Tag Archives: Review

Album Review: Cradle of Filth – Midnight in the Labyrinth

By Meghan Player
Cradle Of Filth have always been known for their signature take on the dark wave, gothic metal sound and grandiose theatrics. Latest offering, ‘Midnight in the Labyrinth’ – an orchestral selection of the bands first four albums – is no exception.

Opening with a glorious string section of sweeping, melodic sound ‘A Gothic Romance [Red Roses For The Devil’s Whore]’ pulls the listener into an album that not only celebrates the band, but reinvents the tracks that once pounded through your headphones.

‘The Twisted Nails of Faith’ sounds almost as if it has come straight from a melodramatic, theatrical musical – with striking strings, stirring vocals and choirs intertwining with frontman Dani Filth’s narrative growl.
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Live Review | The Ocean @ The Hi-Fi, Melbourne with Sydonia, Lo! – 26 May 2012

Review by Billy Geary
The OceanThe Ocean are one of the more interesting bands of the past few decades. The brainchild of guitarist Robin Staps, The Ocean has, over the years, morphed into one of the most forward thinking and innovative metal bands in the world. Their show at Melbourne’s Hi-Fi bar on Saturday night was the second last leg of their maiden tour of Australia, and what a night it was.

Upon descending the steps below Swanston Street, Sydney’s Lo! and their brand of chaotic hardcore was reverberating around the room and up the staircase. First impressions were good, with the quartet proving dynamic on the Hi-Fi’s stage. Front man Jamie-Leigh Smith screamed his way around the room, both on stage and off it and gradually won over an oddly surly audience over as their set progressed. Coming across as a mixture of Converge and Mastodon, the sludgy riffs from Carl Whitbread sounded huge over the PA, really driving the band’s sound into the punters present. At the conclusion of their set, it was more than obvious why they were hand picked by The Ocean to support the entire tour.
Continue reading Live Review | The Ocean @ The Hi-Fi, Melbourne with Sydonia, Lo! – 26 May 2012

Live Review: Dead Letter Circus + Fair to Midland + Twelve Foot Ninja @ Ferntree Gully Hotel – 17 May 2012

Review by Billy Geary
Trekking all the way out to Ferntree Gully for a gig is always an interesting experience and Thursday night was no different, with a line up boasting some of Australia’s and America’s best alternative rock bands. With Brisbane natives Dead Letter Circus having been on tour with Texan five piece Fair to Midland in the States for the past few months, it was time to bring the party (and Fair to Midland) back home for their own national tour.

Local staples Twelve Foot Ninja have been given the support slot for the entire tour, and clearly loving the experience. Opening with ‘War,’ one of the band’s heavier numbers, the audience was instantly engaged. The most impressive thing about Twelve Foot Ninja is their ability to move between genres with the flick of a switch, this trait exemplified through ‘FEAR’ and ‘Manufacture of Consent,’ both featuring plenty of heaviness with a dash of reggae and dub influences. Similarly, new track ‘Shuriken’ will be one to look out for on their forthcoming album showcasing vocalist Nick’s outstanding vocals and a smattering of samples. Twelve Foot Ninja’s set came to an end via a powerful rendition of ‘Clarion,’ reminding punters exactly why they’re known as one of the tightest live acts in Melbourne.
Continue reading Live Review: Dead Letter Circus + Fair to Midland + Twelve Foot Ninja @ Ferntree Gully Hotel – 17 May 2012

Live Review | Public Enemy – Metro Theatre, Sydney – 11 May 2012

Review by Robert Pugsley
Looking over the crowd at the Metro Theatre in Sydney I was surprised to see that I looked like everyone else – Yes, White Middle Class Suburbia had come out in force to see Public Enemy, DJ Lord and the current S1W crew. Although it shouldn’t really surprise anyone, Public Enemy have been, despite their militant bravado, quite accessible to the average non rap/hip hop public.

It’s been 25 years since they started performing out as Public Enemy, their anger levels have risen and waned but through it all they have carried the message of equality and respect. The message of peace and equality can make performers look like self indulgent cocks but Public Enemy really put their money where their mouth is and have built up a reputation where they can push their message and people are going to lend them their ears. Which is just as well, as there was a lot of talking and preaching at this gig but the crowd listened appreciatively.
Continue reading Live Review | Public Enemy – Metro Theatre, Sydney – 11 May 2012

Live Review: THE GUM BALL Festival – 27-28th April 2012

Review by Stuart Blythe and Rachel Pope
Nestled in bushland within the beautiful setting of Belford in the Hunter Valley, The Gum Ball festival was held over the weekend of April 27th-29th.

Touted as a laid back family friendly, BYO musical camping experience, Gum Ball certainly delivered. From the moment you arrive there is an immediate positive feeling, a relaxed sense of self and an anticipation of good times ahead. The serenity of the surroundings, the diverse age group and the family friendly feel was both complementing and comforting.

Friday night kicked off in spectacular fashion with The Joe Kings, Front End Loader, Massy Ferguson, Two River Blues and The Tongue taking the stage with The Bakery closing out the night. For those who wanted to kick on there was also the Silent Disco. The entire night set a high standard for the day ahead.
Continue reading Live Review: THE GUM BALL Festival – 27-28th April 2012

Live Review: Ball Park Music @ The Hi-Fi, Brisbane with Cub Scouts & Yes You | 11 May 2012

Review by Lauren Sherritt
Word about the brilliance of Ball Park Music’s live show has swept the nation over the past year, as evidenced by their 180° tour selling out across many of the twenty shows and achieving no less for the final night in Brisbane.

