Live Review: Sunset Sounds Day 2, January 7 2010

January 14, 2010 admin

Review: Duncan McKimm

With a dominant lineup from start to finish, the Riverstage was heavily populated from early on the second day of Sunset Sounds. Blessed with pleasingly mild weather again, the general affability of the crowd should be commended – as should the prevalence of shirts on male patrons (why is that so hard at other festivals?).

Having recently released what can only be described as a puzzling third album, Editors brought the air-strike riffs and towering vocals of their first two albums, interspersed with tracks from their strange Kulture Klub meets Ian Curtis new album to the Riverstage. Suffice to say their earlier material like ‘Munich’ and ‘Bullets’ moved the crowd and sounded fantastic through the big sound system. The less said about the few new tracks they brought the better.
Continue reading Live Review: Sunset Sounds Day 2, January 7 2010 →

Brisbane, Festival, Music, Review

Photo Gallery: Sunset Sounds 2010 – Day 2

January 13, 2010 admin

Photographer: Matt Palmer

Sunset Sounds 2010 (06 Jan 2010 – 07 Jan 2010) , Brisbane

In a supreme tease to office workers across the CBD, Sunset Sounds opened its gates for a second year to accept the swarm of humanity buzzing around the Botanic Gardens mid-afternoon…

Click here for Photos by Matt Palmer

Brisbane, Concert, Festival, Music, Photos

DANCE ‘A MILLION WAYS’ AT PLAYGROUND WEEKENDER 2010

January 13, 2010 admin

Playground Weekender HQ are pleased as punch to announce BLUEJUICE, OK GO (USA), MISTA SAVONA & PRINCE ALLA (JAMAICA), LOST VALENTINOS, KING TIDE and THE HOLIDAYS will join megastars ORBITAL (Live), LUPE FIASCO, BRIAN JONESTOWN MASSACRE, THE CRIBS and over 100 more acts at Australia’s award winning four day boutique music festival – rounding up an eclectic line up set to make your summer sizzle.

“Any festival that requires a ferry crossing to get to is a good festival as far as we’re concerned. The line-up is amazing, but it’s the ferry ride that really stokes the fires of our childish desires”… Jake Stone – BLUEJUICE

TICKETS SELLING OUT
Four-day camping tickets + early bird and members tickets have completely SOLD OUT.
There are only 200 1st release tickets left so get in quick!

ACCOMMODATION SELLING OUt
Houseboats and cabins have completely SOLD OUT.
There are only 20 campervan spaces left! Book now for Tent Hotel or Tipis.

BLUEJUICE
Sydney’s BLUEJUICE are the ultimate complement to the Playground Weekender lineup – perfectly epitomizing the festivals maverick, eclectic feel. Whilst fundamentally a rock band, they also stir into their pot a mixture of hip hop with pop, ska, punk and disco.

It’s been a huge two years which as seen the band break into the top of Triple J playlists with favorites ‘Vitriol’ and Reductionist’, before becoming global internet sensations with their hilarious skipping video for the hook laden cross over hit ‘Broken Leg’, which went onto be a top 30 ARIA hit with two ARIA award nominations. As unpredictable as a day spent without taking your medication, BLUEJUICE put on an infamously energetic live show…

OK GO (USA)
Chicago band OK Go combine off-kilter guitars, Pixies/Cars fetishism, and straightforward power pop sensibilities to produce eccentric, catchy songs.

OK Go wrote the book on how to turn a creative low budget video into a viral Internet phenomenon. The video for ‘Here It Goes Again’ saw OK Go pull of some incredible synchronized dance moves on multiple treadmills. It became one of the most watched videos of all time with over 49 million view on YouTube and a 2007 Grammy Award for ‘Best Short-Form Music Video’. That exposure helping the track break the Top 40 in both the US and the UK. The four piece are getting ready and set to go get you dancing at Playground Weekender!
‘Here It Goes Again’ (Treadmill video) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pv5zWaTEVkI
‘A Million Ways’ (Backyard video): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1_CLW-NNwc

MISTA SAVONA & PRINCE ALLA (JAMAICA)
Leading exponents of roots reggae, dancehall and heavyweight dub music MISTA SAVONA will raise the roof with percussion bliss and crazy good songs from international guest artist – reggae royalty – PRINCE ALLA. Straight from Jamaica, a serious, humble and genuine Rastaman.

NICKODEMUS (NEW YORK)
A mainstay of the New York underground, NICKODEMUS is a DJ and producer who co-founded the now legendary Turntable on the Hudson (the longest running weekly party in NY) parties with the simple edict of playing “music with soul”. NICKODEMUS will be bringing his ‘spinning at sea’ set to Playground Weekender blending Latin, Afro-funk, hip-hop, big beat, house, funk, reggae, broken beat, soul and more.

