Northern Irish rap sensations Kneecap announce Australian tour and venue upgrades

Belfast trio Kneecap announce their first Australian tour for March 2025, with a Sydney venue upgrade and a second Melbourne show. The trio consisting of Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí deliver a concoction of satirical yet socially conscious Irish and English lyrics with their explosive live performance and we can expect one of…

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Generations of Men is a powerful short that generates a wealth of conversation: Darwin International Film Festival Review

A film that speaks volumes in its silences just as much as it does its audible dialogue, Generations of Men, a powerful new short inspired by Judith Wright‘s book of the same name, is just as much a testament to the strength and resilience of women during colonial times as it is a reminder of…

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Call The Mourning muse on being used with new single “Switch”

Following the release of “Agonal” back in May, Brisbane/Meanjin’s Call The Mourning have just dropped “Switch“, and it’s another heavy-hitter from the trio. Drawing on bassist Lachie Grumley‘s experiences of so-called friends taking advantage, and singer/guitarist Constance Grafos‘ time spent in EMDR therapy, where she could safely re-examine her emotions about people and situations in…

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The Rayes

Exclusive Single Premiere: The Rayes “Bat’s Wing” (2024)

Last month, we had the pleasure of premiering the single “Sister Jane“, from Seattle-born now Naarm/Melbourne-based group The Rayes. Today, we are back at it, premiering “Bat’s Wing”, the final single from their upcoming EP, Limb Pulled Taut. The track opens gently, reminiscent of the great Nick Drake, wistfully with a melancholic tone, as it…

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Lest

Book Review: Mark Dapin’s Lest is a lighthearted account of Australia’s Military History

Just as the world seems to be again on the verge of WWIII, Lest serves as a timely reminder of previous wars and military operations the ADF were part of. Mark Dapin, who has a PhD in military history, adopts a fresh approach of debunking popular myths around Australia’s military record, emphasising the cultural shifts…

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Interview: Runt star Matt Day on his villainous role in the new Australian comedy; “Sometimes I made Baz Luhrmann look understated.”

Runt, based on Craig Silvey’s best-selling novel, is a delightful Australian family film that blends heartfelt moments with humour. The story revolves around eleven-year-old Annie Shearer and her best friend, Runt, an adopted stray dog. The novel was released in 2022 and has achieved significant acclaim, winning several major Australian literary awards. These accolades include…

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Hannah Stow

Track by Track: Hannah Stow takes us through her debut EP, Sidelined

Hailing from Perth, singer/songwriter Hanah Stow has today dropped her debut EP, Sidelined, and it’s a beauty. Six tracks of intimate, emotive and melancholic musings, it’s a beautiful first record for the talented artist. Hannah reflects on her journey to get to this important milestone. From the ache of leaving her home town to pursue…

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Film Review: Runt is a comfortable, cordial comedy for the entire family

Based on the beloved novel by Craig Silvey, Runt is an effortlessly likeable Australian family venture that overcomes any of its cheesiness thanks to an ensemble committed to the cause of providing old-fashioned entertainment There’s some topical themes at bay here under the surface – drought-stricken farmers, real estate corruption – but Silvey’s script never…

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Heretic; Hugh Grant delivers career-best work in this truly riveting genre piece: TIFF 2024 Review

In the last few years Hugh Grant has truly taken pleasure in playing against the grain of expectation he laid upon himself after a career of inhabiting predominantly likeable characters.  Arguably starting with his wonderfully committed camp turn as the villainous Phoenix Buchanan in Paddington 2 in 2017, Grant has been on an incline of…

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Language of Limbs

Book Review: A Language of Limbs is an affirming celebration of queer joy

Dylin Hardcastle’s A Language of Limbs is a profound and compelling exploration of Queer identity set against a backdrop of 1970s and 1980s Australia. Written as part of their PhD in Creative Writing at UNSW, the narrative unfolds through two intertwined ‘limbs’, each following a distinct yet deeply connected journey of self-discovery. Beginning in 1970s…

