by Craig Atkins | May 21, 2015 | Reviews
the stars in your eyes **** Camryn Jordans is a young songwriter, and with a list of influences such as Pink, Sia, Bruno Mars, Gabrielle Aplin, Rhianna and Ed Sheeran, there is a current familiarity in the arrangement of song. ‘The Stars In Your Eyes’ is a...
by Matt Saunders | May 21, 2015 | Reviews
all f’d up ***1/2 The ReadyMades have returned with a three-song EP of fun, danceable indie-punk-pop that’ll put a spring in your step and provide a ten-minute respite from your worldly cares. Guitarist/vocalist Kate delivers solid howls that do her punk...
by Kyle Opie | May 21, 2015 | Reviews
jawbreaker *** Relying On Luck are a young Punk Rock trio who have have supported the likes of British India and Bad//Dreems in their recent history around the traps. The two and a half minutes of madness known as ‘Jawbreaker’ bursts through as the second...
by Matt Saunders | May 14, 2015 | Reviews
the whole half ***** Skythief’s new single is a frequently spectacular headphone odyssey: densely-composed, impeccably performed and immaculately produced. ‘The Whole Half’ sounds like if some of the more psychedelically-inclined mope-rock bands of fading recent...
by Phil Catley | May 14, 2015 | Reviews
self titled ***** Across the Atlas is a new 4-piece punk band who brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm to this 3-track Digital EP.Comprising young guns Penny on vocals, Ben on guitar, Will on bass, and Johnny on drums, they thrash out some catchy tunes about ‘TV...
by Tom Gaffney | May 14, 2015 | Reviews
dots *** To say that Adrian Holmes, better known simply as Adrian, is prolific would be undermining his contribution to music. The musician has studied at the conservatorium, is a singing teacher, and is now a fully-fledged recording artist with the release of his...
by Matthew Jolly | May 14, 2015 | Reviews
misophonia ***** West Thebarton Brothel Party describe themselves as a “7-Piece Garage Rock Hydra” producing “Jangly Fuzzy Garage Rock” and they are.What this description doesn’t convey is the glorious raggedness of the voice of Ray Dalfsen or the untamed hookiness of...
by Kyle Opie | May 7, 2015 | Reviews
dreamers ***1/2 There is no doubt that Thomas Capogreco’s Dreamers EP stretches the boundaries of what some would consider to be music. Whether or not you can find any aesthetic pleasure or purpose in the 5 tracks, each coming in at exactly 6 minutes and 33...
by Matt Saunders | May 7, 2015 | Reviews
inside upside down ****1/2 This debut single from Holly Younger and Ross Simpson, aka Hyrs, is an indie pop gem.Reverbed guitar arpeggios and syncopated toms revolve around Younger’s perfectly breathy and detached vocal delivery, and the result is nothing short of...
by Tristan Newsome | May 7, 2015 | Reviews
built on stone ***1/2 The Sherrahs are essentially country music royalty around these parts. Inducted into the SA Country Music awards some time ago and with many accolades either side of that I knew upon getting this release in the mail that I was in for some great...
by Matthew Jolly | May 7, 2015 | Reviews
tundra **1/2 With five songs over 40 minutes this was a long and daunting ride from Overview Effect. I was confused. I loved it. I was dismayed. I was ambivalent. I loved it again. And then… Duration was a concern during the first track (Untitled) as it consisted of a...
by Tom Gaffney | Apr 30, 2015 | Reviews
in love / in madness **** Adelaide’s answer to punishing but heartfelt rock and roll is undoubtedly Squeaker. The four piece band have been churning out guitar riffs and admirable vocals around Australia for the last seven years, and – as it seems – within every...
by Michael Hunter | Apr 30, 2015 | Reviews
fruition **** It’s probably unnecessary to say, but there is a lot of excellent music currently being made locally under the general umbrella of folk rock / singer-songwriter et al. Anyone who has heard the work of Thom Lion & The Tamers will be equally...
