Cool Try

Who are you and what are you doing here? (what is your name, what is the band and what is your role in the band?)

I’m Chris Wiggins and I sing and play guitar in the band ‘Cold and Need’.

How did the band start?

We’ve been living in the same circles throughout school and university. After some jamming and talking we decided to put a name to what we were doing and see what would happen.

How would you describe your band?

We write and play music that tells a story, gets you dancing and singing along. Our shows are fun. The drums are always loud. Really loud.

If you had to choose one song you’ve written to best describe your band which one would it be?

 

We have just released our new single ‘Kaleidoscope’. I’d say this best represents where the band is at the moment and what we enjoy playing. When we went to write our second EP 'Colours and Shapes', we really wanted a record that replicates what we do live. 'Kaleidoscope' has hooky guitars, plenty of vocal harmonies and a big drum sound.

Where are people able to hear your songs?

We are on Facebook (www.facebook.com/coldandneed), Triple J Unearthed (www.triplejunearthed.com/coldandneed), youtube or you can buy our songs on itunes.

Are you playing any shows anytime soon? 

We have heaps of shows coming up to support the launch of our new EP, with more still to be announced! It's great to be playing shows with different bands and meeting new people.

  Friday 24th August BRISBANE @ The Barlow w/ Deer Republic (Sydney) and Klaus (Brisbane)

Saturday 25th August MT COTTON @ Mt Cotton Hall,  ALL AGES w/ Hey Denise (Brisbane)

Friday 31st August TOOWOOMBA @ Bon Ameci w/ The Oyster Murders (Brisbane) and Hello Vera (Sydney)

Tuesday 11th September BRISBANE @ Rics “Night before BigSound” w/Arachnids and Alexis and the Missing Pieces (Brisbane)

Friday 21st September SYDNEY @ Oxford Arts Factory w/Deer Republic (Sydney)

 

What is your proudest moment/greatest achievement as a band? 

I am really proud when we see more and more people coming to shows, knowing the songs and really loving every moment.

  If you could have a dream tour with 3 other bands/musicians who would they be?

That’s a hard one. I would have to say; The Killers, Kings of Leon and to finish the night off, Jack White.

  Anything else you’d like to add?

Make sure you head over to Triple J Unearthed to listen and rate the new single, 'Kaleidoscope' and come along on August 24th to ‘The Barlow’.

Love to see your face.

Who are you and what are you doing here? (what is your name, what is the band and what is your role in the band?)

I’m Tom West, I sing and play guitar in Traveller & Fortune

  How did the band start?

The band was a line up slapped together to fill in for a month long residency. I had some songs up my sleeve and we worked on those, and the band grew out of that. Although, the band members have changed several times since then, in our current form we’ve only been together for this year.

  How would you describe your band?

Some might say something like indie-folk-pop but we think its more like Hillybilly Disco meets moody ramshackle soundscapes.

    If you had to choose one song you’ve written to best describe your band which one would it be?

Probably a song called Flying it’s a long moody tune that sprawls out in to a big instrumental outro, or our band new single called Little Plastic People – both opposite ends of our spectrum.

  Where are people able to hear your songs?

There’s plenty of stuff online just have a look on google or youtube. Otherwise come to a show and we’ll trade you one of our CD’s.

  Are you playing any shows anytime soon? 

We’re going on tour in September to Launch our new single Little Plastic People. We’ll be in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide. Have a look online for the dates!

  What is your proudest moment/greatest achievement as a band? 

We’re really excited to be playing at BIGSOUND Conferencein Brisbane this year, but we we’re very proud to be invited over to Canada and the US earlier in the year to play with some top-notch bands.

  If you could have a dream tour with 3 other bands/musicians who would they be?

Neil Young, Ryan Adams and Mew.

Anything Else you’d like to add?

Would love to see you at our upcoming shows

When I received this album from the record company, it was accompanied by a letter from Clare Bowditch herself. The letter explained the year in which Clare learnt to let go (or at least try) of the constant fears and negativities in her life. To be honest I felt like the letter was written just for me, because in some way I related to the fears that she described, and I dare say that anyone reading the letter would have felt the same unity with her thoughts.