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Anora; Mikey Madison delivers a performance for the ages in Sean Baker’s passionate and profane piece of art: TIFF 2024 Review

It’s too easy to claim that writer/director Sean Baker makes inaccessible films due to the fact that so many of his narratives centre around the society underrepresented, chief among them being sex workers.  As we saw in such previous works as Tangerine and Red Rocket, Baker seeks to remove such a stigma around pornography performers, prostitutes…

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Terra Rouge

Exclusive Single Premiere: Terra Rouge “Couch Song” (2024)

We’ve some classic garage alt-rock coming out of Naarm/Melbourne via the rockin’ Terra Rouge, in her new single, the visceral “Couch Song”. We are thrilled to be premiering it ahead of its release on Friday. Terra Rouge has been lighting up Melbourne since 2019, with Brianna Brady (she/her), vocalist, songwriter and guitarist at the helm….

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Nightbitch is a meditation on motherhood, isolation and female rage, driven at the helm by a fearless Amy Adams: TIFF 2024 Review

Despite the fact that the recently released trailer made Nightbitch look more like a quirky comedy – think a female-drive, R-rated take on Tim Allen’s The Shaggy Dog – I can attest that Marielle Heller‘s take on Rachel Yoder‘s seemingly unadaptable 2021 novel of the same name is far from the laughable ridiculousness some may…

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PlayStation 5 Pro revealed along with price and release date

It’s official. After long running rumours, the PlayStation 5 Pro has been officially revealed via PlayStation’s latest Technical Showcase, along with a new hefty price tag and November 7 release date. The console will also be priced at A$1199.95 down under. While we’re getting an increase in processing power, we’re unfortunately not getting a disc…

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Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is one of the franchise’s best games to date

We previewed Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 just over a month ago, so I apologise if we retread a few things here. But it needs to be said; I’ve rapidly been descending into various rabbit holes of Warhammer 40,000 lore over the past few months, and I just can’t stop. So Space Marine 2 really…

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The Oppo Reno12 Pro 5G and Reno12 5G feel like strong contenders in the mid-range market

Oppo has steadily positioned itself as quite the competitor in the crowded Android smartphone market of late. Consistently delivering devices that offer premium features at a fraction of the cost, 2024’s Reno series exemplifies this philosophy with the Reno 12 and 12 Pro aiming to strike a balance between features, performance, and price. Both phones…

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Astro Bot stands as one of the best games available on the PlayStation 5

PlayStation has unfortunately been devoid of a mascot for many years now. Crash Bandicoot has been sold, Jax and Daxter had a moment, Spyro nearly got there and the less we say about Knack, the better. Fortunately, Astro and the Bots made a massive splash with a 2018 Playstation VR debut and the popular Astro’s…

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Win tickets to see James McAvoy in the new thriller Speak No Evil

To celebrate the release of Speak No Evil, in Australian theatres from September 12th, 2024, starring James McAvoy, thanks to Universal Pictures Australia we have 5 digital double passes (Admit 2) to giveaway. When an American family is invited to spend the weekend at the idyllic country estate of a charming British family they befriended…

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We Live in Time; Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh charm in simple, emotional affair: TIFF 2024 Review

Given that the trailer for We Live in Time very much informs audiences that it will be a tale of potential emotional manipulation, with the Nick Payne-penned script basing itself around a family dealing with late-stage cancer, it proves worth the screentime as Brooklyn director John Crowley breathes a certain life into proceedings, aware that…

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Role Model announces much-anticipated Australian dates, bringing No Place Like Tour to our shores in 2025

2024 has seen some of the best pop music in recent years, and right up there is Role Model’s latest album Kansas Anymore. A beautiful blend of dreamy vocals and acoustics, with some of the catchiest melodies around, it’s a fantastic listen from start to finish, which is why we’re thrilled that he’s bringing his…