by Michael Hunter | Apr 30, 2015 | Reviews
fine dust **** They used to be Cow but are now Sun Theory. Whatever the name or line-up, their third CD together shows that the band knows how to construct roots-rock of a professional and enjoyable standard, and are also well adept at the songwriter’s art. Roots-rock...
by Matthew Jolly | Apr 30, 2015 | Reviews
when you wake up ****1/2 I loved this record the same way I love good food – I may have tasted it before but if the recipe is good, the ingredients authentic and the cook is talented then it is very satisfying.It is impossible to review this song without mentioning My...
by Matt Saunders | Apr 23, 2015 | Reviews
squatters quarters ***** Adelaide Producer/MC Elapsed Time (aka Lachlan Scott Emes) has returned with this, his third EP, and it’s a triumph from start-to-finish; an action-packed one-man show that does it all with memorable rhymes, beats, and hooks. This is textbook...
by Tom Gaffney | Apr 23, 2015 | Reviews
circles ****1/2 Electronica masters Nakatomi are on fire right now. The artists are new on the scene, but that hasn’t stopped them from getting Fresh 92.7 airplay, headlining Futuresounds Adelaide’s Sidechain showcase, and achieving serious attention nationwide. The...
by Tristan Newsome | Apr 23, 2015 | Reviews
self titled **** Now my friends this is do it yourself at it’s finest, no messing about with fancy packaging just a brown paper cardboard sleeve with hand written black sharpie writing…most things that come in brown paper bags appeal so let’s see how this goes…...
by Kyle Opie | Apr 23, 2015 | Reviews
future life **** Hard hitting 3 piece punk rockers The Lizards push forward with their third release, Future Life. Here the band fleshes out their self-described ‘thrashed out surf-punk’ with a very well produced sound. This is a form of music with much...
by Tom Gaffney | Apr 16, 2015 | Reviews
hanabi / starcrossing You may have heard the name Koolta around town. The established MC has grabbed slots from leading national festivals, played at the Clipsal 500, and has gained reputation around town for being a solid asset to Aussie hip hop.The Adelaide...
by Matthew Jolly | Apr 16, 2015 | Reviews
the future was yesterday ***1/2 The title of this release seems to be a statement of intent and there is a lot to like about the intentions of Adelaide band, Raygun. They are immediate without being disposable; they reference a bygone era without being trite. On first...
by Matt Saunders | Apr 16, 2015 | Reviews
red dress *** The debut album from Benny C & the Associates offers an impressive platter of blues, funk, and jazz, but its sonic achievements can’t overcome underwritten songs.Technically speaking, the music is faultless, with sharp performances and a polished mix...
by Tom Gaffney | Apr 11, 2015 | Reviews
here ***1/2 It’s so wonderful to see Adelaide electronic artists continuously popping up out of nowhere, reinforcing the idea of diversity in the fantastic music scene on offer. Zeequil, a seasoned duo who successfully combine worldly beats and trip-hop vocals to...
by Michael Hunter | Apr 9, 2015 | Reviews
living in the sixties **** The ‘middle period’ of classic Adelaide band the Masters Apprentices was around 1967, with hits like “Elevator Driver” and a line-up that included guitarist Peter Tilbrook. After a few years service he moved on to other projects, and...
by Matthew Jolly | Apr 9, 2015 | Reviews
november rain *** Imagine a world in which sincerity is the new cynicism – where it is clichéd to be knowingly cool. Where it is original to be earnest and good. Christian Andrew could well provide the soundtrack to that world. Chances are you will see Christian...
by Tom Gaffney | Apr 9, 2015 | Reviews
all the frozen horses **** Hidden gem The Quiet Room may very well be our answer to the trip-hop hole that Adelaide unfortunately has. Made up of vocalist Matt Cahill and producer Andrew Muecke, the duo utilise elements of dark pop, new wave, and their own little...
by Savvy | Apr 9, 2015 | Reviews
no more **** Imagine sitting in a 1950s cocktail bar sipping on a martini with live lounge music coming from a small stage. Beyond the haze of cigarette smoke, band members are dressed in full period attire. That’s what I picture when I listen to Felatio Hornblower’s...
