Architecture in Helsinki Bundle Album with Tour Tickets

It’s been three long years since Architecture in Helsinki toured our fair land, but they’re getting set to break the drought.

In addition to appearances at Playground Weekend, MS Fest, Golden Plains, and the Groovin the Moo shows, the indie pop act will play headline dates in a number of capital cities.

The gigs come after the release of their new album Moment Bends, which is scheduled to hit record stores on April 8. Take a listen to the fun first single “Contact High” below.

If the song has whetted your appetite, make sure you snap up some tickets for the following shows when they go on sale on February 28. All tickets come with a copy of the Moment Bends, so they’re great value!

15 May 2011 – The Capitol, Perth
26 May 2011 – Hi-Fi Bar, Melbourne
27 May 2011 – Hi-Fi Bar, Brisbane

Image source: Lisa Hernesniemi @ Wikimedia Commons

Only The Sea Slugs Tour “Big Sky” Single

With an unlikely name and killer new single “Big Sky,” I predict Only The Sea Slugs are going to prove pretty unforgettable. Just to be sure the band will travel down the east coast to spruik their new tune next month.

This song’s arrangement is so simple, but its unique instrumentation and poignant lyrics about isolation in the urban jungle really speak to me. The song is the first single from Only The Sea Slugs’ debut EP Dreamstate.

If you dig it make sure you catch Only The Sea Slugs doing their thing at the following shows.

4 March 2011 – The Gallery Bar @ The Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney
11 March 2011 – The Great Northern Hotel, Newcastle
12 March 2011 – The Gallery Bar @ The Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney
16 March 2011 – The Workers Club, Fitzroy
19 March 2011 – The Gallery Bar @ The Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney
24 March 2011 – Lambda Lambda Lambda @ Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane
26 March 2011 – The Gallery Bar @ The Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Urban Stars Unite for Supafest

Arguably the biggest urban line-up Australia has ever seen will travel around the country this April for Supafest.

It was already shaping up to be something special when Snoop Dogg, Nelly, Bow Wow, and Taio Cruz were announced first, but now that Timbaland, Busta Rhymes, T Pain, Ciara, and DJ Nino Brown have joined the bill it’s getting ridiculous. The best part is, the organizers aren’t done. Expect even more high-quality acts when they make their final announcement next month.

The show’s scheduled to last for nine hours, which is probably how long it’ll take for these acts to play everything people want to hear! Tickets are selling fast, so if you want to head along I wouldn’t wait to get yours!

9 April 2011 – ANZ Stadium, Sydney
10 April 2011 – Arena Joondalup, Perth
16 April 2011 – RNA Showground, Brisbane
17 April 2011 – Melbourne Showgrounds, Melbourne

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

The Waifs Tempting Aussie Tour

It’s been four long years since The Waifs released their last album Sun Dirt Water, so I’m thrilled to hear some new material from this Western Australian folk act. Below I’ve posted “Angela” a stunning song from the band’s new album Temptation.

I am completely in love with this tune. It’s just so pretty and soulful and gorgeous, the kind of thing you want to play to all your friends. Thank goodness for this blog that allows me to do just that! If this is an indication of what we can expect from Temptation, the album’s going to be a stunner.

Temptation apparently sees The Waifs returning to their roots, with stripped back performances and songs contributed by all band members. The band laid it down while living together above Minneapolis’ Underwood Studios, playing, cooking, and reminiscing over a period of two weeks.

“You just went downstairs when it was your turn to do a take,” explained guitarist Josh Cunningham. “It was a great atmosphere to make an album in and I think you can hear that on the recordings.”

Temptation hits record stores on March 4, by which point The Waifs will already be winging their way around the country. You can see them live at the following venues around the country.

