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We covered the first single release of Young Romantic’s film clip for ‘Dark Times’, but after hearing them play recently around the Sydney traps, I thought I’d give them a second look.

The band’s made up of some talented players; the drummer playing for Slow Down Honey, while the singer Dave Jenkins Jr is also in SDH and plays in the backing band for Mister Andy Bull. Together they’ve created a unique sound, and a promising start with this first EP ‘Dark Times’.

This track ‘Ghost’ opens with a guitar tone worthy of a Tarantino film, moving swiftly into an authentic 80’s driving swagger, with a vocal delivery reminiscent of Steve Kilby from The Church – A classic lazy, deep, drawl. The song instantly puts me in a movie scene, where some serious shit’s just gone down, and now I’m on a mission. Driving a black Mustang. Cool Track, I like it.

But that’s just me. Feel free to send in your own imaginary adventures.
Band deets – http://youngromantics.com.au

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Despite competing against the rugby, these 3 talented bands managed to draw an excited and attentive crowd to the Beetle Bar tonight.

Making it with 5 mins to spare after an epic drive from Sydney (which proved too much for Dean’s poor Magna, retiring on the side of the road in Forster 🙁), Tin Sparrow took the stage with confidence after their sold out show at The Vanguard the previous night.

This 5 piece have shaped a modern folk, tinged with country rhythm and harmony. Opening the set with some driving and melodic sounds, the crowd soon took notice, and were engaged by the time the slower stripped back tune Bricks played, a stand out which created a nice dynamic in the set. TS continued to impress the growing crowd, showing their depth of material, and no doubt confirmed their rising reputation as a tight live band.

The second band of the evening, Mushu, gave a strong performance. My first time seeing the Sydney band, they gave first impressions and similarities with Tegan and Sara, in a very cool way. The songs were tight, and certainly inspired me to seek out more Mushu in the future!

As Howard Moon would say, “I see a boundary, and I eat a boundary”. As was the feeling I felt from hearing FOUNDS live for the first time. In a musical sense, their freeform song structure instantly draws you into the ride of their unique set. Only being together for 12 months, the 6 piece have managed to create a unique and defined sound and aesthetic. Subtle yet energetic, the eventual comparisons I grasp would be Sigor Rós and Foals, hangin with Bjork… An engaging performance from a band on their way to great things, finished perfectly with their drummer splitting his mallet on the final accent. Rock!

… And apparently the Reds won. Great success all round.

Founds play The Oxford Art Factory on Thursday July 14th.

So. Check. It. Out.

Pics by Leigh Plover

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Teleprompter’s new single – Banshee

The location of the Saturday 2nd July Warehaus party has been a well kept secret.. Until now! Playing on the night will be:

Along with various DJ’s with amusing names, and cool tunes. The gig is to launch Teleprompter’s new E.P, and promises to be one supremely crazy night. Teleprompter merge angular post-punk with indie rock elements, resulting in an enigmatic, no-holds-barred sound that is a departure from conventional classification. The first single from this EP is Banshee, produced by Yama Indra (G.L.O.V.E.S/Damn Arms).

And… the address is…. Contortionist Studios, Lucinda St , Wooloongabba, Brisbane.

(see www.facebook.com/teleprompter.brisbane for exclusive details) tickets here!

www.teleprompter.bandcamp.com

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Johnsong is Sydneysider John Anthony, with a loop machine. John creates interesting enough repetitive soundscapes, which reminded me of the controversial ‘Animal Beatbox’ Tropfest winner this year – the short film clip to support the notion that a good idea with very limited funding can still win out, over work created with limitless budget and limited inspiration. No go forth and create, because with a film costing $85 you too could be the winner of Tropfest! … And own this town.

Johnsong is performing at Kino 46 Short Film Festival, June 6 (@ The Caravan in Marrickville).
Above segue is nominated for ‘Best music to film segue in a review’.

Peace!

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The band’s first single way back in 2010 ‘Days to Dust’ was a rather impressive Indie-Dance-Rock affair, which set the tone of things to come from this Brisbane 5 piece.
The new single ‘Skeletons’ pushes the band further into an electronic tide, with more integrated synth lines, and tight kicking production by producer Timeshare (Hungary kids of Hungary). Skeletons is somewhat reminiscent of a Two Door Cinema Club song we’ve never heard, that is, until we’re taken on a life changing halftime dubstep journey of doom, with wobbling synth, female vocal cuts, and effected beats, then coming back around to build into the rapid disco vibe! *Wipes sweat from brow.

It’s all very… Now. Or at least you can hear the bands direct influences of the past year or so. The ideas are cool, but the band are yet to create an authentic and unique sound. I like it, but I’m not hooked. Perhaps checking out the live show will change my mind…

You can catch the Tin Can Radio show, supporting their LP release ‘Chase the sun, hold the night’ around the country through April and May. http://tincanradio.bandcamp.com/track/skeletons

Peace.

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Sydney quintet Tin Sparrow have delivered a new tune for our listening pleasure, Fools Gold, a swinging and memorable Indie Folk gem, now featuring 20% more guitar solo! These guys are building their arsenal for an E.P release in time for winter, and from what they’ve been playing at shows lately, it promises to be an excellent release no doubt.

For the month of March you can shimmy on down to Oxford Arts gallery bar on any given Friday night, and catch the Tin Sparrow show! How much is this FREE gig you ask?!

Get involved! Myspace/tinsparrow
Fools Gold

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