Gig Review: The Beards (London)

The Beards

Everyone with an older sibling has the experience of their older brother or sister telling them about a 'cool' band that they should listening to.  "Not everyone knows them, but they're really good and they'll probably be really big one day!" OOoohh we say. tell us more!  I still remember when my sister told me about a cool band. "They only sing about beards!"

....

Um. Ok.  Cute! Catchy song, but surely it's just a joke, right?  Cut to a few years later (8 years to be exact) and I am on the other side of the world and find myself interning for the company that does London based PR for the very well known rock band known as The Beards.  I guess the joke's on me!

The Beards originally formed in 2005 "a dark time for the beards. It was a time when having a beard could mean unemployment, social isolation, and sometimes death. That’s when four defiant bearded men from South Australia decided enough was enough, and the beard revolution began."  The humour and catchy tunes produced by this passionate foursome has seen them score incredible exposure online via through social media and cheeky online videos as well as eventual airplay and a spot on Triple J's Hottest 100 for 2012.  Whilst some say The Beards are serious, and other's argue it's all an act, their's no denying that these fella's are set on bringing back beards and they sure can put on one hell of a show. 

On Monday the 20th of May I was lucky enough to score a pass to The Beards' London gig at the Hoxton Sqaure Bar and Kitchen.  If you've haven't heard of The Beards just yet, you clearly don't have one.  Hailing from Adelaide, South Australia The Beards are an incredibly talented and incredibly bearded foursome who write and perform rock-bluesy songs about their one and only passion of beards (and their loathe of those who don't have beards.)  Ever entainting with well known songs such as "If your dad doesn't have a beard,  you've got two mums" and "You should consider having sex with a bearded man," The Beards are showing no signs of slowing down any time soon.

At one point during the show, my (bearded) friend Jay observed The Beards' front man and turned to me and said "If he's pulling out a keytar solo in only the third song, you really do wonder what's going to come next!" What did come next were a kazoo, a saxophone solo, and songs that brought the house down, ballads that made lighters wave from side to side in the air, and many, many beard rubbing between men.  And it was perfect.

The thing about The Beards is that not only are their lyrics and characters hilarious, but their songs are an incredible mix of old-school blues and rock that is incredibly enjoyable to listen too.  Extremely talented gentleman, I am quite certain that this bearded group are in fact a group of bearded geniuses.

I could go on but I'm hesitant to as I believe this show is to be enjoyed in person.   All I can say is you are in for a treat - a good audience, great music and performers that will have you smiling right into the next day; and the whole 'beard thing'? - it doesn't get old.  The Beards have well and truly mastered their craft and I was so thrilled to see them have the reception they deserved in Hoxton, London.

For more information on The Beards and any upcoming tour dates, check out their blog, facebook or twitter.

The Beards at Hoxton Square, London.

UK Music Fix: Bastille

For those left wondering whatever happened to good, original pop music - i give you Bastille.  With an indie - rock vibe, Bastille's catchy and heartwarming songs have allowed them to break into the commercial market both within the UK and internationally 

The English band Bastille seem to have appeared out of no where, suddenly filling airways of multiple commercial radio stations and even having a remix featured on Adelaide's Dance Music Station Fresh 92.7 FM. After hearing and enjoying their track "Pompeii" i felt compelled to download this track, as well as see what other tracks may be available by the band.  Upon doing this i was able to read numerous reviews of their breakthrough single. One fan expressed that the song was so beautiful that it had brought her (or him) to tears.  Listening to more music by the band Bastille,  I would personally still describe their music as pop, but by no means should this leave a bitter taste in the mouth.  It's refreshing, it's unique and it is hands down good music. 

Bastille was initially a solo concept created by the crazy haired Dan Smith, who later turned Bastille into a band, joined by Chris 'Woody' Wood, Kyle Simmons and Will Farquarson.  Since working hard throughout 2011 and 2012, February 2013 saw the track "Pompeii" shoot up the UK charts to no 2., reaching no. 1 in Scotland. 

