POLKA DOT SHORTS

Published in Music Universe 21.05.13

www.musicuniverse.com.au

There’s a lot to say about a band that draws a crowd made up mainly solo gig-goers. It’s a huge testament, to say the least. David Bowie’s ‘Let’s Dance’ plays behind the distinct hum of pre-show chatter while we wait for LA four-piece (plus touring bassist) Local Natives to take the stage. Groups and lone fans move in their own way to the familiar tune (or take selfies, like the couple next to me), whereas I can’t help but spend the final minutes venue gazing around the wondrous Forum Theatre. I’ve been a massive sucker for the Forum ever since I saw Stereophonics play here back in 2008 (and what a night that was). The gothic presence of the venue lingers in the form of Romanesque statues perched high around the stage - casting shadows that loom over us all.  

Read More →

Published in Inpress/TheMusic.com.au 23.10.12

www.themusic.com.au

Strangers with pleading eyes greet each punter headed for the entrance of Ding Dong and ask, “Do you know anyone wanting to sell their ticket?” No one does. In fact, everyone here has a friend (or friends) who missed out. Melbourne supergroup New Gods open to a swelling room, at times channeling a Twerps/Real Estate vibe, but mostly serving their own taste of danceable alt.pop that’s instantly addictive. Made up of members from Little Red, Eagle & The Worm and Ground Components, the collaborative venture feels like a natural progression for the gang, marrying their sounds to produce one hell of a hooky setlist that’s well worthy of tonight’s hot support slot.

Read More →

Published in Music Universe 21.10.12

www.musicuniverse.com.au

It’s not just the summery ambiance about Lonerism that makes the record a timely release for Perth band Tame Impala. It’s the much-needed musical expansion that mastermind Kevin Parker has nailed, dodging the ‘Same-Impala’ bullet that they were coming dangerously close to facing. 

The release of their first EP was hailed as a revival of late 60s/early 70s psychedelia which, despite the odd experimental offering from modern artists, was virtually non-existent. The success of tracks, such as Half Full Glass Of Wine, lead to the consequent LP Innerspeaker, an organic fusion of modern beats and dreamy, neo-psychedelic/surf that striked a cord with music lovers around the world. Which now brings us to Lonerism, their second full-length release that’s just as glorious, if not more so, than their first. This is a more upbeat, more alive Tame Impala than previous releases would have us believe. That’s not to say that Innerspeaker was monotonic – far from it – but rather that Lonerism, despite what the name may imply, is more inviting. 

Read More →

Published in Inpress/TheMusic.com.au 17.10.12

www.themusic.com.au

“Go independent music, go!” Host Dylan Lewis chants the night’s mantra as artists and industry types trickle into Revolt for the 2012 Jägermeister Independent Music Awards (previously known as the AIR awards). Guests are greeted with ginger-cider among many things (and who knew it tasted so good?) but most opt for the Jäger, including tonight’s host, who settles for shots onstage.

Read More →

Published in Inpress/TheMusic.com.au 19.09.12

www.themusic.com.au

Could Little Hurricane fill the void left behind by The White Stripes? While the parallels will no doubt be drawn from their debut Homewrecker, this San Diego duo has a point of difference. Made up of Celeste ‘CC’ Spina on drums and Tone Catalano on guitar, Little Hurricane were born to a love of soul and blues, yet rather than solely resemble their predecessors, they’ve breathed new life into the weathered genre.

Read More →

Published in Inpress/TheMusic.com.au 04.09.12

www.themusic.com.au

Walking into the bandroom is like entering a rustic realm of its own. There are fedoras, cowboy hats, flannels and beards aplenty – a stark contrast from the post-footy punters upstairs sporting their yellow and black (rather gloomingly, may I add). Tonight, these avid music fans have flocked from all across the country for the first ever Drunken Moon Festival, a celebration of the underground country, folk and blues movement. It’s a scene that’s been bubbling below the surface for quite some time, and if tonight is anything to go by, a scene with a fierce allegiance.

Read More →

Published in Inpress/TheMusic.com.au 24.08.12

www.themusic.com.au

If you’re a fan of the acoustic-pop tunes that Oh Mercy favoured on their first two albums, and have since been salivating for album number three, then you’re in for a very big surprise. While their previous release, Great Barrier Grief, was celebrated for its summery ambiance, Deep Heatdelves into a realm of silky, groovy rhythms. I’m sure a change of tune wasn’t encouraged by fans, nor necessarily required; yet it’s this unexpected shift that makes the album the timely gem that it is. Instead of producing another breezy, acoustic LP, they’ve taken a risk and surprised us all. The result is an exciting, innovative record with a huge presence. 

