The Getaway Plan with Tonight Alive @ Metro Theatre, Sydney 11 February 2011 [Live Review]

Review: Amy Lee Freshwater


[Photo Credit: Amy Lee Freshwater]
  It’s not surprising The Getaway Plan sold out two shows in one day at the Metro Theatre, they were at the height of their career when the announcement was made that they were breaking up, and the anticipation to see whether they still rock built up a big response to this reformation tour. Joining them on tour were Melbourne friends Secrets In Scale and Sydney band Tonight Alive.

Managing to catch the end of Secrets In Scale, general consensus from the crowd was that they played a decent set and really got everyone pumped for the remainder of the night.

Tonight Alive took to the stage to a loud and excited audience. Rarely do I witness such enthusiasm for a support band, but Tonight Alive took it right in their stride and used that energy to their advantage pushing the same amount of energy, if not more, right back out at the audience in order to create an incredibly impressive set. They played something to please everyone, old song, new song, love song, heavy song, sing-a-long song. Tracks included My Favourite Thing, Revenge and its Thrills and closed out with Wasting Away, but the highlight for many was a cover song ‘In My Eyes’, the original by band Rufio. A notable set from this fitting support act who in no time will be headlining venues such as the Metro I’m sure.

Seeing the audience during the changeover time between bands reminded me of being a little mosh teenager sweating it out at the front just to be in a good spot for my favourite band. Even though this was the over 18’s show, people were going nuts pushing and shoving during the whole half hour trying to be front and centre for The Getaway Plan. Expecting them to come out and smash us with a hit, the set began with the melodic ‘Move Along’, a new song, that somehow super-fans already knew the words to. Soon enough they did break out into songs ‘Streetlight’, ‘Sleep Spindles’ and ‘New Medicine’ from their album Other Voices, Other Rooms. Four tracks in and the stage backdrop lit up with fairy lights, it was a bit of an ‘aww’ moment.

It was clear by now that The Getaway Plan were enjoying playing together again, and that their time apart doing other projects has massively improved their dynamic as a band. Noticeable improvements both musically and performance wise from guitarist Clint, who has been playing with The Amity Affliction whilst being on a break from TGP. The announcement from singer Matthew Wright that the band are in the process of recording a new album received an overwhelming response from the crowd, only fueling the fact that their popularity is going to increase second time round. The set built in intensity throughout the show, ‘Red Flag’ was a definite highlight with Wright getting his scream on and the band breaking down that song and just ripping like I’ve never heard them before. Another new song made it into the setlist and Wrights voice may have been tiring from the former song, as he introduced back onto the stage the singer from Tonight Alive to lend her killer vocals to this one. The band closed out the set with an old favourite ‘Where The City Meets The Sea’ which triggered a loud sing-a-long, to the point where Wrights voice was almost unheard. Inspired by the ever-waiting audience, TGP returned to the stage for a two song encore comprising of two more from their debut album, ended the night perfectly.

This band has reaffirmed their place in the Australian music scene, and no doubt their next record will take off as their first one did, lets hope they stick together for the long run this time round.


Related:
The Getaway Plan with Tonight Alive @ Metro Theatre, Sydney 11 February 2011 [Photo Gallery]

LAURA – This Grey Earth [MP3 Stream]

  Dark, moody and complicated.

For anyone who ever thought that making good music was a lost art, Melbourne 5-piece LAURA compels you to think again.

Listen to LAURA’s ‘This Grey Earth’ below and check out their ‘Mark The Day’ video clip here

Genre: Alternative
http://www.wearemappingyourdreams.com/

LAURA – This Grey Earth


Continue reading LAURA – This Grey Earth [MP3 Stream]

LAURA RETURNS – New Music and Upcoming Shows – March 2011

  For anyone who ever thought that making good music was a lost art, Laura compels you to think again. This March, the Melbourne 5-piece returns with the release of the limited edition double a-side 7 inch ‘This Grey Earth’ | Mark The Day’.

Dark, moody and complicated, the latest release from Laura is already gaining significant critical attention with ‘Mark The Day’ being named Single Of The Week by both Beat Magazine and InPress in January 2011, InPress saying, “…(Mark The Day Is) enough to darken the sun at midday.” For those familiar with the music of Laura, the extraordinary, broody craftsmanship displayed on this latest offering will be no surprise.

Continue reading LAURA RETURNS – New Music and Upcoming Shows – March 2011

The Wombats announce Headline Australian Shows – May 2011 [Tour News]


  Liverpool trio The Wombats will soon be back on Australian shores in April/May, performing at the Groovin The Moo Festivals and their own headline shows around the country.