  I thought that a concept album themed around the search for or rather the discovery, of the happy moments in life would be somewhat  corny, or contrived even. And the opening track, a sickeningly upbeat - but hopelessly sweet - little ditty had me thinking it would be a bit too much for this listener. Yes, it’s a joyous collection of hand-clapping toe tappers, with country and Dixieland flavor at times, peppered with soulful and warming tracks that explore the pursuit of happiness.  But the thing is, it’s also a candid insight into the emotions going on inside Bowditch’s head. Her music has a vulnerability and an earnest humbleness to it that just draws you in. Her honest approach is truly refreshing.

  Musically, I don’t have anything negative to say about the album. It’s uncomplicated and pretty, and very easy to listen to. The real hero is Bowditch’s lead vocal, just dripping with emotiveness and the lyrics tell beautiful and all-too- familiar stories of love, life, loss and of course, happiness.

  The reason I enjoyed this album so much is because it really just embodies so much positive emotion. The songs feel as though they are written just for me, and reminded me that it’s ok to feel your way through life and that happiness is not necessarily just something that you’re going to find at the end of a rainbow, there are opportunities for happiness right in front of you, you just need to see them.

  One of my friends is always telling me that I should listen to more Clare Bowditch. Now I know why. She's a wonderful storyteller.  Give it a listen, we all have something that we can take from the stories that Bowditch has woven together in this masterpiece.

  4 ½ out of 5.

Featuring some of Newcastle's finest talent and one hell of a guitar hook that will stay with you forever, Young Cubs have come into the world with a bang. You can Stream their debut song 'Lungs' below. If you like what you hear click the image above to head to their bandcamp page and download the song for free or a name your own price. Keep an eye and ear out for Young Cubs and thank me later!

Who are you and what are you doing here? (what is your name, what is the band and what is your role in the band?)

I am Simon Starling, singer, songwriter and guitarist in Starling.

 

How did the band start?

After I recorded my album 'Semaphore' with Steve Kilbey (The Church) at the helm, Wes and I started pulling a band together to do the album live. Wesley Gregorace (The Devoted Few) plays bass, Damien Cassidy (Faker) plays keys & guitars, Shaun Gaida Plays drums and Craig Willson (The Church) plays Guitars.

   

How would you describe your band?

Smooth, organic and spacey.. make sense?.. No.. me either!

  If you had to choose one song you’ve written to best describe your band which one would it be?

'Greenfields', the third song from Semaphore is one where the band really hits the spot live. The song is a bit more laid back and everyone has great parts to play and a bit of room to move. It all comes together to create something greater than the individual parts.

 

Where are people able to hear your songs?

http://starlingband.net/

http://www.reverbnation.com/simonstarling

  Are you playing any shows anytime soon? 

Melbourne at Northcote Social Club 6th Sept

Sydey at The Sando 7th Sept

    What is your proudest moment/greatest achievement as a band? 

The first shows we played were on a tour with Suzie Higgie (The Falling Joys) and Conway Savage (The Bad Seeds). It felt great playing with such legends first time out.

 

If you could have a dream tour with 3 other bands/musicians who would they be?

Pink Floyd, Underground Lovers and The Church

After rising to automatic fame after winning Australian idol, Wes Carr found himself not entirely happy with or sure about where his music was going. So he decided to pack it all in and start afresh. Buffalo see's Wes returning to his raw acoustic roots and we were lucky enough to have him answer some of our questions in the lead up to his debut release under the name Buffalo.

  Who are you and what are you doing here? (what is your name, what is the band and what is your role in the band?)

 

People know me as Wes Carr and my new music is now under the new name of BUFFALO.

 

    How did the band start?

  I read somewhere that when the Native American Indians used to dream of a BUFFALO they would return to their heritage back to their roots again, and that’s what I am doing musically.

  How would you describe your band?

  Raw and Honest.

      If you had to choose one song you’ve written that best defines your band which one would it be?

  It’s a song I wrote with Don Walker called “Lost” it’s on the Ep Blood and Bone for Buffalo which you can find on itunes or on my website www.buffalomusic.com.au

 

 

 

 

 

 

In this day and age where anyone is pretty much able to pick up an instrument, what would you say sets your band apart from the rest?

 

I don’t know. I write and play my own tunes, I play piano guitar and harmonica, I think if you play from the heart and if it has passion then that’s fine with me.

  Where are people able to hear your songs?

  You can download them from itunes under BUFFALO , Blood and Bone. You can also order a real CD from my website www.buffalomusic.com.au

Also the video for Blood and Bone stars Isabelle Cornish from Puberty Blues on you tube.

