Originally hailing from Hobart but now basing themselves in Melbourne, ALTA are a trip-hop duo comprising Hannah Lesser on vocals and Julius Dowson producing the beats. With clear blues and soul influences infused with sample-heavy beats that make wonderful use of space, a certain complexity really shines through after a couple of listens.
What can I say about the man that hasn’t already been said? Not much really, so let’s cover some well-trodden ground. The man is a genius, and, love him or hate him, you can’t deny the man has a talent for storytelling. Whether it be on the big screen (Lawless, The Proposition, and even a lesser known Gladiator sequel that never made it out of the blocks – there are a few synopses floating around the internet), in novels (And the Ass Saw the Angel and The Death of Bunny Munro), or his extensive work as a musician.
F’tang are a Sydney based instrumental outfit who’ve been active and gigging around for a few years now. Earlier last month they launched their EP, Pinkish Hue, with a packed show at Black Wire Records on Parramatta Road.
Friday February 22 saw The Oxford Art Factory host their Music Makers Club with an eclectic mix of bands sure to satisfy just about any punter. Particular mention goes to Archers whose washed out psychedelic sound certainly caught my attention. But the real reason I was drawn to the evening was Enerate, who brought stacks of their 8-bit acoustic synth-pop fun.
Peats Ridge Sustainable Arts & Music Festival, a three-day camping event held in the Glenworth Valley over the New Year period, has always been able to offer punters plenty of weirdness, workshops and music from both established acts and emerging artists. This summer’s festival (the eighth) was no exception.
The Harvest Festival is only in its second year but has already garnered quite a following. Promoters AJ Maddah (who also runs Soundwave) and Declan Forde managed almost to top last year’s effort (which included Portishead in their first Australian shows since 1998, The National, Flaming Lips, Mogwai, TV on the Radio, Bright Eyes and Holy F**k) so it’s no doubt the pair really have some pulling power.
You’ve probably heard them without knowing it, as their recent single, “Unstoppable”, has just been picked up for a Tourism NSW ad campaign. Enerate’s summery acoustic electronic blend is best described in front man Josh Graham’s own words as “Neil Young if he had a Roland TR-808”.
Late last year I was sitting on the grass in the beautiful Glenworth Valley watching the first act of the Peats Ridge Festival: The Rescue Ships. This was my first experience of anything Elana Stone and I was blown away, not only by the band’s engaging folk/pop melodies, but also by her truly awe-inspiring voice. Fast-forward to July 9, 2012, inside the cool and intimate confines of Venue 505 on Cleveland Street, where I’m waiting with bated breath for the tiny frame of Elana Stone to capture me with her solo show as much her previously mentioned collaboration with Brian Campeau. In short, she doesn’t disappoint, but more on that in a minute.
