Brittle Give The Owls EP Away

Melbourne’s Brittle are generous sorts. They’re so keen for Australia to hear their brand of alternative rock, they’re giving their new EP The Owls away for free!

The five track release captures the band’s dynamic live sound, thanks in no small part to the skills of legendary producer Mark Opitz (The Angels, Cold Chisel, INXS).

“It was a massive learning curve for us as a band,” said Brittle lead vocalist Ben “Tokyo” Whiting. “That guy knows a lot and he taught us so much during our time working with him. He really made sure we got our ‘live’ sound on the EP and most importantly helped us work towards creating our own unique sound for the five tracks”.

The Owls will be available for free digital download from June 14. Its release sees the band who’ve supported the likes of Faker, Kisschasy, Snow Patrol, and Katy Perry, step out as headliners. They’ll do just that at a slew of shows around the country in June, July, and August. Here are all the dates!

25 June 2010 – Trash @ Caseys Hotel, Hawthorn (18+)
26 June 2010 – Revellers Bar, Melbourne (18+)
8 July 2010 – Snitch @ Club 299, Brisbane (18+)
9 July 2010 – Hard Rock Café, Gold Coast (18+)
10 July 2010 – Bon Amici, Toowoomba (18+)
11 July 2010 – The Hive, Brisbane (All Ages)
15 July 2010 – Kyogle Memorial Hall, Kyogle (All Ages)
16 July 2010 – Southern Cross School, Ballina (All Ages)
17 July 2010 – Great Northern Hotel, Byron Bay (18+)
22 July 2010 – Grand Hotel, Wollongong (18+)
23 July 2010 – Ivanhoe Hotel, Manly (18+)
29 July 2010 – Bended Elbow, Geelong (18+)
30 July 2010 – POW @ Mynt Lounge, Werribee (18+)
31 July 2010 – Cherry Bar, Melbourne (18+)
1 August 2010 – Spanish Club, FitzroyAll Ages)
4 August 2010 – Irish Murphy’s, Launceston (18+)
5 August 2010 – The Central, Devonport (18+)
6 August 2010 – Republic Bar, Hobart (18+)
7 August 2010 – Maginty’s, Burnie (18+)
12 August 2010 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat (18+)
13 August 2010 – Louisiana Tavern, Elizabeth (18+)
14 August 2010 – Edinburgh Castle, Adelaide (18+)

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Nick Cave Delivers Second Serve of Grinderman

Nick Cave is preparing to unveil his second album with Grinderman this September.

Not so originally titled Grinderman 2, it sees Nick reunite with Warren Wllis, Martyn Casey, and Jim Sclavunos for another serve of dirty garage rock. Acclaimed producer Nick Launay twiddled the knobs for the album which was recorded at London’s RAK, State of the Ark, and Assault and Battery studios.

To celebrate the release Grinderman will tour around the United Kingdom and Europe throughout September and October. Hopefully we’ll see some Aussie dates to follow.

All Tomorrows Parties - Cockatoo Island


25 September 2010 – Rock City, Nottingham
27 September 2010 – University, Leeds
28 September 2010 – Barrowlands, Glasgow
29 September 2010 – Academy, Manchester
1 October 2010 – Hammersmith Apollo, London
4 October 2010 – Les Docks, Lausanne
5 October 2010 – Volkshaus, Zurich
6 October 2010 – Live, Milan
7 October 2010 – Atlantico, Rome
10 October 2010 – Gasometer, Vienna
11 October 2010 – Muffathalle, Munich
13 October 2010 – Haus Auensee, Leipzig
14 October 2010 – Columbiahalle, Berlin
15 October 2010 – E-Werk, Cologne
17 October 2010 – Ancienne Belgique, Brussels
20 October 2010 – MCV, Utrecht
21 October 2010 – Docks, Hamburg
23 October 2010 – Falkoner Theatre, Copenhagen
24 October 2010 – Power Station, Randers
26 October 2010 – Cite de La Music, Paris

As Silence Breaks Speak Up with New Album

Sydney metal act As Silence Breaks are set to release their self-titled debut album on June 11. This is a metal act to watch, with the band producing music that is aggressive yet accessible.

“Our album is a combination of elements from the metalcore, thrash and hardcore genres,” explained vocalist Sam Rilatt. “We just love writing music that’s heavy, hard hitting and aggressive but is juxtaposed by layers of big melody.