Read More →

Published in Inpress/TheMusic.com.au 09.08.12

www.themusic.com.au

It’s nine o’clock and already the air in the low-lit band room is thick and heated. The implied theme at the Old Bar tonight is masquerade, as many are seen swanning around with dazzling masks, headpieces and hearty laughs. All that’s missing are the espresso martinis as the leopard-print clad Stella Angelico serves up her own taste of smoky, soulful fervor against a backdrop of rocking beats. Her stage persona has her oscillating between vulnerable lover and feisty vixen, a theatrical presence that she maintains (and nails) from start to finish. 

Read More →

Published in Inpress/TheMusic.com.au 01.08.12

www.themusic.com.au

The omniscient Tim Rollinson is the figurehead behind The Modern Congress, a musical collective made up of Australia’s finest session musicians. The Protagonist is the 11th studio album that the DIG (Directions In Groove) founding guitarist has played a big part in writing and producing, not to mention the additional 20-odd recordings he has featured on. However, while many have revered the virtuoso for his jazz collaborations, this album delves into a musical realm so expansive that to confine it to a single genre would be an injustice to the whole production. Instead, what’s prominent throughout is an inherent maturity, a suave, urban thread that weaves throughout the entire collection.

Read More →

Published in Inpress/TheMusic.com.au 20.07.12

www.themusic.com.au

Shimmying on the edge of ‘80s dance and contemporary pop is On A Bedroom Wall, the second album from San Francisco group Still Flyin’. Ever since the release of their debut LP, Never Gonna Touch The Ground, in 2009, the band, which at any given point can include up to 15 members, have been busy touring the world. Whether this pop-odyssey spawned their new sound or perhaps a more polished recording experience, one thing’s for sure – this album is one luscious, synth-loving knockout that celebrates all that was good about the ‘80s.

Read More →

Published in Inpress/TheMusic.com.au 04.07.12

www.themusic.com.au

It’s hard to shake that knee-jerk reaction to an album of covers – that is, surmising that it’s a cop-out, especially when the artist in question doesn’t have a back catalogue spanning beyond one album. Unlike Birdy, whose recent debut of covers was received to critical acclaim, Rumer’s venture is likely to spawn diverging opinions. The British artist’s 2010 debut album Seasons Of My Soul sold more than one million copies worldwide, earning her Brit Awards and a highly publicised fan in Elton John. Fast forward a couple of years and we have Boys Don’t Cry, a collection of songs she handpicked from the early ‘70s, all originally performed by men.

Read More →

Published in Inpress/TheMusic.com.au 04.07.12

www.themusic.com.au

With all this talk of sea shanties, trawlermen and gaffs, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Forge & Flagon, the debut LP from London act Skinny Lister, is a parody of sailor sing-alongs. As far as modern folk goes, our ears are so attuned to contemporary acts (à la Mumford & Sons), making it easy to forget the genre’s hard-labouring, dirty-pub roots.  It’s this love of the origin that Skinny Lister relish throughout their 12-track collection, a love that stems from pubs across the English landscape. John Kanaka takes you there within a heartbeat with its beer-soaked chant, hurling you right into the middle of a stomping male throng. Like many of the tracks on the album, it’s irritatingly addictive, leaving you either loving the salvo of testosterone or loving to hate it.

Read More →

Published in Inpress/TheMusic.com.au 29.06.12

www.themusic.com.au

The phrase “beer o’clock” is scrawled under the bar ledge, but pots and pints are few and far between at today’s matinee show, with the weary-eyed punters instead opting for Red Bull. Not the least bit deterred by the echoey room, opening act The Bon Scotts give an absolutely brilliant performance. Complete with mandolin and piano accordion, the folk rockers display a level of artistry that’s both admirable and exuberant. Notable mention goes to the mandolin player who, with one leg perched on an amp, performs an animated (and hilarious) solo on his tiny eight-string. All 12 members of The Dub Captains are beaming as they squeeze onstage next. The chemistry of the group is undeniable and a welcoming addition to their soulful, reggae tunes. The band’s only nemesis is their chosen attire, which sees them looking more barbeque than stage-ready. All it would take is some simple tee swapping to lift the spectacle tenfold.

