TOMÁS FORD vs MULDER. APRIL 20 @ The BAKERY w/ Rokwell & Groom, Glandhacker

            

A night of colourful debauchery and fun, the Bakery will be transformed into an adult play centre, on Saturday April 20th. Fresh from a string of successful Fringe Festival shows, Perth's favourite entertainer Tomás Ford is back to set your pants on fire, and unveil his brand new collaboration with local electro foxes, Mulder.

Set amid glowsticks, arcade machines, games, face painting, lasers and bubbles, enjoy the sensory overload as some of Perth's best electronica hit the stage. With sets from Tomás Ford, Mulder, collaborators Rokwell & Groom, and newcomers Glandhacker, get ready for a tantalising mix of electro, cabaret, hip hop beats, sassy vocals and an exclusively trashy late night Tomás Ford vs Mulder DJ set, that's guaranteed to get messy!

Only Hope: Single review

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Only Hope’s new single ‘Nomad’ is a dynamic, pensive track, bursting with so many different levels of musical experience, it doesn’t seem like a single song. But the song flows well, ending in just over four minutes. More often than once listeners are exposed to the grand (albeit slightly more compact) build up that hints at the band’s post-rock influences, with that familiar catharsis soon to follow. All sections of the quintet’s sound have their moments, with the track’s strength lying in contrast; more local bands could find depth in the dynamics that Only Hope march through with ease. There is no doubt that the track’s abrupt ending leaves listeners eager for the rest of the album; clever tactic or not, the single is a success.

Reviewed By: Ethan Reed

Live Review: Poseidon, Shape Bar

Fun, cool, dancey… these are all things that Poseidon are not. Instead, I believe that to be an understatement. Let’s try going with something like… “radical” or “extreme” because these two dudes are off the flipping chain!

On Friday the 16^th of March, Poseidon played a greatly enjoyable set at Shape, located on the corner of Bennett street and Hay street, East Perth. The amount of stretchers situated in the crowd was insane!
Poseidon (Daniel Ovens and Paul Nimwegen) dropped some heavy beats, making the crowd sweaty, in more ways than one. Now, I don’t normally listen to dubstep or anything like that, but I have to say, I really, really enjoyed watching their set! And, obviously, the rest of the crowd felt the same way.

Loose, energetic, pumping, bumping, pornographic… these are all things that Poseidon definitely are. I highly recommend anyone who listens to dubstep, or just wants a really great night to check out one of Poseidon’s gigs. There’ll definitely be more coming in the near future!

I’m gonna give Poseidon an overall rating of 8/10.

Poseidon’s Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/PoseidonDubstep?group_id=0


Written by Samuel Smith

Featured Act: Hyte

The new single ‘Drain It Out’ from self-described ‘snail rock’ trio Hyte is huge. Not a moment after the roaring guitar riff kicks in, it’s hard to believe you’re listening to a local band. Guitarist/Vocalist Grant Touchell pounds through the punchy, almost iconic riff, while the band’s rhythm section holds their own, completing the picture of a band who know their sound. You’ll be trying to wrap your head around the drum fill into the first verse for a while, but Touchell’s vocals quickly take centre stage, the powerful drone sounding like the reincarnation of Layne Staley. It’s hard to believe that the guitar in the verse is also played by the man doing the singing; it’s fast, technical, and saturated with groovy wah, bringing to mind the difficulty of singing, playing, and controlling a foot pedal all at the same time. Hyte seem intent on proving that they are all talented musicians, and do so admirably. The larger than life chorus, with the song’s title wailed over the song’s intro riff, is undoubtedly another strong moment for the trio. The single diverts course briefly for an instrumental build up, powering into a wah-filled mini solo and returning to the chorus effortlessly. Some listeners may be left desiring a vocal section that differs from this tune, but the chorus is by no means lacking; if it’s that good, why can’t they sing it again?

Hyte are a talented trio of musicians carefully crafting a powerful sound that will surely go from strength to strength. Their single ‘Drain It Out’ is the perfect demonstration of their prowess, and deserving of all the praise it can get.

 By: Ethan Reed

Interview

How are we going guys? Congratulations on being our third Featured Act of 2013! How does it feel?

Yeh, feels awesome! Its good to know that Perth is starting to get us, instead of trying to get rid of us haha

Congratulations on the new single. Tell us a bit about your track "Drain It Out", where was it recorded? 

Well, its actually the B-side to our next single 'Where Are You Taking Me?". We recorded, mixed and mastered the 2 tracks over 2 days in December last year with Rob Grant at Poons Head, we were really going for a performance based recording, and we are really happy with the feel of it.

What do you love most about music?

The way it seems to matter more then life itself, "deep"

What inspires you as a band? 

Just that feeling you get when its all happening, the harmony amongst the chaos; the imperfections that make it all real. Music inspires truth. So i suppose truth inspires music?

Who are your main influences?

Bands that do there own thing.

How long have you guys been playing together?

Too long, haha about 6 years now, since high school. We just click and i wouldn't want it any other way.

What's your favorite thing about performing live?

Probably the way that performing demands this 'momentary priority' or 'supreme focus', you have to surrender to the moment completely, otherwise you play shit.

