May 2013 gigs

Early Women

60. Early Woman, Peak Twins, The Tote, 3/5/2013
Early Woman are an impressive four piece, two women, two men, all wearing sparkling clothes, and have pizzazz to boot. Their sound is very cool too with dark, twisted lyrics and loads of expression and a good measure of space. Apparently their drummer debuts this night, she works for the songs, and it's sounding good.  Do I dare say that Peak Twins are the best band of the Melbourne indie scene in 2013? Quite easily. Top songs, cool arrangements, brilliant harmonies, percussion with a purpose and some awesome guitar just to bring it on home. Peak Twins are the real deal.

61. Les Minijupes, D Grades, Pink Tiles GB 11/6/2013
 A trio of various pop bands

62. Spencer Jones and the Escape Committee Labour in Vain 12/6/2013

63.

April 2013 gigs

49. Harry Howard and the NDE,  The Go Devils, Tav Falco's Panther Burns, The Tote, 1/4/2013
Harry Howard and the NDE are a pro pop band and a class act, opening the show tonight. The Go Devils bring their brand of garage rock to solidify tonight's line up and The Panther Burns do their best and hit their stride on the very last song. How I love Tav Falco.

Tav Falco [centre]

50.  Texture Like Sun, Bettye Lavette, Corner Hotel, 4/4/2013

To be fair I only caught 1 part of a song by Texture Like Sun. They sounded kinda like Coldplay. Before we saw Bettye Lavette, we heard her voice. Backed by what seemed to be an American pro band of session musicians, Betty was as previously described: "tough". Everything she sang or spoke and every body movement was with complete conviction. She's an interesting character, because she herself says she never really made it, that was until her latter career. But all that failure has made her into the performer she is today. Her act was down, and my word: what a voice. I found it hard to connect with this performance but I really liked her trip down memory lane, how she wanted so badly to be on bandstand but her first single "My Man - He's a loving man" stopped this from happening. She sang it so well. But the song I really loved was her  last song I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got" sung acapella. The guy next to me says "that song had me by the balls!" Yes indeed, Betty Lavette has got a magnetic and honest talent that nobody can deny.

51. Mere Women, The Stevens, Harmony, The Curtin, 5/4/2013
Mere Women are a three piece from Newcastle. They have unusual timings, a cool guitar sound, keys with knobs that make them sound spacey, and a female singer with an angelic voice and perfect pitch. They also had a male singer, but he could not be heard by these ears. It palatable boundary pushing. In fact, I'd say it was good.  The Stevens are one of my faves, and in April 2013 they have a new rhythm section. I liked the old one but the new one works too and these boys really know how to write a good song, with lots of sad sounding moments courtesy of minor chords. Again I couldn't hear the lyrics but I assume that's the way it's meant to be in a live setting??  I've caught Harmony when they're good, and when they're not that great. But tonight they were on fire. They played with intensity, the singers did everything right, and it was fierce. There were moments when the hairs on the back of my neck were standing. On paper, Harmony- the band are a bold proposition: an indie band, with a very tight rhythm section, a screaming lead singer with some fancy moves on the guitar and three backing singers, singing harmonies over the top of a very loud band. But they really nailed it tonight delivering a heavy and highly engaging set and this was the best I've seen them.

52.  Spitehouse, Ratsak, Terrible Truths, Deep Heat, The Old Bar, 6/4/2013
Spitehouse

53. Wet Lips, Grand Prismatic, Autoportraits & Pretty City, Grace Darling 13/4/2013

54. Andy Burnout, Chimper Kimblay, The Pink Tiles, The Public Bar 16/4/2013

55. Them Nights, Sooki La La,  Meth Leopard, The Public Bar, 20/4/2013
Them Nights play their fourth gig ever and it's an honour to see this 4 piece punk band with unusual beats.

Them Nights

Sooki La La are a little Nick Cave esque, but they've got good songs and good arrangements. Some commented also on their tight pants.

Sooki La La

Going by the name, Meth Leopard sounded like that should be a very fun band, but had a Radiohead kinda vibe going on.

56. Peter Case Band, The Moodists, Straight Arrows, The Stems, Salmon and Cowie, Buzzcocks, Flamin' Groovies, Blue Oyster Cult, The Crusaders, Peter Case [solo], Dig It Up, The Palace 25/4/2013.
I'm told there's two acts to catch here today: The Peter Case band and The Flamin' Groovies. Peter Case, known as the best songwriter in The Nerves, and from The Plimsouls is a musician of great range I later discover. He fronts a power pop act, showcasing his songs, all pleasant with the sweetest guitar solos.

Peter Case band

The Moodists

A good start to the day. Next up, The Moodists. I don't know where to look. Should it be the awesome splendour of Clare Moore's solid drumming? Perhaps it's Dave Graney with his antics, banter and frontman behaviour? Or what about Handsome Steve's simple yet arresting guitar playing, or Chris Walsh's Aldi bass? Or Mick Turner? Yes it does seem like an all-star act, but to listen to them there's no one star that steals the show. Here is a good band, that played exciting music and I don't feel so bad for missing the UV Race on a boat, when I get to see a band that seems like a musical blueprint for them. It's just they were doing it 25 years before them.
 It seems that Straight Arrows have changed bass players since last I saw them but this time, was their best performance I've witnessed. Loud, distorted vocals, well matched voices, with good harmonies, over garage, punk pop.

The Stems

 The Stems own classic perfect pop from Australia, both by reputation and also live on stage at Dig It Up. Although I only got to see the last half of their set, it was great stuff and they satisfied the so-so fans by playing the classics.

Cowie on drums, Salmon with mic in mouth after he knocked over the stand with frenetic guitar playing

Salmon and Cowie is Kim Salmon and Leanne Cowie was the drummer for the Scientists. Together they play early Scientists songs and before you say ho hum, these guys really nailed it, and it was so good to hear some solid structure to the raw and wild guitar sounds that Kim Salmon unleashes. When he plays, it's he's trance inducing the audience. Once upon a time a drummer told me that great performances happen when you forget yourself playing the music and the music itself takes over. Well that happened here and it was a powerful performance, even if Kim Salmon held the mic in his mouth with his teeth.

