Issue 1523 by X-Press Magazine

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STATE OF THE ART 2016 It’s always a heart-warming start to winter and this time it’s cosying itself nicely down at Elizabeth Quay. WA music showcase State Of The Art brings the goodness to the EQ on Monday, June 6, from noon-9pm, headlined by the dearly beloved Jebediah and San Cisco. Joining them will be Ta-ku (live), Koi Child, The Love Junkies, Mathas, Mosquito Coast, Morgan Bain, Verge Collection, Our Man in Berlin, The Merindas, Jacob Diamond, Riley Pearce, The Tommyhawks, Galloping Foxleys, Joel Barker, HUSSY and Jennifer Renee. There’ll be a licensed area and food market, plus sports clinics, circus skills workshops, pop-up performances, tours and community artwork. You could have the chance to win a trip for two to the UK, courtesy of Etihad Airways, to see Perth’s Methyl Ethel live at End of the Road Festival. To register for the competition and for more details about the big day, head to sotafest.com.au. Jebediah | Pic: Matt Saville

HERE’S... TOMMY

THE 59TH MINUTE Inspired by a talk given by David Suzuki, The 59th Minute explores today’s issue of climate change through Black and White landscape photographs captured around the world. The exhibition will be happening on Thursday, April 28, at The Corner Gallery in Subiaco. Perth photographer Jack Allen studied Photography at the Central Institute of Technology, following with a Bachelor of Creative Industries at ECU. Allen’s debut solo exhibition, The 59th Minute, is a collection of his extraordinary landscape images. The 59th Minute, Jack Allen

ROGER SANCHEZ GARDEN PARTY Winter is on its way and summer is out the door but all is not over yet. Habitat is throwing one final hurrah with the final Garden Party Of Summer. Dance among a sunny wonderland with youthful abandon to the beats of house legend Roger Sanchez. Fake grass, LED trees, gourmet pizza and cocktails ‘a plenty; it’s going to be magical. Head down to The Court Outdoor Garden on Friday, April 22, to have your last slice of summer among like-minded people filled with passion and love of music. Tickets via habitatrogersanchez.eventbrite.com.au.

Australian guitarist icon Tommy Emmanuel will return to Australia for five theatre shows in August. The WA leg of this tour will happen at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Monday, August 22; Bunbury Entertainment Centre on Tuesday, August 23, and the Albany Entertainment Centre on Wednesday, August 24. The twotime Grammy nominee, known to his legion of die hard fans as one of the world’s greatest acoustic players, will perform in the mode his audience best know him – solo. Tickets are available from manpac.com.au, and bunburyentertainment.com.au Tommy Emmanuel

Roger Sanchez

AUSTRALIA’S FUNNIEST SHORTS ENTRIES

TROYE SIVAN – BLUE NEIGHBOURHOOD TOUR Troye Sivan has cemented himself as an international superstar. From his humble beginnings in suburban Perth (Mirrabooka represent!), Sivan quickly evolved into one of the most watched YouTubers, with his channel gathering 241 million views. Sivan will be embarking on a national tour in July through to August. The WA leg of his tour happens at the HBF Stadium on Saturday, August 13, with electro pop solo artist Nicole Millar in support. For ticket details, check out Ticketmaster.com.au. Troye Sivan

HOSPITALITY 2016 TOUR World famous event brand Hospitality returns to the southern hemisphere this June for a tour around Australia and New Zealand. The WA leg of the tour will be happening at Metro City on Sunday, June 5, featuring London Elektricity, Etherwood, Maduk, and MC Fava. Tickets via oztix.com.au. London_Elektricity | Pic: Hana Makovcova

Australia’s Funniest Shorts is calling for comedians, funny people and filmmakers to submit short comedy films and sketches for this year’s festival. The funniest sketch award will be $500 and the funniest short film (between 3 to 8 minutes) will be awarded with $1000. Entry forms for Australia’s Funniest Shorts are now available on funniestshorts.com. au. Be quick if you haven’t already been the deadline for the submissions is Friday, April 22.

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Newsdesk Win Flesh Music Deafheaven, Melody Pool, Steel Panther, Katrina Leskenich Josh Johnstone New Noise

Culture Hub Cover: Hannah Gadsby The Hitlist, Lifestyle, Selkie, Heath Davis, Arts Listings Eddie The Eagle, Midnight Special, Broke Feature: What’s On

Scene Cover: Little May Edie Green, Hailmary, Volume: Beni Bjah Live: Black Sabbath, City Calm Down, NO ZU

X-Press Guide

GEORGIA REED ‘WAITING FOR YOU TO RUN’ Perth’s own Georgia Reed has released her latest single, Waiting For You To Run. Drawing influence from leading female vocalists in the industry, Reed creates a fierce and brooding signature sound, much in the vein of Lana Del Rey, Florence + The Machine. Waiting For You To Run is about two people denying the inevitable end of a relationship. It’s like they say, when you say it out loud, it becomes real. Georgia Reed performs at The Odd Fellow in Fremantle on Friday, April 22. Georgia Reed 6

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Front Cover: Andrew Maxwell plays the Perth Town Hall from Wednesday, May 4, to Saturday, May 7, as part of the Perth Comedy Festival. Scene Cover: Little May perform at Amplifier on Saturday, May 21.

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BAD NEIGHBOURS 2 Returning stars Seth Rogen, Zac Efron and Rose Byrne are joined by Chloë Grace Moretz for Bad Neighbours 2, the follow-up to 2014’s most popular original comedy. Also back in the same duties are director Nicholas Stoller and series producers Evan Goldberg, James Weaver and Rogen, who produce under their Point Grey Pictures banner. The comedy’s writers include Rogen, Stoller, Goldberg, Cohen and O’Brien. We have five double passes to give away.

POLKA DOT VINTAGE MARKETS Polka Dot Vintage Markets is returning on Saturday-Sunday, April 23-24, at Claremont Showgrounds. Browse stall upon stall of Girls & Guys genuine vintage and retro clothing and accessories, mid-century, retro and kitsch collectables, vinyl records, vintage jewellery, vintage-inspired and up-cycled wares, retro furniture, pre-loved designer fashion, handmade wares and gourmet goodies! We have 10 double passes to give away.

MOTHER’S DAY Following the success of New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day director Garry Marshall promises to again deliver big things for Mother’s Day. with his winning storytelling style and an all-star cast. This heart-warming film follows the very different relationships between mothers and their children. Mother’s Day intertwines poignant tales of parenthood which include a mother’s attempts to share parenting roles with her ex-husband (and his much younger partner), a daughter who is desperate to find and build a relationship with her absentee birth mum, a father struggling to fill the hole in his children’s lives after the tragic loss of his wife and an adult daughter with children of her own finding it difficult to reconnect with her parents. Filled with touching moments and big laughs, Mother’s Day is guaranteed to melt the hearts of audiences the world over. We have five double passes to give away.

PRINT & DIGITAL EDITIONS Publisher/Manager Joe Cipriani EDITORIAL - 9213 2888 MANAGING EDITOR Bob Gordon: editor@xpressmag.com.au GIG & EVENT GUIDES CO-ORDINATOR guide@xpressmag.com.au COMPETITIONS win@xpressmag.com.au For band gigs & launches: plugyourgig@xpressmag.com.au ADVERTISING - 9213 2888 LIFESTYLE STRATEGY MANAGER – AGENCY / DIRECT Jennifer Groves: advertising@xpressmag.com.au ENTERTAINMENT STRATEGY MANAGER ENTERTAINMENT / VENUES / LIVE AND DANCE MUSIC PROMOTERS / RECORD LABELS Zac Nichols: entertainment@xpressmag.com.au CLASSIFIEDS LINAGE classifieds@xpressmag.com.au PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT - 9213 2854 ART & CONTENT COORDINATOR Anthony Jackson: art@xpressmag.com.au DESIGN & PRODUCTION Anthony Jackson, Andy Quilty, Lauren Regolini PRINTING Rural Press Printing Mandurah DISTRIBUTION - 9213 2853: distribution@xpressmag.com.au ADMIN / ACCOUNTS - 9213 2888 Lillian Buckley: accounts@xpressmag.com.au EDITORIAL DEADLINES General: Friday 5pm, Eye4 Arts: Thursday 10am, WIN: Friday 5pm, Salt Clubs: Monday 5pm , Local Scene: Monday Noon, Gig Guide: Monday 5pm

A MONTH OF SUNDAYS Real estate agent, Frank Mollard, won’t admit it, but he can’t move on. Divorced but still attached, he can’t sell a house in a property boom - much less connect with his teenage son. One night Frank gets a phone call from his mother. Nothing out of the ordinary. Apart from the fact that she died a year ago. A Month Of Sundays is about parents, children, regrets, mourning, moments of joy, houses, homes, love, work, television, Shakespeare and jazz fusion: about ordinary people and improbable salvation. Because everyone deserves a second chance. Even a real estate agent. We have five double passes to give away. 8

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ADVERTISING DEADLINES Cancellations: Monday 5pm, Ads to be set: Monday Noon Supplied Bookings / Copy: Tuesday 12 Noon, Classifieds: Monday 4pm Published by: Columbia Press Pty.Ltd. A.C.N. 066 570 803 Registered by Australia Post. Publication No PP600110.00006 Suite 55/102 Railway Street, City West Business Centre, West Perth, WA 6005 PO Box 732, West Perth, WA 6872 Phone: (08) 9213 2888 Fax: (08) 9213 2882 Website: http://www.xpressmag.com.au WARRANTY AND INDEMNITY 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.

33,560 OCTOBER 2012 MARCH 2013 - AUSTRALIA’S HIGHEST CIRCULATING STREET PRESS

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ANDREW MAXWELL Life On Craic Comedian Andrew Maxwell tells SAM WALL that the only thing better than getting on stage is a solid meat pie “outta the petrol station”.

You might think that stand-up would be lower on Irish comedy veteran Andrew Maxwell’s list of priorities these days between his MTV show Ex On The Beach, developing sitcoms, writing for BBC Radio 4 and generally being a busy bee. But you’d be wrong. “For me it’s like breathing in and

out,” enthuses Maxwell. “It’s not even my job. I was the class clown and luckily I went to a liberal school where it wasn’t beaten outta me, probably the most liberal and arty school in Ireland. So my teachers, instead of battering me, me being a cheeky, chappy and class clown and all the rest of it, my teachers in my school went, ‘Hey, you’re quite funny. Why don’t we put you on the stage?’” And that’s where the “cheeky chappy” has been ever since. “That’s it, it’s what I do. I love making people laugh, going places, and I’m a news junky — so it all just melds perfectly. And it is a lovely thing — it’s nice to make people laugh. The hardest part is the isolation of the road. I mean, that is a massive pain in the fucking arse,” Maxwell cackles. “It’s just gonna be fun. I’m gonna come along, I’m gonna sit up on a stool, I’m gonna talk about you, I’m gonna talk about me, then we’re gonna talk about what’s happening in front of us in the room,

then I might give ya a dirty story, you know — we’ll just see what happens. We’ll just have the craic. We’re curious about what he’s looking forward to this time around. It seems his goals are mostly gastronomic. “Meat pies, meat pies outta the petrol station,” says Maxwell. “Can’t go fucking wrong; you can not go wrong with an Aussie meat pie. A meat pie in Britain or Ireland is a dangerous, weird fucking thing. Filled with fuck knows what… chickens and pigs and bits of men that couldn’t keep shut in a criminal case,” shudders Maxwell. “That might be the case with an Aussie meat pie as well, don’t get me wrong, but it is delicious.” Andrew Maxwell plays the Perth Town Hall from Wednesday, May 4, to Saturday, May 7, as part of the Perth Comedy Festival.

SAMMY J & RANDY The Lane And The Land They’re already the oddest of odd couples, and Sammy J tells STEVE BELL why he and his felt mate Randy are about to become carnies.

costumes and stuff. And I think we also wrote a script that was a reaction to having been through the TV experience, because it took us five years to make the TV show ultimately — every script gets sent to lawyers and checked by executives and there are so many levels to it, whereas this is literally us in front of our audience saying whatever we want, and we’re enjoying that a lot. “It’s funny, the first show that Randy and I did together was called Ricketts Lane in Melbourne and it was literally a sitcom pitch. We invited all the networks along and it worked! So that was like the five-year plan, and now we’re back to our roots.” Sammy J had always dreamed of a career in comedy, he just never envisaged the form that it would eventually take. “Back at school I was really into comedy, and it was only a year after school that I started comedy, so it was more of a short-term goal back then,” he smiles. “And suddenly you wake up at 32 years-of-age and you’re part of a manpuppet musical comedy duo, and you can’t change that. It’s a shocking realisation that that’s what your life’s become.”

While comedian Sammy J is definitely human and his purple felt mate Randy is defiantly not human, the pair’s become as thick as thieves. Having survived a harrowing stint as housemates during last year’s acclaimed ABC TV show Sammy J & Randy In Ricketts Lane, for their new stage show Sammy J & Randy Land they’re taking the natural next step and opening a theme park. Because why wouldn’t they? “It’s sort of a slight piss-take really, because in the first few minutes of the show we decide to open a theme park off the back of our TV show — we sort of get too big for our boots,’ Sammy J explains. “Writing narrative shows is what we started doing at the festivals years ago and it’s where Sammy J & Randy’s PCF shows are being we got our audience, but for the last few rescheduled as you read this. For updates years because the TV thing’s been the focus, we haven’t really been doing any of those sort head to perthcomedyfestival.com. of shows. “So it’s sort of a return to the beginning for us, and I think it’s what we do best — a huge storyline with lots of props and 12

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DEAFHEAVEN

MELODY POOL

Plotting The Narrative Deafheaven’s George Clarke doesn’t need anyone to tell him what his band is or isn’t, he tells ANTHONY CAREW ahead of their show at the Rosemount Hotel on Monday, June 6. “You’re always going to be a little bit insecure,” admits George Clarke, frontman of Californian combo, Deafheaven. He’s talking about the attention lavished upon his band, which has been overwhelmingly positive, but at times negative. Their most recent LPs — 2013’s Sunbather and 2015’s New Bermuda — have been widely hailed for mixing black-metal with the atmospherics of shoegaze and post-rock, but, in doing so (and in having short hair!), Deafheaven have also earned the ire of ‘true’ metal devotees. And this divide has been the definitive press angle. “That narrative worked, both for people who didn’t like us and for the people who did,” says Clarke. “It’s something writers use to entice a reader. You’re made to look controversial, you’re made to look divisive, you’re made to look unorthodox. But that was never a part of our experience. We’re just people who write music that we like. I don’t need other people telling me what our band is or isn’t. I know what I like, and I don’t feel awkward about my tastes, and I don’t feel like I don’t belong. That’s just media. And people