Their ridiculously catchy single ‘Let’s Dance To Joy Division’ (winner of the 2008 NME Award for Best Dancefloor Filler), and #12 position in Triple J’s HOTTEST 100, saw

their debut album ‘A Guide To Love Loss And Desperation’ become an anthemic summer album.
Continue reading The Wombats announce Headline Australian Shows – May 2011 [Tour News]

Groovin The Moo – 2011 [Festival News & Tickets]

  Bendigo Groovin The Moo 2011 – Bendigo’s Prince of Wales Showground – 30 Apr 2011
Tickets Available Here

Townsville Groovin The Moo 2011 – Murray Sports Complex – Townsville Cricket Grounds – 01 May 2011
Tickets Available Here

Maitland Groovin The Moo 2011 – Maitland Showground – 07 May 2011
Tickets Available Here

Canberra Groovin The Moo 2011 – The Meadows, University of Canberra – 08 May 2011
Tickets Available Here

Bunbury Groovin The Moo 2011 – Hay Park – 14 May 2011
Tickets Available Here

The much-loved GTM recipe of taking a tasty selection of the most memorable, talented and exciting national and International artists to regional Australia and the Nations capital for five value-packed shows returns in AprilMay 2011. The program features acts to satisfy all palates and is guaranteed to have everyone dancing, rocking and jumping around from gates open to lights out. Once more, music lovers from major cities, regional centres and small country towns will meet, party and fall in love at their local GTM.

The GTM path becomes more entrenched each year, forged by the wonderfully energetic and dedicated audience that make the annual return to Bendigo (30 April), Townsville (1 May), Maitland (7 May), Canberra (8 May) and Bunbury (14 May).
GTM is one of the most accessible and best value days on the calendar.

Featuring over eleven hours of exciting acts, as well as improved and expanded facilities, this licensed all ages (recommended 16+) event will feature the return of the impressive double outdoor stages as well as the mighty Moolin Rouge dance tent. The nutritional needs of all punters will be catered for with an abundance of local food and market stalls along with licensed bar facilities, slingshot rides and chill out areas.

2011 LINE UP (in alphabetical order and subject to alteration):
AC SLATER (USA)
ARCHITECTURE IN HELSINKI
ART VS SCIENCE
THE ASTON SHUFFLE
BIRDS OF TOKYO
BLISS N ESO
CUT COPY
DARWIN DEEZ (USA)
DATAROCK (NOR)
DRAPHT
THE DRUMS (USA)
THE GO! TEAM (UK)
GOTYE
GYROSCOPE
THE HOLIDAYS
HORRORSHOW
HOUSE OF PAIN (USA)
THE JEZABELS*
NINA LAS VEGAS (TRIPLE J)
SAMPOLOGY (AV/DJ SET)
UNKLE LIVE (UK)
WASHINGTON
THE WOMBATS (UK)
and TRIPLE J UNEARTHED
RUFFNECK DJS*
LOCAL ACTS
*EAST COAST SHOWS

GTM is a licensed all ages (16 + recommended) event. GTM recommends parents should consider whether the event appropriate for their child and recommends that any children under 16 years of age who attend the event are accompanied by parent or guardian.
Persons who are over the age of 18 years of age and wish to purchase alcohol MUST have photographic ID. No pass outs will be issued.

GATES OPEN 10:30AM | PHOTO ID REQUIRED FOR ALL PATRONS | NO PASS OUTS

Bendigo Groovin The Moo 2011 – Bendigo’s Prince of Wales Showground – 30 Apr 2011
Tickets Available Here

Townsville Groovin The Moo 2011 – Murray Sports Complex – Townsville Cricket Grounds – 01 May 2011
Tickets Available Here

Maitland Groovin The Moo 2011 – Maitland Showground – 07 May 2011
Tickets Available Here

Canberra Groovin The Moo 2011 – The Meadows, University of Canberra – 08 May 2011
Tickets Available Here

Bunbury Groovin The Moo 2011 – Hay Park – 14 May 2011
Tickets Available Here

For full terms & conditions please visit
http://www.gtm.net.au/

Scarf Fundraiser @ The Empress Hotel, Fitzroy – 23rd February 2011 [Gig News]


Tickets available at moshtix
  Scarf Fundraiser at The Empress Hotel 714 Nicholson St, Fitzroy North, VIC
Wednesday 23rd February 2011, 7pm – 11.30pm