Read More →

Click on the image above to view the complete album

Published in Inpress/TheMusic.com.au 05.06.12

www.themusic.com.au

You know you’re in for an interesting night when the stage is adorned with mannequin heads and daisy chains. Keeping closely in theme with the ‘spook’ is opening act Jackals, who thrill with heavy reverb and measured, mighty beats. Multi-instrumentalist Mike Lillis ensures most eyes are firmly glued to his side of the stage as he rotates between the clarinet, piano accordion and one impressive handmade guitar resembling a belt of frets. They end with the cryptic and resounding VST; however it’s the line, “Walking down Slag Street” from an earlier song that sticks. Howl At The Moon arrive next with some mean-looking equipment. Their tunes are absolutely absorbing and akin to that of PJ Harvey, with highlight, The Hostage,drawing the biggest applause.

Read More →

Published on Unpaved 31.05.12

www.unpaved.com.au

There’s no denying the electric stage presence of Steve Smyth.  The hippy/rocker offers a raw, emotive set that has the 9pm crowd whistling and swaying, ending with, “Have a beautiful night have a beautiful night have a beautiful night!” Four-piece The Rubens are instantly likable, displaying all the signs of a tight, touring band. Their set blends rock and blues, yet what threads their collection together is their own modern-pop edge, one that sets them apart from their current radio contemporaries. Above all, they’re exciting, and one of the few acts in recent weeks to have me absolutely enthralled from start to finish. The inevitable album plug is not only one of genuine pride for the record, but a thirst to keep touring. “Help keep us in the industry for the next twelve months, keep living the dream.”

“We asked ourselves, ‘Are we sure we can do it? Are we sure we could fill the Corner?’ “ Lanie Lane giggles on stage.

Read More →

Published in Inpress/TheMusic.com.au 23.05.12

www.themusic.com.au

It’s tempting to do something, anything, to redirect the masses en route to the rooftop bar to the bandroom instead. The quality of opening acts lately has been brilliant and tonight is certainly no exception. The Neighbourhood Youth’sset is lively and innovative, experimenting with disco-drum patterns, melodic textures and sharp vocals. Their indie-rock sound is stadium big, one deserving of a much larger crowd than tonight’s civil group. It’s also refreshing to hear comprehensible lyrics right throughout, with, “You’re my only one,” bound to break a few hearts along the way. I’lls drop the pace with their Radiohead-inspired collection, complete with silky harmonies and earthy rhythms. They conclude the set to a packed room playing When I Knowoff their EP Thread, a few copies of which are sure to sell at the merch table tonight. 

Read More →

Published in Inpress/TheMusic.com.au 23.05.12

www.themusic.com.au

The great Forum Theatre is in all its glory tonight, with the mounted Romanesque statues shining bright for all to see. Tin Sparrows open with a rustic, acoustic-driven set complete with whistles and foot-tapping tunes. The crowd remains still but enthralled nonetheless. “I never thought I’d be playing in a place like this. It’s like Caesar’s Palace!” Sam Miles of Jungle Giantssqueals. He’s right, you know. Brisbane four-piece Jungle Giants seem hell-bent on firing up the sizable crowd, a feat they achieve through resounding beats and infectious tunes. Not to mention the springy bass player who cavorts around the stage.

Read More →

Published in Inpress/TheMusic.com.au 23.05.12

www.themusic.com.au

Like a scene straight out of Wayne’s World, a cream-coloured Telecaster propped on display has the guitar fiends drooling. The starry stage serves as a shiny beacon for said apparatus, with fairy lights adorning the cosy platform. “This is about a guy I thought I’d get over in two weeks… a year later, I think I’m finally there.” Sans band, the pixie-like Lisa Salvo leaves an unparalleled imprint on the room, peeling back layer upon layer to reveal herself through a truly gorgeous, autobiographical performance. Her ethereal vocals drive her folk-pop melodies, requiring only minimal acoustic to carry each tune. She’s a born storyteller, singing, “You should’ve been publicly ridiculed,” in the sweetest of voices. Her presence, much like Cat Power, remains long after she leaves the stage.

Read More →

Published in Music Universe 16.05.12

www.musicuniverse.com.au

The diverse crowd sprawled outside the Hi Fi Bar tonight is buzzing, drawing curious glances from the more civil passersby. Prematurely packed with colourful characters, the band room is even more alive. Cowboy hats, Elvis quiffs and rockabilly chicks add an old-time vibrancy that only a few Melbourne venues can boast, and ever fewer bands can draw. 

