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Live Music: The Bedroom Philosopher, The Boat People and Pinky Beecroft and the White Russians

Kate Scantleton — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 02:57:38 +0000

Words and pictures: Betina DaleSaturday, 28^th August

It was still early in the evening and a sizeable crowd were gathering in the warm embrace of the Troubadour. An eclectic mix of punters lined the walls and covered the front floor, sitting, taking in the atmosphere. While setting the perfect mood for the evening was none other than Sir Pinky Beecroft (from MGF notoriety) with his White Russians. The acoustics in the troubadour were almost certainly made for the raw, real and intense sound of these boys. So different from the majority of MGF’s work, you can tell when listening to the White Russians play that the few reworked MGF songs they throw into the mix, like Unsent Letter, which songs were the inner workings of Pinky. The crowd eagerly looked on as Pinky ferociously attacked his keyboards and the melodies reigned supreme throughout the long room. New song Roses was well received and Floor evoked a number of chuckles from the audience with tongue in cheek lyrics such as (I might not be so good in bed//but I’m alright on the floor). The favourite of the night was without a doubt the rendition of Blondie’s classic Call Me which wrapped up a perfect entrée to the evening.

As the band prepared the stage for their set, the crowd was abuzz. Upon summoning the crowd to stand as they commenced, The Boat People took to the stage. A 4 piece from Brisbane, The Boat People are a unique mix of gypsy funk and roots. The first few tracks set the mood for a good set as a few enthusiastic audience members down the front were getting into the spirit and dancing along to the tunes. Even if they did know the band, it still totally spurred The Boaties on and the energy in the room grew even more. Tracks like Cats Collar and Chandellier were some of the slightly more upbeat songs and were well received with hearty rounds of applause. At this stage, in true Troubadour style, it started to get quite… warm… and band members responded by shedding jackets – that’s when you know it’s about to get really good! A clear favourite of the evening was The Boaties’s track Damn Defensive. Their new Album, Dear Darkly is out now.

After a short break for instrument set up, the main act was all dressed up and ready to go. With an eccentric style, The Bedroom Philosopher is one of the freshest and unique sounds of comedic musical genius kicking around the Australian music scene over the past few years. BP is the brainchild and stage name for comedian/writer Justin Heazlewood. After a number of successful albums and a host of festival shows, The Bedroom Philosopher embarked on this tour to promote his new album Songs from the 86 Tram. After a few songs in, the punters were loving it with smiles all round and there was definitely some giggling as well. And what can I say…. Having never seen the band myself before… it was an experience! BP has such a unique take on political and social issues, as he envelopes them in his clever writing style with a devilishly cheeky spin and then he puts them to catchy rhythms. I think he’s onto a winner! The moment of the night for me, was the complete an utter confusion my brain felt with the track which combined some skilled Aussie hip hop with this Indian Sitar in the background. It was the strangest, most interesting and captivating moment I have had for a while! The clear crowd favourite was the track Northcote (So Hungover) which is getting regular spins on Triple J at the moment. The Bedroom Philosopher’s new album Songs From the 86 Tram is out now.

The Bedroom Philosopher, The Boat People and Pinky Beecroft & the White Russians

Saturday 28^th August 2010 – The Troubadour

It was still early in the evening and a sizeable crowd were gathering in the warm embrace of the Troubadour. An eclectic mix of punters lined the walls and covered the front floor, sitting, taking in the atmosphere. While setting the perfect mood for the evening was none other than Sir Pinky Beecroft (from MGF notoriety) with his White Russians. The acoustics in the troubadour were almost certainly made for the raw, real and intense sound of these boys. So different from the majority of MGF’s work, you can tell when listening to the White Russians play that the few reworked MGF songs they throw into the mix, like Unsent Letter, which songs were the inner workings of Pinky. The crowd eagerly looked on as Pinky ferociously attacked his keyboards and the melodies reigned supreme throughout the long room. New song Roses was well received and Floor evoked a number of chuckles from the audience with tongue in cheek lyrics such as (I might not be so good in bed// but I’m alright on the floor). The favourite of the night was without a doubt the rendition of Blondie’s classic Call Me which wrapped up a perfect entrée to the evening.

