classic and rare Australian popular music from the 1950's, 1960's. 1970's and beyond..including rock and roll, pop, beat, rock, surf and progressive, plus contemporary artists, new releases, reviews and other fun stuff
Central Coast-based indie-rock trio IVY have recently released their fuzz-laden frenetic new cut ‘Sinners Grin’ – produced by Mitta Norath (Endless Heights, Introvert, Eat Your Heart Out) Combining hard-hitting garage-infused rock n’ roll with psychedelic and blues inspired riffs, ‘Sinners Grin’ is another huge leap forward for the group, made up of its unapologetic walls of searing guitars, thumping rhythmic section and howling hooks from charismatic front man Kane Brown.
Since 2015 inception, IVY have become a mainstay on the East Coast touring and boutique festival circuit, supporting Violent Soho, British India and The Delta Riggs, and gracing the stages of Bluesfest, Mountain Sounds Festival and Snowtunes. Their previous tracks have been supported by the likes of triple j, MTV and worldwide radio. “I love the punch this has and it's high energy”. - Claire Mooney - triple j (AUS) “Prepared to be entranced in some quality indie rock swagger”.
Following on from releasing their critically praised single ‘Disconnect’, Brisbane-based group Hey Geronimo have just unveiled their latest cut ‘Working For Google’ – another electrifying number lifted from their sophomore album ‘CONTENT’ . Opening with a wall of searing fuzz-laden guitars, ‘Working For Google’ shifts between frenetic razor sharp rock n’ roll riffs and stripped back muted rhythmic verses, before bursting into its spirited infectious indie-pop choruses.
Singer-Keyboardist Pluto Jonze describes the motivation behind ‘Working For Google’: "We honestly believe that one day Google is going to be a fundamental interface between our brains and the outside world, and the idea of any corporation having that much power over humanity is terrifying".
In an Australian first, the band has also recruited Artificial Intelligence to "join the line-up” after their long time (human) guitarist left the band. The AI (‘Alex’) wound up writing lead guitar for five songs on ‘CONTENT’, which includes ‘Working For Google’. To celebrate the release of ‘CONTENT’, Hey Geronimo will set out on an East Coast tour in November with performances set in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. The ambitious new live show draws inspiration from Roger Waters’ recent ‘Us and Them’ world tour. Debut record ‘Crashing into the Sun’ was received warmly with strong support and glowing reviews from the likes of triple j, Spotify, Sydney Morning Herald, Rolling Stone Australia, Happy and The Music – with each who scored the album awarding 4 & 4.5 stars. Since their inception, Hey Geronimo have become a mainstay fixture on the Australian festival circuit with appearances at Big Day Out, Festival of the Sun, Homebake, The Big Pineapple Festival and Valley Fiesta. The band have also toured the country multiple times, selling out their own headline shows.
Melbourne-based trio Househats recently released music video for ‘I’ve Been Broken’ directed by Jack Rintoul (Wendyhouse). Shot in a studio in Melbourne, ‘I’ve Been Broken’ sees both Househats and director Rintoul on their music video debut. Keeping within the theme of the song, the clip features inanimate objects being broken down and destroyed, and warped beyond reality.
Drummer and vocalist Joshua De Laurentiis on shooting the video: “We shot this the morning after we played a show at The Corner Hotel with Painters and Dockers, so I was pretty dusty, as we all were, which was fitting considering we literally smashed a bunch of stuff into dust”. Since the release, the track has seen spot play on triple j, added to rotation on triple j Unearthed and strongly supported by community radio stations FBi, 4ZZZ, SYN FM, Radio Adelaide and 2SER.
Following on from their critically praised single ‘Silver Ray’, Melbourne-based indie-rock group Halcyon Drive have just revealed live dates and latest cut ‘Agnosia’ – another gripping number lifted from their forthcoming debut album (due late-2018). ‘Agnosia’ shines a light on the trio’s ability to shape songs eclectically, whilst still retaining apt cohesiveness, to ensure they never sway far from their charming and distinctive sound. Opening with searing fuzz-laden guitars, the track briskly bursts into a frenetic and brazen energy; a fitting foundation for the anthemic melodies of enigmatic front man Michael Oechsle.
