New Music: The Jezabels

The Jezabels have been locked away in Jim Moginie’s Oceanic Studios in Sydney, with producer Lachlan Mitchell, putting the finishing touches to the final collection of songs that will make the third and final instalment of their ambitious EP trilogy release project.

The EP, titled ‘Dark Storm’, is due for release on October 1st, 2010.

It follows ‘The Man Is Dead’ and ‘She’s So Hard’, both released independently through MGM last year with the latter spawning two singles, ‘Hurt Me’ & ‘Easy To Love’ that received high rotation radio airplay on alternative radio nationally, and television love from Channel V, MTV, Video Hits and Rage.

This week the Jezabels also received two AIR Award nominations for Break Through Artist and Best Single/ EP.

“If you thought The Jezabels sounded good on their CD, wait until you see them live.”
THE MUSIC NETWORK

“…judging by the crowd at the sold-out Oxford Art Factory – there’s a lot of eagerness to see them take their next crucial step.” THE VINE

“It’s nearly impossible not to be struck by the band’s energy, imagination and emotional rawness when they take the stage” THE DRUM MEDIA SYDNEY

Check them out next Wednesday night when they play as part of the Big Sound Live showcase.

Montpelier: the Broken Compass Tour stops in at the Troubadour

Words: Clare Kempnich
Photos: Kate Scantleton

It can be hard keeping up with the local music scene; bands come and go – you see some make it and then spend the rest of their career telling people you saw them when they were “just starting out”. For that is the natural progression of a band – to start off small and then work their way up to bigger things. Montpelier, a Brisbane four-piece, seemed to have defied all logic and started with the biggest first – and by the looks of it, this is only the beginning to what may become domination of Australia’s indie-pop culture.

It may seem like I’m jumping the gun a bit here (a month ago I had never even heard of the band), but I have since discovered that they recorded their first EP in Fairfax Studios in Hollywood with Kevin Augunas (who worked with Cold War Kids and the Zeros) in Fairfax Studios, Hollywood. Like I said: starting off big. Luckily, I will be able to be one of those who can claim to have seen Montpelier during their humble beginnings as they played the Troubadour along with Claire Whiting and Blame Ringo as part of the Broken Compass Tour. The band is comprised of Dave Butler (vocals/guitar), Greg Chiapello (vocals/bass), Andrew Stone (keyboard) and John Pickering (drums).

Unfortunately, the term ‘indie-pop’ can be more of an affliction than a classification – but the band’s determination to not become defined by the label is what works best for them. Their influences – the likes of Death Cab for Cutie, Arcade Fire, Radiohead and the Shins – can be quite distinctly recognised upon listening to their tracks, but in a way that seem to update and refresh the ‘alternative’ culture of the past.

The songs are diverse. For example, The Rafters contains beautiful harmonies and repetitive pop melodies coupled together in what can be recognised as an uncannily brilliant juxtaposition. And it is not just by chance or luck that these combinations work so well; listening to their self-titled EP reveals this type of layering across many of the songs.

One thing that may be detrimental to the band is that they don’t yet really look like a band. Skinny jeans and thick-rimmed glasses will only get you so far and in my opinion it would perhaps be wise for each of the members to start to forge their own role within the band. This being said, their fans don’t seem to mind at all. They have a distinct group of followers here in Brisbane, and if things keep going to plan, this fan-base is set to multiply big-time.

If you haven’t yet seen them live, Montpelier are playing at the 100 Club this Friday August 20.

Festival Season 2010-11: Craze Ensues.

So, it seems that 2010 is the year of amazing festival line-ups. Never in my days have I come across such a feat as Splendour in the Grass. Thinking this was a one-off, never-to-be-see-again kind of event, I decided that I HAD to go and went about spending my hard earned dollars on this once-in-a-lifetime ordeal.

Then I saw the Parklife line-up. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a dance music freak by any stretch of the imagination, but any festival with a Dandy Warhols, Groove Armada and Kele headliner has my vote. Fluoro-wearing, techno-dancers, I’ll be seeing you there.

