Friday, December 16, 2016

Top 8 Songs of 2016 || The Hiding


        Meet The Hiding, a band that not only make great music but also have great taste in music. Which is perfect, because that is exactly what this space is all about - great music, great artists, great reads. And luckily the kind folks of the band have put together their Top 8 tracks from 2016 into one nifty list right here. Couple it with the groups' very own track, Dream Catcher's Life, a catchy tune all about doing what's right for you despite what others may say. So go pour yourself a drink, get out your speaker and sit back, The Hiding has got you covered. Kudos!

 Lose It – Flume featuring Vic Mensa
        From the first moment that Skin was previewed, this instantly stood out. The way in which the track raises through the intensity of the syths and drums, and how Vic Mensa manipulates the melody of the chorus immediately gets tattoed into your mind with its catchiness. It’s such a big adrenaline rush within the album.

 Holla – LANKS
        This track is a testament to how much LANKS has grown as an artist in such a short period of time. There is so much going on in this track, and lyrically it takes you on a massive journey. LANKS has really captured the essence of his vocals and knows how to manipulate them to perfection. The ‘tribal’ drumming that he creates within the chorus as his own type of ‘drop’ within the track is clever, working his electronic influences into this track to a high standard.

 Nothing Like This – Blonde/Craig David
        Craig David has come back from the dead and I for one am a huge fan of what he’s done this year. Yeah, he took Bieber/Jack U and made it his own, but the track he’s done with Blonde should’ve been bigger than it was in Australia in my opinion. David doesn’t even need to show off his beautiful vocal talents to even sell this one, the production behind it makes great. EDM and Craig David are a match made in heaven.

 You Don’t Think You Like People Like Me – Alex Lahey
        Lahey’s ability to tell a story in a serious yet comedic way is something to be admired. Whenever this one comes on, you just can’t help shouting the chorus at the top of your lungs. It’s just so damn catchy – there’s nothing more you can say!

 Lone – What So Not/Ganz featuring JOY.
        The number one song in the gym playlist of The Hiding. This track is so huge! The build up to the drop is perfect, and the drop is simply awesome (especially at the end of the song). JOY’s reverb soaked vocals are well placed and almost strategically build the emotional context of the song without being the centre point of the song.

 My Love Is Gone – SAFIA
         I can’t fault SAFIA’s debut album in any way. I didn’t think they could top their early stuff, but ‘My Love Is Gone’ raised the bar again. Usually I’m a big sucker for Ben’s vocals (which is the case once again), but the main attraction to this one was the breakdown towards the latter part of the song. SAFIA essentially take you back to the start of the track and build you back up before you can catch your breath. Well played.

 The Noise – Castlecomer
        How Castlecomer aren’t playing stadiums yet is beyond me. I’ll admit that we’ve jumped on them way too late, but oh boy these guys are incredible. The production levels of this one are incredibly good, but they have one of the best live sets I’ve seen in some time. You can tell that considerable amounts of blood, sweat and tears have gone into what they do and it’s paying extreme dividends.

 Waiting – Midnight Pool Party
        Since they came to attention with ‘Stay’, these Sydney lads have kept us waiting for far too long, and they definitely did not disappoint. ‘Waiting’ portrays a classic love story that we’re all too familiar with, but how they continue to bring that party vibe with this one through a strong synth presence and Darren’s smooth vocals is top notch. 

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Castlecomer || Cosmos & Creature || Shenna


CastlecomerJudy (+ All Of The Noise)

With a new album and a half dozen upcoming tour dates, Castlecomer have plenty to be celebrating to be doing. But instead, they're hard at work releasing killer tracks like Judy, a track portraying a taboo relationship from the weaker partner's point of view. It's the tune described by the band as the "most sinister" of their latest 'All Of The Noise' EP. With a little bit of unrequited love and a whole heap head-bopping electric beats, this is a dark song in the most enticing way possible.

With vocals that drawl their way through the tracks, this group have a style that's hard to miss and equally as difficult to top. It's just cool, effortlessly so. Lead vocalist, Bede, suggests that this EP has an overarching theme of escapism and, quite frankly, this is the perfect album to escape into.

To celebrate this head turner album, Castlecomer are heading out on an east coast tour and are working hard on producing a polished show. Or as Bede explains, "In the past we would scribble down a few songs and then change the set completely while on stage, but we’re trying to make it a bit more smooth and professional now.  There’s talk of having a 3 track acoustic part of the set in the middle, and also of doing some house parties during the tour, but we’ll have to map it out with our agent first…!"