STEEL PANTHER Suck My Diss Steel Panther are set to invade our shores again, bringing all the bombast and OTT hair metal glory they can muster to Metro City on Thursday, June 23. SHANE PINNEGAR gets guitarist Satchel to open up on the state of rock n’ roll. Before christening the band Steel Panther, they were known as Metal Shop, then Metal Skool, and even did one Japanese advertisement as Danger Kitty. Did they flirt with any other band names as well? “A lot of people don’t know that there was a short period there where we were Prince, because Prince gave up his name and we became Prince. Then we changed the name to White Panther, and then we were the Black Panther - but that wasn’t cool, because you have to be black to be the Black Panther.” On getting annoyed that Steel Panther sometimes get written off as just a comedy band: “No, because I don’t care anymore. I’m so old and I did so many drugs… there’s always going to be critics out there, and you can’t listen to that. You have to follow your heart. There’s always bullies on the internet. Like they say, the haters are going to hate, right? Those people that hate Steel Panther, they can just suck my dick. That’s all I can say about that. Yeah. Some of the ones that like us, they can do the same thing.” 14

Melody Pool tells ANTHONY CAREW about the full relationships she wants in her life. that believe the media, that allow things written by other people to form their own opinions. It’s more funny to watch than anything else: to see how the narrative evolves, and how the general consensus about us evolves.” On New Bermuda, Deafheaven sought to veer away from the sound of its predecessor. “We’d been playing Sunbather songs for years, at that point,” Clarke says, “so you naturally want to write something that’s different. And, the past few years, there’s been such a focus on this thing called ‘blackgaze’, and on the whole shoegaze revival, these bands that are all sounding kind of the same; doing a good job, but blending together. I thought the best move for us was to explore other territory.” Clarke is unafraid to both openly cite influences and —as his awareness of the ‘divisive’ narrative suggests — to read his own press. He’s drawn, he says, to the discrepancy and dissonance between his own experience of making the music, and other people’s ideas of his experience making the music. “People,” Clarke says, “are going to get, to a degree, what you’re doing, but they’re also going to try and figure out what you’re thinking along the way, and try and imagine your creative process and figure out your motivation. And those kind of people will be wrong, always, because they’re not you.

banter, and they’d realise how sarcastic a person I am”), Pool has grown into herself. On her second LP, Deep Dark Savage Heart, those old country traces have washed “I’m a really lazy songwriter,” says Melody away. Befitting its title, the album is a full of Pool. The 24-year-old writes songs shadows and ache, grandeur and drama, Pool “impulsively” in under an hour. “I just won’t drawing influence from Agnes Obel and Angel write for months, and bottle everything up Olsen. The LP’s lyrics are often self-lacerating, until it boils over. If I try to make times to filled with confession and vulnerability, a tone sit down and write, nothing ever turns out, set by single, Black Dog, which details the because I never wanted to say anything or singer-songwriter’s struggles with depression vent anything. And I think it’s pretty clear upon first arriving in Melbourne. from my songs that I’m just venting away.” “I was subletting a friend’s room and A self-confessed “drama queen” and was so anxious and depressed that I didn’t really leave that room,” Pool recounts. “I was “bogan” (and, she also spills, a secret Harry completely consumed by these feelings. But, Potter obsessive), Pool was born into a one day, after five hours of crying, I wrote family of country musicians, her given name this song. It didn’t make me feel happier, but no coincidence. “No one thinks it’s my real it helped me pinpoint what I was feeling, and name, but it’s totally real,” Pool says. “It’s on what I was going through. And it was just my birth certificate.” She grew up — in Kurri cathartic, like I’ve achieved something out of Kurri, 30 minutes outside of Newcastle — a shit experience.” singing with her parents, but at 17 started The first time Pool played Black writing folky songs under the influence of Joni Dog, in Wellington opening for Marlon Mitchell and Laura Marling. Williams, she describes the experience as Pool came up through the “surreal”. “I’d just written it, and it was the country music circuit and cut her debut LP, last song I played,” she says. “And I got off 2013’s The Hurting Scene, in Nashville. But, three years on, after endless shows (including stage, and I had to walk down these stairs, opening for The Eagles), and tours of America and poor Marlon had to help me down the stairs because I was shaking so much from and Europe (where, she jokes, “the most disconnect I had with overseas audiences was playing this song.” between songs, when I’d do my bogan Aussie

KATRINA LESKANICH “Well, we just used what we had to work with,” says Leskanich. “It was always just the four of us, so everything sounded As part of the Totally ‘80s quite raw. When you’re that young and full of package tour alongside Berlin, beans and angst, it just seemed like all of our Limahl, Martika, Men Without songs had - even the ones that were meant to Hats and more, Katrina Leskanich be sort of slower and ballads - had incredible - of Katrina & The amount of almost hysterical Waves - performs at energy. I mean, when we first started people thought the Astor Theatre on it sounded downright oldTuesday, July 19. SHANE fashioned, because obviously PINNEGAR reports On the Australian sense of humour, and why we were up against Duran we latched onto Steel Panther early on in Duran and Spandau Ballet Born in Topeka, Kansas, in 1960, the piece: “People Down Under know how to and Siouxsie Sioux. We Katrina Leskanich explains how party. They live life to the fullest: they like to seemed fairly ordinary!” fuck and they like to rock. People aren’t afraid she found herself a teenager in Irrepressibly vibrant it of being judged at a Steel Panther show. They England in the mid-‘70s fronting certainly is; a perfect pop a rock’n’roll band. like to laugh and they like to party. We bring song with rock sensibilities “Well, a lot of fellow the whole party to the show. You don’t come and punk energy, but it musicians come from the same to a Steel Panther show and wonder where undoubtedly overshadowed providence; it’s growing up in you’re going to go after that because it’s like some of the Waves and a military family,” she explains. a one-stop shop for music and sex and alcohol Katrina’s other work? “When your dad gets his orders and it says and drugs. It’s a killer.” “I think there was a brief period we’re going to Germany or we’re going to Is there such a thing as a typical after Walking On Sunshine where it was Holland or we’re going to England then you day in Steel Panther-land? “When you’re in a beginning to dawn on us that it was all about just pack up your bags. band there is no typical day. Every day is an “This is where it was happening. We that song,” Leskanich reasons. “When your adventure because you don’t know if you’re record company comes to you and says, started up Katrina & the Waves and we were going to end up making it to the end of the ‘look, guys, all we need is another Walking On playing around military bases just trying to day. You don’t know if you’re going to get Sunshine’, but that just wasn’t our style. I get noticed.” Best remembered for the laid or you’re going to get shot during a drug mean, the closest we got was the following mega-hit, Walking On Sunshine, Katrina & deal. You don’t know if you’re going to wind The Waves first recorded the song in 1983 for year; we had a song called Sun Street that up at the show and your instruments are a Canadian-only release. It was only after The actually performed in the UK charts better going to be in tune or maybe they will be than Walking On Sunshine. What’s the point Bangles covered their song, Going Down To stolen. You don’t even know.” Liverpool, from a second Canadian album that of saying that now when nobody really ever heard of Sun Street and it’s all about Walking Capitol signed them to an international deal. On Sunshine? A novelty song irresistible to The re-recorded Walking On Sunshine was a people wanting to turn the plot in a movie smash around the world in 1985, appealing from darkness to light!” across the board not just to pop fans, but rockers, punks and everyone else.

Smiles And Waves

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NEW NOISE

EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY

THE DANDY WARHOLS

MT MOUNTAIN

LIONIZER

The Wilderness Spunk

Distortland Dine Alone/Cooking Vinyl

Cosmos Terros Independent

Be Alone Independent

The Wilderness is Explosions In The Sky’s first ‘non-soundtrack’ release in five years, although it has been accompanied online with a visual companion. Wilderness opens things quietly for a band who are known for a thunderous approach to their music. Having been masters of guitar turbulence for many years, the quartet delve into some relatively new territory with the inclusion of jerky electronics on the first single, Disintegration Anxiety. Few bands are able to deliver the emotional punch that Explosions In The Sky are able to without the use of any words whatsoever. Previously the band were known for their formidable crescendos, but on The Wilderness they have traded these in for more sudden peaks and valleys. If Explosions In The Sky drop an album in The Wilderness and no one is around to hear it, they have robbed themselves of hearing some delightful sounds.

If The Dandy Warhols’ last album felt like a band simply going through the motions, their ninth release, Distortland, is anything but. From the simple yet oh-so-catchy guitar hook in You Are Killing Me to the surprisingly funky beat of Styggo, experimental sounds and rhythms are pulled into sharp focus. The distorted guitar and reverbed vocals of opener, Search Party, is followed by the heavier, electronic Semper Fidelis, and it’s this kind of contrast that lends the album depth and colour. Courtney Taylor-Taylor’s distinctive vocals bring the disparate elements together, making Distortland a true return to form.

While much of Mt Mountain’s 18-monthsin-the-making debut will be familiar to fans having been well tested on stage, it’s this shadowy quintet’s steady progression that will satisfy the most. Often billed in support of bludgeoning doom-metallers, Mt Mountain weave subtler spells with whispered vocals, unsettling organ drones and now immersive production as the guitars buzz with more frenetic tension than ever. Cosmos Terrors is laden with such tangible undertones of creeping doom that even arch-Satanist Aleister Crowley would have no choice but to doff his cowl in reverence.

Lionizer’s second EP is a mix of riot grrrl punk lyrics and catchy, make-ya-wannadance indie beats. If records by Against Me! and Courtney Barnett procreated this EP would be the result. Be Alone explores all the ups and downs of relationship breakups, singles Bleach and Every Action, Every Consequence are brash and up in your face, Homeless provides a soft moment of reflection; the latter’s final line, ‘I guess if home is where your heart lies/I’m homeless’, lingers before hitting you hard in the chest. Guaranteed to make even the most hardcore punk smile and groove along.

CHRISTOPHER H JAMES

DEARNA MULVANEY

CLARE ARMSTRONG

CHRIS HAVERCROFT

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JOSH JOHNSTONE Whispering Josh After a successful career playing in numerous bands and touring the world, Fremantle-based singer/songwriter Josh has released his debut solo album, Call In Whispers. TIM MAYNE chats to him ahead of his show at Ellington Jazz Club on Wednesday, April 20, and official album launch on Friday, April 29, at The Odd Fellow.

“It was really enjoyable to produce the album, I had been on tour for a year around Europe and America and regional Australia. I got to Broome and had a good week-and-a-half without a gig and pretty much wrote the album during that time. “I work-shopped those songs with Steve Parkin and polished them up and then took them to Joel and he started producing the record. I felt inspired by how they were coming together and started tracking them - it was a burst of inspiration taking the time out, relating to experiences and writing them into music.”

Josh Johnstone relocated back to his home own of Fremantle after spending 10 years in Melbourne, something the artist says is an old and new beginning for him at the same time. “I guess a big part of my inspiration for this new album was from when I was living in Melbourne for 10 years. My family is here, so moved back when I was 32 so I have been back for a few years. I think Perth is a great city and has a great music scene. “It was a new beginning and an old beginning for me at the same time, with a new career as a soloist and I also missed being in a band and am currently in a band called Vida Cain. “I still wanted to do some harder rock music and it is a project I work on when want to do hard rock. “Due to the move back home, I had to break up with someone, unfortunately, as we had careers we had to follow, mine was over here and hers was over there, so there is a lot of that on the new album of new beginnings - happy and sad.” The new album follows on from Johnstone’s previous six-track EP, Half A World Away, which met with critical acclaim. Johnstone says the new album was a gruelling 18-month process, but also a uniquely creative and enjoyable one. “The new album is ready to go and I have been working on that for 18 months and during the last three months we have been getting it ready to release the artwork and tours and bookings and making music videos. “I am currently making four videos at once with really good creative people. I have met with them a couple of times and have pitched ideas and they are bringing me the briefs, so I am not trying to coordinate all four of them myself. “You make sure you are overseeing things to make sure you don’t look like a dick, but it is great to work with creative people and use their ideas as much as possible. I have been co-writing on two of the songs with local musician Steve Parkin, of Basement Birds fame, and also with Joel Quartermain, from Eskimo Joe, who works with a lot of local acts, writing and producing. “It was great to do a record with other people. In the past I have been in bands and self-produced our material but this is one where I worked with others.” There are some great melodies on the new album, including melancholic, almost Bob Dylan-like tracks, Brave Tin Soldiers and Rain Dancer, something Johnson says came about when he a took a hiatus from touring. WWW. XP RE SS MAG.COM. AU

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HANNAH GADSBY

Take It To The Bridge

Self-described “magnet for shit” Hannah Gadsby describes the “festering wound” that is her new show, Dogmatic. HANNAH STORY reports. Hannah Gadsby’s new show is not finished (she describes it as a “festering wound”), but she does know that it will feature her dog, Doug. “Originally I wanted to tour with my dog Doug... Douglas. I since thought, ‘That’s not a great idea, what if he doesn’t enjoy being on stage?’” So what is it about? “I’ve been thinking a lot about celebrities at the

moment. I’ve spent the year working on my garden and hanging out with my dog and thinking about Taylor Swift.” The subject matter doesn’t seem surprising, considering Gadsby spent much of 2015 campaigning to become #RubyRoseUnderstudy, posting to Instagram pictures of herself mimicking Rose. Rose hasn’t noticed. “I don’t really want to interact with celebrity, I just want to mimic Ruby Rose. I don’t want to be her friend — nothing against her. Because it’s ludicrous... I don’t understand why she’s posing like she does, and posts all these things. I kind of get it on a level: ‘It’s a job, she’s a model’, but then you

look at those pictures and it’s like, ‘What the fuck are you doing?’” In 2015, Gadsby also appeared in the third season of Josh Thomas’ comedy, Please Like Me, her second as Mum’s friend, and now roommate, Hannah. She says that experience has been “quite a privilege” and that herself and the person presented on screen are the same, but different. “It really is the same person, just a number of years ago. Sometimes people talk to me, I feel like they talk to me like I’m a different human — I’m like ‘It’s me! I’m right here!’ I’m actually very confused about who that is. I’m much more chipper than that, though. Josh doesn’t want me to be chipper.”

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But on stage Gadsby is truthful to herself. “I’m fairly myself on stage — it might be a little bit bigger. In performing you become a bigger person so to speak, but generally it’s not a persona at all. Sure some of the stories I write, they’re true to form, absolutely true to form, but I might, for the sake of time, merge two stories… I’m a bridge. My comedy is the abridged version of my life.” Hannah Gadsby performs at His Majesty’s Theatre on Saturday, April 23, as part of the Perth Comedy Festival.

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BEN SUTTON: NEITHER HERE NOR THERE The Perth-based comedian uses his own London estate childhood as grist for the comedy mill in this Perth Comedy Festival show. At the Regal Theatre on Saturday, April 30, and Sunday, May 1.

