If you grew up in the 80s in Australia, as I did, this is an album that will bring back some warm memories from that era of Aussie music. An era that can only be considered as golden looking back now.

If you remember Paul Kelly, The Church, Hunters and Collectors, Australian Crawl, Hoodoo Gurus, Joe Camilleri etc etc with great fondness, then this is record is for you. But not only do these Melbourne boys draw strong influence from the Aussie rock and pop sounds of the heady 80s, they also put their own slant on the style, injecting folk, reggae, blues and storytelling elements into the mix. This ensures they retain their own identity and a slightly more modern vibe in their sound. Modern production values, courtesy of Hugh McDonald of Redgum fame, assist the record to avoid wallowing in the past as well.

Waterline have walked a fine line very skillfully here. Your Town is nostalgic in its origins but modern in its outlook, and will please fans of 1980s Australian music and people who prefer the more laid back sounds of today. Melody and songcraft are the keys here, and this ear pleasing collection of tunes shouldn’t fail to bring a smile to your face, especially if you are a child/teenager of the 80s.

Rod Whitfield

Heart is something that is partly lost in mainstream contemporary music. Songs that mean something or try to prove some sort of deep, philosophical point are rarer as we become accustomed to bland, repetitive beats and lyrics that may have well been written by a pre-schooler. Luckily, the heart still beats for many underground, indie artists. Epidemic…Over, a relatively unknown Australian outfit from Tannum Sands on the central Queensland coast, is a band that fits this mould, and their latest EP, Long Way Home, shows what a beating heart can accomplish in this increasingly depraved music world.

Long Way Home features well-crafted and polished heavy rock laced with feverish energy. From the guitar-heavy opening track, “The Stone”, to the atmospheric fifth and final track, “Exceptions”, we are treated to rock at its rawest and its most basic. I was most impressed by “Runaway”, the EP’s lead single, in that it shows that the band understands mood and the right moments to shift tempo. The chord progressions and riffs and build ups on Long Way Home, however, are nothing new. There is no groundbreaking material in this EP. But the songs are honest, and it is clear that Epidemic…Over are leaving nothing to the imagination. The cards on the table. This EP almost screams “this is who we are, like it or leave it.” If you like rock, and you are willing to give a new band a chance, you will like this. Trust me.

Luke Creely

Dima Shafro Entertainment presents New Skinn and Branch Arterial at the Hi Fi Bar on Friday, June 29. Boasting powerful riffs, shredding leads, Phil G’s soaring signature vocals, intense and untamed beats and a cutting edge bass sound, NEW SKINN has brought together a wide range of influences and developed their own unique sound that has seen the band support some of Australia’s finest and receive airplay on TripleJ, TripleM and many others. This will be the final show for New Skinn as they prepare to hibernate and produce their next release, as well as revealing something exciting in the works that will change the shape of the heavy rock scene in Melbourne.

Branch Arterial exploded onto the scene with their debut EP “Voices Unknown” released in early 2011, and bringing with them an intense and breathtaking live show. Having formed in 2009, they have created a unique sonic take on modern Australian progressive rock, and have cemented their place in the Melbourne live scene. With their powerful and mature sound, and aspirations to spread their music abroad, the local scene will be unlikely to hold these very ambitious musicians down. June 2012 sees the release of their new single ‘Faces,’ available on the night.

Supported by Glass Empire, who will also be launching a brand new single, Rainbird and Paint me a Phoenix.

Doors 7.30pm, Entry $15, pre-sale $10. 18+ event

Tickets available directly via the bands

The Hi Fi Bar (125 Swanston St, Melbourne)

Tickets online from www.thehifi.com.au

Phone Tix 1300THEHIFI (1300 843 4434)

Polyester records (Fitzroy, City).

http://www.newskinn.com/
www.facebook.com/brancharterialmusic
www.facebook.com/glassempire
http://rainbirdofficial.com/
http://www.myspace.com/paintmeaphoenix

Rod Whitfield

It was a cool night, but a very strong crowd braved the nearing-winter Melbourne conditions to pack the mighty Evelyn for Crossing Romeo’s album launch this evening. Having sat in the cold outer of the MCG for three hours to watch the mighty Hawks defeat the Saints, I was feeling kinda chilled to the bone, so some hot rockin’ in the toasty and familiar surrounds of the Evelyn was definitely in order.

The strangely named Have You Seen this Boy warmed the crowd very nicely indeed with their ultra catchy but highly energetic pop rock. These guys have a sound and style with great crossover appeal, they get the blokes fisting the air with their rock energy and the ladies dancing and singing along with their tunes. Their songs are delivered with great exuberance and punch, and their live set overall was a very spirited and enjoyable one.

