Perth Music

The legendary Lime Spiders first exploded into the unsuspecting ears of the music public in the post-punk era of the early 80’s. Described by US Rolling Stone as “the Sex Pistols on acid”, the Spiders’ sound is inspired by everything from 60’s punk/pop/psychedelia, to the more innovative and eclectic 70’s rock and late 70’s punk.

The hybrid created combined the most extreme elements of all these influences to create a monster – a sonic assault of unparalleled intensity. Fueled by the brutal rhythm section of Richard Lawson (drums) and Tony ‘Chief’ Bambach (bass) and slabs of gut-wrenching guitar, courtesy of Gerard Corben, Mick Blood found a platform from which to unnerve people with his razor-edged vocals.

He has got the band together again to celebrate the release of The Lime Spiders’ long awaited album, “Live At The Esplanade”, a scorching set including 2 previously unreleased songs, “Society Of Soul” & “The Dead Boys”. This monster is scheduled for release on 29 October through Figtree Words and Music, with huge national tour to follow.Don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness The Lime Spiders’ high octane rock & roll, sure to propel you into summer with ears bleeding, head aching & no regrets at all!

Lime Spiders “Live at the Esplanade” Tour Dates
Fri 30 Nov- Amplifier Bar – Perth, WA
Sat 01 Dec- Mojo’s Bar – North Fremantle, WA

Visit Lime Spiders website & myspace site as follows for tour updates & downloaded gems from the album:
www.myspace/officiallimespiders
www.limespidersmusic.com

Acclaimed Australian independent singer/songwriter Lior returns to centre stage with a brief tour throughout November and December to deliver his new single ‘Heal Me’ and share his new songs from his forthcoming album ‘Corner of an Endless Road‘ to fans around the country.

You will recall Lior making his mark as an integral artist on the local music scene in early 2005, when he independently released his critically acclaimed debut album ‘Autumn Flow’. The album was featured as album of the week on Triple J & also received a ‘J Award’ nomination for Album Of The Year. Lior’s debut release went on to be nominated for three ARIA’s including Best Male Artist, Best Independent Release and Breakthrough Artist. Since the release of ‘Autumn Flow’, Lior has spent the majority of his time touring nationally as well as releasing his album internationally.

Incorporating a wide array of instrumentation, Lior’s music takes you on a unique and enchanting journey, his voice has captured wide spread attention in fact it has been described as one of richest voice around.

The up and coming tour will see Lior (vocals, acoustic and electric guitar) joined on stage with his band featuring Michael Iveson on drums, Brett Hirst on double bass/electric bass and Ben Fink on electric guitar. Come along for a special emotive journey with one of this country’s finest artists when he presents his new single ‘Heal Me’ along with new tracks from the forthcoming album as well as familiar crowd favourites.

Lior – Single tour dates:
Thursday, 29th November - The Fly by Night, Fremantle, WA
$25 plus booking fee - Doors 8.00pm
With Special Guest TBA

With only one year of existence, Muscles has grown from strength to strength and already has a fan base that many electro-pop artists would be envious of. On September 29th Muscles’ debut album, Guns Babes Lemonade, will be released through Modular Records to the unsuspecting public. The man behind the music talked to Justin Middleton exclusively about music, Myspace and ice cream.

‘The recording of the album was really quite easy as I had most of the songs in my head for years and it was a relief to finally get them recorded.’ explained Muscles. ‘It was also quite a surprise to get the support that I have received from radio. I remember sending One Inch Badge Pin in to various stations and getting it played a few times and then Ice Cream was actually picked up by Triple J without me doing anything. And everything kind of took off from there.’

And took off it did. Ice Cream was on high rotation for four months on Triple J and in the top 10 of most requested songs for three and a half months. With all this exposure Muscles had a variety of record labels after him and after talking to no less than 15 labels worldwide, decided on Modular Records as the perfect vehicle to drive the Muscles message. He said ‘It is extremely hard to describe the music I create or even the genre – Electro-pop, rocking techno, soft-trance. It’s quite difficult for some labels to understand that my music is different so I needed to find one that was willing to go for what I was all about.’

