Year: 2019

Arlo Ultra Review: Is the DIY smart home complete without a security set up?

Curating a DIY smart home is now easier, more accessible, and actually financially viable for the average consumer. As such, we’re beginning to see a lot of advanced smart security systems on the market. Google have their Nest range, for example, and then there’s Arlo, which has arguably become the more dominant surveillance solution. I…

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Track of the Day: Ducks Unlimited “Gleaming Spires” (2019)

Ahead of the release of their debut EP Get Bleak this Friday Toronto’s Ducks Unlimited have shared their delightfully jangly new single “Gleaming Spires”.  The single is bright, effervescent, and completely infectious. So much so I’ve found myself putting it straight into high rotation. You’d also be forgiven for thinking they might be an Aussie…

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Flight Review: Economy Class from Sydney to Nadi with Fiji Airways (FJ910)

The short flight from Sydney to the pacific paradise of Fiji is one of the most frequented for keen Australian travellers looking for a quick and budget friendly escape. Fiji Airways, which has a codeshare agreement with Qantas, has long been known as one of the better and more comfortable ways to get there. So…

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Track of the Day: Bronte Public Housing “Sleepyhead” (2019)

With summer officially arriving at the end of the week, we’ve found the perfect track to soundtrack those lazy days at the beach, by the pool, or tucked away in air-conditioned bliss.  “Sleepyhead” is the debut single from Bronte Public Housing, the brainchild of Sydney’s Jimmy Heathwood, frontman of Hiaground. It’s a bright and dreamy…

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Film Review: Frozen 2 is a strong sequel that affirms family bonds with the courage of venturing into the unknown

It’s a tough ask for a sequel to be as good, or better than its predecessor. Obviously Disney is resting high hopes on Frozen 2 to be as big as the original 2013 film, and box office numbers so far are already looking promising with $127 million in the US and a worldwide launch of…

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Album of the Week: Anna Smyrk returns with stunning second EP, Swim

Singer-songwriter Anna Smyrk recently dropped her second EP, Swim. If you liked our recent premiere, featuring her single “Alight“, you’re going to love this five strong selection. Recorded in a Central Victorian farmhouse, Swim brought together a band of old friends on violin, banjo, dobro, double bass and drums, with Anna’s sister on backing vocals. The…

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Festival Review: Spilt Milk sweats it out in Canberra

The first date of Spilt Milk Canberra was a steamy hot day at Canberra’s Commonwealth Park and punters from across the state streamed in and sweated it out with a bevvy of prime acts. With this kind of line up, it was always going to be a massive day – even the opening acts were…

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Track of the Day: Lui Peng “Casual Lover” (2019)

Last weekend saw British-Chinese artist Lui Peng drop “Casual Lover“, the latest single from upcoming EP Unavailable. A heartfelt musing on failed relationships and rebound lovers, we love this elegant track – and we think you will too! It’s been a busy couple of years for the London based singer-songwriter. As well as releasing past…

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Track of the Day: Salarymen “Please” (2019)

Sydney-based duo Salarymen have just unleashed their debut single, “Please”. It’s catchy, it’s got lush harmonies and it’s got some fun 60’s vibes. The song might be dealing with the end of a relationship, but hey with the fun vibes they are putting out, it certainly seems to take the edge off the situation. The…

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Photo Gallery: Tiny Ruins + Steve Gunn – Red Rattler, Sydney (24.11.19)

Sunday night at the Red Rattler was a great place to listen to two tremendous songwriters playing their final shows of the year. The crowd was respectful as Steve Gunn deployed his songwriting and guitar playing prowess with great guile and charm. Tiny Ruins closed the night out, playing many tracks from her most recent album…

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Aquarius Films acquires movie rights to Matt Okine’s Being Black ‘N Chicken & Chips

In partnership with Wooden Horse, award winning production company Aquarius Films has optioned Matt Okine‘s Being Black ‘N Chicken & Chips. Aquarius Films have lent their expertise to the Academy Award nominated Lion, upcoming Tim Winton adaptation, Dirt Music, and Stan comedy series The Other Guy, alongside Okine and Wooden Horse. Okine’s debut novel draws on the…

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Sydney icon Icebergs transforms its terrace into a Coastal Summer Garden

Summer is nearing and what better way to welcome the warmer days than soaking up panoramic views over Bondi Beach while sipping botanical cocktails? Icebergs, one of Bondi’s most iconic dining destinations has transformed its intimate terrace into an elegant summer garden. They’ve collaborated with Ketel One Botanical to offer a curated list of unique…

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Move over Minchin: Australia’s Eddie Perfect is the latest Broadway Star with Beetlejuice

While the fanfare over Tim Minchin’s work on Matilda felt deafening, it may surprise some to learn that he’s not the only Aussie who’s setting Broadway alight with his lyrics and music. Enter another composer-actor-comedian, Melbourne born Eddie Perfect – who you’ll remember from performance in Offspring or from penning and starting in the hilarious…

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Layton’s Mystery Journey: Katrielle & the Millionaire’s Conspiracy Review: Stranger than fiction

The Layton series played a big part in my schooling years. Little ol’ me and my Nintendo DS, absolutely stoked to have this series in hand. If there was any gaming franchise that kept my mind alight, these were it, thanks to all its puzzles. There are now seven games in the Layton series. This…

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Need For Speed: Heat Review: The Heat is on