Featuring music from
– The Verses (acoustic)
– Keshie
– Eliza Hull
– Cumulo

Continue reading Scarf Fundraiser @ The Empress Hotel, Fitzroy – 23rd February 2011 [Gig News]

Cold War Kids “Mine Is Yours” – Album Review

Review: Ben Connolly


Buy Album @ iTunes
  The Kings of Leon really do have a lot to answer for, don’t they? There’s the re-introduction of initially swampy Dixie-styled rock, and the tight jeans, the lank hair and the homely Southern drawl, to name just a few. Perhaps more worryingly was the eagerness with which they helped to re-introduce some seriously lol-worthy Spinal Tap moments back into the world of rawk (just follow one of the brothers Followill’s twitter-feed to get an idea on how little grasp they have on reality), and by how much their adoring young fan-base seemed to lap it up. There was also the the warp-speed with which they jumped from being a curious, intriguing pseudo-experimental rock band into a firmly entrenched MOR behemoth of blandness and pyrotechnics.

The result of this, and the greatest crime of all it must be seen, must be the fact they’ve shown this warp-speed blandification as a legitimate career-path with similar like-minded wanna-be acts.

The latest of these is California’s Cold War Kids, whose third album Mine Is Yours has just landed and has signalled quite clearly that the quartet has its eyes firmly on being the next revelation of arena-style rock. From start to finish the album is big and boxy and packs a serious bottom-end punch, which highlights a clear delineation between it and its predecessors (2006’s debut Robbers & Cowards and 2008 follow up Loyalty to Loyalty). It’s no suprise that KoL’s knob twirler Jacquire King had a big hand in this production. For all the bombast and pomp, however, there’s something not quite fitting in the equation and by album’s end, it’s all a little limp and contrived.
Continue reading Cold War Kids “Mine Is Yours” – Album Review

Unlikely Superheroes – EP Launch @ The Tank Hotel, Brisbane 19th February 2011 [Gig News]

  Brisbane duo Unlikely Superheroes are set to launch their first EP, Shooting Doves.

Formed early 2008, the duo have been playing many local Brisbane venues throughout the last 3 years.

The duo, comprised of Riley Nottingham and Emma Walton, will be performing their 7 track EP with a full band. The EP has so far been well received; ‘Miss You’ having already been picked up by US record label Deep South.

Continue reading Unlikely Superheroes – EP Launch @ The Tank Hotel, Brisbane 19th February 2011 [Gig News]

ARIA Charts News: w/c 14th February 2011

P!nk achieves ARIA Album Chart milestone & ARIA Singles Chart success continues for Rihanna

Flood Relief: Artists For The Flood Appeal remains biggest seller of the week

International superstar P!nk continues to dominate the ARIA Album Chart, chalking up her thirteenth straight week at the pinnacle with “Greatest Hits… So Far!!!”. P!nk this week achieves a feat that hasn’t been seen since the early 1980’s, when Dire Straits’ “Love Over Gold” racked up an unbroken fourteen weeks at the top of the chart. A noteworthy mention also goes to homegrown hero John Farnham, who topped the ARIA Album Chart for eight weeks running with “Whispering Jack” in 1987. The album dropped to No.2 behind a compilation album before resuming peak position for a further ten weeks straight. Had the charts been compiled as they are now, he would have officially achieved a stellar twenty consecutive weeks at number one. Over on the ARIA Compilation Chart, Flood Relief: Artists For The Flood Appeal holds in top spot for a third consecutive week and continues as the highest selling release of the week.
Continue reading ARIA Charts News: w/c 14th February 2011

DEAD KENNEDYS – AUSTRALIA ÜBER ALLES TOUR – April 2011 [Tour News]

  Dead Kennedys are one of the most popular and important American punk bands, and they are returning to Australia for three special shows this April.

They formed in San Francisco in 1978 when vocalist Jello Biafra answered a music paper advert placed by guitarist East Bay Ray. They were joined by bassist Klaus Flouride, drummer Ted, and a second guitarist known to posterity simply as 6025.