Read More →

Published on Music Universe 10.05.12

www.musicuniverse.com.au

Arriving at a music festival at 10am has its perks. For starters, the run was smooth, taking just over an hour to get to Bendi-groo from Melbourne. Secondly, the toilet queue is only twenty people deep. Rather than the Big Day Outs or Laneway Festivals, Groovin the Moo caters for the out-of-towners (and city commuters), touring only regional locations throughout Australia during its five-stop trip. The date however, is a risky one. On the one hand, the music event rounds up the festival season, playing host to a stellar lineup each year. On the other, it teeters on the cusp of winter. That being said, we bounce into the grounds layered to the chin, trying our best to ignore the threatening clouds circling above. 

Read More →

Published in Inpress/TheMusic.com.au 09.05.12

www.themusic.com.au

The night’s apparel screams of a dazzling, bygone era. While the men look dapper in their fedoras and vintage suits, there’s no doubt that the ladies prevail both on and off stage. Beehived, fake-lashed and sequined lasses swarm around the venue in a bubbly Daisy Buchanan-way, before the first support commands everyone’s attention. With hips that snake around the stage, Stella Angelico oozes sultry, old-time glamour that’s perfect for tonight’s production.

Read More →

Published in Inpress/TheMusic.com.au 09.05.12

www.themusic.com.au

With the onset of winter drizzle coating the streets outside, it’s no wonder Brendan Maclean opts for the red. Glass in tow, Maclean’s emotive performance displays a raw intensity fitting for the mellow, candlelit crowd. Woven into his compelling set is jaunty raillery, namely referring to his ukulele as Murphy Brown while singing of ill-fated love for ballerinas. One-liners before each song ignite laughter, most notably “…after you break up, one of you has to move to Spain”, and “this is a song I wrote when I realised I had a receding hairline.”

Read More →

Published in Inpress/TheMusic.com.au 25.04.12

www.themusic.com.au

At 7.30pm, the Phoenix Public House is far from a desolate pre-gig band room. Instead, the venue is alive and brimming with packs of jovial indie kids hankering for tonight’s headliners. Ever since the March release of their debut album In A Million Years, the Brisbane boys have garnered a substantial amount of national hype, resulting in tonight’s speedy sell-out.

Read More →

Published in Inpress/TheMusic.com.au 18.04.12

www.themusic.com.au

The snap of noisy distortion pounds through the beer garden, signalling the arrival of heavy-rockers The Kremlings. With four acts on the bill, it’s no wonder they kick off the Tote’s Friday 13th celebration at the civil hour of 8.50pm. Lead singer Andre Merino is wildly animated as he swaggers, prances and frenetically attempts to jostle his static bandmates. With only a mic cord to fidget with, it’s a shame the poor guy doesn’t have a guitar to smash.

Read More →

Published on Music Universe 17.04.12

www.musicuniverse.com.au

Don’t you hate it when you just discover an amazing musician whose album you preach and shuffle day after day, only to have a friend smugly point out their Australian tour that you missed two months ago?

Read More →

Published on Unpaved 12.04.12

www.unpaved.com.au

Hot off the back of a hugely successful Australian tour, which included spots at the Port Fairy Folk Festival and Mossvale, Londoners ahab left behind a bevvy of new believers. Amid the hype and beneath the cryptic kmvt title is a country-folk EP well worth unraveling.

Read More →

Published in Inpress/TheMusic.com.au 04.04.12

www.themusic.com.au

By nine o’clock the hordes of hipsters descend on the downstairs bar, packing out this buzzing Smith Street haunt. The upstairs band room stands in stark contrast with a candlelit, grungy decadence in dire need of shaking up. Thankfully, opening act Mesa Cosa do just that, whipping the now-multiplying crowd into a frenzy. The six-piece, garage-rock act howl manically and bounce around the stage, performing a sort of crazed, Mexican-rock show with a dark, bluesy vibe. They’re refreshingly erratic and addictive, with the set ending all too quickly. Unfortunately, main support The Bonniwells pale in comparison. Each song is sharp and punchy yet, riddled with sound issues and a lack of banter, the band stand emotionless without so much as a smirk.

