The four years since the release of Midlake‘s sophomore record has seen an interesting shift in the broader spectrum of ‘alternative’ music, with a massive rise in a more hybridized, synthesised and crossover sound championed by groups like The Presets, MGMT and Crystal Castles. In these electro-driven times, it’s a real pleasure to find a…
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Heralding all the way from Mali, Vieux Farka Touré headlined Beck’s Festival Bar on Friday night for his first ever Sydney performance, carrying on the legacy of his father, Ali Farka Touré, while being a highly respected musician in his own right. First up was Dan Sultan and band, who has been dubbed “the black Elvis” by fellow performer Clare…
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Ahead of her upcoming Australian Bacardi Express headlining tour, the AU review had a brief chat with the pop star. Enjoy! She keeps it short and sweet. This is the second time you’ve visited Australia in the last 6 months, what is it about Australia that keeps you coming back? The crowd. Everyone at our…
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Last week, I had the opportunity to chat to Kieran Ryan, one half of Melbourne two piece Kid Sam – the project he shares with cousin and drummer Kishore Ryan. The pair are about to embark on one of the most exciting periods of their lives, performing on the national Laneway bill, and supporting Daniel…
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Kat Mahina chats with the Cassette Kids ahead of the release of their debut LP, Nothing on TV, and their anticipated stint on the Bacardi Express circuit, supporting La Roux! Your debut album Nothing on TV is set for release in March this year. How’s the writing and recording process been and what can your…
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It’s day 5 of Sydney Festival, and the first round of artists are coming to an end. Tonight marked the final performance in the Spiegeltent of Montreal’s Patrick Watson, who went on to play at Beck’s Festival Bar (replacing The Middle East and supporting Grizzly Bear) for his final Sydney gig – and we were…
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When you speak of the Summer festival season, there is one festival that reigns supreme: The Big Day Out. Now in its 18th year, it’s a festival which indeed lives up to its name. The biggest acts in the world, under what feels like the hottest sun in the world – it’s Australia’s time to…
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After an incredibly hectic (but fun) 2009, the Sydney Festival organisers took a step back for their third Festival First Night: going for quality, not quantity – getting rid of the Fuzzy stage, spreading out the stages at Martin Place, and giving the City of Sydney a night it won’t soon forget. For me, the majority of…
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I love Karen O. There is no denying that she’s the queen of cool in the world of music today. And tonight she was back to prove to Sydney why – playing to a sell out crowd at the Hordern Pavillion – their largest show in the city to date. But first up were Sydney’s…
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The following is one review where no amount of hyperbole will do true justice to the overwhelming feeling that comes from experiencing a live event such as this. Tonight, Grizzly Bear brought Sydney to its emotional knees in an evening of beautiful intensity that is so rarely found live – especially in a unique setting…
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Chairlift and The Phenomenal Handclap Band are two artists who have had a very interesting 2009. Underground hits in their home state of New York, the bands quickly reached international airwaves with singles “Bruises” (as featured in an Apple ad campaign) and “15 to 20”, respectively. And now, riding the successes of each, they’re jet…
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Its been a while since Editors were last on Australian shores, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome them back (and for this reviewer, it’s my first experience with the Birmingham based group… so I must say I was ever the more excited). But first up were Melbourne duo Big Scary – a band…
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They’ve been keeping quiet for some time now, but Sydney outfit The Holidays are well and truly back for our listening pleasure. With 2 EPs under their belt, a shitload of touring behind them, and new single “Moonlight Hours” receiving a good amount of airtime, The Holidays are finally ready to launch into a territory…
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As Andrew Bird told the just about sold out crowd that “it’s not every day you get to play in a venue that’s also an international icon” – I was reminded just how special a venue the Sydney Opera House is, and how lucky we are to not only have the venue in our vicinity,…
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As I rolled out of bed yesterday morning, complete with a throbbing headache and an innate desire to remain in bed for at least another 24 hours, I peaked out the window to see clouds looming over the city. As with any hangover, not a great way to start the day. Little was I to…
