I went into the Civic Theatre not knowing what to expect out of the night. When The Winnie Coopers started I was hooked onto their every song, singing the words under my breath as I danced in my seat to music that was the best combination of soul, reggae and hip hop. They are proof that some things are... Read more »
A small but intimate crowd trickled in to see Holly Throsby and her Spunk label-mates, Novocastrians Firekites. Though most were there in support of Throsby, many were surprised (as I was) by support, The Tallest Man On Earth. Swedish crooner TTMOE (who really isn’t very tall at all) left the crowd... Read more »
Joan Wasser (aka Joan As Policewoman) is one strong woman. Her latest offering aptly titled, To Survive, is a journey of love and loss (Wasser was Jeff Buckley’s girlfriend at the time of his death) but, ultimately, a glimmering beacon of hope. Wasser’s humble and relaxed stage presence bemused Sydney... Read more »
Did he play any Bright Eyes material? No. But it was evident that few people in the crowd expecting him to. To everybody’s credit, a very engaged crowd didn’t once heckle Mr. Oberst, instead letting him play the material from his brand new solo album. The Mystic Valley Band are essentially an old-country... Read more »
To review 11 artists individually in 250 words is impossible, so I won’t even try. Alternatively, how did the inaugural Reverb Coastal Music Festival go down as an event? In a word, SUCCESS. Kantara House is a beautiful place to hold something like this. Lovely grassed grounds, undercover stage, and... Read more »
The sun was out, the drive to Wyong from Sydney was panoramic as my New Zealand companion banged on about the topography of the landscape, I could not help but wonder what was awaiting me in Wyong. As I reached The Grand Hotel, a familiar beat was thumping away for Roctoberfest, as the Central Coast... Read more »
A small but loud crowd made their way to The Bar On The Hill for Californian indie-rock band We Are Scientists. Some of the fans were fanatical, arriving with placards. While local bands Zombies On Broadway and Veto warmed up the adoring crowd, the Scientists (vocalist Keith Murray and bassist Chris... Read more »
Underoath has become reputed as one of the greatest live acts, earning the respect and admiration of fans worldwide. Since their Australian tour, the band has released their long anticipated album Lost in the Sounds Of Separation. Fans from throughout Sydney banded together at UNSW’s Roundhouse to... Read more »
SUPERGRASS Jae Laffer (The Panics) Cloud Control The Forum, Sydney Friday October 3, 2008 Supergrass hold pride of place in my top three favourite live shows of all time - so high expectations were placed on their very longawaited return to Sydney. But unless the four British lads had been drugging themselves... Read more »
Finally after more than a week of solid downpour the rain clouds made way for the sunshine, leaving glorious black, smelly mud for ‘Groovin The Moo’ festival –goers to dance in… or rather to trudge through. A special mention should be paid to those who opted for sliding through the mud, and... Read more »
There was a lot of denim, button-pins and long hair last Thursday night as I strolled into the foyer of the regal Civic Theatre to hopefully see The Black Crowes. Through the open theatre doors I could hear The Casanovas wrapping up their lucky support set. There was also a lot of anticipation surrounding... Read more »
Sunday February 16, 2008 Perfect weather greeted the early arrivals as they rushed to the front of stage to claim their patch of grass. Within a short period of time, King Tide make their one and only appearance for the Ragga Muffin tour. I caught these guys on a tiny stage at Kantara House a few months... Read more »
Supported by 50 Lions, Word Up! and Dropsaw Tonight at Panthers, it was hardcore, all-ages style. Over 800 punters packed the room to catch the sweat and heat from the stage. For those close enough to the front, it was an experience to remember. They went absolutely wild for Parkway Drive. To take us... Read more »
Newcastle Panthers Friday March 7, 2008 Not that kind of a band, Booger! Check list for tonight: Dancing Shoes – check, Good deodorant – check, Love for a disco beat – check and check. After feeling slightly deflated following Datarock’s last gig at the Bar On The Hill in 2006, I braced myself... Read more »
Del Rio Resort, Wiseman’s Ferry Friday March 7 - Sunday March 9 Playground Weekender is not the easiest festival to get to. It requires a long, winding drive towards the Hawkesbury river, a car ferry and then a wait for a second ferry, which finally brings you to Del Rio Resort. Is it worth all the... Read more »