Summer Flake – ‘On the River’

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Summer Flake – ‘On the River’ – mp3

Stephanie Crase’s first solo release and self-titled ep is ‘Summer Flake’. I’ve posted ‘On the River’ from this release, which you can download for free here. ‘The Summer Flake’ is a straight forward DIY (shudder at that term, but it’s accurate) recording of lo-fi indie rock tunes. So if your feeling like getting blue with some downer fuzz, this might be your bag. I’m rarely in that mood being that I left my angst in high school, despite what my mum says, but there is something catchy about this ep and it’s crept up on me a few times following Sui Zhen in my library. A real slow burner that is def worth a listen.

Facebook for Steph here – http://whothehell.net/hGA

Emma Louise – ‘Boy’

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Emma Louise – ‘Boy’

Listen up boy! If Emma Louise believes in you then best you pick yourself up, live up to your potential and stop disappointing this girl. OK. Good. Now that that’s outta the way, ‘Boy’ is the new single by Emma Louise. Another fine example of her incredible voice and intimate song writing ability. This is a rather restrained track that is as catchy as ‘Jungle’ but deploys more smokey vocals with subtle instrumental hooks and beats that compliment her melody. ‘Boy’ speaks of youth, love, hope and distance and will no doubt feature on a lot of winter soundtracks.

Emma Louise has also announced a string of East Coast tour dates – sure to sell out so check it fast – http://whothehell.net/TH4

Sui Zhen – ‘Cupboards and Sand’ Video Premiere

Sui Zhen – ‘Cupboards and Sand’ Video Premiere

This ephemeral video was lovingly filmed and directed by Imogen Heath and Sam Icklow of NowMomentNow. Becky Freeman is the artist Sui Zhen and she studied with Imogen and Sam who have founded NMN, the Berlin based arts collective. Becky contributed with some of the drawings used in the animation and the live action was captured in Berlin at Teufelsberg, an abandoned spy tower. The shaky cam would surely upset David Stratton but I like the shots and the natural light plus the contrast of the green forest and ghetto look of the spy tower.

Her very sweet record ‘Two Seas’ is available now from suizhen.bandcamp.com/

This Thing – multi launch @ Phoenix Public in Pictures

‘This Thing’ launched a bunch of artist releases at the Phoenix Public House to a pumped up crowd of excited punters. A night of cool beats by a diverse group of producers floggin their wares and ripping up the house with five live sets. I caught four and they were very good.

Naps – http://whothehell.net/zVU

Crumbs – http://whothehell.net/X8l

Wooshie – http://whothehell.net/0at

Andras Fox – http://whothehell.net/66a

More pictures after the jump. … Continue Reading

Wizard Oz – ‘Pull Out Slow’

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Wizard Oz – ‘Pull Out Slow’ mp3

Whilst Wizard Oz’s stuff is a bit hit and miss for me – especially the computer game sounds on the last ep, I don’t mind this one. Lo-Fi will only last so long in my playlist as it mostly starts to blend but there are a few stand out tracks in here and I recommend downloading the free ep ‘Flashing Lights’. There is a bit of an Ariel Pink vibe going on and it’s kinda sweet. The ‘tape’ version will be released on the 5th May (Yeah tapes? seriously what is going on… are kids gonna raid vinnies stores to find Sony Walkman’s and old foam covered headphones… probably, yes.) at The Grace Darling in Melbourne for a lazy $8. You’ll also get to see ‘Pop Singles‘ supporting.

Grab the digital ep here – http://whothehell.net/1QJ

World’s End Press – ‘Second Day Uptown’

World’s End Press – ‘Second Day Uptown’

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Lighten your Monday with happiness delivered from Melbourne’s World’s End Press. Driven by their live jammin and disco party sound, W.E.P. have a dapper new single on digital release. Despite working on a new record for some time, it seems the boys aren’t ready to make any full length release dates just yet. I don’t think they’re playing hard to get, they just haven’t quite distilled their live sound into a recording yet. ‘Second Day Uptown’ represents what W.E.P. do very well and that is to get your ass dancing. It’s got that distinct bass groove and familiar vocal with a little gospel style, praise the lord keys that have you waving you hands in the air with smiley face joy. This is a tune to go out big on so enjoy lovers.