DANIEL SLOSS Scotland’s Daniel Sloss is not merely ‘the next big thing’ in comedy. He’s shaking up the form by defying political correctness intelligently, rather than sensationally. Having long attended the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with his dad, the Kirkcaldy, Fife, prodigy began performing at just 16. He’s since appeared at the Fringe himself. Sloss is a regular on UK TV. Stateside, he’s guested on Conan five times. Sloss touts himself as “a massive comedy fan” — he constantly studies other comedians. And he’s ambitious. Following 2010’s pilot sitcom for the BBC, The Adventures

Of Daniel, he’s working on a US production. “It’s still in development,” Sloss says. “It’s very rough ideas.” He’s determined to conquer the US. “I wanna be a great,” Sloss proclaims. “But I’m fully aware that it might take me until I’m 45.” Sloss’ current stand-up show is Dark — the title “a little fuck you” because he was “sick” of his comedy being reductively described as “dark”. He’s already performed it extensively — in the UK, Europe, New York and Los Angeles. The provocateur is frustrated by the explosion of internet outrage over comedy’s dealing with taboos. “If you’re easily offended, please don’t come. But, then again, if you’re easily offended, don’t leave the fucking house you’re ruining it for the rest of us!” Sloss’ comedy prompts audiences

COREY WHITE NICOLE HENRIKSEN: TECHNO GLITTER PENGUINS The Fringe World favourite returns with a show about, well, all kinds of madness. One of the best of the current crop of altcomedians, Henriksen hits the Mt Lawley Bowls Club on Saturday, May 14m and Sunday, May 15.

DAVE HUGHES: SWEET Australia’s favourite larrikin mate has a new show and he’s bringing it to the Perth Comedy Festival - specifically His Majesty’s Theatre - on Saturday, April 30, and Sunday May 1.

COMEDY VIRGINS Once again Vulture Culture have handpicked a selection of Perthonalities to give the comedy game a crack for the very first time - and among them is X-Press editor Bob Gordon, plus Scalphunter frontman Steven Knoth, 92.9fm’s Ross Wallman, burlesque artist The Sugar Duchess, visual artist Steve Browne and hip hop artist Silvertongue. Don’t miss this special night, happening at the Perth Town Hall on Thursday, May 5. Steven Knoth 20

“I worship at the feet of Brett Whiteley.” Corey White may be known as many things, but ‘art lover’ is a mask most would not recognise him in. Wandering through the National Gallery of Art in Canberra, though, he’s inspired by the works that surround him. “Whiteley, John Brack; they’ve got paintings here by my favourite painters so it’s a great escape on a day off.” Contrast this scene to last night, performing to “...a room of unimpressed bureaucrats. There were people in the crowd still wearing their lanyards from work.” Aside from the plain idiocy of wearing a lanyard out in public — “at least tuck it beneath your shirt” — the show (unsurprisingly) wasn’t White’s best. “People say that comedy’s subjective, and it is, but people not liking

comedy is very objective. You can see in their faces if they’re not happy. I think every comic’s had that moment of staring out at that sea of blank, unhappy heads, and knowing there’s nothing you can really do.” Given White’s show, The Cane Toad Effect, deals with traditionally un-funny topics like depression, foster care and ice addiction —experiences he has suffered through personally — he knows that sea of blank, unhappy heads well. Despite this, his show has won awards around the country and he’s gearing up to perform it a few final times. It’s something of a lap of honour for the show, with White beavering away on a

STEPHEN K AMOS UK comedian, Stephen K Amos, has long been renowned as a ‘feel good’ entertainer, someone whose exuberance for life in general makes an audience with him feel effortlessly cathartic. As you’d expect, however, there’s more to it than just turning up and being funny. “I believe any stand-up has to work very hard, and my particular style of comedy is to kind of make you think that I’m a friend of yours. I’m very conversational and you can just imagine me sitting in a bar or a club with you making you laugh,” he offers. “But there is a kind of method to the madness: in my head there’s a structure and I know exactly where I’m going to go with the next line, but I do leave enough room to be able to improvise.”

Amos has been globetrotting and causing mirth for over 15 years now, but he doesn’t believe that longevity need lead to a creative drought. “I don’t think it’s possible to run out of ideas. Initially, I used to look back at my life or at things that made me laugh or that maybe that weren’t funny at the time, but what I do now is I look at the world and the world is always changing, so there’s always a story happening every single day — every single one of us has a story, a point of view. As long as there’s news, there’s comedy to be had.” Watching the news can be terrifying these days, so in some ways we need laughter more than ever. “I think that any subject is

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to confront their reactions. “I don’t know if I’m consciously challenging. I do jokes about death and religion and drugs and paedophilia,” he laughs, “But, again, I never say things to intentionally shock an audience. I don’t say things just to get a reaction. But, if something I say gets a reaction, I find it important to deconstruct why… ‘cause it’s such a visceral reaction nowadays to be upset by something that someone says. There are trigger words and there are trigger topics that set people off. But it’s never about the word — it should always be about the intent. Unless it’s intended to be offensive or it’s just done to get a reaction.” Happily, this frequent visitor to Australia maintains that we’re generally openminded. “I tend to find you guys are a little bit harder to offend. You obviously use the word ‘cunt’ as liberally as I do, which I respect. You understand it is a term of endearment.” Daniel Sloss performs at the Regal Theatre on Friday, May 6, as part of the Perth Comedy Festival. CYCLONE

new, more politically-motivated show inspired by four months squatting with a bunch of anarchists in Sydney. He’s also writing a memoir. “I’m halfway through and I’m really enjoying it, exploring themes and moments that I don’t get to cover in my stand-up show. It’s definitely going to be funny; there are already too many sad memoirs. “It’s like that Kurt Vonnegut idea that if someone’s gonna be with your work you have to offer them something, you have to give the reader a reason to read it. And if you read my book you’re sure to get a laugh out of it, so it won’t be a complete waste of your time.” Corey White performs at His Majesty’s Theatre from Thursday, April 28, until Sunday, May 1, as part of the Perth Comedy Festival. DYLAN STEWART

worthy of tackling for a laugh, as long as that intent is clear — as long as the intent is clear, in the right hands a great comic can talk about any subject. “I used to think that comedians had an obligation to educate as well as entertain until I spoke to a very, very well-known international comedian who said to me, a) it’s not your job to be an educator, and b) every comic will find his or her own time, when they feel comfortable, to approach a subject. As long as we all have an opinion then there’s nothing to say that my opinion is right, so my job is to highlight an opinion and then put it out there with a fun spin, because if I had all the right answers I’d be a politician, not a comedian.” Stephen K Amos performs at His Majesty’s Theatre from Thursday, April 28, until Sunday, May 1, as part of the Perth Comedy Festival. STEVE BELL

SELKIE The Taming Of The Wild

likely to find ourselves embroiled in. It does that in the midst of this really beautiful myth, and this kind of quiet play with so much space in between the lines; it’s beautiful. “The legend is often sold as this really romantic myth, but Finn’s tweaked it everso-slightly and made it a parable of our time, especially in an era where there’s a growing

Renegade Productions is back in action at The Blue Room with its latest production, SELKIE, running until Saturday, April 30. Written by mythology enthusiast Finn O’Branagáin and directed by Renegade’s main man, Joe Lui, SELKIE is a contemporary look at the Gaelic mythical creature, SELKIE a seal in water that sheds its skin to become human on land. CICELY BINFORD chats with Lui awareness in terms of gender and sexual about delving into new creative politics, and how oppression and misogyny and directorial territory. take place in really micro, quiet forms as well as “It’s my first time working with dancers,” says Joe Lui, of his new work, SELKIE. “I’ve got Laura Boynes choreographing and two dancers, Kynan Hughes and Yilin Kong, who I’ve worked with in the past in various roles, but I’ve never put dancers into my own work. I previously avoided making any physical theatre or anything like that because I believe you want to have the right kind of skillset to make that kind of thing. These dancers, they’ve got the goods.” The Selkie myth as retold in O’Branagáin’s script was powerfully compelling to Lui. “The issues that it touches on are incredibly subtle and complex. It’s a play that looks at the fetishisation of the wild and the taming of the other. It looks at subtly abusive and controlling relationships that you and I are

the overt ones that we all know to be on the lookout for.” The play’s idea of ‘taming of the wild’ was a key phrase for Lui in aesthetic terms. “There is a hint of fetish aesthetic in there, cut against this idea of a wild animal. Designer Cherish (Marrington) has designed beautifully grotesque yet sensual costumes that play to the idea of the control and leashing of the wild.” Lui has reteamed with two of his favourite collaborators, performers Ella Hetherington and Paul Grabovac. “We all first worked together on Book Of Death and through that process, we loved the shit out of each other. We have that language shorthand that allows me to do things like all of a sudden work with dancers, knowing that the parts that I need to lock down are locked down.”

HEATH DAVIS

At times that sense of place is harshly realised, especially in terms of language. “A lot of the characters are influenced by people I grew up with. That was the vernacular, it was important to write accurately as I didn’t want to sanitise anything. You write what you know, and it’s Watching From The nothing you wouldn’t hear at the game.” Sidelines On the upside, this also results in Broke having a wonderful streak of dark “Sorry man, phone’s been going crazy,” humour. “When the chips are down you explains Heath Davis. The writer/director of don’t get too negative, you find a laugh Broke has had a full day of interviews and film somewhere. Aussies try to see the silver premieres, just managing to squeeze us into lining. If I made Broke for the government I’d his busy schedule. be told – you can’t have drama this funny “When you make a good film, or comedy this dramatic. So we did a DIY everyone wants to talk to you. When you approach and stuck make a shit one, no to our guns.” one wants to talk With a to you at all.” There tiny budget was good reason (approximately everyone wanted to $150,000), that talk to Davis. Broke DIY approach has is a phenomenal achieved results. For achievement. his first full-length The film feature Davis has Heath Davis on the set of Broke follows the plight of made a beautiful a former NRL star as and moving film. he tries to recover from the mess a gambling “I’ve never had any money and my films have addiction has caused in his life. Growing up always looked good. I had a movie fall over in in Western Sydney, Davis saw the effects of LA. That wasn’t a massive budget movie (1-2 gambling on a number of players and friends. million AUD), but I saw where the money He thought there was a good story there, one gets spent...and where it shouldn’t get spent. with a social message. So he started to write A little ingenuity and the money can go far.” a script. Broke is screening at The Backlot on “You’d go to the pub for the game Tuesday, April 26, as part of The Australian and they would all be betting on it. Not just casually but massively. It was all part and parcel.” Revelations line-up. Although quintessentially Australian, Broke is a story that still strikes a chord world-wide, as it captivates critics and audiences on the festival circuit. “I’ve just come back from the UK and it’s a massive problem there as well. Broke seems to resonate all over the world.”

DAVID O’CONNELL

VISUAL ARTS PICA Jan-July Program Perth Institute Of Contemporary Arts (PICA) has released its guide for the next six months up to July. Exhibitions, performances, resident artists and education dominate the scene, providing a landscape for wide community to enjoy, including pieces such as Nathalie Djurberg & Hans Berg’s The Secret Garden, the always massive Revelation Film Festival, PVI Collective’s blackmarket, and more. For the full program, head to pica.org.au.

Subiaco Theatre Festival Running from Wednesday, June 8, until Saturday, July 2, at the Subiaco Arts Centre, the Subiaco Theatre Festival brings together four independent theatre companies for a season of challenging and entertaining stage productions. Among the works on offer are The Last Great Hunt’s FAG/STAG; Damon Lockwood’s I (honestly) Love You; Moving On Inc. from Lost Boys Theatre, and Second Chance Theatre’s Coincidences At The End Of Time. Tickets are available now via Ticketek.

Andy Faraday - Life On Mars Following his celebrated shows in London and New York, ‘Life on Mars’ showcases the work of visual artist Andy Faraday and his recent exploration of Western Australia’s wilderness, through a spectacle of light and colour. Challenging the boundaries between figurative painting and photography, Faraday allows his hand-developed film to bleed from one moment to another, capturing serenity in fleeting spectrums. It runs from Friday, April 22, to Friday, April 29, at Linton & Kay Galleries Perth.

THEATRE/DANCE/ PERFORMANCE Selkie Writer Finn O’Branagain and director Joe Lui unite for a new work that uses the Celtic legend of the selkie, a magical seal that can transform into a beautiful woman, to explore themes of love, cultural exploitation, and domestic oppression. It runs until Saturday, April 30, at the Blue Room Theatre. Go to blueroom.org.au for tickets and info. The Mars Project Writer and director Will O’Mahoney brings us a sci-fi-tinged take on celebrity and selfobsession with the story of Wren (Felicity McKay), a young woman who will do anything to secure a place on the Mars One colonisation team. It runs until Saturday, May 7, at the Blue Room Theatre. Book via blueroom.org.au A View From The Bridge WAAPA’s 3rd year acting student tackle acclaimed playwright Arthur Miller’s deeply affecting social drama about the family of working class Eddie Carbone, who comes into conflict with his wife’s Sicilian cousins. It runs from Friday, April 29, until Thursday, May 5, at UWA’s Roundhouse Theatre. Book via ecu. edu.au/boxoffice Tommy Tiernan - Out Of The Whirlwind: Riverside Theatre Irish comedian Tommy Tiernan has announced his Out Of The Whirlwind tour, coming to Australia in April. Tiernan rounds out the visit at Riverside Theatre on Monday, April 25. The satirist remains as edgy, seductively malevolent, and breathlessly funny as his debut in 1992, being praised for bringing “his vision to life with empathic comic power.” For more details, check out tommytiernan.com. Dido And Aeneas Henry Purcell’s baroque opera comes to the stage in its most complete form ever. Over the centuries, sections of the original work’s music have been lost, but now Australian early music specialist Professor Geoffrey Lancaster has restored the opera to its original dimensions, reconstructing the missing parts. WAAPA students will be bringing it to life at the John Inverarity Music and Drama Centre, Hale School, Wembley Downs, from Monday, May 2, until Thursday, May 5. Book via the WAAPA box office on (08) 9370 6895.

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Craig Robinson & The Nasty Delicious Veteran comedian Craig Robinson is coming to town with his band, The Nasty Delicious, for a special one-off show at The Rosemount Hotel on Wednesday, June 15. Having built a career on a string of scene-stealing turns in The Office, Hot Tub Time Machine, This Is The End and more, Robinson is a highly tuned laugh machine who is certain to leave it all on the stage. For info, head to wearenice.com.au A Conversation On Making A Murderer Attorneys Dean Strang and Jerry Butling, who defended Steve Avery as seen in the acclaimed Netflix series Making A Murderer, will be shedding more light on the subject in a just-announced speaking tour of Australia. They will address the systemic failures of the US justice system, using the Avery case as a jumping-off point, following up with a Q&A session with the audience. It all takes place at the Perth Concert Hall on Tuesday, November 1 - go to livenation.com.au for full details and ticketing info. Fawlty Towers - Live On Stage One of the most beloved television series of all time comes to the stage for a strictly limited engagement. Written by series creator John Cleese, Fawlty Towers - Live On Stage sees Stephen Hall as outrageous hotelier Basil Fawlty and Blazey Best as his long-suffering wife Sybil in a show that is sure to have fans of British comedy howling with laughter. Check in at the Regal Theatre from Thursday, November 17, until Sunday, December 18.

FESTIVALS Spanish Film Festival 2016 Spanish Affair 2 heads up the roster of great cinema coming our way with this year’s Spanish Film Festival. Running at Cinema Paradiso and Luna On SX from Wednesday, April 21, until Wednesday, May 11, the festival brings us the best cinema the Spanishspeaking diaspora has to offer. For more details, head to lunapalace.com.au. Big Sky Readers & Writers Festival From Friday, May 20, until Sunday, May 22, Geraldton is the place to be for lit-lovers and bibliophiles. Headlined by Australian actor and author Steve Bisley, the festival encompasses more than 22 events over three days, including readings, debates, masterclasses and presentations. For more information, go to library.cgg.wa.gov.au.

