Year: 2022

Australia's Great Depression

Book Review: Joan Beaumont’s Australia’s Great Depression is a comprehensive look at a major part of Australian history

In her latest book, author Joan Beaumont brings us fresh insight into a major part of Australian history.  Australia’s Great Depression offers a comprehensive history of a fledgling nation, shattered by the Great War, and how it survived the worst economic crisis of its history. In telling this story Beaumont uncovers the sources of resilience…

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Blu-Ray Review: The Invitation‘s “Unrated Edition” adds extra blood but not enough bite

It’s all too easy to wax lyrical these days about trailers spoiling and “giving too much away” for the keyboard warriors who oft decide they hate a film before they even see it.  Whilst the jury is still out on how many will dislike The Invitation, I can attest that, as far as spoilers go, Jessica M….

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Win a double in-season pass to see Bones and All starring Timothée Chalamet

Thanks to Warner Bros. Australia and Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures we have 5 double in-season passes (Admit 2) to see the cannibalistic romance Bones and All, the latest film from acclaimed director Luca Guadagnino (Call Me By Your Name), in Australian cinemas from November 24th, 2022. Bones and All is a story of first love between Maren…

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Willie J and the Bad Books

Exclusive Video Premiere: Willie J and the Bad Books “Backdoor Man” (2022)

It’s always exciting to be showcasing the debut release from a band, so we are pumped today to be premiering the video for “Backdoor Man” from Willie J and The Bad Books. The track channels all that is great from the likes of Led Zeppelin, Jet and Greta Van Fleet. The band emerged out of…

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Interview: Ziggy Alberts on Here Comes The Sun fest, green touring with Jack Johnson, new album, and more

Ziggy Alberts will hit the road to tour this week, following the release of his sixth studio album titled Dancing In The Dark earlier this month, which he says is all about everyone’s journey over the past few years. The Sunshine Coast singer-songwriter will start this Saturday with a headline slot at Here Comes The…

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Theatre review: Ella Hickson’s Oil is bold and thought-provoking, though hindered by an overly ambitious scope

Oil has had a painfully obvious effect on our world, but we don’t often look back and wonder at how we got here. That’s what Oil, the production by British playwright Ella Hickson – brought to life once more by the Black Swan State Theatre Company of WA –  does in a surreal and ambitious…

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Photo Gallery: The Black Crowes – Enmore Theatre, Sydney (13.11.22)

Rock and Roll is back! with The Black Crowes absolutely lighting up a sold-out Sydney’s Enmore Theatre on the 30th Anniversary tour of their 90s album Shake Your Money Maker. Brothers Chris and Rich Robinson turned on their southern charm delivering a rock and roll show that Sydney fans will not forget. There are some…

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Theatre Review: RBG: Of Many, One reminds us how far we’ve come and how much we stand to lose

Make no mistake, Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a bad-ass. The late US Supreme Court Justice didn’t get a name like ‘The Notorious RBG’ for standing in the shadows. This feminist icon is the inspiration for the new Sydney Theatre production RBG: Of Many, One and is a truly inspiring show. Heather Miller is incredible in…

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4K Ultra HD Review: Bullet Train‘s bombastic energy is enhanced by neon visuals and booming audio

The Hitman Vs. Assassin subsect of the action genre is one that rarely deviates from its rather tried and true formula; aside from a hefty injection of cash and a star-studded cast, something as recent as Netflix’s throwaway actioner The Gray Man is proof that the genre, even in 2022, seems comfortable resting on its…

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Interview: Claudia Doumit on labour of love, Dylan & Zoey; “This film feels like a safe space for trauma.”

Australian-born Claudia Doumit may best be known for her deceptively sinister turn as Victoria Neuman in the television series The Boys, but it’s roles in films such as Dylan & Zoey that should truly keep her on the map. As the indie drama releases in US theatres and On Demand, Claudia spoke with our Peter…

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Film Review: Dylan & Zoey tackles sensitive subject matter in an intelligent fashion

Initially, it can’t be denied, Dylan & Zoey does adhere to certain rules that the “Indie film playbook” so often lays out for new filmmakers to navigate.  This is by no means a criticism of Matt Sauter‘s film, merely an observation that the simplistic settings, dialogue-heavy characters and their societal views, and “me against the…

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A.D.K.O.B. take us track by track through their debut album Defender

Sydney indie-rock quartet A.D.K.O.B. (A Different Kind of Busy) have made a strong return with their debut album Defender, released 31 Oct. Created during the 2020 lockdowns, frontman Mark Piccles impressively finished much of the album’s material over a two week period. This next phase of the band began as organically as their inception with…

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Album Review: The Comfort take us on an emotional and enlightening journey with Experience Everything. Live and Die.

  One of the greatest things about music is its ability to transport us to another time and place in the world or our lives and see things through another’s perspective. Brisbane alternative rock quartet The Comfort have boldly stated their intention in the title of their sophomore record Experience Everything. Live and Die. –…

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Stevan

New Music Discoveries 11th November: Stevan, Jen Cloher, Chutney, and more

Our Discovery playlist on Spotify and Apple Music has been updated this week with a further ten tracks, including three exclusive premieres. Our track of the week is “Driving” and comes from singer/songwriter Stevan.  We’ve been a big fan of Stevan since he burst onto the scene in 2019. Stevan is a self-taught producer, a…

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Soundcore Space Q45 Headphones Review: Quality and Comfort

Anker’s Soundcore range is steadily growing, with the new Space Q45 over-ear headphones providing a multitude of premium features like Active Noise Cancelling (ANC), extensive battery life and a comfortable design. At AUD $219.99, the plastic design keeps it looking like some of the most premium headphones on the market, while sound quality is both…