Check their Facebook for details about a physical release – http://whothehell.net/oEm

Underlights – ‘Remnants’

Underlights – ‘Remnants’ mp3

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I would’ve posted the video for ‘Remnants’ but there is way too much smoking of cigarettes. Which is bad and you will die a painfully early death if you smoke. So don’t, OK. Anyho, this is some sweet alt country, 90’s British inspired lazy rock and roll. The stuff that young and old can band together and enjoy on the main stage at the BDO whilst you dance about singing the easy lyrics.

Check out the great photo coverage of current shows over here – http://whothehell.net/HEm

Jonathan Michell – ‘Mojave Night’

Jonathan Michell – ‘Mojave Night’ mp3

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Another great release from Special Award Records. This one came out earlier this year and features ten instrumental tracks by Jonathan Michell of ‘The Ancients, Mum Smokes and Breaking The Law’. This one is a gorgeous listen and reminds me of the noodling guitar work of early ‘Explosions in the Sky’. There is not quite the vastness I would expect given the press shot but it’s a pretty sweet title track. Could be a good choice for your purchase this weekend on Intl. Record Store Day. Label details here – http://whothehell.net/Nx3artists/

Bitch Prefect – ‘Bad Decisions’

Bitch Prefect – ‘Bad Decisions’.

A friend of mine was called a Stuck-up Prefect the other day, mostly cause she is pretty but they could’ve gone with Bitch Prefect, it would’ve been way cooler. ‘Bad Decisions’ has been kicking around the internet for a while but it now has a video. Directed by Scott O’hara and shot/edited by Pat Telfer, it will be the first Single off their upcoming record ‘Big Time’, released on Bedroom Suck Records according to the notes on vimeo.

Founds, Tin Sparrow & Tigertown @ FBi Social

Last night I went down to the Kings Cross Hotel for FBi social and caught Tigertown, Tin Sparrow and Founds – or more should I say, they caught me. Fanboy Alex is on the prowl, again…

Openers Tigertown were totally harmless, rolling out some of the smoothest indie-folk around. The seven piece bask in a couple of  indie cliches – mandolin, extraneous floor toms, pan-pipey keys – but executed them with class & aplomb.  At points I felt like I was floating in and out of an indie dream, nursed by these sweet, rolling tunes. Therein lies the fault of Tigertown – instead of occasionally challenging the audience, they stay firmly within a (albiet, very comfortable) formula. The set seemed to melt into itself at points and lacked discernable climax as a whole. While each song was a catchy piece of indie-folk sweetness, there was no release, and very little development of emotional tone.

Maybe I’m just afraid of things that are pretty, but I don’t want this to happen again. Watch the space, either way.

Tin Sparrow were up next. They’re one of Sydney’s best folk-acts and are really in their prime right now, playing an exceptionally tight, dynamically gorgeous set. Spinning in off the back of their latest EP (and tour), they delivered a whirlwind set. Their performance is laced with emotion and energy, pushing out a sound much bigger than the shape of the band. They also prove that, contrary to popuar belief, drummers can write AND sing songs, following Mark Piccles (the drummer) belting out an amazingly powerful track. Great band, great set.

Now to Founds. They were recently announced triple j unearthed winners of the Bigsound opening spot – and their set proved they deserve it. They’re unique in the Australian music scene, combining indie-folk with soaring Scando-ambiance and subtle post-rock, merging many styles into something unbelievably solid. In some ways, they remind me of Melbournians Alpine – but with balls, and a better drummer. That said, they resist classification so strongly that I’m loathe to compare them to anyone.

Combine all that mystery with a fantastic live show and you’ve got something special. Their opener was a brief and chaotic instrumental piece, really setting the “epic” tone that permeates their set. Their latest single, Holograms, is an absolute killer live – it’s not pop or folk or rock – it’s just a sparkling piece of music, absorbable no matter how you cut your cloth. There wasn’t a single track they played I didn’t love.

Founds are amazing for what they’ve done in such a short time. After twelve months together they’re producing and performing music that is unmatched – and perhaps unmatchable – in Australian music. I’d love to see what happens as they grow as a band and as performers. This is a space that I’m watching, so you should as well.

More photos after the break.

… Continue Reading