An atmospheric intro sample and impressive lighting display heralded the arrival of the main act. To my knowledge, Crossing Romeo are on their third name. They were formerly known as Rhymada, and I think they may have even had another name before that, possibly ‘Empire’. The reason behind so many name changes is unknown, but the main point is that these guys seriously have their act together. Their album, which they were launching this evening, is a beautifully produced slab of ‘stick in your head’ power-pop, with an alternative rock edge. They are a bunch of good looking blokes with strong stage presence and a big, twin guitar sound, and their live set is polished, smooth as silk and full of brash energy.

Their set this evening was, unsurprisingly, dominated by the new record, but they threw a sprinkling of their old Rhymada tunes as well, including their awesome previous single ‘Feeling You’. Name changes or not, these guys have everything in place: they have the sound, the look, the stage presence and now a sensational sounding record. They should now push on to attain the stardom that beckons.

Rod Whitfield

I have followed this band with interest for the last two or three years. Through no less than two name changes (they were called ‘Rhymada’ up until just recently, and before that ‘Empire’) and a stylistic correction that has seen them morph from a pretty hard edged, although still highly accessible, alternative rock act to a fully fledged (although still powerful!) pop/rock band.

This latter change caused me a degree of trepidation as I awaited their debut album. But, like any change, it’s a positive thing if it’s done well. And within one listen dispelled any doubts I had. Their self titled debut is certainly very much aimed at broad appeal, but they do it oh so well.

They have walked a fine line very skillfully on this record, between maintaining just enough connection to their alternative roots, and thus being likely to retain at least some of their older fans, whilst potentially opening a whole new world for themselves. A world where commercial radio and TV play is eminently possible, where playing supports with some very well known acts and headlining their own shows across the nation should be on the cards. Where the building of a large fanbase is pretty much a gimme, given the right level of support.

And while their commercial appeal has just gone through the roof, they haven’t merely wheeled out a collection of throwaway, three minute pop tunes that sound like they were written in 5 minutes each. The songs are mature and strong and leave a very powerful and lasting impression. Check out closer Bring Back the Lie, in all of its lush, memorable, evocative seven minute glory. And as an added bonus, the production levels (courtesy the great Lindsay Gravina at Birdland Studio) are as strong as can be imagined for a band who would still be on a reasonably tight budget.

If there were any justice and open mindedness in the world, commercial radio and television would be picking this up, giving it high rotation airplay and promoting these guys to the stardom they richly deserve. Fingers crossed….

http://www.facebook.com/crossingromeo

Rod Whitfield

This side project for two members of Melbourne’s mighty Engine Three Seven released an excellent debut single a few months back, entitled Restless, and a very neat, catchy little tune it was. Ripe for Triple J airplay and ready to appeal to a potentially very broad audience.

They have followed up with a second single Burn the Ground, which offers something a little edgier and more up tempo this time round, although just as engaging. It’s a nice big fat groove based on an almost jazzy chord progression, with impassioned vocals over the top, great drumming and guitar work and subtle but strong harmonies in the chorus. And the production sounds sweet.

Again it has hit potential written all over it. Soon I’m going to grow a little weary of single songs and start to yearn an album, or at the very least an EP, from this very promising new unit.

Rod Whitfield

When you see the opening track on Melbourne 4 piece group President Roots’ new album is called ‘Dad’s Stoned’ you instantly think, ‘have I stumbled upon a parody album’. But that certainly isn’t the case. No far from it to be honest. Instead Feelin’ Fooled is one of the best mix of alternative country and rock that you are ever likely to hear.

The fore mentioned track actually turns out to be a great acoustic track that has a real Tim Rogers feel to it, while the album’s title track is smooth laid back and you can easily imagine it being the perfect track to listen to while you are chilling in a pub.

‘Soul Mining’ sees President Roots go real country (not that that is a bad thing when you are talking about these guys) while ‘Ain’t No Cure For Love’ is one of those catchy songs that is so infectious it will just get stuck in your head.

‘Mostly All Of The Time’ and ‘Cool Change’ have some sweet melodies that begin to promise that President Roots are something special, and then comes that something SPECIAL!!! ‘Spider Fingers And Hearts’ in a sensational track that has the potential to become a classic, one of those GREAT Australian tracks while ‘The New Black’ isn’t far behind.

‘What Goes On’ is another good track while ‘Gods Waiting Room’ is perhaps the track that means you have heard of Presidents Roots before (even though you may not recall when) because this was actually one of the most played songs on community radio not that long ago.

