Review by Hannah Collins
Rickie Lee Jones… um… who? She’s not on the regular radio rotation, nor is a household name, yet she’s been filling the air with her amicable sounds for the last 30 years. Her initial self titled album debuted at #3 on the US Billboard top 200; she’s received over 5 Grammy nominations and has featured on the cover of Rolling Stone.
Continue reading Live Review : Rickie Lee Jones @ The Tivoli, Brisbane 31st May 2010
Category Archives: Review
Delerium – “Remixed: The Definitive Collection” [CD Review]
Review: Ben Hosking
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It has always been equally intriguing and amusing to this reviewer that a pair of individuals as intense and creative as Rhys Fulber and Bill Leeb should be most widely known for a dance/pop project. However, this is exactly the case for the Canadian pair long known in metal and industrial circles for their work with projects like Skinny Puppy, Front Line Assembly and Rhys’ regular contributions to groups such as Fear Factory.
Despite – or perhaps because of – this, Delerium has always been an infinitely listenable experience that has pushed the boundaries of the genre; often |
encompassing a wonderful darkness. Hopefully they’ve helped regular fans of mindless commercial dance to open their minds to something more creative, layered and ultimately – respectable. Continue reading Delerium – “Remixed: The Definitive Collection” [CD Review]
Mike Patton – “Mondo Cane” [CD Review]
Review: Ben Hosking
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The prolific Mike Patton returns with a project unlike any that have come before it. Sung entirely in Italian, the album ‘Mondo Cane’ features a 40-piece orchestra, choir and band.
Listeners have had hints of Patton’s multi-lingual abilities in the last, such as tunes found on earlier Faith No More releases. However, ‘Mondo Cane’ sees the twisted genius using his talents to pay homage to other songwriters, including his beloved Morricone, who penned the track ‘Deep Down’. |
Danko Jones – “Below the Belt” [LP Review]
Review: Lana Harris
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Danko Jones is a man born to wear leather, and if listening to this album doesn’t convince you, the shiny black outfit he sports on the cover of his band’s latest LP Below the Belt will. This is BIG rock, stadia rock, another-word-that-rhymes-with-rock rock – what else would be expected from a man who names his band after himself? Proving that he’s more than just a leather clad front man, Jones also plays lead guitar, is responsible for writing columns in rock magazines, hosts radio shows and has completed solo spoken word tours. |
The Black Keys – “Brothers” [CD Review]
Review: Natalie Salvo
This is a record review about The Black Keys. But you already knew that didn’t you? So while we’re giving you ‘helpful’ but unnecessary statements, “Brothers” is the sixth studio album from the Ohio-based blues-rock duo.
The pair has been rather busy as of late with guitarist, Dan Auerbach dropping a solo album while Patrick Carney produced the aptly titled side project, Drummer. The boys then collaborated with a bunch of rappers for the hip-hop record, Blakroc.
Continue reading The Black Keys – “Brothers” [CD Review]
Live Review – The Dillinger Escape Plan + Maylene and the Sons of Disaster at The Hi Fi, Brisbane 25 May 2010
Review: Hannah Collins
Following on from the destruction that took place at Sydney’s Metro Theatre on Friday 21st, Sunday 23rd of May saw the malicious line up on the The Dillinger Escape Plan tour park their vans and load their gear into the rear of Brisbane’s Hi Fi.
With both headliner, and second support bands touring off the back of their latest releases, they’ve come; ready blow the house away with an arrangement of toxically destructive yet undeniably distinct songs. Maylene don’t’ look like your typical metal band, because they’re not. Neither are Dillinger. Both acts are well known for their pioneering ability to create and mould new genres of sounds, encompassing an array of metal, jazz, blues, rockabilly, punk and screamo. The collection of sounds we’re about to hear are unique only to the bands who’ve created them. Maylene are drilling to the core of traditional rock and metal and intently injecting an air of southern flair, quite familiar to their place of foundation; Burmingham, Alabama. While Dillinger, a much earlier conception, incorporate their own blend of metal (progressive, thrash, hardcore, punk) and jazz fusions to have become, the pioneers of what critics and fans alike now know as “math metal”. With such a partricular combination of artists, the show will surely be, as mind boggling and utterly intriguing as the bands themselves.