I asked whether Muscles preferred recording songs or playing them live. ‘Well, when I first started to play a lot of my songs live it was still a learning experience for me and it really was quite difficult. Luckily I’ve had the opportunity to play many, many shows now so it has become so much more fun to play in front of an audience. And I love seeing kids singing along to songs that I have written. I played a festival not too long ago early in the day and there was nobody even near the stage I was at. I grabbed a bite to eat and went back to my stage to start my set and I was blown away that hundreds of kids had shown up out of nowhere.’

The new album Guns Babes Lemonade has plenty of dance-along tunes that is certain to appease to many of Muscles’ fans but also could create quite the appetite with songs such as Chocolate, Lemon and Lime, Marshmallow and recent single Ice Cream. ‘I didn’t make songs with food titles on purpose but I guess it does make it a bit more appealing for kids and a bit more fun which I definitely try and make my music.’ And asked what his favourite flavour ice cream actually was, Muscles replied ‘Ummm, vanilla I think. Or rainbow. Rainbow ice cream actually is vanilla ice cream isn’t it? Yeah, let’s just say vanilla rainbow.’

This week Triple J has announced Guns Babes Lemonade as their album of the week and you can hear samples of the entire album on the Muscles Myspace page (www.myspace.com/musclesmusic). The album will be released nationally on September 29th and catch him in Perth at the Parklife festival at 3:00pm along with a variety of artists including Kid Kenobi, M.I.A, MSTRKRFT, Shapeshifter and The Herd on October 1st or with Daft Punk’s NeverEver Land Tour on December 16th.

Two decades after mysteriously disbanded while riding high on the success of their one and only classic LP, 1987’s “At First Sight- Violets are Blue”, Australian garage rock legends The Stems are set to release their highly anticipated second album “Heads Up”.

Containing ten new, spankin’ original garage rock gems ‘Heads Up’ was recorded in Perth in the earlier part of 2007 at the analogue and vintage recording compound KingDom Studios and later mixed at Ultrasuede in Cincinnati by producer John Curley (White Stripes, Afghan Wigs, Greenhornes, & Ronnie Spector).

In March 2003 The Stems reunited for a national tour  which would see an  amazing comeback to local and international music scene. After the re-release of their classic “At First sight Violets are Blue” originally released in 1987 and the release of the “Mushroom Soup Anthology”  and “Terminal Cool” retrospective in the US, The Stems have found themselves playing to packed houses across the country, touring Europe and playing the prestigious Little Stevens Underground Garage Festival.

If the recent sold out shows are any indication,  their long overdue second album ‘Heads Up’ set for release on October 6 will further consolidate their reputation.

The Stems “Heads-Up” Tour Dates
November 2 Settlers Tavern, Margaret River, WA
November 3 Fly By Night Musicians’ Club, Fremantle, WA

At last! Perth pop fans have the chance to own their own little piece of Institut Polaire- as the band prepares to launch their debut EP, The Fauna and the Flora at the Rosemount Hotel on Sunday 30 September.

Sunday 30 September
(Queens Birthday Holiday Eve)
Rosemount Hotel, North Perth
with New Rules For Boats, Faith In Plastics, Nat Carson (Bank Holidays)

Since their inception in 2004, not only has their following swelled in numbers, but so too has the band’s line-up. Growing from three to the current seven full time members with some additional performers and special surprise guests joining them for the launch.

While Institut Polaire may have been short on releases thus far, they haven’t been short on accolades- taking out the prestigious WAM Song of the Year in 2006 for the single “City Walls and Empires”, as well as the WA prize in the JJJ Unearthed Big Day Out Comp and receiving generous airplay on RTR, Triple J and community stations around the country.

Since their recent signing to Sydney’s Popfrenzy Records, they’ve also played national tour supports with acts such as Camera Obscura (Scotland) and the Clientele (UK).

