Totally Unicorn
Hardcore
If you’ve ever lived on a busy city street, you’ll know that the clamour of activity is non-stop – the sound of sirens, traffic, partying punters and domestic disputes filters into your home all day and night. This isn’t dissimilar to the sensation created by Wollongong hardcore act Totally Unicorn. Their momentum never diminishes; the noise is relatively dynamic, yes, but unwavering.
Thursday September 29 – Newtown Social Club – Sydney, NSW
For The Jumper
AFL songs
For The Jumper features many of Melbourne’s finest musicians playing songs from, for and about their favourite Aussie rules footy teams. It’s grand final weekend and while only two teams survive, the far more egalitarian medium that is live music means everyone gets represented. Performers include Alexander Gow (Oh Mercy), Laura Jean, Paul Dempsey, Emily Ulman, Liz Stringer, Tom Lyngcoln (Nation Blue/Harmoney) and loads more.
Thursday September 29 – Gasometer Hotel – Melbourne, VIC
West Thebarton Brothel Party
Rock
West Thebs have a new single, ‘Red or White’, a feisty rock number with riffy verses and a readymade shout along chorus. This Friday they’re leaving Adelaide to launch it at Melbourne’s most rock-stained venue, The Old Bar.
Friday September 30 – The Old Bar – Melbourne, VIC
Big Scary
Alternative pop
Big Scary’s new LP Animal exemplifies the band’s commitment to artistic evolution. With each of their three releases, the Melbourne duo have uncovered new tenets of their sound. This time around, BS embrace a fuller sound with plenty of fuzz bass, stadium-filling melodies and electronic detailing.
Friday September 30 – The Triffid – Brisbane, QLD
FACEBOOK | SOUNDCLOUD | YOUTUBE
Left.
Pop/electronic
Sydney duo Left. merge electronic and acoustic sounds in the name of compelling alternative pop music. On their latest single ‘Slow Release’, vocalist Sarah Corry is the centre of attention with a composed, breathy performance, while instrumentalist Jono Graham adds mid-tempo grooves and a multitude of synthesiser parts.
Friday September 30 – Oxford Art Factory – Sydney, NSW
FACEBOOK | WEBSITE | UNEARTHED | YOUTUBE
Mei Saraswati
World/soul
Perth’s Mei Saraswati works with a diverse palette of influences, mixing found sounds, electronic production, a smattering of world music and a whole heap of soul. The results are regularly mesmerising, as seen on her latest EP Devotions.
Friday September 30 – The Bird – Perth, WA
SOUNDCLOUD | FACEBOOK | BANDCAMP
Yeo
Pop
Yeo has a new song called ‘Labour Party’, using the spelling of the UK Labour Party rather than the Australian Labor Party. Last weekend Jeremy Corbyn won an election to retain leadership of the UK Labour Party – a massive win for voters with real-deal left wing beliefs. Yeo’s ‘Labour Party’ is a joyous pop song, depictive of the Melbourne performer’s dedicated application, and a fitting complement to Corbyn’s victory. Friday September 30 – The Foundry – Brisbane, QLD
FACEBOOK | WEBSITE | SOUNDCLOUD
Shining Bird
New wave/indie
Shining Bird will please fans of Jack Ladder and Alex Cameron – songwriters and performers with debonair appeal and seductive baritone registers. Like Ladder and Cameron, Shining Bird aren’t just charismatic populists – their songs are works of technical ingenuity that communicate a real sense of pathos.
Saturday October 1 – Stuart Park – Wollongong, NSW
Western Kinsmen of the Sun
Rock
Perth’s Western Kinsmen offer a traditionalist take on psych rock. It’s not about widescreen sonic decorations or druggy mantras; rather, they work with repetition to cumulatively envelop listeners in meditative comfort. Sunday October 2 – Mojos – Perth, WA
Fair Maiden
Experimental pop
Fair Maiden will cap off the weekend with their easygoing folk-pop. The project revolves around the songwriting of Ellen Carey, but it’s certainly not a one-sided affair – Fair Maiden’s music invites everyone into their cosy folk-pop nook.
Sunday October 2 – Hotel Metro – Adelaide, SA
