Like the rest of the country, we at the AU review cannot wait for Australia Day and with it comes the Triple J Hottest 100 countdown. Now that Hottest 100 is closed, venues around the country are announcing special parties to coincide with the announcements on Australia Day. With so many events going down on the day it's hard to decide which place to go and what to do. Not to fear though, for the AU review has taken the liberty in providing you with the highights from around the nation to celebrate the largest music poll in the world.

I hadn’t been to see a show at the Gaelic Club in Surry Hills in quite some time. Upon arrival, before I could even grab a tasty beverage, I was transfixed by the sound and energy of Betty Airs. Featuring (but not limited to) Darren Cross (Gerling) and Patrick Matthews (ex-Vines, Youth Group), these guys put on an incredibly upbeat, energetic performance with their own brand of surf/punk rock.

The Byron Bay Brewery, located on the outskirts of Byron Bay, is a very unassuming place; though the vibe it was emitting on October 27th was intense. Legions of Byron Bay-ians filled the comfy bench seats as they sipped their locally brewed beer (very tasty I must say), hyping up for the show. They were here for one reason; those Black and White Radio lads were in town.

The sun was shining, the midriffs were exposed and the boys were shirtless, with perfect festival weather arriving just in time for Newcastle’s Fat As Butter festival. With an impressive line up of some of Australian’s favourite bands as well as some well known international acts (that may or may not have shown up...more on that later) the sunny weather matched the sunny disposition of the crowd for a day of what proved to be great live music.

The wait is finally over! Following the announcement of Australian dance powerhouse, Sneaky Sound System, as the first act on the Mission To Launch Festival this New Year’s Eve in Canberra, the party organisers are beaming with excitement to reveal the full line-up:

THE LIVING END

SNEAKY SOUND SYSTEM

IAN CAREY [USA]

CLOUD CONTROL

THE BEAUTIFUL GIRLS

THE HERD

THE POTBELLEEZ

BRITISH INDIA

Over the past four years, the Fat As Butter Festival has grown into one of the … well… FATTEST musical and cultural events in Newcastle, and indeed the country. But this year, we’re set to exceed all expectations with a line up of local and international acts that is sure to send your musical taste buds into a fat frenzy!

Award winning, Australian garage rock band British India will be adding an exclusive Northern Territory date to their national tour - to headline Red Bull Bedroom Jam’s first round finale event – The Backyard Jam on Saturday 7th May in Alice Springs.

British India march into a new venue in Canberra

BRITISH INDIA have been busier than bees in spring! Their new single ‘March Into the Ocean’ hit the national airwaves last month and was last week crowned as Channel [V]’s Ripe Clip of the Week.

After seeing out a hectic 2010 with a series of shows in the UK to launch their first UK EP, and educating the poms about Australian rock, the boys returned to Australia and headed straight back into the studio to begin recording new songs for 2011.