During my recent Melbourne R&R visit it seemed that all the bands I knew the names of who were listed in the street press were playing after I was due back home so I made do with checking out a few venues and whoever happened to be on stage received my attentions. I can’t say I found anyone who stood out in particular, but the music was fine. The venues, such as the Espy, were better than fine – I want this calibre in Sydney, we’re sorely lacking. And so many free gigs all over town to choose from? Wow.
Since coming back it’s been a bit of gigging while avoiding thunder storms (summer starts in a few days but you wouldn’t guess it). Last weekend I caught Skull Squadron, the redsunband and a little of Sounds Like Sunset at the divey Mandarin Club; on Tuesday the Rex Wicked, the Duchesses and Bordello at Spectrum; Friday El Borracho (nice surfie Aus garage rock and the drummer was wearing an “Off the Hip” tshirt so full points to them) and the Mares at the Hopetoun; and last night the mighty Mercy Arms and the Morning After Girls at Spectrum.
Due to rain/sleepiness/fearofcrowds the camera hasn’t made it out as much as it should have.
Upcoming gigs that I’m trying to decide between:
Thursday Dec 1 – Mercy Arms @ Candy’s Apartment
Friday Dec 2 – British India @ Spectrum
Wednesday Dec 7 – Riff Random @ Club 77
Thursday Dec 8 – Expatriate @ the Annandale
Friday Dec 9 – Mercy Arms @ the Civic Hotel
Friday Dec 9 – the Glass Age @ Spectrum
Tuesday Dec 13 – the Morning After Girls @ the Annandale
Friday Dec 16 – Starky @ Spectrum
Wednesday Dec 21 – Phonograph and the Forgotten Army @ the Annandale
Thursday Jan 26 – Big Day Out .. ooh. Red Riders, Faker, White Stripes, Iggy and the Stooges etc etc.
So many gigs.. so little time..
book me in for Riff Random, starky AND THE LOVETONES, and probably most of the others also…but only if you come and see H-block on friday nite.
If you can make it, I highly recommend That 1 Guy – http://that1guy.com/
He’s playing at The Vanguard on the 14, 15, 16th December. Yeah, tomorrow, etc etc.
Probably the best show I’ve seen all year. Well, equal best with VNV Nation; too different to really compare.