Kick Kick, Heart Over the Bar
Review by: <Perceyb>, 2.9.2008
I really dig this song, super fun lil' pop ditty... catchy as STD's! I cant figure out if this is a ween style parody song or a legit heart felt number... either way i like it!
Zeta, Runaway
Review by: <Scott_m>, 20.8.2008
While every second band is namechecking Television, Wire and Gang Of Four when it comes to naming their guitar influences, Zeta have opted for a wash of guitar sounds that sound more like Echo & The Bunnymen. Runaway has a definite '80s feel to it, but not in a bad way (remember kids, this was an era which spawned The Smiths, The Cure and U2 in between hair tragedies and puffy skirts). The stark personal imagery of the lyrics and the quest for validation hark back to Bono's earliest lyrics on U2's debut Boy. There's no doubt - Zeta are the most gripping new act on the Adelaide scene.
Review by: <Scott_m>, 20.8.2008
Just why these guys have a picture of someone fishing as a band pic on this site is subject to conjecture - maybe they wanted us to know they're packing plenty of hooks? Blending the sounds of Bush, Stone Temple Pilots and all manner of early '90s also-rans, this is a solid rock number that holds a flame for a grunge rebirth. Future band merch will surely include flannie shirts.
Review by: <Scott_m>, 20.8.2008
Their name might have you picturing a poncey Flemish artist with lacey silk cuffs, pencil moustache and ridiculous hat, but Van Cleef are more like Wolfmother's Dad's jamming down at the Fishing Club. While not without its faults, the growling vocals, the sustained keyboards and '70s radio riffs sound like James Hetfield jamming with The Doors.
Review by: <Scott_m>, 13.8.2008
Let it be said from the outset that the quality of this recording is less than awful. The background fuzz makes this demo sound like it was recorded on a TDK tape from 1983, stuck in the microwave, given to an alsation as a chew toy, dunked in a magnetic field and finally downloaded via a dinky mobile phone onto this site. It's a pity, since Dreams Of A Blank Design appear to have some descent lyrical ideas on offer when not succumbing to technology issues Marconi would baulk at.
Review by: <Scott_m>, 13.8.2008
If Chris Cornell wasn't so busy recording an album with Timbaland, you'd swear he was moonlighting with Before The Aftermath as a guest vocalist. The rock sounds of the South Aussies finds everything in its right place (subtle breakdowns, crunchy guitars and powerhouse vocals) and serves as a promising calling card without ever blowing the roof off.
Review by: <Scott_m>, 13.8.2008
Someone get Patrick Bateman on the phone - this is the perfect MOR soundtrack for serial killing. You might think these kids jest when they suggest Phil Collins is a benchmark for their sound, but this soft and smooth rock backed by breezy synths is reminiscent of Sting, Chris Rea and Hall & Oates. Uncoolly cool.
Review by: <Scott_m>, 13.8.2008
While the Paramore comparisons work well when comparing Red Craze's cute frontwoman Taz to Paramore's Hayley Williams, the first taste of the Adelaide outfit's output just doesn't match up to the pop spark of their Tennessee idols. Go back to the garage to tighten your sound and work out a common direction and we'll be happy to welcome you back here next year, guys.
Review by: <Scott_m>, 13.8.2008
There's apocryphal tales that suggest you can hear the sound of Axl Rose banging groupies on Use Your Illusion. They might not yet have the same sized fanbase, but the pounding beat of Love Bullet might have you wondering if Elvis Sixx And The Suitcases had similar hot fun in the studio. The lyrics here are as meatheaded as any South Park metal pastiche, but the out of control guitar licks and throwback to the era of Dr Feelgood and Mr Brownstone makes you want to pull out the leather pants and mascara one more time.
Review by: <Scott_m>, 13.8.2008
Wolfmother are dead, long live Dirty Suite! They might not have an original way with lyrics (hello Bon Scott), an original name (hello naff pun) or an original sound (hello, er, Zep Boys), but Dirty Suite are doing a dandy job of picking up where Andrew Stockdale and his two footmen left off. Dumb rock that will have end of year footy club parties throwing their JD cans in the air with delight.
Review by: <Mark_n>, 10.8.2008
It's a song that would make you pick up your pace if you were walking down the street listening to it on your portable music player. Upbeat and catchy.