Continue reading Live Review – The Dillinger Escape Plan + Maylene and the Sons of Disaster at The Hi Fi, Brisbane 25 May 2010
Evergreen Terrace / Casey Jones / Dropsaw @ The Hi-Fi, Brisbane 22nd May 2010 [Live Review]
Review : Ms Morta
It came to my attention during the duration of tonight’s performance, that to be a musician in the hardcore punk scene, one must master the art of levitation.
 [Photo: Silvana Macarone] |
Rocking up to The Hi-Fi Bar on this chilly Saturday night the crowd was already a buzz. Newcastle’s Dropsaw hit the stage running with their heavy hardcore sound to start the night. Having just released their 3rd album HARD JUSTICE, they busted through their short set comfortably, pleasing those early punters who wanted to let loose ASAP! It was obvious these boys were stoked to have been the support on such a great bill. |
RocketSmiths – “Underground” : CD Review
Review: Lana Harris
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Underground is the new single for Rocketsmiths, a Brisbane based five piece that have been releasing EPs since 2006. With metaphors of the band’s sound leaning precariously towards the more raucous end of rock descriptors (carnie, rockabilly and carnivalesque among them), ‘Underground’ draws on short, punchy riffs and restrained energy to deliver a catchy first single.
The track begins with drumbeats tumbling from the silence and quickly ramps up into a tune that would fit right in with those on The White Stripes’ Elephant record. |
Review: Dillinger Escape Plan @ The Metro Theatre – Friday May 21, 2010
Review: Ben Hosking
A video camera appears at the front doors of the Metro Theatre on Sydney’s George Street and the assembled throng erupt with screams and cheers. The footpath is a fast-flowing river of regular folk, looking on curiously as the rag-tag gathering of music fans chant “Dillinger Escape Plan rawk!”
It’s a cold, rainy evening in Sydney’s CBD as hundreds stream into the iconic venue to witness a night of musical and at times, personal destruction courtesy of the US band mentioned above.
Continue reading Review: Dillinger Escape Plan @ The Metro Theatre – Friday May 21, 2010
Live Review: Ball Park Music, Blame Ringo, Tin Can Radio @ The Zoo, Brisbane 21 May 2010
Review: Ben Connolly
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Eclecticism is a menu item at The Zoo for a dreary winter’s night as Ball Park Music launch yet another release. The eclecticism takes a great leap into the abyss of craziness straight up, however, with first band Tin Can Radio’s everything-and-the-kitchen-sink ethos. It’s genre mash-up pulled off almost to perfection, with elements of hip hop and dancehall melded with solid parts of rocking goodness. Instrument swapping and crowd-hyping antics sit comfortably along side |
some serious head-banging and hair tossing, as they spend the first half of their short set sadly failing to entice the seemingly shy early crowd from getting down the front and dancing. The lack of response, however, failed to dent lead man Tom Wearne’s enthusiasm as he led his gang through numerous tension building jams and almost orgasmic rhythmic releases. His persistence finally paid off as, almost as one, the crowd came to life mid-set with new song Hot Trash and old favourite And Then Nothing filled the little dance floor with gyrating hips and floppy-haired bops. Ending with a shambolic number which showed the sheer joy of just barely keeping it together, TCR proved again how much of a delicious little secret this scene has been hiding. Continue reading Live Review: Ball Park Music, Blame Ringo, Tin Can Radio @ The Zoo, Brisbane 21 May 2010
CD Review: Blood Red Shoes – “Fire Like This”
Review by: Victoria Nugent
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The latest offering from Brighton band Blood Red Shoes could be given the label of garage rock for a new generation. The duo’s second album, “Fire Like This”, is largely influenced by 90s grunge, and showcases some impressively gritty, heavy sounds, coupled with poppy lyrics and varied vocals. Though some may argue the tracks sound slightly generic, there’s no denying that Blood Red Shoes have their own distinct pattern that works for them.
The two piece band is made up of Steven Ansell and Laura-Mary Carter and formed in 2004 after their previous bands Lady Muck and Cat on Form split up. Taking their name |
from a story about Ginger Rogers’ blood stained dancing shoes, the pair released their first album Box of Secrets in 2008, which, like Fire Like This , was co-produced with Mike Crossey. Continue reading CD Review: Blood Red Shoes – “Fire Like This”
Live Review: Tame Impala @ The Tivoli, Brisbane 14 May 2010
Review: Jose Eduardo Cruz
Click image to view photo gallery [Photo: Charlyn Cameron] |
Given that this was a Friday night in Brisbane and it was getting colder by the minute, I wasn’t expecting such a big turn out tonight. But to my surprise the venue was three quarters full and a great atmosphere had already begun to build prior to the headliners entering the stage.