The launch is the first chance to pick up the EP, which will appear in shops nationally on Oct 2, and to hear some new material being performed for the first time.

New Rules For Boats and Faith in Plastics are in support. As well as a special solo set from Nat Carson of Bank Holidays to kick off proceedings from 6pm.

Keep an eye out for the film clip for “City Walls & Empires” which was filmed in Sydney in early August due to hit your tv screens soon.

For more info visit www.myspace.com/institutpolaire

Saturday 15th September, 2007
Rosemount Hotel, North Perth
Something For Kate
Deloris

They’ve had one of the most enduring and supportive musical careers of recent Australian music history yet this is not the end for Something For Kate. It is more like a new beginning. Supporting their new best-of album, The Murmer Years, Paul Dempsey, Stephanie Ashworth and Clint Hyndman rocked the Rosemount Hotel along with Victorian band Deloris. There was a great atmosphere in the Rosemount and a packed and excited crowd was there nice and early to see Aussie rock at its best. Even with threatening weather, beers were flowing, people were smiling and there was electricity in the air.

Earlier this year, Deloris played the Rosemount Hotel to a much smaller crowd and the heart-felt way this band play their songs seemed almost lost. This was not the case tonight as the large crowd not only listened to every word lead singer Marcus Teague uttered but felt every note the band played acoustically or electric. Soft-Rock bands can sometimes be a hit or miss affair but with a sound reminiscent of The Shins, Deloris definitely made some new fans tonight.

Paul Dempsey came out on stage dressed in bright red to start things off acoustically and the crowd was brimming with anticipation. Something For Kate fans are some of the most loyal fans around so it was no surprise to see the entire first few rows singing every word that Dempsey breathed. The rest of the band joined Dempsey on stage to start the rocking out and that was when the entire room started to move as one. Not necessarily the same songs but just like their most recent release, The Murmur Years, the band played many, many hits, obscure b-sides and fantastic covers.

Something For Kate are not your ordinary rock band and they never have been. And this was no ordinary show. Usually a band may break a guitar string while rocking out and usually audience members throw bras and panties on stage. At this gig Paul Dempsey rocked so hard he broke his belt midway through song and a member of the audience decided he’s be a Samaritan and donate his belt to the band. After a spectacular set it was hard to imagine any more coming from the band of the night but a quick intermission lead to an amazing encore. It has been an amazing 12 years for Something For Kate and the depth and quality of songs that was played tonight proves that, but the future also looks as bright as any young band around.

For more info on Something For Kate visit www.somethingforkate.com
For more info on Deloris visit www.delorisband.com
The Murmur Years is out now through Sony BMG.

Eskimo Joe - London Bombs

New Zealand 5 piece The Checks will hit the road in October November to celebrate the release of their long awaited debut album Hunting Whales which hits stores on October 6th through the Red Label.

Formed 4 years ago, The Checks have become renowned for their energetic live performances, and have attracted the personal attention of such rock luminaries as Noel Gallagher and Michael Stipe, the band since going on to support Oasis & REM, and more recently Jet, on their Australian tours.

Hunting Whales was recorded in London with Ian Broudie (Lightning Seeds, The Coral, Echo & The Bunnymen, The Zutons) and is one of the great debut records of the year, a spit n’ sawdust rock n’ roll record that’s bursting at the seams with songs to send you bare-chested and wild.

The sky is now the limit for The Checks; still frightfully young and already one of the hottest live bands around with a fantastic debut album up their sleeves, you could almost forgive them a touch of arrogance. Yet the band remains ever-humble about their ambitions.

