Danger Zone

Here are my five favourite bangers for the month of August.

1. The Aston Shuffle – Stomp Yo Shoes (SHAZAM Remix)
2. The Young Punx – Fire (Phonat Remix)
3. Boy + Girl – Shirley Temple (Geek Chic Soundsystem Remix)
4. Daniel Dexter, Nahn Solo – Bounce Is Back (Malente Remix)
5. Walter Meego – Through A Keyhole (Le Castle Vania Remix)

Enjoy.

Bang Bang Bang On The Wall

I started Ladyhawke out of a desire to do my own project where I could completely express myself in any way I wanted without having to answer to bandmates! I wanted to make music that could put a smile on people’s faces and give them a feeling of nostalgia even though they may be hearing my songs for the first time. I love how music evokes memories of a certain time, I wanted to see if I could find a method of song writing that would evoke those feelings from me on writing the song and then on the individual when listening to it for the first time.

I draw massively from many many influences. You could definitely say I wear them on my sleeve. But what I have tried to do is really recreate the same vibe that so many amazing records of the 70's and 80's produced. Vintage Synths have been used. I've wanted to keep simple hooky guitar riffs throughout the tracks, but at times let loose with a solo every now and then. (my self indulgent moments ha!) I wanted to capture the "happy sad" vibe that so many eighties classics had. Music that came out of the eighties had such a unique and definitive sound. Big production, big synths, and big guitar riffs. The songwriters were incredibly significant, and the whole musical era left an everlasting impression on me.

I feel though, that the vast amount of influences I draw from mesh nicely with my "modern" upbringing. I am not only influenced by music of a bygone era, I also draw hugely from pop-culture, not just musical pop culture, but in art, media, television, movies, everything that bombarded my senses growing up and to this day. That includes modern music makers. Bands and producers of now who inspire me.
I'd like to think that my obsession with musical heroes of the seventies and eighties has blended with my exposure to music of a more recent date, to create quite a new, interesting and relevant sound. Me and Ladyhawke are two sides of one coin.

- Pip Brown (Ladyhawke)

Ladyhawke's debut album will be available in Australia from the 20th of September, make sure you get a copy!

Here is the video clip for Ladyhawke's latest single 'Dusk Till Dawn'.


Also check out the really cute Ladyhawke video game.

Peace.

Little Red @ The Annandale - 22/08/08

After missing them at Splendour it was with a steely determination that I got my ass down to the Annandale early to see Little Red at their sold out show on Friday. Yet when I got there, the place was freaking empty. Had something gone wrong? Was I there on the wrong night? Had daylight savings fooled me again? No. The marquee told me I was in the right place, I just forgot to read the bit at the bottom of the ticket that said 'show up fashionably late'.

So there I am, waiting for 20 minutes longer than the timesheet said and sipping on my Coke before Andy Bull came out (with his band - not also called Andy Bull I'm assuming). The horns, drums and bass began with a tight and funky sound that grabbed the attention of the small group of people who could be bothered seeing him. Then he started to sing and I got the feeling that this was more than likely a label decided support. The hooks were great but the vocals (critically acclaimed judging by his myspace) had a decent range but no dynamics. Not even the enthusiasm of the people behind me could enhance my enjoyment (especially after finding out it was his parents and friends) and after they all solo'd - except for our man Andy - I got the hell out of there. Where his band are tight and the contrasting melodies on the horns are fantastic, Andy Bull lacks in character. Sure he's signed to a major but to me that just reinforces the fact that a pretty face makes more money. The quotes at the end of his bio say that 'Andy Bull commands centre stage'. I dont know if these people were at the Annandale show but being outshone by your band isn't indicative of command. At least his Mum likes him.