22 February 2011 – Moruya Memorial Hall, Moruya
23 February 2011 – Anita’s Theatre, Wollongong
24th February 2011 – Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
26 February 2011 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
27 February 2011 – Civic Theatre, Newcastle
1 March 2011 – The Northern, Byron Bay
2 March 2011 – Nambour Civic Centre, Nambour
3 March 2011 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
5 March 2011 – Old Broadwater Farm, Busselton
6 March 2011 – Castelli Estate, Denmark
8 March 2011 – Performing Arts Centre, Mandurah
9 March 2011 – Fremantle Arts Centre, Fremantle
10 March 2011 – Astor Theatre, Perth
12 & 13 March 2011 – Port Fairy Folk Festival, Port Fairy
15 March 2011 – The Gov, Adelaide
16 March 2011 – The Forum, Melbourne
17 March 2011 – The Forum, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
19 & 20 March 2011 – Blue Mountains Folk Festival, Katoomba
21 March 2011 – Moncrieff Theatre, Bundaberg
23 March 2011 – James Cook University Uni Club, Townsville
24 March 2011 – Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns
26 March 2011 – Darwin Ski Club, Darwin
27 March 2011 – Mangrove Resort Hotel, Broome

Image used with permission from Stephen Green Consulting

Glenn Richards Plays Victoria

Watching Augie March signer Glenn Richards doing his thing live is always something special. Performances have been rare since he released his solo album Glimjack last year, but he’s treating us to a few next month.

Glenn Richards will be joined by a stellar band featuring Dan Luscombe and Mike Noga of the Drones, You Am I’s Steve Hesketh, Ben Bourke of Ned Collette, and Chris Richards of The Beautiful Few.

Victorians are the lucky ones though, as all the announced gigs are in Glenn’s home state. Hopefully it won’t be too long before he treats the rest of Australia to some of those shows. Until then, here are the dates!

17 March 2011 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
18 March 2011 – Nortcote Social Club, Melbourne
19 March 2011 – Mossvale Music Festival, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

House of Pain Jump Around Australia

Old school hip hop outfit House of Pain have announced a string of sideshows in addition to their Groovin the Moo appearances. The dates are part of the band’s 20th anniversary world tour.

This tour is pretty exciting for fans, as it’s the first time they’ve played on Aussie soil since getting back together in 2010. I’m impressed that they’re heading our way so soon after that reunion.

Prepare to do plenty of jumping around at the following shows. Tickets go on sale from the venues on February 21.

29 April 2011 – Prince of Wales, Melbourne
2 May 2011 – The Hi-Fi Bar, Brisbane
6 May 2011 – Manning Bar, Sydney

Image used with permission from Reckoning Entertainment

Drawn From Bees Take on North America

Like many Aussies I wasn’t familiar with the music of Drawn from Bees, but this Brisbane band is making some real waves in North America with dates approaching at Canadian Music Week and South by Southwest.

Their EP Cautionary Tales for the Lionhearted will get an American release on March 1, which is sure to elevate their profile here and abroad. I gave the recording a few spins this afternoon and found it to be really mature, sophisticated stuff. The band harmonizes beautifully, and creates an amazing atmosphere which reminds me of Radiohead without the slit-your-wrists factor. While there’s certainly some darkness here, it never feels as gloomy and labored as the music the British band typically produced. The jangly guitars and rich melodies give these songs a warmth that elevates them out of the doldrums. I particularly loved “Stand Against the Storm,” which has shades of Talking Heads to it, and “Picture Show,” which builds so beautifully to a stirring crescendo.

Tunes from the EP and a few extras are available through Drawn From Bees’ MySpace page. If you like what you hear, make sure you check out what the band can do in the flesh at the following shows here and abroad!

18 February 2011 – 34B (above Spectrum), Sydney
5 March 2011 – The Manhattan Room, Philadelphia
6 March 2011 – Howlers, Pittsburgh
7 March 2011 – Euclid Tavern, Cleveland
8 March 2011 – Pearl St Grill, Buffalo
10 March 2011 – Canadian Music Week @ Bread & Circus, Toronto
12 March 2011 – Canadian Music Week @ Horseshoe Tavern, Toronto
13 March 2011 – Aussie BBQ @ Bowery Ballroom, New York
15 March 2011 – Cactus Instore, Houston
16 March 2011 – SXSW Party @ International Psych-Out, Austin
16 March 2011 – SXSW Party @ Aussie’s Bar & Grill, Austin
17 March 2011 – SXSW Party @ Dart International Music House, Austin
20 March 2011 – Dan Electro’s Guitar Bar, Houston
21 March 2011 – Reggie’s Music Joint, Chicago
22 March 2011 – Elbo Room, Chicago
24 March 2011 – Hennessey’s Hooley House, Boston
25 March 2011 – Hank’s Saloon, Brooklyn

Seabellies Announce Summer Single Tour

With their nautical name and groovy pop single “Board the Apartment Up” at radio, the Seabellies might just be the perfect summer band.

