X-Press Magazine #1318

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X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

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X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

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X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

Steel Panther

BALLS OF STEEL

Band Of Skulls

SKULL CANDY

Fresh from the announcement that On The Bright Side is taking a year off, we get one more Splendour In The Grass sideshow announcement. UK trio Band Of Skulls are returning to our shores for their Sweetening Up Winter tour and they will step into The Bakery on Monday, July 23, to show off tracks from their new album Sweet Sour as well as tracks from their debut album Baby Darling Doll Face Honey that made them famous. Proudly presented by X-Press Magazine, tickets are on sale now from nowbaking.com.au.

NORTH BY NORTHWEST

A few weeks back we told you about the North West Festival - a brand new festival from the folks behind Southbound, that is set to take place at Port Hedland Turf Club on Saturday, August 18. In addition to the previously announced Hilltop Hoods, we can now tell you that two more of the biggest bands in the land will be making the trip in The Living End and The Cat Empire. Tickets are $129 plus BF for adults and $65 plus BF for under 18s, which includes camping, and they go on sale Friday, May 25, from Moshtix. Stay tuned for more details.

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Flesh

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Reactions/ Comp

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Music: Kaiser Chiefs

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Music: Mutemath/ The Raveonettes/ Reef/ Ash Grunwald

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Music: Best Coast/ Catcall

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New Noise

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Eye4 Cover: Urban Central

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Urban Central Feature

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Eye4 Movies: The Dictator

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Eye4 Movies: Silent Souls/ Jiro Dreams Of Sushi

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Eye4 Arts Stories/ Arts List

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Salt Cover: Alison Wonderland

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Salt: Cover Story/ Lapalux

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Salt: Syrup/ Purple Sneakers DJs

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Salt: Adrian Lux/ Club Scene/ Testpad

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Salt: Club Manual/ Scenery/ Rewind: Atmosphere & Evidence

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Scene

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Tour Trails

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Gig Guide

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Volume

GROWING UP

You may have seen them on the Rage couch over the weekend, but you will have to wait until August until you see them again. They are Melbourne rockers Children Collide and they’ve just released their third album Monuments. With new drummer Mitch McGregor (formerly of the Dardenells) in tow, they take to the Prince Of Wales on Thursday, August 2; and Amplifier on Friday, August 3. Tickets from Oztix.

FILL THE POTTHAST

Best known for his vocals in quintessential ‘90s ska band MU330, Dan Potthast is bringing back his captivating solo show to Perth. In Australia for the 2012 Ska Weekender over east, he will stop by the Rosemount Hotel on Wednesday, June 6. Support comes from Chilling Winston, Discordians, Ants At A Picnic, Dan Cribb (The Decline), and Liz Wreck.

DOUBLE YOUR PLEASURE

In case you thought your one night stand with Kenny Rogers couldn’t get any better, another country music superstar has been added to the bill - a Rhinestone Cowboy as it were. Yep, Glen Campbell will join Rogers on stage at Riverside Theatre on Tuesday, August 21, in a show that will feature more cowboy hats than your can poke a stick at. Tickets are on sale now from Ticketek.

Children Collide

Kim Salmon

BAKED SALMON

With his name synonymous with The Scientists, The Surrealists, Beasts Of Bourbon, and oh so many more, Kim Salmon is one of the most influential musicians ever to have cut their teeth Perth. He promises to “guitarfuck” Perth when he drops by The Bakery on Saturday, July 28.

Salmon will be joined by three awesome local talents Sonpsilo Circus, Usurper Of Modern Medicine and Black Milk. Tickets are $20 from nowbaking.com.au.

LOCAL GROOVIN’

As you might be able to tell by our front cover this week, Groovin’ The Moo returns to Bunbury this Saturday, May 19, and while tickets might be all but sold out some new bands have been added to the bill. Young upstarts Shy Panther and Dallas Royal have won competitions to pick up opening slots to join fellow WA acts Stillwater Giants, The Brow Horn Orchestra, Rainy Day Women, and Needing Cherie, not to mention San Cisco, who have been touring the nation with the festival. Head to gtm.net.au for all your event info.

CHAMPAGNE FOLK

There’s no doubt Daniel Champagne is ahead of his time. The 22 year old folk singer is launching his latest EP Real Live in Perth this weekend. He’ll be at Mojos Bar on Wednesday, May 16, and Ya Ya’s on Friday, May 18.

May 18, and Groovin’ The Moo this Saturday, May

Salt Cover: Alison Wonderland’s debut compilation album Welcome To Wonderland is out this Friday, May 18, through EMI www.xpressmag.com.au

NOWHERE MAN

This week X-Press received a mysterious press release about a strange event taking place on Sunday, October 14. Upon further inspection we discovered that the good folks at Life Is Noise (who have brought over the likes of Boris, Built To Spill, Clark and many more) will stage This Is Nowhere - a “boutique event” planned, and punters will be wined and dined, and hypnotised and polarised to a selection of touring acts that has got us very excited. Head to thisisnowhere. com.au for more information.

MORE MILES

Back with his album 40 Miler and an Australian tour is Tim Barry. The singer-songwriter who was previously the frontman for Virginian punk band Avail takes a turn in a new direction with his latest material, which has been described as uplifting for its themes of hope and resilience as Barry fights back against the downbeat ride life has sometimes dealt him. See him at The Den on Wednesday, August 8, with special guest Josh Small. Tickets are available from Wednesday, May 16 from Oztix and 78 Records.

BOFO BACK FOMO

Mark Gardener

RIDE WITH ME

Do you remember what you were doing in 1992? Well, Mark Gardener does: he had just released the masterpiece Going Blank Again with his British alt-rock group Ride. To celebrate that momentous year, Gardener is heading to Australia on an acoustic tour where he will revisit some of that shoegaze classic as well as other hits from across his career. To make matters more awesome, support on the night comes from none other than Jae Laffer of The Panics and Sean Pollard of Split Seconds. Catch them all on Wednesday, August 1, at the Fly By Night. Tickets go on sale tomorrow from the venue.

After two very successful first years, The Beaufort Street Festival is geared to return to Mount Lawley and Highgate on Saturday, November 17, to showcase the best local music, arts, food and drinks around. Ever-busy local promoters JumpClimb have been revealed as the new festival directors, and they’ll hold a community forum for all wanting to be involved tonight, Wednesday, May 16, at Luxe Bar.

FIRE STILL BURNS

Best known for his version of The Doors’ classic Light My Fire, guitar great Jose Feliciano will be putting on one special show in Perth this September. The Latin American singersongwriter has been credited with cracking the English music market and paving the way for all those who followed. With countless accolades under his belt, including eight Grammy awards, he performs at the Regal Theatre on Wednesday, September 5. Tickets are available through Ticketek.

HALLOWED HALL

Joining the likes of legends such as Bon Scott, David McComb, Dave Faulkner and a select few, three new names will be added to the WAM Hall Of Fame this year. Musical comedian Tim Minchin, influential local hip hopper Hunter, and WAM CEO for almost a decade Paul Bodlovich will each be inducted at a ceremony next Friday, May 25, at the Music Industry Reunion Night at the Charles Hotel Frontroom from 6pm. Entry is free.

Celebrated synthpop superstar Howard Jones is returning to Perth armed with a host of greatest hits to play. Set to perform his first two classic albums Human’s Lib and Dream Into Action in their entirety, Jones will take in the Astor Theatre on Wednesday, September 5.

Tickets are available from Bocs.

HUNKA HUNKA

YOU SAY HELLO

HOWARD’S END

Cover: Kaiser Chiefs play Metro City this Friday,

19, at Hay Park, Bunbury

Hair metal throwbacks Steel Panther are “more infectious than a bad case of herpes” and they’re set to bring the love back to Perth this year. After rocking the main stage of Soundwave back in March, the LA rockers will hit the stage of Metro City on Wednesday, October 10. That should give you plenty of time to grow your hair out, work on your headbanging technique and aquire a taste for brown liquor. Tickets go on sale from Oztix tomorrow from 9am.

Hailing from Toronto, Burning Love have a chip on their shoulder and electric blood in their veins, and they spray out venomous hardcore rock’n’roll. Made up of Cursed frontman Chris Colohan and members of Our Father and on the heavy Southern Lord label, the band play their maiden Perth show at The Den on Wednesday, August 22.

With their debut EP Without You picking up rave reviews all over the land, The Hello Morning are supporting Busby Marou and Leader Cheetah (duo) on a national tour. See them at the Prince Of Wales on Friday, July 6; Rosemount Hotel on Saturday, July 7; and the Newport Hotel on Sunday, July 8. Tickets Moshtix, Heatseeker and Oztix.

Katie Noonan & Karin Schaupp

SKY’S THE LIMIT

Combined their talents on full length album Songs Of The Southern Skies, Katie Noonan and Karin Schaupp are now joining forces for an Australian tour. The album features contributions from the likes of artists Iva Davies, Gurrumul, The Living End’s Chris Cheney and heaps more. The pair head to the Albany Entertainment Centre on Thursday, September 27; then they’ll head to UWA for a show at UWA’s Winthrop Hall on Friday, September 28; and The Mandurah Performing Arts Centre on Saturday, September 29.

Tickets from the venues.

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with Melissa Erpen... Send your name, address and daytime phone number to win@xpressmag.com.au with the name of the competition in the subject line or enter online at www.xpressmag.com.au. Snail mail entries can be sent to Locked Bag 31, West Perth 6872. Entries close 4pm Monday.

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Tijuana Cartel Mickey Avalon

TIJUANA CARTEL

Prepping a new live show, sporting a new single and ensuring that their passports are sea worthy, this will be your last chance to see Tijuana Cartel and bid them a fond adieu before they embark on their greatest adventure to date. A massive live favourite, Tijuana Cartel checks into Perth’s Bakery on June 15 and we have a double pass and a copy of their new album up for grabs. Enter now to be in the running.

MICKEY AVALON

If you look up the expression ‘Live fast, die young and leave a good looking corpse’ there is surely to be a picture of Hollywood based rapper Mickey Avalon right next to it. Using his life experiences as fuel for his intense rhymes, Mickey Avalon is now inviting listeners to step into his world with the release of his new studio album Loaded. Mickey checks into Perth’s Rosemount Hotel on Saturday, June 26, and we have a double pass and CD up for grabs. Enter now for your chance to win this awesome prize.

CHECK OUT WWW.XPRESSMAG.COM.AU AND SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER ONLINE FOR LOADS MORE EXCLUSIVE COMPS!

MAD DOGS

It sounded like an invitation too good to be true: an all expenses-paid trip to their friend Alvo’s luxury villa in Majorca, complete with sun, pool and all the champagne they can drink. But soon after old college buddies Quinn, Woody, Baxter and Rick arrive, they find themselves stuck in the holiday from hell. A stylish dark comedy thriller filmed on location in the beautiful Mediterranean, We have five Mad Dogs DVDs up for grabs. Get in now for your chance to win.

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We all know and love him for his global hit The Longest Road, the club smash In The Air and the recently released Body Work. Morgan Page is coming to Australia this May (fresh from his forthcoming appearance at Coachella 2012) for the In The Air tour and we have five copies of his newly released album up for grabs. Get in now for your chance to score yourself a copy.

Agents J (Will Smith) and K (Tommy Lee Jones) are back... in time. J has seen some inexplicable things in his 15 years with the Men In Black, but nothing, not even aliens, perplexes him as much as his wry, reticent partner. Get in quick as we have five double passes up for grabs to the black carpet Perth premiere of MIB3 in 3D on Monday, May 21, at Hoyts Carousel. This is one of the must see films of 2012 and we are giving you the chance to preview it before anyone else!

Dear X-Press, I believe that a crime has been committed by the music industry that James Teague has no management, no label, no publishing and no distribution. His debut album Lavender Prayers is a brilliant opening statement from a young Perth musician who needs to be heard and seen by the world.

Will Stoker Via Email

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CAB AUDITED CIRCULATION: 38,000 APRIL 2011 – SEPTEMBER 2011

Deadlines 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 73/102 Railway Parade, 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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Advertisers and/or their agents by lodging an advertisment shall indemnify the publisher, and its agents, against all liability claims or proceedings whatsoever arising from the publication. Advertisers and/or their representatives indemnify the publisher in relation to defamation, slander, breach of copyright, infringement of trademarks of name of publication titles, unfair competition or trade practices, royalties or violation of rights or privacy and warrant that the material complies with revelant laws and regulations and that its publication will not give rise to any rights against or liabilities in the publisher, its servants or agents. Any material supplied to X-Press is at the contributor’s risk.

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MORGAN PAGE

MEN IN BLACK 3

TEAGUE INTRIGUE

SHERLOCK HOLMES

Sherlock Holmes has always been the smartest man in the room... until now. There is a new criminal mastermind at large--Professor James Moriarty (Jared Harris) and not only is he Holmes’ intellectual equal, but his capacity for evil, coupled with a complete lack of conscience, may give him an advantage over the renowned detective. We have five copies of this newly released DVD to giveaway. Enter now to be in the running to win a copy.

THE DISAPPOINTED Dirt Farmer is the debut single from Perth quintet The Disappointed. With a run of WA shows leading up to official launch party at Ya Ya’s this Saturday, May 19, the track is a pop delight. Part jagged new wave, part warm ‘70s stomp and loaded with harmonies and polish. To celebrate the release of the new single, we have five spanking new copies up for grabs. Be quick for your

This week Coldplay joined the likes of Prince and Radiohead by announcing Australian tours and skipping Perth. Here’s what our Facebook Fans had to say about debacle…

gamble. I also blame promoters for some of this. Stone Temple Pilots sold out everywhere in Australia except Perth because nobody new they were coming.

Aleecia Breaking my heart…

Caroline Coldplay being shit or not isn’t the point - it’s the bogus excuses they use - logistics and distance blah blah... bullshit! If you can make it to Australia you can make it to Perth.

Max Yerp. Who’s flying me over?

James Fuck Coldplay they’re total shit anyway let’s get some better bands back over here – Muse, The Strokes, Arctic Monkeys…

Peter Ticket sales are too unpredictable for the

Alfred …and The Shins and Lana Del Rey and Roots Manuva and Amon Tobin. It’s getting ridiculous.

I agree with Peter that it’s cos Perth is just so unpredictable and there have been some big acts that have had to cancel due to lack of tic sales, or made a loss.

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KAISER CHIEFS Leeds United

Few bands are able to strike the balance between cult indie status and commercial viability quite as well as Kaiser Chiefs have. Ever since they detonated onto the scene with 2005’s Employment, the quintet have amassed in excess of six million album sales globally, and have become seasoned veterans of the festival circuit. With their new collection of singles, Souvenir out now, Simon Rix talks to CALLUM FITZPATRICK ahead of their shows at Metro City on Friday, May 18; and Groovin’ The Moo on Saturday, May 19.

Kaiser Chiefs

What’s the secret to Kaiser Chiefs’ longevity? Bass player Simon Rix says the band have managed to avoid crossing the daunting line into pop-cheese through a constant awareness of musical integrity, which stems from their working-class upbringing and British heritage.

“I think that being from Leeds, and from the north of England in general, really helps because there seems to be an understanding of what’s good, bad and cheesy,” Rix croaks with a harshness he accredits to his visit to Melbourne’s Cherry Bar the previous night. “Even though some people might think that we play bland indie music, I really don’t think that’s the case. From the very start, all the way to

our latest release, we’ve always tried to have a lot of interesting stuff going on in the music and we always try out new ideas and sounds, as well as keeping things engaging in a lyrical sense. There’s nothing more boring than churning out another album and song that sounds like the last. You’ve got to keep it interesting.”

The Kaisers Cheifsare famously good at writing the classic British 45. If for some reason Oh My God, and Ruby didn’t push your buttons, chances are, Never Miss A Beat did. But what’s the secret behind being able to output killer hooks and infectious choruses on demand? “I think we have always liked playing gigs where everybody is singing along and having a great time,” says Rix. “Over the last eight years, we have done millions of festivals and I think that’s one of the main things we imagine when we’re writing and rehearsing for new records. We ask ourselves ‘what is it going to be like when we’re playing it in front of 60,000 people at Glastonbury?’.”

“At the beginning, we played on the British thing a lot. There were a lot of American bands like The Strokes and The White Stripes around, so we were a reaction to that – we wanted to do something different.”

Renowned for their explosive energy on stage, touring has taken the Chiefs to all corners of the globe, however they haven’t lost sight of their roots – there has always been something incredibly British and working class that has run through the spine of the outfit – all the way to the iconic image of a stick of rock candy adorning the front of their latest compilation. Sonically, they have openly borrowed from UK new wave and ‘60s beat bands, and their lyrics often surround witty and cynical observations which question the state of society or drop UKspecific pop culture references. Rix says this is a trait the band has “shied away from in recent times”, but was especially prominent in the group’s early years.

“I think that at the beginning, we played on the British thing a lot,” he says. “There were a lot of American bands like The Strokes and The White Stripes around, so we were a reaction to that – we wanted to do something different. But later on, it was just a case of realising that it’s just the way we are – we’re British and we like to bring a bit of northern humour into our lyrics.”

Now, eight years down the track, the group have the release of Souvenir: The Singles 2004 – 2012 on the horizon – a collection of anthems which showcase the band’s extensive and successful singles career to date. “Ricky [Wilson - lead singer] is moving house at the moment, and he was saying that he’s been cleaning out his old attic and found loads of cool stuff that he’d forgotten about, and at the end of it, it was a really nice experience,” Rix explains. “That’s what Souvenir is like to us. It’s like a celebration of what we’ve achieved over the last few years, with some of our biggest songs, all put in one place for people who might not have bought all four albums.”

However he’s quick to point out that it’s strictly a compilation of singles and not a greatest hits, which would feature a completely different array of tunes. “It’s a funny thing for a band to do a singles collection of a greatest hits thing in the middle of their career, but it just seemed like we had more than enough stuff so it felt like a good time. After this, we’re just going to keep going.

“Even though the mass public probably won’t notice the difference, for us, a greatest hits is something you do at the end of your career. This just seemed to be logical because we have a collection of singles, but we also have a couple of new songs we’re releasing.”

These two new tracks, On The Run and Listen To Your Head could be some of the Chiefs’ finest and most ambitious work to date. “We really wanted to make sure these were on an album,” Simon explains. “It’s weird because even though the music industry is suffering and record sales are down, people are still buying albums. If you put a song out on its own, just to stick it on the radio, it gets a bit lost really. We think that the two new songs are really good, especially Listen To Your Head – I think that’s one of our best songs ever. We played it in the set and it sounded it immense straight away, so we thought it would be a waste to just release it on its own.”

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The Raveonettes

Mutemath

MUTEMATH Live For Live

New Orleans post-rock three-piece Mutemath see their live performance as a chance to win new fans with dynamic performances. JENNIFER PETERSONWARD sat down with Darren King and found out exactly why you won’t want to miss their set at Groovin’ The Moo on Saturday, May 19, and their headlining show on Sunday, May 20, at Amplifier.

In a music landscape filled with live performances by bands standing on stage playing songs pretty much like they sound on record (but without the nice production), Mutemath are in a different league.

Since 2004 the genre bending trio – featuring Paul Meany (vocals/keyboards), Roy Mitchell-Cardenas (bass/guitar), and Darren King (drums) - has taken it upon themselves to deliver memorable live performances that are unequivocally and defiantly their own.“We like to think our live show is our strength,” begins King. “We try to make music that sounds like we aren’t trying to avoid that [live performance] part of the process. It’s about having fun and telling our story. In the last few years we’ve lightened up – and I’m glad, because we might have become a little bit lackadaisical otherwise.”

This change in vision follows a highly difficult experience crafting their 2009 record Armistice. The post-rock band initially tried to take

the reigns on the experimental album. Yet according to King, there were “too many cooks in the kitchen” with the multiple producers that had brought on board causing more creative difficulties rather than simplifying the process.

While they eventually delivered the album to listeners, the band was to experience yet more hardship when original guitarist Greg Hill decided to part ways with the other men.“It really caught me off guard because even though we’d been through bad patches I wasn’t expecting it,” King says. “I’d known him since we were 12 years old, and after he left it felt like waking up after having lost a limb.

“Ever since, I’ve been conscious of working harder to not be a brat. That [line-up change] was the breaking point.”

As King attests, these experiences hugely affected the creative process while they were working on their latest album – 2011’s Odd Soul. “There was a lot of pressure – pressure to not let down the record label, pressure to create something for the fans who already liked us, and pressure to create something that was going to get people coming to our shows,” he says.“Playing this new record live was always in our conscious mind – to have something that was stage ready. That helped a lot, I think.”

According to King, Mutemath have worked hard to build a reputation for their live show and they are looking forward to bringing it to audiences down under during their upcoming shows. “I’m building an electric sanctuary, which is something we’re going to take out on the road.

We’re raising the stakes and really excited. We’ll play the complete record, along with the old songs and present it as an electric interactive show,” he says excitedly. “It’s not a meager or gentle set – we’ll be coming out into the crowd, there will be confetti falling from the sky and I’ll be drumming my ass off. I want my drums to sound so nasty, I just wanna be profane about ‘em – I want my drums to sound X-rated.”

REEF

There was a time – and it doesn’t seem all that long ago – when Reef were ubiquitous.

Pretty much everywhere you went in 1997, their gigantic hit Place Your Hands was on the radio and in CD players. For Australian audiences, the band’s mix of long-haired post-grunge corporate rock and sunnyyet-gritty vocals seemed to have particular appeal.

But then, much like the old major label paradigm that they were very much a part of, it all came undone. Quickly.“I’ll fill you in, man!” Gary Stringer says in a distinctive West Country lilt.“We did our last show with Reef the first time around in August 2003, but that last six months it was pretty obvious that something

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Night Terrors

Broody Danish duo The Raveonettes are heading down under with their friends Brian Jonestown Massacre this month, so CHLOE PAPAS has a chat to one part of the pair, Sune Wagner, ahead of their show at the Astor Theatre on Tuesday, May 22.

The Raveonettes have been on the scene for over a decade now, creating their own brand of ‘60’s nostalgic shoegazing and alt-rock and amassing an extremely dedicated fan base worldwide.

When X-Press calls Wagner he has just come off stage in Atlantic City, but is all too happy to chat about their upcoming sixth full-length record.“Well it’s shaping up to be a really fine album, melodically it’s been very interesting. I think it features one of the best songs we’ve ever written, if it turns out the way I condition it. I’m super excited about that. It’s hard for me to get into it because I have a very crazy life right now, and it’s hard for me to focus on writing an album, but you know, I’ll do it and it’ll be good.”

The band’s 2011 album Raven In The Grave was very electronic-based, and heavily focused around synths. Wagner insists that this new album will sounds more like The Raveonettes of old, though won’t be too similar. “The new album is definitely a guitar album, there’s many, many layers of guitar. It’s something that we don’t talk about too much or discuss when writing - we come up with a few ideas for songs then we go down a certain path. There’s not going to be any synthesisers or anything on this new album, it’s strictly a guitar album.”

The Raveonettes are known for their

dark, moody instrumentals and lyrics, and Wagner confirms that that won’t change for the band’s new release. He gives us a bit of insight into what goes into creating those melancholic melodies. “I’m mostly just inspired by my own life and the people around me, and the people I encounter. Those ideas just come when I go out. The long dinners and long late-night sessions are just very, very inspiring to me.

Because I always think about things when I go out, and it gets to a certain point where you meet weird people or have a strange time,” he muses.

To tide fans over between full-lengths, the band release an EP, Into The Night, Wagner explains that he and musical partner Sharin Foo think it’s important to release music contstantly. “I think that we have a certain obligation to our fans, and I think what they really want from us is music,” he explains.

“So if I can give them as much music as possible, then I think it’s really good. Which is why we’ve released all the B-side rarities and that stuff too. We have some pretty hardcore fans, and they’re really good to us and we try to be good to them. We can only pay people’s generosity by giving them music.”

However, when discussing the comparison between an EP and album, Wagner becomes a little resentful and passionate about writing full records, and the insight caught from his comments shows where his dark song-writing concepts arise. “That idea [of making a full-length] is getting old to me actually, because I’d rather make four really good songs. I like the idea of back in the day when you just put out a single; bands just had one really good song, and then that was it. Because that’s how it works anyway! Most people these days don’t even listen to albums, so who cares what the 11th song on the album is? That’s just my depressing philosophy about albums.”

ASH GRUNWALD

Hands All Over Nineties English rock band Reef are returning to Australia for the first time in 12 years and will appear at Metropolis Fremantle on Friday, June 1. BEN WATSON spoke to vocalist Gary Stringer.

THE RAVEONETTES

Reef was going wrong with the band.”

Heading out to Los Angeles to write and record album number five, the band came away with a bunch of material that, Stringer says, stood up well alongside the rest of the band’s output. But it never saw the light of day.“When we got back to the airport in London it was pretty obvious that Dom(Greensmith - drums) wasn’t too happy, and when we started meeting up again to play some live gigs we had booked in Japan and the UK, y’know, he said he was gonna leave the band and that was that.”

Shanghaiing a fill-in drummer and hitting the road once again, the band stumbled onward for six months or so… but the dye had been cast.“It was pretty obvious that we needed to stop really,” Stringer says.“We was a band that would go out and it felt like a gang really, we could play anywhere in the world and it would work. Weren’t scared of anything, weren’t scared of anyone, just go out and do it.

“So that’s quite a good vibe to be in that situation, and to turn that last six months into it sorta feeling a bit like work, I think it was time to draw up the old drawbridge and get back in the shell. I had a young family as well by 2003 and I wanted to hang out with them rather than trawl about and not feel good about myself. So we quit it while we were ahead. And I didn’t make music. I didn’t do anything for probably three years.”

But now, a decade down the line, that last pre-breakup album has been compiled, re-mastered, pressed onto vinyl and finally released alongside the band’s entire back catalogue. They’re back on the road, playing to packed houses in the UK. It’s now Australia’s turn. “We all met up,” Stringer says of the band’s reunion, “had a beer and a curry and it all seemed to work out well. The shows were offered to us and we said ‘let’s give it a stab!’. To be honest, that relief when you’ve sold the venues out again... you’re like ‘Jesus, this must have related to people the first time round and people still want to hear it.’ So, it’s a good vibe!”

