pony up

On Friday night I went along to check out Bluejuice at the Prince Bandroom in St Kilda, showcasing their new album Company.

Melbourne garage-rockabilly outfit Fearless Vampire Killers were partway through their set when I entered. Immediately, it appeared as though their retro fuzz-rock was falling upon somewhat uninterested ears. I took my spot right up front and rather enjoyed the remainder of their set.

The 60’s laden growl of lead singer Sean was a definite win, however the between-song banter felt a little clumsy. All things considered, they definitely deserved a warmer welcome.

A DJ set followed, before the boys that are Bluejuice took to the stage

While there were no matching bright jumpsuits in sight, their instruments were adorned in glow-in-the-dark tape. Very classy.

Show opener, and first track off their new album, Can’t Keep Up had the crowd moving within seconds. From it’s anthem-like chorus to it’s handclap-heavy breakdown, the tune is a cracker, even bringing out some synchronised dance moves from the band’s two frontmen Jake Stone and Stav Yiannoukas. There was no slowing down from here.

As usual the boys appeared effortless as they swapped lead vocals; matching and harmonising, with a little lyrical help from Jake’s sister Elana

I lost count of how many times Jake took to surfing the crowd, at one stage choosing to simply stand on two fella’s shoulders. Lucky they were sturdy.

There’s no keeping these two still, while Jake pounced on their drummer’s kit and swung from the rafters Stav was busy pacing the front of stage, water bottle in hand, determined to drown the crowd before show’s end.

It didn’t take long before the dynamic duo were shirtless, adding body sweat to the mix of moisture in the air. [I’m undecided whether it was a blessing in disguise that my camera had run out of film by this point, these two are no swimsuit models]

It’s a tough act to pick out show highlights. Current single and infectious radio smash Act Yr Age came out a surprising forth, almost like an early Christmas present for the eager crowd

These new tracks, as well as others such as Recession, Cheap Trix, Kindaevil and unlikely ballad On My Own demonstrated the mature sounds of the new release, without misplacing any of their trademark hilarity or vigour.

Older favourites Medication, Work and an even earlier Vitriol were sing-alongs waiting to happen, while show closer Broken Leg, the big single from their sophomore album Head Of The Hawk, made everyone wish they’d packed a skipping rope in their back pocket

Peppered with expletives and drizzled with sweat, there’s no doubt these guys put on an exceptional show! Get those Bluejuices flowing and check them out!

Handy tip; if you are set to attend a gig, never expect to leave disappointed…or dry.

The charismatic duo that are Jake and Stav

Thursday night I heard whispers [via the ever reliable boyfriend] of a free gig being dished out by one of my more favoured bands Last Dinosaurs at The Toff. Hello evening planned!

Having bounced back from their unusually humdrum performance at the HiFi Bar last month- a gig lead singer Sean Caskey later described to us as “one of the worst we’ve played”- the Brisbane four-piece took to the stage with all the joy and ease I was much more accustomed to.

Fan favourites Honolulu and Time and Place saw the boys at their catchy, beachy best. New single Zoom, a slightly heavier and more polished number, closed out the night providing a glimpse of what is to come on the forthcoming debut album

After the set I managed to score a very quick [and rather drunken on my part] chat with drummer Dan Koyama. Las

What was it like touring with The Grates? 

“I didn’t really personally know much of their music, when they played I realised I knew a few of their songs and during the  tour I found myself watching them every gig and I really got to appreciate all of their shit. They were really chilled to tour with, really nice, and cos they’re from Brisbane…”

  What’s next for The Last Dinosaurs?

  “We’re not really doing anything until we launch the album on February 17th…hopefully that goes well!”

  Where do you guys buy all of your snazzy outfits?

  “Sean is a bit of an op shopper, Lach buys a lot of his shit online, I buy a lot of my shit online. I rarely go shopping. And Sam doesn’t really buy clothes!”

Last Dinosaurs new single Zoom is out now

Lead singer Sean Caskey

Triple J Unearthed darlings Alpine don’t know how to sit still.

Having only recently wrapped up their month long national tour with The Jezabels and Candadian rockers Hey Rosetta, Alpine are set to do it all again, this time as headliners on their Hands Across Australia tour, kicking off next January.

This colourful six-pack are a great deal more than thirst quenching, with their punchy mix of ethereal pop vocals and sexy synths rapidly gaining fandom.

Starting life in Melbourne as Swiss in 2009, before an equally chilly name change, Alpine have been hurled into the spotlight with EP and single releases, subsequent tours, and radio hits ‘Villages’ and ‘Heartlove.’

The interplay of dual vocalists Lou James and Phoebe Baker set them apart in Australia’s burgeoning synth-pop scene. The two lovely ladies switch between lead and backing vocals in each song, adding an integral layer to Alpine’s already delicate melodies

The band’s hypnotic and complex sound is the handiwork of the fellas, with the fusion of electronic beats and moody rock a creation of fellow bandmates Christian O’Brien, Tim Royall, Phil Tucker and Ryan Lamb.

Sharing a label with the likes of Cloud Control, The Mess Hall, Josh Pyke and Sparkadia, not to mention their recent tour allies The Jezabels, it’s safe to say Alpine are in good company.

On stage their innovative nature is in full flight; an entertaining assortment of luscious harmonies and impassioned dance moves. And glitter, definitely glitter.

This rapid rise is set to continue with the release of new single ‘Hands’, the first cut from their forthcoming  debut album. An orchestral gem, ‘Hands’ generates feelings of daydreamy ease and wonderment, with a stick-with-you all-afternoon hook to boot.

