Photo Gallery: Black Country, New Road – Sydney Opera House Concert Hall (07.03.24)

Black Country, New Road on their debut Australian tour played the Sydney Opera House. Fans were left mesmerised by the amazing talents of all six members whom were a perfect fit for the sold out iconic Sydney Opera House with their eclectic art-rock sound. Pete Dovgan brings you the images.

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Skull and Bones is short on story, but high on action

Ahoy, there mateys! Insert all the pirate puns here! The long-awaited Ubisoft open-world pirate adventure fans have clamouring for since 2013’s Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag is finally here. After lengthy delays, cancellations and then government grants forcing the game to see the light of day, we’re ready to sail the high seas. So after…

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Interview: Ricki-Lee on the power of pop music and forging her own path with new record On My Own

A permanent survivor of the ever-changing music industry, Ricki-Lee is one of Australia’s finest success stories. An advocate for the independent music scene and an unapologetic lover of all things pop (sorry, she’s not sorry), she’s forging her own path with the anticipated release of her 5th album On My Own, the first under her…

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Slow Cinema

Exclusive EP Premiere: Slow Cinema – self-titled (2024 EP)

Slow Cinema is an indie-rock quintet from Newcastle/Mulubinba who we fell in love with in 20200 when we premiered their emotive single “Balta”.  They’ve recently dropped two singles, “Magic Potion” and “Pocket Knife”, and we are stoked today to be premiering their new self-titled EP with three more stellar tracks. Keen Slow Cinema fans have…

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Final Fantasy VII Rebirth shows promise, but lacks the punch of its predecessor

When the Final Fantasy VII remake was initially announced, you could say it broke the internet. That original 1997 game changed the gaming landscape forever and hearing that it would be released to a new generation on a new platform made you feel like you were witnessing the second coming of Christ in gaming pop…

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Film Review: Kung Fu Panda 4; Jack Black’s loveable Po proves a welcome return in amusing sequel

Though there was a certain sense of the story coming to a natural close in 2016’s Kung Fu Panda 3, the powers that be at DreamWorks deemed another go-around with the loveable Po (once again voiced with vigour by Jack Black) necessary, and so families are gifted with the effortless joy that is Kung Fu…

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Film Review: Ricky Stanicky; John Cena livens up an otherwise missed opportunity of a comedy

After finding Oscar glory as a solo filmmaker – with arguably one of the more controversial Best Picture wins in the Academy’s history (see Green Book) – there’s a nice sense of coming back home in the case of Peter Farrelly helming Ricky Stanicky. Now, it does pale in comparison to the comedy works he…

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Film Review: Imaginary is light on scares and, ironically, imagination

Given that the promotional material for Imaginary has highlighted a certain stuffed teddy bear, one would be right in assuming that the film – boasting its from the studio that brought us Five Nights at Freddy’s and M3GAN – would be taking inspiration from those two successful properties.  Unfortunately, despite such promise, a committed turn…

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AU Favourites: 5 things worth checking out in March 2024

Welcome to AU Favourites, a new monthly column where our writers highlight 5 things they’ve been loving lately. Whether it’s a good read, new tech product, or even a piece of furniture. We’re lucky enough to go hands on with a lot of things across the many areas that we cover on this website. We…

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Innovative new lifestyle hotel, Drifter, set for Australia and New Zealand

A new design-forward hotel brand is set for Australia and New Zealand, initially opening properties in Christchurch and Byron Bay. Drifter, a unique hybrid hotel concept, will add a unique lifestyle brand to these frequently visited locales, with plans to grow steadily with two more properties earmarked for 2025. Drifter Byron Bay and Drifter Christchurch…

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kit genesis pride

Aussie Indie Artists: Tess Hannah transforms into Kit Genesis

Aussie Indie Artists is a series of interviews with lesser known Aussie creators across all forms and fields. The goal is to share exciting new works, find new angles towards the art, and peek behind the scenes. Tess Hannah’s music is grungy, moody, and frayed with overloaded electric guitars– often likened to Wolf Alice or…

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The AU Interview: Slowmango open up about their music and their upcoming Womadelaide appearance

Slowmango are a six piece band from SA that are having their debut Womadelaide appearance this weekend. We sat down to learn a little more about the band. How would you describe your music? Is it something that can be categorised? Slowmango’s music is a melting pot of global influences, incorporating rhythms and melodies from…

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King Ibis

Exclusive Single Premiere: King Ibis “Cooling Embers” (2024)

Have you ever lost the spark? Maybe the intensity of a relationship has started to fade. The job which you were so passionate about no longer shines as brightly. Or making your way as a musician is just proving too hard. Boorloo/Perth-based indie-rock band King Ibis have just the cathartic banger that encapsulates this so adroitly. We’re…

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Album Review: Ricki-Lee claims pop throne on upbeat, euphoric On My Own

Given the longevity of her prolific career, it’s easy to forget that popstar-cum-media personality Ricki-Lee got her start within the Australian Idol space and that she didn’t win; Casey Donovan would ultimately be crowned the winner of said season. In the 20 years (!!!) since the commanding singer won us all over during her tenure…

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Turkish Airlines debuts in Australia, making Europe more accessible (and affordable)

When it comes flight prices, it’s all about competition. The more airlines flying in and out of a country, the better it is – for your budget at least. It’s a big deal when a major airline makes its debut in any market for the first time, and so one of the biggest news stories…

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Why Cook Islands is the ultimate tropical paradise for Australians