The Holidays were up next and the place was considerably more packed. Not being familiar with them myself I still approached them with an open mind and wasn't dissappointed. While I will say that these guys wear the influence of The Strokes on their sleeves, they take it that little bit more and make it their own. Upbeat and pleasant songs were met warmly and got the crowd shaking their proverbial groove-things and the appreciation was reciprocated with a great set filled spontaneously with songs I'd heard before on the radio. Fun and rocking, thank god the Holidays could watch bitter taste of Bull out of my mouth. I'd go and see these guys - and as they're from Sydney I'm sure I shall get the opportunity sometime soon.

Since seeing them in April things have certainly just got bigger and better for Little Red. Have the strains of touring taken their toll? It certainly wouldn't appear so as they stood on the side of the stage doing their vocal warmups in a big, dancing huddle. The curtain lifted, the stage was filled and the set began with 'Stare In Love'. It only got better from there as they spent the next hour and a bit playing songs from the album, the preceeding EP and a few new ones as well. What can be said about the live performance? It was energetic, highly entertaining, the sound was great.



Witch Doctor

What's interesting about Little Red are the dynamics brought to the group by the certain 'characters' it contains. While alot of the focus is taken by the endearing smile and physical joy of drummer Taka Honda, mention has to be made to the see-sawing mix of awkward nervousness and excited emotions that escape at random times through the guitar playing and vocals of Dominic Byrne. Quang Dinh (bass/vocals) and Adrian Beltrame (guitar/vocals) play in a slightly more reserved fashion which throws a sense of maturity and cool into the mix. Despite the focus some people have on the other members of the band is it, without a doubt, Mr. Thomas Hartney that commands the show. This is a guy whos on-stage persona oozes cool, with brooding vocals and a swagger that says 'I might be playing the tambourine but I had sex with your mother last night - and she loved it'. His vocals, energy and of course the crowd interaction during 'Jackie Cooper' gave him the man of the match award for the show. While I don't know if these personas are intentional, let alone a reflection of what these guys are actually like, they work well together. Combine that with moving all over the stage and the constant switching of lead vocalist and its a very fresh approach that constantly keeps you intersted.

The touring certainly doesn't seem to have taken a toll on the voices of these lads, they were impeccable throughout the whole night (except for a little bit of shakiness in the new material), some nice harmonies were used to end songs - with the transition between 'Believe In Your Man' and 'Speedo' a particular highlight showing that these guys aren't just going out there and going through the motions, the live set is developing. It all ended with 'Coca Cola', Taka taking his bearings on the roof height rather cautiously before stepping onto his drumkit to dance around a bit, an encore followed and it was over.



Coca Cola

I paid fifteen measly dollars to go to this gig, and I don't know if I've had a better live experience this year. I keep on saying it over and over and who knows, I might just keep doing so until you listen - but while the album is called 'Listen to Little Red' - my suggestion is SEE THEM LIVE. Whether you like them or not, it is near impossible to walk out of a show without a smile or a song stuck in your head. Surely thats worth the price of admission alone. Until someone handed me a flyer on my way out I had even forgotten the name of the first act..

Mr. Gorbachev wouldn't tear this down

After writing to you last week of my sadness at the musical direction of Cansei De Ser Sexy, upon listening to Tilly & The Wall's "Pot Kettle Black" almost had me reaching for the noose. Thankfully after giving the entire album entitled (O) my worry was all for nothing. While "Pot Kettle Black" almost seems like it is trying to dance over the grave of Be Your Own Pet, the rest of (O) picks up exactly where Bottom of Barrels left off.

Last time i spoke fondly of the Red Army March of tracks like "Bad Education" and perhaps if at all possible, tracks like "Dust me off" keep the beat marching along with a renewed colour and vigour. While I would be harsh enough to say "Pot Kettle Black" is dull if not a trip down the other of the roads in a yellow wood, one leaves had trodden black where as tracks like the slightly Boney M-esque "Cacophony" soar higher than anything I've heard from Tilly & the Wall in the past.

So I invite you to give their latest video "Pot Kettle Black" a listen but then compare it to "Sing Songs Along" from their previous album and note why my bland radar had started to flicker ever so slightly.

And that made all the difference.

