Year: 2019

Interview: Jet’s Nic Cester talks fatherhood, the downsides of Melbourne, and the potential for new material

A lot has changed for Jet frontman, Nic Cester, since the Australian rock icons first shot to international superstardom. It’s been over fifteen years since the band first released their debut album, Get Born. Two more albums followed and then a decade long hiatus. In recent years, the band have finally made a return, supporting Bruce…

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Album of the Week: Pond – Tasmania (2019 LP)

We’re a matter of days away from the release of Pond’s eighth studio album, Tasmania. Pond declares Tasmania something of a sister missive to their critically acclaimed 2017 album The Weather. The thematics of both albums are kindred in many respects. Tasmania explores place, history, hints of colonialism, and nature’s unfortunate submission towards humans – themes that…

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Album Review: On See You (2019 EP) Sweater Curse showcase their talent and potential

Brisbane band Sweater Curse have been making many waves in the Australian music scene over the past few years, with support slots for major artists, Triple J Unearthed support and a growing list of performances. Now, with their new EP See You, the band offer up a full showcase of just why they’ve become so…

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Live Review: Kwame + Arno Faraji + Maya Hirasedo – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne (23.02.19)

It was a late night for the Melbourne crowd who garnered the Northcote Social Club in large numbers on Saturday night, but it didn’t seem to put them off from turning out early for the opening acts. The evening’s first opener was Melbourne local and hip-hop/pop artist Maya Hirasedo. Her set was a stunning mixture…

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Track of the Day: Dream Ritual “Stones” (2019)

We all need a little bit of scuzzy 90’s inspired grunge in our lives, especially because this kind of alt-rock is becoming increasingly hard to come across in a sea of constant pop (and pop rap) releases flooding social media. Your latest taste comes from Springfield, Missouri band Dream Ritual who capture all the frustration…

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This Golden Gaytime Croissant is Taking Over Sydney for Mardi Gras

The team at Alexandria’s Textbook Boulangerie-Patisserie are known for making some of the most delicious croissants in the entire country, among many other treats. It’s why there’s queues out the door on most days, and that kind of buzz is only set to grow during Mardi Gras weekend with the introduction of the Golden Gaytime…

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Interview: Sweater Curse’s Monica talks all things music ahead of the release of their debut EP See You

Sweater Curse are a Brisbane band who have had a large jump in notoriety in recent times, thanks in part to their unique blend of pop and rock, and emotive, dense and beautiful songs. Ahead of the release of their debut EP See You on March 1st, the band’s lead singer and bassist Monica spoke to us…

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Adelaide Fringe Review: Djuki Mala – Umbrella Revolution, Adelaide (24.02.19)

North East Arnhem Land dancers Djuki Mala return to Adelaide Fringe this year to once again deliver their high-energy, and highly original dance performance, and it should be on the top of everyone’s must-see list!   Beginning their performance with traditional dance, Djuki Mala demonstrated their skill at telling a story through movement, whilst behind them projected images set the scene and…

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Live Review: Tia Gostelow rocked Sydney’s Lansdowne Hotel with Lola Scott and MANE

It was an empowering night of young female talent at Sydney’s Lansdowne Hotel on Saturday. Mackay-local Tia Gostelow brought along vocal-powerhouses Lola Scott and MANE to support her sold-out show, and boy was it a showcase for the books! Lola Scott’s dark-indie pop offered a dramatic and energetic start to the evening. Her performance drew…

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Live Review: Aloe Blacc unravels the history of Soul at Zoo Twilights (Melbourne)

The Melbourne summer peak may be on its last legs, but musical and cultural events are still in full swing around the city. A series of concerts under the name Zoo Twilights are currently underway at Melbourne Zoo, lasting from January to March. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to see the animals then bring…

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Book Review: W.C. Ryan’s atmospheric A House of Ghosts blends wartime intrigue with a sinister ghost story

1917. At Blackwater Abbey in Devon, a storm is brewing. Lord and Lady Highmount invite renowned mediums, bereaved parents, and one troubled young soldier into their home, all in the hopes of contacting their sons, lost to the war ravaging Europe – much of it powered by the Highmounts’ own armaments. Thrust unexpectedly into their…

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Live Review: In Sydney Bananarama, Tiffany and Amber knew how to party like it’s 1989

Bananarama, Tiffany and Amber walk into a bar. It’s not 1989, even if it may feel that way. These artists know that girls just wanna have fun and they delivered joyous sets filled with nostalgic pop music. The Enmore Theatre could have been the setting for fluro outfits, large perms and shoulder pads, but these…

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Photo Gallery: Djuki Mala – Umbrella Revolution, Adelaide Fringe (24.02.19)

Djuki Mala have returned to Adelaide Fringe for what is sure to be another huge season. Don’t miss their energetic performance at Umbrella Revolution in the Garden Of Unearthly Delights. The AU Review sent Kerrie Geier along to take these shots.

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Mardi Gras in Sydney: Five fabulous events on this week

It’s that time again, where pride, diversity and strength take centre stage as the fabulous Mardi Gras rolls into town. Not just all about the parade itself anymore, the celebration has become about Sydney, it’s people, and it’s venues coming together to showcase and highlight the city’s effervescent LGBTQI community all week long. Right up…

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Track of the Day: Aldous Harding “The Barrel” (2019)

Last week saw singer-songwriter Aldous Harding share her new single “The Barrel”, the first taste from the New Zealander’s forthcoming third album Designer.  Along with the new single, we were also treated to a wonderfully eccentric and frankly captivating Martin Sagadin directed music video. Featuring Harding dressed in her best puritan costume, the video provides…

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Games Review: Anthem would be a great game if it didn’t keep getting in its own way

I have started and deleted this review three times in the week and a bit since our review codes arrived. It’s been a long time since I’ve found myself so conflicted about a game I’m reviewing, but Anthem has had me doubling back a lot, second guessing myself. The nutshell version is that I like…

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Film Review: Celebration: Yves Saint Laurent (France, 2007) offers a rare look at the designer’s creative process

Most people have seen Yves Saint Laurent’s creations but how many have wondered what is going on beneath the covers? The documentary, Celebration: Yves Saint Laurent, should answer some of these questions. This French film is shot in cinéma vérité style and gives a behind-the-scenes look at the fashion legend and his army of helpers….