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4K Ultra HD Review: Nope is a visual and technical wonder

It’s understandable to be going into a film like Nope and be expecting horror greatness, given that it’s stemming from the mind of Jordan Peele, who, with both Get Out and Us, redefined the genre with his “woke” sensibilities and penchant for symbolism and commentary. Ominous alien invasion is seemingly what’s promised here.  The trailers (at least initially, before the studio…

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Skin Deep

Book Review: Phillipa McGuinness’ Skin Deep is a detailed look at one large complicated organ

We all have it. But how much do we know about it? Writer and publisher, Phillipa McGuinness offers us a comprehensive text about skin in her latest book. Across twelve chapters, she covers many different topics in what can feel like a tad dense read at times. This is a well-researched book and McGuinness is…

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Interview: Deirdre Mullins on female-centric horror film Mandrake and equal representation within the industry

Premiering exclusively on Shudder from November 10th, Mandrake is a Northern Irish folk horror tale that marks the directorial feature debut of Lynne Davison. Premiering earlier this year at FrightFest Glasgow the film follows probation officer Cathy Madden (played by Scottish BAFTA-winner Deirdre Mullins), who is given the task of rehabilitating notorious killer ‘Bloody’ Mary…

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Enjoy a God of War Ragnarök Themed Meal at Mjølner Restaurants Across Sydney and Melbourne

PlayStation Australia is celebrating the launch of God of War Ragnarök by partnering with Norse-inspired restaurant Mjølner, bringing fans an exclusive menu.  From now until the 20th of November, restaurants across both Sydney and Melbourne will allow fans to “Discover The Realms” with a unique nine-course menu , as we celebrate the release of the…

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Love & Able

Exclusive Album Premiere: Love & Able – Lucid Dreams (2022 LP)

Love & Able hail from Nowra, south of Sydney, and have been steadily building a solid fan base for their cathartic alt-rock. We’re thrilled today to be premiering their debut album, Lucid Dreams ahead of its release tomorrow. Singles “Be Gentle With My Mind” and the title track “Lucid Dreams” were released earlier this year…

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Hotel Review: The Ven Embassy Row brings comfort and friendship to Dupont Circle, Washington DC

At 2015 Massachusetts Ave NW, right by Dupont Circle in Washington D.C., on Embassy Row, you’ll find a newly remodeled hotel that very much wants to be your friend. And, as it turns out – it’ll likely be a mutual feeling. Inspired by a Scandinavian “hygge” design aesthetic that leans towards coziness and minimalism, and…

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BlueAnt XT100 2.0 Soundbar Review: Affordable Quality

Let’s face it; your TV’s internal speakers were never that great to begin with. Sure, newer and more premium units are including things like Dolby Atmos and integrated soundbars, but there’s nothing quite like boosting your TV with a dedicated soundbar, for both an increase in overall volume and sound quality. Enter the BlueAnt XT100…

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Verticoli take us track by track through their new album The Echo

Hobart rock trio Verticoli have proven to be one of the most promising acts from the south with their resolute new album The Echo, released 9 Nov. The 10-track project was in safe and confident hands, being produced by Jon Grace (Dear Seattle, Dune Rats, Kingswood) and mixed by Forrester Savell (Make Them Suffer, Karnivool,…

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Interview: Harry Mackley of Aburden talks new single, live shows and hiatus

Melbourne alt-emo act Aburden have returned from a two-year hiatus with their second single of the year, “Believe Me”, out now. After recent headline shows and appearances at AM//PM and Panic! At the Metro emo nights, the band are ready for the comeback fans have been eagerly waiting for. We had a chat with vocalist/guitarist…

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Jas.

Exclusive Single Premiere: Jas. “Ordinary” (2022)

Naarm/Melbourne-based Artist Jas. has well and truly put herself on the list of artists to watch with the release of her first two singles, “Wish You Well” and “Care Too Much”. The talented singer/songwriter is back for her second release of 2022, “Ordinary”, a track about being anything but. We are stoked to be premiering…

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Film Review: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever injects much-needed bouts of emotion and enthusiasm into MCU’s divisive Phase Four

Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe has undoubtedly divided fans like no other that has preceded it.  Whilst there was a certain uniqueness in how characters and narratives were handled – say what you will about Eternals or Thor: Love and Thunder, but they at least attempted to separate themselves from the norm –…

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Clio Renner

Exclusive Single Premiere: Clio Renner “All Clear” (2022)

Melbourne’s Clio Renner is back with “All Clear”, her first release since her 2020 debut album, Nothing Breaks, Nothing Mends. “All Clear” shines a light on the behaviours of the privileged few. We’re thrilled to have the first listen of this entrancing song ahead of its release on Friday. Clio describes the song as “a…

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Can you visit Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland California in the same day?

Earlier this year, I was lucky enough to have a day off in Los Angeles. It had been more than two years since I’d last been there – pandemic and all – and I had a lot of time to make up for. So, being the theme park enthusiast I am, I tried to (for…

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Click Frenzy 2022 – Apple and Samsung discounts to expect from Phonebot this week

2022 has been an exciting year for smartphones. Flagships have become flashier and more powerful, and their pricing has been confusing. If you’re like everyone else waiting for the mega sales, you must not miss Phonebot’s Click Frenzy 2022. It’s no secret that Samsung and iPhone devices are the top choices for bargain hunters and…

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Prime Video offering $40K for brand new Prime Video Buff role

Just when you thought remote working was good, along comes remote-control working. Prime Video Australia today announced a nationwide search for a content junkie to fill a brand-new role—the Prime Video Buff. Prime Video is on the hunt for someone who lives and breathes entertainment to be employed in a full-time role** over summer and get…

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