LOST VALENTINOS
Formed in Sydney in 2005 LOST VALENTINOS quickly established themselves as one of the hottest acts in on Australia’s indie scene. The immediate success of their self tiled EP, and the follow up ‘Damn & Damn Again’ nailed their reputation as a gang of rogue’s intent on forging their own original sound. Current single ‘Serio’ is out now and taken from their debut album ‘Cities of Gold’. With punk intensity and noise-drenched melodies, a LOST VALENTINOS set is for young adventurers seeking a new treasure. Dig deep with them at Playground Weekender!

KING TIDE
Renowned for their brilliant high-energy shows, KING TIDE have earned their fan base on the live scene. Using reggae as the compass guiding them to new and wonderful musical lands. Renowned reggae and roots influenced band, KING TIDE are the first Australian band to be signed to prestigious UK record label, Urban Sedated.
“I love me hip hop but Reggaes me life. We’re gonna have a Reggae party tonight.” Tony Hughes.

THE HOLIDAYS

Time for a change of scenery? It’s time for THE HOLIDAYS. After only a handful of shows, Sydney’s FBI radio latched on to the band, then Triple J put them on high rotation with their self titled single. THE HOLIDAYS ball had begun rolling in a big way. They soon achieved airplay on several eagle-eyed US stations, which led to the ‘Artist of the Week’ billing in influential US trade publication A&R Worldwide. They are very much a band in the ‘next big thing’ bracket. We are sure you won’t be disappointed by their performance at Del Rio Resort.
“We play every gig like it’s our first gig’’ said Will Magnus.

With the stellar line up, Australia’s largest fancy dress party, houseboats, tipi’s and wine bars under the stars, don’t miss out on getting your tickets now!

FULL PLAYGROUND WEEKENDER 2010 LINEUP… SO FAR!

Orbital Live, Lupe Fiasco, Polyphonic Spree, The Cribs, Brian Jonestown Massacre, Jamie Lidell, Bluejuice, Bjorn Again, Gui Boratto live, OK GO, Steve Lawler, LTJ Bukem, British Sea Power, Norman Jay, Bertie Blackman, Mark Farina, James Lavelle, Prins Thomas, Pivot, New Orleans Bingo Show, Mista Savona & Prince Alla, Ewan Pearson, Washington, Luna City Express, The Bees DJ set, Lost Valentinos, Gaslamp Killer, 16 BIT (Southside Dubstars), Vincenzo, King Tide, Charles Webster, The Holidays, Regular John, Goons of Doom, The Jezabels, Black Ryder, PBR Street Gang (2020 Vision), Kid Mac, Mr Doris, Snowdroppers

www.playgroundweekender.com.au

Concert, Festival, Music, news

News: Vieux Farka Touré @ Brisbane Powerhouse Tue 19 – Wed 20 Jan 2010

January 12, 2010 admin

Brisbane Powerhouse and Love Police Touring present PLANET:
Vieux Farka Touré MUSIC

New record Fondo on Six Degrees Records OUT NOW.This January sees the first time visit to Australian shores for African guitarist/singer/songwriter, Vieux Farka Touré who is set to perform intimate club shows in both Brisbane and Melbourne, and will also be performing as part of the calendar of events at the Sydney Festival. Mixing reggae, funk, and R&B, Vieux Farka Touré breaks new ground as one of the first world music artists to embrace the sounds of rock. The son of African music legend, the late Ali Farka Touré, he draws on West African Malian traditions, and incorporates his father’s signature desert style blues to create his own unique style and sound. Vieux Farka Touré will be supported by Baala Baajo. Baala Baajo combine African drums with guitar, keyboard, balafon and nyatiti. Their music features original compositions, traditional soulful rhythms, beautiful vocals and high energy percussion and dance. Well-known for their energy, exuberance and musical talent, they have travelled nationally and internationally, performing and teaching African arts and culture. Baala Baajo will take you on an uplifting and soulful journey!

Tue 19 – Wed 20 Jan 10
Powerhouse Theatre
8pm
All tickets $54.80

For more information go to: www.brisbanepowerhouse.org

Brisbane, news

Tour: Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele – January 2010

January 12, 2010 admin

Dent May was discovered last year by Animal Collective when they were recording Merriweather Post Pavilion in nearby Oxford. Dent’s ebullient debut, The Good Feeling Music of Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele – released on Animal Collective’s label Paw Tracks and locally through Mistletone – was one of the most feel-good indie-pop delights of 2009.