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Five things not to miss at the 2019 Adelaide Festival

The Adelaide Festival opens runs between the 1st and 17th March and there’s a full program which can make choosing what to see a daunting task. Here’s five suggestions that should help choosing easier. Opening night: National Geographic: Symphony for our world Elder park comes alive on Saturday 2nd March for this family-friendly free concert…

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Interview: Duncan Welgemoed of Africola talks Maghreb cuisine and his upcoming Carriageworks Chef Series Masterclass

The Carriageworks Chef Series Masterclass returns again in 2019. The first person off of the rank is Duncan Welgemoed, the head chef and owner from the award-winning, Africola in Adelaide. Welgemoed’s techniques draw upon his rich cultural history including his chef dad, and Portuguese and Italian grandparents. We sat down with Duncan to learn more…

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Theatre Review: The Caretaker is a claustrophobic look at a world of pain (at Parramatta’s Riverside Theatre until 24 February)

The Caretaker focuses on three men in their natural habitat. The renowned, Harold Pinter play is a character-driven one that explores the relationship between a homeless man and two brothers. The story is a dense, dialogue-driven piece that unfolds within the confines of a West London flat. Some viewers may enjoy its clever lines, but…

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A festival celebrating women in wine, beer and spirit is coming to Sydney

Meet the Makers: Women in Beer, Wine & Spirits Festival is coming to Sydney to celebrate Australian and New Zealand’s female brewers, winemakers and distillers. CellarMasters has teamed up with BWS to launch Australia’s first ever drinks festival that has an exclusive all-female line-up. Taking place at Australian Technology Park in Sydney, the festival kicks off…

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Theatre Review: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child proves as spellbinding as the story itself (Melbourne)

The universe of Harry Potter is one that has been enamoured internationally amongst all generations for over twenty years now. With the first book of the series being released in 1997, many of us grew up alongside the franchise and the story seems to bind a deep, personal connection with those who read it. Despite reaching the…

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Album Review: On Freewave 3 (2019 LP), Lucki has forced himself and his turmoil into the limelight

For those who haven’t heard about Chicago rapper Lucki, the 22 year old is one of the most promising underground rap talents in recent memory. First achieving notoriety in 2012 with his critically acclaimed project Alternative Trap establishing the 16 year old as a formidable rapper with a unique delivery style that has developed and…

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Album Review: Methyl Ethel – Triage (2019 LP)

Triage, the third album from Methyl Ethel isn’t coincidentally named. Celebrating three albums, and lead singer Jake Webb’s 30th birthday, the album is a memorial and the capstone on a phase in the band’s journey. Whether that implies Methyl Ethel will be taking a different direction after this, we’re not sure. But what is constant right…

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Track of the Day: Carla Geneve “2001” (2019)

Coinciding with the announcement that the Perth artist has signed with the Dot Dash Recordings roster, Carla Geneve has released her new single “2001”.  The single takes its name from Stanley Kubrick’s iconic film 2001: A Space Odyssey and makes reference to science fiction writer Jack Vance and John Carpenter’s 1982 film The Thing. According…

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Exclusive Single Premiere: AM Reruns “Thrill Me” (2019)

Ahead of its official release on March 7th, we’re excited to be premiering “Thrill Me”, the new single and accompanying music video from Melbourne’s AM Reruns (f.k.a. Lip Sync Chicks). Recorded and mixed by Robert Muinos (Saskwatch, Little May), the single is the second to be lifted from the band’s debut album, which is due…

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Adelaide Fringe Review: Matt Tarrant presents More Unsolved – Gluttony (until 10th March)

Adelaide born Matt Tarrant has made magic his career and it has served him well as the highest selling solo act of the 2018 Adelaide Fringe after many years of awards and a 2017 stint on Australian Survivor. This year Matt returns to the Fringe with a show called More Unsolved. The show opens with…

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Track of the Day: Stephen Malkmus “Rushing The Acid Frat” (2019)

Stephen Malkmus, former Pavement frontman, has today released the first single off his forthcoming record, Groove Denied. The title, “Rushing The Acid Frat” is inspired by Malkmus’ memories of a specific student fraternity that favored the “Grateful Dead druggy tie-dye” vibe versus playing beer pong. Stephen notes he imagines the song as the soundtrack to a “Star Wars bar…

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Comedy Review: Conan O’Brien takes aim at Sydney’s Lock Out Laws as he makes his Australian debut

Last night, US late night talk show host Conan O’Brien hit the stage in Sydney, accompanied by a few of his “Australian Friends”, in what was (incredibly) the comedian’s first ever stage shows outside of North America. His TV show band “The Basic Cable Trio” opened the show, while cameras were held notably in the…

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This Aussie cafe will give free meals to anyone wearing pineapple clothes

Dust off your favourite pineapple print button-up because café chain Jamaica Blue are slanging free drinks and meals to anyone who rocks up wearing their best pineapple patterned clothing or fashion accessory (pineapple tattoos count). It’s to celebrate their new “pineapple themed menu”, of course, with the freebie deal including jerk chicken tacos, breakfast bowls,…

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