When it comes to “supergroups”, let’s face it: the majority have been disappointing at best. But then again, none of them had the calibre of talent that Them Crooked Vultures has at its disposal. On drums, the legendary Dave Grohl (tonight playing in the same venue he played with Nirvana back in 1992). On guitar…
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As I sit down to write this review, I’m reading a newspaper article on Rogue’s Gallery, comprised almost entirely of reactions to the show from Twitter. Many of which seemed to be negative, and thus they argue: Sydney was outraged by the show! Since when did out-of-context comments on Twitter become a voice of authority?…
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I’ve done 5 days of Bluesfest, the two and a bit days of Splendour – I even did 2 V Festivals one year. I’ve done 8 consecutive nights of live music. But going to 2 Big Day Outs in a row, in Sydney, on the two hottest days of the year – I don’t think…
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If there’s one success story worth looking into, it’s that of A Fire Inside (AFI), a Californian alternative rock band who exploded into worldwide prominence in 2003. Little do many know, however, that this happened 12 years after they’d formed. But they’ve been unstoppable since. I recently had the opportunity to speak with drummer Adam Carson, ahead…
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Decibully is a Milwaukee based folk-rock band, formed in 2001 by front man and general all-rounder William Seidel. World Travels Fast is their third major release, and their first on new label Listening Party Records. For a relatively young band, they have been heavily lauded thanks to their prior releases Sing Out America! and City…
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First up were Sydney’s own Bridezilla – or as Colin “Grizzly” Meloy, Decemberists unshaven frontman, called them – our local heroes! And indeed they are, continuing to impress crowds wherever they pop up… which seems to be just about everywhere at the moment, keeping the girls (and boy) very busy no doubt. We’ve spent plenty…
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Big Day Out 2010, here we come. In contrast to pleasant cloudy weather at last year’s event, it is so hot today you could practically cook eggs in the sunrays (cue plenty of exposed flesh, Southern Cross tatts, silly sombreros etc in the crowd) by the time we arrive on the Gold Coast – so…
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One line to describe working with each artist: Dap Kings: Scary, but a hell of a lot of fun playing with some of the raddest musicians around John Taylor: incredibly inspiring. We knew it was going to be good, but jamming with John and Alex Greenwald was one of the best feelings we had…
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The four years since the release of Midlake‘s sophomore record has seen an interesting shift in the broader spectrum of ‘alternative’ music, with a massive rise in a more hybridized, synthesised and crossover sound championed by groups like The Presets, MGMT and Crystal Castles. In these electro-driven times, it’s a real pleasure to find a…
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Heralding all the way from Mali, Vieux Farka Touré headlined Beck’s Festival Bar on Friday night for his first ever Sydney performance, carrying on the legacy of his father, Ali Farka Touré, while being a highly respected musician in his own right. First up was Dan Sultan and band, who has been dubbed “the black Elvis” by fellow performer Clare…
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Ahead of her upcoming Australian Bacardi Express headlining tour, the AU review had a brief chat with the pop star. Enjoy! She keeps it short and sweet. This is the second time you’ve visited Australia in the last 6 months, what is it about Australia that keeps you coming back? The crowd. Everyone at our…
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Last week, I had the opportunity to chat to Kieran Ryan, one half of Melbourne two piece Kid Sam – the project he shares with cousin and drummer Kishore Ryan. The pair are about to embark on one of the most exciting periods of their lives, performing on the national Laneway bill, and supporting Daniel…
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Kat Mahina chats with the Cassette Kids ahead of the release of their debut LP, Nothing on TV, and their anticipated stint on the Bacardi Express circuit, supporting La Roux! Your debut album Nothing on TV is set for release in March this year. How’s the writing and recording process been and what can your…
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It’s day 5 of Sydney Festival, and the first round of artists are coming to an end. Tonight marked the final performance in the Spiegeltent of Montreal’s Patrick Watson, who went on to play at Beck’s Festival Bar (replacing The Middle East and supporting Grizzly Bear) for his final Sydney gig – and we were…
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When you speak of the Summer festival season, there is one festival that reigns supreme: The Big Day Out. Now in its 18th year, it’s a festival which indeed lives up to its name. The biggest acts in the world, under what feels like the hottest sun in the world – it’s Australia’s time to…
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After an incredibly hectic (but fun) 2009, the Sydney Festival organisers took a step back for their third Festival First Night: going for quality, not quantity – getting rid of the Fuzzy stage, spreading out the stages at Martin Place, and giving the City of Sydney a night it won’t soon forget. For me, the majority of…
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I love Karen O. There is no denying that she’s the queen of cool in the world of music today. And tonight she was back to prove to Sydney why – playing to a sell out crowd at the Hordern Pavillion – their largest show in the city to date. But first up were Sydney’s…
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The following is one review where no amount of hyperbole will do true justice to the overwhelming feeling that comes from experiencing a live event such as this. Tonight, Grizzly Bear brought Sydney to its emotional knees in an evening of beautiful intensity that is so rarely found live – especially in a unique setting…
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Chairlift and The Phenomenal Handclap Band are two artists who have had a very interesting 2009. Underground hits in their home state of New York, the bands quickly reached international airwaves with singles “Bruises” (as featured in an Apple ad campaign) and “15 to 20”, respectively. And now, riding the successes of each, they’re jet…
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Its been a while since Editors were last on Australian shores, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome them back (and for this reviewer, it’s my first experience with the Birmingham based group… so I must say I was ever the more excited). But first up were Melbourne duo Big Scary – a band…
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They’ve been keeping quiet for some time now, but Sydney outfit The Holidays are well and truly back for our listening pleasure. With 2 EPs under their belt, a shitload of touring behind them, and new single “Moonlight Hours” receiving a good amount of airtime, The Holidays are finally ready to launch into a territory…
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As Andrew Bird told the just about sold out crowd that “it’s not every day you get to play in a venue that’s also an international icon” – I was reminded just how special a venue the Sydney Opera House is, and how lucky we are to not only have the venue in our vicinity,…
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As I rolled out of bed yesterday morning, complete with a throbbing headache and an innate desire to remain in bed for at least another 24 hours, I peaked out the window to see clouds looming over the city. As with any hangover, not a great way to start the day. Little was I to…
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