Music news
Apparently, a band that simply stands on stage dressed all in black a la Johnny Cash, while blasting out hauntingly post-punk club anthems are classed as ‘arrogant’. As opposed to the many indie-boy bands who don’t have a first idea about music and yet know everything about fashion. For plenty, this seems to be enough. “It’s all about fashion now” my music friend tells me. “It’s more about the style than sound”. So...music’s become fashion to listen to has it? Well, without relying on style-hyped pipe-cleaner jeans and winkle-pickers crafted from the skin of Lagerfeld’s foreskin, DETACHMENTS are the sexiest, sharpest, slickest music machine to be emerging in 2008. Trevor Jackson is producing their first album, following on from their single Fear No Fear (out to buy now) and The Times love their funk, so tune in and see if the troops command your attention at www.myspace.com/detachments
Melbourne 5 piece Spider Vomit return to Sydney this weekend after many months, armed with all new songs. They play rock n roll the way that Black Sabbath, The Rolling Stones, Royal Trux and Blue Cheer intended. A rough, powerful, psychedelic trip with intense male/female vocals courtesy of Craig Dermody and the eternally stylish Hannah Brooks. You can see them this Friday, August 1st at Spectrum from 8pm, presented by Hit The Switch. See www.myspace.com/spidervomit for more.(Photo by Ali McCann)
Repressed Records is a new independent record store, which opened in Newtown, Sydney at the start of this month. I went in to check it out yesterday and what i found was easily the greatest range of new and secondhand vinyl and CD's i've ever found in Sydney. Everything from Experimental, Punk, Psychedelic, Garage, Metal and Classic Rock, including rarities and imports. Better than this, their prices are seriously too cheap for their own good. They've been hidden away in Penrith for the past few years, so luckily for inner city folk like myself they've relocated to a far more convenient location: 356 King St. Newtown, a couple of blocks down from the station away from the city. Definitely worth checking out if you're in the area.What's not to love about Chromeo? Ever since a friend played me "Needy Girl" to a response of part blushing cringe/ part unashamed pleasure, I've been addicted to this musical equivalent of pastel blazers, boat shoes and pina coladas. So wrong, so right. Abusing more vocoder than Cher and Madge combined, The montreal duo of Dave 1 and P-Thugg released their second LP, Fancy footwork, late last year. Chromeo are also known for very cool videos and the above is no exception; it's for the latest single "Momma's Boy". In an "isn't-the-world-of-alt-electro/ hip-hop-an-incestuous-one" aside, Dave-1's brother is A-track; Kayne West DJ and boyfriend to Kid Sister who's own brother is one half of hip-hop duo Flosstradamus and dates Amanda Blank; foul-mouthed rap princess and some-time member of Spank Rock. Phew.
Amy Meredith are a Sydney five piece who've been around the traps since 2006. They're launching their debut EP at Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney on August 14 so get over there if you know what's good for you. The boys teamed up with Pete Mayes (Pnau) to record their EP earlier this year, so keep an ear out for the little gem. If you're super keen hit up their Myspace for more AM details or to place a pre-order for their CD.
The Black Ryder are a psychedelic, shoegazing, experimental and mesmerising new act out of Sydney. The band formed in 2007 after it's 2 members, Aimee Nash and Scott Von Rypers exited from 'The Morning After Girls'.
Since this time the pair have called on a number of special guests to fill their line up including Mr Ricky Maymi (Brian Jonestown Massacre) and Graham Bonnar (Swervedriver). They have some impressive support slots under their belts with The Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and The Ravonettes. Coming up in August they are set to support Brian Jonestown Massacre and then they hit the road with The Warlocks in October.
Sultry vocals along with reverb drenched guitar make for impressive comparisons to Mazzy Star and The Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. Their minimalist approach is refreshing and you will quickly loose yourself under a wash of soothing yet rich melodies
Things are just getting started but it won't stay quiet for long. The band are currently working on their debut album. Listen to ‘Let It Go’ www.myspace.com/theblackryder
For those of you that missed kiwi sextet The Phoenix Foundation’s recent spate of Australian shows…well, you really did miss out. These boys are a slick act, part ambient, part rock n roll, part comedy, part winsome love song…they cover all corners. America thinks so too – they released their album, Horsepower in the big ole US of A through indy label Young American Recordings in May 2007, and it hasn’t been doing too badly. Sentimentalist Magazine described them as "serene and fluid experimental pop rock that could be the soundtrack to the dream you never want to end." They seem destined for big things, having recently written the original score for Eagle vs Shark, a cinematic romcom (that’s romantic comedy, don’t you know) starring Jemaine Clement from Flight of the Conchords. A bunch of guys that sell souvenir teatowels (yes, really) at their gigs should be taken notice of – not only did the gig sell out, the teatowels didn’t last long either. Get on board and check them out here, and visit here for a freebie download of the song Sister Act from the Horsepower album.