Oechsle talks about the meaning behind ‘Agnosia’: "This is a song about truth. A song about, how in this day and age, it's harder than ever to break free from whatever media, marketing or influence is being forced down our throats. I was lucky enough to be brought up by two incredible parents who never pushed me into anything, and always let me find my own truth. This is a song written from the complete opposite perspective- from the perspective of someone so lost in following or fighting other people's opinions, that they've lost the ability to think for themselves." To coincide with the release, the band will play two shows at a Secret Location in Melbourne and Otto’s House Party at World Bar, Sydney. This continues on from a relentless April and May touring schedule, which included performances at The Hills are Alive Festival, headlining Rare Finds indie club night tour circuit and a support slot on Stereophonics sold-out Australian tour. Previous single ‘Silver Ray’ was widely embraced by the likes of Australian radio stations triple j, 3RRR, SYN FM, 4ZZZ, Radio Adelaide and Edge Radio. The track also received support from worldwide tastemaker blogs Indie Shuffle (USA), Podcart (UK), The Revue (CAN), We Love That (GER), Niche Music (JAP), Red Bull Music, Laundry Echo, Savage Thrills and Pilerats.
HALCYON DRIVE AGNOSIA LAUNCH PARTIES: FRI 10 AUG | OTTO'S HOUSE PARTY @ WORLD BAR, SYDNEY NSW SAT 18 AUG | SECRET LOCATION, MELBOURNE VIC
Electronic chill trio, Fake Sibling, recently release their second single ‘Despondent’. The song is about the slow degradation of a relationship and the struggle to find a connection with your partner. Even though the lyrics came from a place of vulnerability, Sophie Officer’s captivating vocals, the dreamy guitar riffs and blissful transitions draw you in and leave you feeling soothed and peaceful. Sophie reflects: “My favourite line is 'writing letters to you in my head' because that’s how you can express yourself when you’re hurt. But when you say it out loud, you realise how self-centred and ridiculous those thoughts and words are. Writing this song was an emotional release for me and helped me gain perspective.” Melbourne-based Fake Sibling comprises Sophie Officer, Adam Beath and Dave Gillan. Fake Sibling’s first single, "Bring Me Here", reached number 1 on the triple j Unearthed charts in February 2017, and received glowing reviews and play on community radio stations across Australia. The trio plans to release their eagerly-awaited debut EP in early 2018.
About Fake Sibling: Fake Sibling’s music can be described as ‘dream pop’ or ‘electronic chill’, with influences from the likes of Pink Floyd and Fleetwood Mac through to Bonobo and Portishead. Effortlessly shot through with glimmers of guitar melodies, the bright light of Sophie Officer’s celestial vocals dance among precise production to earn Fake Sibling comparisons to The xx, Bonobo and London Grammar. official website: https://www.fakesibling.com/
UPCOMING SHOWS Bar Open (upstairs) Supported by 'Benigar' & 'Connor Black-Harry ‘Fake Sibling’ will be taking to the stage again at Bar Open on Thursday, 5th April. Bringing their hypnotic and enveloping electronic sounds to life with a full band. They’ve been hard at work honing their sound and with a couple of new amazing tracks to showcase they are definitely going to impress. Joining them on the night will be the haunting and bluesy ‘Benigar’ and the incredibly talented guitarist and vocalist ‘Connor Black-Harry’. Thursday 5th April - $5 at the door - Music starts at 9pm 317 Brunswick St Fitzroy, Vic 3065. The Evelyn - Birthday Bash Supported by 'Less Fox More Whale' & 'Atticus Street' Arvo Session - Sunday, 29th April. 351 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065.
Not what you would typically expect from a stripped down trio. The RECHORDS have a full sound for Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar and Upright Bass but it’s the 2 and 3 part harmonies and varied lead vocals that give this band it’s individuality and punch. Known for their live performance energy on stage and at times, hypnotic melodies and infectious rhythms. The song choices are as eclectic as the members that write them and it’s what gives the band it’s uniqueness and sound which, if needed, would be closely related to Americana. They’ve been influenced by Old Timey Hillbilly, Bluegrass, alternative Country, Traditional Rockabilly with hints of the classic vocal groups of the 60’s and even a twist of pop vibes.
