Review by Pete Coates – facebook.com/InsideEdgePhotography
KRIS BARRAS BAND – LIGHT IT UP
Provogue Records / Mascot Label Group – Release Date Sept 13th
The rise of the Kris Barras Band continues with the announcement of their brand new album Light It Up, which is to be released on the 13th of September via Provogue, a month before their biggest UK headline tour to date.
Continue reading Album Review : Kris Barras Band – Light It UpReview by Peter Coates – www.facebook.com/InsideEdgePhotography
From the opening riff of Justified you get the feeling that what is about to burst through the speakers could be something special. When the Hammond organ and the vocals kick in, the tingles start to run up your spine, and then the middle-eight break hits you like a sledgehammer before the first of many ripping solos puts the icing on the cake. There is so much depth and complexity in the backing vocal harmonies and the underlying melodies that the listener is pulled in deep, and is immersed in the layers.
Continue reading Album Review : Jack J Hutchinson – Who Feeds The Wolf?Review by Peter Coates – www.facebook.com/InsideEdgePhotography
The return visit to Australia from this dynamic pair of West Virginian country-rock guitarists stemmed from their eye-opening appearance at CMC Rocks 2018, when the big festival crowds were blown away by the songs, the delivery, and the infectious stage-presence of Donnie and Chris, and their talented band members.
Continue reading Live Review : Davisson Brothers Band at The Factory Theatre, Sydney – 25th July 2019Review by Natasha Wyborn
www.australianmusician.com.au
Caulfield, known worldwide for its racetrack, was overrun with guitar players, enthusiasts and fans alike over the weekend. The venue gave way for what has to be one of the best guitar playing line-ups in the festivals history. The event held under complete cover in the members grandstand drew fans and players alike to two days of guitar mania. From the moment you entered the building you were greeted by 50,000 watts of pure guitar shredding. This area of course was the trade component of the show where budding guitarists got to play and talk everything from the classics of Gibson and Fender and numerous independent and personal guitar makers who were on show. But it didn’t end there. Amplifiers with some wicked pedals and everything accessory wise to make even the most professional player salivate. All stall holders were more than generous with their time and experience. Over $75,000 was paid out for the most expensive guitar of the weekend confirming build the right instrument and they will buy.
Continue reading Review : Melbourne Guitar Show 2019 at Caulfield RacecourseReview by Peter Coates – www.facebook.com/InsideEdgePhotography
KIRK FLETCHER – HOLD ON
Another new name to me from the big wide world of the blues, and another cracking example of the quality of blues guitarists out there today – with a handful of solo albums behind him, as well as three years in The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Kirk Fletcher has one of the more soulful voices, twinned with a guitar style that brings to mind the likes of Carlos Santana, Gary Moore, Joe Bonamassa, Eric Clapton, Gary Clarke Jr and Eric Gales to name just a few!
Continue reading Album Review : KIRK FLETCHER – HOLD ON
Words and Pics: www.hoskingindustries.com.au
Photographer : Ben Hosking – www.hoskingindustries.com.au
I'm ashamed to admit it, but this was actually the first time I'd seen The Tea Party live. I'd been into their music since the 1990s and had seen one of Jeff Martin's incredible solo shows way back in 2010 at Sydney's The Basement. But I'd never been able to see The Tea Party.
Tonight, I was in for a real treat.
Continue reading Live Review & Photo Gallery : The Tea Party + Linear at NEX, Newcastle – June 26, 2019
Words and Pics: www.hoskingindustries.com.au
Photographer : Ben Hosking
It might have been a chilly, wet Sunday night outside, but within the cosy confines of the recently-rebranded Newcastle Hotel, piping hot modern metal was cooking up a storm. While we missed local opening act The Wandering, Taree progressive metal four-piece Diamond Construct continued their evolution from awkward teens to stage-pounding purveyors of dissonant chords and brutal breakdowns. Their latest release is garnering them some deserved attention and tonight’s almost-cruelly short 25-minute support slot shows they can impress even on a tight timeline.
Continue reading Live Review: Born of Osiris + Chelsea Grin + Diamond Construct at Newcastle Hotel, Newcastle – June 23, 2019
Review and photos by Meghan Player
Everyone has a band that they wish they could see live. But due to the cost or feasibility of international travel, they’ve been relegated to “it would be rad to see them, but it’s probably never going to happen.”
To me, Murder By Death is one of those bands.