  Are you playing any shows anytime soon (if you live outside of Australia, do you have any plans for a trip down under)? 

  I’m playing a lot of shows soon! The best place you can see them would also be on my website, www.buffalomusic.com.au

Looking forward to getting out on the road again!

You can also purchase me EP in person on the night as well.

  What is your proudest moment/greatest achievement as a band? 

 

I think one of my most proudest moments was when Don Walker said to Paul Kelly as he introduced me was that I was a great songwriter.

 

Tell us 3 bands that we should be listening to/be keeping an eye out for?

  I like Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes and Ben Howard at the moment..

Anything Else you’d like to add?

  Hope to see you guys art a show sometime on the road! Can’t wait to play my new tunes to you all.

I was lucky enough to catch these guys on tour with Karnivool and fell in love with them then! Now they have a brand new video out for 'Raven' which is to be the first single of the bands highly anticipated debut album (produced by Dave Schiffman [NIN, RATM, RHCP]).  While we're still waiting on a confirmed album title and release date, we're stoked to have a taste of what's coming! Check out the video for 'Raven' below!

“Of all genres in music, historical and contemporary, rock n’ roll alone is like sex… It can be sweet and slow or dirty, fast and rough. It can be used as an antidote to heartache or just for blowing off a bit of steam. You can enjoy it in the privacy of your bedroom, in the car, or in a public place surrounded by hundreds of people. But it’s by far the best when it’s sweaty, loud, out-of-control and shared with someone you care about. Above all, while it may not be for everyone, those who enjoy it always have a fucking good time together.” - Emmy Mack

Sweet distortion will electrify the airwaves inside Darlinghurst’s The Burdekin Hotel on Friday 14th of September, with Sydney rock veterans Devine Electric recruiting a task force of the city’s hottest up-and-coming hard rock acts (Smokin’ Mirrors, Mad Charlie, Rattlesnake) to help launch their new self-titled EP and, with a bit of luck, reignite the flame of rock n’ roll in Sydney.

Proud wearers of vintage Guns N’ Roses tees and fearless toters of AC/DC boxer shorts lovesick for a time when rock music meant gut-busting riffs, electrifying guitar solos and monster choruses designed to be blasted at top volume on car stereos will kick themselves for missing out on this event, a rock party cranked ‘up to 11’, with stacks of giveaways and, most importantly, kick-arse tunes.

Perpetually shirtless bass player from main support act Smokin’ Mirrors, Matt Coleman, says he hopes the event will be a call to arms for any dormant rock fans in the Sydney area. “If you’re like us then you’ll understand what we mean when we say most of the music that calls itself ‘rock’ today doesn’t sound a thing like rock. It’s this diluted, washed-out imitation… It’s got no edge, no energy, no guts, no sense of fun or the kind of sweaty camaraderie that brings fans together at a live show. We’re all here to try to give the scene a good hard shot of adrenaline and show fans of true rock that the kind of music they love does still exist…”

“Jumping around, singing along, head-banging to the sound of a crunchy riff or a screaming guitar solo and having a thumping good time with your mates - that’s what rock n’ roll means to us. And we hope any fans out there who feel the same will come party with us at The Burdekin on the 14th.”

Devine Electric are a hard rock band who’ve already achieved stellar success across their career to date. Since forming in 2005, they’ve scored notable support slots for international rock acts the caliber of Stryper and Rose Tattoo, as well as being picked up by Big Deal Inc. (AC/DC, Noiseworks) for a turn before their brief hiatus in 2007. Now back together and stronger than ever, Devine Electric are ready to light up the Burdekin stage and unleash their latest batch of hard rockin’ tunes upon the world.

Main support act Smokin’ Mirrors are a female-fronted hard rock band from the Central Coast of NSW, founded on strong friendships and a mutual dissatisfaction with the kind of music they’ve been hearing on their radios for the past decade. With a high-octane style of melodic, guitar-driven, hard riffin’ rock, the young four-piece currently have their noses to the grindstone producing their debut EP, “Set to Ignite”, which has already been slated for an international distribution deal with Valleyarm, the leading digital distributor in the Asia-Pacific region. Original AC/DC drummer Colin Burgess, who caught Sn’M’s live show at Valve Bar in Tempe earlier this year, agrees that while the band’s tunes are top-class, the strength of their live show cannot be denied. “It’s rare to find a band these days with the dedication to music that the bands had in the 60’s,” Burgess says. “That’s why I found Smokin’ Mirrors extremely refreshing, as they ooze passion for what they do. Because they really love their music, it shines and carries you with it.”

