Over the course of this year, as a reviewer and as a punter, I have seen over 100 bands play at concerts and festivals across the country. I’ve seen everyone from small up-and-comers to major internationals, everywhere from divey clubs to stadiums. I’m not telling you this to brag, but simply to put my next statement into context... This was the best gig of 2011.

The supports for Okkervil River’s upcoming October tour have been announced. Joining the Texan five-piece in Sydney and Brisbane will be Mike Noga, acclaimed solo artist and drummer for the much loved Melbourne band The Drones. Local lads The Ghost Hotel will open the night in Perth with their blend of guitar driven pop-rock and country.

Larry Heath catches up with Glenn Richards of Augie March to talk about his material with The Drones' Dan Luscombe, Glimjack. as we anticipate the duo's upcoming tour with Mike Noga. We find out what to expect from the tour, what's next for the singer/songwriter and we learn a bit more about how Glimjack came to be...

Opening act Singing Skies play old time-y flavoured Folk. They use a cello in substitution for a bass, alternating between plucking and bowing, giving the band an interesting timbre. The fourth song had a similar quality to music that would accompany an Old West movie; like when the hero has a moment of quiet contemplation on a somber memory.

Jordie Lane is only a few short weeks away from hitting the road to showcase his brand new album ‘Blood Thinner’ to Aussie audiences, with over 20 shows across our great big land across July/August. To keep him company along the way, Jordie is bringing with him singer/songwriter, Mike Noga.

With his distinctive raspy voice and armed with an acoustic guitar and a harmonica, Mike Noga’s second solo album plays from start to finish as a thoroughly enjoyable contemporary folk record, casting himself as a balladeer in the troubadour sense.

A blustery and drizzly Sunday night saw a modest contingent of music lovers head to The Bird for a night of intimate acoustic balladry on the final night of the WA leg of Mike Noga’s Balladeer Hunter tour. The Bird is a venue perfectly suited to these kinds of nights; it’s full of warmth and charm with a great atmosphere and vibe to match; the perfect place to while away an otherwise damp and dreary Sunday night.

The highly anticipated sophomore solo record from The Drones' Mike Noga is out now.

"Noga strikes you as a natural storyteller pulled up beside you at the bar but his inclination is a bit more romantic..." Sydney Morning Herald