EDDIE THE EAGLE

matter that this has taken vast liberties with the truth, such as creating an entirely fictitious character for Hugh Jackman to play. This is a romp that celebrates mediocrity and equates it to the original Olympic ideal of amateur competition. In a sense it is right, as the Olympics Soar Like An Eagle has moved far beyond this initial concept (as numerous drug cheating scandals clearly Directed by Dexter Fletcher demonstrate). Eddie becomes a bungling Starring Taron Egerton, Hugh Jackman, Tim Everyman, struggling against the system McInnerny (in this case, represented by a sneering Tim McInnerny) to reclaim that amateur spirit. The Calgary Winter Olympics were certainly a The audience becomes invested, cheering memorable event. Not only did 1988 see the his achievements as the film finds humour first appearance of Jamaica in the event (as immortalised in Cool Runnings), but it also saw between the breadth of his ambitions and the a loveable loser become a media sensation. This humbleness of his actual accomplishments. Central to is the tale of Eddie The Eagle. this is Taron Egerton’s Since his childhood, performance. His face Eddie (Taron Egerton) contorted, his posture has been obsessed with slouched, he is almost competing in the Olympics. unrecognisable from the Filled with determination, lead role in Kingsman. Eddie’s dream is only Instead he inhabits the hampered by a complete character, creating the Taron Egerton and lack of sporting talent. Still Hugh Jackman in Eddie The Eagle lovable loser that the he has one chance to get in. sports press of the ‘80s If he can make a distance of fell in love with. Embodying the stubborn 70 metres on a ski jump, he will qualify under determination which Eddie peruses his goals. a loophole for the British Winter Olympics Jackman, by contrast gives him someone to team. With a drunken and disgraced former bounce off, and the film is at its best when Olympiad, Bronson Peary (Hugh Jackman), these two are interacting. They are distorted as his coach Eddie strives for entrance to the reflections of each other, Peary having the Calgary games. After all how hard can a sport talent and training, but lacking the drive. be where men train from childhood, so they A humorously good natured film that don’t end up in a body cast? captures the spirit of the era and the event. Eddie The Eagle is a quintessential DAVID O’CONNELL feelgood sports film. It hits every cliché of the genre with such a sense of glee, that it is hard to fault it for achieving its intent. It doesn’t

BROKE

adds to the authenticity of voice behind Broke. It rings true of the Australian ‘burbs, that distinctive turn of phrase and way of behaving. This is the voice that the film successfully After The Game chooses for itself, and although it sails towards parody on a number of occasions, it generally Directed by Heath Davis manages to stick the course. What it is so Starring Steve Le Marquand, Max Cullen, successful in doing is mining this atmosphere, Claire Van De Boom for both some great comedy and some genuinely effecting drama. Times have certainly changed for former In that regard it’s certainly boosted by football legend Ben ‘BK’ Kelly (Steven Le Steve Le Marquand’s spot on performance as Marquand). Addicted to gambling, he has the damaged Ben Kelly. His constant hangdog managed to lose look conveys aeons of every dollar he’s pain and regret, and made, and alienate that his glory days every friend he ever are well in the past. had. It is in this Veteran actor Max state that Cec (Max Cullen is solid as the Cullen), a former good natured Cec, fan, discovers him bringing a grounding drunk and homeless to a character that at a petrol station Steve Le Marquand in Broke could be too good to one night, and be true. In a role that offers him a place to could easily be just an obligatory love interest, stay. That simple act of kindness opens up Claire Van De Boom brings a touch of lightness new opportunities for BK, but sticking the to the film as Cec’s daughter, Terri. Adding course has never been easy outside of the both comedy and pathos to the mix, her game for Ben. chemistry with Le Marquand is suburb, filled Filmed in Gladstone for a total with a sense of playfulness. budget smaller than most Hollywood films A simple redemption arc, that is given would spend on catering, director Heath depth by the characters and the environment. Davis achieves miracles. Sure it is a little rough In its examination of celebrity sports stars around the edges, but given the subject and culture and gambling addiction Broke seems location, that just seems strangely appropriate. topical and on point. Sadly beautiful in its What he brings to the screen seems genuinely storytelling and its visuals, this is a solid and beautiful, both in its cinematography and in its distinctly Australian film. story telling. DAVID O’CONNELL At times the dialogue of Broke is as obscenity laden and homophobic as the average Deadwood monologue. Yet this all

MIDNIGHT SPECIAL Shine A Light On Me Directed by Jeff Nicol Starring Michael Shannon, Joel Edgerton, Kirsten Dunst, Jaeden Liehbar In this age of comic book films and Young Adult adaptations it often seems increasingly rare to see science fiction cinema, without the IP being grounded in another medium. Midnight Special is an original work, and celebrates this originality in an offbeat manner. Alton Meyer (Jaeden Liehbar) is a very special kid. Born with extraordinary powers, he has lived most of his life in a strange cult, till Roy (Michael Shannon) steals him away. With Alton’s destructive potential kept in check by a pair of swimming googles they move only at night, fleeing from both a religious cult and the government. In this manner they make their way across the country to a mysterious rendezvous that the voices have told Alton of, all in the hope of unlocking the boy’s true potential. A locked box mystery thriving on atmosphere to enrich the tale, director Jeff Nicol has managed to create an intriguing tale that gently reveals itself. At times it may play a bit too coy with that information, but the strength of the performances and the beauty of the visuals are all adequate compensation for this. 22

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Comparisons to Spielberg’s early work are inevitable. A strange sci-fi involving an ‘alien’ figure being chased by government agencies seems familiar, yet tonally this is a remarkably different piece. Spielberg’s works are bathed in optimism and Americana, but Midnight Special is built on far more cynical foundations. Its America is a well of the regret, cynicism, mistrust, conspiracy, dogma and the deeply weird. Its ‘80s overtones are far more John Carpenter, than Steven Spielberg. Almost like an alternative remake of Starman which was not an apology for traumatising audiences with The Thing, but rather its own glorious deeply strange artefact. However Midnight Special is not a bleak film, merely less saccharine. There is hope to be had here, clawed out from amongst the background of cheap motels, and all-night petrol stations. Like Nicol’s other works it comes down to a matter of faith. Shannon’s stoic determination drives this adventure. He is a man tested, and strives to do what is right. It is an underplayed performance setting the tone for the rest of the cast (especially Edgerton). Only Adam Driver didn’t get this memo, and instead channels his best Richard Dreyfuss (perfectly acceptable given his role). Strange, melancholic and deeply atmospheric, Midnight Special is an odd gem of a genre film. DAVID O’CONNELL

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AB-FAB-4 Riverside Cottages in Augusta is proud to reveal that AbbaFab and The Australian Beatles are stopping by for one night only. AbbaFab is a stunning tribute to the Music of ABBA. The Australian Beatles superbly reproduce in precise detail, the evolving sights and sounds of one of the greatest bands in history. It all happens on Saturday, April 30, at Augusta Centennial Hall. Ticket for this 18+ event are $45 (includes one free drink) from riversideaugusta.com or 1300 852 223.

BEATS IN THE HEAT With Early Bird VIP tickets sold out the Pilbara’s two-day Beats in the Heat festival is looking to be one hot ticket. Friday, June 24, features John Williamson, Potbelleez, KLP (Triple J), Some Blonde, Nino Brown, Che Fu + DJ Tiklez, Kid Kenobi, Black & Blunt and Pilbara artists Panda, Genga, Fl3ggless, Saccas, Corey David, Matt M, Lace Em Tight, Hemi, Lachy Mckay, Jackt, DJ Oh, Rhyval, Fred Kettlewell, Brandon Saena, Dpx, Knew and Harry Gray. On Saturday, June 25, catch The Cat Empire, Drapht, Art vs Science, British India, Yolanda Be Cool, Mashd n Kutcher, Savage, Sid Diamond, Kate Foxx and DJ Tiklez. It’s all happening at Karratha Entertainment Complex, Bulgarra. Tickets (including VIP) are available from Moshtix.com.au. The Cat Empire

AbbaFab

POLKA DOT VINTAGE MARKETS Polka Dot Vintage Markets is returning on SaturdaySunday, April 23-24, at Claremont Showgrounds. Browse stall upon stall (over 300) of Girls & Guys genuine vintage and retro clothing and accessories, mid-century, retro and kitsch collectables, vinyl records, vintage jewellery, vintageinspired and up-cycled wares, retro furniture, pre-loved designer fashion, handmade wares and gourmet goodies. Plus there a $2,000 cash door prize. It’s from 9.30am4.30pm each day, $7 entry. Banteay Srey Boutique, Polka Dot Vintage Markets 2015

COMEDY + SUBI = MORE GOOD TIMES The Regal Theatre, City of Subiaco, Subiaco Town Centre Network and local business community welcome all Perth Comedy Festival visitors to the Subiaco comedy hub. Wine, dine and laugh a little longer with dinner and drink deals and discounts throughout Subiaco for the festival at 27 venues including Bistro Felix Wine Bar, Chutney Mary’s, Double Double Small Bar, Edo Japanese Restaurant, Fee Fi Pho Fum, Floyd’s, Funtastico, George’s Meze, Grill’d Subiaco, Jus Burgers Subiaco, Karma Indian, Lanna Thai, Llama Bar, Mad Mex Subiaco, Menchie’s Subiaco, Metro Indian Restaurant , Monkey Puzzle Café & Bar, Mr Nelson’s, Paddy Maguires, Pure Bar, Purl Bar, San Churro Subiaco, Santa Fe Restaurant, Subiaco Hotel, The Vic, The Village Bar and The Witch’s Cauldron. Participating business will be identifiable by orange comedy festival teardrop banners and footpath decals, or a full list can be seen AT regaltheatre.com.au/comedy-hub.php. The Regal Theatre

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RTRFM IN THE PINES Glory be, RTRFM’s In The Pines happens on Sunday April 24, from 11am-10pm, at Somerville Auditorium, UWA. It stars the Benjamin Witt Band, Bucket, Davey Craddock & The Spectacles, Fat Sparrow, Grace Barbe Afro-Kreol, HEEBIEJEEBIES (Hayley Beth), Helta Skelta, HUSSY, Jacob Diamond, Joni In The Moon, Kim Salmon, Merindas, Peter Bibby, The Pissedcolas, Radarmaker, Skullcave, Tired Lion, Turnstyle, Verge Collection and The Wheelers of Oz. Pre-sale tickets are available from RTRFM.com.au, Highgate Continental, Diabolik, 78 Records, Mills Records and Noise Pollution Records. It’s a great, great day.

SAFIA ROLLS

Peter Bibby with RTRFM’s Caitlin Nienaber

Continuing their domination of the electro-soul scene SAFIA have returned with their latest single, Make Them Wheels Roll, and a tour will see them performing at creative, nontraditional venues, offering fans a unique and exclusive experience. SAFIA will perform at a secret Fremantle location on Friday, May 6. Tickets on sale from safia-music.com. SAFIA

MISS MUDDY

BEN & JERRY’S OPEN AIR CINEMA After more than 20 screenings that made you laugh, cry and shiver, Ben & Jerry’s Open Air Cinema is getting closer to the finish line. But not to worry, they’ve still got a few tickets left for the following screenings: Derek and Hansel are back, sexier and funnier than ever in Zoolander 2 on Wednesday, April 20. If you’re more of a cult classic fan, they’re screening the mother of all comedies, The Princess Bride on Thursday, April 21. The latest Pixar production everybody’s talking about, Zootopia, is all yours on the big screen on Friday, April 22. Hail Caesar! will grace the screen with Channing Tatum, Scarlett Johansson and George Clooney on Saturday, April 23. Make the most of their fullystocked Jar Bar, freshly cooked pizzas and yummy Ben & Jerry’s ice cream while you still can. Tickets via openaircinemas.com.au/perth/home.

The folks behind Miss Muddy, Australia’s fun and fabulous female-only obstacle and mud race are excited to announce the dates for their 2016 events around Australia and their partnership with the McGrath Foundation who will be Miss Muddy’s exclusive charity partner. At Miss Muddy events, participants will walk, run, climb, crawl, slip and slide over an obstacle course around 5km long which guarantees loads of mud and most importantly, lots of fun. It happens in Perth on Saturday, April 30, and Sunday, May 1. Full details at missmuddy.com.au. Miss Muddy Perth

Ben & Jerry’s Open Air Cinema

IVAN OOZE ANNOUNCES NATIONAL TOUR To coincide with the launch of his brand new mix tape ’93 KFC Rotisserie GOLD, Ivan Ooze has announced a national headline tour that will take the young rapper across the country to showcase track that will be featured on his long awaited second release. The WA leg of his tour will take place at Jimmy’s Den in Perth on Thursday, May 12. For more ticket info, check out ivanooze.com.au Ivan Ooze WWW. XP RE SS MAG.COM. AU

STEVE HUGHES Steve Hughes tells Dylan Stewart over a cup of tea about his less than relaxing hiatus. Steve Hughes is in a pretty chipper mood. “The shows are great, the audiences have been great. It’s the first run of this show so there are always a few things that need to get ironed out, but it’s a lot easier to do that with responsive audiences.” Hughes hasn’t performed any festival shows since 2014, during which time his life was turned on its head. “I’ve written a show about it. I figured I could bullshit and tell everyone that I’ve been on holiday. That’s the thing about comedy, you can talk about stuff.” Those changes include a severe breakdown and subsequent plunge into deep depression — “it wasn’t just depression that I was suffering, it was adrenal fatigue; burnout” — a serious car crash and a broken heart. “It’s quite a challenge to talk about hardcore depression and make it funny. Especially when you’re depressed. But it seems to be working.” Contrary to the stereotype of the thrash metal drummer-turned-international comedian (admittedly, it’s not a common career path), illicit substances weren’t the target. “I wasn’t even ever that fucking bad.

NICK CODY Funnyman Nick Cody is debuting a new solo tour and he tells Steve Bell that it will feature neither themes nor backward steps.