Continue reading Tour: Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele – January 2010 →

Brisbane, Concert, Melbourne, Music, Sydney, tour

News: Future Music Festival 2010

January 11, 2010 admin 2 Comments

Future Music Festival 2010: it’s time to go back to the Future …

After rocking tens of thousands of fans across the nation in 2009, it’s time to go back to the Future once more as the Future Music Festival juggernaut gears up to do it all again in 2010 …

Featuring an all-star line-up of the planet’s hottest music artists, Future Music Festival scooped the pool in last year’s Sony inthemix poll, picking up no less than two coveted Best Festival Awards for its massive shows in Adelaide and Sydney and Runner Up honours for Melbourne and Perth.
Continue reading News: Future Music Festival 2010 →

Festival, Music, news

ARIA Chart News – w/c 11 Jan 2010

January 11, 2010 admin 1 Comment

Owl City and Susan Boyle continue to dominate ARIA Singles and Album Charts

Owl City‘s ARIA Singles Chart assault gathers momentum this week, as the digital-only track “Fireflies” holds at the top of the chart for the second week straight. The single also remains in peak position on the ARIA Digital Track Chart for the third consecutive week. Topping the ARIA Album Chart for the seventh week running is Susan Boyle’s debut release “I Dreamed A Dream”, which eclipses the 500,000 unit mark in cumulative Australian sales this week after coming in at No.18 on the ARIA End of Decade Album Chart.
Continue reading ARIA Chart News – w/c 11 Jan 2010 →

Charts, Music

Tour News: Amanda Palmer returns to Australia in 2010

January 11, 2010 admin

Much-loved and lauded performer Amanda Palmer is returning to Australia in February and March to wow fans in Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, Byron Bay and Brisbane.

Last here in early 2009 Amanda toured our shores with shows that left critics and fans raving.

Time Off Brisbane wrote “Palmer is an amazing lyricist and composer. One of the best shows that The Tivoli has seen in a long time.”

Rip It Up in Adelaide echoed the sentiment adding “The entire night was an intimate sharing of stories and jokes…Have To Drive and Strength Through Music left the crowd speechless until their very end, some on the verge of tears as they applauded as loudly as possible.” Continue reading Tour News: Amanda Palmer returns to Australia in 2010 →

Music, news, tour

Live Review: Sunset Sounds 2010 – Day 1

January 10, 2010 admin

Author: Duncan McKimm

In a supreme tease to office workers across the CBD, Sunset Sounds opened its gates for a second year to accept the swarm of humanity buzzing around the Botanic Gardens mid-afternoon. Unfortunately, as I hold the excruciating dual-citizenship of office peon and festival-goer, my entry time didn’t allow me to see either the ethereal north Queenslanders The Middle East or local noisemakers DZ.

I was, however, in time to see some nouveau disco from Brooklyn’s Phenomenal Handclap Band, who brought the funk to the Gardens stage right on time for the thickening crowd. Radio favourites like ’15 to 20’ were on beat, on point and pitch perfect – while ‘I been born again’ nailed the vaguely hippy atmosphere you get from standing under the majestic figs listening to music in the afternoon. Nothing like a funky jam out to really kick a festival off right.

With Jamie T not far away, the Riverstage gradually filled as the grey sky dimmed (nature’s shout out to the Brit?). Also in this time (between five and six thirty) it seemed the whole crowd had become very, er, animated… Jamie came on stage to a warm welcome – possibly fans from his recent tour, or possibly just pumped festival folk (see earlier animation remark). He and his Pacemakers launched into a set evenly split between his two albums – with the newer material really hitting with the crowd. Whether that’s a result of those songs having been written with a band instead of solo, or the crowd being new fans (T birds? T bags? ) I’m not sure. Unfortunately in something of an omen for the rest of the bands that night, his set lost focus midway through, with a solo rendition of ‘Back in the Game’ killing off the momentum. He wrangled it back with some good banter and a pleasantly loose ‘Sticks and Stones’, but overall the result was a bit of a near-miss.

Over to the Hibiscus Stage for a bit of Seasick Steve where my first thought was of where to best go to find some music that wouldn’t put me to sleep. Luckily I’d simply stumbled into the Sunset Sounds mid-set slump, which the formerly homeless entertainer exited with some exceptional blues guitar riffing. “We’re gonna play for the whole hour they gave us – I don’t give a fuck whether the band before us went long, we’re playin’ the whole thing, you can come tear me off the stage if you want”. Nothing like a menacing rant to the stage manager from a man that, let’s face it, may still carry a shiv, to really add a bit of excitement to the set.

Burning away from the last of Seasick Steve to catch Art Vs Science but my good lord – the crowd! The Gardens stage was packed out to way past the sound tent. These boys must be having the time of their lives riding the crest of the Triple J wave. ‘Parlez Vous Francais’ predictably had the crowd going nuts, but again, they followed with a mid-set slump! Now someone like Seasick Steve or even Jamie T you can probably forgive, as they’re not simply about getting a dancefloor moving (although I’m sure they’d enjoy it if it happened). But when your primary aim is to have the crowd moving non-stop, YOU’RE GOING TO HAVE TO MAKE SOME NOISE FELLAS! Tuning of guitars should be done while the rhythm section keeps the beat cranking away, not while they sneak a quick mid-set ciggie. If in doubt look at the girls in the front row – if they aren’t dancing you’re not doing your job right. The VERY animated crowd was leaving in droves before AVS could find the accelerator again for ‘Flippers’, most trying to secure a spot for Moby on the main stage presumably.

For a bald vegan midget, Moby certainly knows how to rock a show out. If you maybe aren’t the biggest fans of his work (I’d defy anyone to like everything he’s done), believe me – his live show is essential. It shows some of his greatest tracks in a new light – more punch, more verve, more…balls. Crass though it may be, ‘ballsy’ is the best adjective to describe the show. The man wore his guitar like a rock star and fronted his band like he owned the joint (which he may well do – he has quite the property portfolio). Tracks like Porcelain swam hauntingly around the amphitheatre, washing over the crowd with clarity and precision. Body Rock was suitably beefy, although the volume could certainly have been cranked up some. Even as close as the sound-tent the music was on the quieter side of things. His set is always eclectic and this one was no exception – dropping a thrashy punk song (“the first song I ever wrote”), before asking the crowd if he could add “three completely over the top disco tracks, if that’s alright?” – Moby nailed his banter, chatty but without losing momentum. There were no objections from the crowd to his setlist as the dancing spread backwards from the pit and up the hill. By the time he decided to hit us with his trancier material at the close the entire Riverstage was “Haviiin’ iiiiiit” (as a nearby Pom exclaimed). As the man himself summed up – “I’ve made a lot of different types of music in my time, but at the heart of it, I’m still a little raver. Some of the greatest times in my life have been spent with my hands in the air in some field listening to techno as the sun comes up”. Amen to that.

And so concludes Day 1 of Sounds of Spring 2010.

Sunset Sounds Day 1 January 6 2010

Brisbane, Concert, Festival, Music, Review

Photo Gallery: Sunset Sounds 2010 – Day 1

January 10, 2010 admin

Photographer: Matt Palmer and Stuart Blythe

Sunset Sounds 2010 (06 Jan 2010 – 07 Jan 2010) , Brisbane

Brisbane, Concert, Festival, Photos

Behemoth, Job For A Cowboy, Goatwhore Australian Tour – April 2010

January 10, 2010 admin

Polish death squad Behemoth return to Australia next April on a co-headliner with Arizona’s heavy music powerhouse Job for a Cowboy, and for the first time on these shores New Orleans black metal band Goatwhore round out a night of sinister, fist-clenching, speaker-searing madness!
– Behemoth available at iTunes
Continue reading Behemoth, Job For A Cowboy, Goatwhore Australian Tour – April 2010 →

Concert, Music, tour

Photo Gallery: Pyramid Rock Festival 2009

January 7, 2010 admin 2 Comments

Photographer: Stephen Bull
Click image to view gallery

Pyramid Rock Festival 2009 (29 Dec 2009 – 1 Jan 2010)

With many previous years of successful festivals, this years Pyramid Rock Festival was no exception.

Plagued with extreme’s in weather, festival goers this year showed their love for spending their New Years in the great outdoors… Click here for Photos

Concert, event, Festival, Music, Photos, Review

Photo Journal: Falls Music and Arts Festival 2009 – Day 3

January 6, 2010 admin

Photos and Words: Elize Strydom
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By the third day of the festival fatigue and the effects of alcohol made finding your tent site difficult.
It was another cracker, weatherwise… but I was keeping a close eye on the clouds forming in the distance… Click here for Photo Journal

Concert, Festival, Photos, Review

Photo Journal: Falls Music and Arts Festival 2009 – Day 2

January 2, 2010 admin

Photos and Words: Elize Strydom
Click image to view photo journal

Click here for Photo Journal

Concert, Festival, Music, Photos

Wolfmother @ Falls Music and Arts Festival 2009

January 2, 2010 admin

Photos and Words: Elize Strydom

Click image to view photos

By the time Wolfmother hit the stage the air temperature had dropped dramatically. Thankfully, the Wolfies’ electrifying tunes brought the heat back. They played the old crowd-pleasers plus a swag of new ones from their recent release, Cosmic Egg. As usual, Stockdale ruled the stage but not without a bit of competition (performance wise and hairstyle wise) from bass player/keyboardist, Ian Peres.

Concert, Festival, Music, Photos, Review