PROGFEST 2016
Progfest, the festival that celebrates all things progressive, is back for 2016. Corner Hotel will play host to this massive festival of a trillion notes on Saturday December 3, headlined by the mighty Caligula’s Horse who’ll be using the night as their exclusive Melbourne show for their Hands Shape Stone Australian Tour. They’ll be joined by Circles, We Lost The Sea, Chaos Divine, Alithia, Orsome Welles, Transience and Dyssidia, plus more to be announced. Tickets onsale via wildthingpresents.com, Oztix and the venue.
ESCAPE THE FATE LOCAL SUPPORTS ANNOUNCED
Las Vegas natives Escape The Fate have been slaying it on their current world tour and Australian fans will finally get the chance to witness a full headline tour this October with special guests Dream On, Dreamer. “We’re coming for everyone and we aren’t taking any prisoners,” vocalist Craig Mabbitt says. Their support for Melbourne is Danger! Earthquake!, who play post-hardcore with a heavy focus on keyboard layering and an at-all-costs aversion to doing breakdowns. See them at the Prince Bandroom on Friday October 7.
NEW EP FROM LONG HOLIDAY
Long Holiday are releasing their upcoming EP Sunny Disposition and are rejuvenated after a June European tour after some band personnel changes. Melbourne punters may have witnessed the power-fuzz band in their former three piece format but after long time bass player Andie announced her departure, the band regrouped and decided to keep going as a solid two-piece rather than over-complicate things with a replacement. And that decision has played out perfectly for the grunge-inspired outfit, who are sounding just as tight as ever. Keep an eye out on your gig guides as the band are set to tour Sunny Disposition around local and interstate venues in Spring/Summer of 2016 and buy a copy at the merch desk. You’ll be glad you did.
BLACK STONE CHERRY RETURN
Black Stone Cherry put on a brilliant show with Steel Panther earlier this year and now they’re coming back to play their own shows with Australian crowd favourites, blues-rock legends Chase The Sun as special guest support. Drummer John Fred Young says, “We had such a kick-ass time in Australia with Steel Panther, that we just had to back it up straight away. There’s not many places in the world where we have had as much fun playing to such receptive audiences and we met a whole bunch of people that we just want to get back there to see you all again. We can’t wait.” See them at the Corner Hotel on Sunday April 23. Tickets on sale now.
NEW MOLLY ALBUM OUT NOW
Ratbag Records‘ latest signee, Danish punk/alt-rock trio Molly have today released their self-titled LP, available exclusively in Australia and New Zealand. Across nine lively and uplifting tracks, Molly create an impressively large wall of sound – from the album-opener I Don’t Know You Anymore, rife with the band’s characteristic energetic drumming, to the layered grungy riffs of lead album cut Bagu Bagu, and fuzzy and distorted feedback throughout the LP, contrasted against slow, drawling vocals. Heavily influenced by the American rock scene of the ‘80s and ‘90s (drawing comparisons to bands such as Hüsker Dü, Sugar and Dinosaur Jr.), Molly quickly garnered attention in the underground scene after their formation in 2012. The band released their first full-length album Peach Melba last year, followed by an appearance at Pop Revo and performances over two consecutive years at Roskilde Festival. MOLLY have drawn comparisons to bands such as Hüsker Dü, Sugar and Dinosaur Jr., all bands who have inspired their trademark sound, built upon catchy rhythms and fast drums.
THE GIFT OF RIFF FOR THE VAINORAS FAMILY
Terry Vainoras is a staunch contributing member to Australian music and the metal community. His partner Elle is dealing with a myriad of medical conditions and as such their family could do with a helping hand. In the spirit of community and with unrelenting willingness the Bendigo Hotel is proud to present The Gift of Riff, an amazing local lineup featuring Dreadnaught, The Mercy Kills, Heaven The Axe (acoustic duo set), Sons Of The Ionian Sea, Earth, Birdcage and Blunt Shovel. All proceeds from this event will be donated to the Vainoras family in support of their go-fund-me campaign, which you can contribute to at gofundme.com/vainorastrio
MUSIC MAMAS AT THE BRUNSWICK
Music Mamas is a unique event where female musicians with kids play a family-friendly showcase gig. The first Music Mamas is happening at The Brunswick Hotel Beer Garden on Sunday September 25 from 2pm and features Bec Hannan, Sarah Eida, Kat O and The Collectables and Cadwyn & Co and is free entry.
