Category Archives: Music

Vaudeville Smash

Vaudeville

Over a year in the making, Vaudeville Smash launch their debut Album Dancing For The Girl to their home town of Melbourne on Fri the 14th of June at the Corner Hotel. The Album has already started garnering some critical acclaim, with Inpress Magazine stating: “It‘s one of 2013‘s great albums“.

Get it here: http://vaudevillesmash.bandcamp.com/

Vaudeville Smash have not played a show since before their US tour in March. This will be their first Melbourne show since returning home [and] it‘s gonna be BIG!. No, it‘s gonna be absolutely ENORMOUS!!

Tickets $15+bf, through: https://corner.ticketscout.com.au/gigs/1319-the-vaudeville-smash-

Supported by synth-funk explosion Sex On Toast and jangle rock Phenomenon She Said You.

FROM: VAUDEVILLE SMASH

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Plump DJs

Plump DJs

Thursday night gone, I was excited to be getting down to the Plumps at the wonderful gothic-revival Royal Melbourne Hotel. The sound was delicious; the crowd generally pretty good & the dance vibe got significantly large. Plump DJs (Lee Rous and Andy Gardner) are touring Australia at the moment on the back of their latest release in the Dirty Weekend series of EPs. This is about the 12th release from their own Grand Hotel label; and the sounds keep going from strength-to-strength. This was evident in over 2 hours of breakbeat glory at RMH. Check out the floor-filler Gobbstopper -such a bangin‘ track:

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Phosphorescent

I can‘t help myself enough of this album: Muchacho with the featured track framed here a certain must; however, my favourite being Ride On / Right On -a success by all accounts and a call to the ready of all fans (early) Flaming Lips. Sure, it‘s early days and we‘ll yet see what production is to come. But these favourites, headed up by Alabama‘s Matthew Houck have made the break into the East Coast scene, U.S., in recording superb contemporary country-gospel hits at their new den in Brooklyn. An investigation into the melancholy; Muchacho will hopefully see this promising act hit our antipodean shores somewhat soon and the less fanfare the better (says he at the pen)!

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Graffiti: SE Asia 3

Last year, I visited Indonesia and Malaysia. During my incredible visit, I was impressed by the ever-increasing writing on the wall throughout my trip; with particular focus on the scene in Jogjakarta. Indonesia‘s second city is remarkably chill in comparison to the big durian that is Jakarta and their thriving arts scene is testament to this. I met some wonderful people there, kicked back at the city‘s newly opened, boho chic, Oxen Free bar and the next day I trekked up to the magnificent Borobudur stupa for a spectacular sunrise. Jogja is also home to some talented musicians -from electro through hardcore and hiphop. Sydney MC Rima Le Drifter was able to point me in the direction of some of the local rap talent and I have included 2 fresh tracks in the video below by Rotra and Dumbstah respectively:

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Space is the Place (Sun Ra)

Sun Ra comes from the other side of time. He descended from Saturn and graced himself upon contemporary American society in the 1970s; after commandeering the persona of jazz pianist Herman Blount. John Coney‘s film Space is the Place documents a re-interpretation of Sun Ra and his Arkestra as they descend upon the Earth in their musically-propelled spacecraft. Sun Ra is then depicted on film (starring himself) in his quest to save his contemporary ancestors from the destruction of Earth. The Arkestra performs sweeping polyrhythmic grooves and Sun Ra poignantly offers the wisdom of the cosmos to all he encounters.

The film (featured below in it’s entirety) is a cult classic and offers an insight into the world of the celestial, ancient-Egyptian mythology that Sun Ra has mirrored through his transit to and from Saturn. Samples from the film can be found amongst a plethora of music, most notably The Irresistible Force track Another Tomorrow (Ninja Tune).

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Friday Tunes 2

Frank Carter of notorious Gallows fame decided, due to creative differences with said band, he would journey off into the world of music and make some sound that wasn‘t as ireful. Personally I think Frank‘s time in The Gallows was bringing a fresh sound to a begrudgingly stale scene. But from what I can hear in Franks new work; it appears the artist is trying to give us a piece of himself without the stormy mood, throat bared. They say it‘s harder to come out with open arms than to come out swinging: And with Frank‘s new band Pure Love releasing a full length album this year (while I don‘t think it will be his greatest effort), I do think we‘ll get a portrait of this fine musician‘s substance.

