So i thought i might prepare a little digest of bands that have been performing around the shop in the recent-ish past
Found At Sea - astreetlightsong - Days Like Stars - The Shipwrecked - Hopetoun Hotel - May 8th
I had said previously that astreetlightsong would be worth seeing live, so that was my mission for the evening. I wasn't disappointed. Even though the overall sound was still pretty poor, astreetlightsong put on a super show. There's something about seeing a band live that you just don't get from a recording. Whether it be seeing that they can actually play instruments (it's not their Uncle Barry), looking at the large amount of computerisation and guitar peddles required to get their sound or just to see they they are human and how they interact with the crowd. It all adds up. These guys were just that little bit different to the other three bands on the bill. Slightly more electronically weighted, less of a pure guitar sound. Was a nice change. They also seemed to have a swathe of young lady fans, which can't be a bad thing!
Armed with matching ties (sort of), headlining band Found at Sea, rounded out the evening. Formerly called 'Helter' (ring any bells?) these guy have just finished their debut self-titled album, produced by ARIA award winning Paul McKercher (Augie March, Sarah Blasko, You Am I). If you love guitars, if you love the sound they make, if you like that easy listening rock feel, Found at Sea will be right up your alley. It's perfect music to sit down, with beer in hand and tap your foot on the floor. Sadly, the Hopetoun has no chairs.... so we were out of luck.
If you want to trackdown these guys some future tour dates might just be:
13th May 2009 - Phoenix Bar, Canberra
14th May 2009 - Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne (headlined by astreetlightsong)
15th May 2009 - Public Bar, North Melbourne
3rd June 2009 - Annandale Hotel, Sydney
19th June 2009 - The Supper Club, Sydney
Now for some bands I haven't seen in a while (or are on the list of bands that you probably want to see).
Tucker B's
The Tucker B's have been around for quite a while. Originally from Perth, they are about to release a new record Nightmares in the key of (((((WOW))))); their fifth record. As I haven't heard the album and this paragraph makes it sounds fairly intriguing, it's better to copy and paste than write something irrelevant...
"Commencing with a caterwauling cacophony of doom, the album delves deep into the band's wide-eyed wonder of relationships. Candid and disturbing revelations set against a diverse backdrop, Nightmares at times re-visits the guitar thuggery of previous albums Chubby and Bish Bosh II: The Bosh Bosh. At other times the band strips away just a little of the sludge to reveal beautiful yet strange pop melodies, and weird, unsettling lyrical observations. For this is an album made by MEN about other MEN and WOMEN and CHILDREN."
I haven't seen these guys for many years, but I hope to catch them this time around.... and yes, here's where I'd go:
Peabody
These guys seem to always be playing somewhere... except for a few hours at night and during morning tea break (and sometimes afternoon tea break). Peabody, another band who has been playing in Sydney for as long as I can remember (and that's only as far back as 2001), they're rocky, they're poppy, and they have endearing head wiggles and nerd glasses. Their only fault is the fact that their current drummer is much less entertaining than their previous drummer. They recently played a splendid show supported by The Laurels and Charge Group; also excellent bands. In case you were wondering, Peabody and Melbourne's Actor Slash Model are off on a tour starting this very weekend!
DATES!
Friday 15 May - Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy, VIC - Supporting Actor Slash Model
Friday 29 May - The Great Northern Hotel, Byron Bay, NSW - Supported by Actor Slash Model (FREE GIG)
Saturday 30 May - The Troubadour, Fortitude Valley, QLD - Supported by Actor Slash Model
Saturday 6 June - Hopetoun Hotel, Surry Hills, NSW - Supported by Actor Slash Model
Crow are very old indeed (don't tell them i said that). The more interesting fact is that Crow have a new album coming out this year. You know Crow, don't you? No? Look here:http://www.myspace.com/crowcrowcrowyourboat.
They are quite entertaining live. Completely unpretentious with a wealth of experience, especially in intimate environments (does that sound creepy?). If you don't believe me, Crow are playing a number of shows in the near future. So, for a good time, call......... no........ go to the Bald Faced Stag Hotel in Leichhardt on May 22nd, have a beverage and enjoy the show. Supported by The Holy Soul and Dead China Doll, should be an excellent night!
The Laurels
I caught The Laurels a while back when they supported Peabody, and I was very impressed. This is an easy band to like. They describe themselves as psychedelic/shoegaze, which i guess is quite accurate. If you like Ride or The Jesus and Mary Chain, you'll probably like these guys (and girl).
The word is that The Laurels have "almost" finished recording their long awaited debut release, but that probably should be confirmed before you camp out in a record shop. In the meantime, they have a few shows lined up that would definitely be worth checking out.
6th June, 2009 - The Hopetoun Hotel - with Peabody
13th June 2009 - The Hopetoun Hotel - with the redsunband
26th June 2009 - World Bar - FBI radio fundraiser (get to it!)
18th July 2009 - The Hopetoun Hotel, 7" launch with Ghosts of Television/Warhorse/Whores
Lamplight
I haven't seen Lamplight, so I can't comment on their ability to make you feel like dancing, but they're definitely on my list. Unlike me, you may be in Melbourne.... if so.... you might like the check this out. Lamplight are about to release a new single, A Sun That Will Not Rise, to celebrate this, they will be launching the video clip and single AT THE SAME TIME at the Northcote Social Club on the Sunday the 7th of June (Queen's birthday long weekend, so no excuses!). If you aren't in Melbourne, never fear! Lamplight will be undertaking an extensive national tour in June and July.
For more information go to:
www.lamplight.com.au
Also, if you are specifically into bearded bands you might like to check out a previous review .
Parades
A bit of a wildcard for you, I haven't dug deeply into what Parades have to offer, but from simply investigating their website, things are looking good. Pop/rock, not too harsh on the ear, but admittedly would be better heard very loud (and/or live). Unfortunately, I had planned to have this written a few days ago to let you know that Parades would be launching their single, Hunters, at the Hopetoun Hotel on May 9th.... and yes, it is now May 13th. Sorry!
Eye of the Spider
I love the name, I haven't listened to them and the poster (a lady with a moustache!) for the show is excellent. GO!
Sally
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