Review by Billy Geary
La Dispute’s debut release Somewhere at the Bottom of the River Between Vega and Altair was, to put it mildly, a polarising affair within post hardcore circles. Their brutally emotional take on an increasingly commercially minded genre resulted in most just dismissing the quintet as just another ‘emo’ band. However, with the release of their second album Wildlife, La Dispute may have just given us not only album of the year, but one of the most important albums in the genre.

Wildlife is a significant step forward for the band, building on their outstanding debut in almost every facet imaginable. Quite apparent however, is the vast improvement and subsequent branching out of front man Jordan Dreyer. Their debut and many of the EP’s that came before Wildlife showed that, while Dreyer stacked a truckload of emotion into his vocals and lyrics, at times the technical aspect of his voice was lacking. However, on Wildlife, Dreyer has delivered the performance of his life vocally. Replicating the sheer emotional weight of Somewhere at the Bottom…. and adding much more control to his voice sees Dreyer meet his full potential and beyond. One only has to look to first single ‘Harder Harmonies’ or the considerable epic ‘King Park’ for examples of this.
Continue reading La Dispute – Wildlife | Album Review →

It was a record breaking day for the Brisbane International with the total attendance exceeding the previous record held in 2010.

86,589 patrons have entered the Queensland Tennis Centre with one day still to go. The previous total attendance record was 82,257.

On court tonight Kaia Kanepi took out her second WTA title and first Premier event at the 2012 Brisbane International.

The Estonian has been impressive all week, defeating three seeds on her way to the final and over powering Daniela Hantuchova tonight, 6-2 6-1.

In the women’s doubles final the Spaniard pairing of Nuria Llagostera Vives and Arantxa Parra Santonja defeated Raquel Kops-Jones and Abigail Spears from America to take out the title.

Earlier today spectators witnessed the much anticipated showdown between Andy Murray and Australia’s No.1 men’s player, Bernard Tomic. The Scotsman defeated the world No.42, 6-3 6-2, in what was a good test for the teenager leading into the Australian Open.

In the second semifinal No.3 seed Alexandr Dolgopolov progress with a win over the No.2 seed Gilles Simon. Dolgopolov will now meet the world No.4, Murray, in the Brisbane International men’s final tomorrow at 2pm. The men’s doubles champions will also be crowned on Sunday starting at 12 noon.
Continue reading Brisbane International – Day Seven Update →

The Zoo will host four young, talented Brisbane-formed and based bands on February 2nd 2012 in a must see gig for aficionados of fresh original rock.

Forever the Optimist, Zelita, Jakarta Criers and Social Eyes are up and coming groups rapidly making names for themselves on the Brisbane music scene as alternative/hard rock, all original specialists.

Headliners, Forever the Optimist, have recently paired with Thousand Needles in Red across cities and have just released a video for their single ‘My Design’

Continue reading Forever the Optimist to play The Zoo, Brisbane on 2nd February 2012 →

Able Touring is thrilled to announce that Game will be hitting cities across Australia in February 2012 in support for The R.E.D. Album Tour. Tickets go on sale 9am Thursday December 1.

Jayceon Terrell Taylor, known as Game (formerly The Game), grew up in Compton, California, in a gang neighbourhood. While recovering in the hospital from gunshot wounds in late 2001, he decided to put a mixtape together. It reached the hands of Dr Dre who signed him with 50 Cent and G-Unit. Game made his first appearance in the music video for 50 Cent’s “In da Club”. He then went on to make numerous cameo appearances in music videos by 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, Young Buck, and Fabolous.

Game released his debut album, The Documentary, in 2005. It was a #1 Billboard 200 hit, going two times platinum. With several hit singles including “Westside Story” and “How We Do”, it was the single “Hate It or Love It” that shot him to instant stardom. This two-time Grammy nominated single, reached #1 on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop songs chart and was nominated for a 2005 MTV Video Music Award in the category of Best Rap Video. Game was now a legitimate hip-hop star.
Continue reading Game to play at Arena, Brisbane – 16th February 2012 →

HATEBREED. Respected by peers. Revered by fans. An unstoppable force.

The hardcore legends have been annihilating mosh pits throughout the globe for over 17 brutal years. HATEBREED’S music is like a universal language that so many speak and comprehend. Architects of positive, uplifting anthems that require and demand crowd participation with punktastic.com proclaiming “Tonight’s a schooling for any pretenders to the throne in how to do hardcore the right way”.