Mad Charlie are Sydney’s ultimate straight-up, sweaty, balls-out rock n’ roll band. Their sound is a raunchy, groovy blend of dirty blues and 90’s-influenced hard rock – a sound that has catapulted them all over Australia since their 2008 formation. The four-piece, who have also shared the stage with iconic Aussie rock bands The Radiators, The Celibate Rifles and The Poor, will be handing out free CDs at The Burdekin featuring 2 exclusive new songs off their own forthcoming EP, due out in November.

Rattlesnake are a young but musically adroit four-piece serving up a gutsy rock show with the kind of vocal and guitar theatrics that will have your jaws dropping, your heads banging and your fists pumping.

Their set will kick off the Devine Electric EP Launch Party at The Burdekin Hotel – 2 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst – at 8pm on Friday 14th September. Tickets are $10 at the door.

Who are you and what are you doing here? (what is your name, what is the band and what is your role in the band?)

Harry Roden from The City Lights. I am the bass player.

How did the band start?

The band started after James’s band The John Reed Club collapsed just as they were on the brink. It took him a while but he gathered me on bass and Danny Allen on 2nd guitar from Youthgroup (now in The Drums on drums) and Shane Melder on drums from Sidewinder and started again. We recorded an album and we haven’t stopped and are now up to our third album. Members have changed a bit but it’s the same vision: to write the elusive great song.

How would you describe your band?

Music made with guitar, bass and drums and lungs. Rock for the thinking man or woman. No glowsticks.

  If you had to choose one song you’ve written to best describe your band which one would it be?

“I Just Got to Believe” from the new album of the same name. Album is out on 14th September 2012!

Where are people able to hear your songs?

They can hear them live. They can get them on itunes and all those downloady places. We have 2 albums in shops and a third out 14th September.

They can hear them on soundcloud

http://soundcloud.com/the-city-lights

They can hear them on our facebook

www.facebook.com/thecitylightsaustralia

Are you playing any shows anytime soon? 

Yes, at The Green Room, Enmore Road, Newtown Sydney on Friday 14th September 2012 for our album launch. Come along!

Then, in Brisbane at The Beetle Bar on Saturday 22.09.12.

Then at The Old Bar, Melbourne on Saturday 10.11.12.

What is your proudest moment/greatest achievement as a band? 

Touring Spain twice and recording three albums.

If you could have a dream tour with 3 other bands/musicians who would they be?

The Jam, The Who and The Sunnyboys.

Anything Else you’d like to add?

We are launching our new album “I Just Got to Believe” At The Green Room, Enmore Road, Newtown Sydney on Friday 14th September 2012 with The Slow Push. The we head to Brisbane Saturday 22nd September and finally off to Melbourne Saturday 10th November with The Bowers. Come along!

Originally issued as a free bonus download with pre-orders for Mixtapes’ 2011 LP, Maps & Companions, Animal Style Records has now announced plans for a proper release of the Cincinnati, OH indie pop-rock band’s 9-song, How to Throw A Successful Party. Due out on Oct 30th, the album will be available digitally and on vinyl as a one-sided 12", limited to 500 copies (100 yellow, 200 green, 200 blue). See cover art and track listing below.

Co-vocalist Ryan Rockwell explains, "So we originally recorded this to come out for free alongside Maps & Companions and we were really stoked on it. It was 9 acoustic (mostly) songs and we're really happy with them. People have been asking for a while about it being on vinyl and now the time seems right, so the great Matt Medina is putting it out on Animal Style Records! It's gonna come out at Fest and be limited to 500, If you are reading this on a blog or news website I look forward to reading about how much we suck. We are happy this is coming out on vinyl and you should buy it on all 3 colors because that's what ICP does and they are rich <3."

NGHBRS has officially released its new mixtape for free download via Paper + Plastick Records. The mixtape is available to listen to and download on a new webpage dedicated solely to the new release. Alternatively it can be streamed below.

On the webpage, fans can stream the entire mixtape in a SoundCloud widget, and also watch a music video playlist featuring each of the songs on the release.

