Have you heard of the AMP?
March 4, 2010 by Kate Scantleton
Filed under Events, Out & About, Rants
One of Australia’s most prestigious (and virtually unknown) music awards is the Australian Music Prize – where an Aussie band or individual’s album has attracted the attention of some Australian music’s most knowledgable and experienced performers, promoters and professionals alike. The AMP gives the winning artist(s) a $30 000 cash grant, as well as $30 000 worth of publicity, and a whole lot more coverage and opportunity. Previous winners include my personal favourites the Drones, the Mess Hall, Augie March and most recently, Eddy Currant Suppression Ring. 
The 2009 AMP shortlist was announced in February, and by golly there are some great artists. It’s going to be an interesting outcome:
‘Privileged Woes’ by Oh Mercy
‘As Day Follows Night’ by Sarah Blasko
‘Kid Sam LP’ by Kid Sam
‘Black Across The Field’ by Lucie Thorne
‘Secrets And Lies’ by Bertie Blackman
‘For The Birds’ by The Mess Hall
‘Spitshine’ by Urthboy
‘Call Signs’ by Black Cab
‘Wonder’ by Lisa Mitchell
Stay tuned for more details about the winners coming up in the next couple of weeks….
photos courtesy of AMP
Fortitude Valley welcomes The Mana Bar
March 4, 2010 by Lani Pauli
Filed under Latest, Out & About
On March 20, Fortitude Valley will welcome a different kind of bar to it’s stable. The Mana Bar, the brainchild of a group of Australia’s leading gaming minds, is the first licensed video game venue.
Partygoers can enjoy a different kind of bar experience at Mana and enjoy a cocktail while they test their skills on the best latest releases and classic games. With no cover charge and no cost to make the most of the bar’s many gaming consoles, what’s not to love?
From Wii Sports to Guitar Hero to Street Fighter IV, The Mana Bar is offering an exclusive new look at the XBox Live game ‘Raskulls’ during their opening weekend. There will also be hourly prizes, giveaways, live entertainment and special guests.
Doors open from midday to midnight on March 20. For more information visit www.manabar.com.au
The Polyphonic Spree go Carnivale!
February 26, 2010 by Kate Scantleton
Filed under Features, Out & About, Reviews
Words: Clare Kempnich
Pictures: Kate Scantleton
Attending The Polyphonic Spree’s performance at the Powerhouse last Friday night was, for me, much like achieving a life long goal. After missing their performance at Splendour in the Grass in 2008, (and having to listen to endless recounts of their fantastic set), I vowed that I wouldn’t miss them a second time around. I approached their gig, (part of the venue’s Carnivale hosted by Southern Comfort) with only the highest of expectations and, as hoped, they didn’t fail to deliver.
The orchestral-like band, throughout their history have consisted of 13 -27 members (I believe I counted 18 for this set) including in their ranks, amongst others; a flautist, cellist and a trombonist. The cumulative enthusiasm that The Polyphonic Spree displayed during their almost two hour-long performance was something that is not always experienced when viewing live music; they seemed to be enjoying playing to the crowd as much as the crowd enjoyed singing along to them. And enjoy it we did: chanting away to the old classics like Hold Me Now and Light and Day/Reach For the Sun.
At this point of the set I wasn’t sure it could get much better: the band were lively and frontman Tim DeLaughter was charismatic and charming as they started to perform some of their newer songs. From album to album, The Polyphonic Spree’s music retains a feel-good, “choral symphonic rock” quality (as described by DeLaughter), although perhaps a more mature range of sounds and lyrics is evident on the The Fragile Army album when comparing to Together We’re Heavy; but there was no doubt that both styles were well-received by the audience.
Perhaps my favourite part of the set were the cover-versions that the band performed. A spectacular version of Guns N’ Roses Live and Let Die was first up and it amazed me how they managed to perform such a rough, rock song in true Polyphonic Spree style. The band complemented the song perfectly and, for me, this was the highlight of the gig.
Audience participation, thankfully, was entirely appreciated by the band. Singing, dancing and chanting were not only encouraged, but proved integral to the bands’ encore. After a performance of Section 32: The Championship, DeLaughter left the audience repeating the mantra-like lines ‘all in good time/raise your voice’ whilst the band disappeared off stage for a good ten minutes. upon the return, the band were decked in their infamous white robes, a costume which has rendered certain fans to label the band a ‘cult’ (which DeLaughter flatly denies). Their encore was simply beautiful, including an amazing rendition of Nirvana’s Lithium and Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline.
After their performance had come to an end, I was left speechless. Not only had their set met my expectations, but exceeded them completely. It is not often that a band of The Polyphonic Spree’s calibre perform with such intimacy; the band members wanted to be there, and as a fan, I appreciated this more than ever. DeLaughter even spent time after the gig chatting to front-row fans; something which I can honestly say I haven’t seen before from a headlining act.
The set wasn’t just an ordinary example of live music; it was a truly outstanding performance and something that I won’t forget for a long time.
