Kimbra

The best thing about being a music writer is discovering bands you would have never had batted an inch of an eyelash at, had it not been part of the job description.


I recently reviewed Kimbra at Melbourne's the Corner Hotel. I'm not a massive fan of her neo-soul, smokey-eyed reverberations but seeing her show did open my eyes to who she was and what she had on offer. A broad perspective of the what's going on around you is always a good thing.

 The crowd went nuts when 'Settle Down' escaped the collective on-stage peripherals but I'm pretty impressed at the calibre of impending single 'Cameo Lover' - it gives the well-known 'Settle Down' a run for its money.



We'll throw in the classic for good measure:

Review: Toro Y Moi Live @ The Toff In Town

Toro Y Moi & his live band play at Melbourne's Toff In Town. A succession of his debut tracks is mixed up with disco-funk tunes from his 2011 sophomore release 'Underneath the Pines'. Click here for full article.

Review: St Jeromes Laneway Festival

The most amazing lineup of the year. We're off to a good start. St Jeromes Laneway Festival has conquered. Check full review here.

Le Cool: Buraka Som Sistema

For a free +1 tweet me the answer! www.twitter.com/j_fool


Check out the whole week's Le Cool happenings 'ere.

Review: Crystal Fighters 'At Home

The newest release from Crystal Fighter's debut LP 'Star of Love' is 'At Home'. Check out my review over at This is Fake DIY.

Review: Gold Panda in Pictures @ Revolver

A review in pictures at Gold Panda @ Melbourne's Revolver on 15 Jan.


Photos by Buzzby Gray.

TIFDIY Review: Gold Panda

The UK's Gold Panda dropped by Melbourne for an 1.5 hour stint that had feet on the dance-floor.


Check out my review on This is Fake DIY.

Maps & Atlases - A Global Story

Maps & Atlases - Solid Ground from FatCat Records on Vimeo.

Chicago four-piece Maps & Atlases have been making music since 2004. And with a steady pace the boys have finally reached their mountain. Their impending tour will see them tackle its height with little to no effort..or so it will seem.

Their tribal chants will remind you of Local Natives while their heavy folk lorn sound will call upon Bon Iver and co. Their European tour starts on 8 October and their debut "Perch Patchwork" is out now!

Espanish Boogie Vol 2.

Check out this rad mix-tape by Barcelona's K**O´s. His 2008 album was the first to document the post-disco sound of the early 80s. Dam Funk and Delorean are avid fans.

So check out the his most recent release. It's Vol. 2!!

Check it here.

José Gonzalez reteams with band JUNIP

JUNIP - Always (Official Video) from City Slang on Vimeo.

JUNIP front-man José Gonzalez has his finger on the pulse. Whatever he creates is already Gold. Above is the video (directed by Andreas Nilsson) for the trio's new single ALWAYS. It's the first off their first full length album Fields. 

Stream it for free here.

Review: Delorean at the Lexington

DELOREAN review at the Lexington, London. Click here to see the whole review.

Le Cool - Otarian Restaurant Review

OTARIAN - Check out the new boutique carbon neutral fast-food chain that's taking over London. Straight from NY comes a restaurant where Vegetarians are no longer the minority!

Check the dessert menu. TDF!

Redchurch Street - Even the Small Ones Need a Guide

East London's Redchurch street is fast becoming recognised as the place to be seen. Until now it seemed only the locals new of its close proximity to the tourist haven Brick Lane. Grab a pint a The Owl and Pussycat and take in your surroundings.

WHOLE ARTICLE HERE.

Current: Places to Visit via the Overground

From Hampstead Heath, Dead Man's Market and Crystal (Ice) Palace. Check out all the things to see via East London's new overground line!

Whole article here.

Review: Bestival 2010 (Skiddle)

ROB DA BANK'S BESTIVAL IS O'ER FOR ANOTHER YEAR. THIS YEAR WE BROKE THE GUINNESS WORLD RECORD FOR THE MOST PEOPLE DRESSED IN FANCY DRESS. 55,000 TO BE EXACT. HELL YES.

Read the whole BESTIVAL review here.

Skiddle - 2011 London Uni Guide

Taking that daunting step out of 'spoon feeding' and into 'spoon (feeding) yourself'? Well check out my SKIDDLE Fresher's Guide to London university life. It's got everything you need to know in order to be a fully self-sufficient 'adult' sans the parentals. Shopping, Nightlife, Food, Transport, Fitness & Free Stuff!

If you haven't already clicked on the oversized link then try your luck 'ere to get the full package.

Bestival 2010

Just got back from Bestival, a music festival that played host to 46,000 enthusiastic ticket wielding punters. Gawd what an amazing four days.

Reviews are pending but until then check out:

The WINNERS of this year are as follows:

WILD BEASTS
GAS LAMP KILLER
DIZZIE RASCAL



FLAMING LIPS
ROXY MUSIC
ROLF HARRIS - Yea, Who would have thought. I'm not sure these Brits know he's from Down Under... He had them under a spell, alright.
DARWIN DEEZ - Kids' got moves!

LCD SOUNDSYSTEM - A 1.5hour intense set of sonic damage and high level instrumental.
CARIBOU - Our London resident is always a winner.
FEVER RAY - Smoke and mirrors, baby.
SUMMER CAMP
KING CHARLES - Wooooooooooow. Think Band of Horses but NOT.

The REGRET?
MUMFORD AND SONS - OH wah. Lighten up.
The PRODIGY - No energy - May have had something to do with the low speaker system. 10 mins of my life wasted.

The LOSERS?
TORO Y MOI - For not showing up. Poor form, Chaz & Co.

Wish I'd seen (ie. avoided becoming so inebriated that I could barely stand let alone focus on the teeny tiny letters of the festival schedule.
JOY ORBISON
EWAN PEARSON
FOUR TET
DAN LE SAC Vs SCROOBIUS PIP 
JONSI
HURTS
FAKE BLOOD 
AEROPLANE

Review: Field Day 2010

Click here to see 
the full article on 
skiddle.com

Live Review: Klaxons

Klaxons play live at the Village Underground in East London. A spectacular show that showcase their impending album "Surfing the Void" as well as reminiscing back to debut "Myths of a Near Future". Check the review here.

Live Review: 1234 Shoreditch Festival

Sean McCluskey's 1234 Shoreditch Festival hailed beautiful sunshine and a hell of a lot of noise..punk!

Check the whole review here.