Buzzcocks have moves

Buzzcocks with Spazzy's [who were doing bv's on Ever Fallen in Love?

The Buzzcocks were two original members and two younger players on the rhythm section. Both old and new were good, but it must be said that Cocks Shelley and Steve Diggle were energetic performers, and although at times it seems like they could be mistaken for and old man show. After all their punk music was that of the 70's. But tonight they were ace performers and if I were ever in a band, I'd want to have songs like that, and play like that.

Wigtastic Flamin' Groovies

And The Flamin' Groovies played really awesome pop even if the guitarist did seem to have a wig on. Actually it all started to feel a bit ludicrous with the Flamin' Groovies - I dug the Spring King Reverb on transparent guitar, the bright pink bass, shiny and tight clothes on men who might easily be in their 60's. But despite the almost absurd look, they had presence, and they had songs with more hooks than a fishing tackle shop! And if I were ever in a band, I'd want to sound like these guys too.

The best picture I could get of The Crusaders

The Crusaders were dudes in their 40's? in an off the wall garage band. Actually the band featured brats [or Larrikans] on mics, a teardrop or an Ibanez guitar, Rickenbacker Bass, a drummer from Off The Hip and uniforms.  Sound wise, it was what you'd expect from a garage band that appreciates garage rock from the 60's and it was fun. And towards the end of the performance, the bassist accidentally unplugged his lead, and instead of plugging it back in his bandmate chucked the lead into the audience. Funny stuff. But it all sounded good and that even seemed to surprise The Crusaders.

Blue Oyster Cult had three guitars, one that looked like Swiss Cheese without a headstock and a whole lot of other guys on stage. I would have paid more attention by left in the middle of song two as their 70's prog FM sound and guitar posturing did not appeal to me at all.   I had to escape, so I figured I'd rather wait in silence that listen to the Blue Oyster Cult any longer.

Peter Case

Venturing upstairs, I recalled that Peter Case was playing solo, although it was not listed. This made for the perfect end of the day. He played folk, blues and rockabilly songs and I believe some Nerves songs and this was how I came to the conclusion that Peter Case is a consummate music fan which I presume would make for a good music writer. For a gig that I had no intention of going to, for fear it would be an old mans show, it was a thoroughly awesome and just goes to show it doesn't matter how old a band is- if they've still got it, then they've still got it.

57. Harry Howard and Edwinda Preston, The Gem 26/4/2013

Excellent as a full band, excellent as duo and a surprise to see them at The Gem since they weren't billed at all.

58.Even, Flamin Groovies, Caravan Music Club 27/4/2013
 Even put in a great performance playing your favourite Even Songs. The Flamin' Groovies were great and this was one of my favourite gigs this year! Songs so good, hooks so strong. They made a few fumbles but it made me only love them more!

59. King Tuff, The Tote 28/4/2013
King Tuff played poppy garage songs to an appreciative crowd.

March 2013 gigs

31.Tyrannamen, Bone, Bits of Shit, The Curtin 1/3/2013
Tyrannamen have great poppy, catchy songs, and I like them. Bone was a little sludgier, and slower. And Bits of Shit were classic BOS, but for some weird reason I didn't feel it on this night.

32. Some old timey 3 piece whose name I did not catch,  The Vic, 3/3/2013
These guys [Banjo; guitar; double bass] were alright.

33. P. Bippy, Les Tuilles Roses,  High Fangs, Burger Records Global Gig-A-Thon, The Tote 9/3/2013
It's a heatwave - the hottest stretch since 1961 in Melbourne. Everyone's left town for Golden Plains, or they're at The Curtin. P Bippy, is one man on stage, playing electric guitar. Yes it's singer-songwriter and his style is somewhere between James McCann and Darren Hanlon, but of course it's his own. He even does a song about being on the 86 tram. The Pink Tiles are masquerading as Les Tuilles Roses which apparently is a French translation for The Pink Tiles. I'm not entirely sure why they did this, but here they play their second official gig, and fumble on this hot night. High Fangs are one tight three piece with a loose man on percussion, capable of bringing the party.

Les Tuilles Roses

High Fangs

34. The Spazzy's, Red Kross, The Espy frontbar, 12/3/2013
 Tonight, the Spazzy's are tight - good harmonies, strong pop songs, good arrangements, tough delivery.  I ask: critics, what are you complaining about? Red Kross deliver a loud performance, playing punk and power pop to a stripey T shirt wearing audience. The crowd really got into it, and why not? Red Kross deliver in the way you wish you could...

35. The Pink Tiles, Nun of the Tongue, Messed Up, Wet Lips, The Tote, 13/3/2013
The Pink Tiles play their third gig. One voice in the crowd said they really need to work on their beginnings and their endings - as in start and finish at the same time, listen to each other, play together, and be prepared at the designated time they are due to go on. So this should give you a clear picture: The Pink Tiles are a 5 piece sloppy pop band with songs that tend not to exceed 2 minutes. Nun of The Tongue are a three piece punk pop outfit with new songs and it's alright! Messed Up are the third band on for their residency, and they sound polished garagey pop. Wet Lips end the night with their garagey-punk songs. I heard Wet Lips started up, when the singer and the bassist saw The Beat Disease, and were inspired to form their own band! I'm told it's their first gig at The Tote, and they're sounding good.

36.Trash Faeries, Les Minijupes + Ultra Bullitt, Bar Open 15/3/2013
Trash Faeries are a 5 piece young dude band, that cross genre terrains. At times they sound a little Nirvana, and have a helping of slap bass. Then there's those moments of Jack Johnson beachiness. And then there's a  moment of Calypso. Note: 2 acoustic guitars, 2 band members with no shoes. There were lots of styles going on, but there appeared to be no musical thread between Trash Faeries, and the other two bands Les Minijupes [Australian's doing French music] and UltraBullitt [French doing Australian style rock]. Les Minijupes is a female fronted group, who cover 1960's French pop, they have a guitarist who I'm told looks like Serge Gainsbourg, and a cool drummer. There's a lot of style here. Great guitar, great vocals, great harmonies and solid bass. They perform to a crowd and this here is a good band playing good songs. Ultra Bullitt are a 3 piece band from France that play foot to the floor rock and roll. And they really delivered for at least 45-60 minutes, one very tight, solid set, with almost no breaks. Bass, Drums, scorching guitar & 2 vocalists, they gave a whole lot.  My rock and roll friends felt it was the best band they'd seen in ages, but it was such a shame, they traveled all this to play to a room that only a handful of people in it.  The ironic thing is that they kinda got an Australian treatment....Being the best band in the world at that moment playing to a tiny crowd.