Before CRO-MAGS the idea of combining heavy metal and hardcore was unheard of. They defined the hardcore/ metal genre with the release of their classic debut album ‘‘The Age Of Quarrel’ with Punk News describing it as a ‘masterpiece and ‘one of the most influential hardcore albums of all time’
Continue reading Hatebreed+Cro-Mags + Biohazard+Hellyeah Sidewaves announced! →

Tenzin Choegyal, Perfect Potion and Brisbane Powerhouse present
Festival of Tibet
1 -5 February 2012
All proceeds benefit the Tibetan Children’s Village, India.

Tibetan monks, yoga, meditation, ritual dance, music, films, exhibitions and more will converge at the Brisbane Powerhouse during the Festival of Tibet 2012 from 1 – 5 February 2012.

Back for its fourth year, the Festival of Tibet celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Tibet whilst acknowledging the present challenges and looking to the future, according to festival creator Tenzin Choegyal.

“The festival is an opportunity for everyone to explore Tibetan culture,” said Choegyal. “We have meditation, musical performances, film screenings, dance workshops, open discussions and many more ways people can participate and get a taste of the Tibetan way of life.”

“The festival is not only entertaining and educational, it is a great cause as proceeds from the event go towards the Tibetan Children’s Village in India, which is a non-profit institution for the care and education of orphaned and destitute Tibetan children in exile as well as monks in exile,” he added.

The festival features musicians Roaring Fire Choir, Tibert2Timbuk2 and Tenzin Choegyal as well as films such as Summer Pasture, about a Tibetan family reconciling traditional and modern ways of life.

Ancient arts including chanting, ritual dance and sand mandala will also be presented at the festival by the Tashi Lhunpo Monks of Tibet. Forums will also be held with renowned Tibetan activist and author Tenzin Tsundue, spiritual leader Geshe Lobsang Jamjang and Dr Tsering Thakchoe from the Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute.
Continue reading Festival of Tibet comes to Brisbane – 1st-5th February 2012 →

Day six at the Brisbane International saw Andy Murray defeat Marcos Baghdatis in the first of two men’s quarterfinal matches on Pat Rafter Arena.

Australia’s No.1 men’s player, Bernard Tomic, also progressed with a win over Denis Istomin and will now meet the Scotsman in the semifinals tomorrow.

On court tonight Kim Clijsters was forced to retire with a left hip injury opening the door for Daniela Hantuchova to play in her first Brisbane International final. She will meet Kaia Kanepi who defeated No.3 seed Francesca Schiavone in straight sets.

The tournament reached another record crowd on Friday with 10,598 attending the day and night sessions. To date 75,395 patrons have entered the Queensland Tennis Centre gates.

In semifinal action tomorrow No.2 seed Gilles Simon will meet No.3 seed Alexandr Dolgopolov followed by Murray versus Tomic.

Tomorrow night the Brisbane International 2012 women’s champion will be crowned and the women’s doubles champions.
Continue reading Brisbane International – Day Six Update →

Seeded players Francesca Schiavone, Kim Clijsters, Gilles Simon and Alexandr Dolgopolov have progressed on day five. While No.2 seed Andrea Petkovic made an early exit, after being upset by Kaia Kanepi 6-1 7-6(7).

The tournament reached another record crowd with 12,096 attending the day and night sessions. To date 64,797 patrons have entered the Queensland Tennis Centre gates.

Tomorrow on Pat Rafter Arena the men’s No.1 seed Andy Murray faces Marcos Baghdatis in the first of two men’s quarterfinals matches. Australian No.8 Bernard Tomic will meet Denis Istomin who is yet to play a full match.

Australians Ash Barty and Casey Dellaqua are first up on court playing for a spot in the women’s doubles final.

Headlining tomorrow night are Clijsters, Daniela Hantuchova, Schiavone and Kaia Kanepi.

For more details on tomorrow’s schedule please click here

Results, draws and the latest photos and videos
Continue reading Brisbane International – Day Five Update →

SO FRENCHY SO CHIC IN THE PARK: A summer picnic basket packed with the best French food, wine and music from Nouvelle Vague, Asa, Fefe and Moriarty. C’est délicieux.