Also be sure to check out his and his wife Sarah Schor‘s tattoo artistry… quite good indeed!

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Friday Tunes 1

Charles Bradley is about 64, which is amazing in that he has only been recognised in the past decade for his efforts. His “screaming eagle of soul” has also been referred to as the new Ottis Redding, which to me is remarkable for Otis was a pure embodiment of soul music. Beautiful and heartfelt, Charles seems to open up and bleed it out. Raw vocals, Classic Soul, bundled up for your enjoyment in an age where sound is manufactured and clean for the masses… and also a nice way to end the weekly grind.

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Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs

Aug 21

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What‘s in a name? I fail to comprehend the intent of this one. That said; TEED (Orando Higginbottom) has sprung up from the bowels of contemporary pop with a release that is, in many regards, the epitome of the music of these times. In what could be the 90s dance version of Two Door Cinema Club, their Trouble release ticks the all the right boxes. The album begins with a sound that somewhat mirrors early Hot Chip‘s recordings with French label Kitsuné and then progressively slides into a charade of dubstep-electronica mellow. Confusing? Not really; this band certainly holds your attention and one can only anticipate a tour on the back of Trouble that takes in an Australian summer.

Perhaps simply check this stand-out track Tapes And Money and see if you like them?

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Kodo

Aug 17

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Kodo performs the ancient and engrossing taiko art. Their form derives from the traditional music of regional Japan; expelling a drumming session that will leave you flawed. Kodo (meaning ‘children of the drum‘ or ‘the heartbeat‘) has been touring extensively since their debut in 1981. Over the years they have continued to refine a style that now incorporates traditional instruments including the Shamisen and Fue. They have released some 25 recordings; with their line-up constantly changing and evolving their contemporary interpretation of taiko.

Kado performs on the 24th of September at Hamer Hall with TaikOz; offering a superb chance to experience the venue‘s newly-refurbished acoustics (if you have not done so already).

Below is featured a compelling performance from their 2011 show in Paris.

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Sainkho Namtchylak

Jul 30

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The perculiar and engrossing, soothingly gutural, Throat Music mastered supremely by Namtchylak will leave you captivated. Her orchestra of the heart emanates from traditional music of the widely unknown, Russian-occupied, self-governed country that is Tuva. Having developed the song of the ancient Urghers in tandem with localised Siberian nomadic and Turkic tradition, her vocal merits brought her to Moscow; and then to widespread Western recognition. Namtchylak has, in the last decade, resided in Vienna and continues to mesmerise audiences in Eurasia and beyond; headlining Hungary’s OZORA festival in August. This “woman from the Steppes” has received critical acclaim for her (often collaborative) efforts on 30 released albums to date. The contemporary Stepmother City might be interpreted as an intellectual Bjork construct: but without the mise en scène.

from: Stepmother City

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Dire Straits (Walk of Life)

Dire Straits (Walk of Life)

May 25

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Dire Straits is the most iconoclast 80s band; particularly in regard to a Pommy cock-rockin‘ new wave genre. The founding members, Knopler brothers Mark & Dave, musically constructed their claim to the advent of the 80s -perhaps contenders as the continental mirror of a pre-pubescent Talking Heads. Walk Of Life first appeared on the UK Single for So Far Away; the acclaimed seminal track from the Brothers In Arms album. However, the track‘s upbeat pop-blues  appeal was such that Walk Of Life is itself became so renowned as to warrant its‘ own music video; partly shot in the London Underground:

The introduction to this track dispels, though, the inferiority of the musical production values employed by Dire Straits. Although we must, authentically,  evaluate the Straits as a fantastic pop music achievement: it must be said that their simplistic and characteristic 1-4-5 arrangements epotimise their drab rhythmic endeavours.

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Cassie O’Grady – KINGS

May 18

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Acoustic acts are a dime a dozen in the YouTube age, and it‘s no longer difficult for amateur musicians to pick up their guitars and take to the virtual stage. But finding one with talent, soul, and modesty is another challenge altogether. For the last few years, Adelaide folk musician Cassie O‘Grady has been establishing a solid fanbase that understands this challenge through relentless performances at the city‘s live venues. The young songwriter‘s repertoire of uncompromising folk-influenced tracks, including inventive covers of such artists as Cyndi Lauper and The Romantics is sure to rival some of the major players of the genre. With the upcoming release of her debut EP Kings, recorded and mixed by Adelaide‘s very own punk/folk lovechild Ben David, the rest of the world will soon be exposed to O‘Grady‘s undeniable musicianship and songwriting capabilities.