37. Mesa Cosa, Shadow Electric, Abbotsford Convent 16/3/2013
Mesa Cosa blow the roof off the Abbotsford convent [not literally] during the daylight on this very rainy afternoon.

38.Ruthie Foster, The Corner Hotel, 17/3/2013
OK I was at this gig because my mum wanted to go to this so I went with her. Ruthie is from Austin Texas, and is a singer with Gospel roots, but she does a whole heap of blues and roots styles. Ruthie plays acoustic guitar and CAN sing. Backed by her keyboardist, her very funky five string electric bass player [who made me rethink how bad slap bass really is, and crazy eyed drummer with so much rhythm, this was an interesting gig. Some might call this watered down of all the styles they represent, cross over, adult contemporary, bland and so on, but there was absolutely no doubting, there was real talent here, and the all female rhythm section were astounding.

39. D-Grades, Big Tobacco, Dane Certificate's Magic Shop, 21/3/2013
D-Grades have some catchy pop songs with a strong 90's melodic indie rock vibe, Big Tobacco do too, but it's a bit  cleaner than the former. All this plus a smoke machine in a magic shop.

40.  Carrie Phillis & The Downtown 3, The Spasms, The Ears,  Off The Hip, 22/3/2013
 Carrie Phillis has raw attitude as the front woman for her band, and with Johnny Casino on guitar, my Lord. Was there something special here or was it just me? The Spasms kinda sound Wild Billy Childish-ish and I thought their brand of garage punk was fun. During their set which turned out to be their first gig ever, smoke streamed out of one of the PA speakers. Finally The Ears played, and half the crowd had left. A disappointed friend or family member attempted to nag attendees back in to the shop.

41. Woollen Kits, Justin Fuller, Ooga Boogas, Shadow Electric @ The Abbotford Convent 23/3/2013
 Woollen Kits are sounding good this afternoon, with their sweet indie pop. I must admit, feel sorry for the drummer that must sing. Justin Fuller is twitching knobs, pushing buttons, and making a lot of noise. Yes, it was noise and I know a lot of people who like and understand it. The Ooga Boogas  remind me of Ween. Mainly because they cover a lot of music styles with flair and they are very funny. Today  they're launching their album and playing really well.

42. Tyrannamen, house/shop on Johnston Street, Collingwood for All's Good in the Wood, 24/3/2013 
I really do love Tyrannamen's songs and their delivery to the extent that I wish I could be a Tyrrannamen. It's a  ludicrous idea I know, but with their awesome playing, cool arrangements, catchy lyrics, ace melodies, and equally brilliant harmonies, they really are my favourite pop band in town.

43. Milk Teddy,  Scott and Charlene's Wedding,  Gaso, 27/3/2013
Milk Teddy, a four piece pop outfit that borrows moments from 80's synth pop  to fit their jangly guitars and melody based songs. I like it. Scott and Charlene's Wedding has a different line up this time around - there's two guys but it's all pretty good electrified indie pop singer songwriter accompanied by drums.

44. Sheriff, Messed Up, The Tote, 27/3/2013
Looking around the room and seeing the , Sheriff strikes me as a  dude rock band, with a blues swagger, suited for a pub in the 'burbs think:The Ferntree Gully Hotel, Lower Plenty Hotel, St Andrews Hotel or The Espy on a Sunday. Messed Up play their final residency gig with fervour and originality, and it feels like that everyone who witnesses it is smiling greatly.

45. The Infants, The Old Bar, 27/3/2013
There's the biggest bass amp I've ever seen at the Old Bar on stage. A hard band to describe. Female vocals delivered in the distinctive style of the singer from Clap Your Hands and Say Yeah,  funky bass... all together it's got that  JJJ style pop sound to it.

46. Bum Creek, Divorced, The Tote, 28/3/2013
Bum Creek do a brand of music using synths, pedals, distortion and more. The style is  really uncategorisable, pushing boundaries, perhaps it's the future of pop. In 2013, it's a challenging listen. Divorced are a good band featuring two guitarists that have such great guitar sounds, so sharp the mere sound could cut stale organic sourdough bread. Yes, that sharp. I really like their sound - it's like an attack of indie rock spunk-if there's such a thing. In my mind, this band breaks out of being just another bunch of coolsies, to just a fine band.

47. Richie 1250 and the Brides of Christ, The Go-Devils,  Tav Falco's Panther Burns, The Tote, 30/3/2013
Tonight, they're Steph Brett-less, but The Brides of Christ are still on fire, featuring a singer who plays percussion in Midnite Bosom. It all sounds good and some might say they're the strongest act of the night.  The Go-Devils are a three piece Japanese girl group who play R & B. One audience member remarks "They're very sexy", but I'm sure they'd prefer that they're "rockin'". Tav Falco's Panther Burns start off a bit shakey and it's sounding like Magic 1278 meets beautiful weirdo's of the world - but this is the live tribute show. From the man who bought us Art damage seems to be staying true to those principles but tonight it doesn't really take off. How I love Tav Falco.

48. Carry Nation,  Tim Richmond + band, The Ancients, YahYahs, 31/3/2013
Delicate indie pop for the middle classes that live in the inner north. Carry Nation is a solo singer-songwriter, singing songs from her heart. Tim Richmond adds a little more lightness to his set, and is backed by a band complete with backing vocals. The Ancients bring good songs and some great guitar sounds to round off this quiet indie pop night.

February 2013 gigs

16. Gooch Palms, Bits of Shit, NoBunny, The Tote 1/2/2013
As a vertically challenged person in a band room, my natural instinct is to go to the front of the band room. I did this only to find that the lead singer/guitarist of the Gooch Palms totally naked. Last time I caught this band, we only got to see his balls. Antics aside, this band has pop songs, delivered by an energetic pair who at best contrast each other. She with her smouldering cool looks and keys, him with his balls hanging out, guitar in tow and at times making noises with the Theremin. Bits of Shit did their punky thing that everyone loves so much. NoBunny played with an American guy called Elvis Christ, and had an Australian drummer and bassist. Together, they were highly entertaining. NoBunny has songs, and those songs are great pop songs. He may perform in his underpants, a stinky jacket and an even stinkier bunny mask but this guy is somehow totally believable.