What is your favorite venue you have played at and why?

This isn't pleasing anyone, but probably the house party's, warehouse party's and the hills and down south trips in the bush. When your not playing a venue, it is more about the music itself, not the bullshit business side of things like presenting your band to the 'Industry'. It's just you and a few of  mates, rocking out. Focusing on where it all came from, and not giving a fuck about anything but that.

What is your most memorable gig?

Probably our EP launch

What is the funniest muck up thats happened on stage?

When we first started doing gigs for party's and shitty venues, it seemed like at

every 2nd show the crowd would just start beating the shit out of each other; violently.

My sis' Sammy was singing with us for one of those gigs and as 40 cracked up dudes were ripping each others faces off, we went into this hell slow groove jam and sam started improvising these rap lyrics "just chill"; but they kept beating the shit out of each other; that was a hilariously light shedding moment.

What artists/bands would you like to play alongside in the future?

Anyone that wants to play with us i suppose

What's your favourite song to play?

 'Embrace', we play it last nearly all the time because we never know how its gonna end, we just let it all out every time we play it.

If you could sum up your music in one sentence what would it be?

A Pulsating ear-gasm from the 4th dimension

What can we expect from you in the future?

Better arrangements, more vocal harmonies and a cpl acoustics tracks.

Spilt Cities: Interview

Q1: How are you guys?

Shaun; Good, thanks.

Zac; Chipper

James: Good.

Mike; Well, thank you.

Q2: In a rating out of 10, how happy are you with your new EP?

Shaun; I’d say about 8.

Zac; Probably a 7 or 8. I think I’m still just really happy to have a finished physical product. Something to be fairly proud of.

James; 8

Mike; 9

Q3; Which song of the EP is your favourite?

Shaun; I think Ashes in the End is my favorite recording, but Broken is probably my favorite to play live.

Zac; Either Ashes in the End or Your Old Ghost. It’s been interesting seeing how both those songs have developed  and changed from when we first played them.

James; Either Ashes In The End or Apparent Horizon.

Mike; Tie between Ashes and Apparent Horizon.

Q4: If you had the opportunity to change the EP in any way, would you?

Shaun; I say yes, but the stuff I would change is just part of the learning curve, and something that I will take with me the next time we hit the studio.

Zac; I don’t think so. Even though most of us were ‘studio virgins’ before this EP and we all learnt a lot through recording, I like the idea of having this EP as a historical record of where we were and how we were feeling at the time.

James; Yeah, why not, would be fun.

Mike; The EP was a statement of time and place (and all other recordings for that matter), so no, I wouldn't change it if you paid me.

Q5; What alterations would you make and why?

Shaun; I’d leave it be.

Zac; N/A

James; I feel like some of the songs may benefit from a little more fine tuning/shortening. I think we’re still developing as a band and maturing as musicians, so naturally you feel some parts could have been done better if we had wrote them today as opposed to a year ago. But at the time we were all happy, which was cool. 

Mike; Zero bebs

Q6: Are you a career musician or a hobbyist?

Shaun; Hopeful hobbyist.

Zac; Hobbyist I guess.

James; I consider myself a career musician  as I have now been playing drums for 32 years.

Mike; Hobbyist looking for love

Q7: If for some reason you couldn't play music for a living, what would your fallback be?

Shaun; N/A

Zac; N/A

James; Probably body building/human muscle philosophy.

Mike; -

Q8: Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?

Shaun; Probably still studying, putting off a real people job.

Zac; Hopefully not dead.

James; Being bored in some office.

Mike; Cruising the streets of San Andreas.

Q9: Will we ever hear any music from you on RTRFM, or anywhere else in the near future?

Shaun; We have had some RTR play, I hope that continues.

Zac; Fingers crossed

James; Hopefully, but your more likely to hear us on Nova 93.7.

Mike; I would say so, yes.

Q10: Any words of wisdom? (Not necessarily about the music industry, but absolutely anything. e.g - "Drunkenness is cowardice; sobriety is loneliness" - Julian Casablancas)

Shaun; Always do sober what you said you would do drunk, that will teach you to keep your mouth shut.

Zac; -

James; Nope

Mike; Mikez Wordz of Wizdom: YOGTHSO (You Only Go Through High School Once so stay in school kids, that's the ultimate swag)

Interview undertaken by: Samuel Smith

Mandalay Victory: Feels Like Home album review

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Feels Like Home is the second full-length release from Perth metalcore giants Mandalay Victory, bringing together everything the band is known for. For fans and new comers alike, the album does not disappoint; every track radiates the kind of energy that you only find in a passionate band who love what they do.

Beginning with the genre’s trademark one minute-thirty intro track, Feels Like Home takes a single minute to build up, and doesn’t relent until the last, echoing vocal line from ‘Danny Archer Sends His Regards’ fades into the distance. Just over 35 minutes in length, the album isn’t a long one, but doesn’t ever feel rushed or incomplete. If anything, the pounding riffs and crunching vocals start to feel a bit repetitive. ‘Holey Dollar’ provides a welcome change in pace, almost serving as an introduction to the last portion of the album; and the band transition effortlessly and smoothly back into their trade.

