Month: April 2023

Interview: RinRin talks tour, influences and debut album

Perth alt-metal act RinRin is filling a void in the local heavy scene with her fusion of J-rock and pop-punk. With frenetic guitarwork, stomping grooves and vibrant synths, her powerful vocals and catchy hooks soar high above the modern mixes. RinRin and her band will be heading out on their debut headline tour this May…

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Anthony Locascio compares Melbourne and Sydney residents ahead of his Heart of Darkness tour

Sydney-based comedian Anthony Locascio is about to head out on his Heart of Darkness tour for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and Sydney and Perth Comedy Festivals. Kicking off today at Belgian Beer Café in Melbourne, the tour will stay until 22 April before moving to Factory Theatre Fusebox in Sydney from 3-7 May and…

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Film Review: Evil Dead Rise is a relentless and beautifully horrific addition to the long-running franchise

Enhancing the punishing and graphically gory nature of Fede Álvarez’s 2013 “reimagined” Evil Dead and the more comedic inclination of Sam Raimi’s Evil Dead 2 (1987), Lee Cronin‘s Evil Dead Rise is a manic, at-times disgusting horror treat that proves there’s still a whole lotta (after) life left in this franchise. Given that Cronin seems…

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Nightbirds

Book Review: You can’t trust anyone in Kate J. Armstrong’s Nightbirds

Magical girls, politics, religion and revolution collide in Kate J. Armstrong‘s debut novel, Nightbirds. Set in a 1920s-inspired world where magic is prohibited, this YA fantasy explores the politics of women in power in an action-packed and wild ride through the fictional city of Simta. Matilde, Sayer and Æsa are Nightbirds, girls will innate magic…

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Film Review: Chrissy Judy embraces its own queer personality with a raw, occasionally unlikeable edge

The release of Chrissy Judy feels rather aptly timed at the given moment considering the unnecessary controversy around the artform that is drag.  Its history has never been tied to sex or sexuality, so it’s incredibly ironic that anti-LGBTQIA+ conservatives have peddled their agenda against the art and have positioned themselves as “protecting” children from…

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Tash Sultana

Festival Photo Gallery: Byron Bay Bluesfest (Day Four) – Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm (09.04.23)

We rolled into day four of Byron Bay Bluesfest 2023 full of beans for the day ahead. Rockwiz is a perennial favourite at the festival, with Brian Nankervis and Julia Zemiro dishing up the laughs and giving the crowd their chance at 15 minutes of fame. The special guests included Chris Cheney (The Living End)…

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Buddy Guy

Festival Photo Gallery: Byron Bay Bluesfest (Day Three) – Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm (08.04.23)

  Day 3 of Bluesfest 2023 was dominated by the legend that is Buddy Guy. He has been to the festival many times over the years, and 2023 has been pegged as his final visit. His performance did not disappoint. He was playful and thoroughly entertaining. The humour was complemented by his mastery of the…

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LP

Festival Photo Gallery: Byron Bay Bluesfest (Day Two) – Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm (07.04.23)

Day two of Byron Bay Bluesfest 2023 was a cracker. It was well worth getting to the festival early, as one of the highlights was Southern Avenue who ripped up the Juke Joint just after midday. Their mashup of gospel, blues and R&B had us dancing and blowing away the cobwebs. Southern Avenue Over at…

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First Impressions: Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies doesn’t quite ascend in the manner akin to the original musical

There’s something kind of ironic in Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies aiming to ramp up the female empowerment.  As seems to be the norm now for familiar property, the creators of this prequel series have essentially refashioned it for modern audiences and, in the process, made it feel like a separate entity entirely to…

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Colourful cocktails arranged on a bar.

Underground Spirits Australia set to launch their new Coronation Gin

Underground Spirits Australia announced the launch of their limited-edition Coronation Gin during a cocktail event in honour of World Caramel Day. With notes of sweet orange, maple syrup and coconut, among others, this intricately crafted gin adopts flavours from across the Commonwealth countries. The Coronation Gin will be officially unveiled at the 2023 Sydney Royal Easter…

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Interview: Heather Graham and Jesse Metcalfe on their new faith-based true story drama, On A Wing and a Prayer

Arriving just in time for the Easter weekend, the credence of a family in peril and the determination of the stranger who can save them come together in On A Wing and A Prayer, a faith-based drama streaming on Prime Video from April 7th. Directed by Sean McNamara, written by Brian Egeston, and based on…

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Spinifex Gum

Festival Photo Gallery: Byron Bay Bluesfest (Day One) – Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm (06.04.23)

The 34th edition of the Byron Bay Bluesfest kicked off yesterday at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm. Those that arrived early were well rewarded with a swift entry and a solid early lineup. Nikki Hill is a  fan-favourite at the festival, having rocked Bluesfest a number of times before. It was the first visit since 2015,…

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Album Review: Headwreck – Reflection Room (2023 EP)

Brisbane metalcore upstarts Headwreck have today released their sophomore EP Reflection Room, a six-track project exploring human connection. Featuring the singles “Let It Feel” and “Shiver”, the EP demonstrates the band’s ambition and cements them as a creative force to be reckoned with. Produced, mixed and mastered by guitarist/vocalist Jamo Benadie, Reflection Room is a…

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Film Review: Despite Russell Crowe’s camp commitment, The Pope’s Exorcist is never the horror romp we pray for

Remember the uproar there was regarding Jared Leto’s Italian accent in House of Gucci?  Prepare to have a field day with whatever Russell Crowe is attempting in The Pope’s Exorcist. And not only is it the vocal inflection of good ole’ Rusty, but his whole general demeanour throughout Julius Avery’s horror romp, where he swigs…

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Know before you go: 7 tips that will make you a Walt Disney World pro