The trio have worked hard since 2009, building quite a strong local and ever growing overseas following, performing in the realm of over 450+ shows. They can thrive in a small pub or feel just as comfortable gracing the festival stages, like Falls Festival, Meredith Music Festival, Gympie Music Muster & the Wave Rock Weekender to name a few. They’ve completed two successful self-funded European tours, one in 2011 and the other in 2013 both consisting of about 10 shows each including 2 major roots festivals each tour. With their overseas tours and constant online promotion and exposure they have followers in Spain, Germany, Austria, Nederlands, UK and many states throughout the USA which helped them win the Best Roots/Country EP Category 2014 on the Independent Music Awards website with their 4 track EP titled ‘It Won’t Be Long’.
Their latest recorded works, “Mockingbird" and "Seeing Things” were created with producer/engineer, David M Turner Esq. “Seeing Things” is a jangly country number driven by a pulsating bass line and mesmerizing vocals from singer Leo Francis as he mourns a far too fleeting taste of true love. “Mockingbird” stomps along with a garage swagger below the tale of singer/guitarist Felix Potier's encounter with trickery and other such monkey business. These are songs written and delivered with authenticity from a group taking their music in an exciting new direction.
Sydney-based punk-rock trio Whispering Jackie have recently released their new single ‘Breaking Up This Time’. Recorded and mixed by Daniel Antix (Gay Paris, Sound of Seasons) at Def Wolf Studios, Sydney, ‘Breaking Up This Time’ is the lead track lifted from their forthcoming sophomore EP ‘For The Moment’ (due late-2017) Combining elements of punk, grunge and garage-rock, ‘Breaking Up This Time’ takes cues from the likes of the group’s staple influences Magic Dirt, Sonic Youth and Hole, whilst melding more modern sounds of White Lung, Best Coast and DZ Deathrays. Stream the track on SOUNDCLOUD HERE
Front woman Sare Jackie describes the inspiration and meaning behind the track: “Breaking Up This Time describes being in an on-off relationship and the ambiguity of not knowing where you stand. The song is sung from my point of view where I'm the one that's being left, and I'm pleading with them to stay, even though I know deep down it's not the right thing for me. It's a situation that heaps of people find themselves in, so I wanted to write a song about that struggle. Everyone's afraid of being left alone.” Whispering Jackie’s 2016 debut EP ‘Social Isolation’ was received warmly by the Australian punk community, with single ‘Casino Mate’ getting spun on triple j’s ‘short.fast.loud’, 4ZZZ, FBi, RTR and various other community stations. Marty's take: If it's a good dose of punk-rock you need to get the adrenaline pumping then these guys have the energy to deliver it.
“Part of me is somewhat concerned about Sare's vocal chords, but I feel that is the essence of punk rock. This is ruthless. Nice one!” Josh Merriel – triple j (AUS)
“That's a serious set of pipes!” Lachie Macara – triple j (AUS)
2016 triple j Unearthed ‘This That’ competition winners and Newcastle crowd favourites, RAAVE TAPES, have just returned with their raucous new single ‘k bye’ and announced national tour dates. ‘k bye’ tells a tale of adolescent debauchery, engulfing the listener in an atmospheric haze reminiscent of a suburban house party. Recorded in a Newcastle basement by close friends Fraser Marshall and Jack Clark, and mastered by Steve Smart at Studios 301 (Flume, Empire of the Sun), ‘k bye’ captures the raw energy of the Newcastle-based trio’s notoriously wild live shows.
Click to stream 'k bye' Front man Joab Eastley describes the inspiration and story behind the song – “The track was inspired a few years ago at a Newcastle house show ~ when I was a much younger, much more naive version of myself. It was a Sunday night, I had work in the morning, so I was just stopping in on my way home. It's subtly opening a dialogue about the inextricable links between illicit behaviour & underground youth subcultures ~ all wrapped up in a neat little party track. And no, the irony isn't lost on us.”