And just as Australia seemed to embrace Reef the first time around, the band are keen to once again embrace down under. “Yeah, it’s really cool actually,” Stringer says of the current tour.“I mean that genuinely, y’know? It’s not taken for granted. I think when you’ve had a break away from something you appreciate it. It means a great deal to us.”

Here Comes Trouble

Ash Grunwald is a busy man.

Between his side projects Krash with Spiderbait’s Kram, and Tiger Vs Shark with Fingers Malone, this road dog is about to tour his latest release Trouble’s Door. He chats with CORAL HUCKSTEP ahead of his WA tour which includes shows at Indi Bar on Wednesday, May 30; and Fly By Night on Sunday, June 3.

Grunwald is all for cutting out the middle man and connecting directly with his fans.

He just achieved his target on website Pledge, where he offered fans a host of exclusive offers in return for funds for his newest album.

They ranged from signed CDs, surfing lessons, eternal concert tickets and at $3000, his Oakridge Resonator guitar used on his first three albums.

“You go straight to the people,” Grunwald says. “In this modern day and age, people want to make a connection and it encourages you, or it forces you, to make that connection.”

Trouble’s Door was two years in the making for Grunwald and collaborator Fingers Malone. It’s got a bluesy roots vibe with dubstep beats ensuring his forthcoming gigs will be a mix bag of soulful, upbeat moments between solo banjo playing.

The last time we heard Grunwald solo was on Hot Mama Vibes — the album that spawned the hit Walking, which had a starring role in the Hollywood blockbuster Limitless. “I guess that bluesy sound is a little bit in fashion at the moment in America,” Grunwald says of Walking. “The thing that got me really stoked was it appears at the turning point of the whole movie, when he takes the pill for the first time!”

Grunwald’s latest release is more introspective. He says he hopes to write songs that mean something to each listener, but admits the latter half of the album is more direct. His songs

Ash Grunwald become social commentary, especially on coal seam gas mining. It’s something he’s shied from vocalising in the past. “It’s the first time I’ve ever really spoken about it. Sometimes I curtail what I’m thinking ‘because I think ‘I’m the party guy, I shouldn’t really do that,’” Grunwald says. “I was planning on doing a blues album and doing this bare bones thing and it sort of just came out; I was in an honest frame of mind.”

Grunwald also sings about getting rid of inner demons on Demon In Me and the album’s title track.“I’m thinking of somebody - and this somebody isn’t me - with a smack or an ice problem and they’re throwing stones at trouble’s door, they’re inviting it.

Once again, it’s pretty open-ended,” he says. “I just think dealing with your inner demons and thinking a lot about what makes us happy is really important.

Most of these things tend to be quite Buddhist concepts. I think the Dalai Lama is really onto it.”

Grunwald is chasing happiness in his music video for Longtime. The clip will have you lusting after summer as you watch Grunwald catching waves with other Aussies Pete Murray, Xavier Rudd, Kram, Scotty Owen and heaps more.

“They’re all friends that I see around Byron a lot,” he says. “I just got out of the water with Xavier, actually.

It’s funny; I’ve hung out more with musos now than I ever did in the past.”

Grunwald will be leaving Bryon for an west coast tour this month. He says he’s especially looking forward to his gig at Scarborough’s Indi Bar: “I always like playing there as it’s a bit of a fun party and we always go out afterwards. I book these things with plans in mind of what might unfold!

“I’ve got so many towns here that feel like home,” Grunwald says. “It’s pretty amazing.”

X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

PANTERA

Powerful As Ever

The Poor

THE POOR

Blast From The Past Hallowed Australian hard rockers The Poor bring the noise to Fremantle’s Newport Hotel on Sunday, May 20, with support from Rogue Sharks and Emerald City. TRAVIS JOHNSON has a chat with singer Anthony “Skenie” Skene.

Legendary Texan metallers Pantera are to drop the 20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition of Vulgar Display Of Power this Friday through Warner Music. PETER HODGSON steps back in time with bassist Rex Brown.

It’s 20 years since Pantera released Vulgar Display Of Power.

It seems hard to believe now, where crunchy metal riffs are used in everything from kids’ movies to breakfast cereal ads, but once upon a time the closest thing to metal heard outside bedrooms and car stereos was the likes of Poison and Bon Jovi. Vulgar Display helped to change all that.

Along with Metallica’s ‘Black Album’, it was enormously influential on musicians looking to break free of the stylistic quirks of cock rock without switching gears to the grunge sounds that were rapidly gaining prominence.Pantera combined jagged,hi-fi,post-thrash guitar tones with aggressive vocals, harsh production and a sense of groove - borrowed from Southern Rock and in the process they ignited a revolution.

“We had a lot of hunger. A lot of the juices were flowing, big-time, and I just remember it being a really creative period for the band,” bass player Rex Brown says of 1992-vintage Pantera. “Very creative. We knew what direction we were headed and we were very aware of where we wanted to go, yet it just came out so naturally that we didn’t have to second-guess anything.

There it was! Every day we were waking up just wanting to go to work.”

To mark the anniversary of Vulgar Display, the remaining former members of the band (guitarist Dimebag Darrell was tragically murdered onstage in 2004) have dipped into the archives with a deluxe edition featuring a bonus DVD with the album’s three official music videos as well as six songs from a Monsters Of Rock festival appearance in Reggio, Italy in 1992. But the set’s pièce de résistance is Piss, the one and only unreleased Pantera track. 20 years on, Brown can’t pinpoint why Piss wasn’t included on the original album. It certainly sounds like vintage Pantera. “I can’t tell you why it wasn’t used: it just wasn’t.When it came to sequencing we had everything pretty much mixed and that one just got overlooked. That’s all I can say about that one! I listen to it 20 years later and it does kinda stick in with the usual crowd.”

One of the main riffs from the song was reused a few years later on the album Far Beyond Driven. That album was one of the most aggressive, angry-sounding, filthy, fight-ready metal albums ever to debut at #1 on the Billboard chart, helped no doubt by the huge expectations growing out of Vulgar Display.“We wanted to get heavier with each album rather than get softer with each record,” Brown says.“So that’s where we were.

Pantera There was a lot of hard work that led to [the #1 debut].

We played 200-something dates on the Vulgar tour, so it’s just one of those things. Our natural progression was to get a little heavier. We did our homework and just kept getting more and more intense as it went along. But not a bad record for #1 - in about 16 different countries!”

But the chunky, groovy sound of Vulgar Display has made it a particular touchstone for bands.

The Pantera sound has virtually become a texture that bands can consciously call upon, like Sabbath’s sludgy riffs or the Iron Maiden gallop. “It’s nice to be in that category,” Brown says.“That’s a very nice compliment.

Sometimes it’s very flattering.” He pauses, seemingly holding back a word or two about some of the bands who have taken the Pantera groove and …misused it. “Sometimes it’s not, but for the most part it’s very flattering!”

When you ask Anthony “Skenie” Skene what prompted The Poor to get back in the saddle in 2008 following an eight year fallow period, you get a refreshingly honest answer.

Sure, the love of music and the fellowship of the band played a part, but not so much as a heaping helping of cash... “We got an offer from a promoter to do the W.A.S.P. tour.” Skenei recalls. “W.A.S.P. had never been to Australia before. We had an offer to do this, but the money wasn’t there. At first I said no to the promoter, and then he came back a week later and offered a shitload of money! So I rang the boys back and said ‘come on, let’s just do it and have a bit of fun’.

And then as soon as we started rehearsing it was like, ‘what the fuck have we been doing?’ I mean, me and Gav [Hansen - drummer] were in a heavy band called Lump for eight years, but as soon as we started rehearsing with The Poor it was like, ‘why haven’t we been doing this?’.”

They’ve been hard at it ever since, peddling a brand of classic, hard and heavy rock that sets them well apart from the callus-free mope rock and highsheen reality show fodder that characterises so much of modern music. “I feel that a lot of these bands are missing out on getting road tough,” Skenie opines.

“But it’s just the natural progression, isn’t it? It’s so much easier to record these days, and there’s that many bands out there - that’s what makes it a lot harder for everyone. There’s millions of bands out there! And there’s not as many venues out there that want bands.

It’s a sad thing. It’s crazy, not wanting to go and see bands, because it’s so much better than sitting around and doing nothing.”

He is adamant that there is still an audience for good, old-fashioned rock, though, saying, “People love seeing that energy. I mean, we love doing what we’re doing - we just can’t stop. And it’s such a mixed crowd now; we’ve had people coming up to us with their sons who grew up with us because their dads listened to us. Kids coming up who are 18 now, and they’re saying ‘Oh yeah, I remember Dad playing that all the time, and we used to love it around the lounge room’.”

Hopefully that audience will be eager to hear The Poor’s upcoming album, which is currently being recorded. For his part, Skenie promises a dearth of middle-aged introspection. “When we first started writing for this album there was a lot of self-indulgent stuff that we all brought to the table,” he says.“And we kept on trying to get these songs together but nothing was gelling. And we just came to the conclusion that we just have to go back to what we’re good at doing, and that’s just balls-out rock’n’roll. The Poor’s just a rock’n’roll band, and we just want to have a good time, and that’s what we write about.”

www.xpressmag.com.au

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BEST COAST New Girl LA two-piece Best Coast is hoping to show their grown up side with recently released sophomore LP The Only Place. JENNIFER PETERSONWARD talks to “the new” Bethany Cosentino.

Though Best Coast won an ocean of fans for the fuzzy, lo-fi surf pop present on their 2010 debut album, Crazy For You, frontwoman Bethany Cosentino says she’s hoping to be taken more seriously with their upcoming sophomore release The Only Place.

“I keep calling it a ‘grown-up record’. I’ve definitely grown up a lot the last few years and my

life has changed a lot. When Crazy For You came out, I was 22 – and I didn’t think that from 22 to 25 would be that different but I’ve been through a lot of emotional changes during that time, I’m not the same person,” she begins.“Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy the first album was so fun and people connected with that but I don’t want to be known just as ‘that cat loving girl who sings about getting high’ anymore.”

As Cosentino attests, her newfound maturity had a huge influence during the songwriting process for the new album. “For me, the first record is really black and white – which is really all you’d expect from a band beginning out – but I knew pretty early on that I wanted the next one to be in colour,” she says. “So, yeah, it’s a lot more ‘inside the brain of Bethany’ and less ‘inside the diary of Bethany’.”

Cosentino and fellow Best Coast mainstay Bobb Bruno recorded The Only Place at the storied Capitol Studios with a surprising producer: inventive pop vet Jon Brion, known for his soundtrack work for films like Punch-Drunk Love and collaborations with Fiona Apple and Kanye West. “Jon’s a good friend and we already had a pre-established relationship going in Bobb was actually Jon’s assistant for a while, so they had a personal connection,” she says. “He helped us make the record we wanted to make

– we probably couldn’t have done it on our own.

He recommended we try re-recording different versions of some songs, which I’d never done before. With Crazy For You, I literally went in the studio, recorded the vocals and we were done, but re-recording some songs in different ways – to get different vibes – is something I will definitely continue to do from now on.”

While embarking in a radical new direction so early in their career is a risky move for the relatively young outfit, Costenino says she wasn’t ever worried about alienating their established fan base. “People need to put their trust in their favourite musicians – trust their judgment and that they can try new things without necessarily radically changing their sound in a bad way,” she says. “I feel like the fans will follow us on whatever path we take. Anyone who doesn’t like it can deal; I don’t care what those people think anyway.”

Despite her nonchalant attitude towards the haters, Costenino admits she is hopeful for a positive reception to the album – especially from her fans down under. “We feel this connection to Australia. It’s such a beautiful place and it really reminds me of California – because of the weather – which is my favourite place in the world. I just wish the flight over to you guys wasn’t so awfully long.”

CATCALL

As Kelleher attests, Catcall’s genesis came after her father passed away very suddenly from a heart attack in late 2006.“It was an intense experience.

I had just come back from a tour of America [with Kiosk] and about a week and a half later my dad passed away. It was a shock because he was quite young. Not long after, I received an email from one person who’d just heard about my dad and they said, ‘I’m sure he’s somewhere warm’. I though it was such a nice idea – that they’ll be okay because they’re somewhere warm. That sentence really stuck with me and it ended up in the song August. The opening a capella track The Warmest Place was also the first thing I wrote after he passed away, so it comes from this emotional, cathartic place,” she says.

For me, it’s my happiest place, because starting the solo project was a really cathartic process for me. I feel like I am making music because the shock of the experience of losing my father made me realise how short and fleeting life is, and if you’re not pursuing what you love and what you’re passionate about then you’re not living.”

Perhaps unsurprisingly Catcall’s music is a magpie mix. One moment it’s indie pop, the next it’s mutant funk, then disco. It’s like a homemade attempt to mimic a whole record collection – and from that DIY spirit comes something that sounds only of itself, even as the echoes of the past flit through the songs.

“People have been calling it electro pop,

Warming Up

After playing around the traps in DIY punk band Kiosk, Sydney songstress Catherine Kelleher busted loose in 2007 under the moniker Catcall. Ahead of her performance at Amplifier on Saturday, May 26, JENNIFER PETERSONWARD chatted with Kelleher about her recently released debut LP The Warmest Place.

As the singer in early noughties group Kiosk, Catherine Kelleher was a leading light in the Australian punk movement.

With Catcall, her music has changed focus - instead of bashing at guitars, she conjures up an acid-coloured riot from synthesisers, samplers and drum machines.

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Best Coast but I don’t think that’s necessarily the best way to describe it,” Kelleher says. “It all started from a very hip hop place – it’s a genre I’ve always felt drawn to because of the way it’s very focused on what the vocalist is doing. It also pinpoints ‘80s pop, like Blondie and Fleetwood Mac. I think, at first, I started off with the intention of going in an electronic pop/disco direction but it’s evolved into a purer pop sound,” she concludes.

“Now I’m pretty happy to just describe it by saying that it ‘fits under the broad umbrella of pop’.”

Catcall

X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

KAISER CHIEFS Souvenir: Singles 2004-2012

BEST COAST The Only Place Popfrenzy

Liberator Music

Leeds lads The Kaiser Chiefs run the risk of being thought of as just a singles band by releasing a compilation of their best hits throughout their eight year career.

But it’s hard to deny their most successful songs to date have been unmistakably catchy and this 16 track album is a cracker because of it.

Leading the way with Oh My God and following with three more of their most anthemic was a good move. Their tracks from debut album Employment are no doubt their most notorious and will remind you of why they were so damn popular back in the guitar pop frenzy of the mid 2000s.

Their latest songs are not as memorable and their latest albums have been overshadowed by leaks – but jamming Everyday I Love You Less And Less in the middle of the album provides middle ground. With lyrics like “I can’t believe once you and me did sex, it makes me sick to think of you undressed”, it definitely picks up the pace.

Like any band, their music has evolved and their lyrics have become less laddish. But listening to this mix asserts their sound is truly their own. Like the stick of rock candy featuring on the album artwork, this band holidays in the past, bringing with it the best of new wave Britpop memories.

“Do you love me like you used to?” Bethany Costenino wails on Do You Love Me Like You Used To, one of the tracks present on her brand new Best Coast album The Only Place. In the context of the song, the question is directed at a former lover, however it might be better served at the fans of her previous record – 2010’s Crazy For You. Gone are the sunshine and open roads, light and bright colors, and chirpy pop intent on wearing down your defenses. “Look to the future, nothing’s there/Don’t know why I even care,” she howls on the cringeworthy Why I Cry, while on Up All Night she moans “I’m way to lazy to make it work/So here I am/I’m still alone/I’m still awake/I’m still afraid.”

On one hand, kudos is due for tearing up the rulebook; but at the same time, it doesn’t quite click into place. As refreshing as it is to hear Bethany taking a more mature stance, it’s equally frustrating to find what she has to say so depressing.

That being said, Bethany isn’t a Debbie downer the whole way through – she gleefully exclaims “We’ve got the ocean, got the babes/Got the sun, we’ve got the waves” on The Only Place, an upbeat pop gem which is simply perfect for her palette.

So do we still love you Bethany? Of course we do – we’re just hoping you can inject a little more sunshine next time around.

_CORAL HUCKSTEP _JENNIFER PETERSON-WARD

DAMON ALBARN Dr Dee

THUMPR Echo Papa Alphabet

EMI

CD Baby

The debut release from thumpR is a tour-de-force of fusion featuring Simon Jeans on guitar, Dane Alderson on bass and Andy Fisenden on drums.

Throughout this seven-track offering of well-written instrumentals, the trio rock out (Sneaky), funk it up (opening track Feline), execute some brilliant syncopated and odd-time sequences (the impressive Showtime!), take exciting and wellconstructed solo spots, and even find space to lay back and let the song do the talking on tracks such as Jus’ Wonderin’, which unexpectedly features acoustic guitar and slide melodies.

Colouring of the sonic palette via earthy and old-school effects both on guitar and bass is a welcome inclusion in the band’s approach, adding an acid rock vibe to proceedings which accentuates just how unique a product thumpR have created.

The production (handled by the incredible Rob Agostini at Soundbaker) is powerful and organic; each instrument has retained its unique voice and space within the mix.

Fisenden and Alderson lay down the grooves in a fashion well and truly worthy of their growing national and international reputations, while guitarist and band leader Simon Jeans’ performance – whether he’s funking out, navigating intricate melodic passages, or firing in lightning-fast licks – is nothing short of world class.

Damon Albarn has recently put paid to any more involvement in his quintessentially British private school band Blur or his cartoon outfit Gorillaz.

As if to put an exclamation point on this fact he has released a relatively tuneless operatic piece Dr Dee. Why someone would be interested in the story of the sixteenth century mathematician, alchemist and advisor to Elizabeth I in this format is a mystery, but Albarn has never been a strong editor of his own works.

The album begins with the peaceful sounds of birds chirping and goes rapidly downhill from there.

There is brief respite in the folk strains of Apple Carts which is almost bearable in comparison to the ‘tunes’ it is surrounded with here.

The Moon Exalted clearly points out the limitations in Albarn’s voice that can only be matched by his long term lack of prowess in the songwriting department.

Sure the album is a soundtrack to a stage play, but that shouldn’t excuse the inclusion of irritating and particularly tuneless Watching The Fire That Waltzed Away.

It is a rare release from Albarn that he doesn’t come across as a cocky, preppy little shit. On Dr Dee he outdoes himself, opting for pretentious twat as his personality trait of choice instead.

_CHRIS GIBBS

_CHRIS HAVERCROFT

VARIOUS This Is Dubstep 2012

4ARM Submission For Liberty

Get Darker

Riot! / Warner Music Australia

Thrash metal blasted out of the ‘80s only to become an endangered species in the ‘90s despite the best efforts of the “Big Four” giants of the era. Bands like Melbourne’s 4Arm are working hard to keep the faith.

Their third album Submission For Liberty is pure thrash with a distinctly polished edge with renowned metal producer Matt Hyde at the helm.

The issue with rehashing the thrash genre is the difficulty in creating a fresh sound without directly referencing the genres stalwarts.

Danny Tomb’s vocals share more than a passing resemblance with Slayer’s Tom Araya and wild solos in the Kerry King style are sprinkled liberally throughout.

Title track Submission For Liberty is the tight, aggressive, and downright angry centerpiece to this shred-a-thon, following their middle finger to The Man philosophy.

The Warning is a blistering effort showcasing 4Arm’s talent and devotion to the thrash genre.

Lyrically the album is a bit ham-fisted, preferring to scream “I hate this place/I hate your face/Fuck you all” at our oppressors.

The pure aggression spilling from Tomb’s mouth fits the theme however, and is one of the few faults in an otherwise top-notch metal album.

Love it or loathe it, you just can’t deny the huge surge in popularity the dubstep genre has experienced in recent years.

This Is Dubstep 2012 is the latest compilation from Get Darker, the online hub which caters to all your dubstep needs. The genre has exploded over the last couple of years and the very existence of this mix proves just that. There’s even a bit of veteran trance action going on with Above & Beyond making an appearance to round off the dubstep and brostep heavy collection of beats.

Although Skrillex doesn’t make an appearance (shock horror!), Gemini’s remix of Ed Sheeran’s You Need Me, I Don’t Need You, hits the spot.

Nero’s Promises and Runnin’ from Cutline featuring Belle Humble almost seem out of place on the record being so vocally heavy.

The second disc is far more intense than the first disc. Direct Blow by Truth is a fine example of this, well titled. Danger by V.I.V.E.K is a brain melter and Sigma and Skream deliver the goods.

Although there are some absolute thrashers on this compilation, it’s definitely a lot less aggressive and powerful than the trashy, limb thrashing art-work suggests.

Not bad but not amazing; this is worth a listen if you’re big on dubstep otherwise don’t bother.

_BRENDAN HOLBEN _HAYLEY MIDDLETON www.xpressmag.com.au

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X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

www.xpressmag.com.au

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JOHANN KIM

THE GARDEN

Pigeonhole Takes Flight Situated just up from the corner of bustling Oxford and Newcastle Streets, The Garden opened in September 2009 and has since become one of Per th’s most popular venues. Originally part of the Old Leederville, the space has been transformed into one of Perth’s greatest outdoor beer gardens adding a sense of flair and fun to the Leederville scene.

The Garden is all about sharing great times and good food! Their seasonal menu offers both grazing and more substantial options and plenty of beer and cider on tap and bottled, to quench any thirst.

LOCATION: 742 Newcastle Street, Leederville CONTACT: thegarden.net.au, (08) 9202 8282

ZAMBRERO FRESH MEX Zambrero is more than just fresh healthy food done fast. Opening with a bang in the west recently with two restaurants in Leederville and Mount Lawley, Zambrero has quickly developed a loyal following stemming from an ethos of the integrity of ingredients. One of the more unknown facts about Zambrero is that ever y time a customer buys a meal from Zambrero the restaurant provides a meal to someone in need. The program is called PLATE4PLATE, developed by Zambrero it is very direct and transparent, and has fed almost 800,000 children in Africa since the program began last April.

LOCATION:Newcastle St, Leederville (Opposite The Garden), 625 Beaufort St, Mt Lawley (Opposite Planet Books) CONTACT: zambrero.com

SNAGS AND SONS Perth’s very first sausage shop nestled in urban Leederville.

Nostalgic European deli with a modern twist, grazing style menu with a wide variety of choices. Sausages, salads and smallgoods with a something for your sweet tooth! Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. Expect to find a range of international snags, fresh salads and European smallgoods. Couple with lovely s we e t t re a t s a n d o rg a n i c options all wrapped up in a cosy environment. Vegetarian, gluten free and kids choices all available.

Johann Kim about The Fox Hunt, tucked away on William Street in Northbridge. “The Fox Hunt is my menswear store on the ‘other’ side of the tracks! I’m a bit partial to this store as I think it’s probably got the nicest fitout of the lot, with some old world charm, taxidermy, old glass cabinets and jarrah floors. We carry easy casual wear and gifts for the average joe blow at an accessible price. It’s definitely worth a look if you’re the kind of guy that wants to look nice but not too out there. We’ve got some great labels in store too such as Nique, Acadmee, Dr Denim, Ksubi, Velour and Stussy.”

And last but certainly not least there’s the biggest bird in the Pigeonhole family – Kim’s pop up shop at 140 William. “This is your one stop shop for all things Pigeonhole. It’s a massive store and we’ve tried to carry a wide selection of our entire range of products from fashion to stationery, giftware, jewellery, accessories, bags, photography and homewares.”

Though his plate is already full (and then some), Kim still has plenty of ideas for Pigeonhole world domination up his sleeves, with plans to open more stores and expand his empire interstate and potentially overseas.

“There are a lot of things that I’d like to do as part of Pigeonhole. For example, I’d like to open more stores (no surprises there!),extend into the eastern states or overseas,do more in house designing and production, perhaps dabble in furniture or even publishing... who knows! But I think what is more important than what I’d like to do with Pigeonhole is what I want Pigeonhole to be, and the kind of company, community and ethos that we want to foster and encourage.

“I’d really like Pigeonhole to be the kind of company that can stay deeply connected and part of the fabric of the local creative community. We want to have a product mix that is unique in design, inspiring, global and yet accessible. I think good design should be available for everyone so I’m always looking out for stuff that is well priced yet still unique in design. I also believe that business is really just about people. We are here to serve the community of Perth with great products, friendly service and to be a platform for people to get inspired and develop their own ideas, designs and businesses.”

To locate your nearest Pigeonhole store or to find out more about the Pigeonhole family, hit up Pigeonhole.com.au – where birds of a feather flock together.

I HEART PERTH Local And Loving It GRAHAM WOOD - ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Favourite coffee spot?

I always grab a coffee from 399 Bar because it’s good coffee and only about 100 meters from my apartment.

Best place for lunch?

Jaws Sushi in the Hay Street Mall. Best sushi train in Australia!

LOCATION: 749 Newcastle Street, Leederville CONTACT: snagsandsons.com.au

Best venue to catch a live gig?

The Ellington Jazz Club.

LLAMA BAR The iconic Llama Bar has undergone a complete transformation following a three month renovation. Now fitted out in a plush French industrial style, the new Llama features bespoke raw steel bi-fold windows to open the venue to the street, a French cafe style alfresco area on the footpath outside, elegant curved marble main bar, VIP lounge and a refurbished garden terrace.

The venue will continue to party late with party DJs, its signature cocktail list and now featuring Perth’s largest video projection wall to showcase the work of local and international video artists.

LOCATION: Corner Rokeby and Hay St, Subiaco (opposite the Regal Theatre) CONTACT: llamabar.com, functions@llamabar.com 18

Five years ago Perth lad Johann Kim made the jump into retail, opening a tiny store - fittingly named Pigeonhole - at the end of the Bon Marche Arcade, and since then, life’s never been the same for the affable bicycle lover. Now the proud owner of six stores and a café scattered across Perth and Northbridge, Johann Kim is a busy man indeed, and that’s just how he likes it.