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Daniela Forever adds layer upon layer to where it comes undone: TIFF 2024 Review

Given the imaginative manner he has expressed in his previous work, it makes sense that Nacho Vigalondo (Colossal) would create something like Daniela Forever, a romantic science-fiction tale that adds layer upon layer of artistry to itself that it practically (and unfortunately) comes undone. A little Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, a little Inception,…

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Nanoleaf reveal the next level of lighting

Nanoleaf has revealed the next generation of its lighting hardware, alongside some software updates for existing products. The live event happened on Friday afternoon and showcased a full suite of new innovative smart products that range from immersive to ambient lighting to enhance every room in the home truly. Introducing Nanoleaf Blocks Nanoleaf Blocks are…

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Dustborn is as charming as it is visually engaging

For a few important reasons, Dustborn immediately grabbed my attention upon its reveal. This Telltale-inspired adventure looks like it was ripped off the page of a comic book and translated into video game form, while the story of a rock band on the run seemed like a cool promise to bring a group of misfits…

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The Penny is much than just a hip Brooklyn hotel

The Penny is one of only several premium hotels in Brooklyn. And of course, it’s in Williamsburg. Brooklyn’s most attractive neighbourhood for trendy locals and visitors hogs the lion’s share of Brooklyn’s best hotels, while a few others are located over in Dumbo. There’s reason for this. You won’t find luxury hotels in Bushwick (yet)…

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The Aster is one of Hollywood’s best kept secrets

The Golden Age of Hollywood is a well-worn aesthetic that’s often too broad and hard-to-define, written on paper like it’s some magic spell conjuring up enough good-will that designers can afford to be lazy. “it’s just like, Hollywood glamour, ya know?” For some, it means high-waisted and ostentatious with just enough raunchiness to tease the…

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The Last Showgirl; Pamela Anderson is an actress reborn in Gia Coppola’s quiet snapshot of a movie: TIFF 2024 Review

At the centre of Gia Coppola‘s The Last Showgirl is Shelley (Pamela Anderson), a 57-year old (though she’ll initially tell you otherwise) Vegas all-girl revue performer whose 30+ years in the Razzle Dazzle show are coming to an abrupt end.  But just as Shelley’s tenure is closing, and the uncertainty of life sets in, Anderson’s…

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Unstoppable is a rousing true story that speaks to the power of resilience: TIFF 2024 Review

Not to be confused with Denzel Washington’s 2010 runaway train thriller – or the lesser known 2004 outing from Wesley Snipes – Unstoppable, which marks the directorial debut of editor William Goldenberg, whose credits include such titles as Coyote Ugly, Miami Vice and Air, is a by-the-numbers sports drama that lives by its inspirational hook. …

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Album Review: GIFT – Illuminator (2024 LP)

With the release of their sophomore album Illuminator, American psychedelic rock quintet GIFT showcases a bold evolution in their sound and direction. The band brings together nostalgic electronic pop-rock elements with expansive, synth-heavy production, resulting in a sound that feels drawn from the wells of bygone eras but equally modern and current. Following their 2020…

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Album Review: Rex Orange County – The Alexander Technique (2024 LP)

The music of English singer-songwriter Alexander James O’Connor, better known as Rex Orange County, has always felt like a taste test: love at first listen or not for you at all. The 26-year-old musician’s indefinable genre fusion, best described by Google as jazz, hip hop, bedroom pop, indie rock and lo-fi soft rock is arguably…

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Presence; Steven Soderbergh’s haunting POV drama favours style over substance: TIFF 2024 Review

Much like how his 2018 psychological thriller Unsane was elevated by it being shot entirely on an iPhone 7 Plus, Steven Soderbergh is implementing another technological gimmick of sorts in Presence, a ghost story that’s filmed entirely from the point of view of the haunting figure lurking within the walls of a sprawling suburban residence….

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