“This is 2 minutes and 45 seconds of pure swaggering fun” - 4/5 Stars Gen Fricker - triple j (AUS)
“2 U xoxo is pleasantly raw, grinding along with enough attitude to force you to stomp your feet and bang your head at" Pilerats (AUS)
The band’s most recent single, ‘2 U xoxo’, garnered strong support from the likes of triple j, FBi, MTV, key Australian blogs and the Hype Machine blogging community. In between recording and releasing new music, the band have maintained a strenuous live schedule, playing Mountain Sounds Festival 2017 and performing alongside the likes of Hockey Dad, Winston Surfshirt, The Gooch Palms, Polish Club and Skegss to name a few.
To celebrate the release of the new track, RAAVE TAPES will traverse the country in October performing in Brisbane, Perth, Sydney, Muswellbrook, Wollongong, Canberra and Melbourne, initiating new bassist Lindsay O’Connell into the band. The trio have also teamed up with local sponsors to produce a mini-festival in Newcastle on Sunday August 20, aptly titled RAAVE TAPES Shut Down The Argyle House, featuring twenty artists across three stages, including Good Boy, VACATIONS and Kwame. ‘k bye’ is available worldwide via Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes and all other good digital retailers RAAVE TAPES K BYE TOUR DATES: WED 30 AUGUST | SOSUEME @ BEACH ROAD HOTEL, BONDI w/ Bleeding Knees Club SAT 16 SEPTEMBER | GROW UP! FESTIVAL, MAITLAND FRI 6 OCTOBER | THE FOUNDRY, BRISBANE FRI 13 OCTOBER | JACK RABBIT SLIMS, PERTH SAT 14 OCTOBER | FRANKIES PIZZA, SYDNEY SAT 21 OCTOBER | BOTTOMS UP FESTIVAL, MUSWELLBROOK WED 25 OCTOBER | RAD BAR, WOLLONGONG THUR 26 OCTOBER | TRANSIT BAR, CANBERRA FRI 27 OCTOBER | PENNY BLACK, MELBOURNE SAT 4 NOVEMBER | THE EDINBURGH CASTLE, ADELAIDE
After releasing and touring their stellar new track ‘With You’ nationally to capacity crowds, Sydneyindie-dub trio Bootleg Rascal have just unveiled the accompanying music. Featuring stunning and eclectic collections of imagery, the clip for ‘With You’ is a departure from previous video productions by the group, by avoiding a traditional narrative. Director and producer Dan Hodgson collaborated with band members to develop a series of short scenes, with the underlying concept drawing inspiration from 2010 science fiction film ‘Inception’ - intending to pull viewers into a state of lucid dreaming. Guitarist, Jimmy Young further describes the motivation behind the clip: “Rather than stick to a conventional and cohesive narrative, we wanted the clip to be completely incongruous; jumping from scene-to-scene erratically to accentuate the dream-like experience for viewers. It’s a collection of intriguing standalone shots, which loosely connect in a more underlying and haunting type feel.”
Bootleg Rascal are currently working on their second album with longtime collaborator, Ian Pritchett. The upcoming record emphasises their melodic knack and explores a recent Rascal obsession for 80's synth sounds and crunchy, old school drum machines. With splashes of Kid Cudi and Massive Attack, their new record is set to be an extension of everything we’ve come to love about the band, while delivering a new depth of maturity and some of their best song writing to date. ‘With You’ music video is available to view via YouTube now
“‘With You’ is a cross-genre slice of spaced-out soul and groove, with live instruments poking through a haze of lingering vocals and a cracking hook to boot.”Life Without Andy (AUS) “Take some glowing old school vibes from the 70s and blend them with a snappy modern sensibility… that’s what you get with Bootleg Rascal.”Ear to The Ground Music (USA)
After the warm reception of sultry debut single ‘Killer’, Sydney-based rockabilly and blues trio That Red Head are back with their new punk infused anthem ‘Gotta Be A Man’. Powered by Lozz Benson’s propulsive drums and fierce vocals, the relentless single is a musical manifestation of Benson’s frustration at how women are treated in the Aussie music scene - and by extension, in life.
