Live Reviews

sahara beck

Sahara Beck takes another step towards stardom at The Bird in Perth

In patent leather shoes and a skirt and coat like a school girl’s, Sahara Beck took to the stage and enveloped the bar in warm tones and bright anthems. She might be relatively unknown, but seeing her sing makes you feel like you’ve found a hidden gem–the guy next to me nudged me and asked,…

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Live Review: Ville Valo (VV) + Dark Water – Metro Theatre, Sydney (16.03.24)

Melbourne/Naarm darkwave synthpop band, Dark Water, opened proceedings at the Metro Theatre in style. Their moody, atmospheric tunes certainly set the tone for an already packed-out room. Whilst it was a relatively short set they had the crowd engaged. I’m looking forward to seeing more of them in the future, for sure. By the time Ville…

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Fred again.. gives Sydney an arena-sized theatre performance (and lives up to the hype)

We live in a world where cynicism is constantly mistaken for wisdom or rationality. No one really cares when you tell your own story, unless they can see themselves in it. The best storytellers know this, which is why they’re adept at creating art that is relentlessly human. This is what separates a truly great…

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Moorcheeba

Review and Photos: WOMADelaide was a weekend oasis in a desert of searing heat

Adelaide endured one of its famous 40C heatwaves over the Adelaide Cup long weekend. In this climate, events can be cancelled, postponed or modified. To their credit, the WOMADelaide organisers made the World’s festival as comfortable as could be. The bats that have recently taken up residence in the Frome Road copse of trees were…

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Live Review: Hot Mulligan made it fun to feel sad at The Princess Theatre in Brisbane

Michigan emo larrikins Hot Mulligan have just wrapped up their 11-date debut Australia and New Zealand tour with a sold-out show at The Princess Theatre in Brisbane on Saturday 9 March. Upgraded from The Brightside Outdoors, the beloved punks were supported by Nashville five-piece Free Throw and esteemed locals Bad Neighbour in an emotional farewell…

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Adelaide Fringe Review: Japanese kraut-rockers Minami Deutsch heat up the Cranker

It was a hot summer evening in Adelaide for a night of psychedelia, with four bands on the bill at the Cranker (Crown and Anchor Hotel). Local outfits Nite Rites, Thunder Speaks and Sons of Zöku supported the highly anticipated Japanese Krautrock band MINAMI DEUTSCH, making their debut in Adelaide. Outside, the closed off Rundle Street…

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Mona Foma Review: TISM prove their utter worthlessness to the world (02.03.24)

Mona Foma finished off their month-long Tasmanian summer festival with a free evening concert in the beautiful Cataract Gorge in Launceston. The natural rock pool, enhanced with a shallow man-made wading pool made for a natural amphitheatre for the music event. It’s a popular destination, with a walking trail along the Tamar River, a swimming…

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Live Review: The National make up for the long absence at world-class Sydney show

The National have been regulars to our shores for 16 years, so the six-year gap since their last show in Australia is a fair enough gap to have revived the appetite for the Ohio via New York City group.  Bringing Annie Hamilton along for the tour was a stroke of genius. Not only is she…

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Sampha proves why is he one of the world’s most in-demand crooners at perfect Sydney show

There’s no point throughout Sampha’s generously paced, highly detailed performance at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion where it feels like the UK singer has made any sort of mistake or taken a wrong turn. From the smart lighting to the composition of his achingly vulnerable songs, the man demonstrated exactly why he has emerged as one of…

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Mona Foma Review: Mona Sessions showcased a diverse range of music

The Mona Sessions were held on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings on the lawns of the Mona Museum. Each night showcased a diverse range of artists, both local and international. The highlight of the Friday night was Scottish post-rock kings, Mogwai. Their set is larger than life with a sound that envelops everything, and…

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Taylor Swift in Sydney

Live Review: Taylor Swift lives up to expectations at Sydney’s Accor Stadium

Accor Stadium is becoming synonymous with powerful women dominating in their field. The last time I was at the stadium, I watched Sam Kerr score a worldie in the semi-final of the Women’s Football World Cup. I thought that would be a tough moment to top. And then in comes Taylor Swift on night one…

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QOTSA

Live Review: Queens of the Stone Age show no signs of slowing at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion

In the six years since Queens of the Stone Age have been in Australia, it’s fair to say that a bit has happened. The world has changed in fundamental ways, we all had life-altering experiences and for Josh Homme, lead singer of the beloved QOTSA, he fought cancer – and won.  That sort of news…

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Mona Foma Review: The Shruti Sessions bring Indian and Australian musicians together

The Moonah Arts Centre is in the northern part of Hobart, with Moonah building a reputation as the fastest growing multicultural region. It is only fitting that this collaboration of Indian and Australian musicians has been held here. Musicians from the Hindustani traditions mix with Rajasthani folk musicians and Australian players in open sessions of…

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Domi & JD Beck and wetpuddlss at The Rechabite

Live Review: Domi & JD Beck +  wetpuddlss– The Rechabite, Perth (12.02.2024)

Last night at the Rechabite, jazz-prodigy duo Domi & JD Beck finished up the last set of the tour for their first album. It was a full house, packed to the rafters with jazzheads shouting out “je t’aime Domi!” and “we love you!”. If you expected something smooth and transcendental like their album NOT TiGHT…

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Stormzy

Adelaide Laneway Festival turns up the heat

Despite many recent festivals being scaled back or cancelled altogether, Laneway Festival bounced back into Adelaide on Friday, 9th Feb, as big and bold as ever. Having outgrown the city laneways several years ago, then Hart’s Mill in Port Adelaide, the venue is now Bonython Park in the western city parklands. A glorious sunny day…