The subsequent track ‘Whispers’ will be a familiar one for fans, containing some of the album’s best riffs, clean vocals, and breakdowns. This track alone stands up as some of the better material of the genre, providing a strong showing for this Perth band. On ‘The Hearts We Left Behind’, Mandalay Victory showcase their ability to be versatile within their own sound; the song is almost a ballad, with clean vocals and guitar dominating the epic landscape the song creates.

Some of the album’s best moments are in the contrast between vocals, with tracks like ‘Lower Your Guard’ and ‘All or Nothing’ demonstrating the bands ability to construct a soaring chorus within a brutal hardcore song. If anything could be improved on Feels Like Home, it would be the use of this variation in the most central element of their songs. Gang vocals, clean vocals, and vocal effects are found scattered amongst the album, but are occasionally lost in the relentless barrage of screams.

Mandalay Victory aren’t breaking any moulds, but they do what they do well, and Feels Like Home is an impressive second album for the Perth band.www.listn.to/mandalayvictory
www.facebook.com/mandalayvictory
www.myspace.com/mandalayvictory

By: Ethan Reed

Spilt Cities: EP Review

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Fresh from the kickin’ streets of Perth, Spilt Cities is a band that’s sure to get your earholes excited.
The four piece band consists of Shaun Rodan (vox, guitar) Zac Ward (guitar) Michael Kinnane Ewings (bass) and James Porteous (drums). And has recently come out with a new EP entitled “Build/Rebuild”.

The band as a whole scored the album as an 8/10, which they definitely deserve. There was also a bit of a paradigm for the band’s favourite song, which was “Ashes in the End”. Each member said this song was their favourite in a recent interview. I personally like “Your Old Ghost”, but each to their own.
Spilt Cities has a sort of aura about them, almost the same as The Jezabels but with a  male vocalist and a bit of dirty vocals.
As an overall rating, I’d give the EP a 7.5/10.

So just remember, if ever you’re out and about, and happen to come across a poster advertising a Spilt Cities gig, FOLLOW THAT POSTER UP! You won’t regret it.

By: Samuel Smith

Breadbox Mafia, Children, Golden Slums & Miranda and Gordo at the Swan Basement 22/02/2013

The Swan Basement is strikingly relaxed and groovy, with pool tables, a lounge area and soft blue lighting.  I’m sitting on one of the blue couches and enjoying the vibe of the place when Breadbox Mafia begins to play.

Their five-piece indie rock style calls forth images of The Smiths and R.E.M. while the singer laments in an Ian Curtis-style baritone. Okay, while he may not win the award for the best Ian Curtis impression, but it works well with the sound that Breadbox Mafia have going. Instrumentally, the arrangements sound good, though I might suggest that the lead guitarist work more melody into their songs. The distorted lead sounds somewhat disjointed from the vocalist, occasionally finding unison and then drifting into chaos again. It’s not altogether unpleasant, but I find that pentatonic scales are the go when it comes to indie rock.

Following Breadbox Mafia is more indie rock from the four-piece band Children. Though Children are coming from a similar place as the former, their music is more reminiscent of The Shins. The acoustic guitar and gentle strumming feature strongly. Children make interesting use of harmony, with the lead guitarist singing only low notes to compliment the front man’s higher register. Though the result could sound nice, there were parts (especially towards the end) where some of the harmonies sounded somewhat lazy, a problem perhaps arising from neither register having enough power behind it during big moments. Perhaps the baritone should push those higher notes during the chorus. Then who knows what they could become, the next San Cisco even?

When the third band, The Golden Slums, begins to play, their sound transports me out of my seat and into the desert of New Mexico. It’s a cinematic, brooding sort of ambience and very bluesy. And the harmonica’s a nice touch. The drummer counts in and the song suddenly transforms into a groovy blues rock song. It’s very simple music, if I were to liken it to other bands; I would say INXS or the Black Keys. The singer/bass player makes use of the harmonica and a fun vocal effect that cuts out low frequencies, making for a more low-fi sound like it’s passing through a radio. He almost looks like Thor on stage, bass guitar in hand like his mighty hammer. I’m just going to throw all caution to the wind and say what’s on my mind right now: I think The Golden Slums should be (more appropriately redubbed) “Thor”. A little something for the band to consider. Low and behold, they even cover a Black Keys song towards the end of their set. When they do blues rock, the Golden Slums do it well, however I feel like the guitarist shies away from soloing somewhat. This is blues rock I’m afraid, and if I’m seeing a blues rock band one screaming badass mother of a guitar solo is not optional. All in all, the Golden Slums are highly listenable and fit the vibe of the venue- a highlight of the evening for sure.

Miranda and Gordo strip back to the three-piece band and split singing duties 50-50 between the guitarist and the bassist. I actually find this vocal style more agreeable; the bassist has a softer and more low-key sort of voice, so if he sings the first two lines of a verse then the guitarist’s voice is relatively more passionate and aggressive. It’s an interesting formula, and they certainly do use it to their advantage. I’m intrigued by their fast-paced drum beats, considering the vocals and (presumably, it’s hard to tell) lyrics are of darker subject matter and a similarly mellow tone.