I Love Sexy Shadow Walks

Poni Hoax are amazing! If you enjoy quality pop music with a twist of electro then you’re in for a real treat.

Poni Hoax - Images of Sigrid (mp3)

Peace.

It's Much Safer In Brazil

I realise that the title of this blog is only about 1% true however I am here to tell you of that sad and disappointing 1%. In 2006 & 2007 I alongside my other whiteboydancefloor brothers wrote of the exotic splendours that Brazilian upstarts Cansei De Ser Sexy delivered to my ears. Few could argue that Music was truely their hot, hot sex and I adored the Lovefoxxx like a goddess from my dreams.

In 2008 I cannot write to you with the same enthusiasm, infact I would say Cansei De Ser Sexy in 2008 borders on contamination thanks to the spoils of the 'American Dream'. When I eagerly pressed play on "Rat is Dead (Rage)" to put it bluntly, I was mortified. I wouldn't say I am going too far as to say it sounds like an offcut from something the Smashing Pumpkins might have wrote since their vomit enducing reunion. It still has the gorgeous Lovefoxxx but seems as if they are trying to shed their South American spice, the one thing that made them out of the box.

So who is to blame?

We are. No good westernized countries with our all conquering capitalist obsession and the thirst to be driven by the dollar. In summary, white people. While the crushing fist of capitalism does bring a smile to the side of me driven by dollars and sense but from a musical perspective, I cringe at some of the filth this money driven music business has produced... Jet. I worry I am going to spend most of my traveling days abroad apologising for Jet like Canadians apologise for Alanis Morrisette and Celine Dion.

It's not too over the top to suggest that in a more insular bloggerspheric sense, Brazilians may soon have to do the same grovelling in regard to Cansei De Ser Sexy. They've hit the big follow up slump and quite frankly I don't see any amount of quality Brazilian quarentine (almost paradoxical isnt it) will save my beloved CSS from the same fate as many a wonderful band.

See for yourself, but i suppose you'll probably love it as most people who read our blog are greedy white boys like ourselves. Some days I hate people like me, other days I just make love to myself in the mirror and listen to P!nk.

When you look at the photo above, that's how I want you to remember them, untainted by anything or anyone,

MP3: Cansei De Ser Sexy - "Rat is Dead (Rage)"

A Few For You

In the vein of a Clint post I thought I would simply share with you some songs I cannot get out of my head and that I thought you might enjoy on a dreary Sydney Sunday - in video form:


Ladyhawke - Paris Is Burning


Dizzee Rascal & Calvin Harris - Dance Wiv Me


Little Red - Witch Doctor
I hope you enjoy, I find nothing better than watching a good video clip sometimes - and if you dont like it you can take your boom boxes and your chuppa chups and get out!

Your Mothers Dead

need.. to... piss...

I don't really know if I can say that I've ever seen a bands last show. Until now anyway, as Sundays performance at Splendour turned out to be the last we'd hear of Wolfmother. Whether thats a good thing or not is up to you but the stupidity of this decision escapes me. You dont break up at the start of a tour, and you certainly dont break up when you're about to release a new album. The band, or should I say the bass player (the one that buggered off) has cited 'irreconcilable personal and music differences' as the reason for desertion. So what happens now?

First of all, unless you've got Flea, Les Claypool, Stu Ham, Jaco Pastorious or Mick Gallagher playing the four string, YOU CAN REPLACE A BASSIST. Apparently the big haired mo fo Andrew Stockdale wants to keep the band going with a new lineup but I'm sure that soon people will stop giving a shit. The drummer has left as well so its all in a shambles - which brings me to my next point:

Modular Australia are getting their asses kicked and made it public recently, revealing the fact they were running at a $5.9 million loss at the end of last year. While these are being attributed to 'significant investments' that will 'pay off THIS year' its an amazing thing to see when you consider the amount of distribution they do from big name overseas acts as well as the impressive list of bands on the roster including Muscles, The Presets, Cut Copy, Van She, MSTRKRFT and, coincidentally, Wolfmother. For all we know it could be true, and this year could be a good year, but perhaps all is not well and we're not being told about it.

