‘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.

RüFüS put on one hellava show at the Phoenix Public Bar. I posted the video for their single ‘This Summer’ last week and got along to see how they do live. Very well it turns out and the charisma of the boys on stage was not lost on the gushing, mostly female, audience. The obvious comparison falls with the Presets but I think these guys lean a little more towards Miami Horror on stage. Either way they are super fun, so be sure to catch em when you can.

New ep out now! Details on their band page here – http://whothehell.net/X0u

MY DISCO played a couple of shows, as part of their Australia Asia tour, at The Toff in Town on the weekend. They were in fine form and it was a real treat to hear stuff from ‘Little Joy’ with a mix of old tracks and possibly one new track too. Someone might confirm that? So yeah it was quite an intense experience with the usual ear bleeding levels but with a twist of near darkness but for a few lazers and blistering strobe screaming through constant fog machines pumping right in our faces and my camera. I would almost get a clear shot then puff, fog to the face. The impact of all this was actually a total sensory distortion – you couldn’t really see, all you could smell was the foggy mist and we were submerged in deep pulsing MY DISCO throb. It was pretty good. More pictures after the jump.

MY DISCO page here – http://whothehell.net/zrr

‘Lowlakes’ launched their very impressive self-titled EP at the Uniting Church in Northcote. Check out the details here – http://whothehell.net/HbDD

Pictures of the equally talented support acts Kate Vigo and Hayden Calnin up on the Who The Hell Facebook.

The Neighbourhood Youth launched their new single ‘Stone’ last night at the Workers Club in Fitzroy. It was bloody packed. But not with the usual motley crew of hip waifs sitting on half a beer. This was an enthusiastic crowd there to support this Melbourne four-piece and they were well into it. The single is probably more radio friendly than the rest of their set which sounded not unlike a Blueline Medic gig. Strong vocals thunder over a slightly heavier indie rock sound. Check out their band page here – http://whothehell.net/lYT

The Neighbourhood Youth – ‘Stone’

more pics after the jump

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

More pics after the jump

Oscar 'N' Martin

Oscar 'N' Martin

Oscar 'N' Martin

Oscar 'N' Martin

Oscar 'N' Martin

Parking Lot Experiments

Parking Lot Experiments

Parking Lot Experiments

Parking Lot Experiments

Parking Lot Experiments

Parking Lot Experiments

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.

‘Pop singles’ played the East Brunswick Club last Sunday as part of the ’swansongs’ series. I also caught them on the PBS drive live and I’m very looking forward to upcoming release of their new LP.

Spin some tunes on their bandcamp here – http://whothehell.net/AiX

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. PBS Drive Live-104 PBS Drive Live-120 PBS Drive Live-144 PBS Drive Live-155 PBS Drive Live-168 PBS Drive Live-185 PBS Drive Live-198 PBS Drive Live-205 PBS Drive Live-206 PBS Drive Live-208 PBS Drive Live-209 PBS Drive Live-210 PBS Drive Live-211 PBS Drive Live-215 PBS Drive Live-219 PBS Drive Live-227 PBS Drive Live-244 PBS Drive Live-260 PBS Drive Live-264 PBS Drive Live-273 PBS Drive Live-299 PBS Drive Live-311 PBS Drive Live-338 PBS Drive Live-347 PBS Drive Live-348 PBS Drive Live-350 PBS Drive Live-353

Matt posted details of the last Wintercoats ep here.

I caught his excellent support slot for Julianna Barwick at The Toff in Melbourne.

Check the Wintercoats bandcamp page here.

more photos after the jump

Harpoons launched their new single ‘Walk away’ at the Toff in Town. Check out the details of their cool new single here – http://whothehell.net/3G3

Let’s kick off with Brendan Suppression riding the crowd during an Eddie current suppression ring gig at Billboard on the 18 December 2009. It was so damn hot that night, I thought I was gonna pass out. I couldn’t find my way out when trying to leave and had to have a bouncer walk me out as I was so freakin delirious. These guys sent the crowd into a frenzy and to get this shot I jumped up onto the stage and faced back into the crowd. I wouldn’t advise doing that but at the time it felt right and I’m pretty happy with this picture.

This shot is of Tim Jenkins of Parades and I think it’s fair to say he was in the moment. Parades were a pretty nice surprise for me as I had not heard any of their music prior to this gig at the East Brunswick Club 4 May 2010. From the get go I was hooked into the melody and their energy on stage was intoxicating; these guys were young and having loads of fun. I really enjoy shooting at the EBC as there is plenty of light and a wide stage to shoot back across to get a clear frame like this – signature EBC photography.

Before Kimbra did that catchy tune with that guy who’s gonna win all the ARIA’s she supported Little Red at the Forum on the 29 Oct 2010. Whoah… hot damn! I was so impressed by her voice and presence on stage that I considered going home after. It was a real shame for Sparkadia and Little Red as those guys seemed dull compared with the sparkle of this glamorous diva. Her very photogenic posing with full stage lights made the hardest part choosing which image to post.

I love festivals and Good Vibes on the 4 Feb 2011 was a great summer day that kicked off with Melbourne band Strange Talk. These guys have picked up on the popularity of dance/rock or indie/electro as the critics prefer but for me it is simply feel good tunes. Strange Talk had the kids dancing before anyone was peaking and during the self-conscious opening slot in the middle of the day. I really enjoyed shooting Strange Talk plus a crowd reflection in sunglasses is photo gold! Expect to see more of these guys during the summer.

As for the camping festivals, I’d recommend Tassie Falls as my fav but on the mainland, Golden Plains in March takes the cake. This may come as a shock to cool indie folks but Airbourne were probably one of the most exciting acts at this years Golden Plains. The very hip Wavves was so lazy and boring compared to the riot these guys brought for 45 minutes of musical mayhem. I loved everything about this set - the sneakers with torn jeans and no t-shirts. The beer blasts and crazy nonsense screaming at the crowd. The shit load of marshal amps and the guitarists running back and forth across the stage like lunatics. Airbourne played their guts out and everyone that let themselves enjoy it, did so with a huge grin.

You can buy the record here – http://whothehell.net/1pF

Watch their last video here – http://whothehell.net/KzR

Lastly, you can read all the nice things Matt has to say about them here – http://whothehell.net/zbb

Full set of live pictures after the jump – enjoy.

Gorgeous set last night by ‘Caitlin Park’ at the Toff in Town, Melbourne.

You can check her out here - http://whothehell.net/D6P

Links to the new record here - http://whothehell.net/Cbwy

More pictures after the jump.

The only downer is that I can’t really remember any standout tracks.

I’m not saying it all sounded the same, just that it all sounded like something I’ve heard before.

But hey I’m old man so y’know… whatever. you’ll probably love em or be too drunk to care either way.

You can stalk them here – http://whothehell.net/85K

Storm in a Teacup rolled a blanket of glorious folk over the Factory Theatre, flowing between sweet, simple acoustic pieces and tempestuous full-band numbers.

The lineup featured Tinpan Orange, Jordie Lane, Jen Cloher, Harry Angus, Liz Martin and Husky, individually incredible and collectively amazing.

Let’s hope SiaT comes around again – it finishes tonight in Mullimbimby.

More photos after the break.

More pictures after the jump.

Link to the MILDLIFE site here.

The Released Series at The Workers Club continued last night with Departed Sounds showcasing some of their finest -

Amaya Laucirica

Lowtide

Khancoban

More pictures after the jump.