Wed 16 Sep – The Motifs Wednesday Night Residency

THE EMPRESS

They’re a fun loving lot those indie kids. Tonight’s show, third in a series of Wednesday-night residencies for the headliners, has a ‘80s beach party’ theme, following on from the ‘Bad Jumper’ and ‘Pirates’ themes of previous weeks, (next week is ‘Freaks and Geeks and Matheletes’), which allows many to look decidedly Miami Vice/John Hughes. Thankfully, this mixed bag of fashion sensibility doesn’t get in the way of the uniformly excellent music.

Darren Sylvester, recipient of uniformly glowing reviews for his eponymous debut album and several dozen ‘but…

Sat 22 Aug – Crayon Fields "All The Pleasures Of The World" 7 inch launch

With tables drawn to the front of the stage like pups to a teat, and standing-room only behind, it must be a strange situation for tonight’s bands, more used to the ramshackle charm of Old Bar or The Birmingham. But tonight’s show with its brilliant sound system and warmly appreciative crowd makes them sound comfortably at home.

Despite the bizarrely uninviting name Dick Diver have fast accrued credibility during their short time together, and waste no time showing why. Kicking off with a gritty pop…

Thu 19 Mar – The Bedroom Philosopher, Tripod, The Suitcase Royale

It was awesome. Y'all missed out.

THE CORNER

Coming across more like the end-of-year performance of Songwriting Masterclass 101, The Corner’s measly crowd bore witness to one of the greatest night’s entertainment 2008 had to offer in all it’s humble beauty, shy glory and Australian twang.

The Millers Tale’s album Overland and tonight’s rendering of many of its songs give a jaw-dropping ‘where-have-I-been/how-did-I-miss-this?’ sense of wonder. This is perfect traveling music. The songs feel extensions of the land; incredibly simple and direct, warm Harriet Wheeler-esque vocals from bassist Bec Quade with melodies as appealing as guitarist John Maclane’s suggestion to ‘buy everyone’s CDs and bust…

Fri 22 Aug – Wintertones

Roxanne

Like the security staff and police, winter was out in force tonight. A fact the hundred-meter line of trembling indie kid was not allowed to forget as we queued outside, bathed in the neon glow of the nearby adult cinema. For reasons never explained, the venue was allowing access solely via the elevator meaning that several early sets were missed by many, and that upon arriving, Roxanne felt like a large emptily exclusive firetrap. Despite this, and despite the surprisingly defective PA system in the main room, the dual-stage magic organised by Sophie and…

Fri 8 Aug – Hit The Jackpot, Guy Blackman, Beaches, The Twerps

The Tote

There is a refreshingly unprofessional air about the bands playing tonight. Not that there aren't prodigiously talented people playing, but that no one is struggling for perfection or over-valuing musicianship, all the stories that are being told tonight rely on personality, originality and, as befitting any event organised by Guy Blackman, individuality.
The Twerps initially appear as though they're another band who heard The Pastels and thought 'I can do that'; cue melodic four-note basslines, lazy guitars, one-beat drums and some out of tune vocals.…

Sat 2 Aug – Splendour in the Grass
SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS

Sun and fun!
Splendour proved to be a microcosm of it's nearest town, Byron Bay. Plenty of tents and music options for the spiritually aware, and an all-pervading feeling that it's all going to be OK. And it is. Barely anyone puts in a poor show and even if they do, the crowd will sweetly forgive.

DAY ONE

Following a strong show from Delta Spirit who were southern gentlemen and possess a ragged folky spirit that began proceedings well, the GW McLennan Tent becomes a love-in for the…

The Evelyn

In a rare show of form The Evelyn tonight plays host to a diverse and exciting array of bands, a lineup that manages to maintain the high standards set by opening act Love Is Science Fiction. Despite the 12 or so people in the room, LISF play like they are in a crowded warehouse party, a venue they better start relegating to their gigging history if this gig is anything to go by. Drummer Steph is a tom-heavy rhythm behemoth matched for sheer hardcore-ness by guitarist Joey who sets his booming riffs amidst sheets of feedback while…

Sat 31 May – Guy Blackman

The Toff

The simple delight in seeing a songwriter, any songwriter, so fully be able to express their craft is likely to always be a rare pleasure. Tonight evidenced that Guy Blackman is a character who has clearly earned great respect from a lot of people through his variously pursued passions for music, and it is tribute to his songs that they aren't overshadowed by the caliber of guests he brings on to flesh them out.
Opening act, the perfectly-titled Always, is a curious prospect. Kneeling - sometimes lying - on the floor,…

Fri 23 May – The Seabellies


Revolver Upstairs

Unexpected revelations are the order of the evening here tonight. First up is Twin City Radio, a band who instantly knock you flat with the sense that they are going to be totally, utterly, massive. The ingredients are all there; the talent, the ambition, the sense of something not that unusual but different enough to stand out, and a charismatic frontman. Pushing a tightly-reined melodramatic edge to their smart and heavy songs, it's easy to see that industry people will see dollar signs and audiences will swell, should that be the…