Author: Jodie Sloan

she/her Brisbane/Meanjin I like fancy cocktails, pro wrestling, and spooky shit.

Track of the Day: Eilish Gilligan “I Just Want To Look At You” (2020)

For today’s Track of the Day, we’re showcasing the latest from Melbourne singer-songwriter Eilish Gilligan. A lush slice of dream-pop, “I Just Want To Look At You” follows on from singles including “Someone Else” and “S.M.F.Y”. Perhaps better known as the Frida frontwoman, or as a touring vocalist with Japanese Wallpaper, Gilligan branched out on…

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Bonnie Wynne

Book Review: Dive into a new YA fantasy with Bonnie Wynne’s The Ninth Sorceress

Gwyn is in a bad way. Imprisoned in the dungeons of the Clockwork City, visits from interrogators and torturers are becoming routine. But, then a wizard walks in with something she’d thought long lost. A memento from a life left behind. And suddenly the words start coming. Ascepis and his caravan. Lucian, the shapeshifter. Her…

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Euphoria Kids

Book Review: Alison Evans’ YA fantasy Euphoria Kids is a stunning contemporary fairytale

Iris, Babs, and the boy without a name. One from the earth, one made of fire, and one who isn’t quite sure what he’s made of just yet. For this trio, navigating school and family life should have been enough. But there’s trouble brewing. Iris, who counts the faeries and dryads amongst their friends, is…

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Turn Left At Venus

Book Review: Explore the secret life of an author in Inez Baranay’s Turn Left At Venus

Ada is dying. Watched over by her new nurse, Jay, Ada is preparing for the end. Ada has lived all over the world. Sydney, Bali, San Francisco. And the Old World she doesn’t remember, save for the boat journey as a child when she first met Leyla. But, Jay has no interest in Leyla, because…

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Track of the Day: Vetty Vials “Pride” (2020)

Sydney’s Vetty Vials has hit the ground running in 2020. Next month, she’ll take to the road in support of Conversations With Myself, her debut album. But before all that, we have “Pride“, a glimpse of what we can expect from next month’s release. Of the upcoming album, the pop punk singer/songwriter says: “Conversations With…

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The Offspring announce greatest hits Australian/NZ tour

Enduring punk legends The Offspring will be returning to our shores later this year. In their first Aussie headline tour in sixteen years, the California band will put together a set list of their greatest hits. Expect the likes of “Self Esteem”, “The Kids Aren’t Alright”, and “Original Prankster” to blow up venues across the…

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Made In Paris and First Beige to headline Arcadia 2020

Later this year, Arcadia will return to the idyllic Goomburra Valley, for a long weekend of music and merry-making. Headlined by Made In Paris and First Beige, the BYO festival promises an exciting roster of live music and DJs. Taking place over the QLD Labor Day weekend, Arcadia will run from Saturday 2nd May until…

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Theatre Review: The Shakespearean circus is in town, with Brisbane Immersive’s Midsummer Carnival

The Midsummer Carnival is in town, and the big top has set up shop at Brisbane Powerhouse. A troupe of pixies and players invite audiences to wander through their carnival, filled with sideshow games, fortune tellers, and death defying stunts. But hidden amongst the crowd are four young lovers, and as the mischievous Puck sets…

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The Ninth Sorceress

Interview: Author Bonnie Wynne takes us through debut novel The Ninth Sorceress

There’s just a few weeks to go until the release of The Ninth Sorceress, the debut novel from author Bonnie Wynne. We were lucky enough to grab five minutes with her in the (very busy) run up to release day! First of all, can you tell us what The Ninth Sorceress is all about? (No…

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Track of the Day: Four Year Strong “Talking Myself In Circles” (2020)

It’s been five years since Massachusetts pop punkers Four Year Strong released their self-titled sixth album. Now they’ve kicked off 2020 with news about the much awaited seventh, titled Brain Pain and due for release on February 28th. “Talking Myself In Circles” is one of two glimpses we’ve had at the forthcoming release, alongside the…

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Track of the Day: Brielle Ansems “More Than My Heart” (2020)

If you’re looking for a soulful slice of folk-pop, look no further! Canadian singer-songwriter Brielle Ansems has just dropped her latest single, “More Than My Heart“, and it’s absolutely stunning! Based on Prince Edward Island, Brielle has immersed herself in the community’s creative scene, crafting an emotive sound that blends pop, folk, and R&B influences….

