Alpine began the year touring the US and have now returned to Australia for Track and Field and a string of other shows before they jet off again for the US release of their debut album, A Is For Alpine. Vocalists Lou James and Phoebe Baker chatted about New York, playing Splendour in the Grass this July, astronaut suits and the future before they went on stage for Track and Field.

As a Brisbane girl it’s an exciting experience to make a special trip out of my city and state for a festival. And with the line up at this years Groovin' the Moo, I wasn’t going to miss it for the world, even if it meant two days of 4am wake up calls.

Groovin the Moo at the University of Canberra kicked off with rad performances from Last Dinosaurs, Hungry Kids of Hungary, Urthboy, DZ Deathrays, Matt and Kim, Seth Sentry, The Amity Affliction and Alpine (pictured).

The first Groovin’ the Moo of the year was given the most perfect day for a festival. Big blue skies, a bright shining sun, and not a cloud in sight met Groovers who showed up to the Maitland Showground on Saturday April 27th. The sold out Maitland leg of the festival preceded the Canberra show on Sunday, a big weekend for artist and festival organizers alike.

Groovin The Moo festival kicked off with sensational sets by Matt and Kim, The Bronx (pictured above), Seth Sentry, The Amity Affliction, Alpine and Frightened Rabbit. Photos by Johnny Au

Last Friday night I peeped behind Electric Playground to find 3 dynamite bands play at The Rev Alley including The Jungle Giants (pictured), Dune Rats and Alpine. The intricacy was very exciting, have a look at the photos from night!

Brisbane’s third Track and Field festival features a collection of artists who are on the rise nationally and beyond, and (for the uninitiated) has absolutely nothing to do with athletics. Headlined by Melbourne’s Alpine, the event also featured local talents The Jungle Giants and Dune Rats plus Tasmania’s Triple J Unearthed High 2012 winner Asta. Held somewhat unusually at Electric Playground, the night turned out to be a great success and genuinely entertaining time for everyone.

In this issue: Cold And Need are calling it quits, Japanese heavy rockers Boris are playing at the Rosemount, Track & Field are offering 2-for-1 ticket special and Nat Dunn and My Fiction are launching their new EP’s.

Some fantastic photos from Rebecca Houlden at The Temper Trap and Alpine gig in Melbourne!

Part 2 of The AU Review's photo coverage of The Aussie BBQ at SXSW continues with Vance Joy, Summer Flake, Bearhug (pictured), Ginger And The Ghost and Alpine.

Photos by Johnny Au

Two fantastic Australian bands appearing on the same bill in Los Angeles for $10? This was one show we couldn't say no to, as we head en route to SXSW in Austin, Texas. These two bands in question, playing the intimate Bootleg Theater near Silverlake, were the always entertaining group from Melbourne, Alpine and the bong loving duo of Brisbane, Dune Rats. Though both bands received a fantastic reception, it was Alpine who stole the show for the crowd, with massive attendance and a clear group of fans right up front, singing along and getting excited to songs like "Gasoline". With both bands now regulars on the US circuit we're expecting some great things for them over here in the US... but for now, please enjoy these photos from Andrew Wade (Words by Larry Heath).