Despite her young age, front woman Lozz Benson has been around the blocks in the Aussie music scene, collaborating with legends like Paul Kelly and playing drums for bands including Urthboy and buzzy all-female outfit Rackett. Despite countless positive experiences as she’s earned her stripes, Benson has also been on the receiving end of the lack of respect and recognition often extended to female muso's in an industry that is predominantly run by men. "Gotta Be A Man" is an energetic anthem to empower and inspire. I'm shifting the bands sound from our last release and changing how I front the band - from a sassy laid back songstress to a badass rebel with an attitude.” - Lozz Benson
"Gotta be a Man" was recorded by Richie Belkner (Jack Ladder, PVT, Thirty Merc) at Free Energy Device Studios in Sydney and is available digitally on Spotify and iTunes. PRAISE FOR THAT RED HEAD: “Lozz is a real entertainer on stage. She is the centre of attention, driving the band from behind the drums with leadership and great panache, as well as singing flawlessly and entertaining the dancing crowd in her energetic and unique way.” - Jim Moginie, Midnight Oil ABOUT LOZZ Lozz Benson is a powerhouse drummer from Sydney and That Red Head is an extension of her love for the dirty blues and old school rock’n’roll. She has recorded with Paul Kelly, Jacob Stone (Bluejuice), Jeremy Davidson (The Snowdroppers), Steve Smyth, All Our Exes Live in Texas, Sandy Evans (OAM, The Catholics), Jim Moginie (Midnight Oil), Ryan Hazel (The Fumes) and Chris D’Rozario (Brian Setzer). She has toured with Urthboy, Pat Capocci, Hedgefund, and Sirens Big Band. She is the newest member of Rackett who have supported DZ Deathrays, Stonefield, Sticky Fingers, Abbe May, Bleached (US) and will soon support The Darkness on their upcoming tour of Australia. Lozz also recently received Drumteks AUDW Best Female Drummer Award. see more on facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/thatredheadsydney/
Soul drenched blues. Think B.B. King sharing a scotch with Booker T at the crossroads after midnight. Lazy Eye kicked off 2016 off with a whirlwind trip across the South Pacific to the land where the Blues began. Upon reaching the quarter finals, the Hammond Organ Trio became the inaugural band to represent South Australia at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee. Following the competition, the band played one show only at the legendary B.B. King’s Blues Club on Beale Street, a highlight of the trip, before heading home thoroughly grounded in the blues.
Having clocked up a multitude of miles in their tour van, the 2015 Group Of The Year (Australian Blues Music Awards) has not only developed a reputation as one of the hardest working bands in their home country but has also picked up a swag of accolades along the way including Best Blues Album for their debut release Move Me (2013 SA Blues & Roots), Best Blues Artist (2014 South Australian Music Awards) and nominations for Song Of The Year (Hole In My Pocket, 2015 Australian Blues Music Awards) and Most Popular Blues/Roots Artist (2016 South Australian Music Awards). On release, their brand new offering Pocket The Black has been judged the 2016 Blues Album Of The Year (Adelaide Roots & Blues Association) and has been nominated for Album Of The Year at the 2017 Australian Blues Music Awards.
Marty's review: Pocket the Black is Lazy Eye in a live studio setting that captures the true essence of their rootsy blues with soul and delivers it in a straight forward and down to earth way. Keeping the production to as close to their live show as they can, with minimal overdubs and being able to do extra takes, the album is a collection of all original soul-blues numbers with punch and vigor that showcases the professional talents of each member.
“Pocket the black is an album firmly planted in the past, present and future of the blues, a brilliant collusion of old and new” Made In The Shade “It’s easy to see why Lazy Eye have been getting the plaudits they easily deserve. It’s the blues done well with soul and passion.” Music SA “Whetter’s vocals are gritty with a velvety smack of soul” Sydney Morning Herald “It’s a pleasure to see a weather-beaten Hammond fronting a band and even more so when it’s wielded with style. Such is the case with Adelaide blues outfit Lazy Eye” The Australian “The universal recognition is testament to the hard work and drive the three piece have applied since their formation just three years ago. Their throwback blend of electric blues and old school rock ‘n’ roll has earnt them festival spots all over the country” Rip It Up