CASTLECOMER ‘ALL OF THE NOISE’ NATIONAL TOUR

THU 17 NOV | RAD BAR, WOLLONGONG NSW | 18+
Tickets available from www.castlecomermusic.com

FRI 25 NOV| TRANSIT BAR, CANBERRA ACT | 18+
Tickets available from www.castlecomermusic.com

SAT 26 NOV | THE REVERENCE HOTEL, MELBOURNE VIC | 18+
Tickets available from www.castlecomermusic.com

FRI 2 DEC | MANNING BAR, SYDNEY NSW | 18+
Tickets available from www.castlecomermusic.com

THU 15 DEC | THE BRIGHTSIDE, BRISBANE QLD | 18+
Tickets available from www.castlecomermusic.com

FRI 16 DEC | THE NORTHERN HOTEL, BYRON BAY NSW | 18+
Free Entry

Watch the video here.


Cosmos & Creature - Young 
This soft bopper is a an enthralling mix of heavy beats, a little tambourine (ah, how happy is my happy?!) and the captivating vocals that tie it all together. Just in time for some summer dancing, this is a groove to add to any mix, playlist or compilation. It'd just be such a shame to miss out on jamming to this tune.

Cosmos & Creature weren't on my radar until this track, but with a sure-hit like Young don't make the same mistake as me. Keep an eye out, your ears ready and get set for some groovin' with this gem. Kudos to them for this!

Keep groovin' here.


Shenna - So Low

Oh, Shenna, I think you might just have my heart. Quite the fan of anything with some electro vibes (thanks big brother for that!) So Low is the break up, heartache without the angst. Hallelujah! An upbeat, layered track with an R'n'B inspired sound underlying it all. As introductions go, this is perhaps one of the best - if you haven't feasted on Shenna before, start here and dig in.

The unassuming tune is one that covers a hell of a lot in three minutes, forty-six seconds. But mostly, it shows off Shenna as she should be. This is a gal who knows what she's doing, where she's headed and is doing it herself. Invite her to the party, she will absolutely not disappoint.

Avoid feeling low here.

Saturday, November 12, 2016

Boy & Bear || Regional Tour Kicks Off




The lads from Boy & Bear are back on the road, having already played the first shows of their highly anticipated regional Australia "Limit Of Love" Tour. Presented by Triple J, these Aussie folk-pop legends are heading back out to shower the regional areas of Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia and the ACT with their characteristic high energy and raw edges that make them so appealing. 

“We'll be changing it up night to night really, often the venue depicts what kind of show we will go for.  A nice noisy pub makes a great rock show while the intimate theatres allow a lot more room for dynamics and banter.  Keeps us on our toes and stops us from being repetitive…It's been a long time coming for us, this regional run.  But we always love playing to as many local cities as we can, it takes time to get back there but we're looking forward to it," says Killian Gavin (vocals and guitar) of the tour.

And, if you're not already sold (tough crowd if so!), the boys have joined forces with Akasha Beers in 5 Dock to brew their very own beer which will be on tap throughout the tour. Which is ace in its own right, but all proceeds from sales of the bevvie will be heading to Buy a Bale, a charity that helps drought-stricken farmers throughout Queensland. 

You know when life just throws you a win? Well, this is it: Boy & Bear, cold beer and a helping hand to those in need. If you're in the area and haven't already purchased a ticket or two, what are you waiting for? It's where I'd rather be, that's for sure!




BOY & BEAR ‘LIMIT OF LOVE’ TOUR DATES
Presented by triple J

Wed 09 Nov | Regent Theatre, Ballarat VIC
Tickets available from www.regententertainment.com.au

Thu 10 Nov | Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo VIC
Tickets available from www.ulumbarratheatre.com.au/Home | 03 5434 6100

Fri 11 Nov | Costa Hall, Geelong VIC
Tickets available from www.gpac.org.au/find-a-show/ |03 5225 1210

Sat 12 Nov | The Cube, Wodonga
Tickets available from www.thecubewodonga.com.au | 02 6022 9311

Wed 16 Nov | C.Ex Coffs, Coffs Harbour NSW
Tickets available from www.cex.com.au/ | 02 6652 3888

Thu 17 Nov | Miami Marketta, Gold Coast QLD
Tickets available from www.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets

Fri 18 Nov | Beach Hotel, Byron Bay NSW
Tickets available from www.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets

Sat 19 Nov | Lake Kawana Community Centre, Sunshine Coast QLD
Tickets available from www.scvenuesandevents.com.au/lake-kawana-community-centre | 07 5413 1400
Sun 20 Nov | The Mills Precinct, Toowoomba QLD
Tickets available from www.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets

Wed 23 Nov | Pilbeam Theatre, Rockhampton QLD
Tickets available from www.seeitlive.com.au/Home | 07 4924 5600

Thu 24 Nov | MECC, Mackay QLD
Tickets available from www.mackayecc.com.au/ | 07 4961 9777

Fri 25 Nov | Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns QLD
Tickets available from www.tanksartscentre.com | 07 4032 6600

Sun 27 Nov | The Venue, Townsville QLD
Tickets available from www.moshtix.com.au | 1300 GET TIX | All Moshtix Outlets

