Year: 2018

First Impressions: Netflix’s mind-bending Maniac starring Emma Stone and Jonah Hill from True Detective Director

With series like House of Cards and Orange is the New Black, Netflix has cemented themselves as a platform that regularly delivers exciting original formats to binge watch. Well known for giving their writers and directors plenty of creative space to develop new material, series like like Black Mirror and Stranger Things have flourished. And now we have the thrilling Maniac, which playfully exhausts…

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Live Review: Ball Park Music, San Cisco and Ruby Fields deliver four hours of wonderful madness in Canberra

Everyone knows these days, “how Australian you are” comes down to how many Ball Park Music concerts you’ve seen. After five albums and a gazillion national tours it’s only fair that this Australian icon makes its way on to our $100 dollar note . Embodying everything we love about Australia and just being an all round…

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Melbourne Fringe Review: Jude Perl is talented, hilarious, genuine and everybody needs to go and see I Have a Face

Jude Perl made me think about a lot of things. Made me notice a lot of things. And she made me laugh more than I thought was actually physically possible. If I could give any person who chances to wander over this article a small snippet of life advice it would be this. Go and…

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Theatre Review: Beauty & The Beast delivers some entertaining, family-friendly fun (Glen Street Theatre to 29th September)

It’s a tale that is – by its own admission – one that is as ‘Old as time’. The story of Beauty & the Beast has inspired two-hit Disney films and the stage production has played all over the world. Stage Artz reprise their production to deliver an entertaining and family-friendly charity event. Stage Artz…

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Live Review: Noname impresses with Genesis Owusu and Colette to kick off Room 25 tour in Melbourne

At Melbourne’s Forum Theatre on Friday evening, fans waded through AFL and Rugby goers to squeeze into a line to see one of the most exciting and adored rappers of 2018. Fresh off the release of her stellar album Room 25, Noname has a string of shows in Australia in addition to her spot in Listen Out…

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Review: Hotel Indigo’s brand new 1 Leicester Square location brings the West End to life (London)

Having an address as iconic as 1 Leicester Square might lead one to expect to find another overpriced London Hotel, resting on the laurels of its location rather than on the experience it could provide its guests. Rest assured, Hotel Indigo‘s newest residence, which opened earlier this year, goes above and beyond to present one…

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Track of the Day: Hein Cooper “Over Again” (2018)

We’ve long been fans of Hein Cooper here on the AU, and when he released his single “Hear My Voice” back in April, it had been a decent time between drinks for the Sydney Indie Pop artist. Turns out the singer/songwriter had been spending quite a bit of time writing in “British coastal towns and…

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Rockstar announces Red Dead Online, forthcoming beta

Red Dead Redemption 2 is getting multiplayer. Red Dead Online will be the online multiplayer component in Rockstar Games’ Red Dead Redemption 2, and will operate in a similar manner to Grand Theft Auto Online. It will drop players into the full size, open world map of Red Dead Redemption 2, catering for massive lobbies of players,…

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BIGSOUND Interview: Psychedelic Porn Crumpets (Perth) talk recording their upcoming album and Clive Palmer

Gathered around a table at Brisbane’s The Elephant Hotel, psychedelic rockers Psychedelic Porn Crumpets were readying themselves for shenanigans at BIGSOUND. Much like their name, the conversation with the Perth quartet was weird and caused a lot of laughs, beginning with them learning controversial mining magnate/politician Clive Palmer placed an ad mocking radio host Ray…

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Melbourne Fringe Review: Jake Matricardi showcases stellar storytelling ability with The Gargoyle

Jake Matricardi plays a centuries old stone gargoyle who was struck by lightning whilst perched atop a church, plummeting into the river and rising with blood in his veins and a heartbeat in his chest. Living his days beneath a bridge, this wondrous and creative one man production explores the gargoyle’s existence and the stories…

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Games Review: NBA 2K19 (PS4, 2018) is still the King of the Court

The NBA 2K series is back for its 20th anniversary, which seems like a long time for a video game franchise, but has proved to be time well spent, with the NBA 2K franchise becoming the preferred platform for many NBA fans, including myself. It is with great satisfaction that I can say that while…

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Film Review: Intelligent Lives (USA, 2018) is a powerful impetus for change that demands your attention

At this very moment, there are 6.5 million Americans living with an intellectual disability. Only 15% of adults are gainfully employed with nearly 1 in 3 living below the poverty line. Their access to a proper education during their youth may provide a clue to these damning statistics. 17% of students with an intellectual disability are…

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Glitch returns for final season, filming underway in Melbourne for season 3

Filming is currently underway in Melbourne for the third and final season of Glitch, a Logie and AACTA award-winning, paranormal drama series that calls both ABC and Netflix home. The next season is said to introduce new characters, shocking twists and unexpected turns, all the while keeping viewers on the edge of their seats for…

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With a #NotOn showcase, Brisbane is making noise to help end violence against women

In 2015 Queensland based musicians used their unique and powerful platform to take a lead on the national campaign #NotOn. Domestic violence still takes the life of one Australian woman each week, and #NotOn aims to make it clear that violence against women is… not on! On Sunday November 18th The Triffid, Newstead is showcasing…

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The 2018 Man Booker Prize shortlist has been unveiled – complete with surprise omissions

Today the shortlist for the Man Booker Prize has been unveiled, with the thirteen strong longest whittled down to just six. The six authors making the cut are Anna Burns, Esi Edugyan, Daisy Johnson, Rachel Kushner, Richard Powers and Robin Robertson. Although, still a strong shortlist, it is not without its surprises. There’s no room on the…