“I actually opened Pigeonhole on my 25th birthday in October 2007. It’s almost five years ago now... It’s gone really slow and really fast at the same time,” he begins when asked what made him to decide to open a store of his own all those years ago. “Opening a shop was a pipe dream that I’d had back when I was in uni. I was studying law and commerce and dreaming of a more glamorous life.

I guess a lot of people have those kinds of thoughts when they’re studying. At the end of my degree I took a year off to travel and visited a lot of great stores around the world and thought that maybe when I got back I’d look into opening one myself.”

Each Pigeonhole store offers shoppers something slightly different – from fashion to cameras, home wares, and everything in between.

Kim elaborates.

“Well we’ve got the original store in Bon Marche Arcade on Barrack Street. This store is special because it is so darn hard to find. It also somehow ends up with all the random stuff that I pick up on my travels. You might find some random keychain with a toy doll with blinking eyelids, a pair of vintage specs without lenses and cotton wound round the frames, or an purple ’50s vintage circle skirt with a poodle sewn on it. It’s kind of like walking into someone’s bedroom. If you like that kind of random chaos and the intimacy of a small store then it’s probably a fun place to start!”

Smaller than the Bon Marche store (if you can believe it!), the London Court Pigeonhole carries a small collection of quirky odds and ends. “Our little store in London Court is a real treat as it’s full of trinkets,” Kim explains. “We’ve got a nice range of cards and stationery as well as some cute homewares and gifty knick knacks, but what this store is best for is a great selection of jewellery. Earrings and necklaces galore! It’s a real treat!”

Over on the other side of town in Shafto Lane is where you’ll find Pigeonhole’s dedicated gift shop along with Shop 9, which is home to fashions from Australia and abroad.

“I’ve got two shops down Shafto Lane on the west side of town. One is for gifts and the other fashion. Shop 7a in Shafto Lane is our one stop gift shop. It’s the perfect place to find a present for a loved one. We have lots of home wares, trinkets, photography gear and accessories. Shop 9 Shafto Lane is full of independent fashion from around the world. We carry quirky fashion labels from Australia, Scandinavia, Europe and Asia along with our own range of apparel, bags and accessories. It’s a good place to find something a little different for your wardrobe - perhaps a pair of embossed leather boots from Sweden, or a camel coloured trench coat from France, or a lacey collared party dress from Seoul.”

Fashionable fellas will likely already know

Aurelio Costarella

What do you love most about Perth?

I love the way it is developing, growing and always changing. I think the next 10 years will be a very exciting time for the area.

AURELIO COSTARELLA - DESIGNER Favourite coffee spot?

Lincoln’s in Highgate is my early morning local, Milk’d in North Perth for a work break. I don’t get moving without my Soy Latte buzz in the morning!

Favourite boutique?

I actually get most of my homewares through my own store Post Emporium in North Perth or Testtube in Mt Lawley because they have unusual-askew objects.

Best place for dinner?

I’m loving Bivouac in Northbridge. Quirky cool vibe, flavoursome dishes and knowledgeable staff. Bar Five in Highgate and Greenhouse in the City are also on the top of my list. Both cater to my love of good, fresh, wholesome produce.

Graham Wood

What do you love most about Perth?

I have lived my whole life here. It’s home, it’s familiar but growing at a steady pace. I never have to venture far from my doorstep to find a variety of eateries or entertainment.

X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

SECOND HAND CITY Vintage In The CBD Over the past year the vintage craze has well and truly hit Perth’s inner suburbs, with vintage stores popping up here, there and everywhere, making it a whole bunch easier to invest in second hand goodies without having to trek out to the burbs.

Miss Brown Vintage

With stores on William Street in Northbridge and at 140 William on the corner of William and Wellington Streets in the city, Miss Brown Vintage hails from Melbourne but now has a big following in Perth. Stocking a huge array of cute dresses, denim cut offs, leather shorts, retro tees, bags, boots, belts and more, Miss Brown Vintage is packed to the rafters with affordable, on-trend styles, which new stock hitting shop floors daily. Find out more at Miss Brown Vintage’s Facebook page.

We Heart Vintage

A collective of vintage addicts brought together by a mutual love for fashions and bric-a-brac from eras past, We Heart Vintage stores boast more vintage and upcycled clothing, home wares and accessories than you could poke your grandpa’s walking cane at. Find out more at We Heart Vintage’s Facebook page or their pop up shot at 140 William.

Oh Henry Vintage

Decked out to resemble an old ship sailing the high seas, Oh Henry Vintage is a nautical themed vintage paradise that looks out over William Street. With colour coded racks, friendly staff and super cute merchandise, Oh Henry is a must-visit for vintage aficionados. Check it out at level one, 242 William Street in Northbridge (upstairs off Francis St above Wild Lily Empire), or find out more on Facebook.

Inner City Spa Retreat

Vintage Emporium

o·a·sis/sis/ : 1. English rock band formed in Manchester in 1991 2. A fertile spot in a desert where water is found 3. A pleasant or peaceful area or period in the midst of a difficult, troubled or hectic place or situation

Retro Safari

While the first definition is the one most likely to be found within these pages,the second and third are spot on at describing Perth’s newest inner-city spa hideaway, Endota. Tucked high above the hustle and bustle of Hay Street, Endota, which is an indigenous Australian word meaning beautiful, dishes up organic beauty and spa treatments that will help you reclaim your sanity (and soft skin) when the working world below gets too much to handle.

Endota Perth opened in March this year, and has already been wowing scores of WA-folk with their dreamy massages, wide variety of facials (natural, glycolic and Dermalogica) and billabong footbaths. You’re also treated to organic herbal teas, including lavender, peppermint and rosehip, before

The William Street boutique strip recently welcomed a new pop up store to its ranks with the opening of the Vintage Emporium – a shrine for the worship of all things vintage, retro and second hand. A huge collection of jewellery, clothing, bicycles and other odds and ends await treasure hunters who seek out the Emporium, which is tucked away at 224b William Street (opposite the Universal Bar). Open seven days a week from 10am-5.30pm until the end of June, the Emporium is a must visit for lovers of unique bits and bobs and sustainable fashion.

Find out more about what’s on offer at the Vintage Emporium Perth Facebook page.

Button up your safari suit and make a bee-line for Plaza Arcade to embark on a sartorial adventure at Retro Safari. Tucked away in the Plaza Arcade, Retro Safari is a charming little shop selling fashion, curios and “faux everything” (at least that’s what their sign says). A collection of sensational second hand goodies await those who seek out Retro Safari, with everything from record players to picnic baskets and threads for guys and girls. Find out more at Facebook.com/RetroSafari.

www.xpressmag.com.au

ENDOTA

AND after your treatment! All the therapists are absolute gems. Friendly, accommodating, professional and serene, exactly the type of people you want to be around when relaxation is on the agenda.

The scaly skinned, stressed out and sleep deprived are all welcomed, and are bound to leave the spa with a little more balance and a lot more calm. Or in my case, a serious desire to teleport directly to bed and sleep for days after my completely outstanding 90 minute hot stone massage.

I found myself ascending Endota’s stairway to heaven on an icy autumn afternoon, after a few days of sore muscles (I just joined the gym!) and a whole world of study related stress.

The gently lit reception area and relaxation lounge allow any stress to start melting away as soon as you enter. Breathing slows, mind stops racing.

Choosing the 90-minute hot rock massage wasn’t tricky. Described as “a spa massage sensation, with billabong footbath and healing hot rocks specifically placed to relax muscles, macadamia oil massage for maximum mmmm”.

Sold. Hook, line and sinker. Add to this the rain of the past few days and the aforementioned icy wind, and a warm spa massage was just what the weatherman ordered.

Glossy wooden floors and the scent of mint and eucalyptus are a welcome greeting in the treatment room, as my feet are swiftly submerged into the beautiful, warm billabong footbath, and then scrubbed and massaged to get the relaxation party started.

The massage table is my home for the next 75 minutes or so, and I’d happily take up residence there permanently. Wrapped in cosy towels with hot rocks placed over them, it’s all I can do not to drift off and as the rocks, macadamia oil and my muscles greet each other, my brain packs up shop as the combo melts me into massage oblivion.

With my head well and truly in the clouds (and the vacant, blissful gaze to prove it), I leave Endota and head to catch my bus. Where’s that teleporter when you need it?

If you’re searching for an inner city oasis, then look no further. Paradise found.

Endota is located at Level 1, 856 Hay St in Perth. For bookings call (08) 6181 9858 or email perthcbd@endota.com.au. _ANNETTE GOHL

19

WA BOOT CAMP

BANTUS CAPOEIRA AUSTRALIA Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art and dance and is one of the most fun fitness trends sweeping the world today.

Capoeira combines hypnotic beats with strength, agility and acrobatics into a game that anyone can play. Bantus Capoeira dedicates itself to teaching all ages, fitness levels and abilities in Capoeira and Brazilian dance. Beginners’ courses train students in the foundations of kicks, fluid movements, with tyhe fantastic Formado Grao direct from Brazil.

It’s only $30 to take part in a four week beginner’s course and there are classes in Fremantle, Leederville and Perth. Casual classes are $15.

LOCATION: Fremantle Tennis Club, corner Ellen and Parry Streets, Fremantle (Monday class 6.308pm); Loftus Community Centre, corner Loftus and Vincent Streets, Leederville (Wednesday and Friday classes 6.30-8pm); Asian Association Main Hall, 275 Stirling Street, Perth (Thursday classes 6.30-8pm) CONTACT: 0414 076 655, info@bantus.asn.au, www.bantus.asn.au

BOBBI’S POLE STUDIO Want to get fit and have fun? Then it’s time you tried pole dancing! In their gorgeous nightclub inspired studio, Bobbi’s Pole Studio employs Perth’s best pole dancers who teach their art in a really friendly, fun environment for your workout and best of all – everyone gets their own spinning pole! Trial classes are only $15 and there are classes for beginners and for more experienced individuals who want to focus on trimming and toning their abs, bums, thighs and legs ‘No ordinary workout’.

LOCATION: 4 Chelsea Street, Perth CONTACT: bobbispolestudio.com.au, perthreception@bobbispolestudio.com.au, (08) 9227 1993

NICK CORRIGAN’S SOCCER SCHOOLS If your kid likes soccer then they’re bound to love Nick Corrigan’s Soccer School. Providing lessons for kids aged 3-10, Nick Corrigan’s Soccer School teaches basic and more advanced ball skills, encouraging kids to have fun while getting fit.

The School’s new term starts soon so now’s the perfect time to enroll your child, so that they can master the world game in a fun and noncompetitive environment. Morning sessions available- 3s, 4s (littlies) only, holiday clinics, we also cater for birthday parties. Ring Nick today and ask about a free trail lesson. If your child doesn’t enjoy themselves then the lesson is free.

CONTACT: ncsoccerschools.com.au, nick@ncsoccerschools.com.au or 0409 118 228

SABRINA’S SHOWSTOPPERS Housed in a new welcoming and spacious studio, Sabrina’s Showstoppers is an academy dedicated to the arts of dance and drama, with classes to suit everyone, for fitness and for fun. If your little one loves to dance, take them along to Sabrina’s Showstoppers on Wednesday mornings for drama and dance classes, plus the new Tiny Ballerinas class. Mums and older dance lovers aren’t left out, with Zumba classes on Tuesday and Wednesday nights – the fun way to workout CONTACT: Unit 1, 33 Hammond Rd, Cockburn Central CONTACT: www.sabrinasshowstoppers.com.au, tinyshow@tpgi.com.au, 0414 801 733 20

URBAN BOOT CAMPS

With centres across the Perth metropolitan area – including a central West Perth location – WA Boot Camp offers an outdoor fitness training program designed to allow you to push the limits at your own pace. The main focus of the program is to improve total body fitness and promote weight loss, while having fun outdoors. Each boot camp session ranges from 45 minutes to one hour and are designed for all ages and fitness levels from the not so fit, to the very fit. The basic methodology includes strength training, aerobic exercises, muscle toning, agility drills, flexibility improvement, and even some fun games. Some of the core exercises used in the program are calisthenics, circuit training, partner resistance exercises, highintensity interval training, powerful isometric exercises, and various aerobic activities to include obstacle course, stairs, steps, and running.

Meeting Point: Dumas House, 2 Havelock Street, West Perth Contact: 0411 314 799 / info@wabootcamp.com.au

Wherever you want to get fit there is a centrally located boot camp to suit you, discovers JENNIFER MT LAWLEY WELLNESS ON BEAUFORT PETERSON-WARD. Whether you want to lose weight to fit into those skinny jeans, shed the extra pounds from a pregnancy, or just get fit for yourself and your loved ones, Mt ORIGINAL BOOTCAMP Lawley Wellness On Beaufort have designed programs Working out while looking at stunning scenery to get results. Their Boot Camps are conducted in an just has to ease the pain, and Original Bootcamp’s indoor/outdoor, military-style environment using the program in Perth’s iconic Kings Park aims to kick start most progressive, innovative, and creative exercises. your weight loss and health and fitness regime whilst Boot Camp fitness workouts include cardiovascular, overlooking the majestic Swan River. Utilising the stairs at Jacob’s Ladder, the Kokoda track, and the bush lined speed and endurance, partner resistance, strength Broadwalk – from picturesque Synergy parkland to training with bodyweight drills, dumbbells and the DNA tower – the many tracks and open parkland barbells. You can also expect to expand your fitness provide diversity for each session in a stunning horizons with fitness games, relays, team races, group environment. As Australia’s first ever outdoor, military- challenges, wheelbarrow races, boxing, medicine ball inspired group training system, Original Bootcamp drills, plyometrics, box drills, obstacle course, grass drills, and versions of the military standard push-up and sit can help deliver serious results, seriously fast. up. You will also learn about proper nutrition while Meeting Point: Kings Park, Perth CBD Contact: Lead Instructor Duncan Arkley – 0400 662 getting the workout of your life, all in a motivating, supportive environment.

533, duncan.arkley@bootcamp.com.au Meeting Point: 764 Beaufort Street, Mt Lawley Contact: (08) 9271 9300

CONAN FITNESS BEGINNER’S BOOT CAMP

Not sure if you’re fit enough for Boot camp? Then why not give a Beginners Boot Camp a try. The entry level sessions held by Conan Fitness are packed full of fun, and are based on less aggressive progressions and lower intensity versions of boot camp exercises. Conan Fitness’ eight week programmes will whip you into shape, without the worry of being surrounded by athletes who are further along their fitness journey than you are. There is no pressure in the beginners boot camps and you will be surrounded by people at the same level as you so you can enjoy the class without feeling like you are being left behind, so you can enjoy yourself as well as taking that first important step in your fitness journey.

Meeting Point: Banks Reserve, Joel Terrace, Mt Lawley Contact: 1800 791 484

RUNAWAY BRIDES Planning a wedding can take over every aspect of your daily life – there is just so much to do to achieve that perfect day. Despite this it is important not to lose sight of the importance of regular exercise. If anything you need to stay fit and healthy to be able to survive this stressful time. The trainers at Runaway Brides aim to create a welcoming environment created to provide support, motivation and education to wives and husbands-to-be and help them make the right decisions on their path to a healthier lifestyle.

Meeting Point: Training locations vary from session to session, but include spots in Leederville, Mt Hawthorne and the CBD. Contact: Owner/Trainer Justine – 0438 195 258 / info@runawaybrides.com.au

SURVIVING BOOT CAMP: TIPS FOR BEGINNERS If you’ve ever watched a military movie and wished someone would whip you into shape with “dropand-give-me-20” drills (but have no desire to train for battle), a fitness boot camp might be the right workout for you. Designed to get you in shape with rigorous workouts, the tough-love approach of boot camp fitness mimics the way real military recruits work every muscle in their bodies, resulting in muscle definition, strength and endurance for Original Bootcamp every body. As to be expected, even the most basic of boot camp training will still be a challenge for even the most seasoned fitness fanatic, however there are some things you can learn in advance, and 3 – DRESS THE PART While your gym might offer a boot camp workout, use to prepare yourself for the hard slog ahead… most independent programs are held outside, meaning you’ll want to dress in layers. As we head 1 - FIND THE RIGHT CAMP into the cooler months you’ll want to wear a base There’s no uniform group of exercises that you can layer with breathable fabric, along with tight fitting expect at a fitness boot camp, so you’ll need to do pants or leggings. If you’re working out in a warmer some basic research about the different programs environment then less is definitely more – but even available before you sign up. From traditional if you’re wearing just a sports bra or singlet, you’ll “military style” boot camps to stroller boot camps want to bring a t-shirt to make sure you have full for parents, bridal boot camps and female-only coverage for any exercises that might have you boot camps, there are many varieties of boot camp, moving your core across a mat or hard surface. Most aimed at people of all different fitness levels – from importantly, before you add a boot camp to your absolute beginners to fitness fanatics. Avoid being workout schedule, get fitted for the right footwear. the only couch potato in a sea of body builders by Proper running shoes are essential – so head to your putting the time and effort into talking to trainers local running shop to be fitted. Cross trainers and beforehand – and don’t be embarrassed of your canvas sneakers are a no go. Also, make sure to bring own fitness level, it’ll save you a lot of pain and a water bottle, towel to wipe your sweat (and believe strife in the long run if you’re honest with yourself me, there will be buckets of it by the time you’re upfront. done) and training gloves if you know you’ll be using weights.

2 - DO THE PREP WORK You don’t have to be in peak condition for a boot camp workout, but to save yourself a little unnecessary pain and a whole lot of embarrassment you should have at least a base – so do some prep work at home beforehand. Get your heart rate up by running either outside or on the treadmill up to three days a week, and gear up different muscle groups with squats, lunges and push-ups. If you’re strapped for time, throw on an exercise DVD and break a sweat right in your living room. The point here is to build the groundwork so you’re able to keep up with a boot camp fitness program.

4 – SET REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS Going into boot camp training thinking that it will be a breeze will get you nowhere. Knowing your own physical capabilities beforehand and getting into decent shape will help you immensely. Part of basic training is learning your limits, and pushing them to the max. If you’re looking to lose lots of weight, you’re best off to talk to your trainer before you start the program as they’ll be able to help you chart a steady weight loss goal. Don’t expect to be skinny overnight or build up muscle in a mere couple of sessions, but do expect to see results over the longer term.

X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

GET PHYSICAL

CEBICHE

TAKING IT PERSONALLY The Ins And Outs Of Personal Training If you’re anything like us beer loving, exercise hating X-Pressers, motivating yourself to get up and moving isn’t easy, which is when hyper-energetic personal trainers come in handy. One such fitness loving individual is Beth Page of Breakthrough Personal Training, who spends her days helping individuals to get in touch with their inner fitness freak.

“I used to say that the most rewarding part of my job was helping others achieve amazing physical transformations, however, the longer I am in the industry the more I’m realising that the most rewarding aspect is how you change clients’ lives mentally and emotionally through the tool of exercise,” Page responds when asked what she loves most about her job.

Unlike group classes at the gym, one-on-one personal training sessions are tailored to each client’s specific needs, which means guaranteed results if you’re willing to put in some hard work.

“It definitely depends a lot on the client’s goals, however a typical 30 minute PT session with me will involve a warm up with dynamic stretches, and then a combination of exercises that I call ‘fat burners’. These are strength and cardio based exercisers that stimulate the metabolism by promoting muscle growth while getting the heart rate up in order to burn lots of calories in a minimum amount of time. These exercises give you a great after burn effect for hours after your workout is finished. We then finish with some isolated core (abdominal) work (the most important part of the body to have strong) and cool down.”

When it comes to tips for unhealthy folks looking to get into shape, Page has some sage words of advice to offer.

Beth Page of Breakthrough Personal Training “Start slow and be realistic. For example, start with low intensity sessions a few times a week and each week just take a little step up by either adding an extra session, increasing the intensity or spending more time in each session. Keep it simple and make sure it fits into your life easily. If exercise becomes a big hassle or takes up too much time you will easily make up excuses not to get it done.

“Make sure you have some variety. If you do the same thing day in and day out, not only will you stop getting results as your body will adapt, but you will get bored very quickly! Combine your social life with exercise. Get some friends involved in what exercise you are doing or make new friends by joining an exercise group (my classes are great for this!).”

Find out more about Beth Page and Breakthrough Personal Training by visiting breaththroughpt.com.au or calling 0417 884 685.

RUN FOR A REASON A much loved member of the X-Press office, Clarrie Karelis and his three children – George, Jenni and John - are passionate about finding a cure for cancer, which is why they’ve signed on to complete the HBF Run For A Reason on Sunday, May 27. The Karelis family will join thousands of other West Australians who are passionate about supporting the Cancer Council of Western George, Clarrie, Jenni and John Karelis will Run For A Reason Australia; and with the Karelis family raising over $2,500 already, the HBF Run For A Reason is sure to bring in plenty of much needed funds to support the important work the Cancer Council does for our community.

Clarrie will continue fundraising right up until May 27 – if you want to support his family’s Run For A Reason, come on down to the X-Press office on Railway Parade in West Perth between 9am-5pm Monday to Friday to donate.

www.xpressmag.com.au

Cebiche is a deluxe, premium quality swimwear line designed to look sensational in and out of the water. All swimsuits are 100% made in Brazil, with the finest Extra Life Lycra for long wearing durability and lasting shape. Women who wear Cebiche make a lasting impression.

STOCKISTS: Evolve Clothing, Love Happy, Surf’s Up,Claremont Sports, Brave New World, Iridecent Sea,Penny & Lola, Beautifully Bare, Chateau Clothing ONLINE: Sexe Inc, Bikini Bar, Sorellas, Oz Bikini Shop, www.cebiche-swimwear.com www.facebook.com/cebicheswimwea,

HUNTER STORE Leeder ville’s only shoe boutique offers you a unique collection of shoes, boots and bags from around Europe and Australia, as well as jewellery, watches and sunglasses. Hunter stocks shoes and accessories you will not find anywhere else.

The Hunter Store team proudly support Australian labels and never compromise on quality, comfort and style.

Labels include: After The Apple, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Tom Gunn, Zoe Kratzmann, Pura Lopez and Sempre Di to name a few.

CONTACT: Shop 1/ 226 Carr Place, Leederville, 6007 CONTACT: hunterstore.com.au, info@hunterstore.com.au, (08) 9328 7300

21

BEST INK Tattoo Artists Ball Billed as WA’s premier ‘night of skin’, the annual Tattoo Artists Ball returns to Perth on Wednesday, May 23, celebrating the work of our state’s best tattoo artists. An opportunity for fans and apprentices to meet their tattoo idols, the ball is also a competition, with prizes on offer for Best Big Piece, Best Small Piece and Most Erotic Piece. The night will also feature a piercing parade and competition, plus live tattoo demonstrations, belly dancers and a whole lot more to keep you entertained all night long.

The dress code is simple – no tattoo, no entry; so be prepared to show some skin and ink to get through the doors. Doors open at 8.30pm at 174 James Street, Northbridge.

Bookings can be made through BOCS.

I HEART PERTH Local And Loving It

Lake Bovell

LAKE BOVELL OWNER RED STRIPE CLOTHING What’s your favourite spot to grab a coffee in Northbridge/CBD? I live and work between the holy trinity of Kosta’s Cafe, Frisk Small Bar and Little Willy’s - so it’s whichever I walk past first in the morning.

Favourite shopping spot?

William Street in Northbridge has everything. For gift shopping my favourites are William Topp, The Butcher Shop and The Re Store. For myself it’s Outre Gallery, Noise Pollution Records and Red Stripe Clothing (haha sorry but it’s true, everything I wear is from there!).

Best place for lunch?

The Re Store, Little Willy’s, Kosta’s Cafe. There’s too many to choose from; in Northbridge we’re spoilt for choice. Which is why I rarely leave the suburb.

22

Aaron McCann

AARON MCCANN – ACTOR/WRITER What’s your favourite spot to grab a coffee in Northbridge/CBD? Little Willy’s - it’s right across from my new office and I love their coffee.

Favourite shopping spot?

GFTED - I love all their clothes, plus their funky holsters.

Best place for lunch?

The Moon Cafe - I’ve loved it for years, still the best late night cafe in town, staff are awesome.

Best venue to catch a live gig?

The Bakery because it’s big and The Bird because it’s small.

Best place for dinner?

Mak’s - try the deep fried green chillis - though they’re not for the faint hearted.

What do you love most about Perth/Northbridge?

I love the DIY essence of Northbridge, it’s the people and the types of businesses here that really make the atmosphere. The small galleries, the Vietnamese restaurants, and the independent shops, bars and cafes - they all care about their customers. Without sounding like a cliche, everyone is so friendly and it’s such a great feeling to be part of such an amazing community, being surrounded by people who you can relate with on more than one level is uplifting and inspiring. I’ve been living in the area for 10 years and working here for eight and I really think I will never leave.

Best venue to catch a live gig?

Amplifier - if you don’t mind having your ID scanned along with several forms of DNA, retinal scans, finger printing and cavity searches before you’re granted entry. If you do mind, streaming the concert from YouTube is your best bet.

What do you love most about Perth/ Northbridge?

It’s becoming a lot more vibrant and diverse, and with a little luck, most of the restaurants, clubs and pubs will be allowed to open later.

X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

LOUIS BAXTERS

LIAM JOSEPH

The brainchild of Olympic swimmer Eamon Sullivan and TV producer Laki Baker, who met while filming Celebrity Masterchef, Louis Baxters is a charming café located in the heart of Subiaco that takes its coffee very seriously. The only café in WA serving up hot cups of Campos Coffee, Louis Baxters also boasts a delicious breakfast and lunch menu featuring locally sourced produce, serving up tasty treats such as 60 minute slow poached eggs with roasted mushrooms, spinach and New Norcia toast, and open steak sandwiches with tomato, roasted mushroom, caramalised onion, salad greens and house-made aioli served on New Norcia bread.

Though it’s hard to choose favourite, Sullivan admits that when he’s got an appetite there’s no going past a delicious lamb sandwich.

“The slow roasted lamb sandwich with chimmi churri is my favourite lunch item, and the eggs benedict for breakfast is hard to go past.”

You’ll find Louis Baxters at Shop 2, 50 Subiaco Square in Subiaco, opposite the Train Station.