Fri 02 Dec | Albany Entertainment Centre, Albany WA
Tickets available from www.ticketek.com.au | 132 849 | All Ticketek Outlets

Sat 03 Dec | 3 Oceans, Margaret River WA
Tickets available from www.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets

Sun 04 Dec | Fremantle Prison, Fremantle WA
Tickets available from www.ticketmaster.com.au | 136 100 | All Ticketmaster Outlets

Wed 07 Dec | Orange Ex-Services Club, Orange NSW
Tickets available from www.oesc.com.au/ | 02 6362 2666
Thu 08 Dec | ANU, Canberra ACT
Tickets available from www.moshtix.com.au | 1300 GET TIX | All Moshtix Outlets

Fri 09 Dec | Waves, Wollongong NSW
Tickets available from www.moshtix.com.au | 1300 GET TIX | All Moshtix Outlets

Sat 10 Dec | Wests City, Newcastle NSW
Tickets available from www.moshtix.com.au | 1300 GET TIX | All Moshtix Outlets

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

So Whatever || The Dead Love



A healthy serving of grunge, topped syrup-smooth vocals, The Dead Love are a group to make time for. This Sydney trio have enjoyed a blazing trail for their grungey punk sounds since the group's inception. There is no stopping this powerhouse of a group, but when the music is this good does anyone want to turn it down? No one's willing to leave this party any time soon.

The group's latest offering, the 11 track strong album 'So Whatever', opens with the continuous guitar riff of Frown. This isn't a track that's going to break any new group, but it's definitely one that people will want to download (hopefully legally). It's 3 minutes and thirty-six seconds of a group that clearly knows what they're doing and what they're capable of.

Summer is a full throttle ride of vocals and guitar, as it should be, but it's the drums that really steal the spotlight. A refreshing blend of laid-back guitar and vocal, is complemented by the drive of the stellar rhythm section in this track. It's a standout from the album.

The title track, So Whatever, continues the gritty road through The Dead Love's preferred home of grunge. Heavy on the guitar, heavy on the drums, heavy on everything really, this is a song that throws it all into the deep end and swims. There is nothing about this song that isn't absolutely warranted. Kudos.

'So Whatever' is an album that has a lot to live up to; after all, the group's debut album secured a #5 spot on the iTune's rock charts. But it was never an album content to stay in the shadows. Instead it launches itself into the world as it so deserves, with no apologies just seriously good music.



www.facebook.com/thedeadloveband

Thursday, October 13, 2016

Introducing :: Love Ghost



I admit that I just never get sick of 90's grunge, and anything that draws its inspiration from that time. I'm barely a 90's baby but that's the music, in my eyes at least, that can truly never die. And it's bands like Love Ghost, who bring their own modern twist to the genre, that keep such an important subculture alive.

With Friday Afternoon the group have mixed the 90s grunge with violin and soft vocals. It's quite simply an unexpected masterpiece. This teenage anthem is here to tell you that standing up for what you believe in is a-okay. Love Ghost's lead vocalist and lyricist explains the group's no-holds-barred approach to songwriting, "It’s a shame that people tend to shy away from anything that feels too personal, because those types of things let you know who you really are".

Formed and fronted by fifteen-year-old Finn Bell, this is a group that is mature beyond its years already, but has so much still left to give. 


Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Vaudeville Smash // Laura




Vaudeville Smash's track Laura, the lead single from recently released album The Gift is a percussion heavy, pop/folk tune reminiscent of 80s classics such as Africa's Toto. With bursts of staccato flute and consistent percussive goodness throughout, this is an irresistible new track to completely sink your teeth into.

The track, released in early August, is accompanied by a dazzling music clip, starring dancer Shivawn Joubert as the "untamed man-eater" Laura. The clip continues on with its ode to the 80s dance scene, with Joubert perfectly cast as the sexy, powerful Laura. It's just so hard to take your eyes off her.

With The Gift an album showcasing two years of writing, recording and reworking, it's a twisting road of driving synth beats and slower tunes. Lead vocalist/flute/saxophone explains, "We wanted the album to be fun and exciting.  We wanted to take people on a journey from the frantic, pumping beat of Laura, to the slow jam of Driving Me Wild.  From heartfelt to silly!"

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Friday, September 30, 2016

Osaka Punch || Death Monster Super Squad



These Brisbane superheroes have a new EP out and are all set to blow up the eastern coast of Australia with their current tour dates. Osaka Punch's Death Monster Super Squad is ready to save the world, one prog-track at a time. Everyone's heard of Marvel and you're all familiar with DC, but now there's a new home of the hero and it's a seven track EP.

With new characters appearing frequently on the group's Facebook page, the songs are fast paced, spy-robbing-a-bank-scene, and are completely stuck in my head. With heavy drums, guitar riffs and vocals to pull anyone's attention, this is an EP worthy of its superhero roots.

If you're into high octane, prog-superhero rock vibes, buy Death Monster Super Squad here.



www.facebook.com/osakapunch