Clutch and the Fumes rock the Zoo
February 25, 2010 by Kate Scantleton
Filed under Out & About, Reviews
Words: Rosanna Mosely
Friday February 19
Clutch - photo courtesy of http://www.myspace.com/clutchband
Waiting in line to get into a concert and everyone was impatiently keen. You could hear the bands warming up through the walls, teasing us. It was Friday night, it was the Zoo, it was the Fumes and Clutch and it was looking to be a good night out. The Zoo always reliable had provided all the essentials; good set up, good crowd, great atmosphere and of course the bands.
The Fumes are an Aussie duo classed as a mix of alternative rock and blues. Having only heard a few of their songs I was impressed by how easily I was drawn in by the fast paced beat and fun character of theirs songs backed up by a strong rock sound. The riffs were sometimes smooth sometimes sharp but always interesting and always lively and met with some sweet drum work. They were thick and full with crunchy tones and nothing lacking. I always love when a duo shows that two people is more than enough for a rock band, especially when they do it live.
The main event was Clutch: a well established American rock band that’s been touring Australia with their 9th album ‘Strange Cousins from the West’. Since forming in 1990 the band has ventured through many music styles from metal and punk through to funk and most recently gaining some blues influence, all of which gave them a broad sound so that most music lovers could find something that appealed to them.
They started their set of with some smooth and funky blues before the singer got the crowd going with some hard rock like Mice and Men. They took us back to the basics of good honest rock with the riffs of 50 000 Unstoppable Watts. The vocals were raw and unpretentious which worked well with the hard-hitting lyrics and marching drum beat of Abraham Lincoln. Clutch pulled of some classic rock, bringing in some blues and metal to keep it interesting. Their music dominated the room and left no fan unsatisfied.
It did indeed turn out to be a good night.
Ok Go bring bells and whistles to the Hifi
February 23, 2010 by Kate Scantleton
Filed under Features, Out & About, Reviews
Words: Dave Callaghan
Pictures: Kate Scantleton
Wednesday Feb 17
Going into this gig I was sceptical to say the least. I am of the school of thought that any band who puts so much effort into developing their Youtube, Myspace and Facebook websites must inevitably lack substance and musicality. To be perfectly honest, Ok Go always seemed to be nothing more than a gimmick band cashing in on the internet social interaction craze. To say I was surprised is as much as an understatement as saying Chuck Norris’s acting is just ‘bad’.
These guys really now how to work a crowd, and they have the musical skills to boot. Their songs, albeit poppy and catchy, predictably containing that magical ‘hook’ that all DJ’s strive for, were driving and well thought-out; their live performance leaving a long, strong finish in the back-palate, like a fine wine.
The stage show was impressive and provided enough bells and whistles to astound even the strongest of critics. No literally, they played an entire song with bells – very cool.
My favourite of the on-stage gimmicks was the small cameras attached to the microphones of the three front men and a cymbal stand of the drummer to be projected on the large screen at the back of the stage throughout the set. Personally, I have never seen this done before and although a simple concept, I found it really effective.
Without even mentioning the laser pointers and the streamer confetti, this show certainly had enough to keep people interested. Bands that favour style over substance are frowned upon by this writer, but Ok Go showed that both were high on the agenda; most enjoyable. This is definitely one show to write home about.
Disclaimer: Obviously, I am kidding with respect to the Chuck Norris reference. He is a great actor and I pity the fools that dare say his name in vein.
Rock n’ Roll: A music photography exhibition
February 22, 2010 by Lani Pauli
Filed under Featured Content, Out & About
Photo: “Press Passes”, Stephen Booth
If there is a music gig on, chances are Brisbane photographer Stephen Booth is in the crowd snapping the excitement and energy through his camera lens. Since the mid-90s, Stephen has taken more than 30,000 shots and during March the Brisbane Powerhouse will be showcasing 50 of his favourite photos in a unique exhibition called “Rock and Roll”.
The photos featured in this very special show range from intimate gigs in long lost venues, through to huge stadium extravaganzas – from a punk show in a car park to U2 in an enormodome. “Rock and Roll” will rekindle those musical memories we all have.
The exhibition will be at Brisbane Powerhouse from March 2 until April 5, 2010 from 9am – 5pm weekdays and 10am-4pm on weekends. Plus it is free entry!
Be sure to check it out.
For more information go to www.brisbanepowerhouse.org
Love Shared with Mama Kin
February 15, 2010 by Kate Scantleton
Filed under Features, Latest, Out & About, Rants, Reviews
Words and Photos: Kate Scantleton
Friday February 12, 2010
It isn’t often that we see bands that truly seem as though the music runs through their veins. Mama Kin and her band proved to be one of these lucky few tonight, allowing us to participate in the cleansing ritual of her set. The hot and steamy Zoo was the best place for this ritual to take place; the modesty and welcoming nature of the venue sincerely complimented the sounds and love that was being shared amongst performers and audience.
Mama Kin and her band are such a modest, courteous and joyous trio – it was abundantly clear that they love what they’re doing and the buzz of making success out of art is really making them happy. And the crowd reflected this, loving every moment of the set. 
