Anchor begins with a deep rumbling bass loop, with muffled drums sounds rising rapidly out of the muddy mix. A single synth note and a hoarse, unintelligible vocal moves quickly across the stereo spectrum, forewarning something -possibly menacing, and decidedly … Continue reading NGAIIRE – Blastoma (2016 LP)
The name Snarky Puppy may not exactly be household, but the Brooklyn-based instrumental act has amassed an extremely loyal and worldwide following over past 13 years. With two Grammys under their belt and sold out theatres littering their itinerary, bandleader … Continue reading Interview: Snarky Puppy
“Life was really about suburban living, because I grew up in the suburbs, as did most Australians even though that’s something that people run away from, at least for a while, when there’s a lot more going on in suburbia … Continue reading Interview: NO ZU
PJ Harvey returns after a five-year absence, picking up where she left off with 2011’s acclaimed Let England Shake. Having been informed by trips she undertook to Afghanistan, Kosovo and Washington, Harvey is still appalled and enraged on The Hope … Continue reading PJ Harvey – The Hope Six Demolition Project (2016 LP)
Last night Prince fans were treated to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the Minneapolis legend perform hits and curios, accompanied solely by his own piano. The setup had all the immediacy of one of his legendary club appearances, late night … Continue reading Prince – The State Theatre, Melbourne (16/02/2016)
Expectations were high at The Corner tonight, this being the first time that The Internet have graced our shores since releasing last year’s list-topping album Ego Death. Upon arrival the line snaked around the corner (literally) and once inside fans … Continue reading The Internet + Jaala – The Corner Hotel (09/02/16)
Jazz-pop scuzz-ninjas Mangelwurzel have delivered the goods with Gary, their debut album. The Melbourne sextet’s energetic shows, which are a happy mixture of brash, confrontational charisma, joyous abandon and some serious chops, are a sight to behold and have ensured … Continue reading Mangelwurzel – Gary (2016 LP)
“Some people say there’s a toughness to the songs, and I’d say that’s cool. I’m glad that there’s a female representative of a tough voice. I do feel strong and I do feel tough and I feel comfortable in that … Continue reading Interview: Ecca Vandal
Afterlife, the second album by Melbourne collective NO ZU, is a party. A very well thought out and expertly delivered party, designed to hit you deep in the pleasure glands, as the music shifts and reveals its changing layers. What’s … Continue reading NO ZU – Afterlife (2016 LP)
Cathedrals, the debut longplayer from Melbourne’s Playwrite, is a densely layered collage of voices, keyboards, acoustic guitars and rhythmic instrumentation. The tracks, carefully constructed with producer Jimi Maroudas, exhibit a willingness to flesh out the basic acoustic nature of the … Continue reading Playwrite – Cathedrals (2015 LP)
Cameron Avery’s rich baritone voice and the old-timey delay on his semi-acoustic helped to give the impression that he should be singing in a suit. His deeply sentimental songs were inflected with a wry sense of humour and earnest wit, … Continue reading Father John Misty + Cameron Avery – The Forum Theatre, Melbourne (10/12/2015)
The lush setting of The Thornbury Theatre seemed an appropriate one for this evening’s performances, as a decidedly middle aged crowd moved around the tables scattered in the opulent cavern. Jen Cloher, who having been inspired by her relationship with … Continue reading Robert Forster + Jen Cloher – The Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne (27/11/2015)
