Tag Archives: 2012

CD Review: Silverstein – Short Songs

Review by Sibel Kutlucan
Short Songs by Silverstein is anything but boring.

The 22 track album, which runs for just under 20 minutes, is composed of songs and punk covers which all fall under the 90 second mark. Whilst unique and upbeat, it can seem a bit fanatical and fervent at times and often it felt like a few of the songs were too abrupt (which is understandable when you try to keep a song under the minute and a half mark). Warning, the album is not for the faint hearted, and it isn’t something you want to listen to when you want to kick back and relax.

Short Songs is definitely short, fast and louder than anything Silverstein have produced in their previous five albums and the Canadian boys definitely have taken a unique risk with a number of elements. Short Songs features guest vocals from Tim Mcllrath (Rise Against), Chris Hannah (Propagandhi) and Mike Hranica (The Devil Wears Prada), just to name a few.
Continue reading CD Review: Silverstein – Short Songs →

Album Review, Review, Sibel Kutlucan

CD Review: The Summer Set – ‘Everything’s Fine’

Review by Sibel Kutlucan
The Summer Set’s new release lives up to its title, “Everything’s Fine”, as it isn’t horrible but it’s not great either. For me, it’s just fine. It does have its high points and alas, it also has its lows.

Everything’s Fine is the second full length from the Arizonian quintet and it delved further into the ‘pop’ territory that was hinted at in Love Like This (released 2009), which had more of a pop punk sound. The Summer Set worked with ‘super-producer’ John Fields, who has previously worked with the likes of Jimmy Eat World, Jonas Brothers and Switchfoot, for Everything’s Fine and this was definitely reflected throughout the album.

It’s easily to understand the popularity surrounding The Summer Set, with their sweet sounding melodies and their catchy lyrics. These elements for me really shone when teamed with acoustic guitar on “Mona Lisa” and “About a girl”, a unique choice for the album opener.
Continue reading CD Review: The Summer Set – ‘Everything’s Fine’ →

Album Review, Review, Sibel Kutlucan

Live Review | Devin Townsend Project, Meshuggah and Dredg @ The Forum Theatre, Melbourne – 29 February 2012

REVIEW by Billy Geary
As Melbourne’s Soundwave week continued into Wednesday night, it was time to head to the beautiful Forum Theatre for a taste of some of the most original music the massive line up had to offer.

As somewhat the black sheep of Wednesday night’s line-up, art rock band dredg more than held their own against the heavier headliners. After a few false starts in recent years, this was their first venture to Australia and quickly won over the predominantly metal focused crowd. Opening with two of their most well known songs in ‘Ode to the Sun’ and ‘Bug Eyes’ was a smart move, as the band commanded attention from the start. ‘Bug Eyes’ in particular got a great response, its chorus sounding majestic within the confines of The Forum.
Continue reading Live Review | Devin Townsend Project, Meshuggah and Dredg @ The Forum Theatre, Melbourne – 29 February 2012 →

Billy Geary, Live Review, Melbourne, Review, Soundwave

Interview: Al Marx – The Fearless Vampire Killers

Interview: Stuart Blythe
The Fearless Vampire Killers are hitting the road thoughout March (2012) with their Batmania tour. We caught up with TFVK guitarist Al Marx for a chat. Al gave us an interesting and humorous insight into TFVK.

LMM: Tell us a little about The Fearless Vampire Killers

Al Marx : I have a little birthmark below the waist, Sean used to be a pro scooterer, Jacob’s fluent in every language and Justin shot J.F.K.
 
 
LMM: You’re debut LP, “Batmania” has enjoyed rave reviews.
For fans who haven’t yet heard “Batmania”, how would you describe the sound and the vibe? Were you channelling any musical influences at the time of production?

Al Marx : It’s good, I like it. Musical influences are a bit of a no-no as far as we’re concerned. We have music we love and we play how we like to play. We focus on writing good songs, and playing with all our hearts. If you can actually pinpoint a specific influence, you’re not doing your job right.
 
 
LMM: In 2011 you toured with Lanie Lane, how was that experience?

Al Marx : It was funny, you’ve got to have fun right? We got to stay in Sydney for a few nights, and it’s rare to stay in the one place on tour. It let us put our roots down and get a little loose.
 