After a short break for instrument set up, the main act was all dressed up and ready to go. With an eccentric style, The Bedroom Philosopher is one of the freshest and unique sounds of comedic musical genius kicking around the Australian music scene over the past few years. BP is the brainchild and stage name for comedian / writer Justin Heazlewood. After a number of successful albums and a host of festival shows, The Bedroom Philosopher embarked on this tour to promote his new album Songs from the 86 Tram. After a few songs in, the punters were loving it with smiles all round and there was definitely some giggling as well. And what can I say…. Having never seen the band myself before… it was an experience! BP has such a unique take on political and social issues, as he envelopes them in his clever writing style with a devilishly cheeky spin and then he puts them to catchy rhythms. I think he’s onto a winner! The moment of the night for me, was the complete an utter confusion my brain felt with the track which combined some skilled Aussie hip hop with this Indian Sitar in the background. It was the strangest, most interesting and captivating moment I have had for a while! The clear crowd favourite was the track Northcote (So Hungover) which is getting regular spins on Triple J at the moment. The Bedroom Philosopher’s new album Songs From the 86 Tram is out now.

The Bedroom Philosopher, The Boat People and Pinky Beecroft & the White Russians

Saturday 28^th August 2010 – The Troubadour

It was still early in the evening and a sizeable crowd were gathering in the warm embrace of the Troubadour. An eclectic mix of punters lined the walls and covered the front floor, sitting, taking in the atmosphere. While setting the perfect mood for the evening was none other than Sir Pinky Beecroft (from MGF notoriety) with his White Russians. The acoustics in the troubadour were almost certainly made for the raw, real and intense sound of these boys. So different from the majority of MGF’s work, you can tell when listening to the White Russians play that the few reworked MGF songs they throw into the mix, like Unsent Letter, which songs were the inner workings of Pinky. The crowd eagerly looked on as Pinky ferociously attacked his keyboards and the melodies reigned supreme throughout the long room. New song Roses was well received and Floor evoked a number of chuckles from the audience with tongue in cheek lyrics such as (I might not be so good in bed// but I’m alright on the floor). The favourite of the night was without a doubt the rendition of Blondie’s classic Call Me which wrapped up a perfect entrée to the evening.

After a short break for instrument set up, the main act was all dressed up and ready to go. With an eccentric style, The Bedroom Philosopher is one of the freshest and unique sounds of comedic musical genius kicking around the Australian music scene over the past few years. BP is the brainchild and stage name for comedian / writer Justin Heazlewood. After a number of successful albums and a host of festival shows, The Bedroom Philosopher embarked on this tour to promote his new album Songs from the 86 Tram. After a few songs in, the punters were loving it with smiles all round and there was definitely some giggling as well. And what can I say…. Having never seen the band myself before… it was an experience! BP has such a unique take on political and social issues, as he envelopes them in his clever writing style with a devilishly cheeky spin and then he puts them to catchy rhythms. I think he’s onto a winner! The moment of the night for me, was the complete an utter confusion my brain felt with the track which combined some skilled Aussie hip hop with this Indian Sitar in the background. It was the strangest, most interesting and captivating moment I have had for a while! The clear crowd favourite was the track Northcote (So Hungover) which is getting regular spins on Triple J at the moment. The Bedroom Philosopher’s new album Songs From the 86 Tram is out now.

New Music: The Jezabels

Kate Scantleton — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:58:43 +0000

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.

Live Music: Midnight Juggernauts @ Hifi Brisbane

Kate Scantleton — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:53:01 +0000

Words: Clare Kempnich/Kate Scantleton
Pictures: Kate Scantleton

Wow.

I think that was the only word I could muster after seeing Midnight Juggernauts‘ performance (Friday, August 21 at the Hi-Fi). I generally err on the side of caution when it comes to seeing electronic/dance acts as I worry about a band’s ability to replicate this kind of music on stage – but after this performance I am truly kicking myself for having passed up opportunities to see the Juggers in the past.