Read More →

Published on Music Universe 21.03.12

www.musicuniverse.com.au

Armed with enough punch to drown you in confetti, New York band ‘fun.’ are currently riding the wave of success with their hit single, ‘We Are Young’. Perched at the top of the Billboard charts for the second week in a row, the track is the first single off their second album ‘Some Nights’, a big, epic jovial-journey that sure is hard to ignore.

Read More →

The Hills Are Alive is without a doubt the best kept secret on the festival circuit. Located on a humble and very hilly property in Gippsland, the two-day event featured the likes of I, A Man, Saskwatch, Bedroom Philosopher and Howlin’ Steam Train. Here are some photos I took on the last day. 

Read More →

Published on Unpaved 17.03.12

www.unpaved.com.au

After a hilariously bizarre sound check — whereby the violinist had no choice but to tune/check her instrument over another blaring violin track — the set commenced amid a bevvy of hippies and band-devotees. Despite Tuesday marking the end of the long weekend (and four music festivals across the state), the cheerful crowd whistled and clapped in anticipation for the leading act. 

Read More →

Published on Music Universe 10.03.12

www.musicuniverse.com.au

Everyone seems to have an opinion about the 2011 Internet phenomenon that was Lana Del Ray or, Miss Lizzie Grant, as she was recently ‘outed’ (the term ‘stage name’ suddenly didn’t sit very well with people). But unlike the swarm of haters who lambasted her upon scores of sites after her rather dismal SNL performance, I found myself strangely warming to the trashed singer. It’s not everyday that you see a star humanized by the pressures of stardom and crumble on the world stage. What we saw was a songstress clearly in dire need of performance experience. Whether or not they kept her in hiding up until the SNL gig to add to the *mystery* is anyone’s guess. Either way, I for one was rooting for her to muzzle the media with an album as superb as her groundbreaking hit, ‘Video Games’. 

Read More →

Published on Music Universe 10.03.12

www.musicuniverse.com.au

While waiting outside the gates enjoying the sweet backdrop of Sally Seltmann from afar, I was suddenly startled out of my reverie with the words, ‘It’s Bon Eyyye-ver. He’s the singer’. Before I had the chance to even smile to myself (let alone correct anyone) I spotted my friend and ran. I, like many, had been waiting for tonight for so so long. In saying that, I didn’t exactly know what to expect either. I had always associated the Sidney Myer Music Bowl with the Christmas Carols or Parklife, but Vernon belongs to some sort of mystic faraway place in-between. Would the listeners be happy to lie on the grass and take it all in, or would the hill be filled with a sea of swaying lighters? 

Read More →

Published on Unpaved 06.02.12

www.unpaved.com.au

For most of us, music is an ineluctable indulgence for the soul and one of life’s most joyous pursuits. When we put our earphones in, we’re doing it for our enjoyment and ours only. Hearing a band enjoy playing as much as you enjoy listening enriches the experience ten fold, which is exactly what you can expect from President Roots. After their debut record Migration was released in 2009 to critical acclaim, the Mornington-Peninsula lads are back with their second album Feelin’ Fooled.

Read More →

Your wince was a glimpse into a life once lived, before we gave you the years you so rightly deserved. Whilst we’ve grown and ripened, make no mistake that you dear pal, have been our most loyal and devoted friend. We wish we could protect you, we wish you could stay - but like all that lives, you too are prone to wilt. When your time comes to leave and your last breath is near, allow your dreams to swallow you whole and deny the savage cancer its right to suffering.

Although your body is now brittle and speckled with pain, your spirit will remain doused with love, long after you’re gone.

Published on Unpaved 01.02.12

www.unpaved.com.au

Gritty, gravelly, and a downright dirty is Melbourne country outfit, The Toot Toot Toots. They’ve been tearing up the east coast with their thumping country set. Thirty-nine seconds into their first track Rooster Crow and you’ll realise why. Lead singer Dan Hawkins (also known as ‘Danny Eucalyptus’) has an incredibly outlandish, pebbly voice, one that’s sure make you jump upon first listen.

Read More →

Teetering on the edge of pop folk and alt-country is James Vincent McMorrow’s delectable debut, Early In The Morning.

