Cam's Gigs of the Week - January 29th

Oh look, bands!

Wednesday 30th:
Aoi, Lawrence English @ Ric's Bar - Laptop-y goodness.

Thursday 31st:
Scul Hazzards, Nikko, Secret Birds, Influenza @ The Zoo - They're moving to Europe, you see.
Candy Falls, DizzyGotheca @ Ric's Bar

Friday 1st:
Joel Saunders, Shakes (final show!), Nightcrash (final show!), Rialto Decibel Choir @ The Zoo - All your friends are leaving Brisbane. Sucks to be you, s'pose.
I Heart Hiroshima, The Rational Academy @ Gallery of Modern Art - Andy Warhol Up Late
The Shrewms (single launch), White Mansions, Hymies, The Nudists @ The Troubadour - band releases 'Wild And Loose' single.
Suckafish P Jones, Collapsicon, Aoi, Potato Master, Frosty, Prince Nod @ Empire Hotel Moon Bar - Suckafish releases his 'Mr Cloak and Dagger' album.
Live & Let D.I.Y.: Hollow Earth, Meaningless Existence, Subverts (NSW), To The North, Assassination Collective (Vic), Eucalypt (NSW), The Diamond Sea (Vic), Tentacles of Destruction (NZ) @ Ahimsa House - 24 Horan St, West End. 6pm - 12am.
Re:enactment, Skinny Jean @ Ric's Bar

Saturday 2nd:
Brisbane Sounds: SixFtHick, Little Vegas & Fuzz Parade, Ben Salter & The Young Liberals, Warm Guns, Spitfireliar, The Late Great Russian Revolution, Big Red Candle @ The Zoo - a celebration of all things Brisbane... well, some things Brisbane.
Live & Let D.I.Y.: Neck Hold, Hagborn, Drowned Out, Walrora (Vic), OK Peligro (SA), Augustus Hill (Vic), The Thaw (NSW), Majorca (Vic), Crux (NSW), ABC Weapons (Vic) @ Ahimsa House - same address as it was the previous day. 6pm - 12am.
Devil's Kitchen: Nunchukka Superfly (NSW), Grand Fatal (NSW), Mary Trembles, Butcher Birds, My Left Boot, The Black Stars, Black Mustang, Sub City Smack @ Step Inn - Stonerfest?
Assassination Collective (Vic), Turnpike @ Ric's Bar

Sunday 3rd:
Live & Let D.I.Y.: Wingnut Dishwashers Union (USA), Asking For It (Tas), Harriet (Vic), Wheatpaste @ Ahimsa House - still the same place. 12pm - 5pm.
Live Spark: Chris Pickering @ The Powerhouse

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Weekly News - January 26th

• The Brisbane Sound is the latest event to showcase Brisbane's musical heritage. Taking place over three days (7-9 March), the Brisbane Sound is touted as an insight into Brisbane's music and art scene from 1978 to 1983. The three nights will see performances from local luminaries such as Robert Forster (The Go-Betweens), Ed Kuepper (The Saints, Laughing Clowns), The Apartments, and The Deadnotes. The exhibition will be held at the Institute Of Modern Art (The Judith Wright Centre to some) and tickets are available now.
  

• The Scul Hazzards have finished recording their new 7" which will be sold during their tour of Australia next month. The release will feature the excellent track 'Last Few Bucks' which you can listen to now on their myspace.
  

• Another Invasion Day, another year of under-representation of Brisbane bands in Triple J's Hottest 100. Even perennial favourites Powderfinger only managed two spots ('I Don't Remember' at 66 and 'Lost & Running' at 15), while The Butterfly Effect made it in at 70 for 'Reach. Gold Coasters Operator Please also scored two entries. Thank god for 4ZzZ's Hot 100.

• And unfortunately this week will see the last performance of two of Brisbane's most promising bands, The Night Crash and Shakes (Which doesn't bode well for my bands to watch list). Both bands are playing at The Zoo on Friday so make sure to catch them one last time.
  

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Cam's Gigs of the Week - January 24th

Some gigs to go to on this long weekend that celebrates this great country of ours... Australia.