I am willing to argue that Bastille's popularity is attributed to more than just their catchy melodies, after all, if catchy melodies all that defined good music, some might say that Pitbull and Christina Aguilera sampling Aha's Take On Me was actually a good thing. (they would be wrong.)  With Bastille, there is meaning behind the lyrics, and a passion behind the vocals that can often be forgotten or overlooked.  It would be intriguing to see how Bastille's emotive performance on record translate in a live environment.   The harmonies and rhythms created by Bastille are reminiscent of Mumford and Sons and comparisons with The Fray and The Script could be made - it will certainly be interesting to see how Bastille's music and image develops with future records.

With Pompeii as a reference, other songs on the album are certainly fruit of the same tree.  Bastille have their sound defined and have managed to display creativity and variety within that scope. 

The band's next release will be "Laura Palmer" - a very similar track to "Pompeii".  Listening to the entire album is encouraged to get a more holistic Bastille experience.

Key tracks on Bastille's "Bad Blood" Album?  As well as their smash hit "Pompeii", check out "Flaws" and "Things We Lost in the Fire." 

Find Bastille on Facebook / Follow Bastille on Twitter

Gig Review: The Black Keys

The Black Keys

El Camino Tour

Adelaide Entertainment Center

Tuesday, October 30

Since 'Lonely Boy' went viral across the globe, The Black Keys have become this year's face of Rock and Roll.

It was refreshing to see the Adelaide Entertainment Centre stripped down for such a popular music act; it was nothing but the crowd and Dan and Patrick - more commonly known of course as The Black Keys.  Much similar to Mumford and Sons, the set was simple lighting; an indication of where music is at the moment and how you can tell the difference between a concert and performance. 

The Black Keys - AEC (source: AdelaideNow)

Opening their set with the track that all fans of the hit HBO series "Tru Blood" would love, "Howlin' for you," The Black Keys set the tone  early on.  Dirty, grungy, sexy rock had Adelaide howling for The Black Keys.  After playing a few songs with accompaniments, Dan and Patrick took to the stage -  just the two of them, -  taking the audience back in time, playing a number of old songs, before bringing back the band to play out their most recent hits 'Lonely Boy' and 'Gold on the Ceiling.'

The level of energy in the room was inescapable and whilst The Black Keys had a "lets-get-on-with-it" attitude to the concert, it wasn't insulting by any means; the crowd couldn't agree more - they were there to hear the music!  Although admittedly at times the instrumentals seemed to be arguing over tempo, this was always quickly adjusted, and the music was so good no one really gave a shit anyway.   It's safe to say any errors that were made that may have not gone unnoticed, where immediately forgotten when the worlds biggest discoball dropped for the boys' encore.  (Just search #discoball and #theblackkeys on instragram to see.)

There's something raw about The Black Keys music and seeing them perform live on stage amplified how exactly how cool they are.  The Black Keys may have cracked the mainstream music market but they are by no means a mainstream band, making it clear they are sticking by their roots and that they understand their what their fans love.

To find out more about The Black Keys you can look them up on facebook, twitter or visit their website for gig dates - www.theblackkeys.com

The end.

The Backwater Blues and Roots Festival

The Backwater Blues Festival

19th-28th October

Adelaide and Regional South Australia

From the 19-28th of October across Adelaide and Regional South Australia, music lovers from all walks of life were brought together by the Backwater Blues and Roots Festival 2012. Featuring an array of artists sure to get you knee slappin and toe tapping, the remarkable line up on display this year was shared across the state with acts performing in Mount Gambier, Willunga, Lobethal, Whyalla and McLaren Vale.

On Friday the 26th of October the Old Queens Theatre, in Adelaide was brought back to life with performances from Tara Carragher and Genevieve Chadwick, as well as headliner for the night Mia Dyson. The venue was perfect; decor and lighting breathing energy into the somewhat restored old theatre warehouse, which you just know had seen so many performances and great times before then. Makeshift pop up bars and an eclectic collection of furniture with a silent video of The Rolling Stones projected onto the wall brought together the cool crowd, who were all there for one reason; to listen to good music.

The supporting acts of the night were raw and fantastic. Tara's voice was gorgeous and strong and Genevive rocked out on a guitar held together with gaffa tape and a single bass drum, starting a dance floor that would be grooving all night. Mia Dyson did not disappoint; her voice and the acoustics of her band's harmonies were brought out beautifully by this unique venue's layout.