17. Pink Tiles, House Party 2/2/2013
I hear their story is this: Two 30 somethings learn some instruments last year, and started writing songs last August. They enlisted the help of a brother drummer, a Casio wielding guitarist, a traveling Frenchman and this is the fruit of their labour. I hope they play a gig in a real venue.

18. Gooch Palms, NoBunny, Town Hall Hotel North Melbourne courtesy of Wooly Bully, 3/2/2013
Caught the last two songs of Gooch Palms, and Nobunny does it again, but this time in a smaller venue. Sweat flies everywhere, and something smells really bad...

19.No Zu, The Townhouses, Pikelet, Drive Live at PBS, 4/2/2013
 I don't ordinarily count these but my gig count is low because I was attending these in some kind of capacity. Pikelet performed with a full band, and it's the best incarnation of her material I've ever heard. Slightly dark, it suits her highly emotive vocal style. The Townhouses from what I can recall is a guy at a keyboard playing poppy stuff but I could have that all wrong. No Zu do that 90's style energetic dance - a little East 17, a little Swoop, with jungle style percussion. 

20. Bad Aches, Pronto, Chook Race,  Elvis Christ, The Tote 6/2/2013
 Everyone this evening delivered a good set, and Elvis Christ played three songs with NoBunny on the skins, then played a cover of Wild Thing dedicated to Reg Presley who died this week.

21. Brothers Grim, The Hello Morning, Pony Face, Drive Live at PBS, 5/2/2013

22. Chook Race, Spencer P Jones and Kim Salmon, UV Race, Drive Live at PBS, 6/2/2013

23. La Bastard, Spinning Rooms, The Meanies at Drive Live at PBS, 7/2/2013

24.King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Fatti Frances, Bits of Shit, Drive Live at PBS, 8/2/2013

25. Coral Lee and Chris Russell's Chickenwalk, The Old Bar, 10/2/2013
Coral's sounding good with her band that features double bass, drums and pedal steel. Chris Russell rock's out and I think this is one of the first time I've heard what sounds like his natural voice. The drummer is an absolute animal and I am in awe of his maraca work.

26. ATP, Westgate Entertainment Centre and Grand Star Reception, Altona 16/2/2013-17/2/2013.
We arrive at this amazing venue in the west-a sporting/recreation/wedding centre, all in one. A triumph of the West, with several spaces for lots of bands, and just off the highway, but there was one major spoiler: the hot, hot sun. It reduced the most hardcore gig goers into much less than that. It meant that I could only spend about 20 minutes at a time seeing bands, fearing I'd faint at a music festival. 20 minutes of  Sleepy Sun was long enough to make me realise they weren't for me. It was also enough of Thee Oh Sees who I'd seen only weeks before. Yes this hot heat made me more intolerant than I could ever want to be. It meant that the I could only experience the very loud Swans, for 1/8 of their 2 hour set, and same goes for Godspeed You! Black Emperor. Friends raved about The Dead C, but my attention span had already gone by the My Bloody Valentine which is a real shame because I love warped pop music. The line up was intelligent,  but I found that coupled with the heat, this was no fun. It was like a cruel endurance test: all these bands from all over the world, and the venue, although it had its air-conditioned spots, was not equipped to cope with the heat.

Day two was already a better day. The weather was cooler and there were less people.  It kicked off with Crime And The City Solution, and I was so grateful to hear songs again. Unfortunately I missed The Drones who curated this day. But I caught Pere Ubu perform The Modern Dance, who were at the very least interesting, but the heat got to my concentration, and I caught Tasmanian band The Stickmen and I found myself in a trance in an air-conditioned space, so this was the first band I saw for an entire set all weekend. I just wish I could remember it now. One band who I could not forget was Beasts Of Bourbon who were my pick of the bunch with their sick, dark songs. Spencer and Kim on guitars. Spencer's playing was divine and I'm sure Kim's was too, I just couldn't hear it. James Baker and Boris Sujdovic were the rhythm section and Tex Perkins owned the stage. In my mind, these guys didn't do anything wrong, and it was a relief to see Kim and Spencer playing on big stages, where they should be anyway. Einsturzende Neubauten, the band that I can't pronounce played, and bought with them an array of strange percussive instruments, and custom made cymbals, and Blixa, serious and humorous in the same moment seemed to charm the audience with this dark, industrial, theatrical style. ATP was an epic experience for perhaps the wrong reasons, but seeing the Beasts of Bourbon in full flight was worth the $256 ticket price - dare I say it.

27. Pink Tiles, Bad Aches, Running Gun Sound, Gaso,  22/2/2013
The Pink Tiles play their first gig ever. The band are sounding better than ever before, but the vocals need a bit of work before they reach their potential. There I said it. Brisbane's Running Gun Sound play next as a three piece. Apparently they're doing an East Coast tour. It's fun garage pop stuff. Bad Aches do their brand of garage punk to round out the evening.

28. Ooga Boogas, GB 23/2/2013
It's been ages [I reckon 5 years] since I last saw this band. I forgot that The Ooga Boogas cover genres/styles and they do it so well, and they do it with humour. Now I remember: I like this band a whole lot. A load of fun.

29. Richie 1250 and the Brides of Christ,  King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Corner 23/2/2013
Richie 1250 gives all including 3 costume changes during BOC's first Corner gig. I just caught the last moments where Richie ends up on the floor, reinforcing the notion that BOC are a classic outsiders band. When I returned for KGLW, I'm told it's a full house and the place is full of young sweaty dudes and and gals from what appears to be the 'burbs.  No matter what you say, they're undoubtedly striking a chord with an audience. Maybe they're hard to recognise because they're so much younger than the rest of us....

30. Tex Perkins and the Dark Horses, The Spiegeltent, 26/2/2013
Tex is a great singer, and the band are a group of awesome musicians. This gig exceeded my expectations.