If you haven’t yet seen this band live and experienced what everyone’s been talking about, it’s now your time to connect with The Checks as they hit your town on the following dates:

Friday 26 October, Exile - Brisbane
Saturday 27 October, Candy’s Apartment - Sydney
Sunday 28 October, Northcote Social Club - Melbourne
Friday 2 November, Jive - Adelaide
Saturday 3 November, Amplifier - Perth
Sunday 4 November, Mojos - Fremantle
Saturday 8 December, Homebake - Sydney

Hunting Whales In Stores October 6, 2007

Plain White T’s – Every Second Counts

With a recent US billboard #1 song, the Plain White T’s release their 4th full length album in Australia titled Every Second Counts. The aforementioned #1 song, Hey There Deliliah, is actually from the bands third album but a re-release found a huge audience and included on the new album as one of two bonus tracks. The pop-punk boys from Illinois have a sound along the lines of Jimmy Eat World, All American Rejects or even The Ataris. As with most bands that are the in-thing in the US, it is only a matter of time before that extends to pop audiences in Australia.

All of the songs on Every Second Counts are really quite catchy and the production is above average for a pop-punk album. It seems an advantage to Australian audiences that this is the first Plain White T’s album released by a major record company in Australia as the band sound like they have just developed into a mature band and previous albums may have been almost teeny-bop material. But it is a bit strange that this album was released in the US almost an entire year ago and just getting released here now.

Hey There Deliliah is the best song on the album along with Our Time Now and Hate (I Really Don’t Like You). Friends Don’t Let Friends Dial Drunk is quite a fun song with lyrics I’m sure a lot of people can relate to. A few songs could be labeled as fillers and might be there to make up the numbers but as a whole the album has more catchy pop songs then duds. 6.5 out of 10.

The Bumblebeez – Prince Umberto & The Sister Of Ill

The Bumblebeez have been through a very turbulent time the last 3 years. The brother and sister team were signed to a major US label and touted as the next big thing to come from Down Under. They were added to the famous Lollapalooza tour, which was then cancelled and then they were dropped from the US label that had only just signed them. As all of this was happening the duo soldiered on collecting various raps, beats, samples and jams that eventually came together to make the album Prince Umberto & The Sister Of Ill.

The songs were put together by The Bumblebeez in their hometown of Braidwood, NSW, produced by UK producer James Ford, who has produced albums for The Klaxons and The Arctic Monkeys, and then mixed by Zdar in Paris. This definitely gives the album an international feel which is indicative of the here, there and everywhere musical style of the 16 songs. At just under 40 minutes, the album goes from electro-pop to acid jazz to punk rock and everything in between.

First single Dr Love takes a few listens to get into the groove but is probably the best song on the album to sing-along to in a big group. Clubb Clubb, Freak Your Loneliness and Pump Up The Bass are all stand out tracks and all represent a different genre of music. The album as a whole can be a bit too much all-over-the-place sometimes but the diversity is also something that isn’t seen on enough albums these days. 6 out of 10.

After eight months writing and eight weeks recording in Liverpool and mixing in London, Gyroscope are incredibly proud to announce that their new album will be titled ‘Breed Obsession‘. To celebrate this momentous occasion, Gyroscope will showcase their new material on their national ‘Snakeskin’ tour throughout October and November.

‘Breed Obsession’ takes the energy, passion and power of Gyroscope’s live shows and combines it with the songwriting growth and progression that they’ve developed over the past few albums. The first single lifted off ‘Breed Obsession’ will be the epic sounding ‘Snakeskin‘.

‘Snakeskin’ will be released October 27, 2007 with two exclusive B-Sides. The digital release will include a third exclusive B-Side.

With ‘Breed Obsession’ slated for release early 2008, don’t miss the opportunity to witness Gyroscope, arguably one of Australia’s best live bands, unleash their awesome new material on their upcoming ‘Snakeskin’ tour.

Gyroscope Snakeskin Tour
with Special Guests Horsell Common & Calling All Cars
Sat Oct 27 – Club Capitol, Perth WA (18+)
with Horsell Common & Love You Not
Thu Nov 01 – The Zoo, Brisbane QLD (18+)
Fri Nov 02 – Gaelic Club, Sydney NSW (18+)
Sat Nov 03 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne VIC (18+)
Sun Nov 04 – Fowlers Live, Adelaide SA (Licensed & All Ages)

All tickets on sale Thursday September 20, 2007