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Music Matters Interview: Your Girl Pho (WA) talks about the flourishing Perth music scence

Neo-Soul artist from Western Australia Your Girl Pho is strikingly unconventional in her music, and her fabulous baby pink outfit – Juicy with a strong kick of spice, just like a good Pho. Originally a solo project (just Phoebe Gunson and her laptop), drums and saxophone have now been added, changing the entire set. Having…

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Hong Kong’s historic bullet trains are ready, connecting the city to Greater China

In an effort to further strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a gateway to Greater China, the city’s Transport and Housing Bureau is getting ready to introduce the long-awaited – almost a decade in the making – High Speed Rail system connecting Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Shenzhen. Set to commence operation on 23rd September of this…

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Guest Playlist: Nathan Cavaleri – The songs that influenced “Demons”

Sydney’s Indie Rock/Blues artist Nathan Cavaleri has recently released his new single “Demons”. The result of a period of personal confrontation and struggle, “Demons” is a striking mix of psychedelic guitar, and swampy riffs, and the next step in an already distinguished, (albeit perhaps unheralded) career. There have been highs; at the age of twelve…

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Theatre Review: Family-friendly Potted Potter is not quite potty enough (Seymour Centre until 23rd September)

First, there was the Complete Works of William Shakespeare – Abridged, and now we have Potted Potter – The Unauthorised Harry Experience – A Parody by Dan and Jeff (a title that, like the eponymous show, tries desperately to cram as much as possible into a very short space). Covering all seven Harry Potter books…

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Music Matters Interview: Veronica Fusaro (Switzerland) talks upcoming releases and songwriting

Up and coming Swiss singer-songwriter Veronica Fusaro showcased her soulful, passionate pop at this years Music Matters in Singapore and sat down with Larry to discuss all things music! Fusaro has now released two EPs and has become a pro at touring since the release of her most recent EP ICE COLD. Shocked at the…

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Track of the Day: Jon Hopkins “Singularity” (2018)

Today saw Jon Hopkins release what he described as “the single most epic video I’ve ever made.” It’s pretty clear within seconds of watching that this is completely justified, and not just some egocentric statement. The video in question accompanies “Singularity”, the title track from his latest record, and is a continuation of the expansive soundscape…

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Magic: The Gathering Arena enters Open Beta

The Open Beta launch date for the digital version of the world’s first strategy card game, Magic: The Gathering Arena has today been announced by creators Wizards of the Coast.  Over the past six months, the game has been played by only lucky fans in the Closed Beta, with September 28 marking the day all…

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Tech Review: Xbox Adaptive Controller is remarkable tech made for remarkable people

Gaming and physical disabilities have a long history of not working well together. Back in the early days of arcade joysticks and two-button controllers, the hurdles disabled players had to overcome in order to enjoy a video game were fewer. Even if you didn’t have great dexterity in your fingers, you could rest your palm…

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Meet the Aussies sharing the stage with Ozzy and Slayer at Download Festival 2019

Let’s admit it, Australia is now – and has been for quite some time – bursting at the seams with world-class talent; literally overflowing with musical geniuses that have been providing some of the best tunes for generations. We aren’t complaining with our high quality exports because breaking into the music scene can sometimes seem…

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Intrepid tighten focus on sustainable travel with new millennial brochure

Veteran adventure travel company Intrepid have recently put out a brand new, and very substantial, brochure focusing on socially conscious millennial travel. In a nod to the growing importance of sustainable travel and reducing one’s carbon footprint, the 18 to 29s brochure spans more than 80 travel experiences and hops from bucketlist experiences like camping…

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Melbourne Fringe Review: Consciously Kyah presents powerful creative collaboration Seeping

The first thing that hit me when I entered the dimly lit room in the midst of Sydney Road is the enveloping smell of incense. Basking in a red hued light, an array of flowers had been artfully placed around the area. The stage had been set and Consciously Kyah’s “Seeping” was about to begin….

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Interview: Rising star Ruel (Sydney) chats before launching his debut EP tour Ready around Australia

Ahead of Ruel’s headline Australian tour to launch his debut EP Ready we got a chance to sit down with the young singer/songwriter to discuss the beginnings of his musical career, how he copes with being a teenager in the music industry and performing in Japan. First of all, How is everything? Where are you…

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Album Review: Noname’s Room 25 (2018 LP) is one of the best releases of the year

Noname (FKA: Noname Gypsy) is a central figure within the underground Chicago rap scene. Her debut album Telefone was an incredible, melancholic project – dealing with sexism, introspection, and wider racial and social issues, all delivered in her trademark wispy yet warm delivery. Following the great reception this project received, the level of anticipation for her…

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Film Review: The House With A Clock In Its Walls (USA, 2018) Ticks With Magic; Tocks With Horror

When you mix up Harry Potter with Goosebumps you end up with The House With A Clock In Its Walls. A film that combines magic with a haunted house and the tried and true need for our young hero to find his courage and rise up to save the day. When orphaned 10 year old…

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Photo Gallery: Evita Opening Night – Sydney Opera House (18.09.18)

Starring the incomparable Tina Arena, Evita enjoyed its opening night at the Sydney Opera House last night. Nathan Atkins was there to capture the invited guests on the red carpet at the anticipated premiere! Evita is enjoying performances of the Sydney Opera House until November 3rd. Tickets and more details are available HERE.

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