Loving live music isn’t just about attending music festivals and seeing an international artist’s massive arena show. Even the biggest of big-name headliners started in the trenches, on the sticky carpets and bandrooms of your local bars and pubs – which is exactly where you should be if you want to discover your new favourite band or venue. Here’s our picks for this week’s best local gigs from Aussie talent – from Perth to the East Coast – and all for the price of a good meal.
Harmony
Where? The Tote – 67-71 Johnston St, Collingwood, Melbourne
When? Saturday 24 May, 8:30pm
Why? For those that aren’t aware of this outfit, Harmony emit dark, ethereal punk rock. The seamless polarisation of the collective’s raw, husky growls to angelic hymn-like vocals provides something unforgettable. Fresh from releasing their latest record Carpetbombing and consequently selling out venues along the way last April, the Melbourne favourites couldn’t keep out of the limelight for long. Taking to their natural home of The Tote, the band are gearing up for a set spanning tracks old and new, which are sure to enhance your weekend tenfold. On top of that, they’ll be joined by Moon Rituals as well as Adelaide outfits Summerflake and Bruff Superior. Come dig some of your best locals from Vic and South Australia.
Tickets & Info: $15.30, http://tickets.oztix.com.au & www.facebook.com
Amaya Laucirica
Where? The John Curtin Hotel – 29 Lygon Street, Carlton, Melbourne
When? Saturday 24 May, 8:30pm
Why? If you dig the whimsical fading vocals of Hope Sandoval (of Mazzy Star), you simply cannot afford to miss this set. Celebrating the release of her stellar record Sway, this young songstress’ dreamy folk meets psychedelica will transfix every last patron at The Curtin this Saturday night. Laucirica’s sound draws from melancholic dream-pop to heart-warming folk, producing an enchanting atmosphere that is entirely charming. We have but one warning, you may fall in love with this artist…
Tickets & Info: $13.50 Presle, $15 Door, www.johncurtinhotel.com & www.facebook.com
Lowlakes
Where? The Workers Club – 51 Brunswick St, Fitzroy, Melbourne
When? Saturday 24 May, 8:30pm
Why? As winter draws near, so too does our desire to catch live music that suits the gloomy mood. Enter Melbourne fourpiece: Lowlakes. Celerbating the launch of their absolutely killer record Iceberg Nerves to which our Tone Deaf Album Review praised, “a stunning debut LP draped in an unforgettable melancholy of menacing shoegaze and misty dream-pop.” Having once again dazzled the hearts of their growing European audience, at long last it is our turn to see the boys play this epic release live. We implore you to get up to Fitzroy this weekend and check these guys out while you still can, who knows when those bloody Europeans will steal our Lowlakes for good!
Tickets & Info: $12.25, http://tickets.oztix.com.au & www.facebook.com
Twin Haus
Where? Oxford Arts Factory – 38-46 Oxford St, Darlinghurst, Sydney
When? Friday 23 May, 9:00pm
Why? Calling all Sydneysider fans of psychedlic-shoegaze-dreamy-pop fusions, have we got the best possible start to your weekend for you. Meet the shining rising stars of Brisbane, Twin Haus. Delivering a plethora of sonic ambience that crashes together with rusty ‘dragged through gravel’ type vocals, this progressive quartet produce a sound unmatched in Australia’s local scene. The evening will be accompanied by the likes of surfy-jangle crew The Upskirts as well as local indie five-piece, Gypsies and Gentlemen. This is a pick of the week for the Sunshine State!
Tickets & Info: $13.30, www.moshtix.com.au & www.facebook.com
She Rex + Lepers & Crooks
Where? The Roller Den – 35 Erskineville Road, Erskineville, Sydney
When? Thursday 22 May, 8:0opm
Why? Are you searching for a gritty, asskickin’, ballsy rock’n’roll show? Because we have the answer for you! The co-headlining East Coast tour of the ball-busting She Rex and the straight-laced rocking quintet Lepers & Crook is absolutely killing it at the moment. The blistering feminine attack of She Rex will be pumping out their infectious power-jams, including their latest single ‘The Heist’. Meanwhile, the self-proclaimed “three long-haired lepers, two short-haired crooks” are championing their progressive Aus-rock smash, ‘Her Kiss’, as well as fresh material from their upcoming debut record. Make your way to this brand-spanking venue and boot your way into the weekend the right way.
Tickets & Info: $13.80, http://kingdomsounds.oztix.com.au
8 Bit Love
Where? The Grace Emily Hotel – 232 Waymouth St, Adelaide
When? Thursday 22 May, 8:00pm
Why? The playful Melbourne fuzzy dance rock trio that is 8 Bit Love have hit the open road to celebrate their latest EP, Slummer Time. The six-track release sees the three-piece at their core, producing punky party-rock fist-pumpin’ anthems, the trio are rarin’ to set Adelaide alight. The party will be started by indie outfit The Rockteers, who are riding of the success of the best track to date ‘Phazer’ as well as Aussie-grunge specialists, Moonfaker.
Tickets & Info: $5, www.facebook.com
The Phoncurves
Where? The Zoo – 711 Ann St, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
When? Saturday 24 May, 8:00pm
Why? When the heads of Abbie Roberts and Naomi Hodges come together, they form the indie-pop outfit, The Phoncruves. Touted as “the next big thing” to come out of Brisbane, this dynamic duo are gaining rapid radio play for their folk-pop hit ‘Heartstrings.’ This Saturday night is the official launch party of the pair’s debut EP entitled Heartstrings, which will feature the band smashing out a 1-hour set of their happy-go-lucky jams. The girls will be supported by alt-country crew Malo Zima and synth-pop outfit, Avaberee.
Tickets & Info: $12, www.facebook.com
L Fresh The Lion
Where? Mojos Bar, 237 Queen Victoria St, North Fremantle
When? Friday 24 May, 8:00pm
Why? One of Aussie hip-hop’s fastest rising talents, L Fresh The Lion has supported the likes of international super heavyweights Nas and Dead Prez. Now the artist has finally embarked on his first national tour, to which this weekend the West Coast will play host to the rapper. Riding from the rouse of success that is debut single ‘One’, L Fresh The Lion is now repping his debut release, also entitled One. A full band will join LFTL as well as special guest MK-1 who features on the latest smash ‘Survive’, Mathas featuring Marksman and Selekt Few. Do not miss this one.
Tickets & Info: $10 Presale, $15 Door, www.mojosbar.com.au & www.gobookem.com