The Need for Speed franchise is much as a staple of the racing genre as any other. From the high octane thrills of Hot Pursuit, to the halcyon days of Underground, and the epic, white-knuckle police chases of the highly regarded Most Wanted. A few rocky and undercooked entries have plagued the series in recent…

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Live Review: Lime Cordiale + Micra + Teenage Dads – The Roundhouse, Sydney (21.11.19)

Lime Cordiale has caught the attention of international superstars like Post Malone and Dre London, and the hype that that’s garnered is definitely well deserved. These Northern Beaches boys put on one hell of a packed-out, sold out show at Sydney’s Roundhouse on Thursday evening as they continue their mammoth Robbery tour. Warming up the stage…

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Theatre Review: Mercutio and The Prince of Cats both entertains and confuses its audience at Sydney’s Old 505

Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is one of the most iconic tragedies of all time. If you’re unfamiliar with this tale of woe – plot spoiler – they die in the end. But Giles Gartrell-Mills, the writer behind Mercutio and The Prince of Cats, isn’t interested in the star-crossed lover’s plight. Instead the play focuses on…

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This New York to Sydney route is perfect if you can’t sleep on planes and want to avoid jet lag

With all this talk about the new NYC to Sydney direct route that Qantas are proposing to launch in the coming years – and the Air New Zealand direct NYC to Auckland route that’s going to get us one step closer in October 2020 – I can’t help but wonder if there is a better…

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Track of the Day: Down For Tomorrow “Show Me That You Care” (2019)

Sydney based grunge punks Down For Tomorrow have provided us with our final Track of the Day for the week! Latest single “Show Me That You Care” is another great offering from the boys, who released their sophomore EP back in June, premiering it exclusively with us here at The AU Review! Of this latest…

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Photo Gallery: Ngaiire + Srisha + Clarissa Mei – The Lansdowne, Sydney (21.11.19)

Ngaiire has returned to the live scene after an extended break, and it was a rapturous crowd who enjoyed the sold-out show at the Landsdowne last night. The supports Clarissa Mei and Srisha were both excellent, and have enjoyed the benefit of being mentored by Ngaiire earlier in the year. It was a solid start to…

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Film Review: Aussie coming-of-age flick Bilched hits all the right notes

Hal Thomas is finishing school and he’s ready for a monster night out with his friends. Sure, he’s been uninvited from the party, the girl he likes just wants to be mates, and he’s got a massive NADA audition coming up, but that’s not about to stop him. Turn up the Dune Rats, roll another…

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Exclusive Album Premiere: Fat Picnic – Get Out Of My Fridge (2019)

It’s here at last! Yes, the debut album from Fat Picnic, the funsters from Brisbane are about to drop their debut album “Get Out Of My Fridge”. It’s true to style of their live shows, dripping in a blend of genres, heavily steeped in soul-infused ska and dub-reggae. They released a taster earlier this year, with…

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Film Review: Judy & Punch is a nasty, inconsistent tale aided by two strong central performances

A peculiar film aided by two strong central performances but a distinct nastiness that keeps it from maintaining consistency, Judy & Punch is a brave debut feature from Australian actress-filmmaker Mirrah Foulkes.  Unsure if it wants to be a dark comedy or something more horrific – it sadly lacks orderly humour or thrills to be…

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Live Review: U2 + Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds – Adelaide Oval (19.11.19)

A U2 concert is not just another gig, it is an event that excites an entire city. There was an energy in the warm, summer air as thousands of Adelaide fans made their way across the footbridge over the River Torrens from the city to Adelaide Oval to see the Irish legends. Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds…

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Photo Gallery: Matthew McConaughey launches eco cabin in Sydney as part of Wild Turkey With Thanks mission

Matthew McConaughey launches off-grid cabin with Unyoked founders Chris Grant and Cam Grant as part of Wild Turkey With Thanks charity initiative to protect and preserve Australia’s wilderness. For more information click HERE

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Photo Gallery: U2 + Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds – Adelaide Oval (19.11.19)

Celebrating more than 30 years since The Joshua Tree album and tour, U2 are working their way around Australia and New Zealand playing some epics shows along with Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. Kerrie Geier was there for the AU review, take a look!

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The 2020 Midsumma Festival program is revealed

Australia’s premier queer arts experience Midsumma Festival have tonight launched their 2020 program and is set to be bigger than ever, with the festival taking over ninety eight venues across Melbourne’s CBD and outer suburbs.  Running from January 19th to February 9th 2020, the festival will showcase a spectacular array of performances, exhibitions, talks and…

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Why David Byrne’s American Utopia is unlike anything Broadway has ever seen

I’ve always loved the theatricality of music; that indescribable feeling it can provided when presented with a bit of bombastic flair. But I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a production bring so much life to its soundtrack, as David Byrne has achieved  with his American Utopia show – which is currently enjoying a 16…

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Track of the Day: Port Royal “That’s How You Want It To Be” (2019)

Earlier this month Brisbane rockers Port Royal dropped a new music video for their single, “That’s How You Want It To Be”. The track, which champions the idea of doing things your own way, is from their forthcoming EP Golden Years, which will drop next year.  The single is brimming with feisty riffs and plenty…

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Photo Gallery: Middle Kids + Didirri – Forum Theatre, Melbourne (17.11.19)

Sydney’s The Middle Kids are currently touring on the back of the release of their critically acclaimed mini-album New Songs For Old Problems. The weekend saw the tour hit up Melbourne’s Forum Theatre, with support coming from singer-songwriter Didirri. Danny brings us these photos from the night.

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