As soon as singer Vincent Vendetta entered the stage donning a velvet, star-adorned wizard’s cape I just knew this was going to be a gig to remember. I (along with a sizeable portion of the Australian public) was a huge fan of the band’s original release album Dystopia as, at the time, as the sounds were so original; a new take on electronic music. Their latest work The Crystal Axis falls slightly short of their last success – what was new and exciting from their last album is now a bit tired and overdone on this release.

That being said, the band did a fantastic job of blending the new with the old playing a good portion of their later works to keep the crowd entertained. For me, the standout song of the night was ‘Tombstone’ – a wildly popular song, which was performed perfectly on stage. Much credit must be given to the three-piece (Vincent Vendetta, Andrew Szekeres and Daniel Stricker) for perfectly recreating their songs on stage. Watching this genre of music live often means seeing instrument-less band members fawn about on a stage equipped with only their Macbook and an amp through which their songs are played, but Midnight Juggernauts were quite the opposite. The same kind of music, but with real guitars, a real keyboard and real tambourines!

With a stellar lineup on supports including Dappled Cities, who were mighty fine-sounding, filled with a child-like energy, and the much more quirky Kirin J Callinan who managed to put on quite a display during the Juggers’ finale tune, Into The Galaxy, where in true Blink 182 fashion he stripped off his pants and jacket, and proceeded to ballet-prance around the stage with a tamborine, this most certainly was a stand-out gig of 2010 to date. I’m looking forward to checking out the Juggers next time they’re in town again.

New Tour Announced: You Am I

Kate Scantleton — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 10:26:11 +0000

YOU AM I ANNOUNCE NATIONAL TOUR

Its been 1 year since You Am I toured Australia, in that time they’ve made a new record.

Their most sonically adventurous record to date, the self-titled forthcoming album “YOU AM I” has been described by those lucky enough to have heard it, as their finest record since ‘Hourly Daily.’

The album is chock full of subtleties and surprises, from the controlled rocking grandeur of the first radio single “Shuck”, to the smouldering “Trigger Finger”, to the Beatles/Beach Boys beauty on “Waiting to be Found”. Released October 8^ththe album hits the stores just in time for tour kick off.

These shows will be the first opportunity to hear these new songs, which by all accounts are destined to become YOU AM I classics.

YOU AM I return to the musical spotlight with the next exciting phase of an impressive career, and what better way to do it, than with a new label, a brand new album, and a rollicking 16-date National Australian tour.

Saturday November 27^th – HiFi, Brisbane

Support: The Honey Month

Tickets from www.thehifi.com.au, / Ph: 1300-THEHIFI (8434434) / Rocking Horse Records / Butter Beats / Sunflower Pacific fair / Disasterpiece / Mosh Pit Music / Kill The Music / Gooble Warming Rockaway Records

New Live Music: The Mercy Beat, Sparrows, Hundred Bad Guys with Swords, Cat Rapes Bat

Kate Scantleton — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:20:57 +0000

24TH SEPTEMBER 2010 – THE ZOO – FORTITUDE VALLEY, BRISBANE

The Mercy Beat recently debuted their album How to Shampoo a Yak to huge success and rave reviews and are back again give us another taste of their notoriously energetic- and occasionally bloody- live shows. Labelled “one of the city’s most enduring live acts” The Mercy Beat are a must-see, and when you witness the all out assault, you’ll never wash your looking balls again.

Joining The Mercy Beat are Sparrows (SYD), the offspring of seasoned Aussie rockers One Dollar Short and All In Favour; Hundred Bad Guys with Swords; and Yeppoon natives and experimental party rockers, Cat Rapes Bat.