To conclude my review, it was altogether an enjoyable evening. The Swan Basement makes the most of the emerging music scene, and I paid compliment to the sound man for his work – it did sound exceptionally tidy, he seemed to have everything at the right levels.

MIRANDA AND GORDO - https://www.facebook.com/mirandaandgordo?fref=ts

THE GOLDEN SLUMS - https://www.facebook.com/TheGoldenSlums?fref=ts

CHILDREN - https://www.facebook.com/childrenofficial

BREADBOX MAFIA - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Breadbox-Mafia/492319237446365?fref=ts

By: Yann Vissac

Big Tommos Open Mic -Yaya's - 4/2/2013

As I entered the fine establishment that is YaYa's I was greeted by two older gentleman eagerly awaiting my arrival. These two fine musicians call themselves The Deceivers and literally blew me and everyone else in attendance away with their interesting, soulful song writing and strong musician ship. With songs reminiscent of song writers of the past but still with a contemporary feel, The Deceivers took us on an introspective journey through their melodies layered with beautiful harmonies. A favourite of mine titled Pass The Particle had subtle yet technical drumming lightly played with soft brushes very reminiscent of Elliot Smiths work.

Next to take the stage was the well known Darren Guthrie. When I say 'take the stage' I mean it in a very literal sense, for one guy Darren really takes over the performance space. With an effects pedal a loop station and stomp box at his feet Darren tops of his expansive stage set up with his guitar, ukulele and an extra mic for looping. Darren did a great set comprising covers and his own material. Darren's own works are very rhythmic, what I would call Caribbean reggae, the kind of music you would could quite happily burn one to and let the minutes drift by. Darren also did some great covers including The Black Keys lonely boy, slipping  '99 problems' in there to everyones enjoyment.

Darren's FB - http://www.facebook.com/DarrenGuthrieAU?fref=ts

Stuart Vanderplank aka Debuto Frogger placed himself on the magic stool next and preceded to grab the attention of my ears yet again. I have seen Stuart play solo numerous times now as well as in his band Paradise Motor Inn (a band you must keep your eyes and ears on!) and he astounds me yet again. His song writing is so real you can't help but feel that he is singing straight at you. There is a lot of pretentious song writing spewing forth across all scenes Stuart breaks this terrible mould and sings straight from the heart. Doctor Dogg is a notable influence and Stuarts rough real tone and style is a breath of fresh air in a music scene washed out by synthesizers and reverb.

Paradise Motor Inn's FB - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Paradise-Motor-Inn/305732479488685?fref=ts

Last but definitely not least was a jam band who went by the name of The Klaus Bassingtons consisting of members from the renowned Perth band Misty Mountains as well as Liam Gillespie. These musical warriors where not a rehearsed band and sauntered up to the stage to deliver a tirade of improvised psychedelic jams. The room was grooving at this point and everyone wanted to be a part of this band. The first person to join them on stage was James Vincuilo this multi-instrumentalist known for making love to his bass in his indie rock band The Midnight Mules found himself on stage jamming along on the bells. Next to join The Bassingtons was perthonality  Limpin' Dave Foley of LDF and the SLF's. Dave threw some crazy lyricism into the mix which was now becoming a tornado of rock and roll. The next to wander up onto the stage was a slightly inebriated Big Tommo; I preceded to spit a freestyle about my penis and then brought the jam to a crescendo of 'All I see is rock and roll!!' making it apparent that this improvised extravaganza was blowing everyone away.        

An absolutely loose night which I and everyone else thoroughly enjoyed!

By: Tom Mantle

Big Tommo's Open Mic Variety Night runs every monday night at YaYa's

to book a spot to play hit up Tom Mantle:

e:t.mantle@hotmail.com

p:0452428284

f: www.facebook.com/bigtopenmic

Featured Act: The Irrationals

Featured Act: The Irrationals

         

Interview
How are we going guys? Congratulations on being our second Featured Act of 2013! How does it feel?

Swimmingly. It feels like fluffy icing on a cupcake. Thanks for having us :-)

Congratulations on the new ep. Tell us a bit about your self titled ep, where was it recorded? 

Why thank you, it's a pretty exciting time for us! The EP is a jumble of killer songs we've written over the last couple of years that we thought fit together well. It was recorded at our vocalist's house actually; drums in the back room, everything else in a cramped little study, packed and padded with mattresses and blankets etc. Recording at home is great because you can take as long as you like. One downside of taking as long as you like is that it takes a LOT longer to finish anything, we were working on the EP on and off for about a year, but we're pretty happy with the end result. It was a steep learning curve, but we enjoyed the process from start to finish.

What do you love most about music?

We like the fact that in many ways music is formulaic and mathematical but that some of the best music is that which breaks all the rules, has no patterns. That's not true really, purely random noise would be exactly that, white noise, so suppose the art is in finding a balance between the formulaic and the random. 

What inspires you as a band? 

Like... LIFE mannn. 

Seriously, most of our songs are about stuff that has happened to us, sometimes pretty loosely, other times not so much. There's a song on the EP about murdering your boss; not a recommendation, just a bizarre idea that crossed Ben's mind once... hmm, maybe we should be a little worried... 

Musically we are inspired by whatever makes us move, writhe, boogie and/or break dance. We're always trying to play and jam with new ideas. It's always a great outlet.