The resident artist at Primitive Tattoos, Liam Joseph’s style mainly consists of custom script a n d b l a c k a n d g re y work. Pictures of his work can be seen on the Primitive Tattoo website primitivebodypiercing. com and the Primitive Ta t t o o Fa c e b o o k facebook.com/ TattooStudioPerth.

LA CHOLITA South Of The Border You’ll know the name La Cholita. Perhaps you’ve been there for a tequila-infused birthday party or maybe you’ve seen half your friend list checking in on Facebook. Either way, this Mexican small bar and restaurant is making a name for itself in Perth’s eatery scene.

La Cholita opened in December last year and bar manager Sohan Imran tells me they’ve had a constant stream of customers since. I drop in to chat to him on a Monday evening before he opens the doors.

If you still haven’t heard of La Cholita, it’s because it prides itself on low-key self-advertisement.

“We’re relying on word of mouth popularity,” Sohan says.“So far it’s definitely working.”

If you’ve visited the über edgy Who’s Your Mumma bar in Fremantle, then you’ll recognise the hip vibe at La Cholita. Both bars, as well as Fremantle’s Harvest, are the brainchildren of renowned chef Clint Nolan.

La Cholita’s understated cool interior boasts bare brick walls and industrial-looking lights with exposed wires dangling low. Rows of wide wood tables line the windows, high stools face the bar and there is a large waiting area where punters can sit on beer crates. Then there’s La Cholita’s pride: a wall decorated with shelves of tequila, all 67 of them. Between them are kitsch ornaments, including bowling pins and a set of teeth under a glass dome.

The food, according to Sohan, is “Mexican style street vendor food made with the freshest ingredients.” It ranges from $5 tacos to $28 fish escabeche. Sohan points out the guacamole tortilla entrada, which is “always a favourite” among diners.

He tells me their tender pork hock, which is slow cooked for about 22 hours in the fire, is the most popular dish on the menu.

LOCATION: Liam Joseph works out of Primitive Tattoo at 149 Barrack Street, Perth CONTACT: (08) 9221 8585

MARC PINTO But it’s as much about the tequila and cocktails as it is about the gastronomy. “Tequila is definitely one of the unknowns in Perth,” Sohan says.

“People don’t really have much of an idea about it.”

Sohan hopes to educate punters on the basics of tequila drinking. “It’s not so much about shots with lime, lemon and salt,” he says.“We’re telling people to sip their tequila. Of course, if people want to buy a shot here and slam it back then by all means they can — they’ve paid for it after all.”

But it would be a shame not to drop by and ask one of the friendly bar staff about tequilaetiquette. Sohan says his staff are frequently in training mode. “We’ve actually got a tequila bible which all staff are given here,” Sohan says. “They’re a very dedicated team and they can go up to your table and give you a bit of a history of the brands and the flavours of each tequila to match to your tastes.”

What’s next for the place? “I’m aiming to build the tequila list to 100,” Sohan says.

So if you’re looking for a bite of authentic Mexican food washed down with tequilas you won’t find anywhere else in Perth, pay a visit to La Cholita.

La Cholita is open from 5pm ’til midnight Sunday to Thursday, and from 5pm ’til 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Marc Pinto started tattooing in 1997, mastering the art of Pantang Iban - traditional hand tattooing from the Sarawak Iban Dayak, then progressed to Japanese hand tattooing and machine work. Pinto’s style is overtly Japanese, with the artist specialising in large sleeves and full backs, plus authentic tribal designs from Kalimantan. Examples of Pinto’s style of Polynesian inspired work created by hand can be seen on facebook.com/ pintomarc under traditional hand tattooing.

LOCATION: Marc Pinto works out of Primitive Tattoo at 149 Barrack Street, Perth CONTACT: 0411 866 227, marc@marcpinto.com

ARTFULINK TAT TOO STUDIOS Artfulink Tattoo Studios are West Australia’s and Norway’s premier Tattoo Studios. Artfulink’s flagship studio is in Morley, with a Southern Studio in Margaret River and a Northern Studio in Gjøvik, Norway.

The Studios are the most vibrant and cleanest you will find around.

Artfulink has the most energetic and professional artists who are functional and diverse in their artistic styles.

To s e e e x a m p l e s o f Artfulink’s work check out their website, click on the artists and check out their most current works or come and mingle with the artists at the 2012 Tattoo Ball!

_CORAL HUCKSTEP

SNAGS AND SONS

If you’re the kind of person who relishes visiting Bunnings on a Saturday at lunch time just because you want to get in on some sweet sausage sizzle action then chances are you’re about to fall head over heels in love with Snags And Sons, a gourmet sausage shop which has just opened in the heart of Leederville.

Celebrating multi cultural foods, quality snags and fresh salads, Snags And Sons has a fun and nostalgic fitout, and is home to more sausage related meals than you could poke a mustard bottle at. Dedicated to serving fresh food sourced from local suppliers (you won’t find any frozen produce here), Snags And Sons isn’t just a haven meat lovers, with plenty of vego options and a range of freshly made salads.

Find out what all the fuss is about by visiting Snags And Sons at 749 Newcastle Street in Leederville.

To view the full menu hit up snagsandsons.com.au.

CAFFEINE HIT Perthonalities Share Their Favourite Coffee Spots

LOCATION: 2/5 Progress Street, Morley, and 30 Fearn Ave, Margaret River CONTACT: artfulink.com.au, Morley studio: (08) 9275 4887, Margaret River studio: (08) 9758 8780

PRIMITIVE TAT TOO

Natalia Cooper “I like Bivouac on William Street in Northbridge. Great coffee, nice atmosphere and it’s on William Street and William Street is awesome.”

Established in Perth in 1997, Primitive Tatto was the first full service body modification and fine branding studio and the only studio catering to traditional hand tattooing in Australia.

Primitive Tattoo Perth is located in the city centre (corner of Barrack and Wellington Street) and is easily accessible by train, bus or car. If you choose to commute by car, there is ample parking all around the studio.

Tomas Ford “Tiger Tiger has been a favourite for me for years. The service is always great and the vibe is exactly what I’m after in a cafe. There’s nothing better than a cold winter’s evening spent in the alleyway under the warmth of their heaters with two beverages each. To fully enjoy this joint to the max, I suggest each person has an A-grade coffee and a glass of wine from their well selected wine list. Bring a nice jacket.”

Anton Maz “I love love love Mrs S in Maylands but have also got a soft spot for Toast in East Perth. Both places know how to make coffee. You’d never need to ask for a double-shot. That shit is cray. All those dodgy Gloria Jeans, Starbucks places you gotta pay for an extra shot so what you get actually tastes of coffee... pathetic. Go to Mrs S, Toast, Cantina and you never ask for an extra shot cause they know what they’re doing. Also I love the friendly service, ambience and location.” www.xpressmag.com.au

LOCATION: 149 Barrack Street, Perth CONTACT: marcpinto@primitivetattoo.com or (08) 9221 8585 23

MINI BARS

THE TALK OF THE TOWN

CHEEKY SPARROW

Mini Bars With Maximum Appeal Wander down Wolf Lane in the heart of the city and you will stumble upon the warm and welcoming world of Cheeky Sparrow. With a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, and plenty of eclectic wooden furnishings, Cheeky Sparrow boats a huge selection of delicious treats and thirst quenching beverages, with killer coffee, tasty breakfast and plenty of lunch and supper options.

Perfect for a late morning brunch, or rather, the afternoon after a big night, it’s an easy choice served up with a beer or cheeky espresso. What else is open in the city at 8am over the weekend?

LOCATION: 6/317 Murray Street in Perth (on Wolf Lane) CONTACT: cheekysparrow.com.au or (08) 9486 4947

THE MOON The Moon is a relaxed and cozy late night restaurant in Northbridge. Half deco diner and half vintage loungeroom, The Moon serves up large portions of hearty food and drinks ranging from cocktails to milkshakes. Check out the website for the weekly music line-up. Make the most of lunch specials from Wed-Fri until 4pm with $11.95 pizza or pasta including a glass of wine.

Plus there’s cheap pizza, pasta and wine on Monday and Tuesday nights.

THE AVIARY

The Aviary is Perth’s new, lush rooftop restaurant and bar with a chic, modern aesthetic. It’s divided into three social vistas – The Birdcage restaurant, the circular lounge bar on Level One and the outdoor rooftop bar - The Nest. The Nest is all about the bowling green, with astro turf and decking and a variety of functions and gigs are held up there.

Location: Above the Per th underground train station (corner Murray Street and William Street).

Opening Hours: Daily; Monday to Saturday from 11am ‘til midnight and Sunday from 11am ‘til 10pm.

Dress Code: No board shorts, singlets, work shirts, alcohol or insignia branding, runners, sneakers or fancy dress. Smart attire is encouraged after 6pm with collared shirts, plain t-shirts and dress shoes preferred.

Weekly events: Empire – ever y Thursday night from 8pm, five young lads from WAAPA bring their smooth, contemporary tunes to The Aviary rooftop. Backyard Disco – every Sunday from 2pm, the Backyard Project resident DJs spin laid back disco tunes for a super Sunday sesh alongside guest DJs. Free entry.

More Info: theaviaryperth.com.au or (08) 9226 0259.

LOCATION: 323 William Street, Northbridge CONTACT: themoon.com.au, (08) 9328 7474

THE CLASS ROOM

LOST SOCIETY BAR School is back in session at Perth’s newest small bar: The Classroom.

One part time capsule, one part hip neighborhood bar, The Classroom pays tribute to school-day memories from our childhood. Walls lined with chalkboards, superhero-themed lunchboxes and wooden school desks set the scene but behind the bar, some of Perth’s best cocktails are shaken to order. Expect liquid nitrogen, house made syrups and a knowledgable ‘Teachers’ mixing the drinks while the canteen menu does top notch food like bourbon braised beef ribs and home-made sausage rolls.

LOCATION: 1 / 356 Charles St, North Perth WA 6006 CONTACT: (08) 9444 7729 or theclassroom.com.au

PURE BAR A small bar with a big sense of style, Pure Bar is tucked away at 331 Hay Street in Subiaco, and is a haven for anyone who appreciates an ice-cold cocktail. Pure Bar has just launched their new cocktail menu, featuring fresh flavours from practically every corner of the globe. Get on down to Pure Bar on Thursdays for Thurst-Days, with drink specials every week.

LOCATION: 331 Hay Street, Subiaco CONTACT: purebar.com.au 24

EL PUBLICO

El Publico is a super fresh, modern Mexican kitchen and bar. There are a bunch of delicious tequilas on offer and there’s even a lingo/ terminology section on the menu to help you understand the Mexican tongue if you’re unfamiliar with it all. The bar staff are also pretty open to making whatever concoction you’ve got in mind.

Location: 511 Beaufort Street, Highgate.

Opening Hours: Wednesdays to Fridays 4pm ‘til midnight, Saturdays 11.30am ‘til midnight and Sundays 11.30am ‘til 10pm.

Opening on Mondays and Tuesdays soon.

Events: Tequila and Taco Tuesdays are a biggie with live entertainment and local DJs bringing the beats. Stay tuned for more events.

More Info: elpublico.com.au, Facebook.com/elpublicobar, 0418 187 708, info@elpublico.com.au.

THE CLASSROOM

This is North Perth’s latest buzz bar. The brainchild of Adam Keane and Daniel Sterpini from Cocktail Gastronomy, The Classroom is a bar which takes you back to the school days of yesteryear when we were younger and learning was fun. Decked out like a classroom with old school artifacts and memorabilia, The Classroom offers a range of wines, ciders and beers and even has a canteen menu – zucchini fritters are a hit! But, above all, The Classroom is known for its cocktails.

Location: 1/356 Charles Street, North Perth.

Opening Hours: Tuesdays to Fridays 4pm ‘til late, Saturdays and Sundays 11am ‘til late.

Events: Private cocktail making classes are held on Mondays.

More Info: theclassroom.com.au, (08) 9444 7729, info@theclassroom.com.au.

It’s all about fashion, entertainment and nightlife in Perth’s West End. This bar is very new and features a grand range of spirits and wines, focusing on different gin and rum cocktails. They do bites, salads, cheeseboards, pizzas, seafood and more – and what’s even better is that the kitchen is open until late. They’re all over private functions and events too.

Location: 918 Hay Street, West End, Perth.

O p e n i n g H o u r s : Tu e s d a y s t o Wednesdays from 12pm ‘til 1am and Thursdays to Saturdays from 12pm ‘til 2am.

Weekly events: This bar opened last month and they’ve got live entertainment and DJs behind the decks already, stay tuned for more to come.

More Info: lostsocietybar.com.au, facebook.com/lostsocietybarperth, (08) 9322 6744.

THE PRECINCT

Vic Park’s latest hip industrial looking joint is The Precinct. It’s a bar and restaurant dedicated to creating high quality food and drink using fresh and local produce. The Precinct is super fresh, so fresh that their liquor license is still pending.

They are currently BYO beer and wine. They make excellent coffee, do lunch and dinner (European and South American influence) and have a chocolate banana pie, nom nom!

Location: 834 Albany Highway, East Victoria Park.

Opening Hours: Mondays to Fridays 7.30am ‘til midnight, Saturdays 8am ‘til midnight, Sundays 8am ‘til 10pm. Bookings and walk-ins welcome.

More Info: theprecinctvicpark.com.au, (08) 9355 2880.

X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

The Dictator

THE DICTATOR Fascist Funnies

Directed by Larry Charles Starring Sascha Baron Cohen, Anna Faris, Ben Kingsley. Jason Mantzoukas Opening with a dedication to the memory of Kim Jong Il, this latest effort by Sascha Baron Cohen and constant collaborator Larry Charles – their first to eschew the mockumentary format in a while – let’s you know straight out of the gate what to expect.

Yes, this is Cohen’s take on political satire, but it still relies on the shock and vulgarity that has sustained his career thus far. And that’s a good thing.

Cohen plays General Admiral Haffaz Aladeen, dictator of the fictional North African nation of Wadiya, who finds himself penniless on the streets of New York after a coup involving an imbecilic lookalike, orchestrated by his treacherous uncle and advisor, Tamir (Ben Kingsley – probably should have seen that coming).

Ill-equipped for pretty much anything after a lifetime of sheltered privilege and absolute power, Aladeen nonetheless resolves to seize power again, with the help of both Nadal (Jason Mantzoukas), an exiled Wadiyan nuclear scientist, and Zoey (Anna Faris), a kind of catch-all feminist/ environmentalist/activist who believes that Aladeen is a political refugee.

Cohen plays Aladeen as a kind of idiotic innocent, somewhat reminiscent of some of Adam Sandler’s early roles in Billy Madison and Happy Gilmore, and his monstrosity – he does, after all, order executions at the drop of a hat and for the slightest infractions – is leavened by what we see

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is a deep well of loneliness and an almost complete alienation from any kind of broad worldview. This is handled inconsistently, though; at one point we’re told that everyone Aladeen ever ordered killed was simply exiled to the US instead, which lets him off the hook somewhat, but in another scene he jokes about raping the members of Menudo. In Cohen and Charles’ quest for whatever is funny and shocking in the moment, they tend to lose sight of their characters.

It’s this scattershot approach that also undermines the film thematically. Cohen and Charles clearly want to take a swing at every pundit across the political spectrum, from far-right dictators to idealistic protestors to opportunistic arch-capitalists, and a lot of the time this leads them to reach for the low-hanging fruit, dealing in broad stereotypes rather than skewering deserving targets. Some specificity would have gone a long way to giving the film some actual political oomph; as it stands, it’s just a bull in a china shop.

It is funny, though, and that’s the true test of a comedy. Although the gross-out humour has been toned down somewhat this time around, there’s still enough to elicit the odd shocked gasp from the audience, and a handful of game celebrity cameos – John C. Reilly, Megan Fox, Edward Norton – show that Cohen still has some esteem around the Hollywood traps. But while the laughs are plentiful, you can’t help but notice a lack of actual intent at the core of the proceedings.

Cohen’s made a career out of holding up a mirror to contemporary culture, but it’d be nice for him to say what he thinks, just for once. _TRAVIS JOHNSON

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Jiro Dreams of Sushi

JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI Iron Chef

Directed by David Gelb Starring Jiro Ono, Yoshikazu Ono, Takashi Ono Notions of art, legacy, and the relentless and unwavering pursuit of excellence all swirl around each other in this quietly delightful documentary from director David Gelb.

Eighty-five year old Jiro Ono is a master sushi chef, a man utterly dedicated to his culinary calling. Such are his skills that bookings at his tiny, subway-side restaurant, Sukiyabashi Jiro, must be made a month in advance, and the unprepossessing eatery can lay claim to a coveted three star Michelin rating. Of course, nothing lasts forever, and after 70 years in the restaurant game, Jiro is contemplating handing the reins over to his son, Yoshikazu Ono. Gelb’s film focuses on the craft of cookery, though, and not anything so gauche as dynastic power shifts. The film shows Jiro to be a remarkable man, focused and driven in his lifelong quest to perfect his art. We see him select premium ingredients, haggle with seafood wholesalers, and make incredible demands of his small but dedicated kitchen staff - at one point an assistant spends a good 45 minutes massaging an octopus that is destined to be sectioned up and swallowed by a hungry customer in an instant, perhaps the most telling detail of the entire film.

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Gourmands will be salivating at every shot of Jiro’s elegant, artistically presented culinary creations. The depiction of food in cinema has been an interesting quandary for filmmakers over the years.

Simply put, film is a visual and auditory medium, and our enjoyment of food is overwhelmingly based on smell and taste, so the translation of such sensations is imperfect at best. Having said that, director Gelb has come as close as anyone to capturing sensuality of a great dining experience.

Yet the most fascinating aspect of the Gelb’s film is the singer, not the song. Jiro is an endlessly interesting subject, and though the film makes no claims as to real insight into the workings of his mind, the audience can’t help but wonder what processes power his singular quest. His obsession with sushi - the title is absolutely literal, by the way - seems to be a lifelong one; we are told he was thrown out of his home at the age of nine and subsequently apprenticed himself to a chef. It seems incredible that such an obsession with a such an esoteric practice could take root so strongly and so fast. And yet the proof is in the man’s very existence; seeing Jiro at work in his restaurant, fretting over tatami placements or the grain of a slice of sashimi is to see a man at complete ease in his element.

In a way, Jiro Dreams of Sushi is a perfect companion piece to the recent Bill Cunningham in New York, in that both films are portraits of men who have given over their entire lives to their chosen artistic pursuits. Rightly, this level of dedication is framed as a triumph rather than a tragedy, and the result is an effortlessly cheering and uplifting cinematic experience. _TRAVIS JOHNSON

Silent Souls

SILENT SOULS

Sex, Death And The Meaning Of Life Directed By Aleksei Fedorchenko Starring Igor Sergeyev, Yuri Tsurilo, Yuliya Aug It’s hard to imagine any two people having the exact same response to the peculiar gambits of Russian art house film Silent Souls, which is part of what makes it special – on the spectrum from exasperated boredom to total rapture, everyone gets their own spot.

The film is set in the Lake Nero region in west central Russia, where the ethnic Meryan community (who trace their origins to Finland) are still in evidence. Middle aged factory boss Miron (Yuri Tsurilo) is devastated at the death of his wife Tanya (Yuliya Aug) and asks his best friend Aist (Igor Sergeyev) to help with traditional Meryan funeral ceremonies. Her body must be cremated and the ashes deposited in water. But before this, the widowed Miron must follow the ancient Merja custom of “smoking” – which basically involves verbalising every intimate detail of his marriage and sexual habits.

While watching flashbacks to the erotic moments in Miron and Tanya’s marriage (which, piece by piece, begin to reveal her own relationship with Aist) is often uncomfortable, it is hearing Miron and Aist’s frank and rapturous discussion about the deceased Tanya’s sexual allure which truly confronts the audience.

Silent Souls is an ordeal to watch and Fedorchenko rightly sees to it that we are not let

off lightly. His production is thoughtful, meticulous and exposed, reinforced by sparse landscapes, nearbare sets and nude, unapologetically flawed human bodies. There is something charged and elemental about this film – which reaches breaking point during a crucial scene in which Miron remembers pouring vodka on a ripe, naked Tanya as a kind of bibulous prelude to love-making.

While such scenes could come off crude or unintentionally amusing in the hands of less able actors, there is not a feeble performance anywhere.

Fedorchenko’s genius is for revealing character through small talk. He reminds us that we are all improvisers, muddling through. And Tsurilo and Sergeyev are naturals for this kind of work – with the tiniest of facial adjustments they can indicate a lifetime of emotion.

And this is just as well because in this film – despite the fact that they are more than happy to recount every lurid detail of their sexual exploits – no one talks freely about their feelings. Given that there’s such an emphasis on stoicism, audiences instead are left to piece the story together themselves through metaphors, most of which involve natural elements of the never-ending landscapes – bunting birds, surging rivers and roaring fires.

Luckily, each scene is filmed in beguiling, dreamy fashion – there are several evocative uses of rear projection, and the widescreen photography is astonishing throughout – and it makes for easy watching. In fact, the rough, rural sounds and hushed minutiae of this movie, lulling and blanket-like, enable a blissed-out state of receptiveness – you may be unsure if you’ve seen it or dreamed it. _JENNIFER PETERSON-WARD

X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

The Magic Hour

THE MAGIC HOUR Forgotten Voices

The Magic Hour will be performed at Victoria Hall, Fremantle, from Thursday, May 17, ’til Sunday, May 3. Tickets available through BOCS. Award winning actress Ursula Yovich is coming to Perth as the star of The Magic Hour, a darkly comedic play by Aussie playwright Vanessa Bates, which re-tells classic Grimm’s fairytales from the perspective of some of his lesser known characters. Audiences can expect to meet Rapunzel’s captor, Cinderella’s ugly stepsister and the grandmother from Little Red Riding Hood,

who all have a story to tell, and Yovich is faced with the task of bringing them to life.

“I’ve always loved fairytales, especially the books with those amazing detailed illustrations,” says Yovich. “I used to find some of the fairytales quite dark anyway, but in The Magic Hour they’re even darker, but also quite humorous.”

“My favourite character to play is The Dear Old Lady - she’s the wicked witch in Rapunzel, but in this story she’s a dear old lady who’s been looking after Rapunzel. I love that character because she’s very oddball and a lot of fun and very very active, I work well with that. It might change as I move along, but at the moment she’s my favourite.”

The fact that The Magic Hour focuses on women, with six characters and one storyteller bringing the whole play together, appealed to Yovich.

“I guess the concept is the forgotten stories of the women within fairytales… I guess for every Cinderella, there’s the ugly stepsister, or the wicked stepmum. It’s the forgotten voices that interested me, and the fact that it’s contemporised and set in Australia.

“The other thing that drew me to production was Vanessa Bates’ writing. It’s poetic, and her writing style is quite masculine, and I enjoyed that. On top of that, obviously, each character stands out.”

And how is she handling appearing solo onstage for the entire production?

“I’m a little terrified,” she laughs. “I’d be more worried if I thought, ‘Oh, this is going to be fine’… I think it’s nice to have those nerves, it keeps you on your toes. It’s one of those really interesting things about acting.”

Although Yovich is highly acclaimed for her roles in indigenous theatre, picking up prizes such as the Helpmann Award for Best Actress and nominations for the Sydney Theatre Critics Award and the Green Room Award, she says she was interested in experiencing acting outside of her usual roles.

“I’ve done a lot of indigenous theatre and I guess the difference is that indigenous theatre deals with a lot of issues that reflect our community... you know, it’s a nice break, a nice step away from that, and just being able to look at people in general. I guess I enjoy that.

“I look around me and the place that I see is not necessarily shown to me on the television. I think it’s time - I don’t know if we’re ready, maybe we are but we’re too afraid to take that step - but it’s time to embrace the differences and close the gap.” _TARA LLOYD

I (Honestly) Love You

I (HONESTLY) LOVE YOU Love’s Labour’s Lies

I (Honestly) Love You is on at The Blueroom Theatre from Thursday, May 17, ‘til Saturday, June 2. Click on over to blueroom.org.au to pick up your tickets.

Take a moment to consider how much happens when you embark on a new relationship. Along with thrilling dependency comes glimpsing the world through another’s eyes; discarding some habits and adopting others (good or bad); tasting new ideas, rituals, foods or landscapes; a slew of added friends and family; a tapestry of physical intimacy and affection; and many other catalysts, including overwhelming blasts of attraction and attachment.

While most people would agree with the idiom that “honesty is the best policy”, imagine if you had to undergo all these new experiences that without the ability to keep your innermost thoughts to yourself, or to let out one or two harmless little white lies to keep your new partner content.

A new local theatre production explores what happens when two people fall deeply and madly in love – the catch is that they share the extremely rare psychological condition of only being able to tell the truth at all times.

As award winning playwright Damon Lockwood attests, he originally came up with the idea for I (Honestly) Love You when he was struck with the idea of creating a performance piece focusing on psychological disorders effecting

people’s ability to express themselves. “All good plays are either about the best or worst day of your life,” he begins. “I just thought to myself, ‘When are the stakes the highest?’.”

While Lockwood admits that beginning with the seed of a premise regarding a rare psychological condition of being able to tell the truth at all times gave him a wealth of possibilities when it came to narrative, he was drawn to the idea of a love story early on. “Being in a relationship is where honesty comes under the most amount of pressure,” he says. “It doesn’t matter if you’ve been in a relationship for eight months or two years, the same issues of honesty and trust are going to arise.”

Rather than focusing on the medical aspects of the two main character’s conditions, however, I (Honestly) Love You explores the deepest of all human emotions in a fast paced satire packed with wit and humour. “The whole night is coming from a joyous place,” Lockwood attests. “It’s not really light-hearted – it’s dark, but it’s funny at the same time.”

As Lockwood attests, despite his play’s surreal premise he’s hoping local audiences will find elements of his character’s emotions and actions relatable to their own lives and romantic circumstances. “I would hope that the message of the play reveals itself to audiences at the end of the night, but I can reveal that there’s some carpe diem and all that. To be in a relationship is to be human,” he concludes. “To have trouble with that relationship is even more human.” _JENNIFER PETERSON-WARD

THEATRE/DANCE VISUAL ARTS Home Ground: Perth Galleries, North Fremantle Nicole Slatter’s recent body of work investigates picturing locality. The constant development of the urban environment affects our connection and experience to a sense of place. The familiarity of place built through time and shared narrative becomes temporary. These paintings attempt to depict the temporary and record the transition as the essence of location. Runs ’til May 27.