Last week, the line-up for Soundwave festival 2011 was released, and my golly I was amazed to find that it was even remotely possible to get such huge-name acts together in one place: QOTSA, Slayer, Iron Maiden, Primus, Slash, 30 Seconds to Mars? In one day? Yep. There goes some more of this year’s savings.

And then, this morning I awoke to find the announcement of Sunset Sounds 2011. With just the first few big acts announced, I’m already sold on this one (as if I couldn’t be!). The National, Interpol, Klaxons, Joan Jett, and Cold War Kids just to name a few, not to mention a very solid-looking local line-up. Yep, I’m officially broke before I even start, but in saying this, I cannot wait for the fun to begin!

Bring on the rest of festival season for 2010-11! I’m looking forward to see how far into the negatives my bank account can get.

Cycle with style

On a recent holiday in Japan one of many things I noticed was the sheer popularity of urban cycling and the style and grace in which women would cycle their way through the city streets – heels and all.

I was amazed that there was not a sneaker or lycra outfit in sight. Sartorial sensibility reigned. In Brisbane there is a serious sport cycling culture and for them being lycra-clad on rides makes sense, but what about for urban cyclists lycra is as unflattering as it is impractical?

Enter CycleStyle an Australian online store, founded by Joyce Watts, dedicated to stylish clothing and accessories for the urban cyclist.

Melbourne-based Watts said she started CycleStyle because she felt limited by what bike stores offered in the way of accessories.

“I like to get around Melbourne on two wheels and couldn’t understand why I should wear fluorescent lycra or be limited black bike accessories,” she said.

“With bike stores catering mainly for sports cyclists and with the increase in people cycling for general enjoyment, there was a market for fashionable bags, accessories and clothing that looked just as good off the bike.”

Watts has sourced products from all over the world including Amsterdam, New York, Chicago and London and lets the urban cyclists style shine.

“Our philosophy is about looking as good on your bike as you do off your bike. Each CycleStyle product has been hand-picked to be fashionable and functional.”

 For Dutch shopper bags, funky legwarmers, chic canvas and leather bags and more visit www.cyclestyle.com.au

New (but old!) Music: Amanda “Fucking” Palmer-turns-Radiohead.

What is this, you ask?

Amanda Palmer, of Dresden Dolls fame, has decided to turn covers-artist with her new release Amanda Palmer Performs The Popular Hits Of Radiohead On Her Magical Ukulele.

Much like the Radiohead’s recent digital release, Palmer will primarily be releasing this album online, with a few vinyl copies also available. Proceeds will of course be going to Radiohead due to royalties, but Palmer also allows for donation to be made to her musical genius.

“I’m slaphappy with freedom”, says Palmer, “and this is the perfect project to
celebrate with. I’m really proud of the way this record wound up  sounding…it’s actually a lot more emotional than I expected. Radiohead songs almost play themselves because the songwriting is so genius, and the ukulele is perfect for laying that genius bare. I tried to strip the songs down as far as possible without destroying them.”

Check out her first single from the release, a mighty-fine version of Idioteque to get you in the mood for a download right here.

When Harry Met Sally – Date Night!

It really doesn’t get much cuter than this!

Tribal Theatre are screening the loveable 1989 rom-com When Harry Met Sally from Thursday. What a perfect way to spend your date night with the one you love (or a stranger, if that’s your thing!)?

Tickets are $15 for a double pass and corkage (for that oh-so-important bottle of red to keep you warm!) to any session of your choice.

Pop over to the Tribal website here to find out more information about session times!

Live Music: Cloud Control, The Zoo

Words: Clare Kempnich
Pictures: Kate Scantleton

Saturday, June 12

Cloud Control have been getting lots of airtime recently on JJJ due to the recent success of song, “This is What I Said”. I’ve got to say, it’s catchy and I like that, but I worry that they’re the kind of band that we’re quickly going to forget about in six months time. Needless to say, I was excited to see them play at The Zoo one June 12 to see if they had what it would take to go the distance.