 
LMM: You’re about to kick off on a nation headline tour. What can fans expect at the shows?

Al Marx : We’ve worked a bit of trapeze into the set. Sean and I even do a bit of the performance with no net, because we’re badass. Jacob has beefed up his juggling act and bowing to the demands of animal rights groups has removed the poodle grand finale.
 
 
LMM: Have you got any pre-show routines/superstitions?

Al Marx : I know it sounds gross but i generally don’t like to shower in the day before a gig. I like to feel gritty, and I sweat like a pig onstage anyway. I also find someone to hold my phone before i play. Jackie Stewart used to do the same with his watch, so it’s a bit of an nod to the greats.
 
 
LMM: Which bands did you grow up with, and who still inspires you now?

Al Marx : We all grew up with the classics – The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, etc. Right now i think our biggest interest is in the great Spaghetti Western soundtracks of Ennio Morricone.
 
 
LMM: With “For You & Me” on the American TV series 90210… do you have any plans to tour internationally?

Al Marx : There’s plans and there’s dreams. I think we’re still in the day-dream stage, but we are making some steps for that possibility in the future. We play better inter-state, imagine how we’ll be internationally.
 
 
LMM: Is there anything you would like to say to your growing fan base?

Al Marx : We love you all, thank you so much for your support. Just remember to look both ways before you cross the street, and don’t put plastic bags in your recycling.
 
 

—- Quick Questions —-
:: What track changed your life ::
Across the Universe
Across the Universe – The Beatles 1967–1970 (The Blue Album)
 
 
:: Biggest influence ::
you
 
 
:: Name a band or artist we should checkout ::
Dungen
 
 
:: Favourite Quote ::
All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.
George Orwell
 
 
:: When on tour, you can’t live without ::
Humour
 
 
:: When in the studio, you can’t live without ::
Humour
 
 
:: Three words to describe the last year?
Nice to visit
 
 
:: Three for how you feel about the year ahead? ::
It’s getting better

*** Click here for tour dates and details -> The Fearless Vampire Killers – Batmania National Album Tour – March 2012

www.thefearlessvampirekillers.com
www.facebook.com/thefearlessvampirekillers
www.myspace.com/tfvk
www.twitter.com/tfvk

Interview

Interview: Mårten Hagström – MESHUGGAH

Interview: Billy Geary
We caught up with MESHUGGAH guitarist Mårten Hagström just ahead of the bands arrival in Australia for Soundwave 2012

LMM: Soundwave 2012 will be the second time you’ve toured with the festival, what made you want to come back and do it again?

MESHUGGAH : Australia has been a real good experience for us so it was a no brainer actually. The perfect way to get away from the Swedish winter.
 
 
LMM: Your new album will be coming out around the same time you’re playing at Soundwave. Do you plan to include any of the new songs in your set?

>MESHUGGAH: Don’t know yet. We are still debating that issue.
 
 
LMM: What are you most looking forward to about doing Soundwave 2012?
Continue reading Interview: Mårten Hagström – MESHUGGAH →

Billy Geary, Interview, Soundwave

Live Review : Incubus @ Festival Hall, Melbourne – 7th February 2012

Review by Billy Geary
Photo Credit: Amy Lee FreshwaterIt’s fair to say that over the years Californian natives Incubus have traversed more than a few genres in their music, giving rise to one of the more diverse musical fan bases around at present. This was perfectly evident on Tuesday night as everyone from middle agers to remnant 90s grunge kids made the short trek to Festival Hall from Southern Cross Station for a dose of Incubus.

Sydneysiders Papa vs. Pretty had the envious job of opening up proceedings, putting on a tight set for the slowly filling room. The trio have a had a massive last year, which has seen them come on in leaps and bounds, especially in terms of their live show. Their high energy set of melodic rock was perfect fodder for the early arriving punters, garnering a big cheer from the entire room as their set concluded. If this set is anything to go by, expect big things from these three gentlemen in 2012.
Continue reading Live Review : Incubus @ Festival Hall, Melbourne – 7th February 2012 →

Billy Geary, Live Review, Melbourne, Review