Hailing from the humble streets of Dublin, McMorrow’s soft, throaty vocals and acoustic driven melodies make for an intimate and snug recording. On paper, the lyrics ‘If I had a boat, I would sail to you; hold you in my arms, ask you to be true’ may sound banal and mushy, yet they transcend into intense vulnerability through his gravelly yet whispery execution (yes, I am a girl, but a bit of spongy lyricism never hurt anyone). Back-up vocals are peppered throughout, yet it’s McMorrow’s rough yet doughy voice that draws you in (think Angus Stone with a throat infection…in tune).

Read More →

Published on Music Universe 17.01.12

www.musicuniverse.com.au

When a certain musician is garnering a substantial amount of hype, listeners can decide to take one of two paths. We either embrace the parade, or we get all poppy-syndrome on the act and become cynical before even hearing a lyric. In the case of Birdy, I was torn. Because she’s fifteen, I was automatically curious and eager to hear her. However, when I was informed that her debut was a record of covers, I was dubious. 

Read More →

Published on Music Universe 09.01.12

www.musicuniverse.com.au

It’s not that often that you come across a musician with a natural ability to story-tell without an agenda to sound ‘different’ or ‘monumental’. In fact, it could even be his nonchalant way with words and mellow execution that make him just as unique.

Read More →

Fusing fast beats with killer guitar licks, Passport are the newest local indie outfit to burst onto the scene. To say their self-titled EP is a foot-tapper is one hell of an understatement.

Read More →

It’s time to feast your eyes and feed your for northern-soul on the ‘motherloving soul train’ that is Clairy Browne & The Bangin’ Rackettes.  Brewing Etta James soul with Browne’s fierce sultry flare, this Melbourne based outfit are bringing Harlem to the streets of Melbourne.

Read More →

Ever since Lonely Boy went viral in October (not to mention the middle-aged miming dancer who appears on the film clip) I, like many, had be hankering for the release of The Black Keys seventh studio album, El Camino.

Read More →

Published on Unpaved 10.12.11

www.unpaved.com.au

You’d be forgiven for feeling a little vulnerable upon listening to the first half of Wolf.

Read More →

I remember the moment as vividly as I remember my night last night (wait, perhaps that’s not the best example…anyway). The remark was completely unpremeditated and went something like ‘Hey Alex, you should read this book. It’s about raw food. People swear by it.’ Ever since that fruitful day (pardon the pun), my dear friend has preached the wonders of an uncooked food lifestyle and the natural joys that come with it.

Read More →

Published on Music Universe 24.11.11

www.musicuniverse.com.au

It’s hard to believe that twelve years ago (that’s right, twelve years ago) Coldplay’s breakthrough single ‘Yellow’ was released. Four albums and over fifty million album sales later, we have their fifth record Mylo Xyloto. 

Read More →

Last week I farewelled my most loyal companion, my family home. What took me by surprise was just how hard it was to ‘adieu’ my family home of eighteen years. In the hope of not sounding too presumptuous, Chateau O’Gorman  was quite the monumental dwelling.

Read More →

Published on Music Universe 21.11.11

www.musicuniverse.com.au

Read More →

Published on Unpaved 15.11.11

www.unpaved.com.au

The name Lanie Lane has been on the tip of many lips for quite some time. This year, the songstress made headlines amongst music publications for having the track Ain’t Hungry off her debut, To The Horses, produced by the one and only, Jack White (former White-Stripe and founder of iconic indie label, Third Man Records). Which leads to the inevitable assumption that, presumably the rest of the record would emulate that of White’s track, right? Or would Ain’t Hungry shine amongst a collection of beige offerings?

Read More →

DAY 1 

After packing the people mover full of instruments, snacks, and well, people, we were off on the road to the land of harbour’s and one-way streets- aka, Sydney.  I took the first shift in the death chair, whereby my neighbour was a rattling guitar case stacked on top of my newly acquired and acquainted pillow (otherwise known as an amp). Not that the confined space fazed anyone – we were too busy either gazing out the window basking in the thought of greener pastures (four days off work) and unchartered territories (new pubs). Or, passed out asleep.

Read More →

Published on Music Universe 06.11.11

www.musicuniverse.com.au

Florence and The Machine are back. Not just back, but back. 

I will admit though, I was apprehensive in the lead-up to ‘Ceremonials’. Being a huge fan of their debut ‘Lungs’, I was wary of the all-important second album, and even half-expected Florence’s towering vocals to become somewhat wailing and passé over time. But no. As monumental as it is poignant, Ceremonials is a heavily layered, innovative masterpiece that could very well catapult Florence and The Machine to a musical genre of their own.

Read More →