And that is what is so great about the Backwater Blues and Roots Festival. South Australia is a hub for great music and music lovers alike and it is ideas and events like this that give us an opportunity to share, love and enjoy.

To describe the Backwater Blues and Roots Festival in more detail I've lifted this description from the event's facebook page:

"All great ideas come from a couple of beers, but only the crazy folks remember it the next morning. In 2007 we imagined something reminiscent of the makeshift bars of 1930s Mississippi where weary workers would unwind with a whiskey or a cold beer and dance to the rhythms of travelling blues men and women.

The Mojo Webb band were one of the
acts at this years Backwater Bluesfest

In 2008, Adelaide’s Juke Joint was born. The inaugural event attracted a like-minded audience of music lovers frustrated with the lack of blues & roots events in South Australia. Following such an overwhelming response, the event continued and evolved to become a 10-day celebration of blues & roots music throughout the state. Now in its fifth year, we are taking the blues to Mt Gambier, Whyalla, Lobethal, Willunga and McLaren Vale while also creating a pop-up Juke Joint in the centre of Adelaide at the Queens Theatre.

In true Adelaide fashion, the festival has been nurtured and developed for and by the public. The enduring appeal of the blues lies in its healing properties; the grinding rhythms and purging tales of trouble and strife with which anyone can empathise. It’s organic and real and spiritually uplifting for musician and listener alike. It’s the original dance music. And so, in an era of drive-thru lifestyles, social networking and manufactured musical confectionery, we bring you the elixir: the 2012 Backwater Blues & Roots Festival.

Hand-crafted by: Andrew Dundon & Rob Eyers with Meral Nieman, Tanya Schroeder, Emily Rice, Jacob Habner and the SA Blues and Roots community.

2012 Festival Line-up includes:

Interstate Artists

The Backsliders

Mia Dyson

Jeff Lang

Dallas Frasca

Collard Greens and Gravy

Genevieve Chadwick

Pugsley Buzzard

Brendan Gallagher

South Australian Artists

Mick Kidd

Nick Kipridis

Sweet Baby James & Rob Eyers

Dr Piffle & The Burlap Band

Louise & The Tornados

Jordan Ruru

Don Morrison

Cream Tribute Show

The Red Hot Blues Band

Rhumboogie featuring Chris Finnen

Tara Caragher

Bottleneck Slide Show

Harmonica Intensive with Snooks La Vie and Dave Blight

The Bakers Digest

Cal Williams Jnr

AP D'Antonio

Brenton Manser Duo"

"Mia has been on our dream list for the festival since its inception, so when we found out she was returning to Australia to launch her new album The Moment we jumped at the chance to create a soulful night celebrating the women of blues. Mia will be joined by the smoky, vivacious vocals of Genevieve Chadwick and Adelaide’s own rising star of the blues, Tara Carragher."

To learn more about the Backwater Blues Festival and keep in touch for next year, check them our on facebook, twitter or their website www.backwaterbluesfest.com

QandA with...Loon Lake

Three brothers and two mates make up the garage-pop band from Melbourne Loon Lake.  

Loon Lake - 3 bros and 2 mates

Since forming in 2010, "Loon Lake," - comprising of Simon, Nick, Sam, Dan and Tim, -  has become a well known name within the Australian music scene, with hits such as "Bad to Me" featuring regularly on national radio station, Triple J.   The group have also been prolific performers, performing at Big Day Out, Groovin' the Moo as well as touring with UK band, Kaiser Chiefs.

One day before they perform their sold out show in Adelaide, Simon from the band took some time out to answer a few quick questions about the music industry, the journey so far and what we can expect from their new EP "Thirty Three".

RTM: The band Loon Lake formed in 2010 and since then you have conquered everything from festivals such as Pyramid Rock and Big Day out right through to touring with artists such as Bluejuice and Kaiser Chiefs.  What have you learnt from performing alongside such seasoned performers?

LL: I think having the opportunity to play alongside those guys who have obviously been doing it for so long, shows how far you can take it and how much you can improve. One thing that I noticed with touring with the Kaiser Chiefs was the level of professionalism, every night and through every detail. They seemed to have a great amount of respect for their fans, every show they did was to their full capacity to what I could see. I think what you have to remember when being a live band, no matter where you play is that every time you can win one new fan over. And that's important, no matter what the gig is you should play like its your last, because punters can detect when you are not enjoying it or giving it your all. High profile bands are seasoned at that - they have played shitty gigs too, but they get to the position they are by persistence dedication and handwork.