“We’ve never been afraid to just follow our own direction. We don’t want to just write the same songs over and over. Were constantly working at improving our sound and technical proficiency to the point where the genres and sub genres that people categorize us in, may not even apply on the next album we do.”

To celebrate the album’s release As Silence Breaks will tour the country next month, starting in their local area of Western Sydney. Tickets are on sale from the venues now.

5 June 2010 – Bridge 54, Picton (All Ages)
6 June 2010 – Balydon Community Hall, Coffs Harbour (All Ages)
10 June 2010 – HOT DAMN @ Spectrum, Darlinghurst (18+)
20 June 2010 – The Lucky Australian Tavern, St Marys (All Ages)
26 June 2010 – The Fort, Fortitude Valley (All Ages)

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Washington Tours Debut Album with Beautiful Girls

InStyle And Audi Women Of Style Awards

Washington, the thinly veiled alter ego of Vanda and Young songwriting competition victor Megan Washington, will play dates to support the release of her debut album, cheekily titled I Believe You, Liar.

The shows are a mix of full band shows and solo dates, including a swag of concerts supporting Beautiful Girls.
If you like what you hear make sure you pick up I Believe You, Liar when it hits stores on July 30.

29 May 2010 – Ripe Festival, Noosa (Full band)
2 June 2010 – Armidale Uni, (Solo – Supporting Beautiful Girls)
3 June 2010 – Great Northern, Byron Bay (Solo – Supporting Beautiful Girls)
4 June 2010 – The Tivoli Theatre, Brisbane (Full band – Supporting Beautiful Girls)
5 June 2010 – The Tivoli Theatre, Brisbane (Full band – Supporting Beautiful Girls)
6 June 2010 – Great Northern, Byron Bay (Solo – Supporting Beautiful Girls)
10 June 2010 – Diggers, Tamworth (Solo – Supporting Beautiful Girls)
11 June 2010 –  Panthers, Newcastle (Solo – Supporting Beautiful Girls)
12 June 2010 – Waves, Wollongong (Solo – Supporting Beautiful Girls)
13 June 2010 – Leagues Club, The Entrance (Solo – Supporting Beautiful Girls)
16 June 16th – Baroque Nightclub, Blue Mountains (Solo – Supporting Beautiful Girls)
17 June 2010 – Panthers, Bathurst (Solo – Supporting Beautiful Girls)
18 June 2010 – Capital, Wagga Wagga (Solo – Supporting Beautiful Girls)
19 June 2010 – Civic Centre, Wodonga (Solo – Supporting Beautiful Girls)
24 June 2010 – Inferno, Traralgon (Solo – Supporting Beautiful Girls)
25 June 2010 – Palace Theatre, Melbourne (Full band – Supporting Beautiful Girls)
30 June 30th – Prince Of Wales, Bunbury (Solo – Supporting Beautiful Girls)
1 July 2010 – Metropolis, Freemantle (Full band – Supporting Beautiful Girls)
2 July 2010 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River (Solo – Supporting Beautiful Girls)
3 July 2010 – Divers Tavern, Broome (Solo – Supporting Beautiful Girls)
8 July 2010 – Saloon Bar, Launceston (Solo – Supporting Beautiful Girls)
9 July 2010 – Wrest Point, Hobart (Solo – Supporting Beautiful Girls)
10 July 2010 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide (Full band – Supporting Beautiful Girls)
14 July 2010 – Station Resort, Jindabyne (Solo – Supporting Beautiful Girls)
16 July 2010 – Hellenic Camp, Canberra (Solo – Supporting Beautiful Girls)
17 July 2010 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney (Full band – Supporting Beautiful Girls)
22 July 2010 – Pacific Palms Rec Club, Forster (Solo – Supporting Beautiful Girls)
23 July 2010 –Panthers, Port Macquarie (Solo – Supporting Beautiful Girls)
24 July 2010 –RSL, Sawtell (Solo – Supporting Beautiful Girls)
30 July 2010 – Splendour in the Grass, Woodford (Full band)

Bodyjar Boys Back with Cola Wars

Just months after wrapping up their final tour with Bodyjar, Cam Baines and Shane Wakker are back with their brand new outfit Cola Wars.

The lads are joined by Mikey Juler, formerly of For Amusement Only, and Mark Brunott. The new single “Giving It Up” is our first taste of Cola Wars’ debut album Invader, which will hit Australia music stores on June 18 with a Japanese release to follow. It’s got some great hooks and a fantastic energy. And it seems the lads themselves are just as pleased with it.