Friday September 24th – The Zoo, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
w/ Sparrows, Hundred Bad Guys with Swords and Cat Rapes Bat.
$12 | 8pm

www.myspace.com/themercybeat

The Emperor’s New Clothes, a Cinematic Affair: The Cat Empire play the Tivoli

Kate Scantleton — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 11:56:14 +0000

Words: Sophie Hart

Saturday, August 28

I have to admit I walked into this review process a sceptic. I haven’t had much exposure to The Cat Empire outside what I hear on the radio, and may have found the breakout hit Hello mildly irritating after over zealous DJ’s declared it was the only song I needed to hear for most of 2003. So, I wasn’t entirely sure of what to expect from the self confessed “country’s most successful musical exports” (taken from the band’s web site). I was pleasantly surprised. Vocalists Felix Riebl and Harry J Angus took the sold out crowd on a journey through the band’s back catalogue and into their new album Cinema, a sign of their new direction.

The night warmed up with support acts Mama Kin and Clairy Baby Browne and the Bangin’ Rackettes putting on strong opening performances. Stand out moments included renditions of Nancy Sinatra’s Bang Bang, and Dolly Parton’s Jolene, both given a new lease on life by Clairy Brown and her Motown styled and choreographed backup singers. Their contribution had the crowded venue dancing in preparation for the main act.

From the moment The Cat Empire took the stage they had the audience at their feet. The prolific performers have toured across Australia and the World several times over. They even herald their new album, Cinema as the product of a much needed 8 month break after endlessly touring and recording since the bands inception 10 years ago.

It is more than evident that the band are very familiar and comfortable with each other on stage. Their performance was undeniably infectious and well executed, with all 6 performers effortlessly amalgamating their numerous instruments and still having a moment to shine with extended instrumental breaks showcasing each performer.

If I walked into this review as a sceptic, I walked out with a new appreciation for The Cat Empire as live performers. Though they weren’t particularly conversational with their audience, they took them on a musical journey, showcasing a back catalogue of favourites and an emerging new direction that delighted their eclectic and diverse fan base. And all without mega hit “Hello”…

New Show Announced: Ball Park Music at the Troubadour

Kate Scantleton — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:04:55 +0000

Headline show – Thursday, September 2 – The Troubadour

With the runaway success of the single ‘iFly’ (you know the one: “I f**king love you, I think you’re pretty), Ball Park Music’s profile is certainly going from strength to strength. The six-headed pop collective has been pricking ears with their lively blend of ingenuis indie-pop/rock and turning heads with their raucous live show, one where literally anything can happen.

The band recently released their second EP Conquer the Town, Easy as Cake to an unsuspecting Australian audience and the response has been overwhelming – ‘iFly’ proved to be ideal triple j material as it lept right to high rotation and has repeatedly featured as the most popular on Super Request. Another of the EP’s finest moments – ‘Western Whirl’ – was nominated for both The Courier Mail People’s Choice Song of the Year and Best Alternative at this year’s Q Song Awards – it didn’t win but a French milk company loved it enough to feature it in their latest campaigns.

All in all, this sets the band up nicely for the remaining months of 2010 where they will be undertaking their very first national tour, a brand new single release – but more about that later. Thursday, September 2 will be their last headline appearance in Brisbane, possibly for the year and they’re celebrating by re-releasing their debut EP Rolling On The Floor, Laughing Ourselves To Sleep in fancy new packaging (you might remember their remaining stock being sizzled in a house fire last year) and launching a new range of Ball Park Music merchandise. Joining them on the night will be the indie-rock goodness of the Gold Coast’s Oceanics and the local emerging star on the rise Emma-Louise.

Thursday, September 2 | The Troubadour, Brisbane
with Oceanics and Emma-Louise
Tix – Pre $8 / Door $10 www.troubadour.oztix.com.au/

On Tour: The Mess Hall

Kate Scantleton — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 09:57:13 +0000

Sydney’s 2010 AMP shortlisters, and 2007 winners The Mess Hall have announced they are to follow their brilliant set at Splendour In The Grass by playing select dates along the East Coast of Australia this September.

