Monthly Archives For April 2010

Parades – ‘Loserspeak in New Tongue’

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Parades – ‘Loserspeak in New Tongue’ (mp3)

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Like a lot of peeps, I’ve been a fan of Parades for a while. The singles I’d heard mixed splashes of electronica and interesting rhythms with understated guitars and big vocals. Though those earlier songs like ‘Dead Nationale’ and ‘Past Lives’ were pretty exciting in their own right, that hint of adventure in the arrangements suggested that perhaps their best work would be found on the non-single cuts. Although the first half of their debut Foreign Tapes is strong, the back half totally proved that theory correct and won me over.

I wasn’t sure which song to post given that the last four tracks of the album (from the above through to ‘Vulturehood’) mark the records high point (with ‘Hunters’ and ‘Springboarder’ also up there). In the end, ‘Loserspeak in New Tongue’ is the song I’ve come back to most, drawn in by its refusal to settle for a conventional structure. It’s reminiscent of some of Foals’ album cuts, with yelping vocals riding an odd rhythm that’s kept check by tight drumming, while the rest of the instruments building up to  consecutive climaxes helped largely by the pounding piano.

Possibly my favourite Australian track of the year and a real accomplishment for the young band. Colour me well impressed.

www.myspace.com/parades

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Time For Dreams

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Time For Dreams – ‘ZRH – Flight To Lichtenstein’ (mp3)

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Last November I posted a sweet jam by Clue To Kalo that was part of the compilations CDs that came January’s issue of  The Lifted Brow. I found myself listening to those CDs the other day fell in love with this track by Time For Dreams all over again. Time For Dreams is a new project for Tom Carlyton of awesome Melbourne/Berlin band Devastations.

Time For Dreams shares a slinky, sleazy feeling with Devastations, but the repetitive bass lines, programmed kicks, and female vocals leave it sounding more like a cut from HTRK’s debut covered in a synth gauze.

This track is absolutely stunning. I remember really enjoying it upon first listen, but now I’ve totally fallen for it. The Time For Dreams and Devastations sites are light on details of forthcoming releases, and no doubt HTRK will be quiet following the tragic death of bassist Sean Stewart (RIP). ‘ZRH – Flight To Lichtenstein’ will have to do for now, so luckily it’s damn good.

www.myspace.com/time4dreams

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Glenn’s Guide to Brisbane Nightlife

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While battling the massive time-suck that is Facebook, I stumbled across the group ‘Glenn’s Guide To Brisbane Nightlife’. I’m sure it was created as some sort of pisstake or in-joke, but it’s an outlet for a guy called Glenn Stewart  to vent his opinions and frustrations regarding Brisbane pubs, clubs and live music venues. Here are some highlights:

RICS

I’ve heard a lot of complaints that Rics is going to be shit now that RG’s has taken over. I’d like to talk on behalf of Brisbane’s finest indie kids. Fuck you RGs for keeping the place clean. Fuck you for hiring friendlier staff! Fuck you for conveniently putting an ATM inside your club so you don’t have to walk across the road! Fuck you for continuing the tradition of putting on free live music almost every day. And I heard you were getting beer on tap? That’s just such a fucking nightmare!

It’s also a very easy place to pick up chicks. Somehow indie girls think that if they listen to Nick Cave, it will cancel out them being a slut. Sorry ladies, doesn’t work.

Also, any guy or girl who wears an accessory to improve their self esteem or to look cool is a fucking idiot. Example – a necklace with a huge cassette tape on it. Or stupid, thick glasses when their vision is perfectly fine. You’re no less self absorbed than a 16 year old girl wanting comments on their newest myspace picture. Fuck you.

Rics gets 5/10. I have had a few good nights there.

THE FOX

The Fox is a stupid name for a pub/club (whatever the fuck it is). Their $2 bits of meat are a fucking joke, served with a side of salad they made in a bucket. I don’t understand why people think it’s good value paying $2 for scraps.

It seems the average age of the crowd are 15 – 19 year old girls, 19 – 21 year old engineering students, and fresh new business men who buy their suits from Lowes. I know that sounds like a few rape charges waiting to happen, but from what I can tell it’s pretty safe. There’s cheap beers, and plenty of fat chicks to share around if that’s your thing. For the ladies – there’s plenty of fresh tribal tatts, guys with new toyota’s and dudes who actually enjoy dancing (still don’t get it?!).

If you like walking up 5 stories to really bad music, and a weird mixture of annoying people than this place is probably for you. The cheap beer is definitely a bonus.

Another thing I’ll never understand is the attitude of some bar staff. You know the “I don’t smile, I don’t like anyone who orders a drink, I take my job very seriously, I am the best bar person ever” type of person? Well you’ll meet plenty at The Fox.

Again it’s a place where the toilets smell like vomit all the time…

3.5/10

I had a few giggles. Check out the group here. Sorry to exclude those of you without a Facebook account, but I’m sure the satisfaction of not being data-mined is enough consolation for you.

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‘Trailer Trash’ – Jackson Jackson, Sampology and caravans

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Brisbanites, are you tired of the same old club nights and night clubs? I know I am.

Luckily for us whingers, two guys with a penchant for making Brisbane more fun and interesting are putting on Trailer Trash – an event with the unbeatable combination of live music, art, caravans and a secret location.

A group of Brisbane artists will transform three dilapidated caravans into three AWESOME caravans with the power of art to a live soundtrack provided by Jackson Jackson and Sampology.

It’s happening this Saturday April 24th – tickets through Oztix. Don’t leave it until the last minute though – there are only 500 available and only ticket holders will be informed of the whereabouts of the secret location.

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