Larry Mitchell: A Pilbara project Exhibition: FORM Gallery, Perth It takes a skilled and sensitive artist to interpret the complexities and contradictions of the Pilbara, and show its scenery in a fresh light. In Larry Mitchell: A Pilbara Project Exhibition, we have the opportunity to witness the encounter of one of Australia’s leading visual artists with this vast region, from the industrial landscapes of the Burrup and Port Hedland to the Spinifex-studded hills way east of Newman. Larr y M itchell’s paintings offer a perspective of the Pilbara in painstaking and sometimes painful detail. Runs ’til May 29.

Siena by Trevor Richards

Trevor Richards: Turner Galleries, Northbridge Trevor Richards is widely recognised for his formally structured, minimalist approach to painting that is informed by his sustained engagement with a limited range of colours and an admiration for the commonplace. In recent years Trevor’s works have mostly revolved around a limited palette of yellow, pale blue, bright orange and dark (almost black) blue. The works, although always appearing abstract, are often linked to architectural motifs. Runs ’til Jun 16.

kinds; it is a conglomeration of disparate parts, a stitching together of twelve interpretations of the concept of monsterism. Features work

by Stuart Elliott, Sue Starcken, Geoff Overhue, Ashley Porter, Sonja Porter, Jacqui Monks, Luisa Fragments Of A Yesterday I Loved: Kulcha Hansal, Pat Thomas, Jennie Newman, Marek Gallery, Fremantle Japanese born, Bayswater based textile artist Syzler, Ruth Halbert and Matthew Jackson. Runs Ayako Goto is informed by her connection to ’til Jun 22. the Australian landscape, particularly through her experiences teaching and living in the Shaun Tan: Suburban Odyssey: Fremantle Arts Kimberley region. She lovingly unweaves her Centre, Fremantle grandma’s kimono to its vivid essence of thread Shaun Tan has won the world’s most prestigious and reworks this raw material on canvas into a prizes – an Academy Award for his short film graceful evocation of transience. Runs ’til May 31. The Lost Thing, and the Astrid Lindgren Award for his work as a children’s illustrator, but he describes himself as ‘a painter who fell into Tales Of Hierachy: Venn Gallery, Perth Tales Of Hierarchy is a new body of work from illustration and book publishing’. Fremantle Arts We s te r n Au s t ra l i a n a r t i s t Pat r i c k D o h e r t y Centre is delighted to present for the first time featuring a series of paintings, drawings and a collection of Tan’s never before seen paintings prints. Doher ty is k nown for his free-style along with original drawings and preparatory figurative illustrations that portray fantastic sketches for the film The Lost Thing. Exhibited sequences and contain rich, colourful imagery. together, these works create a vision of Shaun These epic, imaginative landscapes echo with Tan as an artist whose work across genres is built ancient mythologies, often referencing spiritual, on close observation of the real world through bodily and religious iconography to captivate painting and drawing. Runs ’til Jul 15. and confront the audience. Runs ’til Jun 8.

Projektet, Fremantle Arts Centre, Fremantle Imagine the complexity of the human immune Monster: The Oats Factory, Carlisle Monster is an exhibition of the work of 12 West system. There are millions of tiny soldiers inside Australian contemporary artists exploring the each of us, who process intruders and decide theme of monstrosity. The exhibition, much like friends from foe. They are our warriors and our the concept of the monster itself, is a chimera of guard dogs, our filters which protect us from www.xpressmag.com.au

outside influences. Now apply this model to society, and culture. Researchers and artists Ola Johansson and Amanda Newall, based in Sweden, examine the uncanny way our immune system has influenced the way we interact with others. In a joint residency between Fremantle Arts Centre and SymbioticA, the biological arts facility at the University of Western Australia, Johansson and Newall have undertaken a series of academic and artistic pursuits to investigate the similarities between our internal and external immune processes. The pair have orchestrated performances, where cells from the body are acted out by members of the local performing arts community. Runs ’til Jul 15.

Jeff Wall Photographs: Art Gallery Of WA, Perth Jeff Wall is recognised throughout the world as one of the most innovative and influential artists working today. Jeff Wall Photographs, this first Australian survey of his work brings together 26 mostly large-scale photographs to present an overview of his extraordinary achievements and features major works from over three decades of artistic and photographic innovation. Large and luminous, his photographs have rewritten nearly every convention of photography. Wall’s outstanding body of work has played a decisive role in establishing photography as the major contemporary art form it is today. Runs ’til Sep 10.

Skin: Blue Room Theatre, Northbridge Written, directed and per formed by Helpmann Award winner Humphrey Bower, Skin tells the tale of a hairdresser on holiday in Vietnam who undergoes an unexpected metamorphosis, and an actor in search of inspiration at a remote WA salt-lake who gets more than he bargained for. These the two original stories of transformation address cultural identity and difference in a rapidly changing environment, both in our own back yard and abroad. Season runs ’til May 12. Bookings can be made via blueroom.org.au.

Variant: Geoff Gibbs Theatre, WAAPA, Mt Lawley The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts pre-professional dance company, LINK presents Variant, consisting of two incredible contemporary dance performances, Slack and Sweet Fields.

Slack, by Green Room and Helpmann Award-winning dancer/choreographer Larissa McGowen, asks if we are a victim of our own patterns – does the same thing keep happening to you – different people, different place, same product, same consequence? Sweet Fields, by America’s greatest living dancer/choreographer Twyla Tharp has been remounted by internationally renowned award-winning American dancer/choreographer Charlie Hodges, known for his exceptional technical skill and unique ability to blend powerful and fluid dancing with tragicomic projection.

Runs May 23-26. Bookings via WAAPA – (08) 9370 6636 or waapa.ecu.edu.au.

Le s Affr e u x: B l u e R o o m Th e a t r e, Northbridge Alex, a rogue journalist returning from the Arab Spring, finds his life spiralling into disarray when a clandestine organisation begins to punish him for mistakes he would rather forget. An horrific series of events unfold, bringing everyone Alex cares about to the cusp of oblivion. Presented by The Spectre Company, Les Affreux is a dark and intriguing story about people who have everything and will do anything to get what they want. Runs May 24-Jun 9. Bookings can be made via blueroom.org.au.

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X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

Sydney based DJ Alison Wonderland toured Europe as a cellist for the Sydney Youth Orchestra and got side-tracked watching random local punk bands in Germany. Now, the energetic lass has support from the likes of Pete Tong and Annie Mac. ANNABEL MACLEAN chats with lady who’s just about to release her debut compilation Welcome To Wonderland.

“I used to take the train to Hamburg and Berlin a lot while I was there and I was really into punk and weird electronic stuff back then so I used to go and follow around these really obscure punk bands and weird electronic outfits,” Wonderland begins, touching on the topic of her adventures about Germany during her year spent in the country.“I was really into these really weird bands that no-one had ever heard of, I don’t think they ever went anywhere but they were friends of a friend and I just followed them around.

“I think there was one point, and you can check with my mother on this, she got a call from my school to say that they’d lost me but I’d actually been following this punk band around Germany instead of playing cello. I did a lot of that over there.”

www.xpressmag.com.au

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LAPALUX

GUTTER GLITTER BEATS

Alison Wonderland Upon her return from Germany, Wonderland had a “bit of a freak out” and decided to play bass guitar in a few local bands in Sydney before stepping up behind the decks. Since taking to the turntables, Wonderland has got the dancefloor masses moving at Field Day, Good Vibrations, Sydney Fashion Festival, Future Music Festival, Parklife and is on the Splendour In The Grass bill for this year.

“It’s my favourite big festival, hell yeah!,” she says in anticipation.“I’ll tell you some gossip about Splendour.

Well, it’s not really gossip, it’s an embarrassing story.

“The Smashing Pumpkins, when I was younger I was obsessed with them, and the first song I ever composed was about Billy Corgan. And I have a goal at Splendour to go up to him and sing it to him because I still know all the words. They had this song called Ode To No One and I kinda copied it. And then wrote a song about him. It’s just such a big deal; out of all the bands I had a massive obsession with SP. If I get a photo with Billy I’m actually going to cry.”

If Wonderland’s reaction to UK DJ and BBC Radio 1 host Pete Tong’s inclusion of her remix of Sam Sparro’s tune Wish I Never Met You on one of his recent playlists is anything to go by, then crying with Billy Corgan is quite possible.“That was so crazy!,” she says, still in awe.“I’d come home from a gig at 4.30am the night before and I had to wake up early ‘cause I was catching a flight and you know when you don’t want to get out of bed? So I went on Twitter and I had like 20 alerts… and danced out of my bed and was like ‘fuck fuck fuck fuck’. Then I found out that Annie Mac played it a few days later. It’s really surreal; I really look up to those people!”

It has indeed been a pretty surreal year so far for Wonderland. She played the Grammy Awards after party at Capital Records’ LA office in February and backed this up two weeks later getting behind

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the decks at the Brit Awards after party on a boat on the Thames. “The other day it kinda hit me that I’d played all these gigs and I was like ‘what the hell!’, it was really weird,” she says, excitedly. “To be honest, I take something away from every gig I play. I don’t like to discriminate between big gigs and small gigs ‘cause there’s always something awesome that happens at a gig for me so I can take something away from all of them. But playing the Grammys after party was pretty surreal, only because I’ve watched the Grammys since I was little kid and been like ‘one day I really wanna be there!’. I had to pinch myself a few times.”

Now, releasing her debut compilation album Welcome To Wonderland after 12 months of solid work, Wonderland says she’s “very happy about it all”. But, there’s no stopping this young lass, she’s already got plans for a debut studio record in the works. “I’m just composing sketches for the album so it’s more just demos to get everyone’s opinion on what is good or what I may have written in a crazy state of mind,” she says. “Yes, hopefully there’ll be collaborations with my productions underneath them. It’s really surreal.”

And, as for her upcoming shows and Splendour gig, there will be no face masks or costumes; she’ll just be ripping it up.“I’ll be baring all,” she says. “Hopefully I’ll create a dance party vibe. If they don’t, I force them to! Not really (laughs).”

» ALISON WONDERLAND » WELCOME TO WONDERLAND [EMI] » OUT FRIDAY, MAY 18

Flying Lotus’ imprint, Brainfeeder, is going from strength to strength.

The LA based label is providing a brilliant platform for artists who wish to release danceable, glitchy and unique beats. JOE CASSIDY chats with the label’s most recent offering – Essex based producer Stuart Howard, aka Lapalux.

Lapalux is an interesting moniker but it is not a reference to Greek mythology, nor a childhood fantasy; it was simply Howard’s attempt to explain to his friends early one morning when things were a little hazy that he is currently living in the “lap of luxury”.It came out as “Lapalux” and it stuck.

Howard’s moniker is basically the only part of his project that is not meticulously thought out and the time he devotes to his work is insurmountable. He has a tireless work ethic and is either in the studio making beats or out touring. It is precisely this labour of love, producing such distinct sounds and unique beats that brought Flying Lotus and Lapalux together.

“It’s got a cinematic quality,” Howard says of his music style. “Before I was making all sorts of different pieces but I feel that now I’ve been making music for quite a while, I‘ve finally found somewhere I want to be and I want to continue with it… Without sounding too cheesy, it’s an organic electro. I’ve never liked anything too polished or too over produced.”

Howard’s March 2011 EP Many Faces Out Of Focus demonstrates his spaced out rhythms that sound as though they are oozing out of a stereo system of an intergalactic resort on Mars. His sounds come from another place, something distinctly different in a sometimes over saturated dance music scene.

Like many left of centre DJs, Howard’s influences come from old school electro which he refers to as a “stable diet” and early electronica.“Aphex Twin has always been a really big influence since I was young, I was just absolutely blown away by it all [electronic music] and Prefuse 73,” he adds.

Prior to this, he was introduced to

Lapalux production through a primitive audio game on his Sony Playstation. He would also record the sounds of his friends chatting away and spend his nights turning them into mini beats and short tracks. It is not really that surprising that his latest EP When You’re Gone is rich in textures and sounds that have not been slapped together in an instant but rather lovingly caressed into a wonderfully ethereal package.

Howard’s approach to production comes from imagining something visually and attempting to turn that into a sound. “It never turns out like that though; it just generally snowballs really from one idea,” he says before adding “it’s a lot of my mood really, not to sound all emo but that’s the grounding for it.”

Even outside producing, Howard likes to find interests that are different to his every day activities and life, in particular, odd documentaries.

“Anything that is not close to home, I really like the HBO documentaries,” he says. He is also an amateur photographer, “It’s nice to have a separate creative hobby where there is no pressure involved,” he concludes, casually.

» LAPALUX » SATURDAY, MAY 19 @ THE BAKERY

X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

SYRUP

about it then Perth’s never going to have it so we’re trying to create a real club night and that’s kind of kicked off the concept for the night.” A midnight until daylight party, Syrup will showcase strictly local talent, a means of celebrating and uniting everyone in the scene.

“We’re focusing more on getting the night as good as it can be and the way to do that was to involve all these other guys that are doing similar sort of stuff; there was Syrup is about to take off this nothing really uniting them all,” Scott says.

“They are all doing really awesome things weekend. The monthly UK bass and but there was no real unifying community of them future beats club night will bring all just in this one spot and that’s what we’re sort of together and showcase artists and aiming on doing – is to say ‘you guys are really talented, awesome DJs who’ve got some really cool ideas, let’s punters alike who have a strong you’re all chuck it into the one night’. No vested interests. It’s a passion for future bass music and party.”

Roughly six months in the works, Morris says late-night partying. ANNABEL it’s been a dream-ride in terms of organisation and both MACLEAN sits down with the boys he and Scott are incredibly grateful for all the help and they’ve received along the way so far.“We’re just behind Syrup, Tristram Morris and support trying to establish a niche club for Perth where people Cameron Scott, ahead of the launch. can go and listen to quality music that they’re interested in instead of having to go back to a friend’s house with 20 friends and put the music on,” Morris says, talking of Syrup’s midnight kickoff. “Hopefully by doing this, we’re going to spark more venues opening up doing similar stuff and finally the government is going to realise that you can actually have late night venues and not have trouble, people just want to go out and have fun,” Scott adds.

Having refurbished, partitioned and changed the complete layout of the venue in which Syrup will be held; Morris says it’s the venue’s entrance which will have some punters stumped. “Access is off the hook,” he says. “It’s this completely random laneway with like a little back alley section which is normally like one of their fire exists or something and we’ll have to partition off the fire exists and we’ll have to partition off a car park and structure the line out of like 40 wheelie-bins, there’s just this massive barrage of wheelie-bins that you have Syrup to walk through.”“It looks like the entrance is something “We’re going to start serving picklebacks in Perth,” you wouldn’t want to walk down the streets of New York Morris says, talking of the signature shot which will of,” Scott adds, laughing. But hey, don’t get them wrong, make an appearance at Syrup. “It’s like a shot of this will go off.“The way this thing’s been going and the Jameson’s whiskey and a shot of pickle juice with people getting behind it and the amount of talk around a little pickle in it… The two flavours don’t cancel town about it, I’m more than confident it’s going to each other out. It’s a really new shot; it started out in go like double capacity on the night. We’re going to Brooklyn hipster bars.” Morris and Scott are the brains have to speak to security,” Morris concludes. behind Syrup and, having both had their fair share of experiences clubbing, gigging and checking out events around town, decided to start a new club night which is » SYRUP set to fill a gaping hole in Perth’s clubbing scene. » KIT POP/ BEN M/ BOY PRINCE/ MR STARKS/ “People always talk about what Perth doesn’t » CLUNK/ DIRK CHOPS have and – not on a whole – but don’t do anything » FRIDAY, MAY 18 @ 25 IRWIN ST, PERTH about it,” Morris says. “If no one actually does anything

A UNIFYING PARTY

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PURPLE SNEAKER DJS BRINGING THE PARTY

Martin Novosel (PhDJ) is most definitely living the dream. The man behind the Purple Sneakers DJs project and club night is travelling the world, spreading the musical message and taking the odd moment to chill out on islands.

RK chats with Novosel ahead of Purple Sneakers DJs’ appearance at Groovin’ The Moo. “Right now, I’m getting onto a plane to fly back from Townsville where we just played some shows alongside some pretty big acts,” Novosel begins. “Prior to the start of the Groovin’ The Moo tour, I had just come back from some time in the USA where I went to SXSW, played a few shows, did some musical collaborations and got some business done.”

Alongside the touring and music, Novosel is a businessman. But, all of this is interrelated. “Purple Sneakers as a business has club nights and events in Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra,” he says, talking of his mighty music based business which has gone from strength to strength over the last few years. The lads have released two compilations – We Mix You Dance - since starting out. Featuring mixes of likes of Tame Impala, Washington, Flight Facilities, Kele, The Chemical Brothers, Caribou, The Drums and more, Purple Sneakers DJs have been on top of the freshest tunes infiltrating the indie-dance scene since they started out.

“Originally, that started a few years ago when I was really into what you would call ‘indie guitar’ music – which is my background,” he says, talking of the founding of Purple Sneakers DJs. “That soon progressed into anything you could loosely call ‘indie’. By that, I mean a broad based

Purple Sneakers DJs term that almost encompasses anything you want.

The most important thing that we are about is wanting to keep things new and song based.”

The key focus for Purple Sneakers DJs is keeping people partying. That said, Novosel goes on to explain that they are not mashup DJs. “We mix quickly; sometimes our tracks are only 30 seconds long; it maybe just a chorus edit, or a verse then a chorus and then mix into a breakdown but rarely do we bust out a standard rap over instrumental type mashup. We leave that for the guys who know how to do it best. We just like keeping people on their toes and waiting for what’s coming next.”

This balanced repertoire, it seems, is their very raison d’être. “Let’s be honest, it’s not rocket science what we do as DJs,” he says. “But at the same time, it requires thought and reason. Sure we’ve been producing tracks. It’s been taking a bit of a while to push them out mainly because we’re figuring out which angle to go with.

“The tracks we make vary so widely and there are many ideas banging around between us at the moment. But it’s not a conscious effort to ‘keep things fresh’. It’s kind of an unselfconscious organic process that just kind of happens. If we are doing something that we like, we just keep going.

We just keep things fresh by playing our own remixes and edits; playing brand spanking new shit as well as ripping into tracks that we know are going to make the crowd go gnarly. And very gnarly it has been!”

» PURPLE SNEAKER DJS » GROOVIN’ THE MOO » SATURDAY, MAY 19 @ HAY PARK, BUNBURY

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ADRIAN LUX FIRING UP

Swedish producer Adrian Lux has been busy working in the studio.

JOE CASSIDY chats with the slightly weary youngster ahead of tour down under and appearance at Groovin’ The Moo. Adrian Lux sounds a little exhausted during the time of this interview having just conquered an all night studio session. “I get more creative as it gets later; it’s pretty early for me actually,” he begins, talking of his nocturnal work ethic. “It’s easier to find magic when you work late.”

Lux’s musical career begun as a hip hop and reggae DJ when he was still in high school, traversing from the suburbs of his family home to the bright lights and loud noises of the cities pumping clubs. It seems a parallel universe in comparison to ambient techno and deep house, but as often with many a talented DJ, far reaching influences produce the most unique sounds. It is this combination of creative influences that Lux thrives on, finally settling on a career as a DJ and producer after a stint as a model for big name Swedish clothing brands. Not bad for a talented young gun whose mother was a fashion photographer and father is a filmmaker.

It wasn’t until 2010 when Lux released the track Teenage Crime featuring the vocals of Sebastian Ingrosso’s highly popular vocalist Linnéa Martinsson, aka Lune, that hearts started thumping and punters and industry alike started paying attention. Teenage Crime hit #6 on Triple J’s Hottest 100 in 2010 and racked up platinum sales around the country. For Lux, the overwhelming success of the track was a complete surprise and he says there are no secrets involved with regards to the creation of a track which is danceable and popular. “I just start playing around on the guitar or just doing stuff with the synth or recording vocals,” he says, confirming there’s no secret formula. “All of a sudden you just hear something and you’re like ‘oh that’s it’ and you just kinda work around that.”

KRIS MENACE

CORNERSHOP

With a title like Electronic Horizon, you’d better hope Kris Menace can pack his 12-track second album with the right amount of electronic. And, of course, he does. For Menace fans, this album will prove his reputation as a sage DJ, pioneer in the so-called nu-disco genre and producer. His recent collaboratons with the likes of Pnau, Lana Del Ray and Depeche Mode shows he knows what it takes to produce fine, polished work. His solo work equals Daft Punk in its ability to enter new realms.

The album, out through Menace’s own label, has a magical dance quality, taking the listener on a high and soothes the listener with mellow lows. Track four, Timeless, lives up to its name and is disappointing only when it ends. The album’s title track Electronic Horizon is equally haunting. Its length of over eight minutes means the listener can delve into a listening experience akin to a live performance.

The album is ethereal but listen to it in full - this one is to be appreciated.

Cornershop’s eighth studio album is a hybrid of styles, which is suitably in keeping with the diverse music they’ve been making since 1991. They’ve been branded as a British Indian cult act and despite their attention from late radio legend John Peel, collaboration with Noel Gallagher, as well as the 1998 #1 Fatboy Slim remix for Brimful Of Asha, they’ve hardly received the popularity they deserve.

Urban Turban is a blend of funk, disco, electronic and psychedelic tunes with a nod to their Punjabi-folk and rock roots. There are some surprising twists, such as the French sung Non-Stop Radio and the children singing in the psychedelic chorus of What Did The Hippie Have In His Bag. Their first single Milkin’ It drops some old school hip hop beats while tracks Concrete Concrete and Something Makes You Feel Like are reminiscent of ‘70s funk rock. They also hark to their sitar playing days with the song Inspector Bambi Singh’s Lament. Tjinder Singh and Ben Ayres produce music that could only be theirs.

It’s refreshing to hear a British act resisting monotonous modern hip hop and contemporary indie to produce an album full of colour and vitality.

I doubt this one will be delivering them mainstream popularity but it doesn’t matter, Cornershop have stayed true to themselves with their latest release.

ELECTRONIC HORIZON COMPUPHONIC/BALANCE

Adrian Lux One gets the impression that Lux is a perfectionist of sorts when it comes to work in the studio and getting the right sound and baring this in mind, collaborations can sometimes be difficult. “You try out a lot of bad stuff that you don’t want anyone to hear and play the same loops over and over,” he says. Most of his collaborators are friends involved in the Swedish electronic music ilk. “It kind of comes natural to do that, we just have fun together,” he adds.

But it isn’t only friends whom Lux collaborates with. His wife, Swedish actress and singer, Rebecca Scheja even features on the track Boy on his debut self-titled record released earlier this year.

It is these collaborations which punters will be able to hear when Lux gets behind the decks at Groovin’ The Moo this weekend. Excited to be returning down under after playing Parklife last year, Lux says fans can expect to hear some of his favourite indie and pop artists. “It’s really cool and really fun indie music wise which I love,” he says of his set. “I think you [Australia] have some of the best festivals in the world, it’s really nice being down there.”

» CORAL HUCKSTEP 3/5

URBAN TURBAN AMPLE PLAY RECORDS

» CORAL HUCKSTEP 3.5/5

THIS WEEK

SCIENTISTS OF MODERN MUSIC A PERSONAL UNIVERSE

» FRIDAY MAY 18 @ VILLA » GROOVIN’ THE MOO » SATURDAY, MAY 19 @ HAY PARK, BUNBURY

Hobart based electronic duo Scientists Of Modern Music are back with their sophomore record A Personal Universe. Co-produced, mixed and engineered by the forces behind DNR, this is an adventurous collection of melodic synthy beats. The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra is even featured on the record. Check it.

GETTING DEADLY Seven Deadly Sins Metro City Saturday, May 12, 2012 Metro City launched its brand Seven Deadly Sins last weekend. With the likes of DJ Matty S, Angry Buda, Makka, Stevie M and Ruthless behind the decks, the night got off to a cracking start. Seven Deadly Sins will theme upcoming Saturday nights as a specific sin. Stay tuned for Envy this Saturday, May 19. Did we mention there’s now a food bar too? Check it y’all.

