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Continue reading The Snowdroppers – ‘RUN YOU DOWN’ | Video Clip
Review: Billy Geary
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Stone Parade – Stratosphere
Decent, straightforward rock music is becoming increasingly hard to find in Australia of late. With the recent break up of Silverchair and Powderfinger, arguably the country’s biggest rock bands, there is a huge void to be filled. Since the release of their sophomore album, Stone Parade have shown that they have the potential to fill that void. Chock full of outstanding instrumentation and hard hitting hooks; Stratosphere should by all rights shove them right into the spotlight. |
Coming across as the devil child of The Killers and Incubus, Stone Parade have mastered the art of infusing subtle experimentation in to short, sharp and catchy alt rock. Opener and lead single ‘Paranoia’ is a testament to this, with Greg Byrne’s slick vocals cutting through the chunky guitars and percussion. Its off kilter sound is somewhat misleading when compared to the rest of the album, which is by no means a bad thing. In fact when the band venture into more straightforward territory they excel also. ‘Children of the Lost Empire’ and ‘Desert Rain’ are perfect examples of this.
Elsewhere, ‘Mr Spaceman’ could have been taken straight off The Killers debut, complete with a smattering of keyboards and one of the more infectious choruses on the album. ‘Black Dove White Heart’ follows the same trend, coming across as the bastard child of Muse and Incubus.
The title track features one of the better choruses on the album, with vocalist Greg Byrne seemingly channelling Brandon Boyd, which is by no means a bad thing. In fact, one of Stone Parade’s biggest assets, particularly on Stratosphere are Byrne’s vocals. This is particularly prevalent on tracks such as ‘Paranoia’ and epic 7 minute closer ‘August Tide.’ Complete with strings and an array of other instruments, the more experimental closer is one of the best songs on the album, if just for the fact that it shows they can branch out their sound and still remain interesting.
Where Stratosphere’s true strength lies is in the fact that while it is made up of what seems like straightforward rock songs, under the surface there is quite a bit of experimentation. What this does is ensure Stone Parade stands out from the crowd, particularly on tracks such as ‘Paranoia’ with it’s off kilter melodies and the very impressive ‘Indian Wolves’ where the band make use of a didgeridoo to outstanding effect. It is in these songs that the five-piece show their true talents, maintaining an errant catchiness and remaining ever interesting to listen to.
With the quality to be found on Stratosphere, Stone Parade definitely have the potential to become one of the bigger rock bands in Australia. Writing a few more songs like ‘Paranoia’ is going to see them get there pretty damn quickly. Stratosphere truly announces Stone Parade as the kings of Australia’s young breed of rock, showing bands like Birds of Tokyo and Gyroscope that they’ve got some competition coming at them pretty damn fast. Stratosphere is an outstanding record from one of Australia’s most promising up and comers.
Review: Billy Geary
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* Search for articles by Billy Geary…
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The Frontier Touring Company are not just delighted, they’re damn well besides themselves with giddy excitement, to announce what is arguably THE biggest rock concerts of the summer. |
#1 chart-toppers the Foo Fighters are returning to Australia and New Zealand for stadium shows and they’re bringing some pretty awesome friends in tow: none other than Tenacious D!
With over 15 years of experience, as documented in the band’s recently released DVD Back And Forth (Sony) and as headliners of the world’s most prestigious venues and festivals, Foo Fighters have become arguably the premiere live American rock act the world over. Their upcoming stadium tour will surely remind their Australian and New Zealand fans just how the band has achieved its mastery of the live element as Dave Grohl, Taylor Hawkins, Nate Mendel, Chris Shiflett and Pat Smear lead these colossal crowds in singalongs of such classics from their multi-platinum, 6 time Grammy Award winning catalogue as ‘Everlong’, ‘The Pretender’, ‘Learn To Fly’, ‘All My Life’, ‘Best Of You’, new staples ‘Rope’ and ‘Walk’ and more.
For their recently released seventh album, Wasting Light (Roswell Records through Sony), Foo Fighters returned to basics, recording in frontman Grohl’s garage with producer Butch Vig and churning out 11 prime examples of the trademark mix of melody and brawn that has made them one of the most beloved bands on the planet. The press were quick to stamp their approval, including a 4 star lead review from Rolling Stone who praised the albums ‘fuzz-box brawn, mosh-pit hurrah choruses and iron-horse momentum’ and hailed it as ‘the best Foos album since the first two’. The sentiment was echoed by the public as Wasting Light debuted at #1 in 12 countries, including the RIANZ and ARIA album charts, where it occupied a place in the Australian Top 10 for over 2 months.
It’s no secret that Australia and New Zealand love the Foo Fighters and the sentiment is 100% reciprocated. Upon hearing of the natural disasters that affected Queensland and Christchurch earlier this year, the Foos were quick to donate their time and raise over $1 million for the relief funds:
“The Foo Fighters blitzed Brisbane’s Riverstage last night and no one at the venue will ever forget it…when 10,000 people punch the air and sing along with a song like ‘Generator’ that’s a lot of joy in the air when 10 weeks ago there was misery.” Courier Mail
“Gigs like this don’t come around very often…This was one of those heart-pumping special shows that you know you’re lucky to be at.” NZ Herald
If the Foo Fighters tour wasn’t already exciting enough, no event can legitimately lay claim to the biggest rock concert of the year without including the band behind the “best song in the world”. Oh yes, we’re talking about the one and only Tenacious D aka. Jack Black and Kyle Gass who last blew fans away with their 2007 tour of Australia and New Zealand.
