Garsed Sits In With ZPZ
Melbourne progressive rock fans were treated to a special performance on Friday: guitarist Brett Garsed sat in with Dweezil Zappa‘s Zappa Plays Zappa for a few extended jams. Garsed – who’s back in Melbourne these days after years of lording over the LA fusion scene – is probably best known for his work with John Farnham, but he’s a brilliant artist on his own right too. Check out his current album Dark Matter, which showcases his mind-bending fusion chops and sense of melody. He’s been known to work with the likes of prog legends Planet X too.
Keneally & Partridge Album Nearing Completion
Multi-instrumentalist Mike Keneally was recently in town for the G3 tour, where he performed double duty in Joe Satriani and Steve Vai‘s bands (he used to be in a band called Z with Dweezil Zappa, and before that he was Frank Zappa‘s last ‘stunt guitarist’). He also plays guitar in the live incarnation of Dethklok. Keneally is currently working on Wing Beat Fantastic, a collaboration with XTC‘s Andy Partridge, which is working its way onto several ‘most anticipated album of 2012’ lists. I can’t wait to hear what these two have come up with. Partridge is a master of melody and evocative wordsmithery, and Keneally is a ridiculously talented multi-instrumentalist who combines aspects of everything from Zappa to Radiohead. If you haven’t heard Keneally before, dig into his albums Sluggo! and Dancing first.
Gig Alert: Hellriders
Iron Madness, British Steel and Pegazus will be riding into Musicland in Fawker on Saturday April 21. Together they are the Hellriders and they say they will put on a show straight from the depths of hell. Which sounds good to me! Doors open 8pm, entry is $20.
Gig Alert: Faux Fighters
Australia’s self-proclaimed “most rockin’ and devilishly handsome Foo Fighters tribute,” The Faux Fighters, are plying their trade at The Pelly Bar (Pier Live) in Frankston on Friday April 20. The action kicks off at 8:30, with the band promising Grohl-penned anthems aplenty and a triple axe attack. Frontman Dave Growl has some serious guitar chops, having taken home the top title at the Demon Rock-Off guitar contest at Rockstar Bowling list yer, at which yours truly was a judge, so I can certainly vouch for his Grohl-like Awesome Rock Power. Check out their website, thefauxfighters.com
Pennywise Release First Taste Of All Or Nothing
In the lead-up to the release of new album All Or Nothing, Pennywise have made the track Let Us Hear Your Voice available on Soundcloud. The album is their first with new singer Zoli Téglás (Ignite), who stepped in following the departure of longtime vocalist Jim Lindberg. All Or Nothing is out on April 27 via Epitaph.
Gig Alert: The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms
An Aussie metal supergroup of sorts, The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms, will launch their debut album at The Central Club in Richmond on May 5. The band features guitarist Conny D and vocalist Pitzy Van Crew from Spasticator, Inferno guitarist Alex Doukas, Black Majesty/Steve Turner/Eyefear bass player Evan Harris, and drummer Ricky Evensand (ex-Soilwork, Black Majesty, Toehider). Doors open at 8pm, entry is $15.
Gig Alert: Ne Obliviscaris
Welkin Entertainment & Metalobsession.net present Ne Obliviscaris’ Portal Of I Australian tour, in support of the band’s debut album. It’s taken a long time for this one. Lineup changes, worldwide acclaim for a three-song demo half a decade ago, a 15-month battle with the Department of Immigration to secure a long-term visa for guitarist Benjamin Baret… and as of May 7 Portal Of I will finally be in your hands. It’s seven songs over 72 minutes of brutal, and it’ll be performed in its entirety during the tour. Friday May 18 at The Corner Hotel (18+) then Saturday May 19 at The Castle, Dandenong (all ages). Check out the song And Plague Flowers the Kaleidoscope from Portal Of I on YouTube.