The band – Alister Wright (vocals/guitar), Heidi Lenffer (keys/vocals), Ulrich Lenffer (drums) and Jeremy Kelshaw (bass) – gained some recognition on the Sydney local circuit before being featured on JJJ’s Unearthed. Recently, they were the JJJ album of the week (with Bliss Release) and they are now set to play with a massive line-up at this year’s Splendour in the Grass.

They list Fleetwood Mac as one of their biggest influences, and I’ve got to say, they honour them well. Beautiful melodies are the centrepiece of Cloud Control songs, and the jangly-guitar-and-rhythm combination makes their album so easy to listen to. They seem to have a well-established fan base here in Brisbane, and they were out in force at The Zoo ready to dance their way through the track listing of the band’s debut EP. Crowd favourites were their very danceable This Is What I Said and Gold Canary, although to be honest, the entire set was one great track after another. Their boppy tunes have done them justice in the mass-following that is trailing behind them at every gig.

Local support acts Ball Park Music were perhaps the perfect interlude to the easy-listening nature of Cloud Control; but I have to say that second support Richard in My Mind was more of a dampener than a crowd-pleaser. To summarise the set, it just left you feeling good all over. They have a well-established style and it was good to see that the rest of the album was in the same vain as their better-known tracks. Overall, I was impressed with Cloud Control – they love what they’re doing and that’s good enough for me.

The band is about to embark on a tour of the UK and I’m sure that their music will be as well received as it has been by Australian fans. If you love supporting our home-grown talent and were lucky enough to get a ticket to Splendour in the Grass, make sure you highlight Cloud Control on your timetable because they certainly aren’t one to miss.

New Music: Ash Grunwald’s Hot Mama Vibes

Having just released his 5th studio album, Hot Mama Vibes, Ash Grunwald is beginning to show that he really has a unique sound, songwriting and musical ability. Unfortunately, there is a line that must be drawn where this is no longer a good thing. After giving the album a good listen, it’s so easy to see that you can fall into the listening rut – to my ears, each song could potentially be a different version of the same, one song they all sound so similar.

The first track, Walking, has a remniscence of his past recordings. As do songs two and three, Raw and Tear The Roof Off. A real exception to this rule are tracks 8, Somebody and 5, Lady Luck. The backing track and chilled out pace of the Lady Luck makes for something new, and is lovely, easy listening. Kudos to you, Ash. Your experimentation with technology is paying off – now you just need to release a new album surrounded by these new ideas.

Although he has proved to be a valuable stage performer and he has a HUGE following, I just cannot seem to see anything too different with this album. Perhaps it’s something that will grow with the live show. Or perhaps it’s something that comes with the Blues territory.

“With this album I think I’ve finally proven, to myself anyway, that it doesn’t make any difference what techniques and instruments are used to make it – as long as it comes from the heart.”

I’m looking to see what else Ash has got hidden up his sleeve in the future – it would be fantastic to see this talented musician with some new, fresh ideas to knock our socks off.

Finders Keepers Markets hit Brisbane!

There are soooo many amazing markets starting up in Brisbane at the moment. From the Suitcase Rummage, to the Marky Markets, to the Really Really Free Markets, my golly, all of my weekends are beginning to be filled with bargain-hunting. And lucky for me, it’s not the TV show.

There is one in particular that is going to be HUGE. Pen this into your diaries right now kiddies, because amidst live local tunes, a lovely Valley backdrop and much more, there is the Finders Keepers Markets, with much of the most sought-after vintage and original bits and pieces.

The market is hitting Brisbane at the Old Museum on Sunday June 27, and it is certainly not a market to be missed!

Parades heading our way!

Ladies and gents, have you heard of the Sydney outfit Parades? If not, well, you’re in for a serious treat. These precious alt/ indie kids are Brisbane-bound not only once, but twice over the next month in two very different locations.

Catch them June 25 @ Fans, or if that crazy partyhaus doesn’t float your boat, catch them with Sally Seltman @ the Zoo on July 7. Boom!

Oh, and if you’re not convinced already that one (or both!!) of these gigs are worth your pocket money, check out their amazing film clip for Loserspeak In New Tongue right here!

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