“We are fully stoked with this recording. I reckon it packs a real punch,” said guitarist Cam Baines. “We produced the whole album with Kalju Tonuma (The Living End, Temper Trap, Evermore) and it came together without a hitch. Some of these songs have been in the incubator for a few years now so it was great to finally do them justice.”

This is the sort of music which will really come alive on stage, so make sure you stay tuned for details of Cola Wars’ first national tour soon!

Daniel Johnston Acoustic Australian Live Set Gets Digital Release

Punters raved about Daniel Johnston’s shows this February. In between slots at the Laneway Festival and theatres, the American singer-songwriter took time out to record an acoustic session in Sydney’s Albert Studios. Now that live set will be released as an EP through Hub The Label and Albert productions.

The 2005 South By South West Music Festival


The EP features many tracks which have never been released live anywhere in the world. Standout local singer-songwriter Old Man River joins Daniel for “Fake Tales of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” just as he did at the Aussie shows.

The live@albertstudios EP will be available for digital download through iTunes on May 21.

Hashbang Spacestar Release Debut EP

Electropop act Hashbang Spacestar are preparing to release their debut EP Memories Travel at the Speed of Light.

If you love the sounds of The Presets, Empire of the Sun, Cut Copy, and PNAU you should give these guys a spin. They’ve got a bunch of free MP3 available through their website, or you can catch them in the live arena when they launch their EP at Sosueme, Q-Bar in Sydney on May 7.

Image source: Hashbang Spacestar

The Cat Empire Announce New Album and Tour

Melbourne band The Cat Empire have just signed a brand new deal with EMI, and announced the release of their new album to celebrate.

Cinema will hit stores on June 25, but we’ll get a sneak peek with the digital release of the first single “Feeling’s Gone” on May 14.

The Cat Empire’s material has always sounded best in the live arena, so fans will be happy to hear the band will embark on a national tour. Currently only ten dates have been confirmed, but they promise there’s more where that came from. Sit tight fans in Broome, Townsville, Alice Springs, and Darwin; your cities are amongst the ones yet to be announced. As for everyone else, here are the shows to add to your concert calendar.

Days Like This Festival


19 August 2010 – Palace Theatre, Melbourne
21 August 2010 – The Station, Perisher
22 August 2010 – ANU Bar, Canberra
26 August 2010 – Beach Hotel, Byron Bay
27 August 2010 – Coolangatta Hotel, Gold Coast
28 August 2010 – Riverstage, Brisbane
29 August 2010 – Hordern Pavillion, Sydney
1 September 2010 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
2 September 2010 – Astor Theatre, Perth
10 September 2010 – Reggaetown Festival, Cairns

Gyroscope Slams Warner Over Greatest Hits Release

The lads from Gyroscope have lashed out at former record label Warner Music for releasing a greatest hits record without their consent or knowledge.

2008 ARIA Awards - Arrivals


The band only became aware of the release when fans alerted them through Facebook. They say the album does not represent value for money.

“The song selection, artwork and everything about this release has been done without consultation with the band,” they said. “Gyroscope are a band who have always put our fans first. In our opinion, the release of this album without consultation with the band, and without including any material from our new album Cohesion, does not represent good value for our fans.”

I’ve got to say I side with Gyroscope on this one. Material from a mere three albums does not a greatest hits make, particularly when the first two didn’t exactly set the world alight. Compare that to the latest disc which debuted at number 3 on the ARIA charts and you quickly realise this is no “best of” at all.

I think anyone who doesn’t already own all four discs would be better off filling the gaps in their collection than buying this greatest hits CD, but if you do want The Best Of Gyroscope you’ll find it in stores next week.

Kylie Minogue Announces “Aphrodite” Album with Teaser Video

Kylie Minogue’s website has gone into meltdown with the announcement that her next album will be named Aphrodite. I guess that’s what happens when you make an announcement that you’ll make an announcement a day before to generate some hype!

At any rate, Kylie’s 11th studio album will hit record stores on July 5. It will be launched with the single “All The Lovers,” which gets a June 28 release.

If you can’t wait that long, check out this 30-second teaser video. I must say what’s here kind of hurts my ears, but spin it in a club and I might be interested. I’ll reserve my judgement until I hear the vocals; Kylie’s always had a knack of hooking me in with a catchy chorus.