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Band Of The Week - Apart From This
Apart From This are one of the newer band’s to give the reemerging pop punk sound a crack. Drawing influence from the likes of This Time Next Year, Title Fight, Man Overboard, The Wonder Years and Saves The Day, the band keeps away from the hardcore influenced style of pop punk that is all the rage at the moment.
Based in Melbourne, the band first formed in 2008 but was unable to find a singer until their current singer Tim stepped up to the plate and decided to give it a go at the end of 2009. “We had been on a big break from playing shows due to not having a singer, and focused more on writing. Then when Tim joined it all worked perfectly,” says the band’s bass player Matt.
In March 2010 the band recorded their demo with Sam Johnson at Three Phase Studios. The band’s vocalist Tim had this to say about the demo; “They were just a few tracks we have been jamming on that we re-wrote since I was in the band. Meaby St. will be also be on the new EP we are writing currently, which will feature our new drummer.”
The band’s new EP is set to be released later in the year, and will be one of the first releases for We Love The Hearts Records.
The band will be opening for Detroit pop punk band Fireworks on their current Australian tour. “I can't wait, so stoked that we are supporting one of the bands we know and love, should be a lot of fun,” says the band’s singer Tim.
April 23 - Phoenix Youth Centre, Footscray – Melbourne (AA)
w/ Fireworks (USA), Heroes For Hire
For fans of: The Wonder Years, This Time Next Year, Title Fight
Demo 2010 - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=6UJMV1QI
http://www.myspace.com/apartfromthis
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Apart-From-This/359290378372
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Live Music Is Dead. Try mime.
Greetings fellow blogophiles and welcome to my first blog of the One-ders (Stupid name for a decade...should have just called it Gary). Seeing as we have reached such a historic time of the earth’s cycle, I feel I must write about a topic that matches the importance of the age we live in....How could Russel not win Survivor?!!...I mean he played the game hard, found immunity idols...and all those other grade A sucka’s comfortably rode on in on his coat tails. I call shenanigans on that!! That dude was bad-ass! Sheesh!!....In fact I think that this topic is far too important for my humble little blog space so I’ll just move onto something infinitely less significant. The closure of live music venues. Now as we all know, our favourite Collingwood drinkery, The Tote, was recently closed due to insane liquour licensing laws that I don’t pretend to understand. I can’t say that I was a regular visitor to the Tote, but on the occasions that I did go there, I had an incident free, drunken orgy, fun filled night with balloon animals, colouring books and colonic irrigation (Translation: I liked going there). And so did many others it would seem, as countless Facebook protests were made so that...well ...the people who agree with the protest could see that others agree with the protest (Seriously....what’s the point of protesting on a network that’s designed to keep out intruders...grrr). But still, mice were clicked in their thousands and revolution was in the air... right?....Was it bollocks! As someone who has tread the proverbial boards of many a venue (Inc. The Tote) and at times played to...shall we say... meager audiences, I am completely aware of which people in my social loop were live music go-ers and which were going along with the proverbial facebook flow (Use of proverbial so far: 2) It caused me great annoyance to see people joining groups like Save Melbourne Music, when we all know that a on Saturday night they would much rather be singing Summer Of 69 at the top of their voice at some god awful place that dribbles a thimble of house bourbon into a pissy little plastic cup. But I don’t have a problem with that. You wanna get fucked up and listen to a D.J playing Blister in The Sun for the nine millionth time then go nuts. Just don’t pretend you are some live music loving bohemian that is disgusted with the destruction of our art maaaan. But the problem still isn’t that. The problem is Melbourne.
Now Melbourne...You know I love you. In fact, the other week I went on a boat down the Yarra for the first time and had an all round lovely day. I love everything about you including your wonderful hockey team (www.melbourneice.com). But boy howdy! Do we like to pat ourselves on the back as the kings of live music. We love the idea that we are pure art on a stick so much that we wouldn’t ever dare admit that maybe....just maybe...a shit load of our bands suck. But surely none of our bands could possible suck...we’re Melbourne! We're a live music city so it's gotsta be all good right? Not to harp on too much about Facebook groups, but I saw people joining groups such as “From now on I’m doing all my drinking at live music venues”. I mean seriously, what the hell is that?! Like it’s a chore to go drinking at a live music venue? It shouldn’t be something you go out of your way to do. It should be fun....fucking entertainment!! Not something that is so hard to do it warrants some sort of life changing public proclamation. Now here’s the reason why people don’t go to see bands on an extremely regular basis....alot of bands are boring (Yeah...I went there. Insert sassy finger click here). Because of this, give all live music a go, Melbourne attitude we have, what we have actually done is created an environment where it is o.k for shit bands to get up and do nothing original or entertaining for 30 minutes. This may have been fair play in a different time but now.... the world has changed. I can feel it in the air. I can smell it in the water. Venues can no longer afford to keep our shit bands going, so it’s either do it well or get the fuck off the stage. To the three musicians that might actually read this; If you look at your band and honestly say to yourself that you are not doing anything new or entertaining then get better or give it up. Because it ain’t just about getting up and having fun anymore. Unfortunately. Venues can’t afford it. It’s shit, but that’s the way it is. I say this as a musician who realises that on occasion, I have been way more than average up there on the proverbial boards (Meaning I have been shit). But now, alas, I realise that I must step up to the proverbial plate so to speak.