Jack Black’s theatrical vocals and lyrical narrative coupled with Kyle Gass’ manic guitar skills will shred stadium crowds to pieces and take them on a sonic voyage to rock heaven and back, delivering an audience primed for the Foo Fighters to take the stage.
Though it seems this line-up could not possibly get any better, Frontier Touring are not done yet. Stay tuned for further announcements to hear who else will be rounding out this spectacular bill!
Australia and New Zealand make yourself word perfect for every Foos and D tune out there and you just may be worthy of what is set to be one of the biggest – and best – rock concerts of the year!
FOO FIGHTERS
with special guest TENACIOUS D
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011
Pre-sale tickets available via www.frontiertouring.com from Thursday 14 July to Friday 15 July (24hrs commencing from times below)
Auckland 12noon AEST (2pm local time)
Melbourne 12noon AEST (12noon local time)
Adelaide 12:30pm AEST (12noon local time)
Gold Coast 1pm AEST (1pm local time)
Sydney 2pm AEST (2pm local time)
Perth 3pm AEST (1pm local time)
General public on sale from 12NOON local time Monday 18 July
MONDAY 28 NOV PERTH – nib STADIUM
Ticketmaster 136 100 or www.ticketmaster.com.au
FRIDAY 2 DEC MELBOURNE – AAMI PARK
Ticketek 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au
MONDAY 5 DEC ADELAIDE – OVAL
Ticketek 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au
THURSDAY 8 DEC SYDNEY – FOOTBALL STADIUM
Ticketek 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au
SATURDAY 10 DEC GOLD COAST – METRICON STADIUM
Ticketmaster 136 100 or www.ticketmaster.com.au
TUESDAY 13 DEC AUCKLAND – WESTERN SPRINGS STADIUM
Ticketmaster 0800 111 999 or www.ticketmaster.co.nz
Review: Sibel Kutlucan
I was surprised in the most part to find out that Burning At Both Ends was an album from the San Franciscan boys, Set Your Goals. Burning At Both Ends did disappoint, certainly those who favoured the bands style that exuded melodic hardcore on Mutiny! The bands extremely well received full-length album released in 2006. At points I found Burning At Both Ends to be confused, torn between styles of pop punk and the stereotypical vocal cadence that is Tom Delonge in a nutshell, and the dynamic and enthusiastic melodic hardcore influences that were prominent in Set Your Goals older, well known sound. Although to be fair the band is exploring a newer sound and there are a few great tracks on Burning at both ends that certainly can win a listener over.
“Cure For Apathy” was a shaky opener for the album, with the first 30 seconds seeming forced and displaced, a little over done. This opening slot could have be filled with a number of tracks of the album that would have made for better openers, regardless however, my hopes for Burning At Both Ends weren’t crushed and sure enough by the second track, “Start The Reactor”, a strong and united pop punk sound came through and altogether it was a great song that definitely got the album going for me.
“Trenches” was another track I favoured on the album, it echoed a slew of popular pop punk bands with the catchy lyrics and rhythmic drumming. It definitely was a highlight of Burning At Both Ends for me and it made me feel like bouncing around and letting go of all inhibitions.
Shamefully, I have to admit another favourite for me was “Product of the 80s”, which even for the lyrics alone-that very much reminded me of MC Lars was just plain awesome. Extremely communicable, I struggled to remove it from the repeat loop on my Ipod (lucky it wasn’t the first track, otherwise I may not have made it through the rest of the album).
I may have been a bit harsh to begin with; Burning At Both Ends certainly is confused and misplaced in comparison to the strong and sincere sound that enthralled fans with previous releases from Set Your Goals. Regardless however, the album is still mostly good, not amazing, but good, with some tracks definitely deserving a listen or two. Set Your Goals may be hoping to further delve into pop punk and they have certainly done this with Burning At Both Ends, which as a whole is a vibrant pop punk album.
Review By: Sibel Kutlucan
Tracklist :
1. Cure for Apathy
2. Start the Reactor
3. Certain
4. Happy New Year
5. London Heathrow
6. Trenches
7. The Last American Virgin
8. Exit Summer
9. Unconditional
10. Product of the 80′s
11. Raphael
12. Illuminated Youth
13. Not as Bad
Photographer: Amanda Brenchley
Photographer: Amanda Brenchley
Continue reading Electric Horse @ The Hi-Fi, Brisbane – 4 July 2011 | Photo Gallery
Photographer: Amanda Brenchley
Photographer: Amanda Brenchley
Continue reading Karnivool @ The Hi-Fi, Brisbane – 4 July 2011 | Photo Gallery
By – Pepa Wolfe
Questions of family and loyalty crushed against the palpable spectre of hate crime and social violence; the QTC production of Orphans is currently receiving rave reviews. With an award-winning script by London playwright Dennis Kelly and in the hands of an exhilarating ensemble, this intense thriller is astounding Brisbane audience’s night after night.