Recommended If You Like: Incubus, Foo Fighters, RX Bandits, MuteMath, Thrice, As Tall as Lions

NGHBRS' new mixtape consists of seven songs - two acoustic B-sides, a remix, two live tracks recorded at Converse's Rubber Tracks Studios, and two jazzy versions of existing songs that were recorded in studio. Check out the official tracklist and album art below. This mixtape is a follow-up to the Long Island, NY-based group's Hellomind EP, which helped burst NGHBRS out onto the scene and received rave reviews from fans and critics. NGHBRS will head into the studio this fall to record its new full-length record for release in early 2013.

The band has released a statement to coincide with the release.

"

With the release of this MIXTAPE, NGHBRS would like to express thanks to our fans, friends, and family. These songs are merely different interpretations of NGHBRS tracks that have been released throughout the past 2 years, as well as two acoustic songs written by Ian. Each track has its own video that was created by NGHBRS, with the help of some close friends. We would like to thank Paper & Plastick Records, Steve Kupillas, AJ Estrada, Brandon Peterson, and Will McCoy, for collaborating with us on this release. We are looking forward to recording our first full length record this fall.

Ian, Jordan, Eric, and Tommy NGHBRS"

Who are you and what are you doing here? (what is your name, what is the band and what is your role in the band?)

I'm Tom Lark, my role in the band is to write and record the songs, sing them and play guitars.

How did the band start?

The band got together at the beginning of the project about a year ago. I didn't want to be just another “singer song writer” with an acoustic guitar, or a douche bag with karaoke backing tracks. I feel like Live bands these days are becoming more about the lip syncing and laptops, so its important to me to have the live show as live a possible.

How would you describe your band?

I guess i'd call it alternative pop music, its pretty sugary and sweet, then sometimes it gets stuck to you. I'm like the condensed milk of alt pop.

  If you had to choose one song you’ve written to best describe your band which one would it be?

Thats a really tough question, I like All Night Long a lot. its got a very distinctive sound to it and I think when we play it live, it feels really earnest to play I think the crowd usually gets that too.

Where are people able to hear your songs?

The best place to go to hear Tom Lark music is to the Internet! either itunes or Spotify, but you could also go through tomlark.bandcamp.com OR you could come to a gig maaan,

Are you playing any shows anytime soon?

Yeah, playing heaps of shows this month with a new band called “Feelings” (Simon Berkelman Philadelphia grand jury) I've been working on my coming album with him. He's a real tone king. Also one of the smartest people i've met.

What is your proudest moment/greatest achievement as a band?

Earlier this year, After we'd been touring around for a while and getting a bit of Buzz. We played a show back in my town (Christchurch), and it was by far the most slammin' show I've ever played.. the venue was packed out like four times over the fire escape limit, was so full people couldn't even get to the bar to buy drinks. It felt real rockn' roll for a bit there.

If you could have a dream tour with 3 other bands/musicians who would they be?

The Flaming Lips

- their live show is totally amazing, I feel like I could learn a lot from them

Jack White in some band, form or capacity

- hes a genius with Merch and colour coordination. I'd easly rate       him one of the             stylest dudes out there.

  The Eversons

-      The Eversons are a really great New Zealand band they're so funny. touring with them would be a non stop raging party.

With a new album in tow and high hopes, Socratic are proving that they are in it for the long haul. We were lucky enough to have Bassist  Lou Panico answer our questions. We ask you to keep Lou and the band in your thoughts as just after receiving this interview it was reported that Lou was hospitalised after sustaining injuries from attempting to stop a car high jacking.

Who are you and what are you doing here? (what is your name, what is the band and what is your role in the band?)

My name is Lou Panico. I play bass and sing in the band Socratic.

  How did the band start?

The band started over 10 years ago in a basement in Cranford, NJ. Mere freshmen in high school, the band consisted of Nirvana, Saves The Day, and Midtown cover songs. Duane was asked to join the group when Tom decided he had a crush on Duane's older sister. Rightfully so, Tom thought he'd have a better chance with her if Duane was in the band. Shortly after that Vinny came along. Duane had known Vinny since they were in diapers. Vinny was a beast on the ivories and immediately situated himself in what became the formula for the band's first record "Lunch For The Sky". Not only did that record get the band signed (to Drive-Thru Records in 2005), but it launched the band's career into full-time touring musicians. The band traveled all across the nation, Japan, and Australia.

  How would you describe your band?