RTM: You are currently headlining your own tour, promoting the new Loon Lake EP "Thirty Three" - what can people expect at a Loon Lake gig?


LL: Every time this question gets asked I find it really hard to answer, as I guess I have never seen a Loon Lake gig. In comparison to our previous headline shows we have definitely stepped the production side of things up. We have spent more time and effort on presenting more of a 'show' to the punters. Within our limits though I guess - we don't have a revolving drum cage hovering above stage. Yet. Musically, we have definitely got some more treats in store, obviously with a new EP comes new songs to play, which is exciting for us. We are yet to play our song 'Cherry Lips' live yet, which will be fun for us to see how it goes down. I feel we are playing a lot tighter at the moment too.

The boys will be performing in Adelaide tomorrow night,
as part of their "Thirty Three" tour.

RTM: How would you describe Loon Lake's music to someone who had never heard it before?

LL: I would probably describe it is 'garage pop' music, that has a penchant for melodies and hooks. Not sure though, I think its best to listen to us and make up your own mind. People might hear it completely different to what I do. That's the good thing about music, it subjective. Some might like it, some might hate it.

RTM: Talk us through the name of the EP - Why "Thirty Three"?

LL: Ok, firstly that is the name of one of the tracks on the EP. In particular that song is about someone who has got to that age and sort of realised 'what am I doing in life? Do I need to change/settle down kind of thing?' Then after we recorded the EP, we realised there was kind of an underlying theme throughout the songs, basically it is about change, and getting to a particular point in your life and working out what you want and need. It was something we all agreed on and we felt that was an apt title.

RTM: Three brothers in the band...how is it traveling and performing together?

LL: It's all fine. We are good friends and we hang out a lot so there are no real dramas, and if there is they usually dismissed very quickly. There are obviously moments where you get under each others skin, but I think this is common within any close relationship. I guess you can't really hold a grudge for too long, as at some point in time you have to go home and hang out with the rest of your family. They don't want to hear your petty band problems.

  


RTM: I love the Pic of Last Dinosaurs singer Sean wearing a Loon Lake t-shirt!  Do you feel a sense of community in the Australian music industry - particularly amongst up and coming musicians?

LL: Yeah that was great hey. We played with them a couple of times and they are top lads, he really liked the shirt so we gave him one.  It was cool to see that he was wearing it in a press shot. They are a top band too, I really like some of the licks their guitarist uses. I do think there is definitely a sense of community amongst the young bands, everyone is appreciative of everyone and definitely trying to help each other out. At the same time I guess you are all doing your own thing and trying to pave your own road, but generally all the bands we come across are great to each other. You have to be as you run into each other all the time. I think the elder statesman in Oz rock are cool too. The Jebediah crew were some of the nicest dudes I've met.

RTM: After the "Thirty Three" tour, what's in store for the boys from Loon Lake?

LL:  After the tour we are really concentrating on writing more songs as we are thinking about our debut album. I mean the writing has already begun, but I think we really need to make a concentrated effort to work hard on making a very good and cohesive debut album. I feel the debut album is one of the defining moments of a bands career, it's definitely important to do the very best you can with that.

In terms of live shows, we have a couple of things like Bigsound and Queenscliff, we are obviously hoping for more summer festivals and supports and stuff. But generally that is where we will be for the next year, we may go a bit quiet as we concentrate on the album.

To find out more about where you can catch Loon Lake on their "Thirty Three" tour, head to their website.

You can also connect with the band on Facebook and Twitter.

Loon Lake are

Sam; Vox, Guitar, Keys

Sime; Guitar

Dan; Guitar

Timmy; Bass

Nick; Drums

Ran with Simon from Loon Lake

QandA with...The Cathars

They don't come as fresh as The Cathars - The Indie Rock Band formed early 2012 and in the short space of time since then, have featured on Triple J unearthed, released 2 singles and have begun working hard on their Debut EP which they hope the have released by next year.