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Live Review: P!NK soars, the rain pours and the crowd adores

The last time P!NK was in Australia and New Zealand, in 2018, she played to over half a million fans grossing over 100 Million dollars and setting the standard for massive arena shows. She is an artist that will leave big gaps in her touring schedule to allow for extra shows and that meant her…

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Live Review: St. Jerome’s Laneway sizzles at Sydney Showground (04.02.24)

The actual laneways may not exist anymore, but the hot weather remained for the 17th Sydney edition of the St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival. The Sydney Showgrounds were again the venue for the well-loved festival and despite some trepidation at the change last year, there were some nice additions that improved the experience this year. With…

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Texas and Sharleen Spiteri – The friends you’ve always needed, rock Sydney’s Enmore Theatre

You may not realise it, but Texas have always been there. Maybe popping up in your brain on an idle Tuesday or keeping you awake at night with the refrain of “I don’t want a lover; I just need a friend.” The Scottish group have never disbanded, and despite some hiatus time (where solo projects…

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Gracie Abrams

Gracie Abrams delivers a captivating performance for her first ever Melbourne show – Forum Melbourne (21.01.24)

Rising star Gracie Abrams showcased her undeniable talent in a captivating performance at Melbourne’s Forum on the chilly night of January 21st. Having embarked on her musical journey with the release of her first single in 2020, Gracie has quickly ascended to stardom with two successful EPs, an album, and even sharing the stage with…

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Noah Kahn

Noah Kahan puts on a breathtaking solo performance in Melbourne – Sidney Myer Music Bowl (17.01.24)

While American singer-songwriter Noah Kahan is certainly no stranger to Australia, after the success of his 2023 album Stick Season, he’s here and playing the biggest Aussie venues he’s ever headlined. Kicking off at Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl, last night’s show was one for the books. Earlier in the day, Kahan shared on social…

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Juicy Fest hits Sydney with nostalgia and a mixed bag of hip hop and R&B performances

T.I., Ashanti, T-Pain. The three headliners for Juicy Fest 2024, the second iteration of what is – I’m guessing – now the signature hip hop festival for Australia and New Zealand. Signature because all these other attempts at building a stable hip hop and R&B festival for Australia and New Zealand have largely fallen flat…

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Festival Review: Heaps Good Adelaide – Wayville Pavillion, Adelaide (06.01.24)

Last year’s Heaps Good Festival was such an incredibly great show that it’s hard to understand why this year’s wasn’t bigger and better. Moving the stages from the main oval at the Adelaide Showgrounds into the pavilion area seemed to dampen the festival vibe. Fortunately, the food court was outside, which gave something of a…

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Review: Royal Blood and Psychedelic Porn Crumpets rock out in Sydney (but no shoeys, thanks)

Last night, one of the UK’s biggest rock outfits, Royal Blood, returned to Sydney for their first shows since 2018. In the time between visits, the duo have released two new albums, both of which hit #1 on the UK charts – so it’s fair to say that fans have been eagerly anticipating their return….

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Review: Meredith Music Festival ‘23 shines on despite the rain

There’s a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation in the air as the Meredith Music lovers set up camp and make their way to the amphitheatre. Seasoned attendees have secured their favourite spots, decorated their campsite and set up their couches in the amphitheatre. Friday’s weather is hot and windy, but that doesn’t deter the…

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Live Review: The War on Drugs at their very best at the Sydney Opera House Forecourt

With possibly the best band name of the last 20 years, The War on Drugs have always managed to put on a killer show everywhere and every time they’ve played. Their show at the Sydney Opera House Forecourt was no exception. Returning to Australia in support of their I Don’t Live Here Anymore, the Philadelphia…

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Live Review: Foo Fighters light up Melbourne’s AAMI Park with an emotionally charged night to remember

After playing a one-off show in early 2022 in Melbourne, which would sadly serve as one of drummer Taylor Hawkins’ final shows, the legendary Foo Fighters returned last night. Opening act Hot Milk (UK) hit the stage at AAMI Park with a bang, kicking things off with “Party On My Deathbed”. Delivering a level of…

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The Teskey Brothers

Live Review: The Teskey Brothers are at the height of their powers at massive Sydney show

Fresh off the back of an ARIA award win, The Teskey Brothers returned to Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion, playing a sold-out show as part of their The Winding Way tour. Seemingly everyone’s favourite band at the moment, The Teskey Brothers have had a prolific past few years, all culminating in this year’s The Winding Way album…

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Fall Out Boy

Review: Good Things Festival kicks off in Melbourne with a bang!

Good Things Festival 2023 stormed into Melbourne for its fourth edition, delivering a powerhouse lineup that set the stage on fire! With Devo, Limp Bizkit, and Fall Out Boy leading the charge, this festival was a celebration of musical greatness that promised an unforgettable day of great tunes and infectious vibes. And guess what? The…

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Live Review: Even a chaotic storm couldn’t stop Post Malone from dominating Sydney

In a year where big, paradigm-shifting concerts for megastars like Taylor Swift and Beyonce have made headlines, it’s hard to remember that there are other big names in the world of music. Although, I wouldn’t exactly say Post Malone has been overshadowed. The man’s latest tour has been selling out across the world, and Australia’s…

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Live Review: Frank Turner + Emily Barker + Mom Jeans – The Astor, Perth (28.11.23)

The AU review has a long history with Frank Turner, but I have to admit that despite loving punk rock–like A Day To Remember, The Bouncing Souls, and The Story So Far– I hadn’t heard of him until this tour crossed my desk. But after my night at The Astor, I’ve heard of him alright,…

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