If you haven’t heard of Mama Kin yet, her music is soulful; a mixture of slow and fast jazzy-blues, each song with a sweet underlying story and moral. Her voice is heavenly and meaningful – it comes from hard times and experiences that have led her to being the artist she is today. Accompanied by some delightfully precious melodies on keys and funky drum beats, the trio are certainly a force to be reckoned with.
The music itself is complex, yet made for easy listening. Busting out with the well-circulated single Tore My Heart Out and a number of very danceable bluesy tunes, the set was full of ups and downs including sing-a-longs, a Capella tunes and much dancing both on and off-stage, so there was plenty to keep everyone on their toes.
Currently touring, the band have already sold out their Sydney show and are spreading their love all the way down the east coast, stopping off at the Gold Coast and Mullumbimby on their way back north. With mentionable track records of wonderous sets (tonight inclusive!) such as Woodford Folk Festival earlier in the year, Mama Kin is definitely on the way up in the blues, roots and folk scene in Oz. You can check out the band’s tour dates and blog here.
WIN Ok Go tickets!
February 12, 2010 by Kate Scantleton
Filed under Events, Featured Content, Features, Out & About
Youtube sensation (and worldwide music rock hit) Ok Go are hitting our shores next week! Excited?! We sure are.
To celebrate News Unlimited have a double pass to give away to their Hifi Brisbane gig next Wednesday 17th Feb, courtesy of Chugg entertainment. The US rockers will be supported by Brisbane’s love-children Hungry Kids of Hungary as well – talk about a great gig!
To enter the competition, just send us through a link to the best thing you’ve seen on YouTube (not inclusive of Ok Go video clips; that’s cheating, guys!). Send your entries to kate@newsunlimited.com.au – we look forward to seeing your entries!
Check out their new single WTF? here!
Wolfman makes his mark
February 1, 2010 by Sarah Moran
Filed under Reviews
Inspired by the classic Universal Pictures film that launched the legacy of horror, The Wolfman reclaims the myth of a man whose curse transforms him into something less than human. Lawrence Talbot is lured back to his family estate after the disappearance of his brother. Reunited in crisis with his estranged father, Talbot sets out to find his brother…but discovers an even more horrifying destiny for himself. Starring Sir Anthony Hopkins, Benecio del Toro, Emily Blunt and Hugo Weaving, The Wolfman is in Cinemas February 11. www.wolfman.com.au
We’re proud to be giving away tickets to the premiere at The Regent on Wednesday 10th February – to score yourself tickets for you and a mate, tell us who you would most like to see turn into a werewolf. Send your answer to sarah@newsunlimited.com.au Competition closes 5pm Tuesday February 9.
Laura Marling graces The Zoo
January 26, 2010 by Kate Scantleton
Filed under Latest, Out & About, Reviews
Words: Leah Holdsworth
Photos: Kate Scantleton
I missed Laura Marling the first trip she made to Australia. Stopping only for a brief stint at Splendour in the Grass and as well as for sideshows in Sydney and Melbourne, her tour was short but indisputably touching for those who encountered her presence. However, I was blessed this time, as the lovely Laura found time to land her feet briefly in Brisbane town, playing a gig at one of my favoured venues, the aptly named Zoo in Fortitude Valley. Suffice it to say, I was eager for her performance. But in many ways I was pleasantly surprised by a slight shift in style. It became clear, as she walked out onto the stage and debuted with a new song, ‘Devil’s Spoke’, that many things had changed in between her two journeys to this country.
At the sweet age of nineteen (although closer perhaps to the age of twenty, I feel certain Laura Marling would hasten to add); and myself the age of twenty, I felt that Laura Marling and I had travelled the treacherous journey from girl to woman together. Her debut album, ‘Alas I Cannot Swim’, spoke whimsically of her youth and heartache. To me, Marling seemed to be painfully aware of her own naïveté. And, although the songs were quite pretty, her lyrics and musical undertones felt full of pathos. Songs such as ‘My Manic and I’ and ‘Ghosts’ were sincere confessions of her experiences as a young doomed lover, that I shared. Indeed, I wasn’t alone; many young women seemed to feel this similar connection to the young folk singer.
However, singing with a sense of purpose on stage at the Zoo, Marling gave the distinct impression that she had undergone some inner transformation. On the surface, her soft girly features had shifted and changed into more angular and womanly ones, and within herself she appeared to gain a higher sense of wisdom and knowledge. Her musical style had also appeared to have taken a slight turn. A slightly Celtic sounding influence was apparent on such songs as ‘Devil’s Spoke’ and ‘I Speak Because I Can’.
More broadly, she held a strong presence that she was also quite happy to share with her band mates, one of whom were recognisably from another band, Mumford and Sons. Although itself fast becoming a band to respect within its own right, the band members had recorded and backed Laura live since her debut album. With this in mind, the band as a whole conveyed a familiarity, almost akin to a family.
Overall, her performance was a consciously balanced blend between old treasured songs, and new, interesting ones that had me more than curious to hear her second album, ‘I Speak Because I Can’, in full. The album is to be released in Australia on March 19th.
