Kate Vigo -’Not The One’

http://whothehell.net/saS – mp3

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Kate has been touring her latest single up and down the Aussie East Coast with her final show this Thursday at the Thornbury Theatre in Melbourne. ‘Not The One’ is a sweet track featuring gorgeous vocals that are full of soul and sugar. The track is an incredibly uplifting number despite the fact that she is turning down someone in the lyrics. Well maybe that’s empowering. Gurl, you are so much better than that! Hmm, either way it’s a lovely track and follows a 60’s style that Kate has shown great competence with. Nominated for an International song writers competition with her last single ‘Wanna Run’, Kate continues to generate great interest. Showtimes for this Thursday 26TH APRIL at the Thornbury Theatre -

9pm Kate Vigo
10pm Emmy Bryce

Tickets can be picked up here and check out her Facebook page here – http://whothehell.net/bNW

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/

Crumbs – LP ‘Maidenhair’

Crumbs – ‘Baby Thighs’ mp3

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In case you need a refresher, Crumbs is Melbourne guy Max Kohane. Matt has blogged on WTH about Crumbs’ past releases ‘pieces and portions Vol. 1 & 2’ and I’m guessing he’ll be loving that Crumbs has delivered on the “fully realised” full length record, titled ‘Maidenhair’. Released on Sensory Projects this Friday, 20th April and set for a future vinyl release as well, ‘Maidenhair’ is a completely new set of beats with ‘Baby Thighs’ the first taste… hmm that sentence doesn’t sound right. Anyho, we posted the curious video for another track off ‘Maidenhair’ called ‘Love Snack‘ yesterday, so check it out too.

Get personal with Max on twitter here – https://twitter.com/#!/maxcrumbs

Velcro – ‘Inadequate Lover’

Velcro – ‘Inadequate Lover’ mp3

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Hmm, I really didn’t want to like this ep actually. The droning nasal vocals sound like that British punk spoken word style that one might easily write off as trendy drivel but I couldn’t cut it off. I played the ep twice over to check that I wasn’t crazy and it was even better the second time. It’s obviously Velcro’s music making sensibility that draws you in, with subtle and gorgeous tones of vintage keys, he pumps and beats like it’s a sleazy back alley sex romp.

Check out the ep on his bandcamp and follow his Facebook here – http://whothehell.net/Xon

Ned Collette & Wirewalker – ‘Happy Heart’

Ned Collette & Wirewalker – ‘Happy Heart’ mp3

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Ned Collette and Wirewalker have their second album ‘2′, set for release on 11 May 2012 through Dot Dash/Remote Control records. It’s been two years since their farewell show that WTH covered before they headed off to Berlin, the land of hopes and dreams for Melbourne indie musicians. I haven’t heard the entire record but I do like this short and understated single. Keep an eye out for local shows soon here – http://whothehell.net/7Io

Young Magic – LP ‘Melts’

Stream the record here – Melt (2012) by Young Magic

Young Magic formed in 2010 when singer and producer Isaac Emmanuel left Australia to travel and make music, whilst fellow Melbourne ex-pat Michael Italia was doing the same thing, and they agreed to meet in New York. Together with Indonesian-born vocalist Melati Malay, they created their new LP ‘Melts’.

There is a tribal rhythm that guides you into this record. Founded through the experiences of globetrotting and produced with layered beats and soft distant vocals that seems to have an unwound Brooklyn feel, which makes sense as that’s where they’ve laid they backpacks. The tempo varies and beats break and pulse into a hypnotic sequence that evens finds some Washed Out moments midway in Jam Karet. Let’s hope these guys play some shows back home sometime soon.

Stream the record above and on their bandcamp here – http://whothehell.net/ObP

Golden Plains Sixxx at The Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre – in pictures.

Golden Plains Sixxx took place over the weekend at the Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre in Victoria. It’s the relaxed festival that hosts a mixed bag of artists on one stage over a long weekend. It has become a real highlight for me not just because it winds up the summer music season but because it is a really bloody good festival. From kind and very beautiful people to incredibly diverse and talented artists, good food and great camping areas to plenty of amenities and fantastic staff, Golden Plains has it figured out. I covered a bunch of the oz bands and a few internationals including ‘Bon Iver’ who surely was amazing. Sign on to the mailing list and be sure to get in the ballot for next year here – http://whothehell.net/xyD

Full set of pictures after the jump … Continue Reading

Mildlife – ‘Arriving Soon’ single launch at the Grace Darling

Mildlife launched their new single ‘Arriving Soon’ at the Grace Darling in Collingwood on Saturday night. It was the first time I had actually got down to the grace band room and it was kinda overwhelmingly packed and hot. Mildlife played a well considered set to a group of mesmerized and very attractive youths. Saturdays in Collingwood probably always look like this these days and the band lapped it up. I was quite into the sound and really like the way Mildlife mix subtle electronica and instrumental melody. ‘Arriving Soon’ is a dreamy tune that winds through layers of sweet grooves and features dramatic pop vocals that fit their presence onstage. It’s romantic stuff that moves with a heavy bass line or gets more disco with the up numbers but the straight forward band structure is still driven by the live drums. This is a band that has a heart not unlike cut copy and the slacker appeal of washed out, I hope they see the same success.

Arriving Soon by Mildlife

You can keep up with the band here – http://whothehell.net/QBl and check out more pics after the jump … Continue Reading

‘Broken Stone Records’ Roadshow hits Horse Bazaar

Caitlin Park

Magnetic Heads

I caught the first half of the Broken Stone Records Roadshow at Horse Bazaar in Melbourne on Sunday. Featuring ‘Magnetic Heads‘, ‘Caitlin Park‘, ‘The Maple Trail‘ and ‘Sister Jane‘, the Broken Stone Records Roadshow is currently making its way around the nation. Heading up to Newcastle tonight and then onto Sydney for the last few shows. If you can get along be sure to do so as the sets from Magnetic Heads and Caitlin Park were great and well worth the door charge. You can also check out some original cover artwork and of course pick up some fine merch. Dates are on their site here – http://whothehell.net/QLB

More pictures after the jump. … Continue Reading

PBS 106.7FM ‘Drive Live’ featuring Pop Singles, Extreme Wheeze and Lost Animal

Pop Singles live in PBS Studios

PBS 106.7FM is running ‘Drive Live’ this week in Melbourne and I rocked along to catch Pop Singles, Extreme Wheeze and Lost Animal. The week is presented by APRA and Arts Victoria and features a tightly curated selection of bands each day between 5-7pm. The best part is you can rock up for free and check it out. PBS members also get free beer! Seriously. Don’t miss the critically acclaimed ‘Twerps’ on Friday, who ended up on almost everyone’s best of 2011 album list.

Check out details on the PBS 106.7fm site here.

Full set of photos after the jump. … Continue Reading