Photos by Ken Murray

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X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

www.xpressmag.com.au

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FRAT HOUSE FRIDAYS

CAPITOL

WEDNESDAY 16/05 Captain Stirling – Fiveo Clancy’s (Applecross) – Upbeat – DJ Andy Connections – DJs Joby /JJ /Rueben Double Lucky – Last Wednesday Eurobar – Wild Wednesdays - DJ iPod/ Ben Pettit Eve – DJ Don Migi/ Skooby Flying Scotsman – UniQue DJs/ Devo/ Chris Wheeldon Gold Bar–DJ Adroc Hipe Club – DJ Roger Smart L e e d e r v i l l e H o t e l – We L o v e Wednesdays ft DJ Slick Metro Freo - Rapture Mustang – DJ Giles Newport – Newport Wednesdays Shape - Ant TC1/ Mulla/ Jazza/ Deflo Sovereign Arms – Lokie Shaw The Deen - DJ Zelimer/ DJ Viper/ DJ Benny/ T– Zone 1 The Queens – Wriggle on YaYa’s - DJ Agent 85/ Dr Zaius

THURSDAY 17/05 Blvd Tavern – DJ Andy Clancy ’s (Canning Bridge) - DJ Wrighteous Club Marakesh – DJ Simon Cottesloe Hotel – DJ Shots/ DJ Andy M

Empire Bar – Halo/ DJ Bojan/ DJ Ben Sebastian Eve – DJ Tony Allen Flawless - DJ Zelimir/ DJ Minna/ Flying Scotsman – Cowboys & Indie Kids DJs Leopold Hotel – DJ Riki/ Roger Smart Library - Dorcia Llama Bar – DJ Maxwell/ EMAS/ Lukas Wimler Mint Nightclub – DJ Simon Barwood Mt Henry Tavern - DJ Matty J Mullaloo Beach Hotel - DJ John Paul/ DJ Slick Mustang – DJ James Newport – Urban Swagger Paramount – DJ Johnny Boi/ DJ Jordan South St – DJ Castasia/ Dpad Swinging Pig – DJ Simon The Avenue – Jon Ee The Carine Tavern – Punchy & Juicy/ Little Nicky The Causeway – EMAS DJs The Craftsman – Roger Smart The Deen – DJ Flex/ DJ Nano/ DJ Surge/ DJ Don Migi The East End Bar - The Prestige ft Punchy & Juicy The Queens – Kapitol The Whale & Ale – Josh Tilley The Whistling Kite - DJ Gareth Tiger Lils – Paul Malone/ Adam Kelly Woodvale Tavern – DJ Melvin

FRIDAY 18/05 Ambar – Fresh Produce ft The Barons Red/ Tapeheads/ Punchy & Juicy/ StrangerThanDigital/ Informant Amplifier – DJ Jamie Mac/ Shannon Fox Bar 459 - DJ Smurf Beat Nightclub - Play Boheme Bar - DJ Majiika Boulevard Tavern – DJ Andyy B r o ke n H i l l H o t e l – D J N i c k Alexander Brooklands Tavern - DJ Jayden Capitol – Retro Mash Capitol (Upstairs) – I Love ‘90s Carine Tavern – Greg Packer/ MC Assassin Clancy’s (Canning Bridge) - DJ Boogie Claremont Hotel – DJ Nick Sheppard/ DJ Max Club Bayview – Amnesia ft Fendi/ Axon/ Fellis Como Hotel – DJ Gazz Eastern Hotel – DJ Munch Empire Bar – DJs Halo/ Bojan/ Ben Sebastian Eve – DJ Don Migi/ DJ Danny Boi Flawless – DJ Ryan Flying Scotsman – DJs Jo19/ Rok Riley/ Armee Flying Scotsman (Defectors) - Back To Mono DJs

Digitalism

360

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METRO FREO

Ginger Nightclub – Rondevoo Fridayz Gosnells Club – DJ Now Hipe Club - DJ E-Funk Lakers Tavern – Fresh Fridays - DJ Dooey Left Bank – DJ Frankie Button Library – Sneaky Little Creatures Loft – Marine Beats Llama Bar – DJ Reuben/ DJ Morris Malt Super Club - Fiveo Merriwa Tavern – DJ Real McCoy Metro City (Solace Bar) – DJ Slick Metro Freo – Frat House Fridays ft Bluejuice Mint Nightclub – Club Retro ft Chris McPhee Mullaloo Beach Hotel - DJ John Paul Mustang – Swing DJ/ DJ James MacArthur Paddy Hannans – Crazy Craig Paramount - DJ Johnny Boi/ DJ Jordan Players Bar (Norma Jeans Bar) – Retro DJ Queens Tav – DJ Rueben Rocket Room – DJ Brett Rowe/ DJ Cain Sail & Anchor - Balcony Beatz/ DJ J-MAC Sovereign Arms – Fiveo Shape - Showtek The Avenue – JMC The Carine – Mind Electric/ Little Nicky/ Az-T The Causeway – 4by4 DJs The East End Bar – Funk Fridays The Generous Squire - DJ Anaru The Queens – DJ Rueben The Saint - DJ Jordan The Shed – DJ Glenn 20 The Whale & Ale – Josh Tilley Tiger Lils – Paul Malone/ Adam Kelly The Vic - DJ Giles The Wembley Hotel – Funky Bottoms/ Jon Ee Windsor – DJ Riki and Ray Villa - Digitalism/ Adrian Lux Victoria Park Hotel – DJ Giles YaYa’s – Junk ft DJ Whoa!

SATURDAY 19/05 25 Irwin Street, Perth - Syrup Launch ft Kit Pop/ Ben M/ Boy Prince/ Mr Starks/ Clunk/ Dirk Chops Amplifier – Pure Pop ft Eddie Electric Basement On Broadway – DJ Ricky Boheme Bar – Carte Blanche DJs B r o k e n H i l l Tave r n – D J N i c k Alexander/ James Wilson Capitol – Death Disco Capitol (Upstairs) – Cream Of The ‘80s ft DJ Ryan Clancy’s (Canning Bridge) - DJ Dood Claremont Hotel – DJ Tone Def Club Bay View – Josh Tilley Empire Bar – DJ James Ess Eurobar – Roger Smart/ DJ Raci East End Bar - Fiveo

AMPLIFIER

Eve Nightclub – DJ Don Migi/ DJ Stevie M Flawless – Offset/ Jackness/ Travis LeBrun Fl y i n g S c o t s m a n - U n d e r T h e Influence DJs Flying Scotsman (Defectors) - Fore DJs Hay Park, Bunbury - Groovin’ The Moo ft 360/ Hilltop Hoods/ Adrian Lux/ Beni/ Digitalism/ Hermitude/ Muscles/ Purple Sneaker DJs/ Wavves/ Public Enemy and more High Road Hotel – DJ Simon Hig Wycombe – DJ Matt Hipe Club – DJ E-Funk Library – MKT ft DJ Riki/ DJ Richie G/ DJ Vicktor Little Creatures Loft – Marine Beats Liquid Nightclub - DJ Klar55/ DJ Stevie M Llama Bar – DJ Reuben/ DJ Melvin Malt Super Club – Fiveo Metro City (R&B Lounge) - DJ Slick/ DJ Ruthless/ DJ Soso Metro Freo – DTuck/ Darren Briais/ DJ Wazz Mint Nightclub – Pop Life ft DJ Aaron/ AJ Mojos - Sky’High Mullaloo Beach Hotel – DJ Danny Mustang – Rockabilly DJ/ DJ James MacArthur Niche – Frankie Button/ Cee/ Jonny Zimber Norma Jeans – DJ Darren Oxford Hotel – DJ Sequeria Pa ra m o u nt - D J Co r n f l a k e / D J Jordan/ DJ Johnny Boi Queens Tav - Gareth Richardson Rocket Room – Delicious (Ladies Only) ft DJ Brett Rowe South St Ale House – DJ Jay Sovereign Arms – Rockwell The Avenue – Jon Ee The Bakery - Lapalux/ oOoOO The Brighton (Upstairs) – Micah/ Kill Dyl/ eSQue The Boheme – DJ Sneakee The Causeway – Sun City DJs The Clink – Az-T The Cornerstone – Tammy Stevens The Craftsman – Dylan Hammond The Deen - DJ Birdie/ DJ JJ/ DJ Tony Allen The Generous Squire – On Tap ft Aiden Wallis The Rosemount Hotel - Kings Of Sound 3 ft Phetsta/ MC xsessiv/ SBX All Stars feat. Optamus & Clandestien/ DJ Perplex/ Greg Packer & Assassin/ Killafoe & J.Nitrous/ Rregula/ Qbik & Seeka MC/ Ekko & Sidetrack + MC Bear/ Complete/ Porsah Laine/ Smiley/ Voltron & MC Stylee/ Zanetic/ Get More/ Slackjaw/ The Stoops/ Armee & LStreet/ Illusiv & Dvise/ Dr Space/ Joust/ J Switch/ Paulie P &

Rocksteady/ Gracie & Sistym/ Cortex/ King Leonidas/ Traction/ Hutcho/ Dart & Dvo/ ST1 & DYO/ Zev & VU The Saint – DJ Anaru The Shed –DJ Glenn 20 The Wembley – Lokie Shaw The Whistling Kite - DJ Craig The Vic – DJ Kristian Ti g e r L i l ’s – D J B o j a n / D J B e n Sebastian Victoria Park Hotel – DJ Melvin Villa - Krafty Kuts Windsor – DJ Ray Woodvale Tavern – DJ Real McCoy YaYa’s – Saturday Social ft The Kings Of Cheese DJs

SUNDAY 20/05 Captain Stirling – DJ Jay Claremont Hotel – DJ Double Dee Clink – DJ Tony Allen Club Bay View – Fiveo Empire Bar – CB3/ DJ Riki/ DJ Vicktor Euro Bar – DJ Flex Eve Nightclub – DJ Birdie Flying Scotsman – Nathan J/ Nizbet/ Pasha/ Chris Flying Scotsman (Defec tors) – Eclectic Picnic Mint - Chris McPhee Mustang – DJ Rockin Rhys Rocket Room – Coyote Ugly The Avenue – Az-T The Causeway – Lukas Wimmler The Cott – Cott Sessions The Kiosk – DJ Cinder The Saint - DJ Anaru The Shed – DJ Andyy

MONDAY 21/05 Bar Orient - DJ White Label Broken Hill Tavern - DJ Mario Tavelli The Deen – Plastic Max/ The Token Gesture The Paddo – DJ John Paul The Shed – DJ Andyy

TUESDAY 22/05 Bar Orient - DJ Lyndon Eastern Hotel – Jon Edwards High Road Hotel – DJ Matty J High Wycombe – DJ Ricky Hipe Club – DJ Roger Smart Players Bar (Norma Jeans Bar) – Stevie M Victoria Park Hotel – DJ Melvin

X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

EAST END BAR

NEWPORT

SHAPE

IN THE \ THIS WEEK: Ant TC1/ Mulla/ Jazza/ Deflo Wednesday, May 16 @ Shape

J.Nitrous/ Rregula/ Q-BIK/ Seeka MC/ The Stoops/ Co m p l e t e / M C B e a r / Porsah Laine/ Voltron/ MC Stylee/ Slackjaw/ Zanetic/ Get More/ Armee/ LStreet and more Saturday, May 19 @ The Rosemount Hotel

Syrup Launch ft Kit Pop/ Ben M/ Boy Prince/ Mr Starks/ Clunk/ Dirk Chops F r i d a y, M a y 1 8 @ 2 5 I r w i n S t r e e t , P e r t h Groovin’ The Moo ft 360/ Hilltop Hoods/ Adrian Lux/ Beni/ Digitalism/ Digitalism/ Adrian Lux Hermitude/ Muscles/ Friday, May 18 @ Villa Purple Sneaker DJs/ Fra t H o u s e Fr i d a y s f t Wavves/ Public Enemy and more Bluejuice Friday, May 18 @ Metro Freo Saturday, May 19 @ Hay Park, Bunbury Showtek Friday, May 18 @ Shape Fr e s h P r o d u c e f t T h e Barons Red/ Tapeheads/ Punchy & Juicy/ S t ra n g e r Th a n D i g i t a l / Informant Friday, May 18 @ Ambar Lapalux/ oOoOO Saturday, May 19 @ The Bakery Kings Of Sound 3 ft Phetsta/ MC Xsessiv/ SBX All Stars/ Optumas/ DJ PerplexGreg Packer/ MC Assassin/ Killafoe &

The JumpClimb Party Showcase ft The Empty Cup/ Sunshine Brothers/ Bastian’s Happy Flight/ Sam Perry Thursday, May 31 @ The Bakery

S a t u r d a y, J u n e 3 @ Amplifier Rap City ft Ghostface Killah/ DOOM/ Chino XL Sunday, June 3 @ Metro Freo

Sebastien Drums Bad Taste Recordings ft Friday, June 8 @ The Court Prolix/ Aeph/ Blokhe4d/ Neonlight Friday, June 1 @ Metro B r e a k - A - H o l i c s Anonymous ft Skool Of City Thought J D 4 D ( J e s u s D i e d 4 Friday, June 8 @ Ambar Dubstep) label launch ft F3tch/ J.Nitrous/ Killafoe/ S a m p o l o g y ’s S u p e r J Switch/ Get More/ Visual Apocolypse f t Sampology/ Sam Perry/ Jaydee Fordee Charlie Bucket/ DJ Friday, June 1 @ Shape NDorse Saturday, June 9 @ The Frat House Fridays f t Meat Katie Friday, June 1 @ Ambar Bakery Deacon Rose Friday, May 25 @ Metro Freo Craze & Codes Switch The Aston Shuffle (DJ set) Saturday, June 2 @ Villa Saturday, June 9 @ Villa Friday, May 25 @ Ambar Nick Skitz/ MC James Hype Williams Timmy Trumpet & Tenzin Spy Saturday, June 16 @ The S a t u r d a y, J u n e 2 @ Bakery Saturday, May 26 @ Villa Gilkisons Deacon Rose Saturday, May 26 @ Capitol Slow Roast Records Tour Ian Carey Saturday, June 16 @ Villa ft Craze/ Codes Saturday, June 2 @ Villa Mickey Avalon/ Kid Mac 360/ Hermitude Saturday, May 26 @ The Friday, June 22 @ Villa Rosemount Hotel Crissy Criss

COMING UP

360 Saturday, June 23 @ The Astor 360 Sunday, June 24 @ The Astor Dirtyphonics Thursday, July 5 @ The Rosemount Hotel Addicted To Bass ft Bombs Away/ Kid Kenobi Friday, July 6 @ Villa

Hilltop Hoods

GROOVIN’ THE MOO

SATURDAY, MAY 19 @ HAY PARK, BUNBURY

www.xpressmag.com.au

This Is Nowhere ft lineup TBC Sunday, October 14 @ Venue TBC Stereosonic ft lineup TBC Sunday, November 25, at venue TBC

HANDS IN THE ATMOSPHERE ATMOSPHERE/ Evidence/ Adam Crook/ Aero D Villa Friday, May 11, 2012 Friday night was a double blessing for hip hop fans, with live veterans Atmosphere and Evidence doing their first club gigs in Perth to promote their latest albums – The Family Sign and Cats & Dogs, respectively.

Aero D opened the night with an entertaining set that ended with the reflective track Today. Adam Crook was next up, inviting the crowd to wish ‘happy birthday’ to his DJ, Rob Shaker, before performing a number of songs from his recently released debut album, One Of A Kind. The dreadlocked rapper was an amiable stage presence with Push The Pen and upbeat set closer Sunday Sesh well received.

Evidence took the stage just before 10pm. Decked out in a plain black long sleeve shirt and a nondescript cap, the Los Angeles MC looked like he was on his way to the gym. This no-frills appearance extended to his performance, as he quickly won over the crowd with his energetic but seemingly effortless rapping. His set was largely drawn from his acclaimed Cats & Dogs record with early highlights including It Wasn’t Me and Red Carpet. His DJ Premier-produced single You had hands up throughout the venue, before Evidence’s set ended with Celeb Reality, an uplifting freestyle over Lil Wayne’s Let The Beat Build.

The set moved quickly from song to song, with Evidence largely keeping onstage banter to a minimum. There was one memorable exception, though – when he declared “I’m so glad I can say the word ‘cunt’ here. I can’t say that at home” before repeating it a few more times for good measure.

Far more talkative was Atmosphere front man Slug, who stepped onstage with a cheesy smile and childish wave to loud roars, joined by producer Ant on the turntables, Nate Collis on guitar and Erick Anderson on keys.

Slug peppered the interludes between songs with humorous observations and self deprecating asides. Whether commenting on the layout of Villa (“all of a sudden I thought I was in

Atmosphere (photo by Mark Holder) that Mad Max: [Beyond] Thunderdome shit”), his set list (“we’re not just here to perform our old shit; we’ve got to try and shove some of the new shit down your throats too”) or fans rapping along with him (“you might as well have Atmosphere karaoke night; it’s a lot cheaper”), he proved himself a master at building a rapport with his audience.

It also helped that he is one of hip hop’s most passionate performers, and that the group’s set drew heavy on crowd favourites from throughout his career. His recent single, lycanthrope tale Became, was an odd choice for an opener, but he soon had punters onside with jukejoint-jazz influenced performance of Guns And Cigarettes.

A few lesser known tracks, such as Bird Sings Why The Caged I Know and Onemosphere were thrown in between the crowd favourites like Shoulda Known and Sunshine, and the band gave one of Atmosphere’s oldest and most popular songs, 1995’s God’s Bathroom Floor, a jazzy rework to appreciative claps from the crowd.

The set ended with some of his hardest hitting tracks – Trying To Find A Balance, the brooding Shrapnel and a distortion heavy take on Scapegoat – and two of his most touching - Little Man and Yesterdays – before a well received encore of Always Coming Back Home To You, Lovelife and My Notes.

» JOSHUA HAYES

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X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

With three massive shows locked in at the Rosemount Hotel for their Melodias Frescas tour on Friday, July 27, Saturday, July 28, and Sunday July 29, Karnivool are plotting their return.

Guitarist Drew Goddard tells MATTHEW HOGAN about their forthcoming DVD, new recordings, and shares his favourite Perth venues past and present.

It’s been a while between drinks for the mighty Karnivool! What has each of the band members been up to in the downtime? Since playing in India in December, Ian [Kenny] has been recording a Birds Of Tokyo record, and the rest of us have been working on the new record at the Vool studio in Perth. This all done in and around our various side projects, casual day jobs and general life... you know just keeping the dream alive. Hoss just welcomed a new baby boy, Hugo.

Tell us all about the Karnivool DVD you’ve been working on - When did work commence on it and when will it be out? We’ve been collecting up footage from day dot, right back to the late ‘90s, mostly Handycam footage the band has taken in the studio or on the road.We’re combining this with recent interviews and a pro shot live show from a few years back on the Sound Awake tour.

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The teaser shows some incredible footage (the one of the State Capital building in US especially) - how much material do you have in your possession? How hard is it to decide what to keep and what to discard? Hoss has in his possession something like 200 hours of footage and has been slowly sifting through it and finding footage that we can then piece together in the hope of telling the story of Karnivool and the music in an entertaining way.

Tell us about some of the earliest footage you’ve got for the DVD. The earliest footage I found is on an old dusty VHSC tape and shows the first incarnation of Karnivool back in early ‘98, jamming in a room at the back of my parents’ house. I was 15, and attempting to play a $5 bass guitar. Ian, donning a Sepultura shirt is playing guitar and singing while original members Brett and Andrew played drums and bass respectively.

What going on with the band’s next album? Talk us through your current songwriting process?

Does it make it anymore difficult to write songs while the frontman is off with his other band?

We are making progress but as per usual it is quite the slow painstaking process, as much as we try to move things along faster, it just seems to be the way we work. The songs just need that gestation

period. They always end up revealing themselves to us but some just take a lot longer than others.

There are half a dozen songs in the ‘done’ pile, and then a bunch of parts and formative ideas that are awaiting the proper treatment. Yes it makes it quite challenging when Ian is away especially when writing songs that have formed or developed around existing vocal he has left with us. Other songs we have started instrumentally and we are letting the instrumentation dictate where the songs goes... but yes, it’s very trying.

A massive five week Australian tour awaits you next month - how come you’ve decided to go back to smaller venues when you know you could pack out much larger rooms? We’ll step things up when the new record comes out, we’d just rather keep things intimate this time around.

What can fans expect from this run of shows set-list wise? We’ll be showcasing a bunch of new songs as well as a choice selection of songs from the back catalogue.

Karnivool has played just about every venue that Perth has had in the last decade, from The Lookout to Metro City - can you tell us what you think the top five venues you’ve played in WA are, and why?

1. Grosvenor Back Room - Very fond memories of

playing (and drinking) at this place... namely the Full Scale Deflection Symptoms Of Chaos Launch in 2000 and Hail! Hail! Hail! Christmas show (2001).

2. Hyde Park Frontroom - We played some great shows here early on, wedged in the corner of the room, a couple of steps from the bar, vocal PA, no stage, and drunk punters spilling on the stage. As real as you could get.

RIP. 3. The Lookout - We cut our teeth in Scarborough. We supported Sepultura, Strapping Young Lad and The Mark Of Cain there, while battling angry bogan hecklers.

Also memorable was the Themata album launch in 2005 and then a sold out show on the Roquefort Tour in 2006. The room is still there, an empty shell. Nothing remains but the memories and probably the old stinky carpet.

I hear the taps are all still connected. Part of me hopes it may one day return and I can sit at the bar and watch some shows again; highly unlikely.

4. The Rosie - Still going strong.

5. Amplifier - We played some great shows here back in the day, including the launch of our first two releases.

X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

METROPOLIS FREMANTLE

Ensemble Formidable Booty Jooce

BOOTY JOOCE What song is your ultimate party starter?

Stonger by Kanye West.

What sets your live performance apart from all the other residencies around town?

Our live performances are different as we play up to date modern R&B and hip hop. We play a lot of tunes most bands wouldn’t attempt to try and add to their repertoire.

What can punters expect if they come and see one of your sets?

We can also rock out when needed and throw in tunes like ACDC’s Back In Black and Are You Goin My Way? by Lenny Kravitz.

Vibrant ensemble Booty Jooce get your party started every Friday night at The Paddo.

ENSEMBLE FORMIDABLE What song is your ultimate party starter?

Dragons by Caravan Palace – the ultimate electro-swing band. If it was someone else’s music collection, definitely Single Ladies by Beyonce.

What sets your live performance apart from all the other residencies around town?

With brand new bands, comic geniuses and rogue MC Tomas Ford, this night is all about the surprises. We’ll be bringing tunes you can bust a hip to, so get down early.

What can punters expect if they come and see one of your sets?

If you sort of expect to see Django Reinhardt at a steampunk rave, you might not be too surprised by the weirdness we’re bringing to dance music. Our trombone player also may kiss someone in the crowd.

Ensemble Formidable are set to play The Leederville Loungeroom launch party at The Leederville Hotel on Thursday, May 17. Entry is free and doors open at 8pm.

Frat House Fridays are hosting an exclusive Bluejuice show to celebrate their new album Company. If you’re a fan, this is your only chance to catch these fellas in the metro area before they head down to Bunbury for Groovin The Moo on Saturday, May 19. See them at Metropolis Fremantle on Friday, May 18, alongside Death Disco DJs. Tickets are $15 presale or $28.50 on the door. You can book through OzTix, Moshtix or Heatseeker.

THE DEN

With the full band in tow, Manhattan Jinx will hit The Den on Friday, May 18. Support comes from Ex-Nuns, Celebrator and Agitated.

METRO CITY

Metro City has a brand new Saturday night - Seven Deadly Sins. This fresh and dynamic concept promises to revolutionise the super clubbing experience. Every Saturday night will be an exhibition of truly lavish afterdark entertainment focusing on the featured sin of the week with Perth’s Best DJ’s and Entertainment. We have five double passes to give away for this Saturday, simply email your name to win@xpressmag.com.au with “SINS” in the subject line.

MUSTANG BAR

On Thursday, May 17, The Mustang will house the talents of a slew of intimate performers including The Publican Band, Daniel Champagne and Mat Cal. On Friday, May 18, catch the Oz Big Band early, while Cheeky Monkeys play the late slot.

This Sunday, May 20, catch The Burger Kings’ southern fried Elvisonic rock‘n’roll, supported by The Wal-Tones with DJ Rockin’ Rhys.

The Fancy Brothers

THE FANCY BROTHERS Bearing the terrible clichéd nature of this question, how would you describe your band’s sound?

Spiritually courageous half-arsed bluegrass Where did your band name come from?

It’s our family name, born not by parents but by destiny.

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Out of all the local folks you’ve played shows with, who’s been one of your favourites?

Rumskull - the one and only second best pirate band in Freo.

What can a punter expect from your upcoming album launch?

A crazy hillbilly goodtime hoedown starring all our best old jokes and half-baked moves.

The Fancy Brothers launch their debut album at Clancy’s Fish Pub in Fremantle on Saturday, May 19. Support comes from Billy Rogers & The Country Gentlemen. Music kicks off from 9pm.

MOJO’S BAR

Rock goddess Abbe May will take to the stage for the first week of her residency at Mojo’s Bar on Friday, May 18. Support comes from Tomas Ford and Loose Lips. Presale tix are $15 plus BF and are available from Heatseeker. Then on Saturday, May 19, Mojo’s will play host to a night of sweet and soulful reggae music from vocally driven unit Ngati. Support comes from Dilip & the Davs and DJ General Justice. Mojo’s is giving away double passes to this show, just email mojos@coolperthnights.com with “Reggae Fever” in the subject line. Click on over to mojosbar.com.au for the full listing of weekly gigs.

THE CLINK

The Clink Nightclub in Fremantle is hosting the 2012 Face Of Origin modeling competition throughout May and June and this females over 18 can now enter the heats on Friday nights. The winner of the 2012 Face Of Origin wins prizes including $2500 cash with more great prizes to be won at the Final in Sydney. Simply call The Clink on (08) 9336 1919 or head to faceoforigin.com for more deets.

YA YA’S

This Thursday, May 17, The Half Pints bring their New Brew Taste Tour to Ya Ya’s. Entry is $5 on the door from 8pm. Then on Friday, May 18, talented young acoustic guitarist Daniel Champagne will showcase tunes from his debut album (released last year). Then on Saturday, May 19, local rockers The Disappointed launch their new single Dirt Farmer, with support from Russian Winters, Mezzanine and MC-ed by Byron Bard.

THE EAST END BAR

Every Thursday night at The East End Bar in Fremantle is The Prestige, a night of house, funk and electro from 9pm ‘til late! Dance the night away, recline into a chesterfield or soak up the tunes over a delicious cocktail. Entry is free before 10pm and student priced drinks all night long, be set for good times at The East End.

BEAT NIGHTCLUB

Located on the forefront of Northbridge’s much beloved William Street and made up of two levels, The Beat Nightclub plays host to a dynamic range of events and music every week. Friday Night Live is held Upstairs every week and provides a much needed live music venue to Perth’s original scene. Downstairs at The Beat is an R&B and hip hop extravaganza at Play Friday, featuring DJ Blackbelt with special guests every week. Saturday switches the Beat up a bit with the ever popular CANVAS upstairs on a Saturday. Also on Saturdays is Runaways, chucking all the best punk and hardcore tunes at you with DJ sets from local musos and cheap red cup beer on offer. Every now and again a live band will pop up out of nowhere, so watch facebook.com/thebeatnightclub for all the latest news and to find out more about upcoming events and gigs, including the Cupid Falls fundraiser show on Friday, May 25; Coilguns ft. members of The Ocean on Wednesday, May 30; and the Gun Fever WAMI Festival Showcase featuring Kill Teen Angst, Coveleski, Ex-Nuns, Dead Owls and Grim Fanbanjo on Friday, June 1.