Who are your main influences?

All four of us listen to quite different music actually. Ben (vocals/rhythm guitar) listens to alternate rock, Drew (drums) listens to hardcore, Matt (lead guitar) listens to metal, Maddy (bass) listens to indie rock. Somehow from that mix we end up with a bluesy/jazzy alternate rock - go figure. We don't think we sound like any bands in particular. Because we're all into such different genres, we can all appreciate a wide variety of styles and sounds. 

How long have you guys been playing together?

Three of us; Ben, Maddy and Drew, met and used to jam in high school. Matt came along a few years later at university. So we've been playing together on and off, in one form or another for 8 years. Since the beginning we've had name changes and experimented with lots of different styles. We love the dynamic, fluid nature of it all!

What's your favorite thing about performing live?

It's really great when you play a gig and someone you've never met before comes up to you afterwards and tells you that they loved your music. It's also cool because you get to see other amazing local bands do their thing and meet some pretty awesome people. 

What is your favorite venue you have played at and why?

The Rosemount Hotel is definitely our favourite at the moment. It has a really good vibe and they hosted our EP launch late last year. We had a fab night with our friends One Tiger Down, Bears and Dolls and Shouting at Camels (all fantastic bands, check them out). 

What is your most memorable gig?

We played a gig in Bunbury a few years ago to a crowd of several hundred people, on a huge stage, with a giant video screen behind us. The atmosphere was full of energy and we all felt like we played a great show. It felt pretty rock'n'roll :-)

What is the funniest muck up thats happened on stage?

Ben had a massive lighting boom fall on top of him before we played a set at a really dingy pub once. Luckily it just smashed a few lights and he wasn't hurt. It's funny now but his eyes were pretty wide for about an hour after it happened haha.

What artists/bands would you like to play alongside in the future?

In the future we assume time travel will be possible so we're gonna roll with The Beatles, Queen, Led Zeppelin... but on the off chance the delorean was pure fiction, we saw the Chili Peppers and The Killers yesterday, they were pretty rad! Maybe Perth Sound & Found can tee it up for us? :-) We're loving gigging at the moment, and seeing and playing with lots of cool local artists.

What's your favourite song to play off the new album?

"She Smokes", the first song on the EP, seems to be the consensus in the band at the moment. We've played it live quite a few times now too, and always get a good response from the crowd - they always get into the groove of it. And for this week only  you can download it for FREEEE from Perth Sound & Found :-) 

If you could sum up your music in one sentence what would it be?

Hendrix and Jagger made sweet, sweet love whilst a yet-to-be-written Radiohead album played on the hifi and some arbitrary period of time later The Irrationals were born. 

What can we expect from you in the future?

For now we're focusing on gigging and writing new material. No doubt we'll be back in the studio before too long. Either way, expect to hear more from us :-)

EP Review:

Mixing up a pot of blues, funk and rock, the debut EP from Perth band The Irrationals introduces the 4 piece to the Perth scene with a decent slab of funky modern pop. Taking a no thrills approach, the boys and gal, sound like the Red Hot Chilli Peppers if they'd been forced into supporting hoary old white bluesmen, funk orientated riffs and soaring vocals highlighting distinctly stripped back style. Opener She Smokes announces the band with spacey leads and stadium rock guitar before slipping back a gear and breaking into blues rock. Detailing the nitty gritty of self-destructive relationships with up-beat rhythms and overdriven guitar, vocalist Ben Hesp laments the habits of a lost love that ultimately forced a relationship apart. Going into full funk-rock overdrive and busting out the wah pedal, The Irrationals get down and dirty with American Dream. Decrying the ideologies so often associated with financial aspiration in the USA (and probably the rest of the world as well), the funky bass-lines and dance-hall drums bring a groove laden twist to a rather heavy subject. Jamming on their roots the band are similar in style to alternative rock stalwarts Arctic Monkeys with reggae-rock verses, highlighted by jangly guitar licks. Anchoring the jams with smooth vocals keeps these guys grounded in a sort of seaside Sunday session kind of vibe as is probably best exemplified by Lazy, which details the everyday lethargy of your average musician. While not exactly jazzy, the group never lift their rock dial above “gently” leaving the face melting riffs to those less concerned with chilling out and why should they? The Irrationals are at their best when at their calmest ,pumping out breezy pop-funk.

Reviewer: Tristan Mamotte

Common Bond : Transitions EP Review

Hailed as the hardest working band in Australia by Michael Crafter, the lads of Common Bond have come a long way from that small band from the town of Karratha all the way to Perth and boy have they made a name for themselves. From the humble beginnings of their EP featuring a rabid Pikachu as their cover, which hit the Perth music scene like a tonne of bricks, making the songs off the original EP the stepping stones for what is now know as Transitions.

The original EP was heavy, which is what made it so good. But believe me Transitions is heavier, this being evident from start of the Intro and I emphasize this because this intro is something different from most, setting the mood for the album,
the seemingly eery opening with the sound of footsteps instantly reminding me of Slender Man combined with the dark sounds from the guitar, its full speed ahead When Leaving drops. With the heavy hard hitting drums of Bohdi and Corey's instantly recognizable vocals which are noticeably heavier from the first EP which came much to my delight making this song all that more better to listen to.

