LOCAL
Please click the names for links to bandcamp or similar artist pages! I've thrown in a couple of videos which happen to have been directed by very talented people I know, and I know it may seem like a great big plug but I honestly also think they're excellent.Astrid and the Asteroids
I saw Astrid and her fellow Asteroids at the Zoo months back, and have wanted to write about them since. Simply put, they are a goddamn talented crew of musicians (mostly Conservatorium graduates, so figures) lead by the enigmatic and vocally marvellous Astrid. Not only do they put on an energetic and powerful live show, decked out in out-of-this-world space costumes, but their music is catchy, infectious and brilliant, in it's brassy, groovy style. I had some super mad fun at this gig.
Cub Scouts
Cub Scouts have been touring with the likes of Brisbane darlings Ball Park Music and getting quite the name for themselves. They have a very Holiday's feel to me, blissful jangly pop with sweet lyrical moments. I can see them becoming the next indie pop faves on the Triple J circuit and beyond, and it's not hard to see why. Try not to get their song below stuck in your head, I dare ya.
videoclip directed by world's greatest housemate Sam Rogers
Tiptoes
Tiptoes is a one man band here in Brisbane who specializes in electro-post-pop with the essences of Pulp and Prince, mixed with some Microphones-esque folk. His subject matter is often psychadelic, existential and apocalyptic, with lyrics of depth and complexity hushed in a contemplative croon. His work is both unique and brilliant, and he can even play two far-apart synths at the same time while singing, as I had the priviledge of witnessing at a show at a Real Bad Music gig in February. I'm looking forward to the split single he is currently recording with fellow musician Perpetual Nervousness, and hopefully a 6" EP later in the year.
Mindjar
I caught Mindjar at the Zoo a few weeks ago and was pretty impressed with their tight set, reflective of old school 90's and 00's alt-rock with dashes of metal-lite. Lead singer Corrie has a superb voice, belting out heartfelt lyrics, sometimes with a screech, others a whisper, and was completely immersed in his performance. The band itself is well in sync and with thumping drums and growling bass, play tight together- but this is clearly Corrie's avenue to shine, sliding himself around the stage like a good frontman should.
Blank Realm
Blank Realm were part of the third annual Deadshits festival, held at Black Bear lodge, at which I was eager to see label mates Kitchen's Floor for my first time. However good they were, it was Blank Realm that stuck in my memory, so much so that I considered checking them out again at Record Store Day (but did catch some very good Jungle Giants before departing instead). Very electro-ambient, full of reverb and fuzz, but also with some infectiously gritty rock moments, they also managed to entertain me most with a positively charged set. I expect they're already 4ZZZ old hat faves.
Royal Zephyr
Royal Zephyr are a bunch of suave Brisbane gents (I should stop typing the word Brisbane. They're all from Brisbane. Gah) who I'm yet to see live, but they channel some serious 60's - 80's punk rock in their songs; drum fills, electric riffs and all. One track sounds like it could have been a long-lost Doors recording, another is like something Tame Impala wishes they'd created. Whatever their influences are, they have a very retro feel which I have a feeling will be a lot of fun live.
Skypilot
Skypilot is a very easy to enjoy alt-rock band, made up of a group of excellent musicians around Brisbane. They've been compared to the National and U2, and while I'm not a huge fan of either of those bands, they have a similar vocal and musical style.. while in my opinion, being much more enjoyable. They have an excellent range from slow burning lovely acoustic moments, to intensity building drum-pounding guitar-screeching energy.
videoclip directed by world's best brother and girlfriend, Nic F and Lydia H. I'm also in it!
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OVERSEAS
Additional to some excellent local bands, are some fantastic international (namely US) musical acts I have come across via internet befriending and some that have travelled. These are all independent, local artists in their area, unsigned and completely excellent. I'd encourage you to check them out and support original, independent artists, also they're just freaking good.
Pocket Vinyl
This Connecticut piano-rock duo has some clear influences, such as Ben Folds, Beirut, but with a fresh and unique passion that makes them stand out. Their songs are beautifully produced and coupled with frontman Eric's brilliant emotive voice and lyrics. Their shows are something I would really like to see over here, in which Eric plays and Elizabeth paints to the music, always something beautiful and inspired (no Red Paintings jokes). They auction off the painting at the end of the show, so the audience may get even more than just a performance. They're also husband and wife too. It's cute.
Clotworthy
Clotworthy, a young musical genius from Philadelphia, makes music I wish I could make (but I'd have to be the female version). Clotworthy tells the familiar story of what it's like to be a dude, trying to make a life, get a girl, maintain a friendship, chase that neverending carrot that is success, but not always make it. Also, what it would be like to be Bill Murray. Along with the relatable lyrics sang with his excellent and unique voice, his synth-driven electro rock music carries you along, and is destined to stick in your head.
The Uncle Steves
The Uncle Steves, from Illinois, seem to have taken Beck's "Mellow Gold" era and taken it to a whole other level, turning it into their own unique genre. They excel at mixing hip hop with gritty rock, harmonies, acoustic ecstasy and some excellent handclapping. The Uncle Steves style is infectious and powerful, and stays with you for days... There are moments of melodic bliss amongst moments of raw shoe gaze, and it all ties together brilliantly; with heaps to discover upon repeated listenings.
Max Hay
Away from his home of Montana, Max actually toured Australia in April and played a gig at the Dowse bar as part of their Wednesday event 'The Round.' The Round involves 3 musicians playing a number of songs each, in a round as it suggests. While the other musicians, Brad Butcher and Sam Buckingham, were quite good, Max was the clear standout. His style could be described as Bill Callahan meets Henry Wagons (except less Australian of course), with a tongue in cheek sense of humour peppered in between. Tying together his deep voice with acoustic guitar, harmonica and DIY percussion, his live performance was pretty mesmerising, and I hope he makes the trip back again.
I'm sure I'll write about many more artists to come! I hope you like them.
So... guess what my next review is going to be of? The motherfucking man in purple himself, Prince. Never thought I'd ever end up at a Prince concert, but there I will be tomorrow night, hopefully in some faux leather, frills and purple eye shadow. Can't wait.
