Category Archives: January 2014

Live Review: Falls Festival 2013 – Byron Bay – Festival Wrap Up

Review by Merinda O’Brien / Jose Eduardo Cruz
The final day of the first ever Falls Festival Byron Bay came with the sadness that this great event was coming to an end. Today once again had a massive line-up to cherish and delight. Whilst the numbers did significantly reduce throughout the week, today was nevertheless just as busy, but with a bit more room to dance.

Bunkering down at the main stage once again we captured the tail end of Bombino’s set which was pumping and we only wished could have caught the entire performance. Emma Louise was brilliant and the stage backdrop added an amazing feel to her sound. This brought Solange on the stage, who just happens to be Beyonce’s younger sister. She brought a lot of flare and left no doubt as to how talented her entire family is.
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Byron Bay, December 2013, Falls Festival, January 2014, Jose Cruz, Live Review, Merinda O'Brien, Review

Live Review: Falls Festival 2013 – Byron Bay – Day 2 Wrap

Review and photos by Merinda O’Brien / Jose Eduardo Cruz
FF1328-MIt was surprisingly quiet driving into Falls Festival this afternoon, but understandable given last night’s massive party. New Years’ day brought a more subdued and chilled out crowd but Falls Festival did not disappoint delivering yet another sensational line up to celebrate the first day of 2014.

Johnny Marr was a small treat to the few that were present at the main stage. It was such an honour to have caught the Smith’s guitarist perform solo in Australia. There is no denying that The Rubens were a crowd pleaser. Their vocalist treated the crowd with his honest and deeply emotive voice and much to his surprise everyone sang along with him. With a tinge of Tame Impala to their sound this Aussie band from Menangle NSW, was rewarded by an appreciate crowd. Yeah I know, you are asking where Menangle is. It is in Inland NSW with only 350 inhabitants which makes The Rubens even more remarkable.
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Byron Bay, Falls Festival, January 2014, Live Review, Merinda O'Brien, Review

Periphery + Animals As Leaders return to Australia in January/February 2014

PERIPHERY has defied the boundaries of conventionality, bringing new life to the metal scene. Their meteoric rise to the upper echelon of the metal world will be in full display when they return to Australia in January/February 2014 joined by ANIMALS AS LEADERS.

PERIPHERY push the envelope with an innovative brand of engagingly complex metal. The band’s latest offering, Periphery II showcases the band’s richest and most alluring metal to date. ‘‘Periphery is clearly onto something huge.’ – Metal Injection
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February 2014, January 2014, news

Hat Fitz & Cara – “Fighting Fit” Tour – January 2014

This time last year the delightful Hat Fitz and Cara were riding high. They’d toured Europe, receiving great acclaim for their wonderful Wiley Ways album, and had then come home excited for the album’s Australian release and tour. Wiley Ways reached the top of the Australian Blues Charts (it stayed firmly in the charts for 12 months), and received rave reviews all round. To top things off, Hat Fitz & Cara’s shows and festival appearances were attracting large, often sell-out crowds. It seemed that Australia as a whole had finally caught on to the charm, wit and wonderful musicality of the wee lass from Ireland and the big, bushy Queenslander.

Then in December 2012 Cara was involved in a near fatal car accident, not far from the home she shares with life and musical partner Fitz. A driver pulled out in front of her while she was travelling at 70kms an hour, leaving her with nowhere to go. Fractured ribs, a damaged 9th vertebrae, a sprained back and neck and substantial frontal lobe bruising, along with a whole world of pain, brought the progress they had made to a grinding halt. But Cara was lucky to be alive, and they were grateful for it. Together, Cara and her gentle giant Fitz tackled the doctors’ & specialist appointments and the resulting legal wrangling, while keeping their family fed and afloat.
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January 2014, news