Year: 2016

Tommy Faith unpacks TEEF Records’ 2016 OXFAM fundraiser compilation album, Imperium In Imperio II

Independent Sydney record label TEEF recently released a special album curated and collaborated on by some of Australia’s best and innovative new talent. Titled Imperium In Imperio II (or, ‘Empire Within an Empire’), the title is in reference to this group of artists surging forward and creating something huge of their own within the wider Australian music…

Read more

Exclusive Music Video Premiere: The Tambourine Girls “The Tambourine Girl” (2016)

The Tambourine Girls today unveil the visuals for their latest single, the almost eponymous “The Tambourine Girl” – the second single release from the Sydney band’s debut album. Directed by James Kates (The Pinheads, Shining Bird), the music video shoot took the band to The Royal National Park, a place that’s held special memories for the group. Says frontman Simon…

Read more

Win a copy of the first-person action film Hardcore Henry on DVD

A man wakes up in a Moscow laboratory to learn that he’s been brought back from the dead as a half-human, half-robotic hybrid. With no memory of his former life, a woman who claims to be his wife tells him that his name is Henry. Before she can activate his voice, armed thugs storm in…

Read more

What to watch on Australian free-to-air TV and Foxtel this week (9th – 15th August 2016)

Here’s this week’s picks that will keep you company other than what’s happening in Rio. Tuesday Russia’s Lost Princesses, SBS, 7:30pm AEST Follow leading historians as they learn about the last Russian emperor’s daughters outside of their rosy depictions and why they remain a fascination to the world. Dead of Summer, Fox8, 8:30pm AEST Things…

Read more

We talk with Nicholas Boshier & Christiaan Van Vuuren about the return of Soul Mates and a love for Stranger Things

David Hunter recently caught up with two gentleman who have taken Australia – and the world – by storm. From their YouTube sensation Bondi Hipsters to their ABC series Soul Mates returning for a second run, they don’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. David talks to Christiaan Van Vuuren and Nicholas Boshier about…

Read more

MIFF Review: Elle (France, 2016) is sensationally subversive

Elle, the latest from Dutch provocateur Paul Verhoeven, is sensationally subversive. Part unnerving psychosexual thriller, part searing familial comedy, the film commences disturbingly with the sounds of the violent rape of the film’s protagonist, Michèle LeBlanc (Isabelle Huppert), in her Parisian home. We do not witness the crime, only the immediate aftermath: masked assailant having…

Read more

Blu-Ray Review: 11.22.63 – The Complete Series (USA, 2016)

From the moment Steven King’s novel 11/22/63 was announced, there were efforts to turn it into a film, even before it had been released. However, its length and detail made it a difficult adaptation. Enter J.J. Abrams and streaming platform Hulu a few years later, and the book found its way into a eight part…

Read more

Theatre Review: On Golden Pond – Pavilion Theatre, Castle Hill (Performances until 20th August 2016)

Most people are familiar with the story of On Golden Pond, with many having seen the 1981 film starring Henry and Jane Fonda and Katharine Hepburn. The story centres around relationships and families, in particular the dynamic which exists between Norman Thayer, JR (Dave Kirkman), his wife Ethel (Carole Grace) and his estranged daughter Chelsea…

Read more

Westfield Hurstville welcomes a Taste of Shanghai with Lilong (Sydney)

Southern Sydney has been hit with a taste of authentic Shanghainese cuisine with the opening of Lilong by Taste of Shanghai, in Westfield Hurstville’s newly renovated rooftop dining precinct, an extension for the loved dumpling chain and a restaurant which takes its inspiration from the lilong alleyway neighbourhoods of owner Aaron Mi‘s childhood, who wanted…

Read more

The Windsor Alehouse is Punt Road’s new craft beer hub (Melbourne)

With 19 craft beers on tap and a wide selection of top-notch pub food, The Windsor Alehouse, located on Windsor’s Punt Road, has become a new favourite watering hole for locals in the area. “Our menu complements our beers and ales to give you the full experience a craft beer venue should. We are bringing…

Read more

Alexisonfire announce first headline Australian tour since 2012!

Australian Alexisonfire fans were given a damn good reason to get excited when the band were announced on the 2017 UNIFY festival line up but for those of you who aren’t able to make the camping event, the band has got you covered. Extending the love further, Alexisonfire will be touring right round the country in January…

Read more

Five Reasons Why You Should Be In On The (not so mysterious) Mysteries of Squabbalogic’s Mystery Musicals

Last Wednesday the Seymour Centre was alight with the exciting reveal of Squabbalogic’s 4th Mystery Musical- “Kiss Me Kate”! The evening is a brilliant fundraising event that helps bring much needed funds to the company to help support its future and give us more of it’s spectacular productions. It’s a night that has fast become…

Read more

Self-taught pianist Samer Fanek on his debut album “Wishful Thinking” and the power of YouTube for musicians

Having already amassed a large following for his piano covers on Youtube, all of which are arranged by ear alone, Samer Fanek has now released his debut album “Wishful Thinking”. The album features 13 original instrumental tracks- all of which Samer composed, performed and produced in his bedroom studio. It debuted at #12 on the US…

Read more

First Look: Fitzroy’s six-week pop up Gelato Fiasco log cabin (Melbourne)

Just the other week, we brought you news about a unique pop-up gelato log cabin opening in Fitzroy for six weeks. It’s a temporary hub by the team from Portland gelateria Gelato Fiasco, who have just brought their bold American-inspired flavours over Australia. The Gelato Fiasco pop-up will be a chance for Melbourne’s lucky dessert…

Read more

Primus Hotel Sydney is doing high tea with a dude food twist (Sydney)