With influences such as Bloc Party and Crowded House, The boys from Brisbane work with "the sole purpose of expressing ideas and innovation in the medium of songwriting." Full of energy, emotion and attitude The Cathar's 2 singles currently available for download.

The Cathar's have two tracks available
for download on Triple J Unearthed

The boys took time out of working on their Debut EP to chat to Ran Type Music about influences, changing the name of the band and what they see for The Cathars in the future:

RTM: Before 2012, members of The Cathars were performing as "Pools and Trumpets" - why the change and why now?

TC: The name change really reflected a bigger change within the band. Our music was evolving and becoming a bit heavier and rough around the edges, and we felt that ‘Pools and Trumpets’ felt a bit too twee and playful for the kind of music we were producing. We also associated the name with our first year of playing some lacklustre, dodgy gigs (with awful hair cuts to match).



RTM: How would you describe The Cathars sound to someone who had never heard your music before?

TC: On our bandcamp we use the words “slick” and “visceral” to sum up our sound, and I think these two words sum it up quite well. It’s always tricky to pin down your own sound, but a lot of people have said we sound like Bloc Party and Arctic Monkeys. I would describe the music us as having solid tunes with clever twists and a great rock riff here and there.

RTM:What artists or bands did you listen to growing up? Which musicians of our time do you hope your kids will listen to growing up?

TC: We all listened to different stuff growing up, Mitch listened to The Beatles and Crowded House and I (Ryan) listened to a lot of classic rock and 70’s progressive rock. Our later influences all overlap though, with all of us having an appreciation for bands like Arctic Monkeys, The Beatles, Bloc Party, The Shins, Kings of Leon (primarily their first two albums) and Bob Dylan. I hope my kids will be listening to a lot of the stuff that my dad listened to! Pink Floyd, Paul Simon, and other classics, although I do reckon that a handful of contemporary bands will stand the test of time.

 

Kanye: The Cathars do the best cover of ALL TIME!

RTM: Collaborations have been huge in recent months, particularly across genres...if The Cathars could work with anyone, who would it be?

TC: Kanye could appear on the cover we do of his song “Hell of a Life”, we’d get a kick out of that! Not sure if we’d welcome his constant interruptions though...

RTM: Who (or What) inspires The Cathars music?

TC: I know that Mitch is inspired by great melodies, the song writing process, and generally learning his craft, and Harrison is motivated by the success and accomplishments of our fellow local bands (Last Dinosaurs, DZ Deathrays). For me it is very much the privilege of being able to perform and share our own stories and experiences through songs and performance. Playing and listening to music has always been quite an intimate form of communication, and I think it transcends the kind of stilted and limited exchanges that we usually have with strangers on a day to day basis. I know that for all of us lads though, it’s really a labour of love all round, and having a drink and a laugh together at band practice is usually just as great as writing and playing the music itself.

Finish this sentence;

By this time next year, The Cathars will have...

TC: Released their debut EP, gigged profusely, written a tonne of new songs, and hopefully worked up quite a sweat.

RTM: The Cathars have just finished recording a couple of new songs - what can we expect from these new tracks?

TC: At the moment there is just one primary track we will be releasing within the next month or two. It’ll be called “Picnic and The Lightning” - think “Teddy Picker” by the Arctic Monkeys, with more abstract lyrics. Pop with attitude. 


RTM: Any upcoming gigs that we can catch you at?

TC: Nothing confirmed yet but we will be announcing a slew of upcoming gigs in the near future. Stay tuned!

RTM: Finally, What is the ultimate goal for The Cathars?

TC: We want to keep writing and performing music with a view to taking it (and ourselves) all around the world and, in a more immediate sense, have as much fun as possible while creating a memorable and high energy live show.

You can check out The Cathar's music on their soundcloud page, or download their tracks from triple J unearthed. Tweet at or Like the guys on Facebook for more information on when they may be gigging at a venue near you.

The Cathars are:
Harrison Tang (lead vocals, rhythm guitar)
 Mitchell Laney (bass guitar)
Mervin Milburn (lead guitar, backing vocals)
and Ryan MK (drums, insults).


A huge shout out to The Cathars for taking time out to answer some questions for RTM :) If YOU know any musicians you think would like to have a profile up or answer some cheeky questions, email Ran at rantypemusic@gmail.com.