Monthly Archives: May 2011
Society Of Beggars
The band sweeps onto stage in a most striking manner; bassist Zack Wright towering over the crowd and indeed, the entire ensemble imposing in their stature.
And then the music is released. Fundamentally a ‘rock‘ band, the ebbs and flows of this music stretch as far between as The Pogues, Greek wedding music, and contemporary rock. Society Of Beggars is the most enjoyable band I have seen in a very long time, and it is brilliant to hear a sound that gives Australia its own Gogol Bordello; albeit one that frontman Yianni Michalopoulos presents most markedly humble and authentic.
The Beggars are touring profusely at moment, on the back of their albumn release ‘Exit Soul‘, produced by Oren Gerassi at Air Particle Ensemble. The albumn is released FREE, and as their website announces: ‘Exit Soul‘ is entirely “free to enjoy, remix, cover or spread it around“ And really, you can‘t get much more bad arse than that! So get downloading, and come support one of their many gigs.
‘Click‘ the image above to claim your Free Copy of ‘Exit Soul‘.
Also, check their History page for upcoming shows.
Of Gods and Men
Des hommes et des dieux provides a rare insight into philosophical ideas surrounding the theological-humanist realm. The film‘s religious and political posturing is set amid an ex-French colony‘s Islamic militant uprising. It is a study of conviction, dedication, and loyalties -to church, state, and self. Sweeping shots and cinematography that invokes a sense of foreboding frames a backdrop of Algerian Mediterrenean splendour that is mired by murder, subjugation and threats of violence.
Xavier Beauvois has sculpted a film that relates the hope of humanity with its insecurities and compromises, and one can‘t help but feel the presence (or influence) of Camus in the work. At times the film loses pace and relevance to its central narrative. However, this perhaps provides reflection on its monastic surroundings and religious themes. The film is utterly compelling; it is graceful and thoughtful in both composition and execution. Crucially, the audience is invited to delve beneath the somewhat melancholic and theological surface; wherein lies a rich bounty of questions about ourselves and our humanity and compulsions.
Of Gods and Men won the Grand Jury prize at Cannes and opens on May 26th.
The Process
A dreary mode of New Wave courts 80s Australian Rock with a lashing of Contemporary Pop.
Thus describes but one facet of The Process: an inspiring local talent that takes refuge in its curious sound. Sashaying between permeating chords, percolating drum beats, and aching vocals we are taken on a sonorous journey that feels uncomfortably detached; while lusciously immersive, all at once. “Ephemeral” vocalist and current guitarist Saxon Jorgensen so describes their sound. I must agree; but contrarily, this transitory and oblivious sound structure will confound in its complexity and absolution of musical mores. Personally, I feel that this is demonstrated amicably in tracks All Eyes, The Void and Before The Storm.
Following on from successful gigs at popular band halls including Roxanne Parlour & The Evelyn, The Process next week appear at the utterly remarkable Montsalvat. Amidst the French Provincial splendour, The Process will indeed grace and garble their way across the stage at this notorious estate -arguably the home of modern Australian art, and host to the Rolling Stones in 1973. But enough blather! Listen for yourself:
The Process @ Montsalvat, Eltham: Saturday May 14th from 7pm.
montsalvat.com.au