Feelin’ Fooled rounds out with the nice ‘Drifting’ and a live version of ‘Recycling Girl’… great tracks in their own right.

This album deserves to be a sleeper hit this year, it’s the kind of one that you listen to and then want to tell your friends about. President Roots have delivered one of the best albums of the year.

Dave Griffiths

Metal Blade Records announces the signing of epic Heavy Metallers RAVEN BLACK NIGHT from down under!

RAVEN BLACK NIGHT formed in 1999 in Adelaide, Australia to start their campaign to bring their traditional metal sound to a worldwide audience. After numerous gigs throughout their home country they recorded and released their debut album Choose The Dark in 2005.

Choose The Dark garnered praise throughout Australia and Europe, culminating into an invitation in 2007 to perform at the 10th annual Headbangers Open Air in Germany. Several years of touring and festival appearances were to follow where RAVEN BLACK NIGHT played the Hard and Heavy summer nights, the Hamburg Ballroom, and more dates throughout Australia.

RAVEN BLACK NIGHT main men Jim and Rino are prepared to take the RAVEN BLACK NIGHT’s sound of true metal/doom to a global audience. A new partnership with Metal Blade Records and a new album, which is now being written, will firmly RAVEN BLACK NIGHT on the world map of true heavy metal.

Comments RAVEN BLACK NIGHT singer/guitarist Jim Petkoff: “As founders or Raven black night me and my metal brother Rino Amorino are proud and excited to sign with Metal Blade, a label with a rich history and much respected in the metal world. We believe Metal Blade will help bring Raven Black Night to the metal masses and look forward to a great journey together.”

RAVEN BLACK NIGHT is:

Jim Petkoff, the white knight [guitar/vox]

Rino Amoriono, the raven [guitar]

Chris Dorian [bass]

Christiain Jones [drums]

Big Tom [bass] * only live

Dave Griffiths

Indie Recordings are proud to announce the signing of Hacride.

From the beginning HACRIDE has been playing an original and unique kind of metal, always pushing the limits further and showing an indubitable talent for song writing. With their third album «Lazarus», Hacride unleashed an epic album with a natural “rockish” sound filled with tortured songs that swing between rage and progressiveness, between revolt and atmosphere.

Impressive as Tool and polyrhythmic as Meshuggah, HACRIDE victoriously dares to conquer more epical and Opeth-like horizons. Hacride proved that the numerous live shows all over Europe (touring with Dying Fetus and Divine Heresy, festivals such as Graspop, Summer Breeze and Metal Camp) has strengthened the band and put them on top of the modern metal scene.

HACRIDE has built a strongly innovative career in ten years, inviting the listener to a unique musical trip that will, for sure, leave traces and scars. Hacride is now back on a new label and ready to offer a new and ambitious album!

The band had this to say about the signing with Indie Recordings:

“We are very proud to be back with a new project. We have been working on our new album for two years now and we will enter the studio this summer. This new album will be a new era for Hacride with a new label and a new team around us. It’s a pleasure for us to be signed to Indie Recordings, a clever label with open-minded people!

Our last album “Lazarus” was the end of a chapter in our universe and we are very grateful for all the work done by our previous label, Listenable Rec, but it’s now time for us to come back with a strong album and to be back on tour as well with our new and catchy drummer Florent Marcadet.”

Dave Griffiths

Finnish traditional folk metal pioneers KORPIKLAANI reveal first details on their upcoming 8th studio record that at the same time will be their 4th release via Nuclear Blast Records!

The record will be entitled “Manala” and is scheduled for a release on the 3rd of August 2012.

Main man Jonne Järvelä explains the album title for us: “`Manala´ is the realm of the dead – the underworld in Finnish mythology. Tuonela, Tuoni, Manala and Mana are used synonymously. This place is best known for its appearance in the Finnish national epic Kalevala, on which many of our new songs are based. In the 16th poem of Kalevala, Väinämöinen, a shamanistic hero travels to Manala to seek for knowledge about the dead. On the journey he meets the ferrywoman (similar to Charon), a girl, Tuonen tytti, or Tuonen piika (Death’s maid), who takes him across the river of Tuoni. However, on the isle of Tuoni he is not given the spells he was originally looking for and he barely manages to escape the place. After his return he curses anyone trying to enter the place alive.”

For those of you who are now afraid of not being able to understand the mystical Finnish lyrics on the album – don’t worry: “Manala” will come to you with a bonus CD, including the whole album with English lyrics!

Dave Griffiths