I've never been able to describe Socratic. Instead I will include some quotes from fans who have.

"A band of merry men with something important to say, in the friendliest sort of cynical way. Singer/songwriter-driven pop with a jealous rock underside." - Joe Kenyon

"Socratic sounds like the sun feels. Listening to socratic makes me forget cancer exists. If you could smoke sherbet with marijuana, you would be listening to socratic. I believe if the entire world listened to socratic, all world problems would be solved and everyone would be happily pregnant." - Cameron Lum

"Socratic is like a chocolate peanut butter milkshake...with a splash of whiskey in it." - Daniel Sheridan

  If you had to choose one song you’ve written to best describe your band which one would it be?

I would probably have to pick "The Critics". It's the opening track off our new record Socratic (The Album). It's a song that truly explains where the band was mentally at during the making of the record. With modern rock and roll taking a back seat and the music industry taking a turn for the worst, we began to question our purpose.

Where are people able to hear your songs?

Our catalogue can be found on iTunes. We have a few music videos on our youtube page as well (youtube.com/socraticvideos).

  Are you playing any shows anytime soon? 

September 15th (Saturday) - Bitter End - 10:00PM - 147 Bleecker Street New York, NY 10012

October 13th (Saturday) - Arlene's Grocery - 8:00PM - 95 Stanton Street  New York, NY 10002

October 19th (Friday) - CMJ Showcase - 6:00PM - Sullivan Hall - 214 Sullivan Street New York, NY 10012

    What is your proudest moment/greatest achievement as a band? 

My personal favorite was when we were able spend an entire month at Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker's recording studio in Los Angeles. I was a huge Blink182 fan growing up and first picked up the guitar because of them. Having Mark call me on my personal cell and tell me how big of a fan he was of the band was a very humbling experience. He then went on to produce our sophomore record "Spread The Rumors" in 2008. I must have taken 1,000 pictures.

If you could have a dream tour with 3 other bands/musicians who would they be?

Paul McCartney, Coldplay, and Jimmy Eat World.

  Anything Else you’d like to add?

I urge everyone to give us a quick listen. After the demise of our former label Drive-Thru Records, the band almost followed shortly after. Our passion for songwriting and playing is the only thing that pulled us through. The result of that is our latest record Socratic (The Album). We produced, recorded, and funded the record entirely ourselves without the help from anyone. We've sacrificed many relationships and opportunities to continue doing what we love. Those musicians out there know what I'm talking about. I promise you'll walk away with a few new favorite tunes.

My Disco take to the road this September and October to celebrate the release of their forthcoming 12”.

Australia's most enigmatic trio have recorded two new hypnotically brain-bending tracks that are inexplicably addictive, coupled with remixes from like-minded friends and world renowned artists Justin K Broadrick (Jesu, Godflesh), and rising UK post-industrial outfit Factory Floor (DFA).

Picking up where they left off on 2010's acclaimed Little Joy, ‘Wrapped Coast’ is post-punk clatter at its finest, like a slightly deranged bastard spawn of Boredoms and Mission of Burma. The beat has clear nods to late night dance and debauchery, making Factory Floor's "The Michael Cliffe House Remix" a logical extension of the original.

The b-side stretches out, showcasing one of My Disco's strongest suits: their ability to craft mesmerizing music using space as their secret weapon. The effects are staggering, slightly creepy, and strangely seductive - made all the more so by Justin K Broadrick's intensely sprawling remix.

The four songs appear on a limited edition 12" which will be released on October 16th, and can be ordered worldwide through www.temporaryresidence.com and all good Australian independent record stores. A digital version containing a bonus track will be available through iTunes.

The vinyl will also be available to purchase at their sold out Hi Fi show in Melbourne, where My Disco will be play alongside Shellac as part of Melbourne Festival. In addition to their Hi Fi show, the band will play at the ANU Bar in Canberra, The Patch in Wollongong, and GOODGOD’s 2nd birthday party in Sydney.

“Crushingly, terrifyingly great: so far ahead of the pack as to be in a different universe altogether” TheVine

Thursday 27th September - ANU Bar, Canberra, ACT

Supports: Spartak and Golden Blonde

Tickets: $20 at the door. Presented by hellosQuare.

