detroit H Maxwell Mike P HW Sims Viv G b2b Jeffrey A THE BOAT Adrian Wilson THE BOAB TAVERN Frenzy BRASS MONKEY Acoustic Aly BROKEN HILL HOTEL Trevor Jalla THE BROOK B.O.B. THE BROOKLANDS TAVERN CoverUp CAPITOL The Jungle Giants Northeast Party House Greyjoy THE CARINE Velvet CAVES HOUSE Nathan Gaunt CHARLES HOTEL Jon Stevens CHASE BAR & BISTRO James Wilson CITRO BAR Jean Proude CORNERSTONE ALEHOUSE Madam Montage CRUISING YACHT CLUB Red Beret DEVILLES PAD Cal Peck & The Tramps Vintage Reds Les Sataniques Sugar Boy Ash DUNSBOROUGH TAVERN Northern Muse EAST 150 BAR Dean Anderson ELEPHANT AND WHEELBARROW Darren Reid & the Soul City Groove ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Shameem The Spread ft Ofa EMPIRE BAR Howie Morgan THE FLY BY NIGHT Diesel Tim Chaisson FREEMASONS HOTEL GERALDTON Lloyd Spiegel THE GATE Dirty Scoundrels GOSNELLS HOTEL Chris Gibbs Trio THE GREENWOOD Greg Carter GROOVE BAR (CROWN) Tod Johnston & Peace Love HYDE PARK HOTEL Ricky Green INDI BAR Vdelli INDIAN OCEAN BREWING CO Ben Merito KALAMUNDA HOTEL Almost Famous KULCHA Totally Gourdgeous
LANEWAY LOUNGE Jessie Gordon Trio Karin Page M ON THE POINT Retriofit MAHOGANY INN Leah Grant METRO FREO Regurgitator Wampire MIGHTY QUINN Indigo Duck MOJOS BAR Hunting Huxley Foam Mudlark Race To Your Face MUSTANG Adam Hall & The Velvet Playboys Swing DJ Cheeky Monkeys DJ James MacArthur NEWPORT HOTEL Karaoke Classic THE NORTHSHORE TAVERN The Midnight Collective The Blues Stooges Heath Marshall Salv Justin Blankenship PADDO Easy Tigers PADDY MACGUIRES Madam Montage PEEL ALE HOUSE Acoustic Nites PLAYERS BAR Flyte PORT KENNEDY TAVERN One Trick Phonies PRINCE OF WALES Bobby Alu THE PRINCIPAL Jamie Powers RAILWAY HOTEL Ol’ Bouginvillea Goat The Right Way Up Kortisol ROCKET ROOM Kickstart ROLEYSTONE COUNTRY CLUB Tod Woodward ROSEMOUNT Oh White Mare Doctopus Apache Erasers ROSIE O’GRADYS FREMANTLE GrooVe SAIL AND ANCHOR Howie Morgan Duo SAIL AND ANCHOR (UPSTAIRS) NightShift SETTLERS TAVERN Boom!Bap!Pow! Clint Bracknell SOUTH ST ALEHOUSE Robbie King Karaoke SPRINGS TAVERN Die Hard Karaoke SWAN HOTEL (LOUNGE) Reid Cooper The NBC Liam Sorrell Shannon Lethbridge SWAN HOTEL (BASEMENT) Falloway Oakland Odlaw Just Numbers Blue City Underground
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The Empty Cup, Saturday at The Claremont Hotel SWINGING PIG Tandem Greg Carter UNIVERSAL Nightmoves WINSTERSUN HOTEL Shane Dickson YAYA’S WiseOaks Late Night Hysterics Lunar Inverse They’re There YMCA HQ Halloweenfest Perth In League Emberville Cupid Falls Dropbears It All Ends Here The Moment We Fall Vultures Tyto Kings Life In A Glass House Travis Collins
SATURDAY 19.10 AMPLIFIER Prince Rama ASTOR THEATRE Johnny Cash The Concert BALMORAL Retriofit THE BAKERY RAW Showcase Launch BEAT NIGHTCLUB (UPSTAIRS) CANVAS BEAT NIGHTCLUB (DOWNSTAIRS) Adept A Breach Of Silence Finders BELGIAN BEER CAFÉ Travis Caudle BIRD Dianas Mei Saraswati Nora Zion DJ Jo Lettenmaier BOAB TAVERN Astrobat BROKEN HILL HOTEL Polka Dots THE BROOK Tandem THE BROOKLANDS TAVERN Gee Whiz Duo CAPITOL Mickey Avalon Boys! Boys! Boys! Donald Krunk CHARLES HOTEL Diesel Tim Chaisson THE CIVIC BACKROOM Sirgin MC Hans DJ Steve THE CLAREMONT HOTEL ANTICS The Empty Cup Adam Trainer Lukas Wimmler CLANCYS FREMANTLE Pimps of Sound Ladywood Armani Consort CRAFTSMAN GrooVe DEVILLES PAD Johnny Law & The Pistol Packin’ Daddies DUNSBOROUGH TAVERN Ian Cocker