January 2013 gigs

A new year, a whole new bunch of bands to see.

1. Mildlife, Mez Medallion, Yah Yahs 4/1/2013
From what I can remember Mildlife are a 4 piece band, that play what could be described as electro indie pop [think animal collective with layers and textures]. Their songs were complex and I also recall a sax solo, and I found it hard to like but good on the guys for doing something they believe in.
Mez Medallion on the other  hand were a 3 piece, playing highly catchy pop music, with some reverb drenched guitar, highly repetitive bass lines and blissful synth. This was pop music for the dancefloor, and I'd make an effort to catch Mez Medallion again.

2. Lisa Miller, Labour In Vain, 6/1/2013
Lisa Miller and I have history, but she doesn't know about it. I love her soft, clear voice and over time her songs have grown on me, so it was a great surprise to catch her at Labour in Vain backed by a guy playing double bass, and Shane O'Mara on guitar [who bought with him 4 guitars -including a Danelectro 12 string, an Eastwood Airline, A red resonator and numerous pedals to the 5 o'clock gig].  Some people might say it's all very boring, but it totally suited the surroundings and the time of the day.  The band members are such great musicians and they add so much to the songs, I think they're a great unit.

3. Cuntz, Bits of Shit, Jackals, Old Bar, 5/1/2013
Jackals were the first band I caught, they've got a new extra singer with powerful lungs, a guitar and black hair, who seems to have the ability to unleash a great amount of angst on stage. The only problem was it's hard to know what the angst is about. More light and shade would add to the power of the growl. Otherwise everything seemed to be going well for them. Bits of Shit had some sound problems due to their antics, but it seemed to be a highly charged performance for such a hot night. Then, something else happened and all the sudden they were leaving the stage. The lead singer of Cuntz has commanding presence and the band have that stripped back punk thing going on. I caught one song only but then I had to leave as it was time to throw up. Welcome to 2013.

4. Kim Salmon, The Standard 9/1/2013
Kim Salmon proves his a class act as he works between this downright dirty guitar stylings to jazz chords for his blue eyed soul. Absolutely brilliant in a raw kind of way.

5. The Kremlings, Bad Vision, The Old Bar 12/1/2013
Kremlings are a punk band with the right amount of music nerds, chesty Bonds and bad manners to seem convincing. Bad Vision are a garage band to launched their 7" this night.

6. Los Coronas, The Toff, 15/1/2013
Spanish party surf band that are excellent, and keep the crowd dancing at all times. I couldn't get into it, but the crowd sure could.

7. ESG, RRR 16/1/2013
Drums! The drummer of ESG has me transfixed with her solid beats.Thought that was a drum machine? No that's a real drummer. With style, class and talent, she could never let me down! I could never be disappointed by her ability. For me, she was the focal point of this group that also featured a lead singer, an awesome backing singer, a bassist and a percussionist: three of which were original members. This was a great show and what a bunch of inspirational musicians.

8. Kim Salmon, The Standard 16/1/2013
Australian rock legend plays small band room, with looming beer garden.

9. Atolls, The Old Bar, 16/1/2013
A good pop rock trio from the School of King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard. This time, it's their bassist.

10.UV Race, Hunx and his Punx,  The Tote,  20/1/2013
The UV Race bounce along with their up tempo set. Topless Marcus loses his Sarong, and we cop blue dax all set but that's OK, because despite what critics say, UV Race are noisy, raucous and fun. Hunx and his Punx arrive in their full regalia and my oh my what a splendid outfit they are. Girl group style songs, so catchy, so poppy and charming. Ace drums, garage guitars, amazing backing vocals: Shannon's low growl and her soaring vocals. And Hunx, what a guy: instead of telling stage dancers to "Fuck off!" he does it so eloquently and tells all stage dancers must stage dive off. What a guy! I love his band, who by the way can really put on a show. Best gig of the year to date! Lovers Lane is a highlight.

11. Norman Blake and Joe Pernice, Northcote Social Club, 22/1/2013
Singer songwriters join together for one evening, and play acoustic guitars on stage to an audience who spent their youth loving Teenage Fanclub and admiring Scud Mountain Boys and The Pernice Brothers. Doesn't sound like my cuppa, but these are pop singer/songwriters and they can really write a song, sing grouse harmonies, muck up but bring it all back to the song. You really can't take that away from them. There were so magic moments here, and Joe Pernice was really outstanding.

12. Leather Towel, Lower Plenty, Bed Wettin' Bad Boys, The Curtin, 25/1/2013
Leather Towel feature at least two members from Record store Wooly Bully, and a member from Ausmuteants/Frowning Clouds. Described as short, sharp and fast garage punk style songs, I guess it must be mentioned the drummer looks like he's not breaking a sweat, but doing some really fancy sounding beats. Lower Plenty are soundwise the opposite to Leather Towel. Sweet, melodic, three vocalists, harmonies, softness and they do it well. Then there's Sydney's Bed Wettin' Bad Boys. I had very high hopes after hearing their new album-which is full of great songs in fact: anthemic songs, slightly sloppy pop songs. So catchy: yes they could be songs for this generation. So on the recording, the songs stack up, but unfortunately the live show didn't this time. I expected them to be sloppy, just like their recordings, so that came as no surprise. Maybe the show fell flat because it just didn't appear as if the guys were  having any fun whatsoever. Then there was some implied Sydney versus Melbourne rivalry and then they finished. Even they agreed on stage, that it wasn't their best gig. I'm no hippy, but all this amounted to the projection of bad vibes.

