by Tristan Newsome | Nov 5, 2015 | Reviews
live at mixmasters volume 1 **** Live at Mixmasters is the latest release from Adelaide stalwart Zkye Blue and is of the road worn and tested quality anyone who has seen Zkye Blue live would come to expect. Recently Live at Mixmasters won the album of the year at the...
by Kyle Opie | Nov 5, 2015 | Reviews
gentle warrior ****1/2 Eight piece band, Local Revolution, perform a style of music that boasts an impressive mix of Afro-Latin and Indian styles which are merged together over a jazz foundation. After two EP’s and four successful national tours, 2015 brings...
by Michael Hunter | Nov 5, 2015 | Featured Review, Reviews
til night meets the sun ***** It might just be me, but listening to this Loren Kate EP I couldn’t help getting a sense of eavesdropping, as if I was hearing a very honest conversation about feelings, family histories, love and death – and wondering if I really...
by Phil Catley | Oct 22, 2015 | Featured Review, Reviews
nothing’s going on ***** William Street Strikers sounds like a comic strip from a 1960s Boys Own Magazine, but it’s really the name of a rocked up four piece Indie rock band with plenty of experience and talent behind it. Having listened to a few of their...
by Patrick Lang | Oct 22, 2015 | Reviews
nimbus **** Familiar Exploration, the last release from one-man downtempo machine Sirins, was a fairly mellow affair, marrying pealing bass tones with skittering percussion and a strong melodic sense over the course of four intertwined and connecting tracks. His...
by Michael Hunter | Oct 22, 2015 | Reviews
bye ole heart ****1/2 It’s pleasing to know it’s still possible to simply grab an acoustic guitar, maybe add one friend for a few extra instruments that don’t overpower the main event, and come up with a collection of songs that manage to sound not only original, but...
by Tristan Newsome | Aug 27, 2015 | Reviews
drunken monkey **1/2 Cozmo Beregofsky is a emcee based out of Adelaide who has been plying his trade in local scene since late 2012. ‘Drunken Monkey’ is his first full length release and he has received national radio airplay within this short period – an...
by Savvy | Jul 21, 2015 | Featured Review, Reviews
hiding to nothing ***** Adelaide rockers Bad//Dreems have released single “Hiding To Nothing”, taken from their upcoming album Dogs At Bay. You could compare this single to fishing, in that you’re the fish, and you’re definitely going to get hooked and reeled in. Once...
by Tom Gaffney | Jul 16, 2015 | Reviews
in transit *** If Rapid Transport were a food, they would be a fast-food beef patty. That is, they have potential to be very appealing to the right person – but to a layperson, nothing really stands out. Bands such as Rapid Transport sort of exist to appeal to a...
by Tom Gaffney | Jul 16, 2015 | Featured Review, Reviews
fear the night ft. jesse davidson ***** As soon as this track kicks in, you can instantly identify the trademark production style of Luke Million. His sound reminds me of the awesome 80s and early 90s, the time where people really started to experiment strongly with...
by Jonty Czuchwicki | Jul 16, 2015 | Reviews
moonfaker *** Moonfaker’s self-titled release opens on ‘Cut Your Hands (Get Your Teeth Dirty)’, with its strengths pointed specifically at the fill heavy drumming, breaking down into a double time high hat groove to great effect. While the mildly crunched guitar...
by Tom Gaffney | Jul 16, 2015 | Reviews
truce *** Trent Worley has a knack for a tune and a chorus. This is a solid set of songs entrenched in a tradition of Aussie rock that might be described as rootsy pub-rock. The arrangements give evidence to Trent’s roots leanings with lap-steel combining with...
by Matt Saunders | Jul 9, 2015 | Featured Review, Reviews
the chosen few ***** Full Tote Odds’ sophomore album begins with an intro that serves as a love letter to hip-hop, collecting samples from Public Enemy, the Wu-Tang Clan, and many more, but the love doesn’t stop there. It’s the through line of the...
by Kyle Opie | Jul 9, 2015 | Reviews
deadbeat *** Chasing Claire is a three piece punk outfit and “Deadbeat” is the latest single from their upcoming debut EP ‘Options’. Deadbeat encapsulates a raw garage punk crunch with coarse, emotively charged vocals. Encroaching on...