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soundcloud.com/cassie-ogrady

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Espionage vs. Racket: Clark

Apr 10

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Faithful trouper of the Warp Records stable Clark hits Revolt Artspace in Kensington on Tuesday, 24th April. Clark headlines an electronica event that promises to deliver the goods. Bear witness also to Sarah Phelan dropping a producer/ dj showcase, Chiara Kickdrum performing a Live set, and spills & thrills by a chorus of other electro heart-stoppers including JPS, Matt Radovich, Fugitive, Xian, Pselodux, and Jacob Silver.

Clark is also on site to launch his new album Iradelphic and offers an impressive Audio-Visual show too. The Iradelphic release is one smooth record: delivering a minacious electro sound that Clark describes as “looming, ambiguous, radiant …whole, invincible, complete“. Doors open at 6pm -so get on down early as it‘s going to be a fully-rounded evening of aural enjoyment. Enjoy this video clip of Black Stone from the forthcoming album:

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La Lucha Glamourosa

Mar 30

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Get ready, as this weekend La Lucha Glamourosa Returns! And the night is going to be insane!!! This Saturday 31st March, La Lucha Glamourosa is back to bring you another crazy night of world class Mexican Wrestling Burlesque Action -Yep, you read right. After a series of sell out shows at Red Bennies, the show returns the mayhem to the Prince Bandroom where it all began.

For only $30 you get the Burlesque moves of L‘amour, enforcer and crowd teaser Miss Shell Ma Belle, plus Abbie Cardwell and the Chicano Rockers as well as Mexicali Mammas (DJ) to keep the music flowing as much as the tequila! All complemented by some of Melbourne’s best known and loved burlesque performers like Miss Nic and Vesper White thrown in the wrestling mix; Yep, it’s going to be huge.

Check out the image below for all of the details and head on over to princebandroom.com.au to get your tickets now as they’re selling fast!

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U.D.L. BOYZ – Gang

Mar 29

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ULD BOYZ EZCAYP FROHM SPAYC PRIZUN

The UDL Boyz have transmogrified through the vast expanse of the 1994 parallax to bring you the best in future primitive new music from the past. In ‘Gang‘ the boys have had themselves a mischief once again. Our two mustard-stained goofball anti-heroes have smashed out the space prison and are seeking solace and shelter from the solar winds. Yes, you guessed it cuz: another earth-shattering club hit doth reign. Good uld boise indeed.

Video: Nathan Ceddia

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Harvest Festival 2012

Mar 26

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This Saturday the Collingwood housing estate is staging the 2012 Collingwood Harvest Festival, located adjacent the housing commission towers in Harmsworth Park, rear of 229-253 Hoddle Street. The festival is free and there are some great bands lined up, with free bbq and many activities to check out.
The festival marks the harvesting of the vegtables that are grown in the Harmsworth Gardens, by the local community. It has been running since 2001 and attracts crowds of up to 2000 people, annually. The festival offers an array of multicultural activities and foods that span all 5 continents. The festival culminates in dancing and theatrical processions, and ends with an enormous fire sculpture spectacle. Join the event on Facebook and share it around!
2012 Collingwood Harvest Festival: This Saturday, 31st March 3pm-7pm. All welcome.

http://collingwoodharvestfest.weebly.com/

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The Table (Karbido)

Mar 17

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Polish 6-piece Karbido has for the past week presented an interesting array of sounds as part of their season at The Spiegeltent. The Table is a live performance piece that takes an everyday object, literally the kitchen table, and turns it into a musical instrument. The sounds range from the indigenous to the mainstream; something of a journey through 24 hours of music, experienced simultaneously around the planet. The men that comprise the performance part of the group trounce their fists through the sublime and bombastic; using various sound manipulation devices: effects pedals, strings, microphones, a couple of wine glasses and a coin. Another 2 poles are behind the scenes, orchestrating this aural curiosity from behind the expanse of a 96-channel mixer.

The show is one of the best of the Spiegel season, culminating in a final performance tonightat 9pm -don‘t miss it!

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