I just don’t think I’m an island person. Throw me into a warehouse rave in New York City and I’ll thrive. Take me driving through the dizzying hills of Tuscany and I’m good. Tell me about “island time,” however, and I’ll let out an audible groan. I’m not a patient person when I’m travelling. So…

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The Alliance Française French Film Festival launches for its 35th edition

This year marks the 35th edition of the Alliance Française French Film Festival, a significant milestone in their cinematic journey where 35 is not just a number – it is an emblem. From the days of 35mm film screenings to the marvels of today’s digital era, they have proudly showcased the very best of French…

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Photo Gallery: Sampha – Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne (01.03.24)

UK Multi-disciplinary vocalist Sampha touched down in Melbourne for a beautiful night of music at Margaret Court Arena. The venue was transformed into an intimate theatre-like performance, with seated General Admission and reduced numbers. The evening was one for the books with Sampha captivating the crowd with his humbleness and stunning vocals. In celebration of…

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Interview: Director Jeff Wadlow on creating the horror of Imaginary, casting against type, and the dangers of pre-planning a sequel

Unfortunately we can’t always rely on technology.  But for Peter Gray, it seemed like there were more sinister forces at play when he attempted to chat to Imaginary director Jeff Wadlow about his latest scarer. After a duo of failed attempts to chat all things Imaginary – the Truth Or Dare filmmaker’s original horror film…

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Mona Foma Review: TISM prove their utter worthlessness to the world (02.03.24)

Mona Foma finished off their month-long Tasmanian summer festival with a free evening concert in the beautiful Cataract Gorge in Launceston. The natural rock pool, enhanced with a shallow man-made wading pool made for a natural amphitheatre for the music event. It’s a popular destination, with a walking trail along the Tamar River, a swimming…

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Interview: Director Peter Farrelly, Zac Efron, John Cena and the cast of Ricky Stanicky; “I think you need audacity to make a great comedy.”

When three childhood best friends pull a prank gone wrong, they invent the imaginary “Ricky Stanicky” to get them out of trouble!  Twenty years after creating this ‘friend,’ Dean (Zac Efron), JT (Andrew Santino), and Wes (Jermaine Fowler) still use the non-existent Ricky as a handy alibi for their immature behaviour.  When their spouses and partners get…

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Film Review: The Great Escaper is an engaging, likeable true story that celebrates love and determination

There very easily could’ve been an air of farce and faux suspense about The Great Escaper.  A true story centring on Bernard Jordan (Michael Caine) – a near-90-year-old who staged a “great escape” from his retirement home in 2014 in order to join his fellow war veterans on a beach in Normandy to commemorate their…

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Interview: Director Oliver Parker on The Great Escaper, navigating PTSD, and directing the final on-screen roles of Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson

In the summer of 2014, Bernard Jordan made global headlines.  He had staged a “great escape” from his care home to join fellow war veterans on a beach in Normandy, commemorating their fallen comrades at the D-Day Landings 70th anniversary.​  It was a story that captured the imagination of the world as Bernie embodied the…

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Live Review: The National make up for the long absence at world-class Sydney show

The National have been regulars to our shores for 16 years, so the six-year gap since their last show in Australia is a fair enough gap to have revived the appetite for the Ohio via New York City group.  Bringing Annie Hamilton along for the tour was a stroke of genius. Not only is she…

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Photo Gallery: Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2024 (02.03.24)

Last night, the 46th edition of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras took place. The event was a great success, bringing together the LGBTQIA+ communities to celebrate diversity and inclusiveness. The Dykes on Bikes, crowd-favourites for many, kicked off the parade. Following them were the 78’ers, the original marchers from the first edition, who…

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The Lehman Trilogy

Theatre review: The Lehman Trilogy is an absolute theatrical masterclass

The Lehman Trilogy opens in 1844, where a young man from Bavaria, Hayum ‘Henry’ Lehman (1844 – 1855), arrives in New York with a dream to work his way up in a bold new world. Lehman is joined by his two brothers, Mendel ‘Emanuel’ Lehman (1847 – 1907) and Mayer ‘Potato’ Lehman (1850 – 1897),…

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Photo Gallery: PWEI + Jesus Jones – Manning Bar, Sydney University (01.03.24)

PWEI (Pop Will Eat Itself) returned to Sydney in magnificent form playing their rap-rock indie anthems and were supported by fellow Brits and equally brilliant Jesus Jones at a very sweaty and humid Sydney Uni Manning Bar. Pete Dovgan brings you the action.

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Photo Gallery: The National + Fleet Foxes + Annie Hamilton – ICC Sydney Theatre (01.03.24)

The National have returned to Australia for the the first time since 2018, and last night played at the ICC Sydney Theatre, the first of two shows. It was an incredible gig, with leadsinger Matt Berninger as always stalking and prowling the stage as he brings the tunes alive. You had to feel sorry for…

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Photo Gallery: Wednesday + MJ Lenderman and the Wind – Factory Theatre, Sydney (29.02.24)

Wednesday are Karly Hartzman (guitar/vocals), with MJ Lenderman (guitar), Xandy Chelmis (lap/pedal steel), Ethan Baechtold (bass) and Alan Miller (drums) they are all the way from North Carolina USA. Think shoegaze, indie rock combined with alt country and we are on a winner. Check out one of the great indie albums released 2023 Rat Saw…

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New Music Discoveries 1st March: Tyne-James Organ, St. Vincent, The Avett Brothers and more

We’re launching into March with ten more songs added to our Discovery playlist on Spotify and Apple Music, including two singles we exclusively premiered earlier in the week. Australian alt-rock artist Tyne-James Organ has released his first new music of 2024, the single “All On Me” and it’s our Track of the Week. “All On…

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