I hardly ever drank, I sometimes do drugs. I’ve had friends who have been addicted to drugs; that was never an issue for me. Booze was never an issue either.” Despite his temporary absence from the comedy festival circuit, there was no debate about whether he’d perform his shows in front of big crowds. “I despise small crowds. They’re filled with mums and dads who are there for a festival, so it’s like sticking fucking Bill Hicks in front of a church hall.” There’s no sign that Hughes will be putting himself out to pasture yet, although as he’s recently discovered, there’d be a pretty good argument to step off the circuit and embrace mundanity. “A lot of people say ‘Steve, you’ve got a great job. My job’s boring, the 9-5, five days a week.’ The thing about those jobs, though, is at least there’s structure. I’ve come to realise that the body loves structure. That’s why you see these people in the countryside who live to be 100 years old, who get up at five in the morning, go to bed at 8pm, have lunch at the same time, the body loves it.” Steve Hughes performs at the Perth Town Hall from Thursday, April 28, to Sunday, May 1, as part of the Perth Comedy Festival.

it, fucking great work. If you just laugh your balls off for an hour: that was the aim from the start.” Fortunately making people laugh away their private regions has long been Cody’s dream. “I always wanted to do stand-up comedy since I was about five or six,” he reflects. “My parents got me into comedy albums early on — my parents loved stand-up and would play me Billy Connolly records and stuff like that and I always found it amazing, I just didn’t know you could do it for a job. Then I realised that there were all of these festivals and comedy clubs where you could go and try out, and over the last nine years I’ve just been working away hard. “The thing is that because I listened to so many [comedians] what I learned was that the best ones are always themselves. But the ones that I still love the most and listen to would be Jim Jefferies, Phil Burr, Lawrence Mooney, Tom Gleeson — people who are brilliant storytellers and just brutal about things that have happened in their lives. The ones who don’t take a backwards step.”

Nick Cody is in the bar of London’s Soho Theatre having just completed a run through of his standup show Beard Game Strong. “It’s going great,” he says. “It’s my first time in London and I’m doing Soho Theatre for two weeks, so I can’t complain. It’s the way to roll into town. It’s actually been really good because I haven’t done Beard Game Strong since Edinburgh because I’ve been working on stuff for the new tour, so it was nice to pull out a bunch of the classics. I’m excited to come home to kick off the brand new show.” This new show is called Come Get Some, and Cody explains that that any perceived themes will be purely accidental. “It’s just an hour of cracking standup — you’re not going to be sad, you’re not going to learn anything,” he chuckles. “Over Nick Cody performs at the Mt Lawley Bowling Club from Wednesday, May 11, to Sunday, the last few years on the Australian tour I May 15, as part of the Perth Comedy Festival. get reviewers in for all of the shows — and I love the reviewers — but every reviewer takes a different theme out of it, and I’ve never set a theme. I’ve never once said ‘This is the theme.’ “So who am I to say what people are going to take from it? If they find a theme in 26

AUNTY DONNA

were when Justin Timberlake snorts coke off a 15-year-old’s stomach.” “There was none of that!” chimes in Bonanno. The result of their trip: a web series about the ‘90s will premiere this year and is just one of a series of collaborations that have Mark Bonanno, Broden seen them reaching all new audiences, and Kelly and Zachary Ruane of Aunty formats, of late. They developed a half-hour Donna take a call in a bath of pilot for ABC’s Fresh Blood comedy series, coffee to tell Dave Drayton about have been selected their kind of fancy. to produce an online series to help launch Comedy trio Aunty Donna Comedy Central recently spent some Australia and are a time in the fanciest place preparing the followthere is for a group of up to their last live three comics who peddle stage show. their wares on the World “We started Wide Web: YouTube. We live and we were don’t mean the website (where the group always a live act first and foremost, because have some 70,000 subscribers and nearly we’re all theatre men,” Bonanno says of the nine million views amassed); we mean a real Ballarat drama school alumni. “The film stuff world space: YouTube Space. These next level came very much afterwards, but these recent techno-lots are scattered about the world opportunities have made us better writers in cities such as London, Berlin, Mumbai, because we get to work together more on and Los Angeles, where Aunty Donna found something different.” themselves towards the end of last year, “It’s the opposite of what I thought thanks to the Google and Screen Australia it would be going in, it makes you realise the Skip Ahead initiative. different values of each medium.” says Kelly. “YouTube Space is pretty much “You can fuck up more in a live,” the fanciest place in all the land. Here in offers Ruane, “Which is great! Because Melbourne, our idea of fancy is a great every night is so different and you can do cappuccino, but we got there and they did something stupid and ridiculous and take pretty good coffee, you know?” says Kelly. those risks.” “I was kind of expecting there to be shit everywhere,” mentions Ruane. Aunty Donna perform at the Perth Town Hall “But there was toilet paper in every from Wednesday, May 11, to Sunday, May 14, stall,” says Bonanno. as part of the Perth Comedy Festival. “It was like the good bits of The Social Network,” Ruane resumes, “The bad bits

MATT OKINE Matt Okine talks to Simon Eales about his chicken obsession, Ja Rule impersonations and the trouble with taking advice from anonymous doctors. “It’s going to be a really nice look at the last 12 months,” Matt Okin says of his new show. “First and foremost I talk about chicken, probably way too much — my affinity for eating chicken, things going wrong with me eating chicken; I think I need to be more vegan-minded, like, do more ethically sourced comedy, because the amount of chicken jokes compared to plantbased jokes is outrageous.” Okine’s tour is self-titled, but was going to be called Do Not Broadcast This Message, following a string of strange text messages received while on air. One particular message stands out. “Me and Alex were talking to a caller one day, who’d hurt his back, and I said that I’d suffered a similar situation,” Okine says. “I’d hurt my sciatic nerve as well. And then I got a text from this random person who said, ‘Hey, that’s actually a very serious situation. You need to consult a neurologist. Please give me a call, I’m a doctor in Sydney,’ then in capitals it said, ‘DO NOT BROADCAST THIS MESSAGE.’ “It was a pretty crazy situation that I’d just got thrust into,” he continues. “So I called this person up while Sia was playing on the radio and they said, ‘Look, I don’t want to freak you out, and ethically I don’t even

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know if I’m supposed to do this, but I just got worried when you mentioned it, because you described a symptom that is really prevalent in people who have multiple sclerosis. I would recommend you do something about it, get tested.’ So, yeah, next thing you know I was getting all these tests and MRIs. It’s funny how much you start reflecting on, you know, everything, when you’re sitting in an MRI scanner for three minutes not able to move. And for some reason your nose always becomes so itchy. I may have gone the whole day not needing to itch my nose, and yet the moment — the moment! — you get told, ‘Do not move for three minutes,’ it’s like, ‘well, I need to bloody move I’ve got something on my face right now!’ “But on top of that,” Okine says, snapping back to his show summary, “I do lots of dumb stuff, like ruining sexy moments with Ja Rule impersonations.” Matt Okine performs at the Regal Theatre on Saturday, May 14, as part of the Perth Comedy Festival.

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BECKY LUCAS

much fun ‘cause you can just be exactly who you are on it and people either like you or they don’t. It’s so volatile. In a day you can lose 20 followers and the next day you can gain 50 — people don’t have to follow you if they don’t want to.”

TONY WOODS

Becky Lucas tells Cyclone that it’s never a bad plan to tell a few lies, some of them might become truths.

Veteran American comic Tony Woods is back with his new show. Brynn Davies checks in.

Becky Lucas can’t help but be funny. The rising Brisbane star — now based in Sydney — made her solo debut at 2015’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival with High Tide after being named a RAW Comedy finalist two years prior. She’ll be returning to the festival circuit with Baby. “I guess it was just a show that I wanted to write — just stuff that I’d been thinking about for the past year,” Lucas says of the concept. “I like to write about stuff that just gross girls do... I feel it’s quite modern things that single girls sort of understand.” Lucas rattles off some of those things, such as ordering from Menulog multiple times a week. “I talk about getting caught having sex wearing a backpack,” she deadpans. What? “It’s not like a sub-section on a porno site or anything — it’s just something that accidentally happened to me.” Lucas also tackles the topic of feminism — about which she’s blogged at beckylucashenko.tumblr.com, questioning its corporate ‘co-option’. “I’m a very lazy feminist — but I am one.” Lucas has a similarly irreverent approach to Twitter — for her as much a hobby as a professional platform. “I love Twitter. I think Twitter is the best. It’s so

Tony Woods has appeared on HBO’s Def Jam, Last Comic Standing, A&E’s Caroline’s Comedy Hour, Showtime At The Apollo, NBC’s Friday Night Videos, Just For Laughs and NYPD Blue, and a soap opera in 1994 called Bad Guy - No really, he played ‘the bad guy’ in a black leather jacket. He’s bringing his unique brand of dry, quick laughs and ‘Merican humour down under for Comedy Festival season, where “...all the lonely comedians get to be together, all alone together” according to Woods. He’s pretty excited to bring his show to Aussie audiences, “I hope that the overwhelming anger, fear, rage, distrust and utter motherfucking confusion that life gives me chokes the living shit outta you until you’re laughing hysterically with tears in your eyes and piss in your pants.” He’s hoping to use his charm to bring people to the show, suggesting that “You get to go with me… I could take you with me, cause I’ve wanted for so long to have you see what I see.” By “you” we’re assuming he means the people of Australia as opposed to us personally, as

Regardless, the entertaining Lucas has attracted a dedicated following. And she enjoys tweeting celebrities — most famously Today presenter Karl Stefanovic, who called her “a bloody weirdo” (it’s gone into her bio). “One time I tweeted at Flo Rida. I just said something like, ‘What are you doing?’ He wrote back, like, ‘Partying, girl.’” Lucas’ writing skills are in demand - she worked on the third series of Josh Thomas’ Please Like Me - But Lucas is likewise keen to gig more internationally, having performed a split show with Beth Stelling at Los Angeles’ UCB Theatre last year. “I’m hoping that I will go back to LA and just do some shows and stuff — that would be my goal for this year.” Becky Lucas performs at the Mt Lawley Bowling Club from Thursday, April 28, until Sunday, May 1, as part of the Perth Comedy Festival.

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we tend not be dates for our interviewees to their own shows. When asked about the biggest challenged he came across when writing the show, he surprised us with “I didn’t write it, but other cats who stole from me did! So ask them…” Let’s hope that they fair better than the poor bugger who heckled him at one of his performances: “I turned him into my punch line and made him spend the rest

of the show as the fool who really hates himself for not being man enough to be like me,” and the people who work with him: “I transfer all my anxiety on to the people who organised the show, cause I don’t need that stress so I’ll give it to them. Afterwards I like to laugh, a lot!” Tony Woods is performing at the Mt Lawley Bowling Club from Wednesday, May 4, to Sunday, May 8, as part of the Perth Comedy Festival.

LARRY DEAN Glaswegian laugh merchant Larry Dean is currently enjoying his third visit Down Under and after two weeks immersed in Melbourne he tells STEVE BELL that he’s gleaned enough about our audiences to know he should bring something extra in his comedic kitbag. “I know when I come here I always think that I need to have something that’s specifically about Australia so they know that I actually care that I’m here,” he smiles. “Because if you ever go on stage and go, ‘This is all about me now’, then people kind of look at you and think, ‘I can’t believe they’ve flown this guy out just to massage his ego for a bit’. I’ve got a story from here about getting caught out on the tram not having a ticket, so that’s been working really well, but now I’m thinking, ‘Well, that’s a six-or-seven-minute story, I hope I don’t go back to the UK and can’t use that story anymore because I enjoy doing it now’. So if it doesn’t work in the UK I’ll have to write it down and try and remember it for next year.” Dean’s current show, Out Now, is a veritable laugh-riot, despite dealing with some intimately personal subject matter.

“I’ll have bits in the show that have not been seen before, but it’s not ‘new material’ it’s just stories that have happened since I first wrote the show,” Dean explains, “because at the beginning of the Edinburgh Fringe I was talking about the Scottish referendum, and if I go on now in Australia talking about the Scottish referendum it would just be (adopts Aussie drawl) ‘Mate, we don’t give a shit!’ “The show’s mainly about coming out as a homosexual, but the thing that’s weird about it though is that there’s loads of different characters in the show, it’s not really camp — I wouldn’t call it a ‘gay show’, unless I’m on the phone to a gay magazine then obviously I will,” he laughs. “But it’s not really a gay show, it’s basically about me coming out and having to tell all my family and my mates, and how I don’t really fit the stereotype of the ‘normal homosexual’ — well, not the normal homosexual man, but just the image of what people usually think when they think about what a gay man looks like. I don’t talk too graphically about things because I don’t want to freak people out, or maybe freak myself out — I don’t have the selfesteem to know when I’m even being me, so I just try to not think about what I’m doing at any time.” Larry Dean performs at the Mt Lawley Bowling Club from Thursday, April 28, until Sunday, May 1, as part of the Perth Comedy Festival.

SARAH CALLAGHAN Ahead of her Perth Comedy Festival appearances, Sarah Callaghan talks to Sam Wall about the elephant in the room. Sarah Callaghan says she started comedy in 2010 when she handed in notice at her last job — “I had a choice between comedian and unemployed for my job title. Often it feels like I do both.” Since then the young UK comedian has received numerous accolades including a Malcolm Hardee Award nomination for Act Most Likely To Make A Million Quid. Seems there’s only one thing standing between Callaghan and world domination. “My laptop is rubbish,” says Callaghan. “But even if it wasn’t I think I’m so used to handwriting the bits now I wouldn’t use it. Technology-wise I’m at least 20 years behind the rest of the planet. I still have a VHS video recorder, it’s like living in a museum.” Sounds like the kind of semi-selfinflicted problem that Callaghan addresses in her show Elephant, which was inspired by “My awful life!” claims the comedian. “It’s not that bad, but I didn’t need to look that far for inspiration — I just sat on my shitty single bed in my mum’s house and stared at the four walls until the inspiration hit me! “It’s a show about being trapped,” says Callahan, “how many of us live in small worlds unable to break free, struggling with money but more a lack of ambition. I talk about my bedroom, I’m the elephant in the room, dreaming of flying away, Dumbo-style.” It’s a relatable, and contemporary, topic. How many people see the near-infinite

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quantity of information available in the modern age, or a confusing array of potential options, and instead of seizing any of it just seize up? It’s something most people face at some stage and if nothing else it’s always great to see someone dissect a common problem with humour and charm. “I hope [the audience] feel a bit inspired to be more ambitious in life and to break free from the traps that so many fall into. Doesn’t matter what stage of your life you’re at you can always turn it around! My audiences have been from like 16 to 80 and I love it when everyone is enjoying the bits equally.” No easy task, but no one’s accusing Callaghan of lacking confidence, and she’s got the formula down-pat. “A good comedy hour seems like ten minutes, leaves you wanting more and you think about it for ages afterwards. An abysmal one includes the phrase ‘What else shall I tell you about?’” Sarah Callaghan performs at the Mt Lawley Bowling Club from Wednesday, May 11, until Sunday, May 15, as part of the Perth Comedy Festival.