Thursday 24th:
Saint Surly, Monster Monster @ Tongue & Groove

Friday 25th:
The Zebras, Greg Brady & The Anchors, Ladybird @ Ric's Bar

Saturday 26th:
Quiet Steps, To The North, Turnpike, Let's Not (But Say We Did) @ The Troubadour
The Zebras @ Suncorp Piazza (8:15pm)
Teeming With Wildlife, Toy Balloon @ Ric's Bar

Monday 28th:
Scul Hazzards, Nikko, Cityscape Riot (Tas), Stemford Hiss, Night Crash, Tellall, The Repetition, Yout Dem, Fleshlight @ Bar Soma, 2pm - 7pm - there may be some other bands too, not 100% sure.


Also, you may have noticed that I didn't post any reviews of those New Years shows that I said I would. This is because a) I've been too busy with going to more shows, and b) I've been moving to a new house. By now I can't really remember enough details of the shows for it to be worthwhile writing about them, so apologies to those bands. But never fear, there are plenty more things coming to write about! And I'm sure you're all waiting with bated breath.

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Yeo & The Fresh Goods, Yeow Meow @ Alhambra (17.01.08)

Last Thursday saw the official launch of multi-instrumentalist Yeo's debut album, Trouble Being Yourself. Now you may be familiar with Yeo from local bands such as Tragic/Athletic, Yeow Meow (who also played), SkyPi, and Raven Squad Elite, but down let this fool you into thinking that Yeo's solo music is more avant-garde noise rock or wacked out electronica like these other acts. Rather Yeo & The Fresh Goods' (his live backing band) weapon of choice is the pop song, and the wield it with undeniable skill.

But first we have the always memorable, always cacophonous, Yeow Meow to listen to (having missed the first act, Sirinival). Ben Thompson and company tear through a short but sweet set of noise rock. Although it wasn't the best set I've seen the band play (Nadia's singing was off key at times and Alhambra's acoustics didn't really suit the band's sound), Yeow Meow were nevertheless entertaining and an excellent entree.

As Yeo & The Fresh Goods begin their opening song it becomes apparent that the band is unusually tight for one that didn't even record the songs they're playing. While they do stray from the versions found on Trouble Being Yourself, Yeo's eclectic mix of songs blend surprisingly well in a live setting. The Fresh Good's present a perfect foil to Yeo on stage, with keyboardist/backup vocalist Georgia, and trumpeter Tom providing an excellent layer of melody to the songs, while bassist Mick and drummer Richie gel together to form a versatile rhythm section.

But the true star of the show is Yeo, who cuts a joyful, slightly embarrassed figure on stage. Switching between guitar and keytar, while constantly maintaining pitch perfect vocals, Yeo leads The Fresh Goods through some of the best pop songs to come out of Brisbane in ages. From the funk of 'Study Buddy', to the bouncy reggae of 'Fishing With Aidan', and Pacman-pop of 'Two Sides Of A Door', Yeo proves that he is a musician of many influences, and, more importantly, that he is able to master them all. Hopefully Yeo will be the first of many Brisbane acts to successfully chase a style of music other than the standard indie rock/noise rock/punk rock affair.

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Weekly News - January 20th

• 2008 is getting along well, and so are Brisbane's premier grunge revivalists, Violent Soho. The band have just posted another excellent track, 'Muscle Junkie', on their myspace. Hopefully this burst of activity is a build up to some sort of release, but for the impatient ones among you the band will be touring next month.

• An Horse have also been busy. The duo or putting the finishing touches to their new record with Brisbane's own super-producer Magoo. As a teaser the band have uploaded the unmastered yet unquestionably brilliant 'Company' to their myspace.

• Psych-popsters New Manic Spree are gearing up for their debut release next week. The three track demo EP will be launched next Friday at The Zoo.

• The Ambitious Lovers are also recording and have posted a bunch of demos from their forthcoming 7".

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Cam's Gigs of the Week - January 16th

There's a whole bunch of big gigs over the next week (and over the following weeks too), but here are a few that perhaps aren't quite so big.

Friday 18th:
Idles Cranes, The Repetition @ Ric's Bar
At Sea, Granite Lakes @ The Troubadour

Saturday 19th:
Night Crash (12" launch), Shiver Like Timber, The Surrogate, Sound Of A Wall @ Fat Louie's
Side Effects, Smokestack Orchestra @ Ric's Bar
Intercooler, Tim Steward, An Horse, Do The Robot @ The Globe
The Incredible Strand, Ben Salter & The Young Liberals, Black Mustang, Suzy Loves Dick @ The Troubadour


Next week looks to be a bit bigger in terms of local gigs, with appearances by All & Sundry, Turnpike, To The North, Let's Not But Say We Did, The Zebras, Greg Brady, Teeming With Wildlife and heaps more.

