Japandroids’ Celebration Rock has been on high rotation on my stereo for some time now. It’s been stewing in my consciousness like a pork belly, getting sweeter, stickier and more delightful with every listen. I could barely control my excitement when they announced a Corner Hotel show. However, three songs into their set last Friday night, I had a rather serious realisation: two people doth not a live band make. Rest assured, the two musicians that make up Japandroids delivered in spades. Their enthusiasm and musicianship was A+. Their set list was well paced and generous. But right throughout proceedings there remained an unquenched desire for a second guitar. For some guts, some fuzz, some balls that one guitar and a drum kit simply couldn’t deliver. A ninety minute set is a big ask for two musicians who are renowned for uplifting anthems. It also invites awkward stage banter and a rather awkward pause in proceedings when someone snaps a guitar string. I was left wondering why the band chose not to employ extra help for a live context and whether there was some perceived loss of integrity for bands hiring touring musicians to help shape a more satisfying live sound. More is more people. More is more.
Perth’s Grim Fandango will tour on the back of their new album, Flicker Noise. Poison City revealed that the album tour will arrive in Melbourne on Friday October 11 where the band will play at Old Bar with Apart From This and Ceres, before hitting The Reverence on Saturday October 12 with Hoodlum Shouts, Lincoln Le Fevre and Freakwave. Flicker Noise drops on Monday September 16.
Against Me have announced a new bass player in light of the recent departure of Andrew Seward earlier this year. Inge Johansson of The (International) Noise Conspiracy will join the band after TINC went on official hiatus in 2009.
Sydney’s Lo! have explained that vocalist Jamie has left the band in order to pursue studies. They’ve wasted no time in getting a replacement lined up. Samuel Dillion will jump in as frontman for the band who’ve been touring steadily since releasing their newest Monstrorum Historia.
Poison City band Clowns will release their debut, I’m Not Right, on Thursday October 10 then hit the road for a solid couple of months. If you’ve missed out on tickets to see them at Weekender, make sure you check them out at Public Bar on October 18.
Due to a ‘serious injury’ in a motorcycle accident, For The Fallen Dreams have cancelled their upcoming tour of Australia with The Plot In You, Fit For A King and Storm The Sky. Venues and ticket prices for the tour have changed as a result. Melbourne will now host the bill at Bang on Saturday September 14.
Parkway Drive aren’t settling with releasing excellent albums and DVDs – they’re now branching out and releasing a new book. Ten Years Of Parkway Drive will document their career with the assistance of local artist Callum Preston. You can pick one up at their upcoming Palace Theatre shows on Saturday September 21, Sunday September 22 and Monday September 23.
Eleventh He Reaches London announced that their third album, Banhus, will be released via Adelaide-based indie Hobbledehoy Records on Friday October 4. They’ll head to Melbourne to headline at the Evelyn Hotel on Saturday October 12.