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Melbourne’s indie darlings The Temper Trap showed their hometown some loving with a secret Fall’s Festival side show at the intimate Corner bandroom. The excitement was palpable as the boy’s took to the stage and the sell out crowd listened in a hushed reverence as they began with an instrumental piece that quickly turned into…
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Ahead of their forthcoming tour, which includes a stint in Sydney at the intimate boutique festival that is Days Like This!, Andy Cat of Ugly Duckling chats to the AU review about how the present is making him ill, how the past still rests in his beeper, and what the future holds for the prolific…
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As 2009 draws to an end, Jet have been chosen by Kia Soul’s Live at the Chapel to close out their 2009 season – which saw appearances from the likes of Lady Gaga and John Mayer. Some may question this choice based on the band’s recent notes – but while Shaka Rock appeared on many “Worst…
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We’d like to dedicate this article to the memory of Rowland S Howard – One of Australia’s finest musicians who lost his battle with liver cancer today. For many of us at the AU review, his shows around the country were highlights of the year – and we feel honoured to have been able to…
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The electro trio are coming our way in January – better get your dancing shoes on! Larry had a chance to chat to the band ahead of their tour. Here’s what went down…. So you’re about to head down to Australia for the first time, playing a few club shows, Pyramid Rock on New Years,…
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This February, there are two major festivals vying for your dollars, travelling around the whole country. In one corner, Soundwave – bringing pure Rock and Roll to all major cities. In the other – Good Vibrations – the well established institution bringing the dance. Now of course some of you will be tempted to head…
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In part two of our best of 2009 series, once again we ask the AU crew to give us their favourite songs of 2009. Each contributor gave us their top 5 songs of the year, including a little ditty about their number 1 choice. But first, here’s a look at the song of the year,…
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Nestled in the back room of the La Campana Restaurant in Sydney is the latest addition to the Sydney live scene: the GoodGod Small Club – combining the charm of the Spanish restaurant, with the intimate nature of a “back room” venue. It’s fantastic to see locations like this popping up around Sydney, and we…
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There are few gigs these days that get me truly excited – I’m sort of at that point now where 90% of the bands who I’ve loved over the years; I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to experience them live. But much like Radiohead, Animal Collective have remained an elusive beast, with whom I’ve hungered a meal….
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The wonderful AU crew have joined forces to choose the best 5 albums of the 2009! Plus, selected contributors give you their personal choice for album of the year. It may surprise! Manchester Orchestra – Mean Everything to Nothing One of the hidden gems of 2009, Manchester Orchestra’s third LP Mean Everything to Nothing, showed…
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Powderfinger rocked the Sydney Entertainment Quarter for Take 40 LIVE over the weekend. Here are a few pics from the show! You can watch the whole thing on Channel 9 – Thursday, December 17th at 7:30pm and Channel [V] on Saturday 19th December at 5pm. And again congratulations to the winner of the VIP double…
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Most people would find it surprising that the 2009 edition of Homebake was the first time I’d ever paid visit to the iconic Sydney festival. But indeed, this was the first December in which I made the journey to the Domain, to see all that was ‘hot’ in Australian music right now. And boy, are…
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Much like Live at the Chapel, the Max Sessions have become an event synonymous with “live music for TV” in Australia – and in this, their 40th show, and their last for 2009, they seem to have no plans to stop anytime soon. And why would they? This is the television series that launched with…
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The following review is a two-in-one. In the Oxford Art Factory gallery, we had Bird Automatic closing out their month long residency with a rollicking set. Meanwhile, in the main room, The Veils and Oh Mercy were playing to a just-about-sold-out crowd, in a dual headlining show. Larry Heath attempted to review both gigs at…
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Having the privilege to enjoy the heat of Summer on New Years Eve is something deeply embedded in the Australian experience – and something we shouldn’t take for granted. So why have the same, boring old NYE, when you could be rocking out to the worlds finest bands, in some of the countries most beautiful…
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