At the helm of this visceral piece is director Kat Henry, who recently directed The Ugly One for indie company 23rd productions at Metro Arts. From within the swell of the Orphans experience, the NIDA graduate and Artistic Director of Stella Elektrika shared her thoughts with Life Music Media.
Continue reading Take Five With… Kat Henry | Interview
Hardware, Onelove, inthemix.com.au, Nova, Channel [V] and MAG present:
Now in its 5th year, Stereosonic is the brainchild of two Australian boutique event companies with the vision to bring the best in ever-popular and new talent to a discerning music crowd. Our ethos is simple: Try to provide the best lineup, the best venues, the best experience whilst improving each year at the best possible price. Stereosonic is Australia’s largest electronic music festival, now let’s get to it…
Continue reading STEREOSONIC 2011 – Festival Info and Dates
Review: Lana Harris
Black Label Society – The Song Remains not the Same
(Outtakes from the Order of the Black Recording Sessions).
 Order the CD here! |
Taking its cues from the ballad style tracks which were flung through Order Of The Black, The Song Remains Not The Same is half unplugged reworking of tracks seen on Order of the Black and half new material, including a Christmas carol (sans words) to round out what is essentially an album of power ballads .
The recording begins with a stripped-back-to-basics version of ‘Overlord’. The new version still sounds great, reminiscent of a listening experience post concert with the band at 3am in a hotel room with only acoustic guitars. The brief solo is played |
impeccably and marks this song as Black Label Society rather than a cover version of the track which it could otherwise easily be mistaken for.
Continue reading Black Label Society – ‘The Song Remains Not The Same’ – Album Review
Photographer: Chris Dornan Photography
Photographer: Chris Dornan Photography
Continue reading Miami Horror @ The Zoo, Brisbane w/ Gold Fields – 1 July 2011 – Photo Gallery
On This Day: July 3, 1971
James Douglas “Jim” Morrison (December 8, 1943 – July 3, 1971) was an American lead singer and lyricist of the rock band The Doors, as well as a poet.
Jim Morrison would often improvise poem passages while the band played live, which was his trademark. He was ranked number 47 on Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Singers of All Time” and is widely regarded, with his wild personality and performances, as one of the most iconic, charismatic and pioneering frontmen in rock music history.
Source and detailed information at Wikipedia
Continue reading July 3, 1971 – Jim Morrison (The Doors) died in Paris at age 27.
Review by Helen Brown
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It is refreshing when rather than trying to sell a pop song to the masses, a band plays the music they love. Kitty, Daisy & Lewis have done so with their sophomore release Smoking In Heaven. This family affair, consisting of three siblings from London, has produced some infectiously catchy songs in the past and this album is no exception. There are numerous contrasting elements, such that it cannot easily be pigeonholed and to say that they exist in a sub-genre is an understatement. KD&L (Kitty, Daisy & Lewis) have made music inspired by classic genres of yesteryear, tied together with its own unique modern twist. |
Continue reading Kitty, Daisy & Lewis – ‘Smoking In Heaven’ – Album Review
Review: Sibel Kutlucan
Hallelujah! Hellogoodbye have praised us with their return to the music world with the extremely dandy new release of their full length album Would It Kill You? An 11 track album that filled the void of the four years without a full length release from the Californian boys, since their release of Zombies! Aliens! Vampires! Dinosaurs! (released 2006). Would It Kill You? is truly an evolution for the band, maturing greatly from their previously dominant indie-synth and power pop sound; now embracing the indie pop rock sound that is ruling the music scene at the moment. The metamorphosis is extraordinary and definitely has done great things for the album and Hellogoodbye who have come a long way since their disco-esque electronics and syntehsised vocals on older tracks such as Shimmy Shimmy Quarter Turn.
Continue reading Album Review | Hellogoodbye – ‘Would it kill you?’
Summerland MGMT, The Pushworth Group, The Hi-Fi Presents
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“The Rising Tides” tour. Supported by Bellusira, Ennis Tola, The Design, Estampe. After taking an extended break to concentrate on writing and recording their third studio album, Gold Coasts HELM announce they are touring their revered LIVE show throughout August.
Having toured Australia relentlessly off the back of their first two albums, and the iconic Great Southern Land cover, HELM have finished recording their new single, Home. The song will be released in November, closely followed by another in the new year, before the highly anticipated release of Vol. 3 scheduled for Autumn, 2012. |
Continue reading HELM – ‘The Rising Tides’ Tour – August 2011
What a great ending to six years on the Val de Moine site in Clisson with in total over 320 000 festival-goers!
Once again, no major incidents occurred during this year’s edition, respectful behavior which has always put a sock in all of the metal-hater’s mouths! Our festival was yet again an example of respect, brotherhood and mutual aid. Yes, thanks to you all, the Metal community has definitely won the French public’s sympathy.
Continue reading HELLFEST 2011 – Thanks and see you next year!