by Michael Hunter | Jul 9, 2015 | Reviews
playing dog **** Considering this is Goldstein’s fifth album (already!), it’s no surprise they have developed their own sound, with very Australian themes and delivery and entertaining, relatable vignettes in the lyrics. However, with a slight line-up change,...
by Matt Saunders | Jun 25, 2015 | Reviews
glass fool ****1/2 The debut album from roots singer-songwriter Kaurna Cronin announces itself with the sharp shuffle of, ‘Inside Your Town Is Inside Your Head,’ a flawless pop confection that bounces along with an airy harmony and trumpet-bolstered chorus....
by Tom Gaffney | Jun 18, 2015 | Reviews
back to you **** Mio is Adelaide’s answer to the best dream pop you’ve never heard of. The duo, comprising of beatmaker (and all-around godlike musician) Mario Spate, and the elusive Annie, make incredibly crisp and addictive electronica. Luckily for us, their...
by Max Tulysewski | Jun 18, 2015 | Reviews
don’t pretend ***1/2 After forming in 2012, disbanding in 2013 and re-forming in 2014, Pink Noise Generator (PNG) have come a long way as a band and matured considerably in their songwriting and performances. Having been described as an “exceedingly polite Joy...
by Max Tulysewski | Jun 11, 2015 | Reviews
hanabi / starcrossing **** Since forming in June 2011, local indie-noise-punkers Horror My Friend have established themselves as one of Adelaide’s most promising young bands. After a string of releases and an impressive run of support slots for bands like The Cribs...
by Matthew Jolly | Jun 11, 2015 | Reviews
caribbean gold **** There is a lot to like here, especially if you like your dreams electric. Rolling bass, walls of synth pads, electric hand-claps, TR-808 beats, oscillators arpeggiators and big choruses – this is the sound of 1983 synth-pop; Duran Duran, Human...
by Matt Saunders | Jun 11, 2015 | Reviews
below average **** The Funkoars have returned with an anthem for the disappointing, complete with sharp lyrical delivery and a sing-along chorus that proudly declares, “I am a f*ck-up, I am a letdown, I’m below average.”This is a direct track comprised of a four-beat...
by Kyle Opie | Jun 4, 2015 | Reviews
summer **** A little over 4 years ago three piece rockers Grenadiers released their debut album ‘Songs The Devil Taught Us’. Since then they have rocked stages at Big Day Out, won Triple J Unearthed, and supported the likes of Everytime I Die, Kingswood, and The Smith...
by Matthew Jolly | Jun 4, 2015 | Reviews
your room ***** Released on the upcoming compilation ‘Oz Do It Better, Volume 2’ by the antipodes-appreciating French label Beko Disques, this song by Blush Response is like a time machine ride back to 1989. Breathy vocals drenched in reverb, guitars chiming and then...
by Tom Gaffney | Jun 4, 2015 | Reviews
heartaches & drum breaks ****1/2 Time and talent are two huge aspects of creating fantastic music. Luckily for us, Tim Whitt (aka DJ Bottlerockets) has a whole lot of both. The renowned deck spinner (and self-proclaimed serial procrastinator) has just put out his...
by Matt Saunders | May 28, 2015 | Reviews
fault lines **** We Do This have crafted an entrancing three-track EP that hovers in a space between synthpop and indie rock, creating a melancholy sound that’s still catchy and danceable. Live instruments are interwoven seamlessly with programmed beats and synths,...
by Savvy | May 28, 2015 | Reviews
time **** Boston April was set up by Kelly Breuer and Alicia Hettner, who sing very well together. The harmonies are awesome and are complemented by acoustic guitar. ‘Time’ is stripped back and easy to listen to. I have seen a lot of artists in my time who have got...
by Phil Catley | May 28, 2015 | Reviews
don morrison’s raging thirst ***** Don Morrison is a legend of the Adelaide blues/folk music scene, known and loved for his work as the front man for The Bodgies, The Lonely Cosmonauts, Prawnhead and more. If you haven’t heard of him or you don’t have any of...
by Michael Hunter | May 28, 2015 | Reviews
journey to myself **** I’m not sure if this is the first recording for Adelaide singer songwriter Kylie Brice, or just the first that has come my way. Regardless, what we have is a folk pop, or perhaps acoustic pop, song which has several positive characteristics....
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...
