Tag Archives: cd

Bec Plath “At The End of the Night” – Single Review

Review: Victoria Nugent

  This soft single is the latest release from Brisbane vocalist Bec Plath, best known for her vocals with local band The Bloodpoets. At The End of The Night follows Plath’s 2009 debut EP Unrequited, and gives a taste of what we can expect from her next EP.

The single starts with a smooth yet strong piano intro with guitar kicking in shortly before Plath’s melodious vocals. During the chorus, Plath’s vocals take on a slightly sharper edge, building in intensity before softening again for the verses. The piano remains a subtle but constant presence throughout the song, which flows effortlessly through key

changes which add to the track’s originality. Plath’s lyrics are introspective comments about living in a stressful world to which many people would be able to relate. Her vocals are imbued with both honesty and a sense of heart that makes listening seem like a deeply personal act. The music meanders for a while, almost seeming a bit lengthy, before coming to a powerful crescendo towards the end of the track, and then fading out softly. At The End of the Night is a slow-burner with a lot of emotion, and worthy addition to any compilation.

Bec Plath – At The End of the Night is available at iTunes:
Bec – Bec Plath

Related Posts:
CD Review: Bec Plath “Unrequited”

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Midnight Juggernauts “The Crystal Axis” – CD Review

Review: Natalie Salvo

  Batten down the hatches, the Midnight Juggernauts ‘difficult’ second album, The Crystal Axis appears to be anything but that. Instead, it uses analogue harmony walls and experimentation aplenty to craft 12 striking tracks (well 11 plus an overture) with a destination of the sun’s core. Onboard we journey via new tangents and those crazy panoramic retro screens of old.

The trio employed a lot of live experimentation to get here. The jams err on the side of prog rock and spaced-out sonic landscapes. They billeted together in a remote and isolated house on the NSW

coast with only synthesisers, keys, guitars, drums, racks of pedals and other electronic gizmos for company. The jams even found their way into the recording process and at times this adds a unique character to the music, while at other moments feels as though a bit too much fat was left on the bone.
Continue reading Midnight Juggernauts “The Crystal Axis” – CD Review →

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Junip “Fields” – Album Review

Review: Natalie Salvo
If ever there was a group that embodied the spirit of quality over quantity, then Junip’s it.

The trio – made up of José González (vocals, guitars), Elias Araya (drums) and Tobias Winterkorn (keys) – have released a few singles and EPs; taken a 5-year break (where the former toured his solo work); and are now on the verge of releasing their debut album, Fields. It took a lot of effort to get here (although it was by no means the longest spell – Guns N’ Roses anyone?) but in this case people will declare it was a labour of love well worth the wait.

González and Araya have been making music together since they were 14, having started creative life as a hardcore group. In 2010 they’ve taken a different musical route, improvising together to find song sketches and in particular, looking for beats and guitar patterns that stood out for their overall groove and melody. The result is 11 nu-folk and pop songs borne out of patience, perfectionism, inspiration and sheer bloody mindedness.
Continue reading Junip “Fields” – Album Review →

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Goodnight Owl “Goodnight Owl” – EP Review

Review: Natalie Salvo
Goodnight Owl started life in a bedroom, graduated to various recording studios and a church in Melbourne, and the result is a folktronica quartet content on blurring the lines between musical genres. Peel away the layers and you have five songs on a self-titled debut EP that have too many ambient noises and electronic beats to be strictly pop, yet also boast too many tender, heartfelt moments to be strictly the former.

The group have been likened to The Postal Service, Sigur Ros, Bon Iver and Band of Horses and they admit their music can take you in one of two directions. Like being faced with a road less travelled, on the one hand there is the promise of the embrace of the dawn while the alternative is an adventure into the dark
Continue reading Goodnight Owl “Goodnight Owl” – EP Review →

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HELLYEAH! “Stampede” – CD Review

Review: Ben Hosking


Hellyeah – Hellyeah		   Many metal fans were surprised to see Pantera drummer Vinnie Paul Abbott take to the drum stool again after the murder of his brother, Dimebag Darrell Abbott in 2004. He’d famously declared he’d never play again and no one really blamed him either.

However, as early as 2000, a select few members of up and coming metal groups Mudvayne and Nothingface had started making plans to form a supergroup. The initiating members recorded a demo and approached Vinnie Paul about joining. After first declining the offer, he finally joined the band 18 months later; commenting that, “Everybody had their head in the right place and that let’s-tear-the-world-a-new-ass attitude“.