Review by: <Mark_n>, 10.8.2008
The sea shanty, shouty vocals are great, along with the mix of traditional instruments, giving it a bit of a Celtic feel. A rollicking number that would be sung by all and sundry present at a gig of theirs - preferably with beverage of choice in hand, being swung wildly in time to the song (or possibly out of time, depending on what time in the set they played it...)
Review by: <Mark_n>, 10.8.2008
Upbeat and buoyant, the addition of a banjo is more a help than a hindrance.
Review by: <Mark_n>, 10.8.2008
Electro pop goes arena. This is widescreen music and despite done on a limited budget, it gets its big intentions across. Could do with a bit of an edit though to have a bigger impact.
Review by: <Mark_n>, 10.8.2008
Despite starting off almost like an Elton John number, it soon moves into a cruisey electro pop number. I think the keys are a little too "spacey" though and the song needs a bit more energy in it.
Review by: <Mark_n>, 10.8.2008
It's pretty catchy indie pop, but the interlude and time change in the middle makes it kind of lose momentum. Cut out that bit and it would have got an extra star.
The Wahas, I Like It When My Mother Cries
Review by: <Mark_n>, 10.8.2008
The jangly guitar sounds here nod to their J&MC influences. Not sure if it's the recording quality or my computer speakers, but the vocals need to be a bit stronger on this track.
Review by: <Mark_n>, 10.8.2008
Thumping and impassioned, it's short, sharp and to the point. It doesn't need to be any longer than the two minutes that it is.
Review by: <Mark_n>, 10.8.2008
It's a jaunty little strut, but is missing a certain je ne sais quoi.
Review by: <Mark_n>, 10.8.2008
There are some rockin' moments in this song, but it could use with a bit more focus. The first, quieter part of the song is too long and doesn't capture you straight away. It's only halfway through that things pick up, but not sure how many would make it there.
Review by: <Mark_n>, 10.8.2008
This is an energetic song with a great sense of dynamics. The high energy levels are maintained throughout the whole song and I imagine this would be quite a riot live.
Review by: <Mark_n>, 10.8.2008
How menacing is the bass intro? This claustrophobic feeling is carried through the whole song, especially by the vocals (and even more so when they're layered).
Review by: <Mark_n>, 10.8.2008
It's The Gossip meets The Cramps - frantic indie rock with a hint of swampy sounds
Review by: <Rachel_d>, 7.8.2008
Smoking! It's dirty, mean, heavy, stoner rock'n'roll. Girls - don't take these guys home to meet your parents!!
Review by: <Rachel_d>, 7.8.2008
Hot, hot, hot. Great production and damn catchy. This would be beautiful on the dance floor. Why aren't these guys in the final?
TRACKSUIT, Nothing Left To Lose
Review by: <Rachel_d>, 7.8.2008
These guys play unpretentious rock'n'roll, and I'm all for keeping it real, but it sounds a tad uninspired and dated to me. Hopefully they'll shine live!
Review by: <Rachel_d>, 7.8.2008
Love the opening sample "they're coming for you Barbara". I reckon if you're into smooth Aussie hip hop, you'll dig Able. He's probably going to 'get down' and have quite a stage presence. He might even show up some of the rock acts!!
Review by: <Rachel_d>, 7.8.2008
"That's where we like to go!" shouts vocalist Sean. Damn catchy little number, with simplistic lyrics that would be well suited to some staggering on the dance floor. Interesting pace in that's a bit slower than you're average punk/dance track. I like it!!
GENGHIS, Without You I'm Something
Review by: <Rachel_d>, 7.8.2008
Genghis seems to be all the rage in Perth right now. Fronted by Zoe 'a damn fine lass with attitude' these guys are developing nicely - getting lots of experience playing live, and are worthy contenders in the Perth final!
Review by: <Rachel_d>, 7.8.2008
This track is off Harlequin League's soon to be released EP 'We Used To Be Gods Now We're So Plain'. Oh c'mon boys! You guys are far from plain - solid track and bound to be killer live!
