Live Reviews

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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Live Review: Paramore – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne (27.11.23)

Rod Laver Arena came alive on Monday night as alternative rock icons Paramore took to the stage. After playing their biggest-ever headline show a few nights before in Sydney, the hype for their first (of three) Melbourne shows was off the charts. From the moment Remi Wolf set the stage on fire as the opener,…

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Live Review: Australia’s greatest acts come together to celebrate 50 years of Mushroom Records

Celebrating a half-century of Mushroom Records, the heart of Australian music, the 50th-anniversary concert at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena on Sunday night was a testament to the label’s monumental influence and the enduring legacy of the late Michael Gudinski. The star-studded lineup featured an array of Australian musical icons, delivering an unforgettable evening of nostalgia,…

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Live Review: SAFIA + Gold Fang + BIRDEE 王煒 – Forum Melbourne (18.11.23)

Saturday night in Melbourne saw SAFIA return to the Forum to celebrate their recent studio release, A Lover’s Guide to a Lucid Dream. Having already witnessed their performances across Canberra and Hobart, Melburnians were in for a treat, as SAFIA rarely disappoints. Pop artist BIRDEE 王煒 opened proceedings at the venue with a short set…

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Beyond the Black

Review: Pirate Life Brewery’s Froth and Fury Festival was a solid day of heavy and alternative music (18.11.23)

With 36 bands over three stages running all day, there was so much to see at Froth and Fury Festival that it would be impossible to see it all. From local punk rock outfits to the raucous antics of Suicidal Tendencies,  there had to be a heavy metal band to suit your tastes. Taking over…

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Carla Lippis

DEM MOB dominates South Australian Music Awards in 2023

In a show of exuberance, the South Australian music community came together at Woodville Town Hall to celebrate. Indigenous act DEM MOB shone, winning five awards, including the prestigious Emily Burrows Award, which includes a $5,000 grant for professional development. They also took home Best Regional Artist, Best Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Artist, and…

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Live Review: All Time Low + Mayday Parade + Lauran Hibberd – Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne (04.11.23)

All Time Low‘s 2023 album, Tell Me I’m Alive, catapulted them into a whirlwind year, gracing the stage at headline shows, music festivals, and even collaborating with the incomparable Avril Lavigne on their latest single, “Fake As Hell.” The pinnacle of their Australian tour came to life at Margaret Court Arena on Saturday night, marking…

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Live Review: Trophy Eyes – The Torquay Hotel (29.10.23)

Trophy Eyes wrapped up their epic regional tour with a bang last Sunday night at the Torquay Hotel, and what a time it was! They brought their buddies, Dear Seattle, along for the ride, and the entire night was a wild rollercoaster of energy and music. After dropping their killer fourth studio album, Suicide and…

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SXSW Sydney – What did we see?

For those in the know, South by Southwest (always referred to as SXSW) is an institution. It’s an all-encompassing media, technology, gaming, film and music conference, networking opportunity and party that lasts a week and –some would say – takes a year to get over. It’s been going for 35 years in its hometown and…

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Beck

Review and Photo Gallery: Harvest Rock II showcases global music and regional Adelaide food and wine

The second instalment of Harvest Rock is back in the Adelaide parklands, bigger and better than even the first. After last year’s wet weather, the event organisers ensured plenty of astroturf would keep the mud away if it did rain. Luckily, this weekend we were blessed with glorious weather after a brief early shower at…

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Live Review: The Corrs leave Sydney ‘Breathless’ – Qudos Bank Arena (29.10.23)

There has to be something said for the power of nostalgia. Despite not having any major success in Australia as of late – at least comparatively to when they first burst on the scene in the mid-90s – The Corrs packed out Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena to practical maximum capacity as they delighted fans with…

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Live Review: Paul McCartney – Allianz Stadium, Sydney (27.10.23)

How does someone with more than 60 years of music fit it all into a headline show? The answer is, dear reader, they don’t. It’s simply not possible. Playing night one of two at Allianz Stadium, the legendary Paul McCartney did however manage to warm the hearts, ears, memories and nostalgia of the Sydney crowd…

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Live Review: The Chicks bring their A-game to Sydney (19.10.2023)

I couldn’t imagine The Chicks ever receiving a poor reception, so the band’s recent performance at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena, as part of a wider Australian tour, was as predictable as they come. And there’s nothing inherently wrong with that. 22 songs all delivered with seething wit and precision, nuanced by a tight band of…

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Live Review: Descendents – Torquay Hotel (19.10.23)

The Torquay Hotel bore witness to a night of punk rock nostalgia and exhilaration on Thursday night. Descendents, the legendary pioneers of the genre, graced the stage, leaving a trail of unforgettable memories in their wake. Even in a small venue, this show was not just about the music; it was a testament to the…

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Camp Cope

Live Review: Camp Cope – Sydney Opera House, Sydney (13.10.23)

After announcing the end of the band, I’ve thought many times about what Camp Cope has done for the Australian music landscape. A band of strong and incredibly resilient women, they’ve taken the scene on head-first since their beginnings in 2015 and generally smashed it out of the park. With that in mind, as a…

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Live Review: It was worth the wait, as Peach Pit rocks Northcote Theatre, Melbourne (11.10.23)

