Author: Justine McNamara

Album Review: Laura Marling – Semper Femina (2017 LP)

Let me preface this review by saying I am in love with Laura Marling. I have been since 2013, when she enchanted the entire tent at Splendour in the Grass. Her songwriting shows wisdom and depth beyond her years, and many of her songs make me feel like they’ve been written just for me. I’ve…

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Album Review: Ty Segall – Ty Segall (2017 LP)

Ty Segall‘s latest, self-titled album – the ninth in his discography – starts with the dirty, riff-driven track “Break a Guitar”. It’s the perfect opener for an album full of more dirty, riff-driven tracks and sets the scene. Segall’s voice stays within an easy range and complements the rest of the instruments, with its familiar…

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Live Review: The Jezabels – Music Hall of Williamsburg, New York (01.12.16)

The Jezabels played to an adoring crowd on a freezing cold night, at the Music Hall of Williamsburg in New York. Going to see The Jezabels is something I associate with summer. Both because I’ve only seen them at summer festivals in Australia – Falls Festival, Homebake, and Laneway Festival – and because I remember…

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Review: Grouplove reign frenzied supreme, making a Big Mess in Brooklyn, New York

Grouplove brought their fun and energetic live show to Brooklyn, and showed off new tracks from latest album Big Mess. The irony of arriving late and dishevelled to see a band whose latest album is called Big Mess – and is about how chaotic life can be – was not lost on me. I arrived…

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Live Review: DZ Deathrays – Knitting Factory, Brooklyn New York (20.07.16)

Despite being in a small venue in the middle of Williamsburg on a hot and humid New York night, it feels like I’m back at the Oxford Art Factory in Sydney. I’m surrounded by Australian accents every which way, drinking beer and about to watch DZ Deathrays. Given it’s a Wednesday night and they’re not…

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Live Review: Rare Finds’ 1st Birthday ft. Deep Sea Arcade + Lime Cordiale – Oxford Art Factory – Sydney (16.04.16)

A number of bands, including Lime Cordiale, Good Boy, Deep Sea Arcade and Lily and the Bellows, took over Oxford Art Factory for Rare Finds‘ first birthday celebration! On the main stage, Lime Cordiale slayed. The band has been on a break from playing live but you wouldn’t have known it, based on their performance….

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Live Review: The Vines – Newtown Social Club, Sydney (14.04.16)

Craig Nicholls‘ reputation precedes him. As The Vines’ lead singer, he’s been through a lot over the years, but tonight, the music is the focus. We’re treated to stripped back versions of the laid back Vines’ songs, as well as a few covers (spoiler alert, there was no “Ms Jackson”), and the night was enjoyable…

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Live Review: Gang of Youths – Enmore Theatre, Sydney (09.04.16)

As the smell of weed makes its way around the Enmore Theatre, the lights go down and Gang of Youths slowly take the stage to the Rocky theme. Young girls jump up and down in trepidation, their enthusiasm a sign of what’s to come in tonight’s show. Opening with “Restraint and Release”, the crowd sing “So…

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Festival Review: Fairgrounds – Berry, NSW (05.12.15)

The first Fairgrounds Festival in Berry on the South Coast was exactly what festivals should be. A showcase of talent, relaxed and about the music. The Fairgrounds Festival was set up in Berry Showgrounds. Festival goers had access to two stages, a swimming pool, local market, a children’s activity area and a lot of food…

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Live Review: Grace Turner + Imogen Pemberton – 107 Projects, Sydney (07.10.15)

Photo Credit: Zana Kobayashi Grace Turner launched her new EP last week at the intimate, cosy 107 Projects in Redfern. 107 Projects is a tiny venue, that could be at the back of someone’s garage. With mismatched chairs and old lounges randomly placed throughout the space, it’s almost like being in a friend’s shed or…

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