Home although with its soft start hits you smack bang in the face with its heavy vocals, big thumbs up to you Corey. The guitar rhythms being the second best park of the song, this song is almost perfect which I almost never say in a review. Creepers is a rather curious track, its a song that goes in dark and heavy with its high scream and heavy guitar seeming, it is almost more a progressive track, this being quite enjoyable. The only knit pick being with this song is that it could have been longer, not too long just an extra minute for some more instrumental. Which exactly is what EP title Transitions did, a relaxed sound of chilled strumming and bass guitar, with the sound of some light high hat symbols. Once this is over the listener is eased into Disconnect. Immediately the sound of Bohdi's drums hits you and boy is this some good shit from him. The lyrics being quite a meaningful tone here with the lyrics that caught me most “Lets go back to the start”, I found my self rewinding just to part because it was just so good, the song only just getting at 2:42 with its combination of just everything, I once again found myself rewinding my Ipod just for this section of the song at least 4 times. The final track of the EP Changes is a great way to end the EP, the track just goes all out here, its heavy everything and that's what makes it so much better, making it the absolute standout song for me.

The boys of Common Bond have indeed have come a long way and this EP is a true testament to this, the album is brimming with a new and improved everything, Corey's vocals, Bohdi's drumming, Jarryd's Bass & Devon & Jacko's guitars. Its not often I praise a perfect EP, the last time this happened was with Boris The Blades EP but this is EP is perfect in all ways to me and I cannot wait for when these boys drop a full lenth album.

Reviewer: Shaun Pulford

Project Mayhem - Rock Up Fucked Album review

Project Mayhem embody much of their (fictional) terrorist namesake’s propensity for chaos and loud abrasive behavior exemplified in their new single Rock Up Fucked. Blasting ahead with raucous guitar and high octane vocals and break-neck drumming, I’m not sure if the track outlines  an awesome night out in which a most excellent time is had by all except for the straight laced bummers in the corner or the most epic party crashing of all time. Either way its a punk-rock party anthem in the same league of beer-fuelled destruction as Black Flag’s TV Party, no surprises but if you were expecting weebly wobbly bass lines and reverb drenched vocals then your in the wrong place, hell you’re on the wrong planet. Project Mayhem are a punk rock band and this song is straight up balls-in-your-face punk rock captured in one take, warts and all just like it should be. Somehow Project Mayhem have the nerve to make it ridiculously catchy as well, so do yourself a favour and go check out some home-grown rawk n roll.

by Tristan Mamotte

Guthrie EP Review

Guthrie EP - Darren Guthrie's Debut EP

From the moment this EP arrived in my mitts, I could tell from this cover it was going to be a chilled journey through 4 songs of Summer, Life and everything that comes with it. From the word go, the listener, being me was greeted with the opening track Drawing Apart. I was thrown into what seemed like a musical road trip of the ears minus the visual montage of happy people cruising down a highway with smiles and all in a open roof top car. the lyrics “And so she left me, but I couldn't give a fuck” made me instantly like this song. 

All 4 tracks seem to be driven by personal experiences, emotional times, this blended with what I would call almost perfect vocals suiting the atmosphere of the songs, especially with Memories, feeling as if it was a tribute to a lost friend, either way, I felt deeply involved as it's intense and needless to say I enjoyed this track, a lot! It being that touching to me, making me want to listen to it over and again which is what I exactly did for 20 minutes, 

I found myself not sure what to think of Breathe (It In), as someone who has quite the distaste towards break up songs, which is what this seemed to be. I really liked the catchy guitar that was over laying with the vocals which made it quite enjoyable, never thought Id say that, so kudos on that Guthrie, the last song on the EP. Trouble Bound gave me quite the Flight Of The Concords Feel (If you don't who they are, rethink your life). The track to felt like it was all about Being young, doing dumb shit and seizing your day, something to respect. The song is quite uplifting and basically a musical tribute to weekends, 

The only nit pick I had with this EP is that is needed some more tracks like Memories, Some more intimate songs like that would have made this amazing EP, all that more great. The Gunthrie EP is a prime example of how good the Perth local music scene is and if it keeps bringing out more amazing stuff like this Im going to be thoroughly impressed.

Review by Shaun Pulford

Featured: Clashing Colours Interview + Review

Clashing Colours - You'll Always Know
From the Album, Summer Air.

You'll Always Know is the first Single from Clashing Colours' late 2012 release Summer Air. The track opens with a rhytmic fingerpicking that carries the beat of the song, accompanied by soft lead throughout that compliments the rhythm without overpowering it.

The song flows very well, keeping the rhythm consistent till the latter of the song, and instead using changes in chord progression to mix it up. Its only downfall is in the outro chorus where the piano becomes more prominent and makes it feel cluttered compared to the open ended melodies earlier in the track.

For fans of The Script, Coldplay & John Mayer.

Free download available at www.mediafire.com/?6ga5ou25bprl3zb

Album review at bottom.

Interview

How are we going guys? Congrats on being our first Featured Band in 2013! How does it feel?