Continue reading HELLYEAH! “Stampede” – CD Review →

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Livin’ Music SHOWCASE hits The Tempo Hotel, Brisbane – 12 September 2010

To coincide with Princess Rodeo’s ‘Alternate Colours’ single launch @ Livin’ Music SHOWCASE – The Tempo Hotel, Brisbane – 12 September 2010, we have a few copies of their CD up for grabs!… See below for details.

  Indie Brisbane is set to ROCK this September, with an assorted swag of local acts coming together to take part in the Livin’ Music SHOWCASE.

Closing out the Valley Fiesta weekend, and with a line-up that ranges from Pop-rock to Prog to Blues, this diverse event promises high energy and rocking talent across the board.

Continue reading Livin’ Music SHOWCASE hits The Tempo Hotel, Brisbane – 12 September 2010 →

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How to Destroy Angels [EP] – CD Review

Review: Ben Hosking

  It didn’t take Trent Reznor long to begin making music again after shutting the doors on Nine Inch Nails last year. In fact, news was already surfacing about his new project around the time of his marriage to Mariqueen Maandig in October of 2009. The newlyweds didn’t just join in holy matrimony – they joined in musical harmony as well, forming How to Destroy Angels (HTDA), together with programmer/producer Atticus Ross (Korn/NIN/Coheed and Cambria).

Trent is no stranger to forward-thinking when it comes to the release and promotion of his music. 2005’s ‘With Teeth’ was streamed on NIN’s

MySpace page before its release and 2007’s ‘Year Zero’ saw Reznor creating elaborate ‘alternate reality’ games that fell in line with the concept of the album and leaked several tracks into the world prior to the album’s release. ‘Ghosts I-IV’ and NIN’s final album ‘The Slip’ were both offered as free downloads on the band’s website as well as part of deluxe physical limited-edition packages with phenomenal success.
Continue reading How to Destroy Angels [EP] – CD Review →

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The Boat People “Dear Darkly” – Album Review

Review: Victoria Nugent


Dear
– Dear Darkly – The Boat People		   It’s hard to decide where to start praising The Boat People’s new album, “Dear Darkly”. The well established Brisbane four-piece has produced an album fluent in the art of quirky pop, a nicely eclectic mix of songs.

The album kicks off with the extremely enjoyable “Under the Ocean” with plenty of “ooohs” and floaty-sounding vocals, coupled with some skilled guitar riffs. “Soporific” is one of the album’s most memorable songs with a great beat, tempo shifts and best of all, clever lyrics. I love the song’s use of intellectual sounding words to a catchy tune. “Boy you’re soporific, but is that your fault or mine? Things they used to be terrific, but now they’re barely anodyne.”

“Echo Stick Guitars” is an amazingly catchy track that starts out with synthesiser and almost robotic sounding high vocals which become loud and chanty for the chorus. The song switches tempo back and forth, showcasing a sound which can only be described as unique. Sure, the lyrics mightn’t always make sense (“Hey champions, hey violins, hey echo stick guitars”) but this shouty pop song had me singing along for the chorus.

“Antidote” is somewhat reminiscent of a Kisschasy love song with its subtle vocals and rolling drums. “Live in The Dark” has a somewhat bold psychedelic sound that’s as complex as it is likeable. “Too Much In My Mind” is an upbeat number with a catchy rhythm, some cutesy synth and fun lyrics about the downside of being too introspective. “Hidden Buses” takes a softer accoustic tone, complete with husky vocals.

Closing out the album, at six minutes long, “You Are Adored” is a musically diverse, romantic (albeit slightly long-winded) ditty that made my heart melt a little bit.

“Dear Darkly” is a fantastic showcase of The Boat People’s scope for diverse, unconventional pop. From the sounds of this album, this band isn’t afraid from playing around with sounds and genres, and that is definitely a good thing.

Dear – Dear Darkly – The Boat People

Related:
Photo Gallery: The Boat People, Ball Park Music, Disco Nap @ The Troubadour, Brisbane – March 2010
CD Review: The Boat People – Echo Stick Guitars
CD Review: The Boat People – Soporific Single

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Darren Hanlon “I Will Love You At All” – Album Review

Review: Natalie Salvo
Darren Hanlon, the musical raconteur from Gympie is back with his fourth studio album, “I Will Love You At All”. For this record, this citizen of the world wrote his songs in many exciting locations from Paris to Coonabarabran (it’s in NSW people, look it up!)

At it’s essence we’re taken on a journey with a wistful and heartfelt traveler via ten songs full of gentle longing, aching reminiscence and nostalgia. Produced by Adam Selzer (M Ward, She & Him, The Decemberists), it features musical assistance from Rachel Blumberg (Bright Eyes, M Ward, She & Him, The Decemberists); longtime collaborator, Cory Gray on keys; and the velvety, feminine vocals of Shelley Short and Alia Farah.

