Quite possibly the most ‘Melbourne’ video I’ve seen since Northcote (So Hungover). The Fearless Vampire Killers have released the video for the title track of their debut LP (to be released mid 2011), ‘For You & Me’.
Directed by Timothy Melville. Some familiar scenes and situations, teamed up with the killer surfer-revival blues sound which has been doing so well for them. It’s good, but having been a fan of this band for quite some time it is also becoming a bit predictable. I would enjoy seeing his bands exploring some of the other interpretations of the becoming surfer-revival genre. Sure thing, the sixties vibe is a great sound. But does it really have the potential to go further than their debut LP?
It should be interesting to find out.
ALL MINE - Little Red from CHARLIE PIGDOG on Vimeo.
New video from Little Red. We all know they're new album wasn't as good as Listen to Little Red or Get Ready!, but let's put that aside. It's really not a bad video.
Sure thing, Dominic Byrne's new hair style leaves him looking like Richard a la Blue Lagoon. But surely we can ignore that for now.
Director D'Arcy Foley-Dawson has really impressed with this post-apocalyptic Melbourne scene. The very fact they've managed to make Melbourne's CBD look like the Docklands (completely empty) on such a small budget, is an effort in itself. Often such theatrical clips can be detrimental to the music. The dark, brooding, lonely atmosphere of this clip really compliments the song.
Also, is that a Greasers shirt I see? Maybe. Man, I miss the Greasers.
I often think of Ships Piano as the band I miss most from my heydays of roaming dark pubs in search of some rad music. They had that wonderful teenage-punk innocence that few bands can carry off once the dreaded ‘age of maturity’ hits. Their absolute crassness in regards to all things, sex and otherwise is an incredible escape from adulthood. Few bands can pull of lyrics like ‘I walk around you like you’re just a pile of shit’, and still be something I’m willing to listen to.
They’re still around. Just because I haven’t seen them play since The Birmy’s 2nd Birthday doesn’t mean they aren’t still here. Something energetic and carefree. Man, I need to see these guys again soon.
Listen here: http://triplejunearthed.com.au/Artists/View.aspx?artistid=21170
Lovely, fluid, and atmospheric. If you’re after a beautiful escape, it’s here.
Lead singer, Thom Savage (Oh Mercy), has managed to create a sound which, despite being played upon by many of today’s artists (Think Angus and Julia Stone), sounds completely authentic and original.
Single , Fade Bird, Fade, ventures on the darker side of the Kins. Harmonic layering and echoing techniques create a chilling feel throughout the song, you become fully aware that you are indeed listening to something quite special. In saying that, the song continues to stay within the vibe of much of Kins other songs, featuring some incredibly beautiful and laid back procession.
Listen here: http://www.myspace.com/hellokins/music
With last night’s line-up I would have gone for the support acts alone. Consequently, as this blog is focusing on Melbourne music, I will be reviewing the support acts.
The Parking Lot Experiments were filling an annoyingly early slot. Due to my incompetence with directions I arrived mid way through their set. The Parking Lot Experiments have been doing some cool things. I first saw them over a year ago, and have ever since been enchanted by this band. They have an incredible collaborative sound, which is mesmerising to listen to. It becomes a genuine surprise that such hairy guys can produce such beautiful music. Their set at the corner was vibrant, although unappreciated (in my opinion) by the crowd. I feel as though the crowd which was only there to see the one song they’d heard from John Steel Singers, wasn’t quite prepared for the intensity of The Parking Lot Experiments. In some pathetic, selfish way, I really hope they never are. The guys out of Love Connection described them as an ‘early Metellica’, they really nailed it.
Speaking of beautiful music, Love Connection is always guaranteed to deliver an incredible show. Their experimental and unique goodness, always delivers the uttermost in indie pretentiousness. Once again the crowd became an issue during this set. Screaming out ‘boring’ during the set of one of Melbourne’s finest up and coming acts is never going to go down well in my books. If you don’t want to see the support acts, don’t watch them. Love Connection live almost feels inappropriate without a marijuana induced haze. The wistful dreaming state you’re placed in while seeing them live is incredible. Although, I would consider Love Connection a band that comes with an acquired taste, something this experimental certainly isn’t going to be for everyone, but if you do ever feel as though your up for it, I couldn‘t recommend them highly enough.
I wasn’t planning on reviewing this band when I went to their EP launch at Bendigo Hotel last night. Months ago I had promised a friend I would go, I wasn’t expecting a whole lot from them.
Obviously, due to my writing this review my mind, was changed. Almost a year ago I’d seen Scarecrow Blonde at one of their first few shows at The Birmingham (rip), and didn’t think much of them. A-typical of an underground punk-rock band, a lot of bland noise and predictable lyrics, with the exception of the lead guitarists, whose superior talent overshadowed the rest of the band, and was constantly referenced by his numerous guitar solos.
Their EP launch really displayed the vast changes the band had undergone over the past year. The highly energetic and vibrant performance showed just how much the band had matured since I’d ast seen them, rather than sounding like an attempt at mid 90s Greenday covers, the band had found their own sound. The ‘showy’ guitar solos had also disappeared, and the superior guitar work had been worked into the tracks in a way that did not prove detrimental to the other band members.
With Scarecrow Blonde’s enormous growth over the past year it is hard to not imagine what else they must have ahead of them. Definitely worth checking out.