Continue reading Live Review : Murder By Death at Crowbar, Sydney – 15 June 2019
Words and Pics: Ben Hosking – www.hoskingindustries.com.au
This reviewer hadn’t had the pleasure of seeing the mighty Karnivool live since 2012 and 2013 on the Asymmetry tour. Both of those gigs were held at Sydney’s Metro and the Big Top respectively – much larger venues than Newcastle’s Cambridge Hotel.
Continue reading Live Review : Karnivool + Southeast Desert Metal at The Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle – 30 May 2019
Review and photos by Peter Coates – www.facebook.com/InsideEdgePhotography
Photographer: Peter Coates
It is not that often that we get the chance to see a cult Canadian country-rock band in Australia, so when they arrange a couple of random sideshows after their Winton Way Out West appearance, it seemed sensible to get to see one of them at least – The Road Hammers were over here a few years ago for CMC Rocks and left a pretty hot reputation behind.
Review and photos by Peter Coates – www.facebook.com/InsideEdgePhotography
Photographer: Peter Coates
www.facebook.com/bretteldredge
www.facebook.com/jonpardi
www.bradcoxofficial.com/
www.chuggentertainment.com
Brad Cox, fresh from the Snowy Mountains of NSW was a late addition to this bill, and turned up with two of his band to give the crowd a taste of his recent album release from a three piece guitar / mandolin ensemble. Brad is a big man with a huge voice, much in mould of Luke Combs, but with the Australian twist of humour and country that will set him apart. We got a handful of songs from the album, including Too Drunk to Drive and Somewhere Like Cheyenne, and I am certainly looking forward to catch him again with the full band before long.
Continue reading Live Review : Brett Eldredge & Jon Pardi + Brad Cox at Enmore Theatre, Sydney – 29 April 2019
Little Steven and the Disciples Of Soul at Enmore Theatre, Sydney – 25 April 2019
Review and photos by Peter Coates – www.facebook.com/InsideEdgePhotography
I was probably expecting a more Springsteen-derived set based on my less than comprehensive knowledge of the Little Steven back-catalogue – knowing the songwriting link with Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes which also sits within that Jersey Shore guitar-based soulful blues/rock arena.
Continue reading Live Review : Little Steven and the Disciples Of Soul at Enmore Theatre, Sydney – 25 April 2019
By Wanda Hill
Photo Credit : Tao Jones
Bluesfest Day 5 – 22 April 2019
www.bluesfest.com.au
The final day of life in a village designed especially for fun looked magical as sun showers and rainbows illuminated the sky in true north coast style. Relaxed patrons roamed the grounds enjoying their last tastes of festival foods and music for the soul. Many of the visiting performers comment in their shows about the blessing of coming to this festival, the great time they have, and the beauty of the land and nearby ocean.
Continue reading Live Review : Bluesfest Byron Bay 2019 – Day 5
By Wanda Hill
Photo credit : Julius C Montes
Bluesfest Day 4 – 21 April 2019
www.bluesfest.com.au
The 30th anniversary of Bluesfest would not be complete without Australia’s most soulful singer songwriter Archie Roach. This afternoon’s Mojo highlight was Archie sharing stories of his life and his ancestor’s lives interwoven between powerfully emotive songs full of well earned wisdom. His beautiful lyrics punctuated by distinctive vocal tones, depth and vibrato that can move even the most stoic man to tears. Time seems to slow down in his presence, plenty of space for contemplation as Archie brings into focus issues such as the fight to protect a Djap Wurrung sacred birthing tree in Victoria currently threatened by highway expansion. His song ‘A child was born here’ perfectly illustrating the importance of birthing trees to Aboriginal people across the country. Such a gift to spend time listening to this great man who demonstrates so well that the greatest strength can be found in gentleness.
Continue reading Live Review : Bluesfest Byron Bay 2019 – Day 4
By Wanda Hill
Bluesfest Day 3 – 20 April 2019
www.bluesfest.com.au
Saturday got of to a great start with Rockwiz in the Jambalaya where hopeful players were spilling out the sides of the venue. After the quiz contestants were chosen the show got underway with an endless stream of guests including Ian Moss and Sarah McLeod arriving to play a song and join in with the teams. First guest for the day was Casey Donovan performing a cover of Queen’s ‘Don’t stop me now’ that Freddy Mercury would have been extremely proud of. Julia Zemiro hosted a witty and fun afternoon, artfully mixing music and politics making sure everyone was entertained and laughing. Turn up early for your chance to be a contestant when Rockwiz returns Sunday 1pm at Jambalaya.
Continue reading Live Review : Bluesfest Byron Bay 2019 – Day 3