Sometimes, a band can inspire a following from early in their career but might not have the means to tour in Australia. Unfortunately, this was the case for Peach Pit, who had been unable to tour Australia throughout their career until now. With a substantial Australian fanbase, there had been long waits and some uncertainty…

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KISS bring the heat to Sydney for their final Australian show ever

On Saturday night, tens of thousands of dedicated, long-time fans graced Sydney’s Accor Stadium for the last-ever Australian concert of rock and roll icons KISS. An electrifying buzz was in the line as the most dedicated fans arrived around 6 a.m. The excitement and energy was absolutely palpable as fans reminisced on the fantastic, record-breaking,…

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JPEGMAFIA

Live Review: JPEGMAFIA treats fans at UNSW Roundhouse (27.09.23)

Since I attended JPEGMAFIA’s Sydney concert last year in July, JPEGMAFIA has only confirmed further what I stated to be true. That being that Peggy (as he is known to fans) “is of the breed of talented artists who just sound better live.” 2023 has once again proved that he is one of the hardest…

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Rex Orange County

Review & Photos: Rex Orange County woos the crowd at Adelaide Entertainment Centre (19.09.23)

After sold-out shows in The USA and hometown London, Rex Orange County started the Australian leg of his Pacific tour in Adelaide. Alexander James O’Connor, as his mother calls him, released Bcos U Will Never B Free in 2015 and began his set with “Rex (Intro)” from that mixtape, seated in low red light at…

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Live Review: Stand Atlantic and Slowly Slowly rock Torquay Hotel with their co-headline regional tour

The Torquay Hotel was ablaze with excitement on a frosty Friday night, as the co-headlining regional tour featuring Slowly Slowly and Stand Atlantic drew an eager crowd that filled every nook and cranny of the venue. The night had a delayed start, with doors opening at 8 pm, followed by TOWNS at 8:30, Stand Atlantic…

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Live Review: Reb Fountain shakes Melbourne’s Brunswick Ballroom with Ellis King

On Tuesday, multi-award-winning Reb Fountain returned to Melbourne for the second time following the release of her single, ‘Faithless Lover’. The Lyttelton (NZ) based alternative-folk-noir artist recently completed her European tour supporting Marlon Williams, headlining shows in the UK as well as performing at The Great Escape Festival (UK). For Reb’s return to Melbourne, The…

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Mundi Mundi Festival

Records broken at Broken Hill’s Mundi Mundi Bash

With a sellout crowd of 12,000 people and the world record of 6,594 dancers doing Tina Turner’s “Nutbush City Limits” for five minutes, Broken Hill’s Mundi Mundi Bash was a festival to remember. This event alone raised more than $100,000 to support the RFDS. A younger sister festival to the successful Big Red Bash near…

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Live Review: Katy Steele rocks The Workers Club, Melbourne to a packed crowd (04.08.23)

Last Friday, 4th of August, The Workers Club hosted the cult following of the captivating Katy Steele, formerly of the ARIA nominated band Little Birdy. The West Australian pop singer who is currently touring her latest album Big Star (2023) was supported by the duo Moreton. Katy definitely has a loyal following here in Melbourne….

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Live Review: Windwaker + Caskets + alt. + Headwreck – The Brightside, Brisbane (27.07.23)

Melbourne alt-metal favourites Windwaker brought their Love in the Dark Tour to The Brightside in Brisbane last Thursday night, supported by Caskets, alt. and Headwreck. The sold-out fourth show on their six-date run proved them as one of the nation’s most exciting frontrunners in the next generation of heavy music. Opening the night soon after…

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Festival Review: Splendour in the Grass 2023 – Day Three (23.07.23)

Waking up for the final day of Splendour in the Grass has always been tough. You’re generally two or three days into an ongoing party, you’re tired, sore, ears are ringing and haven’t had a proper meal in days. I’m sure this was a fair assessment for most punters on site, irrespective of whether they…

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Live review: Little Simz brings big charisma to Hordern Pavilion (21.07.2023)

Michael Jackson’s iconic 1993 Superbowl halftime performance is one of the greatest displays of performative presence. Famously, he stood still for close to two whole minutes, during which the screams of his fans only increased in intensity. There was a reason that MJ could do that, and not many others could. His charisma and presence…

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Festival Review: Splendour in the Grass 2023 – Day Two (22.07.23)

Day two of Splendour in the Grass kicked off under sunny skies and solid vibes all round. My lower back has pulled up reasonably well after realising yesterday I am now about 400 in festival years. While I loved my camping days of Splendours past, nothing can heat a warm and dry bed, insulated walls…

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Festival Review: Splendour In The Grass 2023 – Day One (21.07.23)

Ever had an existential crisis at a festival? Because I sure did at day one of Splendour In The Grass 2023. Respectively looking and feeling 10 and 25 years older than the median age of all attendees, it dawned on me as I walked into the festival that I’m surely coming towards the end of…

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Live Review: You Me at Six + Set It Off + Between You and Me – The Forum, Melbourne (16.07.23)

The Forum came alive on Sunday evening, headlined by the phenomenal You Me At Six, with support from the spirited Set It Off and Melbourne’s very own Between You and Me. Kicking off the evening on the right note, Between You and Me took the stage with their infectiously fun set. Opening with “Dakota,” they…

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