I managed to catch a good part of The Silents’ set which was a good appetizer before the main meal. Very gentle sounds |
and everything that a good warm up band should contain. Good sounds, ok mix and great potential to be the headliner in a couple of years.
Tame Impala get onto the stage as if they were walking into their living room to sit down for a jam in front of their friends. Bare feet, smiles and a few beers in hand they each position themselves and prepare. It is so noticeable that it needs to be mentioned, as soon as the first note is played each of the members’ face completely changes and a focused look falls onto their appearance. Gone is the joker side and game face appears. Their eyes say that the one thing that they all came here to do is upon them and the time has arrived to celebrate. Continue reading Live Review: Tame Impala @ The Tivoli, Brisbane 14 May 2010
EP Review: Davey Spicer and the Creatures of Habit – “Tides and Curves”
Review by: Victoria Nugent
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EP Tides and Curves from Brisbane band Davey Spicer and the Creatures of Habit is a collection of blues-inspired rock with its own unique sound.
The trio have played a part in the Brisbane music scene for years, and the EP’s cover reflects this local heritage, showing a photograph of the Brisbane River at night. Davey Spicer’s vocals and guitar riffs team well with the percussion of Todd Orchard, and bass of Felix Merry to produce a well rounded sound that is somewhat reminiscent of the John Butler Trio. |
Bang Bang Baby Goodbye gives the EP a strong start with its funky acoustic guitar riffs and sharp lyrics about a woman taking vengeance on her lover.
Daydream provides a great contrast as a chilled out track, with Spicer’s melodic vocals carrying the poetic lyrics well. Soft & Out of Focus is another more laidback tune, with its Spicer’s gentle strumming complementing his cruisy vocals.
Human Obscene is a much punchier, more aggressive sounding song and like all the EP’s other songs seems to go very quickly. Credentials ends the EP on a sharp note with aggressive lyrics, mocking the idea of dating checklists against a bongos beat and tense guitar.
“Tides and Curves” is a great showcase of the band’s individual take on bluesy rock, which is very easy to listen to with its punchy music and strong lyrics. I get the feeling these guys would be great to hear live, with their music providing the perfect accompaniment to a casual night out in a classic Brisbane pub.
CD Review: Escape The Fate – “This War Is Ours”
Review: Ben Hosking
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Escape the Fate (ETF) just doesn’t know what they want to be. The Las Vegas quartet plays a very American, largely accessible rock/metal blend for the most part. Their tunes switch back and forth between swaggering mid-tempo rockers, unconvincing ballads and even more surprising and bewildering blasts of deep growled passages over menacing riffage.
So just what is it that ETF are trying to achieve? Their vocalist Craig Mabbitt is reminiscent of most of the emasculated faux-metal front men currently in circulation. |
You know the kind: a little nasal and still awaiting puberty. This means that they’ll never be fully accepted by the metal or hardcore scenes. Their big choruses and pop sensibilities have helped them to win over 20 million MySpace page views and 400,000 friends; yet they’re far beyond the realms of Australian radio. Continue reading CD Review: Escape The Fate – “This War Is Ours”
Live Review: Jeff Martin @ The Basement, Sydney – 7th May 2010
Review: Ben Hosking
Arriving at Sydney’s iconic Basement at around 8.30pm, one could have been forgiven for thinking that they were arriving early enough to catch a decent viewing point of the stage. Alas, walking into the dimly-lit venue an hour before the scheduled start time – past rows and rows of cattle-like drunken Friday night inner city executives at the bars next door – actually saw punters encounter an already half full concert space.
Clearly, this was going to be a big night.
Thanks to a complete lack of any advertised information, the evening’s opening acts seemed to catch a lot of people unaware, including this reviewer. However, despite the complete rudeness of the audience, both performed well; Brisbane singer/songwriter Pear (aka Stephanie Barros Lees) providing the surprise performance of the night.
Continue reading Live Review: Jeff Martin @ The Basement, Sydney – 7th May 2010