October 2011
12 posts
Review - Kimbra - Debut Album, Vows
Published on Music Universe 30.10.11
www.musicuniverse.com.au
Exactly one year ago (give or take a few weeks), I was in the queue of cars aching to enter the famous Meredith music festival. The reason I was raring with anxiety? Because for the few weeks prior, I’d been humming along to ‘Settle Down’ by a little known songstress who was about to open the...
Immigrant Union @ The Espy
Published on Unpaved 28.10.11
www.unpaved.com.au
Lately, everyone around me seems to be singing the praises of the underground-folk band, Immigrant Union. Now, let me back-peddle and re-phrase that. Everyone who I consider to have extremely good taste in music and therefore, a highly regarded opinion, has been raving. So it’s safe to say that the stakes were high on Monday at The Espy...
Review - Old Gray Mule w/Howlin Steam Train &...
Published on Unpaved 24.10.11
www.unpaved.com.au
Ever since my first visit to The Old Bar, I’ve become one of those cult Old-bar-devotees that believes it is indeed one of the finest venues for live music in Melbourne. The Old Bar preserves their impressive repute by continuing to showcase the talents of only the best live performers they can find. Friday night...
Review - Big Scary - Debut Album, Vacation
After numerous EP releases, fans of Big Scary have been salivating at the arrival of their debut album, Vacation. As tasty as it is tuneful, Vacation is a superb indie-rock release brimmed with evocative, catchy tunes. To put it plainly, this album is addictive.[[MORE]]
Gladiator is a strong album opener, a powerful track that smoothly transitions from rocking beat to a tranquil piano...
Review - Ben Wright Smith @ The Espy Front Bar
Published on Unpaved 22.10.11
www.unpaved.com.au
Ben Wright Smith glided onstage at The Espy Front Bar as naturally as any musician should. In fact, the sight of the piano accordion, double bass, keyboard, harmonica, drums and guitars was enough to build momentum before the set had even commenced, luring the many sets of prying eyes closer to the stage. Armed with the expertise and musical...
Review - The Mission Cafe, Prahran
From Monday to Wednesday each week, I walk down Chapel Street on route to my morning class and stop at my favourite café, The Mission. [[MORE]]I’ll admit, the first few times I didn’t even think to analyse my surroundings. I had tunnel vision to one thing and one thing only – coffee. Indeed, the only sense I could channel was taste and before I knew it, I would be in...
Review - Bearded Gypsy Band @ The Espy Front Bar
Published on Unpaved 10.10.11
www.unpaved.com.au
There is absolutely nothing better than being blown away by a band that, until that night, you had heard virtually nothing about. Indeed, I’m still reeling from Adelaide group Bearded Gypsy Band’s performance at the Espy Front Bar, and have been singing their praises ever since (ironically, as they’re an instrumental act). Don’t let the...
Review - Boy & Bear - Debut album, Moonfire
Published on Unpaved 08.10.11.
www.unpaved.com.au
After all of the hype this Aussie group have received lately, you can understand my excitement at reviewing Boy & Bear’s debut album Moonfire. [[MORE]]I didn’t immediately take a liking to this record, which I suppose is the case with most records, but gee it’s a grower. After riding the success...
Review - Brothers Grim and The Blue Murders +...
Upon entering the Espy on Saturday night, I am thrown into a sea of bearded, overall-wearing folk, courting red-lipped woman in frilly frocks, leaving no doubt who the headline act is (or at least, what the hell they’re all about). The Espy paid homage to the best of the best amongst the ever-increasing folk-blues-country movement, which at the moment, seems to be on the cusp of dominating the...
Restaurant Review - Decant Oyster Bar Cafe
If it weren’t for the winter chill, I would have been enticed to sit outdoors at the Decant Wine Bar Oyster Bar Cafe. At first glimpse, the candlelit tables create a visually inviting setting, outshining the neighbouring restaurants which appeared sterile in comparison. The restaurant glistened in the moonlight, but as dazzling as it may have looked, the many empty seats were slightly unsettling....