X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

THE ROSEMOUNT HOTEL

Winter is here, and while it sticks around, every Sunday the Rosemount Hotel will present Soundz Like Sunday – a low key affair with the perfect atmosphere for a casual catch up with friends and family. From 10am they’ll be cranking the old classics and be serving scrumptious breakfast. Come 12pm they’ll be switching to lunch mode, and be entertained by the dulcet tunes of some of Perth’s finest local musicians.

The kitchen will close briefly at 4pm only to reopen again at 5.30pm for dinner. Click on over to rosemounthotel.com.au for weekly line-ups and specials.

THE HYDE PARK HOTEL

This Thursday, May 17, The Hydey presents THursty, an indie/student night featuring Axe Girl and The Order Of The Black Werewolf.

On Friday, May 18, local jazz act Shameem will launch the video for her song Strawberry, supported by Accumulated Gestures and Rae. Then on Saturday, May 18, Custom Royal perform live on stage with supports Sisters Doll and One Armed Scissor. Doors open at Shameem 8pm and entry is $10.

The Rosemount Beer Garden

Steve Hughes The Causeway The Newport Hotel

THE NEWPORT HOTEL

Freo’s biggest student and backpacker night Newport Wednesdays serve you a huge night out that won’t destroy your bank account, with no cover charge, free pizza and poor-student-priced drinks. Mix it up on Culture Clash Thursdays featuring Mills Records DJs and Extended Play DJs or DJ Angry Buda.

On Friday evenings you can party hard to all your favourite chart-topping hits performed live by cover band Party Rockers. Then on Saturdays Top 40 DJs and cover band, Gravity, bring all the beats and riffs your weekend can handle. Lastly, Sundays features original bands, including The Poor (with special guests Emerald City, Rogue Sharks and Smooth Intentions) this Sunday, May 20.

THE CAUSEWAY

Get your weekend started early at The Causeway.

Doors open at 7.30pm and entry is only $5 after 9pm (unless you have a student card). There are $6.50 drink specials, half price pizza and a free party bus trip to clubba at midnight if you want to keep your party going all night long. Plus, on arrival to clubba show your Causeway stamp and receive VIP entry. The specials keep coming all weekend long, with happy hour from 6pm ‘til 7pm on Friday and Saturdays; acoustic acts playing intimate sets early in the evening and DJs spinning all the best indie beats from 8pm ‘til midnight.

Andrew Winton

THE BALMORAL

Get your fix of live local music at The Balmoral every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Wednesdays indulge in some sweet blues and roots with local troubadour Andrew Winton, then on Friday Air Bag duo hit the stage. The Recliners strut out some jams every Saturday and Cranky finishes the week off with chilled sets on Sundays.

ROCKET ROOM

Catering to all your hard and heavy needs, Extreme Aggression is Perth’s premier rock and metal club, held every Friday at the Rocket Room, from midnight ‘til late. This Friday, May 18, Extreme Aggression regular DJ Cain will be joined by Perth International Comedy Fest Special Guest DJ Steve Hughes spinning his favourite hard ‘n’ heavy tracks!

Manhattan Jinx Chris Jagger’s Atcha

FLY BY NIGHT

The Shed

THE SHED

Thursdays is Backpackers Night featuring the Dirty Scoundrels Duo, then on Friday catch the live stylings of Kickstart before DJ Glenn 20 spins tunes ‘til late. On Saturdays you can catch Huge and DJ Andyy, and then finish your week with a chill Sunday session from 4pm.

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He helped his brother Mick out on the Rolling Stones’ acclaimed albums Dirty Work and Steel Wheels before deciding to then concentrate on his own material, resulting in the critically acclaimed album Atcha! in 1994, and now roots troubadour Chris Jagger is heading our way, band it tow, to showcase his unique Cajun style and individual brand of songwriting. Catch him at The Fly By Night on Friday, May 18. Tickets are available from flybynight.org.

THE RAILWAY HOTEL

This Friday, May 18, at the Railway Hotel catch Aussie reggae heroes Manaia (featuring Lez Karski) along with special guest Alanna Eileen. Then on Saturday, May 19, catch the second night of the WA-leg of Manhattan Jinx’s national tour. Expect epic punk rock charged with a bluesy core. Local support comes from The Order Of The Black Werewolf, Celebrator and Alex The Kid. Doors open at 8pm and both shows are $10 entry. In coming weeks catch the return of local metal heroes Enforce on Saturday, May 26, and east coast hip hop sensation Kerser on Saturday, June 2.

X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

AND THE AWARD GOES TO… The 2012 WAMi Awards are fast approaching and to celebrate the ‘Most Popular Music Venue’ award, JENNIFER PETERSON-WARD spoke to the people behind two of this year’s nominated venues…

Bitter when their cash dries up. In terms of food there comes a time of the night where everybody ogles our sweet pastries.

How does it feel to be nominated in the best venue category?

SC: Peachy. The nomination is testament to all the hard work that the owners, publicists, programmers, promoters, musicians, soundguys and Mojo’s staff undertake every day of the year to keep alive one of the most iconic small venues in the country.

AR: Appropriate. Look, whilst it’s not taken for granted, there’s only one original live music venue where musicians feel 100 per cent at home. This kind of recognition is deserved. Getting Mojos back to it’s glory over the past six years has NOT been a walk in the park.

We have worked bloody hard and bloody continuously.

It’s love. We are glad people feel the love.

Mojos Bar SHANE CORRY & ANDREW RYAN – MOJO’S BAR What do you think makes a good venue?

SC: For me, a good venue must have a thousand faces; it needs to feel like home to teeny boppers, mods, punks, new romantics, emos, rockers, dancers, groovers and shakers all in one night. It should welcome you in your baggy jeans, skinny jeans, ripped jeans, cut-offs or no jeans and compliment your style. It has to be more than just a room with music. It has to be an all-welcoming space for the community. A space for true art, real communication and, above all, serious fun. Ladies and gentlemen...I give you Mojo’s!

What have been some of the most memorable performances at your venue?

SC: I always look forward to our visits from Tijuana Cartel.

After a few notes the backyard is empty, all eyes are on the stage and everyone is dancing. You could open a K-Mart with the amount of socks we find at the end of the night that have been rocked off.

AR:The Drones,Seekae,Justin Townes Earl,CW Stoneking, My Disco and the final ever Stems shows were pretty special. And each time Abbe May, Fisherman Style and The Kill Devil Hills play they consistently bring the house down.

What’s the most popular food/drink on your menu?

AR: The musos all seem to love Melbourne Bitter but after touring the states (see: Pond) they first want Sierra Navade Pale and shortly after that return to Melbourne

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The Rosemount Hotel CATHERINE MILBRANDT – THE ROSEMOUNT HOTEL What have been some of the most memorable performances at your venue?

It’s difficult to pick and choose the most memorable moments, however some great ones include the Downsyde and Drapht City Brothers tour in April 2009, Karnivool for Triple J’s Live At The Wireless in May 2009, Australian punk legends Bodyjar (who called it a day with their last ever sold out show at the Rosemount Hotel in December 2009) and Children Collide’s sold out performances in 2009 and 2010.

What’s the most popular food/drink on your menu?

Our burgers! A choice of chicken, veggie or ranch cheeseburgers all served in a homemade bun, with fresh salads and chips on the side. They are fantastic tasting, sizeable and affordable – plus they serve two very popular types of customers… the ones that need to line their stomachs and the ones that need a big night out cure!

How does it feel to be nominated in the best venue category?

Awesome. Predominantly those of us that work in the live music industry know that it takes a lot of hard work to make to it all come together, although rewarding, boy does it make all of the difference to be recognised by the industry, your peers and the punters.

X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

Lanie Lane (photo: Max Fairclough)

LANIE LANE Steve Smyth / Warning Birds Amplifier Sunday, May 13, 2012

FRANK TURNER The Sleeping Souls / The Smith Street Band / William Elliot Whitmore Amplifier Wednesday, May 9, 2012 The Smith Street Band began Wednesday night’s massive line up at Amplifier, and if you haven’t seen this band live yet, you truly are missing out. The drive and passion behind them is evident throughout their show, and Wil Wagner has on obvious talent for creating earnest, intelligent

GATES OF PERDITION

Lanie Lane, the retro-styled songstress adored by Jack White and countless others, drew an eclectic sound for her second WA show on her To The Horses tour. Not only were there some similarly ‘50s-inspired girls vamping it up in the audience, there were also plenty of older couples there on a cosy night out.

The night’s entertainment kicked off with local five-piece group Warning Birds, who performed rich, melodic indie pop songs in the same vein as Boy & Bear and Perth’s own Split Seconds; tunes that are deceptively simple and manage to entrance a rowdy pub audience. They put on an energetic, raw performance and are definitely another stellar addition to Perth’s local scene.

Although I assumed the next act was, in fact, a roadie that had gotten far too carried away with testing the guitars, the delightfully shambolic Steve Smyth was up next, with his unique style of rockabilly mixed with a more grungy rock sound. Combined with his unusual voice, the songs sound like whiskey-soaked, forgotten Tom Waits B-sides - kooky, odd tunes that are strangely appealing. Even the fact that he seemed to have hit the liquor bottle pretty hard before coming on stage didn’t lessen his powerful performance. Let’s be honest, what great musician hasn’t tripped over their own amp or spoke gibberish into the microphone between songs? It was a ridiculously captivating show - if you get the chance to see the hirsute man in action, you should snap up tickets and discover your new favourite drinking music.

Smyth’s set may have kept the crowd entertained, but punters were getting a bit restless waiting for the lovely Lanie Lane to appear onstage. Stealthy glances at watches and phones and mutters of “But it’s a Sunday night” were gradually increasing until Lane’s band strode onstage, looking every bit as polished and adorably retro as the main lady. Lane quickly joined them onstage, looking every inch the ‘50s vamp in a red and blue striped dress and her signature red lips and quiffed hairdo. Launching into What Do I Do, Lane not only showed off her own spectacular voice but also managed to showcase the amazing talents of her backing band.

Consisting of a double bass/ukulele player, lead guitarist and drummer, the band all work incredibly well together and work themselves hard to put on a great live show.

It was a little startling to see how different Lane’s stage presence was to the Lanie Lane that came out in the between-songs dialogue. While she effortlessly simpered and pouted her way through songs like Bettie Baby and the beautiful acoustic version of Don’t Cry, by all accounts she seemed like a slightly shy, genuinely enthusiastic girl in between ripping it up on the guitar. Another highlight was the inclusion of her recent Triple J Like A Version track, a cover of The Black Keys Gold On The Ceiling. After revealing that her boyfriend had hailed from Perth and “I lived here for a while, so you can claim me if you like”, there’s no doubt there’ll be a scramble for Perth punters to do just that. _TARA LLOYD

punk rock songs about love, drugs, family, and everything in between. The Smith Street Band’s ability to directly relate to their audience and peers is what makes them so loveable, and the inherent underlying Australianness to every song Wagner sings adds extra charm. Their short set featured tunes like Sigourney Weaver, Postcodes and I Ain’t Safe, plus a few new songs from their upcoming album, which are sounding smashing so far.

Up next was Iowan bluesman William Elliott Whitmore, another prolific singer-songwriter with never-ending talent. Armed with a banjo, kick-drum and a thick, rough folk voice, Whitmore is a unique musician, the likes of whom we don’t see too much of in little old Perth.

Whitmore has the ability to command an audience with his blend of folk, blues and acoustic punk, all fused with a vibe and vocals that make you want to go directly to the bar and order a whiskey, straight up.

Frank Turner has a bit of a rep as the ‘nice guy’ in punk rock (or alt-rock, or folk, or whatever you want to call it) and it was evident from the beginning of his show that he really is just that. It’s rare to see a performer have such an awesome grasp on positive banter and genuinely love his fans back as much as they adore him, but that’s what a Frank Turner show is; a slightly angsty, insanely passionate punk rock love-in.

Previously Turner has toured Australia solo, but this time around he brought a band along, fellow Brits The Sleeping Souls, a

four-piece with enough energy for 12 bands. Turner and his band ran through all the tunes that have achieved such an enormous fan-base worldwide, Reasons Not to Be an Idiot, If I Ever Stray, Eulogy, and a slew of other tunes from recent album England Keep My Bones and a number of older fan favourites. The secret to Turner’s success lies behind his ability to tell a perfectly simple narrative in his songs (evident in Wessex Boy, I Knew Prufrock Before he Got Famous).

Towards the end of the set, something odd and amazing happened; a Queen cover. Yes, you read that right. And it was the best damned Somebody to Love cover that this reviewer has ever witnessed: raw, a little rough, and possibly a little more angsty than Freddie intended it to be, but Turner dominated the hell out of it – even mastering that falsetto section towards the end of the track. A few songs later and Turner and his band left the stage – but not for long. After much ado from the audience, Turner they headed back out for a three-song encore, ending on the well-known Photosynthesis. The vibe of the whole show culminated here, with Turner achieving a full crowd sing-along of the chorus: “And I won’t sit down, and I won’t shut up/ And most of all I won’t grow up.” All that’s left to say is this: Frank Turner is the man.

years, so there is definitely an essence of M36 in my guitar playing, but I don’t think it’s obvious in The Disappointed. The Disappointed is also a lot more polished and pop, playing with these four guys challenges me to do different things and experiment. They are all far better musicians than me; I try to disguise it with guitar pedals.

Tell us a little about your debut EP – In Times Of Chaos…

It’s a five track EP, with songs written over the course of the last year or two. The tracks deal with themes including warfare, climactic and global decline and personal struggle. We were very conscious of the production value going into this. It had to sound huge, and modern, but with a certain raw element.

Were there any influences – musical or otherwise – which shaped the EP? Over the time we wrote the EP there were a lot of influences were involved, from At the Gates, The Black Dahlia Murder and Lamb Of God in the newer songs, and a lot more thrash and old school in the earlier stuff. We all listen to different bands, but we have a fair few major influences in common – Dimebag, Chuck Schauldiner, Michael Amott, Mustaine, Lombardo…the greats.

Do you think we live in chaotic times right now?

Absolutely. Natural disasters are on the rise. The global economy has taken a smashing and the world population is way beyond sustainable levels. It’s easy to dismiss these things when they’re happening half a world away, and we think it’s an aspect of human nature to just put your head down and get on with it.The weather has intensified dramatically in many parts of the world, temperatures are rising, we’re running out of key resources and nothing seems to be happening about it. We feel that there are a lot of unanswered questions, and we try to convey this through our lyrics as much as possible.

THE DISAPPOINTED Bearing the terribly clichéd nature of this question, how would you describe your band’s sound?

We’re an alternative rock band, with a good splash of pop, new wave, and math rock thrown in. And then, we cut anything superfluous from the mix.

Tell us a little about your single – Dirt Farmer…

We wanted to capture both a real groove, and a full lushness.

Of course, those two things are somewhat contradictory, so it was a real mind bender in terms of balance. We ended up with something we are very proud of, something that, I think, pulls it off.

Local music lovers may know bandmember Mark Neal from his other band Minute 36 - are the sounds of both these bands comparable, or totally different?

Totally different. The Disappointed has a lot more of my [Mark’s] personality in it. Not a lot of people realise but, I don’t write or record anything in Minute 36. I’ve played those M36 songs for over three

What can a punter expect from your upcoming EP launch?

We’ve got a killer line-up organized for the EP Launch with heavy hitters All This Filth kicking off the show, Cold Fate thrashing up a storm and Empires Laid Waste tearing up the stage. We’ll be playing the EP in entirety, and two brand new songs - one of which will be making its live debut on the night. We’ll have merch for sale, including our new EP and releases from the other bands, with a door prize available before 10pm. After we finish up, Extreme Aggression with DJ Cain will kick off from 12pm until late. It’s going to be a huge night. Everyone who can make it out should - it’s our mission to make sure as many people as possible have a great time on the night.

If you were around Freo in the ‘90s you will probably remember husbandwife duo Lamia. Now, Kate Lamia is embarking on new musical territory.

She’s formed the band The Trophy Wives with ex-M16’s drummer Warren Hall, ex-Feends guitarist Cam Sim and bassist Pete Stone.They’ll be hitting the Norfolk Basement on Friday, May 18, supported by Sugarchild and Todd Pickett. Tickets are $15 from Heatseeker.

Gates Of Perdition launch In Time Of Chaos at the Rocket Room on Friday, May 18, from 8pm. Support comes from aggressive groovers All This Filth, thrashers Cold Fate and heavy metal juggernauts Empires Laid Waste.

Two nights of reggae, groove, funk and dub will be happening this weekend when Manaia take to the stage at the Railway Hotel (with folk chantuese Alanna Eileen) on Friday, May 18; and the Civic Hotel on Saturday, May 19 (with pop songstress Jade Diary). Tickets are $10 on the door from 8pm at both venues.

YABU BAND

Making A Difference Yabu Band use the healing and uplifting medium of music to help spread the message about the importance of healthy choices and the dangers of drug abuse. JENNIFER PETERSON-WARD learnt more about the band’s ethos from Delson Stokes ahead of their upcoming national tour.

“I used to live in Kalgoorlie on a station and I used to travel and around the community and I would see these young kids. They looked spaced out and they had paint on them and glue on their faces. They would be walking by themselves and talking to themselves. They came from broken homes and they had a lot of problems in their lives, and I just wanted to say something to them,” Delson begins. “I wrote the song 12 years ago but I wanted to www.xpressmag.com.au

_CHLOE PAPAS

Why should a local music lover come down to your upcoming single launch?

It’s gonna be a real great night for rock! Grunge heroes Mezzanine are opening (and are really too good to be opening anything), and then Russian Winters throw some huge pop rock hooks into the mix.

We’ve worked really, really hard on our live show, to make sure this set is tight and the songs tweaked into their maximum potential. We’ve made sure to eradicate any time-wasting. There really isn’t going to be a second to miss at this show.

What else have you got planned for 2012?

We’ve got some supports with Adelaide’s Dexter Jones coming up, and we’re hitting Bunbury for a headline show on Friday, May 25, before going back later to play with Emperors on the last show of their tour, which is very exciting for us. And then, it’s back to the studio for some more singles and an EP… and we’re making our own video clip to Dirt Farmer. It’ll be a while before we are anywhere near taking our foot off the pedal, we are just getting started.

The Disappointed launch Dirt Farmer at Ya Yas on Saturday, May 19, with support from Russian Winters and Mezzanine.

NO ARM CANDY

AXE ATTACK

MAINLY MANAIA

THE ROYAL TREATMENT

leave it for a while until I could find a way to make it more peaceful… I want to let them know its ok to look up and live. I want to encourage them to lift up their spirits.”

The seed of that story would eventually become Yabu Band’s powerful single Petrol, Paint And Glue, a tune which puts a confronting spotlight on the desperation of Indigenous youth affected by substance abuse. Sung in both English and the indigenous language Wongutha, Delson says the song is an intuitive, highly sensitive response to his surroundings:“I wanted to follow in the path of Gurrumul. The whole world accepted him and I just thought ‘I can do that too’.”

As Delson attests, he’s hoping his emotional plea for help will strike a chord with indigenous and non-indigenous listeners alike. “I’ve showed the tune to a few [non-indigenous people] and they didn’t know [substance abuse] was such a big problem. They’ve said ‘it’s about time someone told us about it’ and ‘how can we help deal with the problem?’ so it’s really good that it’s helping them be more mindful of others,” he says.“We want to create awareness for everyone.We want to cut across the spectrum and bring it up in a way that’s positive and not negative.”

Yet while Delson says he will be satisfied if the song alerts any listener (regardless of race, age or gender) to the dangers of drug abuse, he says he penned the tune with one target audience in mind –indigenous youths already experimenting with harmful substances. “They all snap out of it eventually, but we just want to tell them ‘hey give your body a rest from all the poisoning and brain shrinking’,” he explains.“The message is ‘it’s

Jebediah’s Vanessa Thorton and Brett Mitchell have a rad new band – Axe Girl. The raucous quartet will bring their own flavour of pop punk live to The Hyde Park Hotel on Thursday, May 17, for one raucous night of super brain belting ear love. Support comes from The Order Of The Black Werewolf.

Custom Royal has supported big names (including British India and Stonefield in the near-past) but they’re set to become big names in their own right. They’ll be playing at The Hyde Park Hotel on Saturday, May 19, with support from glam rockers Sisters Doll and grunge rockers One Armed Scissors. Tickets are $10 on the door. alright, we are here with you and we can help you if you let us. We can share a campfire together’.”

According to Delson, it is precisely this process of providing positive messages through song that forms the all-inclusive vision of Yabu Band. “It’s about being a vehicle rather than a karaoke singer. I want to use Yabu Band as a vehicle to spread these positive messages to the past, present and future children,” he concludes. “Music is a good remedy – it’s like a therapy. Everyone listens to music – whether it be pop, classic or rock – it lifts their spirits. Music is a very versatile instrument – it can reach a million different people.”

Yabu Band play the Queens Park Theatre in Geraldton on Friday, May 18; the Fly By Night on Saturday, May 19; the Bunbury Entertainment Centre on Sunday, May 20; the Walkington Amphitheatre in Karratha on Wednesday, May 23; the Matt Dann Centre in Port Hedland on Thursday, May 24; the Goolarri Gimme Club in Broome on Friday, May 25; and the Barramundi Concert in Kununurra on Saturday, May 26.

Yabu Band 41

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Daniel Champagne, May 16, Mojos Bar & May 19, Ya Ya’s

MAY 16 – 22 STEVE SMYTH 16 Indi Bar

PHIL EDGELEY 16 Mojos Bar

THE HALF PINTS 16 Prince Of Wales 17 Ya Ya’s 19 Swan Basement

DAVID CAMPBELL 16 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre 17 Queens Park Theatre Geraldton 18 Perth Concert 19 Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre

DANIEL CHAMPAGNE 16 Mojos 19 Ya Ya’s

KIM CHURCHILL

Florence + The Machine, May 17, Burswood Dome

And Colour, Digitalism, The Getaway Plan, Hilltop Hoods, Kaiser Chiefs, The Maccabees, Public Enemy, Wavves, Ball Park Music and more) 19 Hay Park Bunbury

NATURALLY 7 19 Perth Concert Hall

LAPALUX / OOOOO 19 The Bakery

HANNIBAL MEANS 20 The Ellington

CITY AND COLOUR 20 Fremantle Arts Centre

16 Settlers Tavern 17 Dunsborough Tavern 18 Prince Of Wales 19 Norfolk Hotel 20 Indi Bar

MUTEMATH

ANDREW WK

20 Newport

20 Amplifier

THE POOR / ROGUE SHARKS

17 The Bakery

EUGENE BRIDGES FLORENCE + THE 21 Charles Hotel MACHINE / BLOOD KIMBRA / DANIEL ORANGE MERRIWEATHER / 17 Burswood Dome SAM LAWRENCE BARE MINIMUM 21 Metro City 17 Breakers Bar Geraldton 19 Karratha Tavern

BLUEJUICE 18 Metropolis Fremantle

WAVVES / SURES

22 Astor Theatre

18 Rosemount Hotel

MAY

THE GETAWAY PLAN / NEW EMPIRE

ANTI-FLAG / STRIKE ANYWHERE / FLATLINERS 24 Capitol FREYA HANLY 24 Settlers Tavern 26 X-Wray Cafe 27 Wild Fig Scarborough S-CLUB / BIG BROVAZ 25 Metro City HANK MARVIN QUARTET 25 & 26 The Ellington CATCALL 26 Amplifier BITTER END 26 The Den 27 YMCA HQ LIAM BURROWS 26 Friends Restaurant 27 Jazz Fremantle THE OCEAN 27 The Bakery BARNEY MCALL 27 The Ellington NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK / BACKSTREET BOYS 29 Burswood Dome BOB HIRST 30 & 31 The Ellington ASH GRUNWALD 30 Indi Bar 31 Redcliffe On The Murray LIZ STRINGER 31 Fly By Night TIJUANA CARTEL 31 Prince Of Wales

18 Amplifier

THE MACCABEES 18 Capitol

KAISER CHIEFS / DEEP SEA ARCADE / LOON LAKE 18 Metro City

CHRIS JAGGER 18 Fly By Night

NATASHA MOUSUFF 18 & 19 The Ellington

MANHATTAN JINX 18 The Den 19 Railway Hotel

DREAM ON DREAMER 18 Metropolis Fremantle 19 Amplifier 20 YMCA HQ

GROOVIN THE MOO (360, Andrew WK, City

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THE BRIAN JONESTOWN MASSACRE / THE RAVEONETTES

JUNE GYROSCOPE 1 Rosemount Hotel REEF 1 Metropolis Fremantle ASH GRUNWALD 1 Prince Of Wales 2 Karratha Tavern 3 Fly By Night LIZ STRINGER 1 Indi Bar 3 Redcliffe On The Murray HARRY MANX 1 Fly By Night TIJUANA CARTEL 1 Settlers Tavern 2 White Star 8 Divers Tavern Broome 9 Hotel Kununurra 15 The Bakery MISSY HIGGINS / BUTTERFLY BOUCHER 2 Astor Theatre ERIC BOGLE WITH JOHN MUNRO 2 Fly By Night JOSH KYLE 2 The Ellington KIMBERLEY MOON EXPERIENCE (Paul Kelly, Kasey Chambers, The Black Sorrows and more) 2 Jim Hughes Amphitheatre Ord River THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT / NUMBERS RADIO / GREENTHIEF 2 Prince Of Wales 3 Metro City SEAN COFFIN 3 The Ellington STATE OF THE ART (Drapht, Hoodoo Gurus, Kryptonics, Eskimo Joe, Jebediah, Abbe May, San Cisco, Split Seconds, Steve Parkin and more) 3 Perth Concert Hall & Surrounds GHOSTFACE KILLAH / DOOM / CHINO XL 3 Metropolis Fremantle SAMUEL YIRGA QUARTET 4 & 5 The Ellington THE JEZABELS / LIGHTS 5 Metro City DAN POTTHAST 6 Rosemount Hotel SILVERSTEIN 7 Villa EAST 17 7 Metropolis Fremantle TINA ARENA 8 Riverside Theatre MANAIA 9 Settlers Tavern MAT MCHUGH 9 Mojos Bar MATT CORBY / ALPINE 9 & 10 Astor Theatre LAURA 9 Rosemount Hotel 10 Mojos Bar THE MISSION IN MOTION 9 Amplifier 10 Newport DEF FX 11 The Bakery THICK AS BLOOD 13 YMCA HQ 14 Villa FRENZAL RHOMB 14 Settlers Tavern 15 Prince Of Wales 16 Rosemount Hotel THE BLACK SEEDS 14 The Bakery TIM FREEDMAN 14-16 The Ellington GASOLINE INC 15 Rocket Room LISA MITCHELL /