The Hi-Fi filled quickly as BPM fans arrived to see support acts Cub Scouts and Yes You. Cub Scouts kicked off the evening, toting youthful charm in bucket loads and thrilling the audience with a remarkably well done cover of Destiny’s Child’s Jumpin’, Jumpin’. The dancing started with the band’s well-known track Evie, then the cheerful five-some departed the stage after giving yet more accolades to the upcoming Ball Park Music set.
Continue reading Live Review: Ball Park Music @ The Hi-Fi, Brisbane with Cub Scouts & Yes You | 11 May 2012

Live Review: The Maccabees @ The Metro, Sydney w/ Argentina – 10 May 2012

Review by Sibel Kutlucan

Thursday night got underway at 8pm when early punters began filling into the doors of the Sydney Metro. The darkened room was a hotbed of activity, buzzing conversation as indie fans alike milled around drinking beer and anticipating the first time visit of English indie rockers The Maccabees to Australia. The quintet who are visiting this autumn for the Groovin’ the Moo festival, has a local bunch of Aussie fans who are eager to welcome the boys to the country for an intimate sideshow.

Argentina, the first and only supporting act of the night was greeted warmly by early-comers. The Brisbane based indie act seemed to have a bit of difficulty with their first song, technical difficulties and possibly nerves got the better of them. Gladly, by the second song they had sorted out their problems and they delivered a really enjoyable sound. The vocals were fantastic, with songs “Bad Kids” and “Plastic Excuse” they definitely played to their strengths and let their softer indie side come through, focusing on delicate lyrics and a steady beat that wasn’t competing with the vocals. Argentina played with a lot of heart and have a bright future ahead of them.
Continue reading Live Review: The Maccabees @ The Metro, Sydney w/ Argentina – 10 May 2012

Live Review: The Darkness @ UNSW Roundhouse, Sydney – 6 May 2012

Review and Photos by Robert Pugsley
The Darkness are back and dare I say bigger and better than ever. They are pure performers and gave it all at their latest Sydney gig at UNSW Roundhouse.

Bursting on to the stage with ‘Black Shuck’, the crowd went nuts and The Darkness reciprocated with rock god swagger, style and boundless energy for the rest of the gig.

Justin Hawkins is a hell of a personality. Constantly moving, he rocked and jumped around the stage with the energy of a 4 year old drinking straight from the cordial bottle, it’s physically exhausting just watching him. Justin really is one of those rare sexual beasts, who, with his flaming groin tattoo, was rained upon by punters throwing underwear whilst receiving the adulation of topless female worshippers.
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CD Review: Gemma Ray – Island Fire

Review by Sibel Kutlucan
Gemma Ray sparks a flame in the hearts of everyone with her brand new album Island Fire (Shock Records). With her recent visit to Australia to play Peats Ridge Festival, the alluring pop-noir songstress has intrigued audiences and built up her Australian fan base, whom won’t be able to stop listening to the infectious melodies of Island Fire!

It is easy to understand why Gemma Ray has become one of the UK’s most independent and critically acclaimed female musicians with a listen to her unique sound that resonates throughout Island Fire. Ray effortlessly creates beautiful tunes with her vintage pop vocals and her fantastic song writing. This fantastic harmony of a sweet pop sound, with the hint of yester-year in the melody on “Put your brain in gear” is a clear indication of Gemma Ray’s presence as a fantastic musician, and definitely is a highlight of the album for me.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Charles Walker and The Dynamites @ The Zoo, Brisbane | November 24th, 2011 | Live Review

Review by Lauren Sherritt

Charles Walker
Photo Credit: Pete Coorey
  On possibly the most humid Brisbane night in 2011 so far, a small crowd gathered at The Zoo in hopes of witnessing something special. Clutching cold beverages and gathering close to fans and windows, last Thursday night proved to be the time for these fans of funk and soul to have their wishes come true and be transported back to a time when their music, played with passion and skill, was at it’s very height.

Continue reading Charles Walker and The Dynamites @ The Zoo, Brisbane | November 24th, 2011 | Live Review

Ball Park Music @ East Brunswick Club, Melbourne | Live Review

Review by Ben Connolly
There’s a buzz in the air tonight – a full house and the Ball Park Music headlining debut album launch tour tends to give out a special vibe. And it’s been a long, well-worn track to get to this point: singles and free downloads leading to early Triple J recognition, signing to a supportive management company and releasing one of them most anticipated EPs of recent memory, seemingly tour after tour as the perpetual bridesmaids before finally knuckling down to carve out the first full-length offering.
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Only The Sea Slugs @ Yah Yahs, Fitzroy – October 27, 2011 | Live Review

Review by Ben Connolly

  Rock can be such a bitch of a game. One day you’re the toast of the town, an EP in the shops, a film clip on Rage and some choice words thrown your way from the national youth music broadcaster. Then you decide to cram all your gear into a van and tumble a thousand kilometres south only to be greeted by a mid-week pub, almost empty apart the other bands on the bill and a few uneager passers-by; shitty sound only adds to the drama. And that’s where it all goes pear-shaped for Sydney-siders Only The Sea Slugs with its recent gig at Melbourne’s Yah Yah’s.

Continue reading Only The Sea Slugs @ Yah Yahs, Fitzroy – October 27, 2011 | Live Review