Before you head on your next holiday to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, take heed of these 7 hot tips that will help make you a pro, as you embark on your voyage to the theme park destination of the world. 1. If you’re staying at an on site hotel, you may get early…

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Exclusive Video Premiere: Franjapan “Lucy” (2023)

Melbourne indie-rock quintet Franjapan have today shared their new single and video “Lucy” – a nostalgic track that captures the innocence of youth. Inspired by late-night parties and sticky-floored clubs, the anthemic bop is made to play the morning after whilst holding onto distant memories. Produced in their home studio, “Lucy” was mixed by members…

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Film Review: Allelujah is too insulting and manipulative to ever earn the titular praise it hopes to elicit

Judging a film by its poster art is never the safest thing to do (what’s that old judging book cover quote?), but in the case of Allelujah it’s a safe assumption that anyone who even remotely glanced at the colourful, rainbow-adorned title and collective cast ensemble on display would have an idea of the film’s…

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DMA’S announce additional shows as dates sell out

On the back of the release of their fourth album, How Many Dreams?, DMA’S have announced a national tour of Australia in September and October. These sixteen dates have quickly become eighteen, as the first shows in Sydney at the Enmore Theatre and Melbourne at the Forum have sold out. The first couple of listens…

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Lucy Gallant

Exclusive Video Premiere: Lucy Gallant “Rebel” (2023)

British-born Lucy Gallant has led a full and adventurous life thus far. The singer/songwriter left home at fourteen years old and has followed her instincts and lust for life in a colourful and spiritual journey. Having travelled to more than fifty countries, the culmination of her lived experiences are for all to witness in her…

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Is Genie+ worth it at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida? Is TRON Included?

Last year, I reported on the value of the Genie+ system at Disneyland in California. It’s an optional add on that gives you access to “Lightning Lanes” on select rides at both the OG Disneyland park and the neighbouring California Adventure, helping you skip many queues that you may face on a day at the…

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Get your rollerblades ready! It’s the Barbie trailer.

She’s everything. He’s just Ken. The Barbie world and the real world are set to collide in a new teaser trailer for Greta Gerwig’s hot(pink)ly anticipated comedy, Barbie. Barbies and Kens abound, with “beach offs”, rollerblades and choreography aplenty as Barbie (Margot Robbie) and Ken (Ryan Gosling) look to delve beyond their plastic fantastic surroundings….

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ACMI explores women’s on-screen agency and representation with Goddess: Power, Glamour, Rebellion exhibit

Through iconic stories, characters and moments from over 120 years of moving image history, Goddess: Power, Glamour, Rebellion celebrates the women and gender-transcending superstars who shaped their own roles, took creative control and fought a system that tried to exploit them. From the swagger of Mae West and glamour of Anna May Wong to the powerful…

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Film Review: The Super Mario Bros. Movie is a safe, shiny, optimistic vehicle that will “level up” for families these school holidays

We’ll address the elephant in the room first.  Yes, Chris Pratt does indeed adopt a stereotypical Italian accent for his voice work as Mario in The Super Mario Bros. Movie.  No, it’s actually not as offensive or as wince-inducing as you may be anticipating because, quite ingeniously, the film makes a joke out of the…

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The Jungle Giants drop popping new single “Trippin Up”, announce national tour dates

Since 2011, Brisbane-born The Jungle Giants have been rocking our socks with their indie-rock, electropop tunes. Most recently, they’ve given us a ‘little bit of love’ with their latest single, “Trippin Up”, a lead up to their upcoming fifth studio record. It’s everything you could want from The Jungle Giants: playful, groovy, and electronic. They’ve…

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Ranked: The 10 Best Rides (for adults) at Walt Disney World (before Tron arrives)

Ahead of the arrival of the highly anticipated roller coaster TRON Lightcycle / Run, on April 4th (tomorrow!), we’re counting down the 10 best rides (for adults) at the four Disney theme parks in Orlando, Florida. We do have to start out with an honourable mention to Splash Mountain, which would have originally made this list,…

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Early Access Game Preview: Undisputed feels like a promising return for boxing games

Originally announced as eSports Boxing Club, Undisputed looks to fill a large hole in the sporting games market. With certain games like Big Rumble Boxing and the Creed Champions spin-off trying their best, it’s been over a decade since a traditional boxing game has graced any platform. Fight Night Champion still scratches that itch for…

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Simulation game Park Beyond will launch on PC and next-gen consoles in June

Bandai Namco Europe and Limbic Entertainment have recently revealed their new simulation game, which allows players to create the theme park of their dreams. Park Beyond got a brand new trailer at the Future Game Show, complete with some new details and an official release date. The trailer also features some iconic Namco video game characters…

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Interview: Ben Affleck, Matt Damon and Viola Davis on Air and bringing Michael Jordan’s story to life

From award-winning director Ben Affleck, Air reveals the unbelievable game-changing partnership between a then-rookie Michael Jordan and Nike’s fledgling basketball division which revolutionized the world of sports and contemporary culture with the Air Jordan brand. This moving story follows the career-defining gamble of an unconventional team with everything on the line, the uncompromising vision of…

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Film Review: Ben Affleck’s Air; Yes, it’s cliché to say, but it’s a slam dunk!

Telling a story with an ending we’re already aware of and centred around a subject that could be considered mundane to many, Ben Affleck‘s strength as a director – and enthusiastic support player – is on full display in Air, an immensely humorous, consistently riveting and passionate drama about the basketball league’s greatest ever player…

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DC’s first Latino superhero is unleashed in Blue Beetle trailer

Recent college grad Jaime Reyes returns home full of aspirations for his future, only to find that home is not quite as he left it. As he searches to find his purpose in the world, fate intervenes when Jaime unexpectedly finds himself in possession of an ancient relic of alien biotechnology: the Scarab. When the…

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