13. Drunk Mums, Mesa Cosa, The Tote, 26/1/2013
The Cobra Bar at the Tote: quite possibly the last place you want to play if you're in the band. It's hard for your audience to see you, the angles are sharp in the room, and tonight something went horribly wrong. Drunk Mums had all the energy you could have hoped for, but then it seemed they lost a guitar, a vocal mic, a bass string was broken. Finally when instruments could be amplified, there was a horrible feedback noise piercing the ear drums. Yet without the sound of half of the band, it degenerated into a tweeny mess of boys play fighting each other on stage. One friend referred to them as "Drunk Mummas Boys". Mesa Cosa witnessed all of this, and I'm absolutely sure they thought they could handle the elements. Wrong! For some technical reason, the bass dropped out, the lead guitar and two vocal mics. Mesa Cosa tried to rectify this but trying their hardest, screaming at the top of their lungs, getting up to stage antics, but it all boils down to the fact that sometimes you need good sound to have a good gig. So this did not feel like a gig at all, I had no fun, and we didn't even catch more than 2 full songs, even though we stayed for the duration of both bands. It just went to show when the shit goes down, Drunk Mums aren't the most resiliant of bands, but Mesa Cosa will probably always come through, but Dear Old Tote: Please fix this PA, sound, or electrical problem post haste because it ain't fair on bands nor punters.

14. The Kave Inn, The Breadmakers, Yah Yahs, 27/1/2013
The Kave Inn feature Melbourne garage rock faces, they dress up in animal print, with bone adornment, vintage instruments and they play 60's style garage rock. And they're bloody good at at it. It turns out that their guitarist/lead singer is the guitarist in The Breadmakers.  The Breadmakers do that brand of R & B, both original and covers, they've been doing it for 20 years and they're pros: in the good way. Totally solid band in every which way you could imagine. This was without question, the best gig of the weekend.

15. Bangin' Aussie BBQ Day featuring Thee Oh Sees, Hunx and his Punx, Woods, Dick Diver and Scott Drakula, Schoolhouse Studios, 28/1/2013
We missed Scott Drakula because it seems the event started near on time, and the wait in the queue was about a 30 minute one. We met some great people, but I felt sorry for the many behind me, who may be waiting longer. Schoolhouse Studios is a former Catholic Church, turned Steiner School.  Before it turns into fancy apartments for rich people, it's currently an artspace. The Gig was held on the basketball court.
Dick Diver played their soft indie pop with, epic soft rock moments, and the occasional stabby guitar.  It was a nice way to ease into the day which turned out to be hotter than we could imagine.
I was only able to catch a bit of Woods who were a surprise addition to the line up, and in the moments I caught them, it sounded a bit like a jam band. But they turned up the intensity on the day.
My favourite act, was of course Hunx and his Punx because they're so good, with their excellent songs, stage presence, charm, musical abilities and they're fun too!...
And finally Thee Oh Sees played with their epic set, setting a pace, bringing it back, speeding it up and so on. Tough times for the drummer and bassist. But the crowd enjoyed it on this hot summer afternoon. Despite the queue and the toilets, this was a really good event with a good line up and at a cool location and that's why there's a chance I'll remember this gig.

December 2012 gigs

202. Vice Grip Pussies, Barbarion, The Reverence Hotel, Footscray 29/11/2012
Someone said Ugly Kid Joe, referring to VGP. Young dudes, lotsa energy and questionable taste, but they seem to really love what they do.

203. Smudge play The Modern Lovers, Pure Pop 1/12/2012
Kinda boring, kinda enjoyable, great to hear Modern Lovers tunes played in real life by a real band.

204. Elvis Angels, The Night Party, The Murlocs, Richie 1250 and The Brides of Christ, The Old Bar, 1/12/2012
Elvis cover group Midnite Bosom AKA Elvis Angels do sultry Elvis covers. This group has two great vocalists and guitar accompaniment. The Night Party are a two piece bluesy band [think John Spencer inspired] and one of them happens to be the cousin of star of the evening, Richie 1250.  Surfie looking outfit The Murlocs come on stage and do a set, then leave. A friend asks me "is it just me, or are even the Murlocs bored with their set these days?" Richie 1250 and The Brides of Christ are launching their album the Terrifying Splendour or R1250 BOC and tonight they're all dressed up like the band of  weirdos they truly are, and they play the best set I've ever seen them play. First, side A, then there's a break featuring Simone Page Jones who does some interpretive dance, sings some operatic thing, then strips. It was all kinda breathtaking. Then Richie 1250 and the Brides of Christ return to the stage to do side B.

204. Asps, Fatti Frances, Gaso 2/12/2012
Asps - one lady on vocals, another on a machine, and another guy sitting on an amp [was he twisting a knob?] Fatti Frances sings into a mic with her pre-programmed beats. The vibe? kinda like a dark R & B thing with the made in the bedroom aesthetic. On top of this: a shit load of dry ice and lasers.

205. Pretty Things, The Corner Hotel 4/12/2012
Kinda like an oldies show, and the guitarist Dick Taylor wows with his awesome guitar skills, but in the blues set,  has a finger cramp making you realise that these guys are actually really old. There's at least three generations here. Even more impressive that they can arrive in Australia from a long haul and play the very next day. Anyway John Staxx joined them, the crowd mainly adored them - it was their first show in Australia ever and many bought their records to get signed which the guys from the Pretty Things were happy to do, although not many T Shirts were sold.

Blues Set

Set List

With John Staxx

Greeting fans

206. Dozers, The Old Bar 8/12/2012
Sounds like a grunge type band to me.

207.  Mangles, Guy and Marcus Blackman Experimentation Project Yah Yahs 5/12/2012
Mangles are an all guy band that do Bangles covers. Yes The Bangles did have some really killer songs, all mangled by the Mangles but props to the drummer in his nighty and electric drumkit. Guy and Marcus Blackman Experimentation are Guy Blackman of Chapter Records and Marcus R of The UV Race and their funny little songs with a keyboard backing. Sounds shit, but I like it anyway.

208. Wrong Turn, The Pretty Things, Midnight Woolf, Norton benefit, The Old Bar  15/12/2012
2 piece Wrong Turn have become a 3 piece that play I suppose you'd call it R & B songs, but sound like a bluesy rock trio. I heard on grapevine that 3PBS veteran DJ Phil MacDougall caught The Pretty Things at the Caravan Music Club, told them he was a radio DJ and just did a special on Norton Records. Apparently The Pretty Things are Norton friends and supporters, and Phil told them about the Norton benefit held by Off The Hip records on Saturday night. The Pretty Things had a vacancy in their schedule, and the very next day, The Pretty Things contacted Off The Hip thanks to Phil's referral and all the sudden they're playing this benefit. Why this story? Because it's often those people behind the scenes, getting out and about, having chats and before you know it shit's happening. Yes I love these stories of the movers and shakers. So The Pretty Things arrive at the Old Bar about five minutes before they were due to arrive on stage, play, kill it with a blistering set including Come See Me, S.F. Sorrow, LSD, Midnight to Six Man, Can't Judge a Book and many more, and then head off! The youngest ones stayed of course. The make up of the band: two original members [Dick Taylor guitar and  Phil May vocals] and everyone else is younger. Someone I know mentioned it was a little Status Quo, but the main difference is that Status Quo are not a band who have songs I'd want to listen to right? This was a remarkable gig, in a tiny venue, and there was no sign tonight that this was an oldies band. After The Pretty Things played, Midnight Wolf followed with their wildman guitar sounds and palatable rock songs.