Lane: Thank you! It feels great to have more people listening to us and hopefully gain some new fans!
Lorcan: This will be our first feature in any form of publication. So I'm excited and delighted.
Tommy: Awesome! It's something new for us and it's definitely a great opportunity for more people to hear about our music.
Luke: It is an amazing feeling, its good to know that people out there are interested in our music and this is a chance for even more to be able to hear us.

Congratulations on the new album. Tell us a bit about "Summer Air", where was it recorded?

Lane: We recorded majority of the albums at our homes. The instrumentals were made at Tommy’s house and the vocals were done at mine. Three of the tracks on the album were done at Griffith University’s studios though.
Lorcan: As 17 year olds, we struggle to get the recording gear but always manage to pull it off with Tommy's gear or Lane's or my own. But we are very fortunate to record in the studio with our manager and some of our friends.
Tommy: Majority of 'Summer Air' was recorded with a very limited home-setup. Being seventeen years old it's hard enough just to afford maccas let alone some decent recording gear. But it was a great experience using the Griffith University Studios on a few tracks.
Luke: I came in a bit late into this album, I started out just being a live drummer for the band, next thing I knew I was a full blown member recording at the Griffith university studios.

What do you love most about music?

Lane: I love how there is so much of it and there is something for everyone
Lorcan: Music, is pretty much what keeps my life going. If something good happens, I write a song. If something bad happens, I write a song. Its my way of letting myself go and listening to music is how I keep myself intact.
Tommy: It's hard to put into words but I love the fact that it's everywhere and the outlet from life it seems to create.
Luke: I love how music can change emotions, I love when we play our music live and I can see people deep in thought, dancing around or getting chills.

What inspires you as a band?

Lorcan: I can't really say who inspires us as a band because we have so many idols.
But we all love Kings Of Leon or Coldplay. Two different bands but that's just what we like.

Who are your main influences?

Lane: Kanye West and The Beatles, both musically and fashion-wise.
Lorcan: My main influences in music are Sir Paul McCartney, Freddie Mercury, Stevie Wonder and Michael Bublè. No I don't look or sound anything like them. But they are my biggest influences towards music just because of how they live their life through music and are all masters of the art.
Tommy: John Mayer, Ed Sheeran and Coldplay
Luke: It's hard to say, I love the loud rough roudy sound of kings of leon but then I find myself sitting down playing along to the bluesy John Mayer.

How long have you guys been playing together?

Lane: Since we were 14
Lorcan: I was in a band with Luke from 2007-2009 called the Naked Youth. Then I joined Dear Lucy with Lane in 2009-late 2010. Then was with Tommy in a band called White Shadows and in early 2011 Lane, Tommy & I created Clashing Colours. Luke joined us in 2012 and then we just went from there.
Tommy: We have played music together all throughout high school but only more recently over the past two years have we been really focused as Clashing Colours.
Luke: I have been in multiple bands with all the guys since the seventh grade but only over the last year or so have I been playing with clashing colours as a band.

What's your favourite thing about performing live?

Lane: The crowds. Each crowd is so different and I love it.
Lorcan: My favourite moment about performing live would have to be in the middle of a song when there are no vocals just instruments. The crowd love the music and we all turn to each other and laugh because we're just so happy and excited.
Tommy: There is nothing better than that flying sensation of being up on stage, it's just my favourite place in the world. I also love the idea that every crowd is unpredictable and it's a new and exciting challenge every time.
Luke: This is an easy question. My favourite thing is watching how the crowd reacts to our music and how their emotions can go from one extreme to another in only a matter of minutes.

What is your favourite venue you have played at and why?

Lane: The Elephant & The Wheelbarrow in Brisbane. The crowd sang along and we had a really great time
Lorcan: My favorite I've played at would have to be Elephant Arms in Brisbane. Due to the fact its the farthest we've played from home even though its only an hour drive. The crowd were great and our first time we played our new album live.
Tommy: The Loft, Chevron Island. I just love the local indie vibe of the venue and the positive and engaging response from the audience.
Luke: The loft in chevron, the people that are there are actually there to hear new music and the other bands are always helpful if you ever need anything, its nice and cozy. Creates the greatest atmosphere.

What is your most memorable gig?

Lane: Either that Elephant & Wheelbarrow one or performing at an End of The World party. We played songs we wouldn’t usually play like “Thrift Shop” and had a really good time.
Lorcan: Lane and I played a gig as Dear Lucy in 2010. We were told about half an hour before hand that we had the gig. I was very sick and we didn't have a working guitar. So we rocked up, and luckily we were given an acoustic guitar. Though we forgot lyrics, I couldn't sing or talk. Though in the end we had great feed back and that night was when we met our first producer.
Tommy: Definitely our Elephant & Wheelbarrow show in Brisbane. The crowd was so fun and it was great traveling outside of our local area for a change
Luke: I would have to say my favourite would be when we set up our own private concert at our high school and invited only a select few. Somehow we managed to pack out the entire theatre and our performance went off! We finished our set and the crowd were cheering for more.

What is the funniest muck up thats happened on stage?