The latter soon departed, while Ted was replaced in 1981 by D.H. Peligro. Lead vocals are now sung by former Wynona Riders singer Ron “Skip” Greer
Continue reading DEAD KENNEDYS – AUSTRALIA ÜBER ALLES TOUR – April 2011 [Tour News]

JAC STONE & JAMES GREHAN @ The Old Museum, Brisbane – with Emma Louise – 11th February 2011 [Photo Gallery]

Photographer: Stephen Goodwin
Click here to view the FULL photo gallery

Photographer:
Stephen Goodwin
Continue reading JAC STONE & JAMES GREHAN @ The Old Museum, Brisbane – with Emma Louise – 11th February 2011 [Photo Gallery]

The Getaway Plan with Tonight Alive @ Metro Theatre, Sydney 11 February 2011 [Photo Gallery]

Photographer: Amy Lee Freshwater
Click here to view FULL GALLERY

Photographer: Amy Lee Freshwater
Continue reading The Getaway Plan with Tonight Alive @ Metro Theatre, Sydney 11 February 2011 [Photo Gallery]

‘The Rat Trap’ Polytoxic @ Brisbane Powerhouse, 9th February, 2011 [Live Review]

Review by: Lana Harris

  Let me introduce you to The Rat Trap. Bull whipping, lampshade hanging, Siamese twin ninja fighting cabaret. Using a mix of circus antics, contemporary dance moves, ye olde piano music, silent movie explanation screens and good ol’ physical comedy, Polytoxic act out the seedy and sexy story of the dive known as The Rat Trap.

The Rat Trap is a ‘scratch work,’ the beginnings of a finished piece performed as part of the World Theatre Festival at the Powerhouse. The festival contains several of these still cooking pieces, enticing viewers with an unpolished taste of performer vision.

Polytoxic keeps a cracking pace through the show, including plenty of action designed to make the audience gasp and laugh. The result is an accessible piece where there’s nothing to ‘get’. Polytoxic make it clear to their audience that their sole purpose on stage during Rat Trap is not to send a message or explore deep, dark and meaningful themes, it’s to amuse the audience and have fun. The diversity of the performers, whose backgrounds range from theatre to dance to circus training, appears to be a strong feature in creating such an entertaining piece. The mix of talents twists intricacy and depth into the performance.

Polytoxic have been around since 2000, and have recently upped their numbers from a three piece to six performers. If the beginnings of The Rat Trap are anything to go by, the increase in entertainers will expand the possibilities of a group which are already known for their raw, energetic, and accomplished works.


Playing at the Brisbane Powerhouse until Sun 13 Feb 2011

Dates/Times
Fri 11 Feb 7.15pm
Fri 11 Feb 8.20pm
Sat 12 Feb 7.15pm
Sat 12 Feb 8.20pm
Sun 13 Feb 5.45pm
Sun 13 Feb 8.45pm

Visit the Brisbane Powerhouse site for all details.



More articles by Lana Harris:
* U2 @ Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane w/ Jay Z – 8 December 2010 – Live Review
* Rise to Remain “Bridges will Burn” – EP Review
* Radio Birdman “Live in Texas” – LP Review
* Montpelier ‘Last Boat’ Single Review
* Weezer “Hurley” – LP Review
* Soilwork “The Panic Broadcast” – LP Review
* Danza Contemporanea De Cuba @ The Playhouse (Brisbane Festival), 15th September 2010 – Live Review
* Polarity @ The Judith Wright Centre, Brisbane 13th September 2010 – Live Review
* Betrayal @ The Cremorne Theatre, Brisbane 10th September 2010 – Live Review
* Crow “Arcane” – LP Review
* Search for more article by this author…

LAMB (UK) : Australian Tour Supports Announced [Tour News & Tickets]

  In less than one week’s time, electronic music luminaries Lamb are launching their world tour here in Australia! Not only will audiences be the first to hear new tracks from their last album, but we’ll also get to see them perform them live! Known universally as being the King and Queen of breathtaking electronica, Lou Rhodes and Andy Barlow havebeen waiting a long time for this moment:

We said we wouldn’t make another Lamb album until we had something new to say. That time has definitely come.’ Lou Rhodes Nov 2010
Continue reading LAMB (UK) : Australian Tour Supports Announced [Tour News & Tickets]

RIC’S BIG BACKYARD FESTIVAL – 2ND ANNOUNCEMENT


Buy Tickets Here
  Iconic Brisbane music venue RIC’S is proud to present their inaugural BIG BACKYARD FESTIVAL. Utilizing the courtyard behind RG’s and the upstairs and downstairs stages at RIC’S, the BIG BACKYARD is a brilliant space sure to create an intimate and unique festival experience.

3 stages.
Outside, upstairs and downstairs.
21 bands for $75. Tickets Available Here

VIOLENT SOHO had a huge 2010. They moved to Brooklyn and signed to Thurston Moore’s Ecstatic Peace label touring the US with Dinosaur Jr and The Bronx. They’re home and they are sure to smash it in our Big Backyard.

Continue reading RIC’S BIG BACKYARD FESTIVAL – 2ND ANNOUNCEMENT