by Craig Atkins | Apr 2, 2015 | Reviews
shot me with your eyes *** One of the pleasures of being a reviewer is discovering bands within Adelaide I haven’t heard of before, with this week’s act being 5 piece rockers Skythief, consisting of Adam Barnett-Pierce (Vocals), Brett Benham (Bass), Jamie Korte...
by Tom Gaffney | Apr 2, 2015 | Reviews
the ghost music ***1/2 If you’re not yet familiar with A-Duff (the moniker for local beats producer Aaron Duff), it might not be a bad idea to become acquainted with his take on electronica. The artist has recently released “The Ghost Music”, an expansive,...
by Tristan Newsome | Apr 2, 2015 | Reviews
fell **1/2 Yet another wintery summer day and the latest review couldn’t have been more appropriate Vane of Barbs new EP Fell. Beautifully packaged with an intriguing winter themed artwork…I had to put a jumper on. First track “Science Without Humanity” is slightly...
by Matt Saunders | Apr 2, 2015 | Reviews
third in the first world ****1/2 The debut album from Gorilla Jones is energetic, danceable, and irresistibly fun. Combining soul, funk, rock, lounge, and more, this ensemble comes to party and won’t leave until your feet are sore and your spirit is replenished....
by Tristan Newsome | Mar 26, 2015 | Reviews
light place ****1/2 The arrival of Light Place by The Good Questions put a smile on my dial. I’ve long enjoyed Marta Bayly’s vocals and guitar work from her other project, Andy & Marta, and have also enjoyed Simon Frank at the various live shows I’ve seen around...
by Tom Gaffney | Mar 26, 2015 | Reviews
parachute dreams **** Local rockers Reign have something a little special about them. The five piece have recently released a fantastic new single “Parachute Dreams” alongside a music video, filmed on site at Thebarton Theatre. Reign describe themselves – as...
by Tom Gaffney | Mar 26, 2015 | Reviews
cram it in ya *** The Violet Crams is no doubt a punk band. The trio have just released Cram It In Ya, a six track EP that gives listeners hard hitting punk from start to finish. If it isn’t the alternative cover art that gives it away, it’s the track titles such as...
by Matt Saunders | Mar 26, 2015 | Reviews
jungle city ii *** “I think I might kill myself today just to see what happens next.” So begins Jungle City II, and while they probably won’t be providing the backing track for any Beyond Blue advertisements anytime soon, Jungle City have self-produced a fine-sounding...
by Phil Catley | Mar 19, 2015 | Reviews
circles ***** It’s a few years since I reviewed Squeaker’s “Fly Baby Fly” album, but I remember enjoying the week or so it spent on rotation in the car CD. When their new single “Circles” came up for review I was keen to hear how the band had progressed over...
by Tristan Newsome | Mar 19, 2015 | Reviews
fall or fly **** Appropriately as my pet Galah squawks madly in the backyard (‘Mr Cash’ for those playing at home), Craig Atkins’ new release Fall or Fly features a lone feather on the album cover, very striking and appropriate for the title. Opening track...
by Tom Gaffney | Mar 19, 2015 | Reviews
self titled *** Being compared to rock legends Guns ‘N’ Roses is no easy feat, but Adelaide old fashioned rock ‘n’ rollers Puritan seem to fit the vibe extremely well. The four piece have recently released their debut self-titled EP, and it’s as rich with...
by Kyle Opie | Mar 19, 2015 | Reviews
ancient psychic tandem war elephant **** Five piece indie rock outfit, Lost Woods, burst onto the scene last year and have just produced their first release, the single, “Ancient Psychic Tandem War Elephant”. Amongst the group are some well trained...
by Phil Catley | Mar 12, 2015 | Featured Review, Reviews
little flame ***** Max Savage set aside his band “The False Idols” for a short time to record some stripped back acoustic songs with only occasional support from guitarist Lachlan Ridge on three of the eight songs. This LP “Little Flame” is the result. This...