They’re celebrating the season, and the release of their final single from By Limbo Lake, by playing shows down the East Coast by way of Adelaide. The gigs will showcase the songs from that debut record and some new material written during a month long residency in Melbourne. They’ll lay those tunes down soon, but these shows give you the opportunity to hear them before anyone else.

Seabellies are quickly earning a reputation as one of Australia’s must see live acts. Come see why at the following shows.

12 February 2011 – Good Vibrations Festival, Sydney
24 February 2011 – ASP Surfing Awards, Gold Coast
26 February 2011 – Globe Theatre, Brisbane
3 March 2011 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
5 March 2011 – Jive Bar, Adelaide
11 March 2011 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
12 March 2011 – Beachcomber, Toukley
17 March 2011 – Gaelic Theatre, Sydney
18 March 2011 – Mona Vale Hotel, Mona Vale
20 March 2011 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla

Image used with permission from Albert Music

Angus & Julia Stone, Clare Bowditch, and More Play Shepparton’s 3630 Festival

A who’s who of the Aussie music scene will descend on Shepparton next month for the 3630 Festival. The line-up is impressive, with Angus & Julia Stone, Clare Bowditch, Ryan Meeking, and The Verses all on the bill.

As if the music wasn’t enough to entice you to part with your cash, it’s worth noting that half of the profits will reach Reconciliation Australia. This charity does vital work to bridge the gap in life expectancy between white and indigenous Australians. By donating their funds to the cause, 3630 Festival organisers hope to raise both money and awareness for this organization’s important work.

Considering Shepparton rarely sees any live music of note, let alone a bill like this, it’s impressive that the price of admission has been kept down. For just $65, I can’t think of a better way to spend a lazy Labour Day Sunday! Get your tickets at Shepparton’s Lemon Tree Café or online now!

Image used with permission from the 3630 Festival

The Dingoes Say Goodbye with Live Album and Shows

The Dingoes were one of the greatest bands of the 1970s, giving Australia hits like “Way Out West” and “Boy On the Run.” After their induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2009, Brod Smith, Kerryn Tolhurst, Chris Stockley, and John Bois figured it was about time to get the band back together.

They recorded another studio album and travelled all around the country last August. During that tour The Dingoes recorded a live CD at their Northwood Hotel and Northcote Social Club shows, and it’s finally been released. Live At Last captures a band at home on the stage with a repertoire finely tuned after decades in the business. There’s everything you could hope to hear on this double CD, and a few other tracks besides.

Sadly we’re hearing that the dates they’ve announced are the last ones, the final chapter of The Dingoes legacy. These shows include A Day on the Green slots with Joe Cocker and George Thorogood, festival appearances, and headline dates. Yes we’ve heard it’s the end before, but if you’re a fan I’d get to a few of these gigs just in case.

12 February 2011 – A Day On The Green @ Bimbadgen Estate, Hunter Valley (with Joe Cocker, George Thorogood, and Diesel)
13 February 2011 – A Day On The Green @ Centennial Vineyards, Bowral (with Joe Cocker, George Thorogood, and Diesel)
19  February 2011 – A Day On The Green @ Sir James Mitchell Park, South Perth (with Joe Cocker, George Thorogood, and Diesel)
10 March 2011 – Stones Winery, Yarra Valley
12 & 13 March 2011 – Port Fairy Folk Festival, Port Fairy
1 April 2011 – Prince of Wales, St Kilda
2 April 2011 – Caravan Music Club @ Oakleigh RSL, Oakleigh
3 April 2011 – The Williamstown RSL, Williamstown
22 April 2011 – East Coast Blues & Roots Festival, Tyagarah