Singer/Guitarist Jed Kurzel has been extremely busy lately, writing the music for the new Foxtel show ‘Spirited’ starring Claudia Karvan. In addition he is scoring an Australian feature film due out early next year with director and long-time collaborator, brother Justin Kurzel. This tour will give The Mess Hall a chance to feature material from all releases, including “Notes From A Ceiling”, “Devils’ Elbow” and their highly acclaimed most recent release, “For The Birds”. As always, the blistering live show for which they are renowned is guaranteed.

Friday 17th September The Zoo, Brisbane
Outlet: Venue: www.thezoo.com.au, Oztix: 1300 762 545 + usual outlets

Live Music: Dead Letter Circus @ the Zoo

Kate Scantleton — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 08:39:04 +0000

Words: Betina Dale
Photos: Kate Scantleton

Wednesday, August 18

The lights were dim, the air was thick – but neither hot nor cold – that perfect in between temperature that makes a gig perfect. It was a Wednesday eve and all was quiet, except for a little venue who was about to get (very) loud!

An awe inspiring performance by Black Devil Yard Boss warmed up the crowd nicely, proving that they are indeed a name to watch in the upcoming years, with their next tour playing support for none other than the great Shihad. Black Devil Yard Boss is their name and down and dirty rock is their game – watch out for these boys!

Meanwhile, backstage somewhere, the main event were warming up their vocal cords. Some would say that Brisbane locals Dead Letter Circus are a cross between Cog and Karnivool… the intensity of Cog with the substance behind the lyrics of Karnivool. Regardless of what they are – Dead Letter Circus are the new force to be reckoned with in Australian alternative rock music. A silence fell upon the crowd as the band made its way onto the stage.

An unmistakable sound rung true as the crowd chanted each chorus. Hits like Here We Divide and Reaction really got them moving while the new favourite Big got the crowd pulsing with anticipation. DLC are the next big thing and this tour is the turning point. A crisp, clear and unfaltering sound echoed through the Zoo as they unmasked the true beast of their latest album This is The Warning. It is almost impossible for this album to sound any better on disk than it does, but live, lead singer Kim Benzie brings a whole new level of passion and force to the vocals that it takes the audience on a journey to another world.

The eager crowd lapped up every second, with punters hanging off every word. Crowd sung choruses rung loud in the cosy confides of the Zoo as DLC impressed the only way they know how – LOUD!

Although now partially deaf, the impressive performance definitely places DLC on the list of bands to watch in 2010. Their new album This is the Warning came out on May 14 2010 and debuted at number 2 on the Aria music charts and is a must have for your 2010 album collection.

[Me] and Black Bear Woods entice eyes at the Troubadour

Kate Scantleton — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 11:55:32 +0000

Words: Leah Holdsworth
Picture courtesy of Black Bear Woods

The Troubadour seems like such an easy place for me to find myself on a Friday evening. The venue seems to attract bands that both enthrall the audience, and create an intimate feel. And Friday just one week past, I found myself in the presence of two such bands.

Black Bear Woods were the opening act for the headliners [Me]. A local Brisbane band, Black Bear Woods consisted of a whole stage full (a total of seven) of performers. They stood out as a band that does not just play rock pop music, but rather, rock pop with a bluesy, folksy feel.

Their songs were funky, toe-tapping fun, and they seemed to enjoy grooving out. The singer was captivating, his voice both crooning and strong.

Black Bear Woods left the audience with a yearning to hear more tales.

The last, and headlining act of the evening was the charming [Me].

[Me] is a band encompassing all the fundamentals of indie rock that makes a band grand. Hailing from Melbourne town, the four piece combined elements of classic rock with piano and violin.

And, while the band undoubtably shares characteristics with the hugely popular Muse, particularly on their track ‘Your Favourite Colour’, [Me] displayed constant enthusiam, and elements of the theatrical.

Theatricality is perhaps a key element to their live show. A funky twist on bands such as Queen, the audience was soon drawn to the front of the show, grooving happily along to the tunes.

A highlight for me occurred when the violinist, a very kind man named Jonathon, jumped down from the stage to dance with the crowd and put a very happy smile on my face.

Their songs were refreshing and catchy, a very pleasing end to a Friday evening at the Troubadour.