by Tom Gaffney | Mar 12, 2015 | Reviews
the road and the rail **** You very well may have heard of Adelaide’s cherished Exeter Hotel, and you no doubt know about blues, but have you listened to Adelaide duo Exeter Blues? Fronted by David O’Leary, a songwriter who has written a whole bunch of records over...
by Matt Saunders | Mar 12, 2015 | Reviews
in colour ***** Featuring memorable songs, engaging performances, and perfect production, this E.P. from folk pop duo Buffalo Boyfriend arrives with a seasoned and fully-developed sound, uncommon for a debut release. Their soulful voices complimenting each...
by Craig Atkins | Mar 12, 2015 | Reviews
please never *** Adelaide 4 piece alt rock/indie band Black Coral are Heath Newberry (drums), Khajiho Tokunaga (bass), Ian Messenger (guitar and vocals), Alice Reid (synth), drawing collective influence from bands such as Sonic Youth, Joy Division, Dinosaur Jr. and...
by Tristan Newsome | Feb 26, 2015 | Reviews
the baddest man in shit town **** As I sit at my writing desk enjoying a well deserved whiskey, I contemplate the title of my review subject, the delightfully titled ‘The Baddest Man In Shit Town’ by Ben Gel & The Boneyard Saints. I wonder what could...
by Savvy | Feb 26, 2015 | Reviews
welcome to las vegas **** Listening to Big Daddy’s Discotheque’s new album took me back in time to the 1980s, an era this band is clearly influenced by, and to be honest, it was a refreshing change to hear a different musical style instead of today’s electronic...
by Craig Atkins | Feb 20, 2015 | Reviews
superhero ***1/2 4 piece rock outfit Undermine released their debut self-titled CD in 2012, with an impressive pedigree in production. It was recorded in Brisbane at Ultrasonic Studios, produced by Grammy nominated Brandon Friesen (Nickelback, Sum 41) and mixed in Los...
by Craig Atkins | Feb 20, 2015 | Reviews
better than nothing *** There must be something in the water down the South coast that produces so many rock/punk bands, with 4 piece Thursdays Friend being no exception. This hard rocking outfit comprising Dylan Jones on vocals & rhythm guitar, Luke Nanasi lead...
by Savvy | Feb 12, 2015 | Reviews
self titled *** If you’re a lover of Folk/Jazz music, then you’ve just got to check out these guys. Strange New Folk are a 4-piece outfit consisting of keys, guitar, bass, and drums, and the first thing I noticed while listening to this EP was the way these guys gel...
by Savvy | Feb 12, 2015 | Reviews
hint of light **** One of the great things about being a reviewer is discovering new talent, and when I listened to this EP, I was in for quite the pleasant surprise. Move over John Butler Trio, Louis Donnarumma is here! Louis is a solo artist specialising in the...
by Phil Catley | Feb 12, 2015 | Reviews
songs for little people ***** These days, children’s musical interests progress straight from the preschool pop of “The Wiggles” (I’m a fan) to the Saturday morning sleazy video hits shows (I’m not a fan). Tim Moore has identified this gap in children’s musical...
by Craig Atkins | Feb 12, 2015 | Reviews
fall or fly **** Local 4 piece Imogen Brave have been rocking the Adelaide scene for a few years now, and have just released their second EP ‘Fall or Fly’. On offer is strong, tight and punchy rock, laden with chunky riffs (courtesy of Mick McClounan), and supported...
by Craig Atkins | Feb 5, 2015 | Reviews
bad:lands **** The Dunes have been on the Adelaide scene for a few years now, originally as a 2 piece consisting of Stacie Reeves (vocals) & Matt Reiner (guitar). Incidentally, Reiner is one of my favourite local songwriters stemming from the days of ‘The Aunt...
by Savvy | Feb 5, 2015 | Reviews
get that ***** So do you like the Prodigy? Yes? Well what if I told you that we have our very own equivalent right here in Adelaide? It’s true. Say hello to Leser 1! This guy pushes the industrial / big beat sound to whole new horizons, and uses samples, and his synth...