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BETTIE
SERVEERT
Dutch band Bettie Serveert grabed the attention of the alternative music scene with the release of their debut album Palomine on 4AD offshoot label Guernica. The album was melancholy but uplifting with everything from sparsely arrange ballads to rockin' pop songs. Almost 10 years after its release, the album is still considered a masterpiece! LINKS:
www.bettieserveert.com
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| BRAVING
THE SEABED
Originally forming in Perth, Braving the Seabed released their debut, self titled album in 2000 on Real Amber. Following relocation to Melbourne in 2001, the band have toured to Sydney as well as etching away a regular spot in the Melbourne live scene. LINKS:
www.bravingtheseabed.8k.com
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SAM SHINAZZI'S
C-MINUS PROJECT
Sydney based singer/songwriter, Sam Shinazzi, has been a long time feature in the local music scene. Heartfelt and honest artist sharing common ground with Oldham, Dando, Pernice, Roberts and Bazan. LINKS:
www.thec-minusproject.com
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THE
DEARHUNTERS
Sublime and beautiful are two words that quickly spring to mind when describing The Dearhunter's music. The vocals of Jodie Phillis (ex-Clouds) are warm and strong with the ability to bring goose bumps to all those within earshot. However, just as you settle into the sweetness of Jodie's vocals, Tim Oxley (ex-Verys) drags you back to a rough, yet equally warm take on pop. Their music is swirling, often moody but always beautiful and is reminiscent of Mazzy Star or Tarnation. While Jodie's and Tim's songwriting and vocals often take centre stage, it is the drumming of Raphael Whittingham (ex-Clouds/Stella One Eleven) and meandering lead guitar of Greg Hitchcock (You Am I) which lifts the Dearhunter's music to such an inspiring height. The band's debut release was the heartbreakingly beautiful Ivy which appeared on one side of a split 7" with The Hired Guns. In 2000, the band released their debut album, Red Wine and Blue, on Candle Records. LINKS: www.candlerecords.com.au
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DELORIS
Based in Melbourne, Deloris first gained attention with the release of their debut album Fraulein but it was the release of their second album, The Pointless Gift (Quietly Suburban) that launched them into the hearts of fans the country over. The band pursue a dark and melancholic path, punctuated at time by rays of light. |
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GOLDEN
ROUGH
Golden Rough first formed in 1995 as a side project for singer/songwriter Dave Orwell. At the time, they were a lo-fi recording project and produced the CD, It's a heck of a machine. In 1998 things got a little serious with the release of their first full-length album, Twin Firs. Recorded in a one hundred year old house in the suburbs, Twin Firs is collection of 11 beautiful songs ranging from swinging country rock to bittersweet acoustic minimalism. In 1999, Golden Rough released their second LP, This Sad Paradise, to much critical acclaim. While they try to shy away from the country tag that is often placed on them, Golden Rough certainly welcome comparisons to bands like Big Star, Wilco, Scud Mountain Boys, Teenage Fanclub and You Am I. Reviews of the band make passing assessments of Jason's guitar work and often Helen's beautiful backing vocals but more often than not are enthralled by Dave's song writing ability and "strained, fragile vocals". LINKS: www.candlerecords.com.au
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DARREN
HANLON
After many years playing in the Simpletons (and pushing beers down at the local pub), Darren started building a healthy following as a solo artist. Helped along by national radio play and successful touring overseas, as well as in Australia with artists such as Augie March and Magnetic Fields, Darren's debut cd-ep, Early Days was a favourite amongst indie pop fans and his debut album, Hello Stranger hasn't failed to impress. LINKS: www.candlerecords.com.au
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THE
HIRED GUNS
Formed in 1996, The Hired Guns strive to create dark, melancholic and country tinged music from a departure point of influences like the Byrds, Neil Young and Crazy Horse and the Flying Burrito Brothers. The Hired Guns are somewhat of a side project to the bands The Dumb Earth and High Pass Filter but their moody and beautiful music exceeds the sum of their parts. Another band to shy away from the country tag yet revel in the genre's emotion and atmosphere. Their songwriting explores classic themes made famous by one hundred B-grade country and western midday movies like love gone wrong, hard liquor hangovers and death at the end of a rope. Their first release
was the epic Blue Sunday on a split 7" with The Dearhunters but have since
followed that by contributing a version of Bob Dylan's 'All the Tired Horses'
to The Sadness is in the Sky CD compilation 'We are now cruising at 10000
ft' and two tracks to 'Musikal Identikit', the latest compilation from
Melbourne's Augogo Records.