NAZEEM HUSSAIN Australian comedian, actor and presenter Nazeem Hussain has finally found a rhyme with his name for his new stand-up show — Hussain In The Membrane. Annabel Maclean checks in. It has been a big year for Nazeem Hussain. His debut solo comedy show sold out around Australian and Europe, he was nominated for a prestigious Helpmann Award and a Logie for his smash-hit SBS show Legally Brown and his now public profile has got him into some interesting situations. “I’ve just realised in the last couple of years I’ve had lots of confrontations,” he says. “People come up to you on the street and they can be drunk. I think people just want to take on public figures in a weird way. “I’ve started boxing basically as a result of that,” he laughs. “I’ve had one session with this guy, the trainer calls him ‘crazy John’. He actually is a crazy guy. He talks to himself and when he punches, he says ‘punch, punch, punch’. He has this tattoo of the Australian flag and it has the words ‘love it or leave it’ on it. I took a photo of it. “Then he said ‘Nazeem what do you do for a living?’ and I didn’t feel like I could

elaborate and then the trainer goes ‘he’s a stand-up comedian’ and then he goes ‘I wanna come to one of your shows’ and I said ‘Ah it’s all booked out’ and he said ‘what do you joke about?’ and I said ‘just about how much I love Australia’ and he said ‘Ah awesome, awesome, I’m gonna YouTube you!’. So I haven’t gone back since. I’m a bit scared I’m gonna see that guy and he’s gonna punch my lights out.” Luckily, there were some positives in 2015 to outweigh the negatives — Hussain performed his first ever stand-up show in Sri Lanka and it was “crazy” to say the least. “They’ve got a really fresh stand-up scene where there’s a couple young guys just doing stuff in a café but nothing like a stand-up comedy concert,” he says. “The Prime Minister’s wife attended. There was a VIP section. I got invited to the Prime Minister’s house afterwards.” Hussain was a little nervous. “They had these huge screens just projecting into the crowd and it kept flashing up with ‘Nazeem Hussain’ and then the next slide would say ‘stand-up comedy has never been so good’. They had this marching band come out and five tuk-tuks and so everyone was on their feet by the time I started and I was like ‘man please just relax, let’s start with no expectations’.” Nazeem Hussain performs at the Regal Theatre on Saturday, May 7, as part of the Perth Comedy Festival.

THE UMBILICAL BROTHERS

Roadie? When are we going to see Roadie again?’ So we talked to Roadie and he’s keen to get on the road again, because it’s been some time for him.” Collins and his sparring partner Shane Dundas met at uni way back in 1988 — first year acting class, naturally — and apparently their rapport was fairly instantaneous. “It was always there, which On the the was the reason that cusp of their we called ourselves 25th anniversary, David The Umbilical Brothers Collins talks to Steve — we were always kind Bell about the of in sync. You know instant simpatico The how you meet those Umbilical sort of people and you Brothers developed all know [you] have the same mindset... not those years ago. just the same mindset but you’re in the same rhythm as them.” For a full quarter-century now The Umbilical And the slapstick element which so Brothers have been sharing their twisted flavours their routines also dates back to their simpatico with the world, their chaotic blend very genesis. “When we were in acting school, of slapstick, mime and sound effects taking every weekend we’d go into Chinatown and physical humour to the extreme in the quest we’d watch a Jackie Chan movie — he’s like for laughs. the Asian Buster Keaton!” Collins laughs. “He Over time they’ve accumulated half- used to have all these physical gags in there a-dozen different shows in their repertoire, and we used to love the combination of which they constantly rotate in each market full-on fighting action scenes intermixed with as they circumnavigate the globe, and for this comedy — it was so precise and so funny. homecoming run of Australian gigs they’re It’s this violent sort of thing but you’d be dusting off old fan favourite Speedmouse. laughing at it, and our first couple of shows “This year is our 25th anniversary started like that, all banging noises and guns and everywhere we go we keep getting and explosions. Thankfully we’ve grown a bit asked to do Speedmouse,” chuckles David since then.” Collins (he of the dark, wavy locks). “There’s a character called ‘Roadie’ in the show, and The Umbilical Brothers perform at the Regal after every show we do a question and Theatre on Saturday, April 30, and Sunday, answer with the audience and 99 per cent of May 1, as part of the Perth Comedy Festival. the time someone will yell out, ‘Where’s

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ARJ BARKER

TOMMY TIERNAN

Australian adoptee Arj Barker’s not only been working his latest set to perfection, but crafting a new single, developing a TV show and avoiding goats in bushes. Daniel Cribb gets schooled by the comic-turnedhip hop star.

Irish comedian Tommy Tiernan talks to Baz McAlister about being the focus of expats’ “Irishness” and his preference for performing in humble, run-down rooms.

it so ingrained that I can deliver it in a natural way. I never want it to feel like you’re watching a play or a speech.” Taking into account other projects, it’s surprising he’s had time to work on a hip hop single and accompanying video. “I’m putting out a song — it’s a hip hop song If you were sitting in a Melbourne bar produced by myself, and mostly created and an Arj Barker-like character dressed using Logic in my hotel room in Brisbane,” he convincingly as Satan sat next to you for a reveals. “It’s a real grassroots operation. I love couple of drinks, you might be left somewhat rapping, and I love comedy. I’m just editing speechless. Well, between takes on the set of the video for it now. It’s called Disgrace Book, Brisbane rockers DZ Deathrays’ latest music and complains about certain behaviours on video — the second DZ clip Barker has been Facebook, but it’s very light-hearted.” a part of — that’s exactly what went down. “I There have also been some would just sit there at the bar, having a beer exciting developments on a TV show he’s and I got some pretty funny looks, because been working on. “It’s coming along real well. that make-up was really intense,” Barker It’s still too early to announce anything, but laughs. “They’re mates at this point, so it was we made some great progress. We have a a pleasure working with them,” he adds. production company that’s on board with us It’s in South Australia that Barker’s now and that’s a massive step. The next step been moulding his new show. “I did two is finding a network that wants to commission weeks of previews at the Fringe Festival in the show. We have the talent, the writers, a WA, and since then it’s changed a lot. When I production company, but we’re just missing came to Adelaide I had it pretty well dialledthat final element.” in; I’ve just made some minor tweaks, subtle tweaks,” Barker explains. Arj Barker performs at the Regal Theatre on “It’s more it comes down to the Thursday, May 12, and Friday, May 13, as wording — getting the wording just perfect. part of the Perth Comedy Festival. I’m sort of particular about that, so I have

Whenever Irish comic Tommy Tiernan heads here, it’s usually not a warm wave of welcoming Australian applause that greets him — instead, it’s “the roar of the Irish”. He once recounted to an Irish newspaper how he got so emotional coming out to perform for a crowd of thousands of “...exiles — people on the far side of the world from Manorhamilton, Cork, Tubbercurry, Borris,” at a Sydney Opera House gig in 2013 that he had to turn away for a moment and gird himself. “I get the sense, in situations like that, of being the focal point of people’s Irishness for the length of a show,” says Tiernan. “They fuel their Irishness through you. You wouldn’t want that to be a way of life as a performer — it would start to feel fake. That Opera House gig was nice, though. It was such an iconic venue and I got the sense that Irish people owned it for the night. They sure as fuck didn’t design it but they probably built it, we have no eye for architecture.

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“I’m very proud to talk to Irish people abroad but I have to keep moving on as well. I find it very thrilling to play to audiences that might not be familiar with me. I did a gig in Russia and I found that very exciting. I’m very keen to play to Australians — I’m keen to keep everything very challenging for me.” “When my 2016 tour starts, I’ll be doing venues like the Enmore — rooms that look like the type of place Nick Cave might have played,” he says. “There are rooms like that scattered around the world, and any opportunity to play them is great. The way standup has gone over the past five or ten years, the mainstream manifestation of it has been the people who are able to sell out arenas and go on TV panel shows — but there are also amazing rooms out there, and stand-up is so cheap to put on. All you need is a room in a pub.” And as for the material planned for his upcoming Out Of The Whirlwind tour, Tiernan says he’ll be returning to his old staples of sex, love, religion, family, identity, and death. “I don’t have any choice in that matter,” he says. “I’d love to talk about stuff like monkeys and the Philippines — but it’s whatever you’re drawn to, really.” Tommy Tiernan performs at the Riverside Theatre on Monday, April 26, as part of the Perth Comedy Festival.

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LITTLE MAY Three’s Company Little May are working their way around the country in support of their album, For The Company. BRYNN DAVIES chats with the trio in the lead up to their Perth show at Amplifier on Saturday, May 21. Liz Drummond, Hannah Field and Annie Hamilton of Sydney ‘ghost-folk’ band Little May are bubbly, energetic and eager to shoot the breeze, so to speak, as we struggle not to eat our hair in the wind atop an office roof. They seem like the same laidback girls who once played Eagle-Eye Cherry as teenagers: “We played open mic nights and just played Save Tonight every Thursday night, which was probably very traumatic for the people at the Greengate Hotel,” admits Field. “We tried to do Tracy Chain… what, no, Tracy… Kasey Chambers?” Drummond looks horrified, “No! Chapman! Not Kasey Chambers… Kasey…” “Fast Car?” I offer. “Yes! Tracy Chapman’s Fast Car,” sighs Field with relief. “But never Wonderwall, thank God!” A note on ghost-folk — it’s not really their genre,

despite becoming lumped under this banner for a while. “I think that popped up before we released the EP a few years ago and it kinda worked. It’s not like we thought on it and went everywhere saying that we were ‘ghost-folk’ — I think someone wrote it in a review and it kinda just stuck for a while, but I don’t think that’s really us anymore,” explains Hamilton. “Present day Little May,” rhymes Field. “I’d say like we’re... indie?,” she furthers, uncertain. Drummond butts in. “But see, what even is indie?” to which Hamilton muses “I dunno… like slow-burning indie-rockpop.” “I like that… like a candle. Sexy,” agrees Drummond. There, that’s settled then. Their latest album, For The Company, was created during a five-week cram session in New York, which was easier for the girls than finding Wi-Fi. “We were staying in an old house that had no Wi-Fi, and sometimes you just want to, you know, go on the internet or send a message to someone,” says Field. So, where did they find it? “Maccas!” exclaims Drummond with a giggle. “Basically it was like a tour of trying to find Wi-Fi, is how you would describe it,” concedes Hamilton.

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As you do when you’re surrounded by three young, female musicians, we get onto the topic of their take on the future of women in the industry. They all have a lot to say, and it’s more positive than many thoughts bouncing around behind the scenes. “I was thinking about this change from when we first started — it’s become less of a deal in the last couple of years. Maybe it was because we were a bit younger and a bit more self-conscious that it felt like more of a thing,” says Drummond. “It feels like it’s just really picking up in terms of women — bigger female presence in the music industry.” “It’s good that the discussion is happening; it’s sad that it has to be a discussion, but that’s just how it is at the moment. I look forward to the time when we don’t dwell on it and go, ‘Woah, you guys are girls’,” Hamilton flourishes. “It’ll be cool when it’s not a thing. Like, when we don’t have to talk about it anymore. I love talking about it now, because I think it’s a very prominent discussion that’s being had constantly, but I think that it’d be awesome to not have to talk about women — it’s just music, it’s just musicians, it’s just artists,” meditates Field, and we all agree.

HAILMARY

AMPLIFIER

on grunge rock, their styles, however, mesh well on record and live. “I think even though my main influences are the early ‘90s stuff, I do love Talkin’ ‘Bout An classic rock and ‘80s metal as well,” says Evolution Curran. “I like all different styles of rock and so does Cush. He probably gets pigeonholed Local rockers Hailmary have gone into that ‘blues rock player’ thing, but… some stuff he came up with for some of these from strength to strength since songs was quite dark, which is really, really releasing their Navigate The cool. He fit in really well.” Sunrise EP in 2014, embarking All this talk of an evolution, of the on a comprehensive Australian band sounding heavier, might lead fans to tour and jetting to the UK for a wonder if Hailmary’s sound has changed at tour supporting Ugly Kid Joe. all, but rest assured that Evolve Dissolve (again They dropped their latest EP, mixed by Jeff Tomei, Skid Row/ Blackberry Evolve Dissolve, last week and Smoke/Matchbox Twenty) still has that will be launching it at Amplifier distinctive Hailmary sound to it. on Friday, April 29. SHANE “Yeah, I agree - a few people I’ve PINNEGAR speaks to singer/ shown the record to said the same thing,” Curran declares. “You put it on, and it’s guitarist, Kevin Curran. distinctly Hailmary - it’s good that people identify what we The new five-track sound like now.” Hailmary EP sees Touring the UK Kevin Curran evolving last year as support as a songwriter, and act for Ugly Kid features the band’s Joe was particularly first recordings special for Curran, with relatively new since their America’s guitarist, Paul Cush. Least Wanted album Curran was the first CD he agrees that Evolve ever bought. Dissolve may be their “I can remember best release yet. “I feel it’s probably the best batch of being in primary school and having their songs we’ve written. I like the way it’s mixed, poster on my wall, as well,” he laughs. “It was kind of cool to do your very first international as opposed to anything else we’ve done. It’s proper tour with the first band you ever got a little bit more grit to it than the last bought an album of. That tour was probably one. It’s heavier!” the best thing we’ve done.” While Cush is coming from a more blues rock background, Curran cut his teeth

CAPITOL

MUSIC GEAR & TECHNOLOGY

BENI BJAH Survive And Prosper Indigenous Western Australians are more likely to go to jail than they are to go to university, a distressing fact shared by local rapper Ben Hasler (Beni Bjah) in his acceptance speech for the WAM Song of the Year Grand Prize, during last weekend’s WAM Song of the Year Awards in Fremantle. CHRISTINA BALICO reports. METRO FREO

MOJOS BAR 34

A rapper in the local scene for the last 13 years, Hasler released the double SOTY award-winning (it also won the award for Outstanding Indigenous Song of the Year) track on Survival Day (January 26) this year. Survivor is uncomfortably confronting, and reminds us all of the discrimination and challenges faced by Indigenous Australians. It also highlights the importance of continuing to work together in order to reconcile and reduce racial inequality and disadvantage. “Now I ain’t pushing no blame/ I ain’t silly/ but what’s happened in the past/ it’s time for recognition and to work together/ they’d rather compensate us, than give us recognition/ in other words they’d rather buy you out of your tradition”. While confronting, the song is also uplifting, reminding us all how powerful it can be to stand up against such hatred and ignorance. Hasler recognises the power in music in being able to provide an outlet for WWW. XP RE SS MAG.COM. AU

expressing what it is like to deal with such disadvantage, explaining that the song is his “outlet of frustration and what I would call, having to deal with ‘casual racism’ (mainly on social media) on a daily basis and not being able to really fight back or say what was really on my mind.” Systemic racism, racial division and the importance of reconciliation is a central theme to Hasler’s music. Understanding the powerful role music can play in being able to highlight such discrimination, Hasler chose to have the track open with an excerpt of Lang Hancock’s ‘final solution,’ a shocking piece of audio from 1984 in which Hancock puts forward... “The ones that are no good to themselves, and can’t accept things, the halfcastes - and this is where most of the trouble comes - I would dope the water up so that they would become sterilised, and they would breed themselves out and that would solve the problem.” It makes for very difficult listening, as Hasler explains, “I only heard the sample myself a few years back and the ‘shock value’ hits you hard... I don’t know if many people know that Lang Hancock is actually Gina Rinehart’s father and she is Australia’s, if not the world’s, richest woman solely on the fact her father stole land for mining.” Equally as powerful is the film clip, which all at once highlights historical and present-day struggles faced by Indigenous Australians, but also challenges racial stereotypes. Explaining how the clip came to be, he says, “I really wanted a positive message to go with the song, so when I met with Dave Vincent Smith, who is an amazing Perth film and video director, I showed him the song and he came up with the script and

EDIE GREEN Bright Side Of The Moonshine

What has been the high point for Edie Green so far? It’s always good when we get to go away as a band. Going over east for a gig was really fun, as is going down south playing gigs at Settlers and Clancy’s. Always enjoy a good post-gig chill time.

