Sounds of Oz

The Getaway Plan Back on the Road

Lauren — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 04:42:12 +0000

It seems The Getaway Plan have been bitten by the touring bug. They’re currently traveling around the country as part of The Big Day Out festival and are already planning their next run of headlining dates.

The Melbourne rock act are still riding high on the release of their second album Requiem, which hit stores in November. This time around they’ll steer clear of the capitals, preferring instead to play regional centers along the East Coast next month.

Tickets are on sale now for the following over-18s shows.

15 March 2012 – Village Green Hotel, Mulgrave
16 March 2012 – Ferntree Gully Hotel, Ferntree Gully
17 March 2012 – Pier Live, Frankston
21 March 2012 – Clarendon Tavern Windsor, Windsor
23 March 2012 – Hornsby RSL , Hornsby
24 March 2012 – Harbord Diggers, Freshwater
29 March 2012 – Kings Beach tavern, Caloundra
30 March 2012 – Fitzy’s, Loganholme
31 March 2012 – Runaway Bay Tavern, Runaway Bay

Image source: The Harbour Agency

Ali E Looks Ahead with “Landless”

Lauren — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:38:20 +0000

Ali E’s helping us ease into our weekend with her very cool new single “Landless,” the second cut from her forthcoming debut album.

While her first single “So It Goes” saw Ali E being introspective, “Landless” takes a different approach as Ali E packs her bags and charges forward. There’s a real sadness to the song, but the intermingling guitars and drums and Ali E’s powerfully resolute vocals ensure things never feel too gloomy. This isn’t a woman running away from her failed relationship; she’s moving on.

The Levitators have served up one of the most diverse collections of songs I’ve heard in some time with their new EP Eclectica.

The unusual blend of sounds ensures there’s something for everyone here. I found the mix of genres intriguing and innovative. However an act that takes so many risks is never going to hit the mark all the time.

I found this EP really uneven. I embraced the big horns and bold blend of soul, Latin, and hip hop in the opening track “Once Again.” The very funky follow-up “Sunshine in my Juice” had me reaching for my dancing shoes. But for every inspiring number there was something that fell short for me. Some tunes seemed aimless, while others with a clearer vision appeared like they were trying too hard. Some of those songs might work better in a party or a club, but in my quiet little home they just didn’t gel.

Personally I feel The Levitators are at their best when they’re embracing melody and building upon their soulful voices. However I’m sure someone with different tastes might disagree with me. On paper a 50% strike rate is barely a pass. However that analysis would sell this EP short. Eclectica shows a band with a tremendous amount of promise and an innovative approach to music making which makes listening to them really exciting. You’re never sure what twist they’ll take next. The Levitators don’t always get it right, but when they do it’s really special.

Adam Ant Heads Down Under

Lauren — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:59:50 +0000

With Hall and Oates in the country and Duran Duran on their way, it makes sense for Adam Ant to take advantage of our obsession with the 80s and announce his own Aussie tour.

According to the picture he’s not quite as handsome as I remember him, but I’m sure the diehard fans won’t care when he’s playing “Ant Music,” “Goodie Two Shoes,” and “Stand and Deliver” in some lovely intimate venues. We’re also likely to get a sneak peek at some new material, as Mr. Ant will release a new album Adam Ant is the Blueblack Hussar in Marrying the Gunners Daughter in June. Shall we just award him the gong for best album title of the year already?

The tour will also introduce local audiences to fellow Brit band Georgia Girl and Her Poussez Posse, who just happen to be signed to Adam’s label. Adam Ant’s also written songs for the act, so it should be worth fans turning up early!

Tickets go on sale tomorrow morning for the following shows.

23 March 2012 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
28 March 2012 – Metro City, Perth
30 March 2012 – Palace, Melbourne
5 April 2012 – Barton Theatre, Adelaide
8 April 2012 – Tivoli, Brisbane

Image used with permission from AVM Publicity

Children Collide Tour “Sword to a Gunfight” Single

Lauren — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:49:15 +0000

With a brand new single “Sword to a Gunfight” burning up the airwaves, it seems the perfect time for Children Collide to announce another tour.

The single has a unique sound for the band, which frontman Johnny Mackay shed some light on.

“I was paddling down the river somewhere between Primal Scream & Boney M and ended up falling out of the boat into a time-travelling disco space-punk song which I still think is hilarious,” he explained. Well that clears that up!

The shows will give fans a sneak peek at Children Collide’s new album, Monument, which will hit stores in April. The single builds on the band’s post-punk roots and develops them into something the band has dubbed an “aural theme park.”

“There’s one or two ghost trains, a few rollercoasters and even a couple of tea-cup rides. It’s always hard to describe these things from the inside but the sound and production feels very here and now to me”

Tickets go on sale tomorrow from the venues for the upcoming shows.

9 March 2012 – Ferntree Gully Hotel, Ferntree Gully
10 March 2012 – Pelly Bar, Frankston
11 March 2012 – Breath of Life, Launceston
15 March 2012 – Hotel Great Northern, Byron Bay
16 March 2012 – Elsewhere Bar, Gold Coast
17 March 2012 – The Zoo, Brisbane
21 March 2012 – The Hoey Moey, Coffs Harbour
22 March 2012 – The Cambridge, Newcastle
23 March 2012 – The Patch, Wollongong
24 March 2012 – The Metro Theatre, Sydney
29 March 2012 – The Gov, Adelaide
30 March 2012 – Capitol, Perth
31 March 2012 – Players Bar, Mandurah
1 April 2012 – Mojos, Fremantle
12 April 2012 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
13 April 2012 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Crucial Music

Drawn From Bees Comical Cowboy Tour

Lauren — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 02:00:24 +0000

Offbeat Brisbane rockers Drawn From Bees are hitting the road this month on their Dusty Midnight Cowboys tour. The band will kick off the shows in Sydney and play several festivals before they return to Queensland.