The Insatiables, Saturday at The Fly Trap
EAST 150 BAR Jonny Dempsey ELEPHANT AND WHEELBARROW Gun Shy Romeos ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Penny King Dd Soul ft Chelsea Cullen THE FLY TRAP (FLY BY NIGHT) The Insatiables Eloise Ashton Amanda Merdzan THE GATE Greg Carter GOSNELLS HOTEL Electrophobia GREENWOOD Supernova HOTEL ROTTNEST Adrian Wilson HYDE PARK HOTEL Howie Morgan Project INDI BAR Boom! Bap! Pow! Clint Bracknell INDIAN OCEAN BREWING CO Shawne & Luc KULCHA Trio Alegra LAKERS TAVERN Celebrations Karaoke LANEWAY LOUNGE Astrid Ripepi Libby Hammer LOBBY LOUNGE (CROWN) Why Georgia? MERRIWA TAVERN Celebrations Karaoke M ON THE POINT Rhythm 22 MOJOS BAR Sunshine Brothers Fisherman Style DJs Earthlink Sound MUSTANG Rocket to Memphis Rockabilly DJ Milhouse DJ James MacArthur NEWPORT HOTEL Karaoke with Steve Parkin PADDO Cheeky Monkeys PARAMOUNT NIGHTCLUB Felix PEEL ALE HOUSE Light Street PICA BAR Little Skye Dead Owls Flowermouth PORT KENNEDY TAVERN Stu McKay PRINCE OF WALES Spit Syndicate QUARIE BAR & BISTRO Chill Divine RAILWAY HOTEL The KBI Sound System ROSIE O’GRADYS FREMANTLE Flava ROSEMOUNT HOTEL Regurgitator Wampire Cow Parade Cow SAIL & ANCHOR Better Days SETTLERS TAVERN Bobby Alu THE SHED Huge SOUTH ST ALE HOUSE Robbie King Karaoke SPRINGS TAVERN Die Hard Karaoke
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SWAN HOTEL (BASEMENT) Amee Francis Lionizer Sundstrom SWINGING PIG Frenzy Greg Carter UNIVERSAL Soul Corporation YMCA HQ Masketta Fall Forever Ends Here The Take Over Calm, Collected
SUNDAY 20.10 ASTOR THEATRE Kim Wilde & Nick Kershaw BAILEY BAR & BISTRO Gary Fowlie BALMORAL Electrophobia BELGIAN BEER CAFÉ Belleville Quartet BELMONT TAVERN Dove THE BIRD Elliott Smith Tribute Night Anton Franc Our Man in Berlin Archer and Light The Shallows Sidewalk Diamonds Amanda Merzdan David Craft FEYEK Caroline J Dale THE BRIGHTON Ricky Green BROOKLANDS TAVERN The Hitman THE CARINE Jonny Dempsey THE CAUSEWAY Accoustic Sunday CIVIC HOTEL Frank G COMO HOTEL Velvet CLANCYS FREMANTLE The Zydecats DUNSBOROUGH TAVERN Kris Buckle ELEPHANT AND WHEELBARROW Darren Reid & The Soul City Groove ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB The Fab Three THE FLY TRAP (FLY BY NIGHT) Stage Fright Open Mic FLY BY NIGHT Paul Dempsey Olympia FREMANTLE ARTS CENTRE Loren Kate THE GATE Greg Carter HYDE PARK HOTEL Steve Parkin INDI BAR Huge Magnet INDIAN OCEAN BREW CO Retriofit KALAMUNDA HOTEL Alitia Martin KULCHA Megalight Muticulture LAKERS TAVERN Wesley Goodlet Jamboree Scouts LAST DROP TAVERN Barry Gee
Sunshine Brothers, Saturday at Mojos
LOBBY LOUNGE(CROWN) Monarchy M ON THE POINT Nathan Gaunt MOJOS BAR Datura The Last Fair Deal Villain MOON CAFÉ Mossy Fog Curtis MeEntee MUSTANG Tailgate Sundays Special Brew DJ Razor Jack Blue Gene DJ James MacArthur NEWPORT HOTEL Spit Syndicate PEEL ALE HOUSE Sophie Jane QUARIE BAR & BISTRO Darren Gibbs RAVENSWOOD TAVERN Diesel Tim Chaisson THE SAINT Howie Morgan Project Matt Angel SEAVIEW TAVERN Jean Proude SETTLERS TAVERN Bobby Alu SOUTH ST ALEHOUSE Anthony Nieves SWINGING PIG Pat Nicholson Dean Anderson UNIVERSAL Retrofit WANNEROO TAVERN Chris Gibbs WHISTLING KITE James Wilson X-WRAY CAFÉ Charisma Brothers YAYA’S Lady Velvet Cabaret
MONDAY 21.10 BRASS MONKEY Wire Birds XBOX Mondays ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Song Lounge MOJOS BAR Wide Open Mic MUSTANG BAR Triple Shots THE SAINT Celebration Karaoke