As a first taste of their forthcoming EP, Edie Green launch their What are your non-musical new single, Moonshine, influences? on Friday, April 22, at Zambrero’s is still a major The Bird with support influence on the band. from Shy Panther and Monroe. RHYS TARLING chats with Do you have a dream venue to perform at? vocalist/guitarist, Sophie Wiegele. Also Zambrero’s. What distinguishes your upcoming EP from your debut one? With our first EP we were still figuring where we wanted to go with our sound and which studio best suited our recording style. This EP we had that sorted out, leading to a more cohesive and mature sound. The time between recording the two releases was good to get our juices flowing and create an Edie Green sound. We are releasing, Moonshine, as the first single off the new EP. This track was one of our favourite jams, and took us months to get into a finished product.

Are there specific themes you guys are drawn to when it comes to the songwriting process? For lyric writing I like to take inspiration from interesting experiences I’ve had or experiences I’ve been told about. This is mostly from travelling and chatting with my father.

What’s your creative process from an idea to a produced song? It’s always different. Sometimes we get bored of jamming a set and someone will start to play a funky riff or beat and then we go from there. Other times myself or Conor (Brian, guitar) will bring in an idea for a tune which everyone jams out until we’re happy with where it’s at.

Do you guys have any long term goals or are you more playing it by ear? Definitely have long term goals for the band, mostly to be able to tour nationally and internationally. We’d love to be able to release an album at some point in the future, and also to eventually encourage Conor to stop wearing such tight pants.

Is there an underlying philosophy that guides Edie Green? Hmm, I guess just doing whatever musically and seeing what comes out at the other end. Not really aiming for a certain sound or anything, but just seeing what happens.

MUSIC GEAR & TECHNOLOGY

Beni Bjah

the rest was history.” Not only does Hasler address such issues in his music, but he is also working toward qualifications in order to begin working more formally with the youth. His commitment to raising issues of discrimination, disadvantage, and helping others permeates all that he does, and his passion is palpable. Profits made from the sale of the single and his album, are to be donated to Indigenous education programs. As he says “it’s been a whirlwind since I dropped the film clip. My wife and kids want to see how far we can take this with raising as much money as possible.”

22/04 Edie Green Single Launch @ The Bird 22/04 Kim Salmon My Script Album Launch @ Mojos 22/04 Kripke’s Illusion Suite Murder EP Launch @ Civic Hotel 29/04 Jaime Page Dark Universe Album Launch @ Civic Hotel 29/04 Josh Johnstone Album Launch @ The Odd Fellow 29/04 Hailmary Evolve/Dissolve EP Launch @ Amplifier

Jaime Page Pic: Don Benson

06/05 Lionizer Be Alone EP Launch @ Bar 459 06/05 Leoh GIRLz Single Launch @ North Fremantle Bowls Club 07/05 The Jangle Band Edge Of A Dream Album Launch @ Bar 459

CONTACT MUSICSERVICES@XPRESSMAG.COM.AU

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BLACK SABBATH

literally hear his voice blow out. Rather than wave the white flag, though, he soldiered on, never losing one iota of the charisma that has held him in a job for nearly 50 years. Geezer Butler shows what 99 per cent of modern bass players have never learnt: that you Rival Sons don’t have to Perth Arena Black Sabbath | Pic: Ross Halfin follow the drums Friday, April 15, 2016 to make a rhythm section work. His This is The End for Black playing – especially Sabbath, and accordingly, his innovative use they’ve gone back to their roots of wah-wah pedal for this tour, delving deep into – remains groundtheir catalogue for an equal mix breaking today. of fan favourites and greatest And then there’s hits, and leaning primarily on Tony Iommi. The riffmaster. The man who their seminal first three albums. led the charge with a sound which was unlike They entered to a spaghetti-western anything that had come before, and which theme and magnetised the crowd. Then Rival paved the ground for everyone who followed. Sons left, after a riveting 33 minutes. Scott Looking healthy, he seems to revel in playing Holiday’s enormo-riffs, Jay Buchanan’s golden relatively obscure numbers such as Into The force-of-nature wail and Plant-HutchenceVoid and Hand Of Doom. and-a-touch-of-Morrison charisma, and the What we get is as unpredictable a band’s enviably tight retro-soul rock vibe and set of early metal as anyone could have hoped Led Zeppelin histrionics, had the crowd in the for. Black Sabbath opens the show with all the palm of their hands from the word go. ominous foreboding that they can summon. The End is, inherently, about the Classics Iron Man and N.I.B. cosy up to After beginning, and as Black Sabbath go back to Forever and Behind The Wall Of Sleep. Fairies their roots, they sound huge, which is hardly Wear Boots and Children Of The Grave are a surprise. immense walls of sound and emotion. New guy, Tommy Clufetos, hits hard and apes Never has 90 minutes flown by so Bill Ward’s outrageously inventive drumming quickly, yet they return for a fresher-thanwell. When it’s time for his solo on Rat Salad, in-decades run through the classic Paranoid, he proves he is more than capable of mixing it leading many grandads to shake their heads with the big boys. like 15-year-olds – unthinkable in 1970. Ozzy Osborne’s vocals are in far SHANE PINNEGAR better form than their last visit, three years ago, until he whoops the crowd up one too many times before Snowblind. We could

NO ZU Usurper Of Modern Medicine Babushka Friday, April 15, 2016 There was plenty to look forward to with tonight’s city appearance from NO ZU, fresh from having sold out Mojos in Fremantle the previous night and riding high on the recent release of their excellent Afterlife album. A dark, slightly twisted album that welded percussive beats, funky grooves and chanted vocals, it gave the promise of a live show — witnessed previously at the Camp Doogs festival — that could quite easily become totally unhinged. Locals Usurper Of Modern Medicine thrust a dark vibe into the night with their driving, hypnotic beats almost infecting the crowd with some sense of imminent doom. They rolled through their set flawlessly and fashioned an atmosphere that was clearly going to be at odds with what was to come, but were received warmly nonetheless. This is a band that has crafted its sound over a number of years and tonight they showed the grind has been worth it — they are confident, skilled and command undivided attention. By the time eight-piece headliners NO ZU made it on stage, the rather nefarious atmosphere that had been created had been well and truly displaced by

CLASSIFIEDS MUSICIANS WANTED THRASH/MELODIC METAL BAND SEEK DRUMMER - Having released their full length album Lessons in Futility, Arkarion require a dedicated drummer to become a part of the chapter ahead. Influences include; Megadeth, Pantera, The Haunted, Fear Factory, Lamb of God, Soilwork etc. You can hear/check us out at facebook.com/Arkarion or contact arkarionband@hotmail.com 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 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 www. witzendstudios.com ANALOG MASTERING VINTAGE TAPE, TUBES & TRANSFORMERS with the latest state of the art digital converters. Clients include: Melody’s Echo Chamber, Pond, Gossling, Knife Party, Felicity Groom, The Floors, Jeff Martin & The Panics. World class facility, World class results. www.poonshead.com. 9339 4791 ANDY’S STUDIO International multi award winning songwriter / producer. No band required. Broadcast quality. A songwriter’s paradise. Ph 9364 3178 36

GOLDDUST Production Mixing, recording and composition. Leederville $80 p/h. 0408 097 407 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 T H E S O U N D FAC TO RY P ro fe s s i o n a l s t u d i o s . O p e n 7 d ay s . B ay s w a t e r Phone: 0432 776 740 REHEARSAL STUDIOS BIBRA LAKE REHEARSAL STUDIO Air Conditioned Room. Great Facilities. Superior sound to hear yourself and your band. 10 mins from Freo. Phone Nick: 0410 485 588. BIG BEAT SOUND STUDIO Clean rooms, free wifi access. Open 7 days. Willetton area. Contact Rob 0425 698 117 TUITION ***GUITAR LESSONS*** Fast track guitar system. All styles, all levels. Beg to adv. AMEB and WAAPA accreditation.Online bookings. Cliff Lynton Guitar Institute. Mt Lawley 9342 3484/ www.clifflynton.com ROCK SCHOLARS MUSIC TUITION 1 on 1 and band lessons,ages8to18.Aprilschoolholidayprogramme now booking. Call 0437 806 109 Details at www.rockscholars.com.au

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something altogether more raucous, and from the moment the first note was struck it didn’t abate. NO ZU were a different proposition entirely, and the crowd responded with unbridled enthusiasm. In the midst of such chaos it can be easy to overlook the qualities of the band that are faced with it — they become almost secondary — but NO ZU is so good they simply override it. Tracks such as Raw Vis Vision were performed flawlessly, and the band showcased their talent by cohesively bringing together a number of individual parts. On stage NO ZU are committed to whipping the audience into a thriving,

NO ZU

dancing mess, but they also have innate attention to detail and their percussion, brass and synth ingredients amount to one incredible whole. RICK BRYANT

CITY CALM DOWN

organ intro quickly led into its hard-to-forget CITY CALM chorus and higher vocal range than other Jimmy’s Den CCD songs. Friday, April 15 2016 The band changed it up by performing their like a version cover of Foals’ Photos by Lewis Martin from OK Media Group Spanish Sahara. It was a great version when performed on-air, but to hear it live in just Mojos showcased the talent and versatility of this Saturday, April 16, 2016 band. With a run of songs from the new Packed into the intimate surrounds of Mojos, album If There’s A Light On, Falling, In the crowd waited for City Calm Down to A Restless House and Your Fix - the crowd take the stage for their second sold-out WA was enthralled in the music and the ‘record show. Shadowy figures appeared to eliciting quality’ live set they were witnessing. They a huge cheer as the band kicked straight then broke into one of their into Border On Control from most popular songs, Rabbit the new album, In A Restless Lilt Run, with its synths and House. The crowd started almost Cure-sounding guitar moving together as if the riffs. They then launched band had been playing for into one of the best Bowie hours already. Jack Bourke’s covers I’ve ever seen with a deep, baritone voice merged performance of Let’s Dance. perfectly with the upbeat The whole venue erupted into drums and keyboards, his one mass of jumping people enthusiastic movement happy to be dancing like no City Calm Down’s Jack around the small stage Bourke | Pic: Brett Terhoeve one was watching. captivating all and sundry Pleasure And Consequences Next they went from the Movements EP was next, to the back in time with their single, Pavement, utmost delight of the crowd. The front row of from 2014. Judging from the crowd’s reaction eager, love-struck girls almost dragged Bourke they had been with City Calm Down since into the crowd as he lunged over the stage, those earlier releases. Bourke acknowledged leaning on the ceiling beam for support. the crowd and commented that they were Judging from this performance and going to slow it down a bit with Wandering. the strength of their debut album we will be Not staying slow for too long, as is their seeing a lot more of City Calm Down, which style, Wandering started with Bourke’s can only be a good thing. voice echoing through the venue, the song BRETT TERHOEVE soon building to a passionate and intense crescendo. Son, one of the singles released from the album, with an almost church-like

DOWN, LILT

City Calm Down

FAIRBRIDGE FESTIVAL Pinjarra Friday-Sunday, April 15-17, 2016 A warm glow on the Western Australian music calendar, the Fairbridge Festival undulated last weekend on the grounds of the village that lends it its very name. Three days of folk, roots and every kind of music that touches the soul made it a must-be-at experience for artists and audiences alike. Photography by Tamara Szep

Andrew Winton & Iris @ Djindalux

Davey Craddock & the Spectacles @ Ruby’s

Jordan McRobbie @ Ruby’s Bar

Junkadelic @ Mandja Tinpan Orange @ Backlot

The Canadian Experience @ Mandjella WWW. XP RE SS MAG.COM. AU

X-press THE DRONES, APRIL 30 @ ROSEMOUNT HOTEL

TO UR S THIS FORTNIGHT TUKA 22 Capitol KIM SALMON 22 Mojos Bar 23 Bar 459 THE STRANGLERS 23 Metropolis Fremantle DILLON FRANCIS 23 Belvoir Amphitheatre JAUZ & MIJA 24 Villa AVIARY ROOFTOP SESSIONS ft. NICOLE MILLAR 24 The Aviary TOMMY TIERNAN 25 Riverside Theatre MILLENCOLIN 26 Metropolis Fremantle KARNIVOOL 27 Prince of Wales 28 Badlands 29 Badlands 30 Badlands SARAH BLASKO 30 Astor Theatre HILLTOP HOODS 30 Perth Arena THE DRONES 30 Rosemount Hotel RUFUS 30 Red Hill Auditorium LADI6 & PARKS 30 Clancy’s Dunsborough SARAH BLASKO 30 Astor Theatre MAY KARNIVOOL 1 Badlands TEX PERKINS 4 The Odd Fellow 6 The Ravenswood 7 Charles Hotel MATT CORBY 5 Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre MS MR 5 Rosemount Hotel RATATAT 5 Metro City VIC MENSA 5 Villa TWENTY ONE PILOTS 5 Astor Theatre CELTIC THUNDER 5 Albany Entertainment Centre 7 Perth Arena 8 Bunbury Entertainment Centre ODESZA 6 Metro City THE BEST OF THE EAGLES 6 Astor Theatre THE BLACK MASQUERADE ft. JOE LETZ, RUBBLE 38

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guide

VIOLENT SOHO, MAY 20 @ METRO CITY

THE VANNS 2 Odd Fellow 3 Settlers Tavern OF EMPIRE, COLD 4 Four5Nine FATE, ONE OF NONE DEAFHEAVEN 7 Gilkison Dance 6 Rosemount Hotel Studio SOTA ft. JEBEDIAH, GROOVIN THE SAN CISCO, KOI MOO ft. ALISON CHILD, TA-KU, WONDERLAND, THE LOVE JUNKIES, BOO SEEKA, BOY MOSQUITO COAST & BEAR, BRITISH & more INDIA, DRAPHT, MS 6 Elizabeth Quay MR & more FEAR FACTORY 7 Bunbury 8 Metropolis COMMON Fremantle NORTHLANE & IN 7 Metro City HEARTS WAKE DANNY BROWN 10 Metro City 8 Metro City THE SMITH STREET HINDS BAND 9 Rosemount Hotel 10 Capitol COHEED & THE ATARIS CAMBRIA 12 Amplifier 13 Capitol RICHARD MARX L7 14 Astor Theatre 13 Metropolis 15 Astor Theatre Fremantle CRAIG ROBINSON MENTAL AS 15 Rosemount ANYTHING Hotel 13 Charles Hotel THE LIVING END IRON MAIDEN 16 Astor Theatre 14 Perth Arena MAT MCHUGH THE SCREAMING 16 Jimmy’s Den JETS 17 Mojo’s Bar 14 Charles Hotel 18 Indi Bar THE WONDER 19 Clancy’s YEARS Dunsborough 14 Amplifier BIG COUNTRY THE UPBEATS 18 Rosemount 14 Villa Hotel CAST THE RUBENS 15 Capitol 18 Metro City ELUVEITIE FOSTER & ALLEN 17 Capitol 40TH ANNIVERSARY A WILHELM CELEBRATION SCREAM 19 Rosemount Hotel TOUR 23 Astor Theatre VIOLENT SOHO STEEL PANTHER 20 Metro City 23 Metro City APIA GOOD BEATS IN THE TIMES ft. DARYL HEAT ft. JOHN BRAITHWAITE, WILLIAMSON, KATE CEBERANO, POTBELLEZ, THE JOHN PAUL YOUNG CAT EMPIRE, & JON STEVENS DRAPHT, ART VS 21 Perth Concert SCIENCE, BRITISH Hall INDIA & more 22 Bunbury Regional 24 & 25 Karratha Entertainment Entertainment Centre Complex Bulgarra O RAPPA SWERVEDRIVER 25 Metropolis 28 Amplifier Bar Fremantle BLACK STONE BASEMENT CHERRY 31 Amplifier 29 Capitol WES CARR JUNE 30 Albany Entertainment CHERIE CURRIE Centre 1 Rosemount Hotel IAN MOSS JULY 2 Mandurah Performing Arts THE PAPER KITES Centre 1 Astor Theatre 4 Albany PHIL WALLEYEntertainment STACK Centre 7 Astor Theatre 5 Bunbury JUNGLE GIANTS Entertainment 9 Jack Rabbit Slim’s Centre RUSSELL HOWARD ALEX GOW & DAN 15 Riverside Theatre KELLY JOE AVATI 2 Mojos 16 Astor Theatre 3 Jimmy’s Den WEEDEATER &