Oh and did I mention the clip? Axe-wielding, leotard-clad girls with a penchant for eating in the shower and fishing in pools. And a super keen hand fixation. SUPER KEEN [Google now, wink]

For a little extra insight into what makes this budding Melbourne band tick, I spoke with guitarist Christian O’Brien;

What is the significance of the name ALPINE?

No real significance, it’s a word that felt the same as what we were trying to do musically at the time. Also there are six of us so one day we’ll play shirtless and spell it out with painted chests.

What attracts you to the style of music you play?

We weren’t sure what style of music we were playing until someone told us. We are attracted to jamming on simple ideas and just adding more and more things that pleased us. We all have a fairly subtle touch these days so we don’t over do it. We try to make each Alpine track an equal sum of its layers.

When do you feel the most creative?

In the morning with the tele on.

What can we expect from you guys in the next year?

An album!! And hopefully loads of shows.

When is the best time to listen to your new single “Hands”?

In the rain, after someone has pissed you off.

What do you do when you’re not ALPINE?

We all have jobs, I teach guitar, Phoebe scoops pop corn, Lou peddles tea. A whole range of trades.

Whose style would you like to steal?

CSS, I love them. We get to play with them soon at Falls & Southbound. I might steal some of their stuff.

Favourite;

1990’s fad?

Orchestra stabs on keyboards. Rad.

Childhood memory?

Tinned Spaghetti jaffels on a cold morning.

Piece of clothing?

Blue tshirt and big sneakers.

Breakfast?

See childhood memory…

And finally… Are you fans of the snow?

I went skiing for the first time last year. It was the most fun I have ever had ever. So yes.

Thanks Christian!

Alpine play The Corner Hotel, Melbourne on Thursday January 19, 2012 

Tickets $15 + bf presale, $18 at the door- www.cornerhotel.com

On Monday October 31st I went along to catch The Grates as they performed at the Hi-Fi Bar as part of their Summer’s Breath tour. To make things even more interesting it just happened to be Halloween!  

Melbourne’s own Loon Lake kicked off the ghoulish event with catchy riffs comprising not one, not two but three guitars. The crowd could not ignore the killer hooks and heartfelt charm of the boys, eagerly joining in on Triple J sensations Bad To Me and In The Summer. I was particularly surprised that the adolescent lead singer I had envisioned was in fact presumably pushing forty [fingers crossed I haven’t offended you Sam Nolan!]  

Accompanying The Grates for most of their tour, Brisbane boys The Last Dinosaurs piled on stage soon after, their beachy-pop sound quite familiar to me having seen them a few times in the past. With their upbeat guitar and floaty synths and vocals, The Last Dinosaurs usually have the crowd in the palms of their indie hands. However poncho-clad lead singer Sean Caskey wasn’t his usual enthusiastic self, causing the set to be a little flat. [However his red rhythm guitar matched his outfit perfectly!] Popular single, and personal favourite Honolulu did a commendable job of combating the drop in energy, the catchy succession of “hey!” luring the crowd back in.  

Before we knew it the headliners bounded on stage, Patience and John accompanied by Brooklyn-based drummer Ben Marshall, their seemingly plain attire splattered with blood and gore. Hurrah!

 I KNOW WHAT YOU’RE THINKING.  I’m just going sit here and describe the show as ‘energetic’ and ‘fun.’ I’m sorry but describing Patience Hodgson as simply energetic is like describing a moustache as good or mangoes as delicious. It just doesn’t quite cut the mustard.  I’m barely going to touch on the music here, because nothing needs to be said. It was superb. Jump around, clap along perfection. What made this gig so different from any performance I’ve witnessed is the full-blown sincerity and showmanship of the band.  It began pre-show and extended throughout, and made timing bar and toilet runs near impossible.

To begin with, as I settled in to my front row spot I glanced ever so slightly to my left to greet Patience leaning on the fence next to me, in deep conversation with The Devil and The Joker. I smiled, wished her luck and took a snapshot of the intriguing threesome. She then continued to file through the very packed crowd of zombie brides, Robin Hoods and furry creatures, , ever so casually stopping and greeting  photo-ops and hugs with the utmost joy and enthusiasm. Most bands save the meet and greet for post-show, many don’t even make the effort.  

Not Patience.  

Taking to the stage, only Patience, in her own words, could have grown men licking their faces like cats. Only Patience could remain pitch perfect while surfing an unruly crowd. Only Patience could be concerned that my boyfriend didn’t have a costume for the Halloween party we were set to attend. So she proceeded to draw Harry Potter glasses, complete with scar, on his face. What a class act.  

Ok now for a bit on the music. Opening rager Science Is Golden was a throwback to the first album and had people chanting from the get-go.  New album gems Like You Could Have It All, Change, Sweet Dreams and of course big single Turn Me On were received with gusto, the recent darker sound of third album Secret Rituals intertwining flawlessly with the elder tracks  The slower and personal moments of Rock Boys, With You and Two Kinds Of Right were welcomed with tired arms, but rest was short as choruses such as that of Burn Bridges demanded full attention. Encore songs Young Pricks and Inside, Outside brought the new and time-honoured fans together in glorious, bouncing harmonium.  

The Grates definitely know their audience. The entire set was perfectly orchestrated, with humorous interjections from Patience peppering a spot on selection of songs.  [I would know, we were handed the only setlist.  Cue chuffed wink]  

The Grates. You made my Melbourne Bitter tinnies taste like champagne. Thanks for an amazing night!