YAYA’S Big Tommo’s Open Mic Night YMCA HQ Adept A Breach Of Silence FINDERS Exanimis Defy The Leader
TUESDAY 22.10 BIRD Barefaced Story Battle Heat 3 Janette Ginty McGinty Sarah Kate Young Jeffrey Jay Fowler Vidya Rajan Benjamin Michael Russell Joanne Page, Zalia Joi Ivan Fanning Martin Danger Sam Cribb BRASS MONKEY Open Mic Night Josh Terlick THE COURT Open Mic Night THE CRAGIE TAVERN Open Mic Night GROOVE BAR (CROWN) Jack -& Jill ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Jazz Graduation Recital Alana Macpherson Ashley DeNeef l Ronan Chapple KALAMUNDA HOTEL Open Mic Anthony Kay LOBBY LOUNGE (CROWN) Hans Fiance MERRIWA TAVERN Celebrations Karaoke MOJOS BAR Going Duo Kim MacDonald & Dave Johnson Mind Canary Little Skye Wandering Lust Kenny Austin Joe Troy MUSTANG BAR Danza Loca Salsa Night YAYA’S We Move Walls Segue Safari Eerie Serpent
Falloway
FALLOWAY OAKLAND ODLAW JUST NUMBERS BLUE CITY UNDERGROUND
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19 SWAN HOTEL BASEMENT
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MUSIC GEAR & TECHNOLOGY FOR SALE HEADPHONES all brands & styles. 23 Harrogate Street, West Leederville. Contact Headphonic 08 93886333 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 BASS PLAYER WANTED aged 18 to 30 to join rock cover band. Neil Young, Led Zepelin, Deep Purple, ACDC and Chuck Berry. Free NOR rehearsal studio. Gigs on standby. Ph or text Ian on 0426 959 356 LEAD GUITARIST, creative & motivated wanted for an original pop/rock band P Is for Pumpernickel. Call Paul on 0409 395 098 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 TWO POSITIONS AVAIL FOR PINK TRIBUTE Exp Keyboard player & female backing vocals. Gigs waiting. Apply to: pinked@outlook.com VOCALIST REQUIRED for cover/original band CRANK. Aged between 18-25. www.facebook. com/crankperth or call 0411 227 101 PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT PHOTOGRAPHY Promo p h o t o g r a p h y, s t u d i o, l i v e , l o c a t i o n . 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 TA G I N G * w w w. n i g h t s t a r l i g h t i n g a u d i o . c o m . a u w w w. n i g h t s t a r l i g h t i n g a u d i o . c o m . a u 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 Per th’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 MEGA VISION SOUND & LIGHTING Suppliers of the best quality hire equipment - Speakers, DJ and Ipod packages. FX Lighting, Smoke machines, Mirrorballs, LED Screens, LED Dance floor & loads more! Come and see us at 25 Gordon Rd West, Osborne Park or phone us on 9444 6556 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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Edited by T R AV I S J O H N S O N
ANDY’S STUDIO International multi award winning songwriter / producer. No band required. Broadcast quality. A songwriter’s paradise. Ph 9364 3178 BANDS! - UNLOCK YOUR SONGS’ POTENTIAL +FREE APPRAISALS. UK 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 $80 p/h. 0408 097 407 POONS HEAD MASTERING Analog Master. TAPE, TUBES & TRANSFORMERS. Clients include: 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 RECORDING MIXING MASTERING PRODUCING Fremantle location. Call Pete Kitchen Cooked Records. Ph 0407 363 764 / 9336 3764 REVOLVER SOUND STUDIO Ph 9272 7505. www.revolverstudio.com.au TONE CITY RECORDING STUDIO World class equip & production. Clients inc: Abbe May, Pond, Sugar Army. Contact 0409 297 362. tonecityrecording@gmail.com 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 Perth’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 GUITAR LESSONS AVAILABLE by WAAPA tutor. A practicle approach to learning. .All styles.Years of experience. Tony Gibbs 9470 6131 GUITAR & KEYBOARD TUITION (BeginnersProfessional) 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