CONAN 17 Rosemount Hotel AUGUST MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS 11 Perth Arena TROYE SIVAN 13 HBF Stadium ROLLING THUNDER VIETNAM 17 – 20 Crown Theatre TOMMY EMMANUEL 22 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre 23 Bunbury Entertainment Centre 24 Albany Entertainment Centre SEPTEMBER CRYPTOPSY 4 The Rosemount Hotel PAM ANN 5 Regal Theatre THE WHITLAMS 8 Rosemount Hotel BRING ME THE HORIZON 14 HBF Stadium FROM THE JAM 17 Capitol LOUIS THEROUX 22 Riverside Theatre MARINA PRIOR & MARK VINCENT 23 Perth Concert Hall HENRY ROLLINS 23 & 24 Regal Theatre 25 Margaret River Cultural Centre COG 24 Metro City JOE BONAMASSA 25 Perth Concert Hall OCTOBER THE LEVELLERS 12 Capitol ELLIE GOULDING 12 Perth Arena MAYDAY PARADE 13 Astor Theatre BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE & ATREYU 20 Metro City NOVEMBER ANDRE RIEU 3 Perth Arena DISTURBED 9 HBF Stadium VENGABOYS 12 Metro City THE MISSION 16 Capitol BEN HARPER & THE INNOCENT CRIMINALS 29 Kings Park & Botanic Garden

incorporating

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CATLIPS, WEDS20 @ THE BIRD

EDIE GREEN,FRI 22 @ THE BIRD

EL GROTTO Black Stone From The Sun Filthhy Apes WEDS 20/04 The Drools BABUSHKA ELLINGTON JAZZ Open Mic Night CLUB BIRD Sassafras Gypsy Jazz Rogue Vogue ft. INDI BAR Al Torcida Open Mic Night DJ Mango MALT SUPPER CLUB Catlips Old School Thursday Capelas CLANCY’S CANNING MOJO’S BAR Beachstreet BRIDGE NEWPORT HOTEL Songwriter’s Night Record Club ft. ELLINGTON JAZZ Moscow Mules CLUB Kids Cushion Concert 459 ROSEMOUNT HOTEL with Libby Hammer Howling Bones Josh Johnstone Foxton Kings FLY BY NIGHT The Gaslight Club ft. Turtle Island Majumba Gus McKay ROSEMOUNT Nick Turner and HOTEL Phoebe Corke Stop The Georgians Greg Hastings and Jackson Koko Milly Taylor Luke August INDI BAR Small Batch Audio Club Acoustica ft. SETTLERS TAVERN Lydia Schubert Riley Pearce Mitchell Martin METROPOLIS The Wayfarers FREMANTLE The Littlest Fox Gumbo Thusdays MOJO’S BAR UNIVERSAL BAR Aretinos Off The Record Dan Tilly Death Valley Sun Bughunt FRIDAY 22/04 MOON CAFÉ AMBAR Jordan McRobbie Party Thieves RAILWAY HOTEL Philly Blunt Guthrie Genga Bluntfield Childish Antics Penny Purr Princi Billy Harris Wolfe Grey Beechey The Canzirri Project Bowzer Destroyer Of Oriental Cravings Worlds + AMPLIFIER The Don Earth Rot & more Hadal Maw 459 ROSEMOUNT Sanzu HOTEL Remission Pope Joan & The BABUSHKA Mysticals Burning Fiction Raccoo Charles & Castle Bravo The Moke Foke Alex The Kid David Craft Band Being Beta Rabbit’s Foot Burgs ROSEMOUNT BASSENDEAN HOTEL HOTEL Rock’N’Roll Karaoke Carus Thompson ROSEMOUNT Nathan Gaunt HOTEL (BACKYARD) BIRD DJ Anton Maz Edie Green SETTLERS TAVERN Shy Panther Open Mic Night Monroe UNIVERSAL BAR CAPITOL Tuka THURSDAY 21/04 CLANCY’S CANNING BRIDGE AMPLIFIER Steve Parkin Last Night ft. CLANCY’S Moments FREMANTLE Branch Circus Diamond Dave & Titans The Doodaddies BABUSHKA ELLINGTON JAZZ Timothy Nelson CLUB Ellen Oosterbaan Steven Hensby Band Bronwynn Sprogowski Quintet Elli Schoen Ben Dallin Trio BIRD Peak District HQ LEEDERVILLE Dellity Godzealot Magic Hour Tunnel Vision DEFECTORS BAR Among Them Songwriter’s Club Scarlet Wave

W E E K LY

VERGE COLLECTION, SAT 23 @ THE BIRD

INDI BAR The High Learys Imperials Buddy Phoenix JACK RABBIT SLIM’S Morgan Bain Southern River Band MOJO’S BAR Kim Salmon Rosemary Beads PRINCE OF WALES Hells Bells - A Salute to AC/DC RAILWAY HOTEL Damage Wave WitchCliff Magic Chicken Fudgetoe Giant Dwarf Heavylove 459 ROSEMOUNT HOTEL Fuzz Toads Palm Soma The Piscos Dead Sea ROSEMOUNT HOTEL Methyl Ethel Ben Witt Pool Boy THE ODD FELLOW Georgia Reed Riley Pearce Young Robin Nik Ili SATURDAY 23/04 AMBAR Japan 4 ft. Nathan James Boneflip Parakord Tee EL Avance AMPLIFIER Finders Havoc Vice Versa Conform BABUSHKA Bucket Turnstyle Shimmergloom Lazy Horse BASSENDEAN HOTEL A Tribute Extravaganza ft. Sweetwood Blondie Explodes Wild Search Party BIRD Hip Priest Regular Boys Pool Boy Puck Verge Collection CLANCY’S FREMANTLE Galloping Foxleys The Justin Walshe Folk Machine ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Russell Holmes and The Blue Horizons Neapolitan - Throw Back 90s INDI BAR Riley Pearce Boytjie Naomie Dixon JACK RABBIT SLIM’S Johnny Osbourne Max Glazer

METROPOLIS FREMANTLE The Stranglers MOJO’S BAR The Floors Datura 4 Yokohomos PRINCE OF WALES The Beards 459 ROSEMOUNT HOTEL Kim Salmon The Sperts Todd Pickett ROSEMOUNT HOTEL Custard Burgers Of Beef Pat Chow SETTLERS TAVERN Rastatrix

TEIJ, THURS 28 @ EL GROTTO

SWALLOW BAR Jook Joint Band MONDAY 25/04 BRASS MONKEY Steve Hepple CLANCY’S CANNING BRIDGE Quiz Night MOJO’S BAR Wide Open Mic PARKERVILLE TAVERN Monty Cotton & The Threads ROSEMOUNT HOTEL Comedy Trivia

THE JACKSON ROSES, FRI 29 @ 459

459 ROSEMOUNT HOTEL DJ Scarborough Rasta Dvanti Discordians ROSEMOUNT HOTEL Rock’N’Roll Karaoke ROSEMOUNT HOTEL (BACKYARD) DJ Anton Maz SETTLERS TAVERN Open Mic Night

THURSDAY 28/04 AMBAR Japan 4 ft. Valentino Khan TUESDAY 26/04 Bixel Boys BRASS MONKEY Jvst Say Yes Open Mic Night SUNDAY 24/04 Brillz CHARLES HOTEL AMBAR AMPLIFIER Perth Blues Club ft. BAA ft. Last Night ft. Harp Attack Oli BABUSHKA CLANCY’S Tone Smog FREMANTLE Ben Mac Mysc Quiz Night Bezwun Soma ELLINGTON JAZZ Tee EL Comrades Of The CLUB Wish Smoke Vorsen Philly Blunt Slice LANEWAY LOUNGE BABUSHKA DJ Rad1 Nevsky Prospekt Open Mic Night ft. Flying Embers BIRD Josh Terlick Sneaky Jackal AMSO Fundraiser ft. METROPOLIS Priority One FREMANTLE Rag n’ Bone BIRD Millencolin Thee Loose Hounds Good foot MOJO’S BAR Zerodent Velvet Kush Seth Lowe Segue Safari Al Torcida Andy Eddie Thee Gold Blooms Henry Maxwell Pepper Jane CLANCY’S CLANCY’S BillyBobtheBarber FREMANTLE DUNSBOROUGH 459 ROSEMOUNT The Writer’s Block Michael Triscari HOTEL DEFECTORS BAR CLANCY’S Jade Crompton Songwriter’s Club FREMANTLE ROSEMOUNT EL GROTTO Ladywood HOTEL Dream Rimmy ELLINGTON JAZZ Lycra Tuesdays CLUB Ah Trees ROSEMOUNT Jamie Oehlers TEIJ HOTEL (BACKYARD) LANEWAY LOUNGE Quartet featuring David Craft Band Holli Scott Amanda Dee and INDI BAR D-Funk Rasta Blasta ft. WEDS 27/04 MOJO’S BAR Olivia & Reuben De Michael Triscari BABUSHKA Melo Mhindel Open Mic Night Eduardo Ruaro duo Ricky Green BIRD DJ Concious One NEWPORT HOTEL Dave Clark The U-nites Reggae Record Club Season John Safari Band Bun Dem DJs (Super Five ft. Manaaki Wesley Goodlet Flog & Nora Zion) Zarm CLANCY’S CANNING Jamboree Scouts DJ Flex NORTHSHORE JACK RABBIT SLIM’S BRIDGE D Double E Songwriter’s Night TAVERN Chang FLY BY NIGHT Nathan Gaunt C Dubble & Mr The Gaslight Club PRINCE OF WALES Shadow ELLINGTON JAZZ The Brow MT LAWLEY CLUB 459 ROSEMOUNT BOWLING CLUB INDI BAR HOTEL Perth Folk and Roots Club Acoustica ft. Bahasa Malay Club ft. Elk Bell Sam Atkin Something Doing Nate Landsdall Laurel Fixation Twisted Bandanna Minky G & Rosco Kopano MOJO’S BAR Talia Hart A.R. Jones Shit Narnia Hideous Sun Demon MOJO’S BAR Cloning the Foam FRIDAY 29/04 Mammoth Race to Your Face AMBAR Marlinspike ROSEMOUNT Fresh Produce ft. HOTEL (BACKYARD) Deli Days Juddy Fuzz Toads Joyride Erick Namorato MOON CAFÉ Nick Lupi Moxi Jonathan Bramfield SETTLERS TAVERN Rovy Rush MUSTANG BAR Valentine LMC Michelle Spriggs Trio PUMP WWW. XP RE SS MAG.COM. AU

THE BOB GORDONS, SUN 1 @ 459

BABUSHKA Ocean Ally Moana Fuzz Toads The Kramers BASSENDEAN HOTEL The Children of Nuggets The Beautiful Losers Petticoat Junkyard Lazy Horse CHARLES HOTEL Jaime Page CLANCY’S FREMANTLE The Zydecats CLANCYS CANNING BRIDGE Steve Parkin INDI BAR Ladi6 Natalie Mae Rae MC Amani MOJO’S BAR The Stillwater Giants PRINCE OF WALES Strawberry Fist Cake 459 ROSEMOUNT HOTEL The Jackson Roses Ralway Bell Michael Savage Band ROSEMOUNT HOTEL Braves TEIJ Three Hands One Hoof QITO Imperials SCARBOROUGH SPORTSMANS CLUB The Comedy Shack ft. SETTLERS TAVERN The Brow THE ODD FELLOW Josh Johnstone Elli Schoen Monastery SATURDAY 30/04 AMBAR Japan 4 ft. Valentino Khan Bixel Boys Jvst Say Yes Brillz AMPLIFIER Eddie Electric Deejay KLa ASTOR THEATRE Sarah Blasko BABUSHKA The Durongs Majumba Plastic Farm Furball BIRD Spaceman Human Buoy Golden String CARINE TAVERN The Volcanics CLANCYS DUNSBOROUGH Ladi6 & Parks CLANCY’S FREMANTLE Gold Suns Gypsy Howls Salary INDI BAR Old Blood Monroe

JIMMY’S DEN LUCIANBLOMKAMP LOWER SPECTRUM MOJO’S BAR Ocean Ally The Southern River Band 56 Hope Street PRINCE OF WALES Sons of Zion RAILWAY HOTEL Orinoco Paper Squares Discordians Lost Pilot Effect 459 ROSEMOUNT HOTEL Lights of Berlin ROSEMOUNT HOTEL The Drones Benjamin Witt SETTLERS TAVERN On The Level SUNDAY 01/05 BABUSHKA Lumaree Big Bonsai Claisebrook Iceage Sugar INDI BAR Sambalicious MOON CAFÉ Segue Safari Goergia Siciliano MOJO’S BAR LADI6 & PARKS Natalie Mae & Rae MC Amani RAILWAY HOTEL Uberfest ROSEMOUNT HOTEL All That Glitters 459 ROSEMOUNT HOTEL Strawberry Fist Cake Blazin’ Entrails Silver Foxes Bob Gordons Hope Street ROSEMOUNT HOTEL (BACKYARD) Get Down ft. Aslan Klean Kicks Pawel Good Company DJs Sleepyhead Beni Chill Jo Lettenmaier Tim King SETTLERS TAVERN Chief Monkey MONDAY 02/05 CLANCY’S CANNING BRIDGE Quiz Night ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Song Lounge April ft. MOJO’S BAR Wide Open Mic ROSEMOUNT HOTEL Comedy Trivia TUESDAY 03/05 CLANCY’S FREMANTLE Quiz Night MOJO’S BAR Brain Caramel ROSEMOUNT HOTEL Lycra Tuesdays ROSEMOUNT HOTEL (BACKYARD) David Craft 39