Month: August 2010

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Live at the Chapel Gears Up for Big Eighth Season with Russian Standard Vodka

Live at the Chapel has teamed up with Russian Standard Vodka to present this year’s live concert series.

This year’s program will kick off with an exclusive performance at the Uniting Church in the Sydney suburb of Paddington. There’s no word yet on who’ll play, except that it’s a “superstar act.” Yes, I’m intrigued.

After all, in the past seven series we’ve seen international acts like the Foo Fighters, John Mayer, and Coldplay take the stage, as well as big name local talents like Delta Goodrem, Missy Higgins, and The John Butler Trio.

There’s also no word yet on when it’ll all start, so we’ll all have to keep an eye on the newly revamped Russian Standard Vodka Live at the Chapel website and Facebook page. Both sites are worth bookmarking if you want to win your way into the shows and suggest the artists you want to see.

Image source: Live at the Chapel Facebook page

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Declaration of Independence” – The Earth Republic

This morning I’ve been listening to Declaration of Independence, the solid debut EP from Sydney rockers The Earth Republic.

It’s a fitting name for the EP, which the band wrote and co-produced. This real independence allows the band to play around with their sound to deliver something that is eclectic, yet instantly accessible.

The opening track “Breaking It Again” is emotive and deeply powerful, if a little mournful after a couple of spins. I enjoyed it, but was thrilled to see the band switch gears for “Stop.” This song has one of the best bass lines I’ve ever heard, and that infectious groove makes this track one of the EP’s stand-outs for me. I also love “Vain,” a delightfully schitzophrenic song that swings wildly between rip-snorting riffs and more relaxed, jaunty rhythms. The closing track “Ready to Go,” really kicks along; I instantly thought it might be what Golden Earring would do if they were to write a sequel to “Radar Love.” Even if it is a bit derivative, it’s bags of fun.

The Earth Republic have generously posted all of the EP’s tracks online so you can hear them for yourself. Personally I’m impressed. The band hints at something really special here, and I have a feeling it’d be fully realised in the live arena. When a record makes you want to get out there and see the band on the stage, I think it’s done its job.

Image source: The Earth Republic website

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Aston Passes Magic Million Views, Announces Tour Dates

Way to go Aston! The Sydney-based classical pop act has just notched up more than a million views on their YouTube channel. This number was no doubt boosted by the recent release of the new single “Bulletproof.”

To celebrate the milestone the band has announced a handful of New South Wales dates this September. Hopefully we’ll see them venturing out of their home state really soon! Until then, you can catch the band at the following shows, and on The Matty Johns Show every Thursday night.

14 September 2010 – Raval, Sydney
17 September 2010 – Orange Conservatorium, Orange
18 September 2010 – Mitchell Conservatorium, Bathurst
19 September 2010 –  Mitchell Conservatorium, Lithgow

Image source: The Harbour Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Demon Parade Announce EP Launch Tour

Melbourne indie rockers Demon Parade are heading out on the road to support the release of their debut EP, God Said It’s Legal.

The band’s sound is like a meeting of 90s Britpop with 70s psychedelic rock, with its swirling guitars and lush harmonies. The EP was clearly a labour of love for the band; singer-songwriter and guitarist Michael Badger recorded and mixed the album at his own Jaya Jaya studios. Being so close to the project allowed Michael to bring out Demon Parade’s dense, ethereal sound. Take a listen to the first single “Do You Believe In Hell” here.

The band will play shows along the East Coast this August and September. While the music speaks for itself, it’s only going to sound better in the flesh. You can catch Demon Parade at the following shows.

7 August 2010 – Rats, Melbourne (with Wolf & Cub)
13 August 2010 – Missing Link Instore, Melbourne
13 August 2010 – The Birmingham, Fitzroy (with Guests Slight Of Build and Buried Feather) 14 August 2010 – The National Hotel, Geelong (with The Frowning Clouds)
19 August 2010 – Melt Bar, Sydney
20 August 2010 – The Grand Hotel, Wollongong  (with Royal Chant Doors)
28 August 2010 – The Espy, Melbourne (with The Fearless Vampire Killers)
3 September 2010 – Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne (with The Checks)
10 September 2010 – Neverland, Gold Coast (with Villains of Wilhelm)
15 September 2010 – The Filth @ Beach Road Hotel, Bondi (with Cabins)
17 September 2010 – The Filth @ The Ivanhoe, Manly
17 September 2010 – Mum @ World Bar, Sydney (late show)
18 September 2010 – Gallery Bar @ Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney (with The Salvagers)
25 September 2010 – The Retreat Hotel, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Heaps a Flash