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LOVE
ME
The band championing alternative country before alternative country became cool! Love Me have been a favourite within Australia's live music scen for a long time and with album number four on the verge of release, they are sure to remain a favourite. |
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MOLER
A three piece noise pop band from Melbourne, Moler sprung to national recognition thanks to a series of radio friendly pop/rock tracks before retreating from the music scene to collect their thoughts and start afresh. Keep an eye out for new material soon. |
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PURPLENE
The Purplene foursome (matt blackman – vox/guitar, david ledlin - guitar/vox, adam jesson - bass david hector - drum) originated from the 1996 smokestacks of Newcastle, NSW. Their efforts and unique talents have seen them play along side such superstar acts as Trans Am, Bluebottle Kiss, Something For Kate, Gerling, Big Heavy Stuff and 78 Saab - since they emigrated to Sydney some 2 years ago, where you can frequently find them performing. Described by some as a blend of certain 's' bands (Sebadoh, Swervedriver, Sandpit, Slint…), Purplene’s precise performances are dynamic ridden affairs that evoke many moods - usually the more introspective ones... |
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REBEL
ASTRONAUTS
The rebel astronauts have been playing together for quite some time now, and like to let their guitar based songs and soundscapes roam free around the screaming fields of sonic love - with little regard for time and structural constraints. sometimes it's all about songs, fuzzy guitars and shy vocals, sometimes it's got more to do with noise extremities and increasingly improvised freedoms...mostly it's about playing music with your friends and loving it. After starting out as fresh faced lads and lasses from the ACT, the band has now almost completely relocated to sydney where they continue to enjoy playing live shows with the likes of el mopa, ukiyo-e, sealifepark, browning, trans am, registered nurse etc. they will soon be working on a new EP, after having released their debut, "aeroplane drops parachute by night" in March 2000 and a split 7" with purplene in the early stages of 2001." LINKS: www.therebelastronauts.com
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SEAWORTHY
A mysterious outfit based in Sydney Australia. Seaworthy pursue a quiet take on pop music with sparse arrangements, minimalist instrumentation and simple percussion. Primarily instrumental, they are essentially a recording project that may never actually grace the stages of their hometown. The band's debut album, It's humbling when two saints meet, has either impressed or confused people...why so quiet? LINKS: http://go.to/seaworthy
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SHOW
PONY
Show Pony hold a special place in the hearts of pop music fans in Sydney. The duel vocals and harmonies of Helen and Elizabeth and the intricate guitar work of Matt are always highlights of a Show Pony gig. Sitting comfortably in the alt-country genera alongside bands like Love Me and Golden Rough, Show Pony draw on influences far and wide but always containing the classic elements of great pop music. You want hooks? Check out their contribution to the Antfarm Records compilation True Grit! Intimate Truths is as hook laden as anything you're likely to hear with a great guitar riff and beautiful vocals. In 1998 they provided the flip side on a split 7" with twelve24 (the debut release by Steady Cam Records). Bones, with its rich vocals, sublime jangling guitars and some great hammond organ won over fans here in Australia as well as the UK and USA. |
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SOAP
STAR JOE
Soap Star Joe are one of the most laid back pop band's you're likely to find. Quirky and catchy with an understated maturity to their songwriting. Mick's songwriting and skewed guitar playing separate them from the majority of 'rock-by-numbers' pop bands in Sydney. After the release of their debut EP, Soft metal, the band took an extended break but are now back with more recordings on the brink of release. Thier next ep is due for release in 2001, a five track affair, Handstands for Love. |
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TWELVE24
Formed in 1997 to re-arrange the well worn pop genera, their music is often eclectic and difficult to define. While one set may overflow with snappy pop rock the next will meander along with a laid back country feel and every now and then they'll produce their moody rock numbers. The one consistent attribute to this band is the strong songwriting and tight live performance. They've supported a ton of great bands including Julianna Hatfield, Life Without Buildings, Lois Maffeo, Sounds Like Sunset, Sekiden, Lucksmiths, Huon, Steward, Abdoujaparov, Big Heavy Stuff, Gaslight Radio, Knievel, Art of Fighting and many more. Their 1999 mini-album, All in Focus, was recorded in a garage under the watchful eye of Michael Carpenter. The influence of pop music is evident but so is their love of loud guitar! In fact, Dan and Cameron have to keep the guitars cranked up to be heard over Simon's "I can't hit them harder than this" drumming. Their second CD, a five track EP called Traveller, is due for release sometime during the coming months and is a more laid back yet polished affair. Recorded with Jason Blackwell (previously recorded with Golden Rough) the tracks are complex but maintain a charming simplicity around Danielle's sweet vocals. LINKS:
go.to/twelve24
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Steady
Cam Records PO Box 72 Westmead NSW 2145 Australia
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Steady Cam Records.
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