In which case, whats the problem? I find it remotely ironic that the digital revolution has had such an effect on a label that focuses primarily on digital and electronic artists. While the live scene is no doubt alive and well, and everyone knows who's who and how the songs go, no one seems to be buying the albums. Its not hard to see why when you find out how easy it is to get these things on the net for nothing. Either way Modular can start counting some more losses if Wolfmother cant tour to support their own 'significant investment'.

The burning question for me is a matter of co-incidence. Modular released their info late last week, and now Wolfmother has split on the cusp of a new album launch? Maybe they were told they'd have to recoup a bit more, the bass player worked out he'd be getting 15c an album after costs were covered and thought 'fuck this i'll go be a waiter'. Are the two incidents related? Something tells me yes.

At least now the drummer and bassist can ride the coat-tails of being 'those guys from Wolfmother' for a while. Although playing a dingy pub and being reminded of that every night by drunk guys I now share a wage with (as opposed to millions) would quite possibly want to make me kill myself. Keep your eyes on the obituaries.

AND BUY CDS!

Splendour In The Grass 2008: Review

For the third year in a row I made the pilgramige last weekend with thousands of others to Byron Bay for the one, the only, Splendour In The Grass. Saw many many good bands, missed some others and had a great time (hmm.. that sounds like a postcard). I'll try to do my best to make this interesting but you may have already read all the reviews and be like 'pfft.. this is older than the wheel' in which case SHUT UP.

Day 1

Arriving to the sounds of The Galvatrons playing from inside sent the tingles running on the kilometre long walk to the entrance. Not because they were particularly good or anything but just because of the excitement that comes along with the two-day experience. First band on the agenda was Bluejuice even if it was only for one song. The place was considerably more packed than I thought it would be and upon coming out the fun started. I dont know much of their other stuff but they kept me entertained with a high level of energy, crowd interaction and comedy. Needless to say that when 'Vitriol' came on the place went bananas.


Afterwards I returned to the car to get things, take things, do whatever. Unfortunately on the way back into the grounds I realised I forgot to take my keys with me. Whilst it didnt bother me too much I unfortunately missed The Music who I was told were amazing. Triple J's coverage of Splendour helped me catch some of the set on someone elses radio but it just wasnt the same. After an hour and a bit the NRMA finally came, and the festival experience resumed.

Next band on the agenda were Scotlands own The Fratellis but unfortunately seeing them also meant having to listen to the end of Gyroscope while they played a cover of Midnight Oils 'Beds Are Burning'. It was a bit tedious for my liking. The Fratellis took to the stage and if you asked me, they fucking rocked. Straight into it with 'Miss Mable' and carrying through a fantastic set featuring all the old songs with a good mix of the new ones. The noise of the crowd during the 'da da' bit of Chelsea Dagger was like nothing I ever thought I'd hear at a festival. It was deafening and completely amazing. Ive since read alot of bad reviews and quite simply I dont know what the hell these people were expecting. These guys arent a punk band and if you didnt have the patience to wait for the song you wanted you shouldve gone and done something else anyway you dickhead.


Whilst waiting for my last band of the day I caught the end of Clare Bowditch and then Cold War Kids who I was relatively interested in seeing. They had a fantastic sound (although I learnt at the end of the festival that EVERY band did) and played their final song with another few people walking all over the stage playing percussion. Entertaining in a very epic way.

My day closed with The Living End because I personally saw nothing entertaining in Devo and had to choose between TLE and PNAU. While Ive seen both bands a fair few times now I hadn't seen The Living End since they released the last album and was in the mood. If you've seen these guys you know what to expect, and every expectation was met to the highest standard, 'Prisoner Of Society' was as loud as 'Chelsea Dagger' earlier, you couldnt hear the lead vocals over the crowd and the set was filled with hits, jams, elaborate solos, double bass climbing and Chris Cheyneys trademark 'play the guitar with a bottle of VB' trick. Fucking Rock N Roll.