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Weekly News - January 12th

• Do The Robot have released details of their debut album, Amp On Fire. The album will be released "in a couple of months" once it has undergone mastering.

• Local beatsmith Suckafish P Jones has released his new LP Mr Cloak And Dagger which takes in numerous genres including hip-hop, grime, and dubstep. You can also check out his Stagger/Swagger Mixtape for free here.
  

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Cam's Gigs of the Week - January 9th

Hope everyone is feeling refreshed by (or recovered from) the Christmas / New Years period. I might post some quick write-ups of some of the bands I saw over the break... or I might not. I can be pretty lazy, you know.

Now, back to your regular programming.

Thursday 10th:
The Art of the State, Blue Carousel @ Ric's Bar

Friday 11th:
Del Toro, Butcher Birds @ Ric's Bar
SixFtHick, Violent Soho, The Jim Rockfords @ The Troubadour

Saturday 12th:
The Onyas, R.A.D., Hits, Gutterball Pete, The Hymies, The Sips @ The Step Inn

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Weekly News - January 7th

• If you haven't already heard, Skinny's is no longer closing down. Instead the store will remain open under new ownership, but no other major changes. This is great news for anyone made a purchase or witnessed an instore performance at Skinny's over the years. Fingers crossed there will be many more to come.

• A new year means a new Hot 100 from 4ZzZ. Congratulations goes to Texas Tea who took out the number one spot for the second year running with their song 'Whiskey And Wine', as well as eight spot with another song. Six Ft Hick and I Heart Hiroshima also performed strongly with two songs a piece. Head over to the 4ZzZ website to see the whole list.
  

• Congratulations also goes to the John Steel Singers who have won the Queensland leg of Triple J Unearthed, giving them the opportunity to play at the Gold Coast Big Day Out.
  

• Finally you should check out the new tracks from Violent Soho and Capital.
  

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Bands To Watch In 2008

A happy new year to all our readers! We here at Before Hollywood are hoping for 2008 to be a big year for this blog and Brisbane music. With a massive amount of artists puring out of the woodworks in 2007, I've made an attempt at whittling it down to a select few who are likely to kick it loud in 2008. This list is by no means definitive, but if I can introduce you to one or two new favourite bands then my mission is accomplished.

Influenza

Influenza are a band you'll either really love or really hate. Combining a sound reminiscent of Crystal Castles with a irreverent dose of late-1980s East Coast hip-hop thrown in for good measure, this duo has sneaked into this list on the back of a trio of good gigs this month.


Rooftop Nightwatch

Rooftop Nightwatch have been attracting a lot of attention (including from us), and there is no doubt they keep on rising in 2008. As this article is being typed the band is recording its debut EP with producer Miro Mackie. With the wealth of great songs the band already has in its repertoire you can expect the EP to be a keeper.

Shakes

Any mention of Shakes is bound to be accompanied by Arcade Fire comparisons. But there is so much more to the band than that. Shakes combines that current indie pop sound with layers of atmospheric distortion and off kilter drumming. Betony Dircks' haunting vocals tie together the awkward combination to create music that is just screaming to be put on vinyl.

Shakes - Don't Let The Wicked City Get You Down

Shiver Like Timber

Not one to rest on her laurels, Betony makes another appearance on the list in the guise of her solo project, Shiver Like Timber. While an EP was released in 2006, it has taken a while for Shiver Like Timber's music to catch on. A number of mentions in interstate blogs and street press' are sure to propel her into 2008, however, and hopefully will be a catalyst for further recording.

Shiver Like Timber - Arctic Esplanade (Live At The Harvest Room)

Capital

Capital have been a bit silent in recent times, but don't let that fool you. This is a band full to the brim with Beatlesque guitar hooks and vocal harmonies, and anyone who has caught them live will attest to their ability to make the punters dance. If the band can continue to write pop gems like 'On My Way' then they could turn out to be a formidable force.