On Hanlon’s self-proclaimed “mature” record, we seem him again showcase his trademark, homely crafts with great skill and virtuosity. The talented wordsmith is at it again with his lyrical interplay and word games, but this time around things are a tad subtler. He still spins yarns, turning what could be the minutiae of one’s day into if not a revelation that at the very least an amusing aside you’ll want to save up for the next time you want to impress. But there’s no denying that he has toned down his cheeky side. Gone are the really strange pieces of subject matter for the more subdued folk, with perhaps even Hanlon himself realising that he’s getting a little old to be singing love songs about squash, people waving at trains and the like.
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Long Gone Whistle: The Songs of Maurice Frawley

  Great songs live forever. Whether you write ’em, sing ’em, or just love the stories they tell and the way they make you feel, make no mistake – the great ones will survive the blessed lot of us. Maurice Frawley left scores behind when he departed this world, after a short fight with cancer, in May 2009. To some folks – Paul Kelly, Charlie Owen, Tex Perkins, Tim Rogers, Mick Thomas and Don Walker for instance – plenty were already classics.

Continue reading Long Gone Whistle: The Songs of Maurice Frawley →

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Blue King Brown “Worldwize” Album Review

Review By Jose Eduardo Cruz

  After what has seemed like an eternity, almost four years, Blue King Brown finally drop a new album. The wait was definitely worth it because instead of one album BKB dropped two albums. Northside, a roots/reggae dancing compilation. Southside, a dub driven experience.

Recorded in the legendary Jamaican studio Tuff Gong which now houses the Bob Marley museum, this album has the genuine feel of a legitimate modern reggae album. It may have been the surroundings in which it was made or it could just be that BKB have now truly established themselves as international stars.

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PEARL “Immaculate Little White Fox” – Album Review

Review: Hannah Collins


Little – Little Immaculate White Fox		   If you dig classic rock, and idolise the genre’s greats, you’ll find this album utterly intriguing.

Pearl Aday‘s first solo production brings with it over two decades of influence from some of rocks finest performers. She’s toured with Motley Crue, Meat Loaf, featured with Filter, hung out with Slash and jammed with Jerry Cantrell. Immaculate Little white Fox is full of grungy riffs, classic rock solos, and intricate lyricism. The shifting track listing rolls like waves and is neither stagnant nor boring. Pearls vocal ability, has been rounded and refined over the years, as she’s moved from stage hand to backup singer and finally found her place, as a stage front performer, bringing all her experience together, in her first singular application.

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THE HOLIDAYS August Tour & Debut Album Release

Double-Pass Giveaway! We have double passes up for grabs to the ‘Hazy Shade Of Winter’ tour – Sydney and Melbourne shows! … See below for details.

The Holidays   Following the release of their new single ‘Golden Sky’, Sydney’s The Holidays will be hitting the road again this August for a series of East Coast shows.

The line up for the ‘Hazy Shade Of Winter’ tour also consists of Brisbane’s Hungry Kids of Hungary and New Zealand’s Artisan Guns.

Continue reading THE HOLIDAYS August Tour & Debut Album Release →

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6s & 7s Announce Album Launch Tour

Following a huge album launch in hometown Perth, 6s & 7s will launch their acclaimed debut album Choose The Sentinel Blooze in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide next month.

Catch 6s & 7s on Thursday 26 August at Melt Bar in Sydney, Friday 27 August at The Workers Club in Melbourne, Saturday 28 August at Pure Pop Records in Melbourne, and Sunday 29 August at the Grace Emily Hotel in Adelaide. Continue reading 6s & 7s Announce Album Launch Tour →

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Bryan Ferry Announces New Studio Album ‘Olympia’

BRYAN FERRY’S NEW STUDIO ALBUM ‘OLYMPIA’ WILL BE RELEASED ON VIRGIN RECORDS ON OCTOBER 22, PRECEDED BY THE SINGLE “YOU CAN DANCE” ON AUGUST 6.

THE ALBUM FEATURES MUSICAL CONTRIBUTIONS FROM NILE RODGERS, DAVID GILMOUR, GROOVE ARMADA, SCISSOR SISTERS, MARCUS MILLER, FLEA, MANI AND JONNY GREENWOOD. IT ALSO SEES BRYAN FERRY REUNITED ON RECORD WITH MEMBERS OF ROXY MUSIC, INCLUDING BRIAN ENO. Continue reading Bryan Ferry Announces New Studio Album ‘Olympia’ →

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