Congratulations go out to Poison City Records and everyone who was involved in this year’s Weekender Festival. Though organisers admitted they felt a bit homeless this year after the demise of the Arthouse is seemed Melbourne’s other iconic live music venues stepped up to the plate. The wonderful thing about Poison City’s events seems to be not only the caliber of bands that the label consistently brings to the table for a budding Australian audience, but in turn, the exceptional quality of people that are consequently attracted. Poison City seems to attract a distinctly older crowd, no less raucous or inebriated than a younger crowd, but distinctly more respectful and chilled. On Sunday night, The Tote was utterly blown away by a stunning performance from our own Smith Street Band. These guys seemed to singlehandedly reenergize an entire scene in the space of a 30 minute set. It wasn’t that they performed better than any of their distinguished peers, but cleverly crafted lyrics, 3 guitars for extra oomph, a couple memorable choruses, peppered with gregarious crowd sing-alongs all from a band that appeared to be positively ecstatic, all combined to create a truly memorable buzz. Fuck yeah.
Sydney pop punk band Heroes For Hire have announced a huge national tour this October. The five-piece who announced their great disappointment at the collapse of Soundwave Revolutions, promise their fans an extensive tour to make up for the cancellation and they’ve certainly delivered. The band his Bender Nightclub in Bendigo on Thursday November 10, followed by Phoenix Youth Center on November 11, Wyndham Resource Center on Novemebr 12 and finally an overage show at Band on Saturday November 13.
Smoke Or Fire and Pour Habit have announced a regional Victorian show to accompany their upcoming show at the East Brunswick Club in October. They’ll now play at The National Hotel in Geelong on October 16 with support from The Hawaiian Islands and Perfect Fit.
Pop rock band Cartel have announced an Australian tour on the back of their new EP In Stereo. These guys were MTV America’s famed Band In A Bubble and have toured Australia with Soundwave previously but now they’re set to headline. They arrive at Melbourne Prince Bandroom on Saturday November 5.
Melbourne-based label UNFD have announced the signing of Sydney band The Bride. They’ll release the band’s new album President Rd this October which is already up for preorder on the UNFD webstore.
Incubus have announced that they’ll return to Australia for the first time since their Soundwave headlining slot 2008. The If Not Now, When tour arrives in Melbourne on Wednesday February 8 at Festival Hall.
After selling out their scheduled Melbourne show at The Toff In Town on October 22, a second Melbourne show is in order for French band Alcest and locals Heirs. They’ll play at The Curtin Bandroom on Thursday October 27.
Frankenbok have announced a run of Australian show in support of their newie The End Of All You Know (October10). See ‘em at The Tote on October 6, Nemarket Hotel in Bendigo on October 7 and Ruby’s Lounge on October 8.
The Getaway Plan have announced a tour with Break Even and Melbourne band Gatherer in support of their upcoming album. They’re scheduled to play at The Hi-Fi in Melbourne on Thursday December 1, but get in quick cos’ this will sell out for sure. New album Requiem is our November 4.
Friday September 23: Joe Strummer Tribute Night feat The Rumjacks, Steppin Razor, The Bennies, The Smith Street Band, The Operators at The Tote
Trial Kennedy, I Am Giant, The Quarters at East Brunswick Club
Totally Unicorn, Robotosaurus, Bowcaster, Lazerface, Only Sleeping at Gasometer
Jericco, Death By Six, The Sledge and more at The Pelly Bar, Frankston
Kamikaze, The Seminal Rats, Garage Punks, The Fuck Ups at Bendigo Hotel
Saturday September 24: Motley Crue, Bret Michaels, Doc Neeson at Rod Laver
My Children My Bride, For All Eternity, Untruth, Brooklyn, Cardinals at East Brunswick Club
Jericco, Contrive, A Lonely Crowd, Miramar at The Prague
Stealing ONeal, Matt&Clint, The Mission In Motion, Kevin Orr at Espy Gershwin Room
28 Days, No Way Out, Raise The Stakes, Almaria at Bang’s 5th Birthday Party
Cockfight Shootout, Tanks, Fangs, Yard Apes at The Tote
Sunday September 25: My Children My Bride, For All Eternity, Hallower, Thieves, I Sleep You Dance at Collingwood Masonic Hall