Capital - On My Way


Monster Monster

Daniel Wright, a.k.a. Monster Monster is the black sheep of this list. Instrumental hip-hop isn't widespread at the best of times, and in Brisbane it is next to non-existent. This makes the beats and bleeps of Monster Monster's music all the more endearing. Between sampling Dr. Karl and releasing songs on SD Card's, he has had the time to create the truly epic 'Nine Minutes And Fifty Something Seconds', a composition that comes off as a miniature Endtroducing. The track will be the first of what will hopefully be numerous releases from Monster Monster in 2008.


Re:Enactment

The Re:Enactment are quite obviously influenced by Nine Inch Nails, but rather then simply going for a straight out industrial sound the band takes that sound and mashes it up with the current electro-rock trend doing the rounds. While the effect is not yet consistent, when things come together the Re:Enactment really shine. Shambolic vocals and 8-bit beeps give way to Rhodes organs and searing guitar with nimble ease to create a unique palette of sound. Having just recorded an EP you'll be sure to hear more about the Re:Enactment in 2008.

Re:Enactment - Arctic Circle


A Man Called Son

Including A Man Called Son, a.k.a Simon Pearlman, in this list might be cheating a bit. Simon has spent the last couple of months in Europe, and apparently has the intention of moving to Melbourne once he returns. But credit where credit is due, A Man Called Son creates some of the most beautiful music with even one foot in Brisbane at the moment. If the songs 'Been Here Too Long' and 'Sundogs' are anything to go by then A Man Called Son's Survive In The Shadows EP and debut album, both to be released in 2008, are certain to be well received.

Arrows

Arrows sound like a less whiny Smashing Pumpkins (I don't really like Smashing Pumpkins, I quite like Arrows however). They also sound like a more up tempo Slint. This combination works wonderfully as anyone who has heard the 12" they released with These Hands Could Separate The Sky back in October will attest. Having just signed to Victorian-based Hobbledehoy Records, Arrows are preparing to record their debut album which will hopefully build on their promising sound.

Arrows - Don't Interrupt Me While I'm Working

To The North

To The North also seem to utilise Slint as a touchstone, but end up spinning it off into a post-Hardcore sound in the vein of Fugazi or Big Black, with a little bit of jazz influence thrown in for good measure. The result is a sound as intriguing as it is messy. Although having just released an EP, To The North plan on returning to the studio in January. Keep an ear out for the results of this venture.

To The North - We Are Not Ashamed (Live)

Do The Robot

If you felt the need to pidgeonhole Do The Robot you would most likely go straight for the Shoegaze tag, and you probably should given guitarist Matt's penchant for Kevin Shieldsesque guitar antics (My sincerest apologies for using that expression). But leaving it at that would fail to do justice to Do The Robot's unique sound, a sound that melds indie pop, trip-hop, and shoegaze into a beautiful, yet noisy affair.


Feathers

Sounding like some unholy trinity of The Stooges, Bauhaus, and The Slits, Feathers are following that long upheld tradition of Brisbane bands: making a lot of noise. This all female trio have yet to have a release yet so keep an eye out in 2008.


Willows

For a band that has only been playing live since September, Willows have a very unique sound, taking the sound of early 90's lo-fi bands like Archers Of Loaf and Guided By Voices and twisting into epic post-rock arrangements. If they can build on that sound they could turn out to be a major player in Brisbane music by the end of 2008.

Nova Scotia

No guessing where Nova Scotia's influences lay, as it blatantly states on their myspace, "sounds like (a) Pavement ripoff band." And while it is difficult to not conjure thoughts of Pavement while listening to Nova Scotia, it isn't difficult to realise that their debut EP, Bear Smashes Photocopier, was one of the best Brisbane releases of 2007.

Secret Birds

I can't admit to knowing a lot about these guys, but from the random tidbits of information I've gathered I really like the sound of them. Comprising of members of a number of good Brisbane bands from the past and present (On/Oxx, Stature::Statue, John Steel Singers) and excessive amounts of percussion, the Secret Birds ply a sound reminiscent of the new wave of psychedelic rock bands like Comets On Fire. I promise to catch them live early this year and give you some more solid information.

Let's Not (But Say We Did)

Let's Not (But Say We Did) is the vehicle of Nick Smethurst, a folkster of quite some talent. Trying to think of a comparison to his lyrical style my mind continually returns to Grant McLennan (and I don't say that lightly). While the band had planned to release its debut album in 2007, a lineup rotation with the addition of three members has lead to delays. The album, Epithets, will be recorded early this year.

Let's Not (But Say We Did) - Now See The Film (Live At The Troubadour)

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