The Brian Jonestown Massacre, May 22, Astor Theatre

GEORGIA FAIR 15 St Joseph’s Church, Subiaco DEEP SEA ARCADE / THE CAIROS / WOE & FLUTTER 15 Indi Bar 16 Amplifier 17 Mojos DALLAS FRASCA 15 Settlers Tavern 16 White Star Hotel 17 Clancy’s Fish Pub Dunsborough 22 Indi Bar 23 Prince Of Wales 24 Mojos BEE MASK 16 PICA Bar TREVOR WATTS/ VERYAN WESTON 19 The Ellington GUY SEBASTIAN 19 His Majesty’s Theatre 20 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre CAMILLE O’SULLIVAN 21 Astor Theatre CHARGE GROUP / JOE MCKEE 22 Mojos 23 Dadas 360 / GOSSLING / HERMITUDE / BAM BAM 22 & 23 Villa 23 & 24 Astor Theatre KARNIVOOL 22 & 23 Mermaid Hotel Dampier 27 Prince Of Wales BURIED IN VERONA 24 YMCA HQ (Day) / Amplifier (Night) DEXTER JONES 22 Settlers Tavern 23 White Star Albany 24 Newport 28 Breakers Bar Geraldton 29 Beat Nightclub NADIA ACKERMAN / BENNY LACKNER TRIO 28 The Ellington JUDITH DURHAM 30 Riverside Theatre

JULY CEREMONY 3 The Den 4 YMCA HQ THE BAMBOOS 6 The Bakery BUSBY MAROU / LEADER CHEETAH / THE HELLO MORNING 6 Prince Of Wales 7 Rosemount Hotel 8 Newport LADY GAGA 7 & 8 Burswood Dome SAY ANYTHING / THE GETAWAY PLAN 11 Amplifier TERROR 12 Amplifier FLIGHT OF THE CONCHORDS 18 & 19 Challenge Stadium MELISSA ETHERIDGE 20 Riverside Theatre BAND OF SKULLS 23 The Bakery LADYHAWKE 24 The Bakery METRIC 25 Capitol THE TEA PARTY 26 Metro City THE SMASHING PUMPKINS 26 Challenge Stadium KARNIVOOL 27-29 Rosemount Hotel

NARISSA CAMPBELL 27 & 28 The Ellington EIFFEL 65 / N-TRANCE 28 Metropolis Fremantle KIM SALMON 28 The Bakery

AUGUST MARK GARDENER 1 Fly By Nightclub CHILDREN COLLIDE 2 Prince Of Wales 3 Amplifier Bar ED SHEERAN 6 Riverside Theatre TIM BARRY 8 The Den BELL BIV DEVOE / GINUWINE 9 Astor Theatre BOB BARRETT 9 The Ellington TOMMY EMMANUEL 12 Perth Concert Hall HILLTOP HOODS 17 Challenge Stadium NORTH WEST FESTIVAL (Hilltop Hoods, The Living End, The Cat Empire and more TBA) 18 Port Hedland Turf Club KENNY ROGERS / GLEN CAMPBELL 21 Riverside Theatre BURNING LOVE 22 The Den

SEPTEMBER THE ENGLISH BEAT 1 Astor Theatre HOWARD JONES 5 Astor Theatre JOSE FELICIANO 5 Regal Theatre DAMIEN LEITH 7 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre 8 Astor Theatre SUBHUMANS 12 Amplifier AMERICA 12 Perth Concert Hall WHEATUS 20 Metropolis Fremantle HANSON 22 Metropolis Fremantle KATIE NOONAN & KARIN SCHAUPP 28 Winthrop Hall UWA 29 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre

OCTOBER CANNIBAL CORPSE 9 Capitol STEEL PANTHER 10 Metro City THIS IS NOWHERE (lineup TBA) 14 venue TBA BASTARDFEST 27 Civic Hotel ROCK IT (The Black Keys, Royal Headache, and more TBA) 28 Joondalup Arena

NOVEMBER EMMYLOU HARRIS 6 Perth Concert Hall GEORGE MICHAEL 10 Perth Arena STEREOSONIC (line-up TBA) 25 venue TBA

SEPTEMBER 2013 ONE DIRECTION 28 & 29 Perth Aren

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POWERED BY Y END OF FINANCIAL YEAR SALE

Gates Of Perdition, Friday at Rocket Room

Manaia, Friday at The Railway Hotel & Saturday at Civic Hotel

WEDNESDAY 16.05

THURSDAY 17.05

BALMORAL Nathan Gaunt BAR 120 Felix BLACK BETTY’S Blue Gene CLANCYS CANNING BRIDGE Daisy Clover Christian Thompson CLANCYS FREMANTLE Chet Leonard’s Bingotheque CLAREMONT HOTEL Open Mic Night ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Jangoo Chapkhana Trio HALE ROAD TAVERN Fenton Wilde INDI BAR Steve Smyth Junior Bowles LOBBY LOUNGE (BURSWOOD) Courtney Murphy LUCKY SHAG Howie Morgan MOJOS BAR Phil Edgely Daniel Champagne Shane Walters MUSTANG The Party Rockers PADDO Mike Elrington Mike de Velta ROSEMOUNT Smokes For The Caper Burning Fiction The Decline FAIM Life On A Plate ROSIE O’GRADY’S (NORTHBRIDGE) David Fyffe THE MOON Sean O’Neill Justin Walshe Robbie Jalepeno UNIVERSAL Strutt

BAKERY Andrew W.K BELGIAN BEER CAFÉ Stu Harcourt BOAB TAVERN Tom Jennis BROOKLANDS TAVERN Celebrations Karaoke CLANCYS FREMANTLE Brookelee Rose COMO HOTEL Courtney Murphy DEVILLES PAD Rock‘n’Roll Karaoke ELEPHANT & WHEELBARROW Blue Hornet ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Ezereve FLY TRAP Jugular HIGH WYCOMBE HOTEL Chris Murphy HYDE PARK HOTEL Axe Girl The Order Of The Black Werewolf INDI BAR Bex’s Open Mic Night LUCKY SHAG James Wilson MARKET CITY TAVERN The Mill Servants Jim Moore Matt Burke Sami Moore Nathan Mayer Chrispy Nylon MERRIWA TAVERN Spritzer MOJOS BAR Sures Blackmilk The Deep River Collective MUSTANG BAR The Publican Band Daniel Champagne Matt Cal NORFOLK BASEMENT Usurper Of Modern Medicine Mathas Lionel Hrtz

Axe Girl

AXE GIRL

THE ORDER OF THE BLACK WOLF THURSDAY,MAY 17

THE HYDE PARK HOTEL

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NORTHWOOD TAVERN Avenue Karaoke OCEAN BEACH HOTEL Open Mic Night OXFORD HOTEL Johnny Taylor PADDY HANNANS Dr Bogus RIGBY’S Open Mic ROSEMOUNT Evolution Machine Morphica Aztech Suns Battle Of The Planets ROSIE O’GRADY’S (FREMANTLE) Clayton Bolger SOVEREIGN ARMS Fenton Wilde THE BIRD The Hz Seams Mulder THE BOAT Jen De Ness THE BROOK Open Mic Night THE GATE One Trick Phonies THE SHED Dirty Scoundrels UNIVERSAL Off The Record WOODVALE Two Plus One YA YA’S The Half Pints SSA The Bob Gordons

Place Of Indigo, Saturday at The Bird

CLAREMONT HOTEL Nick Sheppard COMO HOTEL Leighton Keepa CORNERSTONE Just4Kix CRAFTSMAN Nicki Rose DEVILLES PAD The New Invincibles Les Sataniques EAST 150 Luke Dewing EASTERN HOTEL Dave Fyffe EDZ SPORTS BAR Sugarfield ELEPHANT & WHEELBARROW Daren Reid & The Soul City Groove ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB The Glyn McDonald Trio Amanda Dee Natasha Mousuff EMPIRE Halo FLY BY NIGHT CLUB Chris Jagger Atcha FUSE BAR Groove Karaoke GREENWOOD Greg Carter HALE ROAD TAVERN Luke Dewing HERDSMAN One Trick Phonies HIGH ROAD HOTEL Damien Cripps Band HYDE PARK HOTEL FRIDAY 18.05 Nathan Gaunt th 7 AVENUE Shameem Pop Candy Accumulated AMPLIFIER Gestures Getaway Plan Rae BAILEY BAR INDI BAR Mod Squad The Novocaines BALLYS BAR MIGHTY QUINN Christian Thompson TAVERN BALMORAL Kontraband The Other Guys MOJOS BAR (ARVO) BEAT NIGHTCLUB Peter Bibby Bootleg Jefferson Burrow BELMONT TAVERN Jon Schmidt Everlong Acoustic MOJOS BAR (NIGHT) BENNYS Abbe May Faces Tomas Ford BENTLEY HOTEL Loose Lips Dove MOON & SIXPENCE BLACK BETTYS Soul Corporation Everlong MT HELENA TAVERN BRASS MONKEY Overload Adrian Wilson MUSTANG BAR CAPITOL Oz Big Band The Maccabees Cheeky Monkeys CAPTAIN STIRLING NEWPORT Jack & Jill Party Rockers CARLISLE HOTEL NORFOLK Reload BASEMENT CIVIC HOTEL (THE The Trophy Wives DEN) Sugarchild Manhattan Jinx Todd Picket Grim Fandango OXFORD HOTEL Ex-Nuns Recliners Agitated PADDO CLANCYS CITY Stu Harcourt BEACH PADDY HANNANS Belleville Gypsy Jazz Gun Shy Romeos Ensemble CLANCYS FREMANTLE PARAMOUNT Shangarra Jive Flyte

PRINCIPAL James Wilson RAILWAY HOTEL Manaia Alanna Eileen ROCKET ROOM Gates Of Perdition Empires Laid Waste Cold Fate All This Filth ROSE & CROWN Stella Donnelly ROSEMOUNT Waaves Sures Sonpsilo Circus ROSEY O’GRADY’S (FREMANTLE) Spyce ROSEY O’GRADY’S (NORTHBRIDGE) Neil Colliss SAIL & ANCHOR Howie Morgan Duo SOUTH ST ALE HOUSE Robbie King Karaoke SPRINGS TAVERN The Mojos STEVES BAR Sophie Jane Duo STIRLING ARMS Ali Towers SWAN BASEMENT The Half Pints Kettle Fingers Nighthawker SSA The Bob Gordons SWAN LOUNGE Stray Dogs Of Athens SWINGING PIG Better Days Greg Carter THE BIRD Eric Lau Kit Pop Ben M Ru-Kasu THE BOAT Undercover Acoustic THE GATE Smoking Section THE SHED Kickstart UNIVERSAL Nightmoves VICTORIA PARK HOTEL Ivan Ribic WANNEROO TAVERN Clayton Bolger WOODVALE TAVERN Dr Bogus YA YA’S Daniel Champagne Phil & Derry David & Nathalie Heathcote Blue

SATURDAY 19.05 AMPLIFIER Dream On Dreamer BALMORAL The Recliners BAILEY BAR Lush BAKERY Lapalux oOoOO BALLYS BAR Ali Towers

X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

Listing deadline is Monday 5pm. The Gig-Guide is a service to advertisers listing bands.

All inclusions are at the discretion of X-Press Magazine. Email reception@xpressmag.com.au or fax 9213 2882.

Custom Royal, Saturday at The Hyde Park Hotel BAR 120 Flyte BEAT Runaways BELGIAN BEER CAFÉ Christian Thompson BLACK BETTY’S J Babies BROOK Better Days BURSWOOD (PRIZE DRAW STAGE) Switch CIVIC HOTEL (THE DEN) Manaia Jade Diary CLANCYS CITY BEACH Our Latin Thing CLANCYS CANNING BRIDGE Miche Suite CLANCYS FREMANTLE The Fancy Brothers CLAREMONT HOTEL The Zydecats COMO HOTEL Bernadine DEVILLES PAD Johnny Nandez Hammond Explosion ELEPHANT & WHEELBARROW Blue Hornet ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Amanda Dee Natasha Mousuff FLY BY NIGHT CLUB Yabu Band GREENWOOD Cargo Beat!

HIGH ROAD HOTEL Dr Bogus HYDE PARK HOTEL Custom Royal Sisters Doll One Armed Scissor INDIAN OCEAN BREW CO Chris Gibbs Duo INDI BAR Homebrewe Delusions Of Grandeur Subtle & The Undertones Lantana LAKERS TAVERN Mod Squad LEOPOLD HOTEL Steve Hepple LOBBY LOUNGE (BURSWOOD) John & Shaun Sandosham MERRIWA TAVERN Celebrations Karaoke METRO FREO Karma MIGHTY QUINN TAVERN Kontraband MOON & SIXPENCE Blaze M ON THE POINT Rhythm 22 MOJOS BAR Ngati Dilip & The Davs

Friday Friday The Disappointed, Saturday Travis Caudle Travis Caudle at Ya Yas FlyBy ByNight Night Fly

MUSTANG The Rusty Pinto Combo Milhouse NEWPORT Kizzy Gravity NORFOLK BASEMENT Kim Churchill Microwave Jenny NORTHWOOD TAVERN Keith Karaoke PADDY HANNAN’S Decoy PARAMOUNT Felix PERTH CITY FARM Junkadelic The Houstons QUARIE BAR Electrophobia RAILWAY HOTEL Manhattan Jinx The Order Of The Black Werewolf Celebrator Alex The Kid ROCKET ROOM Kickstart ROSIE O’GRADY’S (FREMANTLE) Flavor ROSIE O’GRADY’S (NORTHBRIDGE) Blue Gene SAIL & ANCHOR The Mojos SEAVIEW Open Mic Night STEVES BAR Luke Dewing SWAN BASEMENT Fatal Intentions Amend El Captain Deranged A Haunting On Ravenwood SWAN LOUNGE The Government Yard Idle Front SWINGING PIG Greg Carter THE BIRD Place of Indigo Runner Adam Burford THE BOAT Deuce THE GATE Dirty Scoundrels THE SHED Huge THE WHALE & ALE Insideout TWO ROCKS TAVERN Keith McDonald UNIVERSAL Soul Corporation WANNEROO TAVERN Greg Carter WOODVALE TAVERN Daren Reid & The Soul City Groove YA YA’S The Disappointed Winters Mezzanine Byron Bard

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SUNDAY 20.05 7TH AVENUE Good Karma BALLY’S BAR Greg Carter BALMORAL Cranky BAR ORIENT Clayton Bolger BROKEN HILL HOTEL Nathan Gaunt CAPTAIN STIRLING Christian Parkinson CARINE Threeplay CHASE BAR James Wilson CLANCYS DUNSBOROUGH Special Brew CLANCYS FREMANTLE The Zydecats CLAREMONT HOTEL Sunday Driver COMO HOTEL David Fyffe EAST 150 BAR Stu Harcourt ELEPHANT & WHEELBARROW Daren Reid & The Soul City Groove ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Mental Health Reform Now Hannibal Means EMPIRE CB3 FLY TRAP Stage Fright HIGH WYCOMBE HOTEL The Organ Grinders HIGH RD Mike Nayar INDIAN OCEAN BREW CO Dove Retriofit INDI BAR Kim Churchill Microwave Jenny Morgain Bain KALAMUNDA HOTEL Berardine LAKERS TAVERN Jamie Powers LAST DROP TAVERN Brett Hardwick LEISURE INN Luke Dewing M ON THE POINT The Mojos MOJOS BAR Rae & His Band The Amani Consort Tyna Keelan MOUNT HELENA TAVERN Kontraband MUSTANG BAR The Wal-Tones The Burger Kings NEWPORT Tim Nelson The Poor Emerald City Rogue Sharks OCEAN VIEW TAVERN Tom Jennis PADDY MAGUIRES Kristen Arnott

The Big Old Bears, Sunday at The Moon

PIG & WHISTLE One Trick Phonies PINK DUCK Kevin Conway PRINCIPAL Sophie James QUARIE BAR Double Take QUEENS TAVERN Big Al & The Deacons ROSE & CROWN Adam James SAIL & ANCHOR Shawne & Luc SEAVIEW Hadyn Ward SOUTH ST ALE HOUSE Sean Scott SOVEREIGN ARMS Ivan Ribic SPRINGS TAVERN Christian Thompson SWAN BASEMENT I Am The Cavalry Instz Gratz Shadow City Gold Days SWAN LOUNGE Some Lone Ranger The Runaways Kathleen Anne SWINGING PIG Ali Towers THE BIRD Steve Poltz Helen Shanahan THE GATE Better Days Chris Gibbs Trio THE MOON The Big Old Bears Seven Weapons THE SAINT Howie Morgan Project Mike Nayar THE SHED The Healy’s Renegade THE VIC Sugarfield TWO ROCKS TAVERN Everlong Acoustic UNIVERSAL Retriofit VICTORIA PARK HOTEL Neil Colliss Ivan Ribic WOODVALE TAVERN Mia & Good Company

MONDAY 21.05 AMPLIFIER Tim Ripper Owens BRASS MONKEY The Organ Grinders ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Song Lounge LOBBY LOUNGE (BURSWOOD) Courtney Murphy MOJOS BAR Wide Open Mic Night MUSTANG BAR Marco & The Alley Cats THE BIRD Usurper Of Modern Medicine The Weapon Is Sound THE DEEN Plastic Max & The Token Gesture

TUESDAY 22.05 CHARLES HOTEL Perth Blues Club Indigo Duck Pagan Rift Pink & White Bridge Trio ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Bronton Ainsworth Quartet LOBBY LOUNGE (BURSWOOD) John Sandosham LUCKY SHAG Nathan Gaunt MOJOS BAR Empty Pocket Michael Triscari Alteria Motive Rotaxus PADDO Stu Harcourt PRINCE OF WALES Open Mic Night SETTLERS TAVERN Open Mic Night TWO ROCKS TAVERN Jump For Joy Karaoke X-WRAY CAFE Open Piano Night YAYA’S New Ruins Polly Medlen Paul McCarthy Jason Shaw

Shameem

SHAMEEM

THE ACCUMULATED GESTURES RAE

FRIDAY,MAY 18 THE HYDE PARK HOTEL

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Classifieds and Music Services Hotline: 9213 2888 Display ads: musicservices@xpressmag.com.au Deadline: 4pm Monday Credit cards welcome

HAIR, HEALTH & HAPPINESS PHAT DREADS HAIR DESIGN Your One Stop Dread Shop. Top Quality, Inexpensive & Personalised service. Hayley - 0488450023 MUSOS WANTED BASS PLAYER For “AUSSIE ROCK TRIBUTE”.

Must be dedicated with experience.Vocal ability a plus. 0409 370 900.

BASS PLAYER NEEDED To join Metal band, TUSK. Must have good gear, own transport & be dedicated. Gigs booked.

Influences, Lamb Of God, Meshuggah, Phycoptic & Whitechapel. Call Mitch 0431 345 750.

DRUMMER WANTED For 4 piece pro Rock act with a twist. 12 catchy songs already written & recorded. 24-34 yr old pref. Vox ability a bonus. Ph Pete: 0439 301718 DRUMMER WANTED For original band.

Influences include, Oasis, AC/DC, The Angels & The Smithereens. Call Brett 0405 578 625.

EXPERIENCED GUITARIST WANTED 30+ for working original hard rock band.

Recording & touring in plan. Ph: 0435 825 090.

OPEN MIC COMPETITION 1st prize $2000 cash. Starts Thursday April 26th. Visit marketcitytavern.com.au for details.

OPEN MIC NIGHT every Thursday night at Indi Bar. Just call Bex on 0404 917 632 OPEN MIC NIGHT Every Tuesday night at the Craigie Tavern 8-11pm. Call Corey for bookings 0431 448 235

WANTED; SINGER/GUITARIST (2535YO) To complete working Acoustic Duo. Must be reliable, Have quality gear and own transport.

3 Gigs per week, will pay $200 per gig. Call Scott on 0438911898.

PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT PHOTOGRAPHY Promo photography, studio, live, location.

Mike Wylie 0417 975 964 w w w . p r o j e c t p h o t o g r a p h y. c o m When its time to ice the cake...

PRODUCTION SERVICES CD & DVD MANUFACTURE Check out our latest CD & DVD specials online at www.procopy.com.au 9375 3902 MATRIX PRODUCTIONS AUSTRALIA Lighting, staging, sound systems, smoke machines, night club FX, intelligent lighting, strobes & mirror balls, crowd barriers, video projectors. 9371 1551 PA H I R E F X L i g h t s c l u b t o concert size. Pro Equipment www.per thconcer tsound.com.au..

Ph 9307 8594 / mob 0404 410 020 / 9309 6219 PA HIRE, PRO SYSTEM, FULL FOLD BACK Experienced operator. Optional light show.

Fidelity sound on 0404 331 320.

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 ANDY’S STUDIO International multi award winning songwriter / producer.

No band required. Broadcast quality. A songwriter’s paradise. Ph 9364 3178 AVALON STUDIOS BIBRA LAKE One of Perths best equipped studio. Record to analog tape or digital, Avalon pre amps, Neumann mics, the latest and best universal audio, plug in’s for digital recordings. All styles of music, $55 per hour call Tony 0411 118304 email avalonstudios@bigpond.com

GOLDDUSTCONSTRUCTION.COM Production, mixing, recording and composition for your music. Unique award winning skills to take songs from ideas to finished mixes or to fulfill the potential in existing ones. Located in Subiaco. $60 p/h. Andrew 0408 097 407 POONS HEAD MASTERING Analog mastering at its best. Clients include Mink Mussel Creek, Jeff Martin, The Panics, Pond + The Floors. World class facility. World class results. www.poonshead.com 9339 47 91 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 SONGWRITERS! - UNLOCK YOUR SONGS’ POTENTIAL +FREE BAND 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 STUDIO RECORDING $35 per hr. Rates negotiable. Contact Ryan: 0429 617 353.

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.

STREAM STUDIOS The place to rehearse in Perth.. Phone: 0403 152 009 www.streamrehearsal.com.au TUITION ***GUITAR LESSONS*** The Guitar Specialist. Beg-adv, all styles and levels including bass. Cliff Lynton Guitar Institute. Mt Lawley 9342 3484 / www.clifflynton.com BASS LESSONS Rock, funk & jazz. Tony Gibbs 9470 6131 DJ TUITION Specialises in scratching & cutting. Over 15 yrs experience. Beg-Adv welcome. Potential gigs waiting. Ph DJ Munch: 0412 334 510.

DRUM LESSONS All styles, WAAPA prep.

Modern techniques, rudiments, soloing, favourite songs. Beg-Adv. Ph: Pascal 0413 172 817. Available 7 days & all holidays.

SINGING LESSONS Available from professional singer. Google Monica Diamont for more info. Ph: 0415 496 632 SINGING LESSONS Learn a technique that actually works! The method used by over 120 Grammy award winners.

Certified Speech Level singing instructor.

Call Simon 0431335495.

FENDER KURT COBAIN MUSTANG ELECTRIC GUITAR When Kurt Cobain hit the stage, it was very often with a Mustang guitar – an enigmatic anti-hero figure with an esoteric anti-hero instrument.

Evoking the man, the band, the sound and the times, Fender has released the Kurt Cobain Mustang, an authentically crafted nod to one of the most unlikely guitars to ever find itself at the center of a musical maelstrom. CHRIS GIBBS reports.

Continuing Fender’s expansion of signature model products, the company has just released a new Kurt Cobain signature model Mustang electric guitar.

Inspired by Kurt Cobain’s arsenal of modified guitars, the new Fender Kurt Cobain Mustang sports such distinctive features as an angled single-coil Mustang neck pickup, ferocious Seymour Duncan JB humbucker bridge pickup, dual on-off/phase in-out switches for each pickup, a polyester-finished alder body and Fender’s Adjusto-Matic bridge with dynamic vibrato tailpiece.

The best thing about Mustang guitars is their unique pickup controls which provide tonal options simply not achievable on standard five or three-way switch configurations. Each setting alters the guitar’s attack and tonality immensely, which allows for players from a variety of backgrounds to create a highly useable tone.

Players with smaller hands will dig the classic 24” Mustang scale length, C-shaped maple neck with urethane finish and 22-fret rosewood fingerboard.

Master volume and tone controls, vintage-style tuners, and chrome hardware round out the specifications

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PLATINUM SOUND ROOMS Professional rehearsal rooms, airconditioned, quality PAs mob 0418 944 722

Fender Kurt Cobain Mustang Electric Guitar of this easy-to-play guitar. Straight off the rack with minimal setting-up, the Mustang delivers super-hot distorted tones, sparkling cleans and appropriately dirty overdriven sounds. The neck is a joy to play on, inviting and supportive, and seems to work with the hands towards high-quality tonality.

Guitarists who are after an instrument that can handle plenty of vibrato bar work will need to be light-handed on this particular instrument, realistically the bridge and tailpiece work to provide the Mustang’s unique sound rather than function for vibrato bar licks at a high standard, but with patience and a good set-up, some nice effects can be achieved.

There are plenty of colour options including Fiesta red (the model reviewed), Sonic blue and Dark Lake Placid blue with stripe. And yes, the Kurt Cobain Mustang is of course available in right and left-handed models.

Perth newest Fender dealers, Guitar World Cannington, have managed to score one of these impressive instruments as part of their first shipment of Fender products. The Kurt Cobain Mustang retails for $1699, Guitar World’s introductory price is just $1499.

The Fender Kurt Cobain Mustang electric guitar was reviewed at Guitar World Cannington.

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X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays