When Michael Met Mina || Review // Book Tour

Title: When Michael Met Mina
Author: Randa Abdel-Fattah
Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia
Release Date: July 28, 2016
Source: Review copy from the publisher

Before Mina, my life was like a completed jigsaw puzzle but Mina has pushed the puzzle onto the floor. I have to start all over again, figuring out where the pieces go.

When Michael meets Mina, they are at a rally for refugees - standing on opposite sides. Mina fled Afghanistan with her mother via a refugee camp, a leaky boat and a detention centre. Michael's parents have founded a new political party called Aussie Values.

They want to stop the boats. 
Mina wants to stop the hate.

When Mina wins a scholarship to Michael's private school, their lives crash together blindingly. A novel for anyone who wants to fight for love, and against injustice.

Randa Abdel-Fattah's latest YA novel, When Michael Met Mina, follows the author's well paved path of boy-meets-girl, white-meets-colour and spins a familiar Romeo and Juliet tale with a modern twist. And produces the result the story was pulling for: empathy. Mina, a former refugee, who fled to Australia for safety with her mother is the outsider in Sydney's prestigious, expensive, majority Anglo-Saxon neighbourhood. Then she meets, or collides would be more appropriate, the very white, very proud, very loud Michael, whose family is a driving force behind keeping Australia free from cultural diversity. 

I fell in love with Randa Abdel-Fattah as soon as I finished the first book of hers I read - which, if I remember correctly, was Does My Head Look Big In This?. As a writer, she strays from nothing, the hard topics aren't hard and the easy ones aren't insignificant enough to be skipped over. Mina was portrayed as the underdog from the beginning of the novel, however I felt the most empathy with Michael. Possibly because, as a white Australian myself, his story was closer to mine than Mina's - despite the major difference in how his family treated asylum seekers. Michael was the strongest character in my opinion and had the more interesting storyline. Although Mina's struggles were well written, she could often come across as preachy or unable to see another view point. Even when she was right (and generally she was), this made her feel cold and hard to sympathise with. While Michael's character growth was enjoyable and seeing him form his own opinions was one of my favourite parts of this book, Mina felt like she stayed still. Her ideals and my own aligned completely, but I would've liked her character to be more active and involved, rather than just sprouting already formed ideas.

I loved that we were given a large amount of Mina's backstory and this felt necessary to the story. For me this was when I felt for Mina the most, despite obviously not completely being able to understand what she went through. Mina was such a complex character, and so sure and strong in her opinions, that I also felt that this background was important for readers to be able to empathise with her. Her story, too, felt validated by the author's own heritage and cultural similarities to Mina. It felt authentic and dramatic without being dramatised, kudos for this!

This could have been a book solely about politics. After all, asylum seekers are a hot topic in Australia at the moment. However Abdel-Fatth has instead created a rich story about first love, being true to yourself and learning that it's okay to stand alone to do what's right.

We're all only walking in Lost Woods

With a well-earned place in the Adelaide music scene already established, Lost Woods aren't the first to try their hand at a national audience. But, and it's a biggie, these guys have a killer track in Lost Woods as well as an equally enjoyable story of its creation. I wouldn't be doing the guys an justice by retelling it in my words, so read theirs below!

I have to start with the story about your latest track Vodka Ocean, can you share it with Love 'Em?
The story is a bit of a humorous that occurred at Splendour in the Grass 2013. I did the twenty-plus hour drive with my girlfriend from Adelaide to Byron Bay. I was mega ecstatic to see Frank Ocean close the festival. When the news broke on the first day that he was cancelling his performance I stared blankly at the ground for a long time. Following that, I drowned myself in vodka. Following that, I was taken to the medical tent for some serious medical attention (ie. giving me a foil blanket and water whilst rubbing my back and saying "you'll be okay mate; drink up"). Following that, my girlfriend dragged me to our tent where I threw up all over her rucksack and clothes leaving the rest of the tent vomit-free. She is still yet to fully forgive me and naturally a song was born.

You guys have been on the music scene for two years, what do you think is the most important thing for people to know about Aussie music at the moment?
Aussie music is getting a lot of attention globally at the moment, which is awesome! But thinking in more of a context of where we're at in the Adelaide music scene, there are so many great bands and musicians around that are worth checking out: Larsen, The Informers, SKIES, Jesse Davidson, Tyson Kraft, anything Louis Donnarumma’s in, Orelia, Auguste, Conchilia, Ollie English, Dan White to name a few. Adelaide has plenty of cool live music venues too! There’s some great vibes on weekends but it’d be great to see people coming out a bit more and soaking up some live awesomeness throughout the week… I have a lot of hopes for Adelaide’s live music culture… All the ingredients are there!

You guys are known for being seriously tight musically, where did you guys learn your craft?
All of the lads bar me (Pete the lead vocalist) studied Jazz at the Adelaide Conservatorium. It’s been amazing playing with all of them... Also, Tom and Sam Baird, our guitarists, are identical twins so one of them thinks of something and the other one plays it and vice versa.

When you started Lost Woods was there anything you guys wanted to achieve that you already have?
This question comes at a good time because the dream is always to be played on Triple J and Vodka Ocean was played for the first time last week! We’re stoked to have received a lot of airplay on community radio stations as well like Radio Adelaide and Three D. There are so many other milestones… like playing interstate and going on our first national tour. As cheesey as it sounds, just playing with mates is pretty darn ace too.

Do you have any pre-show rituals?
The Guitarists do. They always take off their shoes to play. I curiously asked them why one day to which they responded with “We don’t want pissy pedals”. ie. They don’t want shoe piss from pub toilet floors getting onto their guitar pedals when they play. I’m also pretty fond of running off somewhere to warm up with some vocal scales… So essentially we are a bunch of nerds.

Describe the band in a sentence.
Lost Woods are a bunch of cockeyed optimists brimming with unbridled enthusiasm that have been mixed up in the high stakes game of world diplomacy and international intrigue.

Facebook

Follow Me Back by Nicci Cloke || Book Review

Title: Follow Me Back
Author: Nicci Cloke
Release Date: February 2016
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Source: Review copy from the publisher

There was no sign of a struggle. She took her phone but left her laptop behind. Apparently, she'd met someone online. Did she leave? Or was she taken?

The first time Aiden Kendrick hears about Lizzie Summersall's disappearance is when the police appear at his front door. Aiden doesn't know it yet, but with Lizzie's disappearance his life is about to take a twisted and desperate turn.

I want to start by saying that I didn't hate this book. I didn't even not like it that much. It's just that it's forgettable. There seems to be something of an inundation of internet horror story based books, so to stand out is a tough call. And unfortunately, Nicci Cloke's Follow Me Back doesn't quite nail it.

Aiden was a likable enough narrator. He was completely unreliable as a protagonist and kept a lot of information from the reader, but his voice really did work for the story. It was frustrating, but Aiden's lying was possibly one of the most interesting aspects of the book. I really felt for him as Lizzie's friend but was simultaneously irritated by his behaviour. I really wanted to reach into the pages and shake him until he saw some sense. I found myself thinking HOW DO YOU THINK THAT'S A GOOD IDEA? repeatedly throughout the book.

I personally found the plot fairly easy to see through, my initial hunch was correct so it wasn't the greatest reveal. I don't know if I've just read too many thrillers and know how to pick a perpetrator or if it was down to the writing. I have read other reviews online where the ending completely stumped them, so I wouldn't let my experience put you off. I would say though, that if you want a book that will keep you guessing the entire way through maybe opt for something else. 

I don't know if I'd recommend you read this book, but I wouldn't discourage you either. It was an okay book, an okay story (if slightly over the top) but it just didn't come together for me. Maybe I'm just sick of the internet-is-scary-be-careful-of-anyone-you-talk-to plot line, but if you aren't then I'd suggest you give it a try. It mightn't stay with you once you've finished it, but it won't be too painful a read.

'This album is a monster' || TASTE

“I wrote [I Am God] based on a short story I'd written imagining life on Earth as The Sims game, played out by a not-so-benevolent God using events and disasters as ways of amusement.  He plays...we pay.”

Picture this: it's the 1970s and you're just about to hit the big time. America, sold out shows, headline tours. It's all in the bag. Done deal. Except, then it isn't. Mismanagement and family disputes brought the dreams of the then-fresh faced TASTE crashing down. But now, they're back and this time there's no way but up.

The 1970s were nearly TASTE's big time, why is 2016 your next shot at making it?
With Taste, Michael, Joey and I have known each other since high school. We were playing Festival Hall and touring Australia and the age of 16 and 17 but it sometimes feels like unfinished business. So we reformed in 2007 and released the + ROCK IS DEAD album which had some success here and overseas, but I always felt we weren't represented properly on that recording so this time we decided to do it ourselves and spent a year in the studio. This album is a monster. Big guitars, riffs, harmonies, brass and strings and a lot of heart!

For any doubters, why is progressive '70s rock still relevant today?
I've never really thought of ourselves as prog rock. I always think of bands like Yes and Pink Floyd when I hear that term. I think we are more music than most and we do put a lot of thoughts into our lyrics, but it's underlined by some pretty heavy noise.

You guys had some serious opportunities lined up before you disbanded, what stopped it from happening for you guys in the '70s?
Bad change of management. We were ready to sign to Sire Records in America and tour there but it all imploded just before it happened. I spent a day with Seymore Stein who was very excited about the band. After we broke up there were articles in Cashbox announcing our coming to America!

TASTE has been in the music business for over 40 years now, how has this extra experience helped you?
Really it's the chemistry between Joey, Michael and me that has warranted from that. We kinda know what each is thinking musically so that's something you can't learn. Also finding Damian Corniola on drums was a real blessing. We do tend to look at everything a little more deeply and seriously. We will have two hour discussions about the setlist! Everything is carefully planned without a need to rush.

And finally, what will TASTE be bringing to your new run of live shows?
We love to experiment and push the envelope. A usual 5 minute song like SANCTUARY can go for up to 10 minutes live. Songs in 13/8 or 5/4 over heavy riffs, operatic vocals and a rhythm section that'll slam your chest and forget the rest.

www.taste-music.com

Lake Loser || Jackie Brown Jr

Bringing with them a fresh-faced brand of music that demands attention, Jackie Brown Jr are back with more of their 'pulp fiction soul rock'. Or simply, good music by any standard.

With an easy guitar riff, enchanting vocals and lyrics to die for, Jackie Brown Jr's Lake Loser is a dream with a seriously outstanding backing track. It's a tune that'll make you want groove but it's not going to take you anywhere you wouldn't want to go anyway.

By the time the guitar and drums explode, the track is in full swing and completely ready for the refreshing pop of brass on offer. There's so much going on it's hard to believe it can be so seamless.

Everything about this one is a breathe of fresh air, which is admirable in a world where so many songs are written about growing up and trying new things. Lake Loser doesn't force you along for the ride, but if you want it to, it's gonna be there for you every step of the way.

JACKIE BROWN JR
w/Thunder Fox and Flexmami

DOUBLE SINGLE LAUNCH
Friday 3rd June Tokyo
Sing Song, Newtown, NSW
10pm

www.facebook.com/JackieBrownJunior

BROODS || Just A Gent || Dot

When BROODS releases a track, you stop what you're doing to have a listen. And the latest, Couldn't Believe, is a serious example of why. The dreamy track, lifted from their new album Conscious is a smorgasbord of everything that makes indie pop a genre to listen to. Comprised of a pair of siblings, BROODS is one of those acts you mightn't have paid enough attention to in the past, so I'm here to remind you that this talented duo is one to pay some serious attention to.

Just A Gent is a DJ/Producer I wish I was heading along to Splendour in the Grass to see. His impressive skills are perfectly demonstrated in new release, Loaded feat. Melissa Ramsey and it doesn't take very long to realise this is on act that deserves the attention it's been receiving (you don't get in excess of 1.4 million rotations on SoundCloud for just anything produced in a bedroom studio). This is one 19-year-old to keep an eye on. And maybe head along to his set at Splendour or tune into Triple J where it's on rotation.

"I tried to pluck this from the future. I went into this track with future beats on my mind, it took a few minutes and I had that lead synth down and it all worked from there."

The Gold Coast's newest pop darling Dot has recently launched her first single Weekend  from her upcoming debut EP. While she may have danced her way through several genres, it's clear that electronica is where Dot's talents are best put to use. With catchy synth and hypnotising bass lines, Weekend is a tune perfect for, well, the weekend - however you happen to be spending it.

The Haters by Jesse Andrews || Book Review

Title: The Haters
Author: Jesse Andrews
Release Date: April 2016
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Source: Review copy from the publisher

Wes and Corey are convinced nothing cool can come of their lame summer at jazz camp, when along comes Ash - all blonde hair and brash words - and cracks their world wide open. Finally, something they can't seem to hate. When Ash convinces them that a great musician is made on the road, the three friends flee camp and begin an epic, hilarious road trip: The Haters 2016 Summer of Hate Tour.

Amid sneaking into seedy bars, evading their parents and the police, and spending every minute together in a makeshift tour bus, romance blossoms and bursts, and hygiene takes a back seat. Wes begins to realise the limitations of hating everything: it keeps you at a convenient distance from something, or someone, you just might love.

When you find something to hate about every band, how do you make a sound you love?

I've spent a long time thinking about how best to describe how much I wished I could've joined Wes, Corey and Ash on their seriously epic, potentially illegal, unhygienic, good-music-filled road trip. But I've come up blank every time. Basically, I wish I'd been there. Reading a novel is one thing, but wanting so badly for it to be real is something that only a few authors seem to manage.

I loved Jesse Andrews' writing since I first started Me, Earl and the Dying Girl and it's continued all the way through The Haters. Andrews has an insane ability to craft characters, rather than simply write about them. And while, so far, none of the characters are people I would actually particularly want to be friends with, it felt like I'd spent a whole life getting to know them. Even though it was actually just 325 pages. I loved them, hated them, wanted to hug them, and wanted to lock them in a dark room until they saw sense, but ultimately, Ash, Wes and Corey felt like three of my closest friends. 

Considering the concept of this book - 'escaping' jazz camp to play gigs in possibly flea-ridden pubs and travelling the country in a beat-up car - and it's implausibility (the far-fetched plot line didn't escape me...) Andrews manages a convincing story. By not even half way through, I was convinced I could just take off and it'd all work out (this was only part way through, no spoilers on whether it really did work out). 

Ash was probably the character that confused me the most. She was irrational, out of control, and seemed to have no real idea about boundaries or consequences. Which is all fine, but at times it felt a bit...well, over done. There were times where the way she had been written just frustrated me. I struggled to relate in any way and, considering we are supposedly of similar ages, I expected to see at least a tiny bit of her logic. It felt like a man writing about a teenage girl who's angry at life, but I wanted Ash to be more than that. I had a lot of empathy for her, but I couldn't find anything about her to relate to and I feel that this could be off-putting to some readers.

Ultimately, this is a book I wish I could slip into everyone's hands and make sure they read it. It's funny and frustrating and full of life. Andrews manages to combine so much into less than 400 pages without a wasted word or misstep. I'm impressed and, no doubt, so will you.