Art-deco CBD property Primus Hotel Sydney have just recently switched up their offerings at adjoining restaurant The Wilmot, and now they have put the finishing touches on their latest high tea menu, going for a bit of a dude food twist and calling it The G’N’Tea (Gentleman’s High Tea). Though they’ve already got tradition covered…

Read more

Pullman Grand Quay launches Cuban inspired bar Hacienda (Sydney)

Adding a touch of Cuban flair to Pullman Quay Grand’s lavish atmosphere, new vista bar Hacienda made its presence known this week, welcoming 200 guests through its doors. The bar’s influences consist of botanical elements with a hint of plantation sheik and all the trimmings of Miami inspired vintage architecture, whilst taking complete advantage of…

Read more

Harry’s Bondi turns the tide with brand new breakfast and lunch menus (Sydney)

Harry’s Bondi is known as one of the very best casual dining spots in Sydney’s east, constantly packed full of locals and visitors and amassing a loyal following many similar venues only dream of. From humble days as an overworked coffee bar in the corner of a convenience store, the venue has evolved into a…

Read more

The Best On Ground at the 25th Anniversary of Lollapalooza!

The 2016 edition of Lollapalooza was the biggest Lolla of all time. This is indisputable, due to the fact it expanded from three to four days for the first time. This change was meant to celebrate 25 years since the first Lollapalooza. The increase in days and bands allowed for more opportunities for fans to…

Read more

MIFF Review: Chevalier (Greece, 2015) is a hilarious critique of the male-ego

It’s been said that being at sea tests the limits of friendship and one’s own character. Add a touch of boredom mixed with an abundance of male-ego and you have yourself a manhood-measuring-contest that walks the thin line of manners, morality, and absolute absurdity. Chevalier is a funny and insightful exposé of the masculinity and…

Read more

Suits will be back for a seventh season at USA Network

Suits is now USA Network’s longest-running drama, and it looks like it will keep on keeping on as show runners announced Wednesday that the series from Aaron Korsh would return for a seventh season. The announcement comes as season six of the series approaches its mid-season finale scheduled to air on Aug. 10. Suits is…

Read more

Video Games Review: Batman: The Telltale Series – Episode 1 (Xbox One, 2016)

Those genius folk over at Telltale Games are back. While we all anxiously await the new chapter in their popular Walking Dead series, we can add another great monthly treat to our games library. Batman: The Telltale Series.

Read more

The acclaimed Worlds Apart to hold its Australian premiere at Greek Film Festival

The Australian premiere of Worlds Apart, starring Academy Award winner J.K Simmons, will premiere at the Delphi Bank 23rd Greek Film Festival in Sydney later this year. Written and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Christopher Papakaliatis, Worlds Apart follows three separate love stories between a Greek and a foreigner who fall in love during the European crisis, with each…

Read more

Aussie actor Ben O’Toole among new cast members for Kathryn Bigelow’s Detroit Riots film

It’s an international affair as English actor Will Poulter (The Revenant, The Maze Runner), Aussie actor Ben O’Toole (The Water Diviner), and Irish actor Jack Reynor (Sing Street) have been announced to join John Boyega (The Force Awakens) in Kathryn Bigelow’s upcoming film regarding the 1967 Detroit Riots. The news was first reported earlier this…

Read more

John Cleese to hold intimate “in conversation” event in Leichhardt, Sydney

Comedic legend and dream uncle John Cleese will appear one-night-only in an intimate conversation in Sydney, discussing his incredible career and the world premiere tour of Fawlty Towers Live, starring Stephen Hall. The event will air fan favourite episodes of Fawlty Towers before hearing Cleese talk about his life, comedy, silliness, and absurdity. The legend behind Monty Python…

Read more

The Conjuring 2 becomes all-time highest grossing horror film at Australian and New Zealand box offices

It seems we love a good scary film Down Under (Wolf Creek anyone?) as our homegrown horror pride has officially made The Conjuring 2 the most successful horror film of all time for Australian and New Zealand. The Conjuring 2 has earned $10.75 million at the Australian box office, surpassing its predecessor The Conjuring, and other popular horrors…

Read more

Flight Review: We jump on board Australia’s first A350 with Qatar Airways – Adelaide to Doha (QR915)

Earlier in the week we reported that Adelaide has been getting a lot of love lately from a number of airlines, receiving new direct routes to Asia and the Middle East. The South Australian capital city has even been the first airport in Australia to receive the new Airbus A350 service, courtesy of Qatar Airway’s…

Read more

Review: The Post-Haste Histories – Kings Cross Theatre, Sydney (Performances until 20th August)

Doth thou speakest true? Not a script betwixt these players yet drama and merriment dost ensue! It’s hard not to get carried away with the language used by the Post-Haste Players in their latest production, The Post-Haste Histories, especially because the Shakespearean-inspired script is developed entirely before your eyes. This is improv theatre at it’s…

Read more

Review: Fracture – Old Fitz Theatre, Sydney (Performances until August 12)

I find Mario Kart so ruthless and stressful that, emotionally, I can’t reach the end of Rainbow Road without shedding some real-life baggage. That’s the game Charlie (Brandon McClelland) is playing with flat-mates Clara (Contessa Treffone) and Tommy (Tel Benjamin), literally and metaphorically, in their rundown Perthian apartment. Whatever he’s trying to shed, they seem…

Read more

Tenderfoot’s debut EP Beginnings is released ahead of the band’s trip to Abbey Road Studios

Sydney group Tenderfoot recently signed to international music company Audio Network, and today the first release of that new relationship has seen the light of day. The band’s debut EP Beginnings (an apt title if there ever was one) is now available, a record that features the single “The Balcony Tale”; the video of which…

Read more