AUDIO TELEX FOUNDER DIES
PURE SOUND
Rod Craig, of Australian company Audio Telex Communications, has died following a four year battle with brain cancer. Craig founded the company with Roy Morgan and Alan Clarke in 1973. Since then, Audio Telex went on to become one of the country’s most trusted suppliers of installation mixers and amplifiers. Although Rod’s son, Stuart, took over running the company following its acquisition by Hills Industries in 2005, Rod remained a hugely respected and much loved figure in the Australian music industry. Our thoughts go out to his loved ones, friends and colleagues.
Purifier is the latest name to shout louder than the crowd in the ever-jostling music streaming market. Essentially a music aggregating service, Purifier pulls music content form a ridiculous number of online locations - social networks, blogs, news sites and more - and delivers it your feed, with the listener filtering it through their own sensibilities via a variation on the usual thumbs up/thumbs down rating system. Head to purifier.com to check it out.
WAM CONFERENCE GETS MORE CROWDED
The 2013 WAM Festival Music Conference, which runs from Thursday, November 7 to Friday November 8 at the Perth Cultural Centre, has just announced a heaping helping of fresh additions to its already vastly impressive lineup. Joining such luminaries as Michael Chugg, Adalita and Catherine Haridy are Adam Zammit of The Big Day Out, Heath Bradby of Fidelity corporation, Jodie Regan of Spinning Top Music, Nick O’Byrne of AIR/ BIGSOUND and Sebastian Chase of MGM, in addition to the already announced roster. Tickets are $100 for WAM members, $130 for non-members though showticketing.com.au.
ROCK ON WITH ROCKSMITH Those who have already made their acquaintance with Rocksmith will be pleased to know that the upcoming 2014 edition of the guitar-centric computer game features a new mode: Session Mode. This allows the guitarist to play along with a customised band of up to four instruments, selectable from over 75 in the game. Rocksmith 2014 is available from Thursday, October 24.
SABBATH BLOODY SABBATH Rod Craig
If you break a string on the Lord’s Day, don’t sweat it; the good folks at Kosmic Osborne Park are now open from 11am to 4pm on Sundays to help cater for all your weekend music needs.
GEARBO X GEARBOX: X SERIES ARCH-TOP SOLOIST
Get ready to drool over Jackson’s new X Series Arch-Top Soloist range of electric guitars, which have finally made their way down under. Available in six, seven or eight string models with a range of finishes and other customisable features, each comes with a mahogany body, a three piece through-body maple neck, EMG active pickups and graphite reinforcement. RRP starts at $1199 - head over to jacksonguitars.com.au to find your nearest authorised dealer.
X Series Arch-Top Soloist
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