Review by: <Tom_h>, 5.8.2008
Not sure about the stutteringly off-beat chorus, but the rest of the song has the Cut Copy/Rapture thing down pat, and the whole package marks Foxx On Fire as perhaps the finalist most equipped for immediate success. Only question really is whether there's room for another band like this. We're betting the answer is "yes".
Review by: <Tom_h>, 5.8.2008
Suburban alienation with a burbling bassline, pleasantly analogue-sounding synths and Franz Ferdinand guitars! This one will doubtless go down a treat at a Streetparty night near you.
Review by: <Tom_h>, 5.8.2008
Catchy electro-pop = very "now". Foxx On Fire do what they do well, and the "Oh woaw woaw" chorus to this track is bound to stick in your head.
Review by: <Tom_h>, 5.8.2008
Balls - the last review was supposed to be for this song ("Prince Of Thieves"). Oh well. The last track here ("Come With Me") isn't bad... but it's "Prince Of Thieves" that's the standout.
Review by: <Tom_h>, 5.8.2008
This one also shows distinctly Arctic influences, although hearing lyrics about the ticket inspectors on the train delivered in a trans-continental Liverpool-meets-Lilydale accent is kinda amusingly incongruous. These guys can certainly write a tight indie pop tune - particularly like the faintly psychedelic arpeggiated refrain.
Review by: <Tom_h>, 5.8.2008
These guys cite Arctic Monkeys as an influence, and you can certainly see why - same driving bassline, same buzzsaw guitars, same arched-eyebrow lyricism. This isn't a bad thing, but a bit more individuality would go a long way.
Review by: <Tom_h>, 5.8.2008
Oooh! This track kicks into life with some thumping beats, but once again it's let down by its vocals. "Repetitive repetition"? Tautological tautology! Yay!
Review by: <Tom_h>, 5.8.2008
...which is a shame, really, as these guys are a much more interesting proposition when they drop the hip hop cliches. This is a cool track until about 1:05, when it reverts to type. Ho hum. Still, there's promise here - a lot more than on Put Things Square, anyway.
POLO CLUB, Put Things Square
Review by: <Tom_h>, 5.8.2008
The good news: Aus hip hop isn't any more creatively moribund than its US counterpart. The bad news: it isn't any less, either. Surely the way of the future isn't a cheap drum machine, a synth pad line and a flow like the Hurstbridge line? No, no, no, no, no, no, no.
Review by: <Scott_m>, 1.8.2008
They've been slowly working their way around the traps for a few years now, but it seems that The Battery Kids' time has finally arrived. The paranoid indivualism of Ghost Town allays initial fears it'll be a scratchy 2-Tone affair, with this edgy song delivering a charge of current to a scene overrun with emo gremlins. Harmonies, synths and a classical nod in the piano breakdown add to the delirious zest of this mighty tune.
Review by: <Scott_m>, 1.8.2008
Skye Harbour are a finer guilty pleasure than those late night ads for soft rock music compilations featuring Air Supply, REO Speedwagon and Hall & Oates. With tempo changes, a dash of horns and more MOR than you can shake a Supertramp stick at, Houses is an upbeat prog folly that culminates in a joyful sing-along.
Review by: <Scott_m>, 1.8.2008
It's hard to go past a band who combine the original names of both Joy Division and Icehouse for their moniker. Driven by acoustic guitars and complementary vocalists, The Warsaw Flowers showcase the placid melancholy of The Go-Betweens via thoughtful lyrical vignettes.
Lumonics, Beggars' Choices
Review by: <Scott_m>, 1.8.2008
If Peter Hook grew up in Glenelg, Robert Smith lived up the road in Brighton and Siouxsie Sioux was based in Marion, maybe they'd have been the names behind the Gothic, atmospheric vibe of Lumonics. Despite their relatively low profile on the hometown scene, Beggars' Choices propels them to the front of the pack when it comes to promising stars of the future. An excellent, dynamic tune that could fit neatly on Pornography.
Review by: <Scott_m>, 1.8.2008
If The Shiny Brights weren't such damn fine purveyors of original music, they could make a tidy sum dishing out Xeroxed versions of songs by Bloc Party and The Strokes. With international interest already piqued, the band's name reflects the promising sounds they've unleashed on their debut EP. Frontman Wolf's also the first guy I've seen pulling off the red pants look since I last played with my collection of Lego men. Hats off to you, squire.