Day 2

Now I know how much of a hype I've placed on Little Red and hey, you guys dont know how much I love them. Did I see them? Unfortunately not. The heavy police presence in Byron led to travel arrangement having to be restructured and unforutunately.. yeah. In the end I got there just in time to hear Laura Marling (who?) fuck up her last song (I think) which was remotely entertaining.

Next up came The Wombats and the place was absolutely PACKED. I dont mind these guys but honestly I don't understand all the hype. Everything they're doing has been done, not just before but RECENTLY. They are fun, and they have energy and they played a decent show but I just dont understand the hype. Thats certainly not to say that they sucked or were disappointing though.

The Grates hit the stage as the evening started setting in and I couldnt help but notice what a difference 2 years can make. Seeing them at Splendour in 06, they were.. well.. great. But on Sunday they were phenomenal. A fantastic set with a great sound, a fantastic crowd vibe and they played every song I wanted to hear, including closing with personal favourite 'Inside Outside'. Patience strutted about the stage in a batgirl suit as a guy dressed in purple spandex got on his mates shoulders. A joke about wearing the same dress as someone else to a party ensued and well, yeah, a brilliant performance from a band that is definately going places.


Because seeing 5 minutes of Sigur Ros was enough to make me want to kill myself I caught another band I wasnt even intending to see - The Panics. When they won the J Award last year for album of the year I couldnt help but think it was a little bit gay. That they were undeserving. They proved me wrong. Words such as hypnotic, mesmerising and haunting come to mind just like I'm sure they do to Sigur Ros fans when they think of that shite. The Panics do it well though, and Im sorry I ever doubted them.

Walking over to the Mix Up field for The Presets was ridiculous. It was a mix between a cattle run and public transport in Japan. One square foot to move in and when we got into the field it was very much the same situation. There was not a bigger crowd for anyone at the festival without a doubt and they delivered. To me though it was pretty much Groovin The Moo with a backdrop. The lights and lasers were the same, the setlist was almost identical. They sounded and performed amazing and the place was packed but, so as not to be caught in the rush of people leaving I left about 20 minutes earlier to catch Wolfmother. I saw these guys as well in 2006 and they were good back then. There are two ways I've seen these guys. Either the mix is fantastic and they sound good. Or the vocals are brought up FAR too loud and they sound like shite. Luckily the sound was great and whilst they were incredibly self indulgent in a way that bordered on making you hate them you couldnt fault the performance. Thats pretty much how it ended. Farewell to Belongil Fields as they've now got the new site (so expect another price rise).

The Pros: Once again the bands were fantastic. Ive got a whole new bunch of CDs to buy and bands to start telling people about. A big thumbs up also has to be given to the crowd, the vibe was pleasant and the people were friendly. Whether this had to do with the the almost seperate community existing in the Tipi Forest I'm not sure. But no matter where you were I'm sure a good time was had. The weather, considering it had rained in the weeks leading up to the festival, was amazing. The Church of Two Hands and a Chicken was back as well.

The Cons: The amount of police was ridiculous. Every road out of Byron was set up. Im not one for teenage euphamisms but they were out to 'kill the buzz'. Missing bands like Little Red, PNAU and New Young Pony Club was unfortunate but nothing can be done about that.


Once again, a fantastic festival. The highlight of the week. With the new site it will be interesting to see how everything goes down next year but you'll hear from me when it does. For a shitload of photos and some live tracks from the festival feel free to head over to the Triple J website.

Discotheque

Amy Meredith is to blame for my favourite pair of Nikes being unfit for the dance floor! These kids are infectious, spunks and tear discos to pieces. Get on down to the Manning Bar this Thursday night the 7th of August and check out this fine Sydney act…you won't be disappointed! Stay tuned whiteboydancefloorians for a Le Pony Boy remix of their killer track 'Running' is in the works!

Amy Meredith - This War (mp3)

Peace.