The Pretty Things arrive

to a packed Old Bar

And the crowd loves it

209. Chris Russell's Chickenwalk, The Bowers, The Tote 21/12/2102
 A lot of people are here for this pre-Christmas event. Unfortunately I missed Wrong Turn but the crowd are suitably impressed by CRCW. The Bowers master Melbourne power pop. Good songs and a good band.

210. White Walls, The Tote, 22/12/2012
So much hype around White Walls, but to me they sound like a grunge band, inspired by bad grunge bands.

211. Vice Grip Pussies, Xmas Party in Brunswick 25/12/2012
Nothing to say here

212. The Ears, The Tote  28/12/2012
 The Band featuring the man whose story inspired Dogs in Space. That's really all I can say except I'm sure the music meant something in a certain place and time.

213. Bluebottles, LuWow 29/12/2012
 If 60's surf guitar is your thing, The Bluebottles are for you. A brothers band, and everyone can play their instruments so well. Very tight, very fun.

214. Chris Russell's Chicken Walk, Juke Joint at the Old Bar 29/12/2012
This was a benefit gig for that radio station called 3PBS, I believe they're a community radio station, and two of the stations identities: Matt Frederick from the Juke Joint program and Sam Wass from the Marketing department both had the experience of going to the US in 2012 and going to a real Juke Joint. They thought it would be fun to find a bunch of local blues artists and set up an event in the style of a Juke Joint. The line up was big but unfortunately I only got to catch one act: Two piece Chris Russell's Chicken Walk.  In 2012, Chris Russell's stocks have risen. An album was released, airplay followed and all the sudden his gigs have gone from 15 people in the Labour in Vain, to sold out!! I'm happy for him, he seems to love what he does, has worked hard to do it, and he strikes me as a nice guy.

A queue at the Old Bar?

Yes a queue at the Old Bar which felt like it lasted all night

In all, the event was successful. I heard there were 192 payers which is good for the venue, the station and hopefully the bands.

215. Totally Mild, Gaso, 30/12/2012
Indie pop from a indie hip 4 piece. Kinda St Vincent styled. Good songs.

216. Charles Jenkins, The Standard Hotel 31/12/2012

November 2012 gigs

Tondo

187. Tondo, Gaso, 1/11/2012
Their first gig ever, mostly instrumental included two fiddles, 1 guitar, 1 sax, drums, keys/synth guy. Kinda jazzy.

188. Maggotfest, Gaso, 2/11/2012-3/11/2012
I guess you could say this is the Melbourne version of Gonerfest. Heaps of new, or young bands, of the punk, garage, hardcore persuasion. All very cool. Yes, it is hipster city. But there's some substance going on here- for some of the bands. Most ran on time, it ran over three days [but I only caught 1.5]. Here's a quick rundown of what I caught:
Soma Coma
A blistering set by a screamy guy band, mostly punk and harcore with pop moments. Short songs.

Ratsak

dark and blurry

Hard to remember, but also seemed like a screamy band.

Family
4 piece poppy act, but not catchy.

Raw Nerves

Raw Nerves
As a friend said, thank fuck! Finally a good band... Poppy,  upbeat, energetic  short songs, with a cool guitar player, and although the lead singers guitar failed during the set, it was a good one. Totally worth buying the album. Kiwi band.

Tyrannamen

Tyrannamen
Hard for me to be objective, as these guys are an *almost in this little scene* all star party band who have got the moves, the sounds and the songs. They almost never play so catch these guys when you can.

Kitchens Floor
So busy upstairs I missed this Brisbane act.

Raw Prawn
So busy upstairs I mostly missed this Sydney act. But what I heard - it was both energetic, and poppy with an edge.

Deaf Wish

Deaf Wish
4 piece Melbourne band who wowed audiences overseas and are playing gigs and getting more recognition now. There's three types of songs: dark songs, flat out punk songs, interesting rock songs perhaps all representing the *assumed* various writers. But together they patch together a set that works cohesively, and it's LOUD. This was not as brilliant as their last Tote gig, but it was good. During the end of the set, there was a punch on by a drunk patron[throwing punches at anyone]. The security guards had to pin him to the ground. This was the first time I have ever seen violence at a gig.

Saturday
The Stevens
They played a tough time - still daylight, and almost just after waking time if you had a big night before. I usually love this band but their performance was flat, their new songs were good. They played older songs towards the end, but sounded very bored with them.

East Link
At the time I remember liking it but can't remember it.

Useless Eaters

Useless Eaters
This guy  Seth from Memphis was backed by a Melbourne band - and it was 70's inspired punk, pretty tight, though there were complaints you couldn't hear the bass.Seth can play, and had good songs. If they're playing around town GO SEE THEM. You won't be disappointed... I think.

Leather Towel
Again can't remember the specifics, but I did like them much more than I thought I would for Melbourne's  [or Geelong's?] best or worst named band.

Straightjacket Nation
A hardcore act that everyone that I knew suggested I see. Short screamy songs - that's almost all I can remember.. Also dudes everywhere in the mosh unleashing repressed homosexual tendencies with the body on body bashing about. As it finished, a friend said it would be good if they played a song.

Helta Skelta
Can't remember but I thought it was good.

In all it was a well organised festival, that promises all the bands YOU SHOULD know about, where dare I say it, it could be more expensive. For the punter, the cheaper it is, the less likely one is compelled to see everything - or perhaps it's got to do with my own laziness. It seemed that some bands had sound difficulties, or bought no back up guitars. I think a different venue with a large outdoor area with loads of toilets and multiple bars would be good for this event next year, but this was the best Maggot fest I've been to. I can't wait for next years...

