A Not So Royal Escapade

Well the Royal wedding is over. But that still hasn't stopped every news agency in Australia from flogging it for everything it's got. From the romance time-line of Will and Kate (I shit you not), to the Royal position they'll be adopting to consummate their marriage; if you want to know about it, hell even if you don't, they've probably already published a story about it.
You want other news? There is no other news you communist! The world must stop doing things and follow the celebrations in awe. Suggesting anything else will be considered treason.

That's right! If the iPhone by itself wasn't already enough, your wankerishness will now be complete everywhere you go, with the new Kate and Wills iPhone cover.

Fortunately though, I can leave the post-wedding coverage to the hordes of journalists who are, right now, putting their professional skills to the test to confirm for you exactly who wore the worst outfit on the day. It won't be a man either because everyone knows that only women are fair game when it comes to fashion.


But enough of this rant because, believe it or not, there are actually some much more exciting things coming up in May.
In the lead up to Splendour in the Grass (or SITG for those of you who need to acronym-ize everything to make it cooler) I thought I should let you know about a little band that you can see in your own town (unless they don't go there) before they head to Splendour in July.

The Hungry Kids of Hungary have just kicked off their national tour to promote their latest album, Escapades. Throughout May they'll be weaving their way around the country and, I must say, with the support acts they've amassed you'd be quite the fool to miss it.  Perth band The Chemist are also coming along for the ride with Andy Bull, and Daniel Lee Kendall opening the east coast shows.


I was lucky enough to catch The Kids playing at the Factory Theatre last November. I had no idea who they were but my interest was already tweaked when I noticed the lead singer used the same guitar as me. Their eclectic taste in music was quite obvious from the start, with influences ranging from the 60's pop rock and blues era to the more contemporary indie rock sounds. The delicious harmonies they employed and energetic stage presence is enough to get anyone off their seat. 


At first listen you may get the impression that they are just another indie band straight off the conveyor belt. But it doesn't take long to realise that these guys have developed a style that can't really pigeon holed with any one particular sound. It really gives them the edge over many other bands who employ a similar style but who have failed to move away from that standard formulaic indie song.


I am also extremely excited by the fact that The Chemist are coming on tour too. After witnessing them at the Annandale last year I can safely say that these guys are amazing. The dirty grooves from the bass and drums provide the perfect backdrop for the haunting melodies of front man Ben Witt. While you could say that The Chemist have a slightly more sombre nature to them, as opposed to the all out fun that Hungry Kids employ on stage, their songs will no doubt leave an imprint on your brain as you find yourself humming their tunes days later. 


So don't delay and get down to see The Final Escapades Tour playing throughout May.
For all you Sydney punters the details are below

SATURDAY, MAY 21 | METRO THEATRE, SYDNEY (All ages) (NSW)

Tickets available from www.metrotheatre.com.au or the Metro Theatre Box Office – 02.9550 3666

*Opener: Daniel Lee Kendall

Otherwise, click here to see where else they're playing and to purchase tickets to any of their other shows.

Don't move you in the right place

For those that missed out on Splendour In The Grass (me included), here is a little video of Mumford and Sons joining The Temper Trap on stage to perform Down River.

Sigh...next year hopefully.

Its Only Nostalgia

Being particularly uninspired of late I thought to myself I had better get something in before the rest of these mo' fo's come back from a gleeful playground weekender experience and start hogging all the posts next week. Lets see if I can make it remotely interesting. Todays topic? New releases - but first..

The dates for Splendour In The Grass were officially announced yesterday and as opposed to the last weekend of July it is now taking place on the FIRST weekend of August (4th and 5th). Nothing else has been annonced ie. when tickets go on sale, how the system will work this year or most importantly whos playing but that should be all you need to know to start getting moist with anticipation and ill bet at least 30% of the rooms in Byron are already booked. Will you be there? WBDF will.

One of the acts who's name is being bandied around the most (apart from Silverchair) for the possibility of playing at Splendour is the one and only Smashing Pumpkins. If you dont know who they are you're a freaking idiot less to say they were one of the most influential rock/grunge/alternative bands of the 90's. After breaking up at the end of 2000 the band are back together and putting the finishing touches on the new album Zeitgeist, due for release on the 7th of July (07.07.07) - their first release since 2000. Working with master engineer Roy Thomas Baker (most known for his work with Queen, and more recently The Darkness) we can be guaranteed that the album is going to be epic to say the least. And with a host of festival dates announced for May until the middle of June with more to come, it looks very possible that our wetdreams could come true.

Metallica is a name that you know whether you like the band or not and while there may not be many people who care about them at the moment - I do. Regardless of the fact that St Anger isnt even worthy of wiping ones ass with you can't deny the fact that these guys are, and always will be, one of the biggest bands on the face of the planet. Just like the Pumpkins, Metallica are also working on a new album due for release sometime a bit later this year and, now that they've given Bob Rock the flick and happen to be working with Rick Rubin, this is their last chance to deliver the goods. If this album fails, the band will retire, no doubt about it. But if anyone can save their career its the bearded hippy. During breaks from the studio the band have been playing concerts all over Europe and Asia and have also been chucking in a few works in progress, and thanks to the wonders of YouTube I can bring you one right now. If Lars Ulrich comes to my door threatening to beat me for doing this, so be it. Its a very misfits-esque, thrashy tune and while it might not work as well without Hetfields 'Kill em All' voice, its certainly growing on me. Enjoy.





While they might not make it down here for Splendour, with a release due late in the year 'Tallica may very well be back on our shores for next years BDO.

Anyway I leave you with that. To all of you going to Playground Weekender, I salute you but spare a thought for the poor suckers that have to work all weekend. And if you're like me and NOT going, you can find out exactly what happened here, next week on the whiteboydancefloor.

Javid out.