Last weekend was a particularly glorious one for Melbourne music. It was an absolute joy to witness a mixed bill at The Tote on Friday night, which combined Tassie rockers Captives with grunge-tinged A-Gender, the ever-entrancing Hoodlum Shouts and headliners High Tension. Sure High Tension are heavily hyped, but they ensured it was for good reason within about a minute of their set’s commencement. On Saturday I totally fell in love with Adelaide’s Hightime. Clearly it’s no secret that I am endlessly enamoured with female vocalists, but fuck it’s just really, really nice to see. The Bennies smashed their headlining set at Ding Dong, delightedly informing the crowd that they had sold-out a venue who’s capacity coincidentally was 420. Never before have I seen a frontman request everyone in the room turn to the person next to them and issue a high five, and for this request to be obeyed with such enthusiasm.
The Ataris have pulled out of Hits and Pits Festival and their withdrawal has understandably caused a bit of a stir. No one likes to see a band bail on a festival at the eleventh hour, especially when the reason for the cancellation seems a little tenuous. The band’s booker issued a statement on their facebook page seemingly hesitant to provide any real answers but spelling out these ‘simple facts’. “Fact #1: It’s very known amongst Ataris fans that Kristopher Roe of The Ataris has an extreme fear of flying. Fact #2: On Sunday night, his original flight out of LAX had engine failure and needed to return to LA – everyone was safe. Fact #3: I have three members of The Ataris that are in Australia right now and we’re working to get them home. Fact #4: Kristopher did not get on another plane to Australia”. Apparently tour promoter Hits & Pits were very understanding, especially considering they had arranged a way for the band to travel show to show without getting on planes. I can feel heads being butted against walls from here.
Prog pros Periphery are touring Australia again this summer, and this time it’s with special guests Animals As Leaders! However, their return with Soundwave Festival will be incredibly brief – just three shows are scheduled for their Australian tour. The Melbourne gig will take place on Sunday February 2 at Billboard.
After The Gasometer very sadly and suddenly closed its doors last week, the Poison City Anniversary show scheduled for December has had to be moved to the Curtin Bandroom. The Curtin will host Harmony, Infinite Void, Lincoln Le Fevre, Apart From This, Freak Wave and Postblue on Thursday December 19. Tickets are still available.