So Frenchy So Chic In The Park is a one day celebration on Sunday 15th January 2012 of new French music performed against the magical backdrop of Werribee Park Mansion. It’s not just a boutique music festival – it’s a day in the gardens with fine food and wine to accompany tunes floating through the summer air.
Here’s just a taste of what’s on offer…

Egg Unlimited will be preparing three specially created hampers around a French theme, such as the French Fare For Two Share Box with delicious smoked leg ham and brie baguettes, salad nicoise and tarts for dessert. Or for something a little more decadent, there’s the Provodore Box with rare roasted Angus beef brioche rolls, salads, a cheese plate, fruit and chocolate pastries. The Vegetarian Share Box is just as tasty, with caramelised onion and double brie tarts, salad nicoise and other little treats.
Continue reading So Frenchy So Chic In The Park @ Werribee Park Mansion, Melbourne – 15th January 2012 →

Jelena Jankovic, Marcos Baghdatis, Radek Stepanek, Bernard Tomic and Andy Murray all progressed on day four with top seeds Samantha Stosur and Serena Williams making early exits.

Stosur was upset by Czech Iveta Benesova 6-4 6-2 and Williams withdrew post-match due to a left ankle injury. Earlier in the day she defeated Bojana Jovanovski 6-2 6-4. Daniela Hantuchova will now progress to the semi-finals.

The tournament reached another record crowd on Wednesday with 13,436 attending the day and night sessions. To date 52,701 patrons have entered the Queensland Tennis Centre gates.

In action tomorrow day on Pat Rafter Arena are Jelena Jankovic who will play French Open champion Francesca Schiavone. They will be followed by No.2 seeds Gilles Simon and Andrea Petkovic.
Continue reading Brisbane International – Day Four Update →

Big Day Out Festival is pleased to announce their new partnership with C3 Presents, promoters of Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits Music Festival.

Big Day Out and C3 will collaborate in the continued growth and expansion of the Big Day Out Festival in Australia with the union of talent development, creative execution and production, commercial excellence and innovation to expand on what a global music business can achieve. C3 Presents, with its rapid expansion of festivals and touring activity in the South American market, along with its depth of relationships with artists and audiences in the US, will work with Big Day Out to focus particular attention on what their Trans-Pacific relationship can offer to increase opportunities for Australian and international artists across the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
Continue reading Big Day Out announces partnership with C3 Presents! →

Photographer: Stuart Blythe
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Photographer: Stuart Blythe
Continue reading THE JIM JONES REVUE @ The Zoo, Brisbane with The Delta Riggs – 3rd January 2012 | Photo Gallery →

Andrea Petkovic, Radek Stepanek, Tommy Haas, Kei Nishikori, Francesca Schiavone, Daniela Hantuchova, Kim Clijsters and Andy Murray all progressed on day three.

Murray survived a scare in his first round match winning 5-7 6-3 6-2 in just over two hours and in an up and down match for both players Clijsters defeated Ana Ivanovic 6-1 1-6 6-3.

The tournament reached another record crowd with 14,425 attending the day and night sessions. To date 39,265 patrons have entered the Queensland Tennis Centre gates.

In action tomorrow on Pat Rafter Arena are Australian wildcard James Duckworth who meets the No.2 seed Gilles Simon, US Open Champion Sam Stosur and multiple Grand Slam Champion Serena Williams.

Murray will join Bernard Tomic as the headline matches on Pat Rafter Arena tomorrow night.

For more details on tomorrow’s schedule please click here

Results, draws and the latest photos and videos
Continue reading Brisbane International – Day Three Update →

Iron Maiden guitarist Adrian Smith and former SikTh front-man Mikee Goodman have joined forces for a brand new studio project called Primal Rock Rebellion.

The forthcoming album fuses together two very different approaches to music – Mikee’s unique vocal tones and dark, yet colourful lyrics, and Adrian’s instantly recognisable guitar melodies and song writing prowess. Adrian also plays bass throughout the album! All songs were co-written by Adrian and Mikee as individual pieces of work and recorded in creative windows of opportunity.

Adrian comments “It was interesting doing this album with Mikee not least because we have quite different influences. I was really pleased with the way it turned out. It has a really fresh feel to it.”
Continue reading New Track & Album Info Revealed For Primal Rock Rebellion (Feat. Adrian Smith of IRON MAIDEN) →