Lane: We were doing a cover of Taper Jean Girl by Kings of Leon at The Loft in Chevron Island and Luke & Tommy started playing a completely different part of the song that Lorcan & I were playing
Lorcan: In 2008, Luke and I played a talent competition as our band the Naked Youth. Luke dropped his drum stick, our guitarist broke a string and his guitar pick. And I forgot the words. The adjudicator complained about our street clothes not being suitable for the show.
Tommy: We were playing our song 'Love Never Dies' at The Loft and I was soloing during the intro and my guitar just went completely out of tune; like every string somehow and I was trying to tune it while playing and it was probably the most unpleasant sound I have ever experienced in my life.
Luke: Wow... This takes me back to my first live performance ever. We somehow wound up with a trio performance at an eisteddfod... (one of those things with the girls who dress up in tights and sing along to show tunes) We rocked up in what the adjudicator called street clothes. Our guitarist had an out of tune guitar, broke his guitar pick and a string, Lorcan forgot the words to our song, and I dropped a drumstick. One of the best and worst days of my life.

What artists/bands would you like to play alongside in the future?

Lane: Right now I’m loving Ball Park Music, Seven & Allday. So hopefully we play with them soon & I don’t think there’s anyone better in music than Frank Ocean right now.
Lorcan: I would love to play by side John Mayer or Michael Bublè some time in the future. Though a definite would have to be Coldplay. I'd love to write a song with Chris Martin and Will Champion.
Tommy: Matt Corby would be pretty awesome. I'm obsessed with his stuff. I really want to play alongside The Temper Trap too. Can't get enough of their music right now.
Luke: Ball Park Music, Jack White, John Mayer and last but far from least Kings Of Leon.

What's your favourite song to play off the new album?

Lane: I Can’t Sleep or Love Never Dies
Lorcan: My favorite song to play off of the new album would have to be Nicola. It shows us as a whole band and all our skills. Either its Tommy's two eyes roll to the back of his head playing his licks, or Lane ripping up the carpet with his funky foot work or Luke tearing out of his shirt almost breaking his rainbow coloured sticks during the change from the harmonies to a very long rendition of Hey Jude.
Tommy: You'll Always Know or I Can't Sleep
Luke: My favourite song to play live from Summer Air has got to be Love Never Dies or Nicola with our crazy little mashup at the end that turns into Hey Jude that leaves the crowd singing along at the top of their lungs.

If you could sum up your music in one sentence what would it be?

Lane: Mellow
Lorcan: We play what we feel.
Tommy: Mellow, easy listening, Sunday morning kind of tunes that put you in a good mood for the rest of the day.
Luke: I couldn't.

What can we expect from you in the future?

Lane: Cats, lots of cats

Lorcan: A whole lot of good music. And some more colours.

Tommy: Definitely a lot of awesome live shows and some great new music on our next EP. I can also personally expect some psychiatric assistance for being so smart at life and for the general colour of my hair.

Luke: I assume a whole lot of birthdays from all of us...

Album Review
Hailing from the Gold Coast, Clashing Colours embody much of the sunny state's feel good vibes and surf culture. Combining lush acoustic guitar melodies and hushed vocal harmonies, the young lads demonstrate their strong songwriting and polished chops on their debut album Summer Air.

Beginning with the sounds of the ocean; gulls squawking in the distance, the waves lapping on the shore and people sitting back and relaxing James Street sets the scene, electric guitar softly noodling in the background. If, for whatever reason, these sounds would not be listed under “turn ons” for you, then this album probably isn't going to be either. Reminiscent of John Mayer at his AOR peak, album opener Three Leaf Clover introduces the band with smooth blues licks and shuffling percussion, gentling rocking along to love lorn vocals. The arrangements are essentially down to the guitar 'n vocal combo to drive the album along emphasising the lyrical content of the perfect summer. The textured sounds of summer are accompanied by the odd rolling piano chord and percussionist Luke Poidevin who shows well balanced restraint in the timing of his arrangements, alternating between kit and shakers.

Thankfully, Clashing Colours are seemingly oblivious to the textural monotony of some of their contemporaries, and are far from shy when it comes to orchestrating harmonies. Lead vocalist Lorcan Waugh, who can be favourably compared to Fleet Foxes front-man Robin Pecknold, grounds the groups compositions with his crisp clear voice, and guitarist Tommy Sheehan illuminate what can all too often turn into a dull sound-scape of acoustic guitar and quiet vocals, with shimmering yet intricate melodies. There aren't really any surprises here, except perhaps for Lover Never Dies, a brief diversion into a more up-beat avenue. Almost breaking into hip-hop, soulful vocals are blended with angst-driven guitar and laid-back rhymes to create a folk/hip-hop hybrid unique to this group.

The rest of the album continues in much the same vein up until closing track Summer Time's Over which takes Summer Air on an oddly dark turn. Alluding to the cold and merciless, the song transforms what was a seemingly pretty chilled out album of summer grooves, into sociopathic murder territory, it would remind me of Ween's Object, except I don't think Ween ever rapped about killing anyone. Deceivingly ambient Summer Air is very much an album to listen to while lying in the sun and hanging out. These guys do the whole summer time memories thing quite well mind you, each track leaves a fairly distinct impression and while its no genre bending masterpiece, Clashing Colours execute the staples of modern surf-folk with taste and skill.