The Sundance Kids earned rave reviews for their catchy brand of pop rock back in 2009, but didn’t quite crack the big time. So they’ve reinvented themselves with the shorter moniker Sundance.
While the Adelaide trio has changed their name the Sundance philosophy remains the same. They’re still putting the emphasis on melodies and hooks with new songs like the single “Where She Wants Me.” The track should strike a chord with Sundance’s faithful fans and hit the hearts of a few new ones.
Pataphysics is bringing something new to the urban scene with his unique blend of hip hop, jazz, and political ideology.
“Self,” the latest video from Pataphysics, showcases that distinct blend beautifully. On it he lays down some insightful lyrics and performs a killer trumpet solo. MTV named Pataphysics one of the Top Ten Breakout Bands of Australia way back in 2010, and with “Self” and his debut album Subversive released last month, he looks to be making good on that promise.
Pataphysics will launch Subversive at Collingwood’s Gasometer Hotel on September 14.
The Melbourne rock acts are both in fine form after some relentless gigging. The Delta Riggs have barely drawn breath since releasing Talupo Mountain Music Vol. II in late May. The band had their launch tour, and then frontman Elliott Hammond played keys for Wolfmother at a swag of European festivals.
Money for Rope have also been pretty busy with their This Epic Tour, which saw them sharing the bill with Kingswood and Damn Terran. They whipped crowds into a frenzy at Cherry Rock and Splendour, so they’re the perfect foil for the exuberant Delta Riggs.
If you like your rock straight up, without ice, make sure you get down to the following shows. The bands will be swapping out headlining duties throughout the tour, so don’t think you can arrive late!
15 August 2012 – Beach Road Hotel, Bondi (Free)
17 August 2012 – Side Bar, Newcastle
18 August 2012 – Annandale Hotel, Sydney
19 August 2012 – Transit Bar, Canberra
23 August 2012 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
24 August 2012 – The Loft, Warrnambool
25 August 2012 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
30 August 2012 – Barsoma, Brisbane
31 August 2012 – Shark Bar, Gold Coast
Local electronic producer, vocalist, and visual artist Michelle Xen has created an instant dancefloor classic with her new single “L.O.V.E.”
Michelle came up with the line “and she spells L.O.V.E. with her eyes,” before the song tumbled out. While it came together quickly it wasn’t quite alive until Regurgitator’s Quan gave it a bit of massaging. Now the song is one of those perfect dance-pop anthems, with a great 80s synth sound and just the right amount of heart.
“L.O.V.E” comes from Michelle Xen’s forthcoming album Synaesthesiac, which will hit stores this October.It’s currently available as a free download from Michelle’s Bandcamp page.
Former Bad Seed Hugo Race has well and truly creeped me out with his moody cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “I’m on Fire.”
The shiver I get listening to this unusual take on the American classic isn’t entirely a bad thing. Hugo’s interpretation gives a malice to the lyrics that I never heard when The Boss was cranking them out. I almost feel like I’m hearing the song for the first time.
This take on “I’m on Fire” comes from Hugo Race’s newly released digital album No But It’s True. The album sees Hugo putting his unique spin on love songs through the ages. It’s available through iTunes now.
Australian expat Joel Sarakula’s got my blood pumping with his sexy new single “I Will Deliver.”
This track has such a great groove which marries beautifully with Joel’s dirty vocals. The clip’s also a little on the dirty side, so you’d be best served waiting until you’re home from work to watch it. Some feminists might rail against it, but in the wake of Magic Mike’s release I’m all for equal opportunity perving!
Joel’s now based in London where he’ll launch at the single at the Alley Cat on August 16.
The Blackchords want to see you on your feet this winter when they tour their current single “Dance Dance Dance.”
The feelgood tune comes from The Blackchords’ sophomore album, which is scheduled to hit stores next month. We get an insight into the band’s recording process with the “Dance Dance Dance” film clip, which takes us into The Shed where the band laid down their album.
Tickets are available from the venues for the following shows:
22 August 2012 – Republic Bar, Hobart
23 August 2012 – Tapas Bar, Devonport
24 August 2012 – New York Hotel, Launceston
1 September 2012 – FBI Social Club, Sydney
8 September 2012 – Jive Bar, Adelaide
14 September 2012 – The Evelyn Hotel, Melbourne
15 September 2012 – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine
20 September 2012 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat (with The Medics)
22 September 2012 – Westernport Hotel, San Remo (with The Medics)
29 September 2012 – Ric’s Bar, Brisbane
With Jacob Butler’s single “UKOK?” getting a rerelease in Germany, the Australian Idol graduate figured it was time to revisit the music video.
Gone is the now outdated footage of the London riots, replaced with more recent vision of Jacob in Britain’s capital. It’s so new that it’s got the Olympic Rings on the Tower Bridge!
Jacob wants as many people to see this video as possible, and he’s offering fans a pretty compelling incentive to share it. Just head to Jacob’s Facebook page and share the post he made about the clip with your friends. For every person who does so, Jacob will donate a dollar to the Salvation Army. He hopes to donate around $1000, so help him get there by spreading the word!
I was a big fan of Elephant Eyes’ single “Mother Said” when I heard it in June, so it’s hardly surprising I’ve fallen for the music video. It’s just as charming and whimsical as it should be. Are you a fan?
Deb “Spoons” Perry is enjoying more than 15 minutes of fame. The plucky pensioner who brought us a cover of “Lonely Boy” is back turning her spoons to modern music. This time around she’s taking on Django Django’s “Default” with the help of her emu friends. She even broke a spoon! How very rock and roll!