Backseat Downunder
Feature: Backseat Downunder’s 50 Favourite Antipodean Albums and EPs of 2023
In many end of year ‘best’ albums of 2023, there has been a distinct absence of independent antipodean bands – an astounding omission given the depth of quality exhibited by Australian and New Zealand artists in 2023. For the past few years, to counterbalance this annual bias, I have put together a top fifty favourite …
Album Review: Mako Bron is ‘Halfway Home’ and it is a shimmering enigmatic journey filled with soaring anthems and an air of wistfulness.
The mysterious and criminally underappreciated Mako Bron is the moniker of one Chris Brookman whose work we have followed assiduously now for years – his EP ‘Cloudbites’ made our list of favourite antipodean releases for 2021 and, now, his debut album ‘Halfway Home’ has just slipped in under the barriers as a late entry to our …
Live Review and Gallery: Pop Filter Beautifully Launches Latest Album ‘CONO’ at PBC – 15.12.23, Gadigal/Sydney
On the eve of Friday night, the cozy confines of Petersham Bowling Club’s intimate downstairs room were charged with eager anticipation as Pop Filter, hailing from Naarm/Melbourne, took centre stage to launch their latest album, ‘CONO‘. This release stands as a testament to the band’s dynamic evolution and collaborative spirit, with a lineup that includes …
Live Gallery: Pigs x 7 at the Metro Theatre, Sydney 15.12.2023
Pigs x 7 unleash a thunderous blend of psychedelic rock and heavy metal
Track: Olivia Mae’s ‘Cruel Thing’ Promises Pop Perfection Ahead of Upcoming EP ‘FIGJAM’
Making a striking entrance into the music scene with undeniable flair and a captivating pop vibe, Naarm/Melbourne-based artist Olivia Mae has unveiled the first track from her upcoming EP, ‘Cruel Thing‘. Filled with energetic lead melodies, captivating vocal hooks, and a chorus radiating infectious beauty. Taking inspiration from a diverse array of artists, including Olivia …
News: Fourth artist announcement for Bluesfest Byron Bay 2024
With only 15 weeks to go, Bluesfest Byron Bay has just added a further two artists (along with special guests) to its’ already impressive lineup for Easter 2024. These additions take the total number of acts up to 51, with more to be announced. Making his way onto the lineup will be four-time Grammy Award …
Live Review and Gallery: Unveiling Indie-Pop Brilliance as Victoria Stuns at ‘Treats’ Album Launch – 10.12.23, Gadigal/Sydney
The Union Hotel in Gadigal/Newtown was illuminated with musical brilliance yesterday as Victoria, a supergroup of seasoned Australian musicians, graced the stage to unveil their newest album, ‘Treats‘. The ensemble, comprised of Cameron Emerson-Elliott (Youth Group), Alison Galloway (Smudge), Patrick Matthews (The Vines, Youth Group), and Max Doyle (Songs), proved to be a formidable force …
Live Review: Lloyd Cole (solo), Theatre Royal, Hobart, 10.12.23
Lloyd Cole had a rather bad start to his Australian tour commencing in Hobart. He recounts that he had arrived a few days early to have a quick break in Hobart (Cole enjoys a game of golf), but the national carrier had decided to send his two guitars on their own solo tour elsewhere in …
News: Here Comes The Sun Festival Announces VIC Instalment
Here Comes the Sun Festival will be illuminating Victoria!
Live Review and Gallery: Surf’s Up and Psych-Rock as Allah-Las Returns to Australia With Their Latest Album ‘Zuma 85’ – 07.12.23, Eora/Sydney
If there’s one word that perfectly encapsulates the essence of Allah-Las, it’s undoubtedly “cool”. This sentiment reverberated through the Metro Theatre in Eora/Sydney on Thursday night as the California-based band took the stage. Renowned for their distinctive fusion of surf rock, folk rock, and classic rock elements, Allah-Las has been making a splash for the …