  Saturday 29th September - GOODGOD Small Club, Sydney, NSW

GOODGOD birthday feat: The Laurels, NO ZU, The Fighting League, Songs, Absolute Boys, Bloods + more

Tickets: $18 +BF, www.moshtix.com.au

  Sunday 30th September - The Patch, Wollongong, NSW

Supports: Cape Tribulation

Tickets: $12 at the door

  Friday 19th October - The Hi Fi, Melbourne - SOLD OUT!

Supporting Shellac as part of Melbourne Festival

From the 15th of August to the 26th, indie rock 5-piece Transit, hailing from north shore Boston (US), toured around Australia. On the 24th, I was lucky enough to finally get to see one of my favourite bands perform an all-ages show at YoYo’s Youth Centre in Sydney.

It was a cold night, and the obvious pop punk fans that Transit highly resonate with waited outside the venue in their Man Overboard crewnecks and The Wonder Years t-shirts talking excitably amongst each other as they awaited their approval for entry into the venue. The venue was small, but who doesn’t love seeing a band in a more intimate space like that?

Opening bands from Sydney Clipped Wings and Perspectives got the ball rolling with their melodic hardcore and punk sounds, and The Sunny Side Up followed with some pop rock tunes to contrast; all three bands giving great energetic performances. Melbourne punk band Anchors, and touring support, reached the stage and further heightened the anticipation for Transit’s nearing appearance with constant praise and thanks to the boys from Boston. Then it finally came time for the band everyone came to see to step up and share their talent with us.

Everyone squashed towards the barrier in front of the small stage as the talent of guitarists Tim Landers and Torre Cioffi, bassist PJ Jefferson, and drummer Daniel Frazier chimed in and the opening to Long Lost Friends began the show. Everyone was immediately singing along, and vocalist Joe Boynton didn’t waste time in stepping forward to the barrier to interact with the crowd. The show progressed in energy immensely with the crowd’s reaction to old favourites from the band such as Please Head North, and Stay Home – with person after person piling on top of each other trying to reach Boynton and his microphone at the barrier, all the while screaming their lungs out to the lyrics. They even chucked in a cover of Millencolin song No Cigar, which pleased many of the older fans that were in attendance. Transit then reverted to playing songs from their latest album Listen & Forgive – considerable mention going to their performance and the crowd’s reception of All Your Heart and the full band version of their song Skipping Stone. Upon their first exit after playing Skipping Stone, the band were coaxed into an encore by the expected chanting of “one more song” from their fans and even the sound guy over the P.A. The show was then closed with the emotion packed, and older song, For The World.

As a long-time fan of Transit and their work, getting to watch them perform was definitely an experience I’ll never forget.

Photos by Brooke Nash.

August 29, 2012 - Baltimore pop-punk 4-piece, All Time Low have announced their new album Don't Panic will be released on October 12, 2012 via Hopeless / UNFD in Australia and New Zealand.

“With this record, a big part of the process was finding what made our band special on each of our past records,” says singer/guitarist Alex Gaskarth. “This time around, rather than taking influence from anything we were listening to at the time or anything we want to touch on generationally, the goal was to make an album that we felt reflected the best aspects of our previous releases.”

All Time Low’s first single, 'For Baltimore' debuted last week on AltPress.com to high praise. The track is an intricate combination of several distinct styles; spinning-top electric riffs, hard-charging chorus breakdowns and a tasteful, acoustic-driven bridge, which you can purchase on iTunes here:smarturl.it/FBitunes. “I’ve never really heard a song that Alex has written or we’ve written and not been completely stoked on it,” says Dawson. “But for some reason, these just felt more us. There was less need to force anything, less need to prove anything, less need to chase anything. It was All Time Lowwriting All Time Low songs.”

No stranger to our country, adoring Australian fans will have another chance to see All Time Low in action, when they return in Feb-Mar to play as part of Soundwave Festival 2013! Full dates below:

All Time Low is Alex Gaskarth (vocals), Jack Barakat (guitar), Zack Merrick (bass) and Rian Dawson (drums).

DON'T PANIC Tracklisting:1. The Reckless And The Brave 2. Backseat Serenade 3. If These Sheets Were States 4. Somewhere in Neverland 5. So Long Soldier 6. The Irony of Choking on a Lifesaver 7. To Live and Let Go 8. Outlines 9. Thanks to You 10. For Baltimore 11. Paint You Wings 12. So Long, And Thanks For All The BoozeWATCH DON'T PANIC ALBUM TRAILER Below