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Album Review: Glass Tides drop their first full length album, with the stellar In Between

Adelaide’s Glass Tides have been blending post-hardcore with soft rock hooks and heartfelt vocals since their inception in 2017. Garnering comparisons to the likes of Bring Me The Horizon, The Used, and Young Lions, the quintet have just dropped their first full length album, In Between. With press praise from triple j and a recent Track…

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Frank Carter

Live Review: Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes kick off Aussie tour at The Triffid in Brisbane (16.01.20)

Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes kicked off the Aussie leg of their tour last night, bringing the noise to Brisbane’s Triffid. Led by ferociously energetic frontman Carter, the British punks are known for their live show, a manic yet heartfelt affair, and one not to be missed. Newcastle’s Eat Your Heart Out opened proceedings, with…

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Tour Diary: Stu Larsen takes us through his South American tour

It’s been a couple of days since Stu Larsen wrapped up his South American tour, including taking on a support slot with Passenger. This self-styled musical nomad never stays in one place for long, have been on the road for nearly twelve years, moving across five continents. And his talents don’t stop on the stage…

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Guest Post: Bootleg Rascal take us through their top regional venues

Sydney’s Bootleg Rascal are bringing the party to regional Australia! The Booty Camp: Summer Vacay Tour will hit metro and regional venues from January next year, featuring 17 emerging artists and their very own sideshow alley, packed with crowd participation games. “Touring in more remote areas has always been something close to our hearts,” says guitarist Jimmy Young. “We…

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Track of the Day: Neverkid “When It Comes” (2019)

Indie pop meets 80s vibes in “When It Comes To You“, the debut single from Brisbane’s Neverkid. Complete with a music video filmed in the garage of Neverkid’s apartment complex, we’re loving this moody, retro take on electro-pop – and we think you will too! Neverkid says: “Normally I write songs when I’m in a…

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Deftones and Jimmy Eat World announce Download sideshows

The Download Fest lineup already has music fans across the country booking flights to Sydney and Melbourne. But there’s good news for those of us who planning on staying a little closer to home, as Deftones and Jimmy Eat World announce shows either side of the festival weekend. Alt-metallers Deftones will hit up Brisbane on…

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Film Review: The Addams Family offers a delightful spooky alternative to, y’know, that Other Family Movie

It’s been thirteen years since Gomez and Morticia Addams (Oscar Isaac and Charlize Theron) were run out of town on their wedding day. Settling in an abandoned asylum, they’ve lived a life mercifully free of torch wielding villagers, (un)happily raising their children, Wednesday (Chloë Grace Moretz) and Pugsley (Finn Wolfhard), in safety. Well, as safe…

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Track of the Day: Future Haunts “Far Away” (2019)

With a new EP due in 2020, Brisbane’s Future Haunts have released another little teaser of what’s to come! “Far Away” is the third glimpse we’ve had of the upcoming Rushmore, and we’re loving it! Vocalist and guitarist Ben Speight says: “‘Far Away’ takes a dive into themes of distance and being away from your loved ones…

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Track of the Day: Benji Lewis “New Day” (2019)

Suffering from those Monday blues? Give Benji Lewis‘ “New Day” a listen and see if you don’t feel better! Upbeat and uplifting, this lush slice of electro-pop will definitely get you through those sweaty summer days! “New Day” is the latest release from Benji’s upcoming EP, Here, Then and Now, scheduled for release in early…

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Interview: Maria V. Snyder talks Terracotta Warriors, writing routines, and Criminal Minds.

Science fiction and fantasy writer Maria V. Snyder dropped not one, but TWO books this year – Chasing the Shadows, the second in the Sentinels of the Galaxy series, and the (currently) Australia-only The Eyes of Tamburah! We were lucky enough to grab five minutes with the prolific author to chat about her latest work! Let’s…

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Emily Bitto’s Stella Prize winning The Strays set for TV adaptation

See Pictures and Apogee Pictures have teamed up to produce a television adaptation of Emily Bitto‘s The Strays, with Picnic At Hanging Rock screenwriter Beatrix Christian attached as head writer. Author Bitto said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have The Strays adapted for television and couldn’t be more excited about the brilliant group of creatives who will be working…

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Book Review: Emily Paull makes an assured and emotive debut with short story collection Well-Behaved Women

An expert free-diver disappears while training with her son. An unlikely Blanche DuBois makes her theatrical debut. A group of teens head to a music festival. And two young women run away together. These are just some of the tales that make up Well-Behaved Women, the debut short story collection from Perth writer Emily Paull….

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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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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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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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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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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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Track of the Day: Glass Tides “Sympathy” (2019)

Adelaide’s Glass Tides have just dropped the latest single from their upcoming album, and we’re absolutely loving it! Cutting their teeth with support slots for the likes of Thrice, Circa Survive, and Young Lions, the post-hardcore five-piece are due to drop their first full-length album in mid January next year. “Sympathy” is the third taste…

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Track of the Day: Nancie Schipper “Take Out The Trash” (2019)

2018 triple j Unearthed High Finalist Nancie Schipper has dropped her latest single, “Take Out The Trash“, and we’re stoked to be naming it today’s Track of the Day! The catchy AF indie-rock track was produced by John Castle – you’ll find his name on tracks from the likes of Angie MacMahon and Vance Joy…

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