To coincide with the gigs, Drawn From Bees will star in their very own cowboy themed comic strip. Make sure you stay tuned to their website to see the western saga unfold.

Tickets are on sale now from the usual outlets for the following shows.

4 February 2012 – Oxford Art Factory (Gallery Bar), Sydney (with Our Monk)
12 Feb 2012 – St Kilda Festival, Melbourne
17 Feb 2012 – Woodland, Brisbane (with Green Stone & Howling Rabbits)
26 Feb 2012 – Move Mountains Music & Art Festival, Toowoomba
3 Mar 2012 – Gold Coast Arts Festival, Gold Coast

Image used with permission from Remedy Music

Broken Stone Records Showcases Acts in Roadshow Shows

Lauren — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:27:22 +0000

Indie label Broken Stone Records is hitting the road with some of its most promising artists for a roadshow extravaganza.

Up and comers Sister Jane, Magnetic Heads, The Maple Trail, and Caitlin Park will touch down in key capitals and a selection of regional towns next month. The musical acts will be backed by live footage VJ-ing and projections of their video clips. The events will also include an exhibition of artworks seen in Broken Stone’s film clips and on the album covers.

The events are a fantastic opportunity for music lovers to discover some hot new talent. Tickets are on sale now from the venues.

9 February 2012 – Bellingen Memorial Hall, Bellingen (All Ages)
10 February 2012 – Byron Bay Brewery Bryon Bay
11 February 2012 – The Waiting Room, Brisbane (All Ages)
17 February 2012 – The Street Theatre, Canberra (All Ages)
18 February 2012 – Kyneton Town Hall, Kyneton (All Ages)
19 February 2012 – Horse Bazaar, Melbourne
22 February 2012 – The Lass, Newcastle
23 February 2012 – The Standard, Sydney
24 February – The Clifton School of Arts, Clifton (All Ages)
25 February – The Baroque Bar, Katoomba

Image source: Broken Stone Records website

Busby Marou & Georgia Fair @ Lizotte’s, Newcastle – 29 January 2012

Lauren — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:31:55 +0000

I was lucky enough to catch Busby Marou and Georgia Fair last night as their 5 Rocks tour made its final pitstop at Newcastle’s Lizotte’s. A night out at Lizotte’s always feels indulgent, and when it’s married with performances from two of Australia’s most promising up and coming acts it’s made even more exciting.
I’ve been casually following Georgia Fair’s career for the last couple of years now, and I was thrilled to see how much they’ve grown. The banter with the crowd still feels a bit stilted, but all that awkwardness melts away once the music starts. The lads complement one another so beautifully, both with their instruments and their voices, and it’s a pleasure to witness. I can’t recall observing a crowd so hushed during a support act’s set in some time.

I loved Georgia Fair, but Busby Marou took the energy levels up a notch. They haven’t been on the national scene for very long, but their performance felt so comfortable and easy. Again we were treated to some incredible harmonies and a stunning meeting of instruments. I’ve loved the duo’s songs since I heard their self-titled debut album last year, but they took on extra meaning with the explanations Tom gave. I was thrilled to hear all my favourite cuts from the album, but out of my skin excited to hear them cover “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.” It seems the cover came about on Triple J’s Like a Version sessions, but I hadn’t heard it before. What an introduction to its existence though. I thought I might have bounced out of my seat with joy.

My Dad often bemoans the state of modern music and longs for the glory days of the 60s and 70s. Yet after watching the performance even he concedes that with bands like Busby Marou and Georgia Fair around, the future of our local scene is in very safe hands.

Image source: own photos

Good Vibes from President Roots

Lauren — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:05:25 +0000

Mornington Peninsula’s President Roots are helping me ease into my working week with the release of their double A side single “Feelin’ Fooled/Cool Change.”

“Feelin’ Fooled” is a warm folky number that swells with guitars, fiddles, a slinky beat, and a healthy dose of good vibes. “Cool Change” is a much more chilled cut inspired by the Victorian bushfires of 2009. The band wrote the track for a benefit show way back then, and I’m thrilled it’s finally reaching a wider audience.

President Roots will play some national shows to promote the single and forthcoming album, but until those dates are announced local fans can catch them at the Baha Taco Joint in Rye on February 12 and 25.

Image used with permission from Show Off Services

Pajama Club Almost Impress with “TNT for Two”

Lauren — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 04:36:03 +0000

I haven’t been the greatest fan of Neil Finn’s latest venture Pajama Club. However I always find myself coming back to the band’s music, trying to find the genius that I know has to be in there. This is the guy who gave us Crowded House and Split Enz after all!

I wouldn’t say I’m hearing genius in their latest single “TNT for Two,” but there are certainly glimpses of it. The song may be their most accessible yet, especially stripped back as it is in this live recording at Round Head Studios.

Can you dig it?