Review by: <Scott_m>, 1.8.2008
Whaddya mean these guys aren't in the SA Top Five, MTV? The greatest travesty in Australian history since some mongrel poisoned Phar Lap. Any local music fan worth their salt in Adelaide knows that Former Child Stars deliver smart pop without being fogged up by fashionable trends. Their tunes are sprightly fun gems that Franz Ferdinand would kill to steal.
Cappy, A scotch or two
Review by: <Scott_m>, 1.8.2008
With Adele and Duffy steaming up the charts with their sultry throwbacks to a bygone era, the similarly surname-free Cappy is representing South Australia in the smooth soul stakes. The vocals here are the focal point, with the cheap porno funk backing track devaluing Cappy's charms.
Review by: <banshee>, 26.7.2008
heavy hives influence, but that's all right by me. Top song. A bunch of terrors, lock up your daughters...
Review by: <banshee>, 22.7.2008
they be all-right, this mob...
Rocketsmiths, The Boy Who Cried Misery
Review by: <banshee>, 22.7.2008
hark, is that a harpsicord i doth hear? jolly good track from these top notch brisbane boys...
Review by: <Perceyb>, 22.7.2008
This song is really interesting, cool lo fi production and sounds, creepy and pretty.
Review by: <Perceyb>, 18.7.2008
I really like this song, cool delay effects and dubby vibe.... feels real summery.
Review by: <banshee>, 15.7.2008
if I got told to get off their stage I'd run for my life... fierce track, thunderous doom indeed!
MOTHER LEOPARD!!
Review by: <banshee>, 15.7.2008
sigh... I love this song, have always loved this song. One of their first songs as Fait Accompli and still their best in my humble onion. That said, Walk To The Beat is a pretty cool track too.
Review by: <Perceyb>, 15.7.2008
Wow this song is crazy! Mario Bros for cordial addicts! Good job!
Tragic/Athletic, We Set Sail When The Wind Came
Review by: <Perceyb>, 15.7.2008
i love a song of the sea! really unique sounding song.... loud soft arrangement works a treat and the piano accordion is amazing.
Review by: <banshee>, 11.7.2008
this song is awesome. I like the fuzzed shoegaze style and for want of better words, it just 'gets' me...
Review by: <banshee>, 11.7.2008
well blow me down with a feather! something coming out of the GC that isn't blonde & plastic! Very cramps, I would have liked to hear a few other tracks to see if they can do other stuff, or whether it is just 1 cramps sound. either way, a pretty ace track... Murderette - put up more songs for us to listen to!!
Review by: <banshee>, 11.7.2008
radiohead anyone? honest song, completely different from the other one, so at least we know these dudes have a range. interesting
Review by: <Perceyb>, 11.7.2008
This is the best song ive heard all week.... ive been obsessed with the Cramps lately so it was exactly what i need to hear... i love this song.
Review by: <Perceyb>, 8.7.2008
Reminds me a little of New Buffalo, nice dense production and stacks of reverb, a real gem!
Review by: <Perceyb>, 8.7.2008
I like the way this song builds slowly, insta-catchy chorus strikes at the exact right time, a great lil tune a fantastic lil band!
Review by: <Perceyb>, 4.7.2008
Is that a Casio beat? And some Triangle? call and responses?! wow! lovely vibe to this song, and excellent lyrics.
Review by: <Perceyb>, 1.7.2008
I can hear i smidgen of at the drive in in there for sure, also a little of Sydneys Grand Fatal... sounds great.
Review by: <Perceyb>, 1.7.2008
You guys seem to know exactly how you want to sound and are right on top of it. All 3 songs are solid gold!
Review by: <Perceyb>, 25.6.2008
This song really reminds me of The Cure- A Forest, which is not a bad thing cause that is a great song indeed....
Review by: <Perceyb>, 25.6.2008
Fait Accompli are one of the best live bands kicking round in Sydney playing blistering live shows, this track shows one of my favorite things about them: never afraid to show their soft fuzzy underbellies.
Review by: <Perceyb>, 25.6.2008
Fantastic song, dark and dancey... i missed Pinky Tuscadero till i heard this song!