189. Dacios, Messed Up, Cup Day Kaos, Ding Dong, 6/11/2012
Linda from the Dacio's tears it up with her raw rock stylings, and they've got a new bassist plus new songs. Messed Up do their Vivian Girls styled pop songs, drenched in reverb, and the drummer seems to play for her life.

190. Eastlink, Deaf Wish, Kitchen's Floor, Northcote Social Club, 6/11/2012
I've seen this band a few times and fail to remember their sound. What I can tell you is that it's Al from all those other bands and four guitarists. Deaf Wish take intensity to a new level and I can understand why people love this band, even claiming them to be the best band in Melbourne, lots of sounds and heaps of substance. They're a hard act to follow but Kitchen's Floor bring their sloppy-poppy songs to Melbourne.

191. The City Lights, The Bowers, The Old Bar 10/11/2012
The City Lights played their brand of power pop and they did it well. The Bowers did the same thing, but in their way. Two solid sets.

192. Julitha Ryan, Yah Yahs 11/11/2012
Julitha Ryan has a 9 piece band that includes a horn section, string section, rhythm section, a guy playing acoustic guitar, and Julitha on two layers of keyboards, singing. She is a Melbourne soul singer, but not in that quirky Clairy Brown kinda way. More adult contemporary-dark and sultry - been around the traps kinda thing. With a deep and husky voice, and supporting cast, Julitha provides a musical experience that I'm sure has an audience.  This would be a suitable gig for a sit down style venue that serves food- like the old Continental.

193. Izzy Cox, Grumpy's 14/11/2012
 Austin singer songwriter teams up with Billy Pommer Jr and Kim Volkmann to play two sets. She blends country with cabaret and she does it well, and has an incredible voice and a strong personality which sets her apart.  The band before them were positively not my bag.

194. Ratssak, Red Krovvy,  Useless Eaters, The Old Bar, 20/11/2012
 Ratssak are a 3 piece DIY punk [minus safety pins and mohawks - more hip] band. Useless Eaters are similar but with a female lead screamer who is also the Pop Singles drummer. Useless Eaters may have been set back due to sound problems, but this was throughly cool and enjoyable.

195. St Jude, The Old Bar, 20/11/2012
Alt country band with big harmonies and pop moments plays to a packed Old Bar. This gig was free due to the Johnston Street Fiesta.

196. Wiley Red Fox, The Old Bar. 20/11/2012
 Think indie pop Belle and Sebastian styled, played by a four piece band, fronted by a lead singer songwriter. Impressed by the songs: really melancholy at times, but deliciously pop.

197. The Night Terrors, Thematica, Goblin, 21/11/2012

198. Richie 1250 and the Brides of Christ, YIS, High Fangs, Yah Yahs 24/11/2012
Richie 1250 and The BOC are in fine form, ahead of their launch in a weeks time. YIS had a replacement bassist and new awesome guitarist and have gone from being "yeah" good to "wow I'm impressed" good. Their next gig's at Pony for the closing day/night celebration. High Fangs delivered power pop in stripey shirts for their album launch. At times they were joined by a wild man on maraccas or tambourine.

199. Jack on Fire, The Dianas, Grace Darling, 25/11/2012
Jack on Fire have that dark country rock vibe, and performed at least a couple of new songs. The Dianas are a Perth band, all female, drums, guitar and bass with lots of delicious harmonies. Sweet pop.

200. St Jude, The Old Bar 25/11/2012
Country rock 5 piece complete their November residency at the Old Bar.

201. Plague Doctor Old Bar, 28/11/2012
Plague Doctor have newer big, big songs.

October 2012 gigs

180. Los Straitjackets, The Bell House, 5/10/2012
Los Straitjackets are an instrumental surf/60's/Mexican inspired band that wear black suits and Mexican wrestling masks. Nashville musical masters with a big sense of fun and entertainment, they sport silver Dipinto guitars and have synchronised dance moves. They are a highly polished act that builds and builds. The audience member can't get bored because it's all too fun. They commence their set with a poppy, melancholy song, only to work their way into more luau style party rock songs. At intervals they include a singer, who did a Tom Jones cover, and River Deep Mountain High, in bad Tuxedos. Notably he was told not to bring his drink on stage, or he had to drink it! Founding member Danny Amis joined the group half way through the set and the second encore, and the crowd applauded loudly. The gimmicky highlight was during the encore when the drummer moved centre stage, and appeared to tap dance whilst drumming. Style and substance, Los Straitjackets have got it. A solid act.

Yes they've even got a gong

Danny Amis AKA "Daddy-O-Grande"

A whole lot of Di Pinto

181. Holly Golightly and the Brokeoffs, The Grand Prospect, Brother Hamm and The Pentecostals, The Rock Shop, Brooklyn, 7/10/2012
I was unable to take much notice of the supports, but I suppose you'd call them upbeat country styled music.

I was here for Holly Golightly, having enjoyed her albums, and work in the Headcoatees. Holly Golightly and The Brokeoffs is basically Holly Golightly performing with Lawyer Dave. They live in Georgia and rescue horses during the day. And they write songs together, including ones about neighbours. Holly Golightly has a sparkling wit that nobody can deny! Although English, she does folk music really well. They performed a long set-a list that Holly could not read as she didn't wear her glasses on stage. She herself said she was too vain for that. Lawyer Dave played drums and guitar, mostly using  a slide. Holly played rhythm guitar and both sang harmonies. That is all I can recall....

182, Spinning Rooms, The Tote 13/10/2012

183. Big Freedia, The Tote 17/10/2010
The Tote is like a cool Lesbian club and there's a shit load of booty shaking.

184.  Constant Mongrel, Deaf Wish, The Tote, 20/10/2012

185. Richie 1250 and the Brides of Christ, The Clits, Autumn Splendour, Yah Yahs 21/10/2012

186.Spencer P Jones and the Escape Committee Yah Yahs 30/10/2012
Awesome songwriting that'll never fail to impress me. Real life drama when SPJ walked off stage, seemlingly due to Kim Volkman taking the intiative to sing backing vocals.