Places like Sydneys, The Sandringham Hotel, have instituted a pay to play policy. Meaning that if you can’t bring 60 patrons along then you’ll have to pay them 200 wing wangs. Now this sucks…but who am I to complain? I don’t have to run a venue. I just gotta show up, play a few songs, make a dick of myself for 40 minutes, get drunk and go home. I don’t even want to imagine the kind of financial pressure the guys that are letting us make noise in their venues are going through. And if I can’t get 60 people down there then really, I shouldn’t be doing it at all.
So there you have it. This is the kind of financially aware decade we are living in. It sucks, but that’s just the way it is. What once could be viewed as a bit of fun, now has to be seen as providing some sort of service. And as sickening as that sounds , it’s something to think about. How will bands cut their teeth live in the One-ders (Gary), I wonder? More studio time? House parties? Street parties? Pool parties? Lego Parties? I dunno. I’m not a scientist (Tell me if you get that reference anyone), but just a thought to the three people in bands that may read this. Tis a desperate age we live in. No more just getting up on stage for the fuck of it because you are damaging the whole live music deal. Something my own band very much has in mind….but we’ll probably still suck….at least we’re thinking about it….but only proverbially.
Anyway….Fuck Paul McDermott.
Cheers,
Marvel
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Dear Jack
22 year old Andrew McMahon expected huge things in 2005, with his debut solo record on the horizon, things were looking up for the former Something Corporate frontman.
Until a day in May of 2005 saw his whole world turn upside down, he was diagnosed with Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL).
“Dear Jack” documents Andrew on a rollercoaster of a year, through the highs of releasing an album and the terrible lows of being diagnosed with leukaemia.
Using just a camera Maverick Records bought for him to document the process of recording Everything in Transit. Andrew shot everything from recording to the treatment he was received.
Dear Jack is a raw and unaltered look at the pure uphill battle that is leukaemia. From having spinal taps, radiation and a stem cell transfusion from his sister Kate. It is nothing short but a pure testament to his strength, courage, friends, family and most of all his now wife Kelly.
The scene that touched me the most was the removing of the hair with a lint brush – it’s like a process that essentially breaks down the human into one thing, the will to survive.
Interlaced with the documentary is live footage as well as the collaboration with Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee – who recorded drums with Andrew on Everything in Transit. Also being narrated by Tommy - the film is a short look into the life of an incredible man.
Dear Jack is breathtaking film, a pure testament to Andrew’s courage, his will to survive.
And his love of making music, through the thick and the thin.
Website
Myspace
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A Year In The Making
So, as you can see there is a current trend with the KYS blogs containing our Top Tens in terms of music and various other media articles of vast importance.
And what a right pearler of a year for releases and tours it was!
Top Ten Releases of 2009 (INTERNATIONAL)
1. The Devil Wears Prada - With Roots Above Branches Below: So every other album they have done might have been shitty, but I'm really digging the Electronic/thrash riffs combination these guys come up with.
2. Architects - Hollow Crown: Technical, but catchy. Follow the water would easily be one of my favourite tracks of 09
3. Set Your Goals - This Will Be the Death of Us: Most people didn't rate this as much as as Mutiny, but the quality has defintely improved and the last half of the album is catchy as hell. Such a sweet bass sound as well
4. Darkest Hour - The Eternal Return - Modern Thrash gurus. Defintely an all time favourite and source of inspiration.
5. Evergreen Terrace - Almost home: Infinite sing along bits. Chaneys voice has never sounded better.
6. Behemoth - Evangelion: Heavy, really really heavy. I get the feeling these guys won't be in church this Sunday.
7. Circle of Contempt - Artifacts In Motion: Sick Meshuggah worship band. Whaddup Polyrhythms
8. Born of Osiris - A Higher Place: Further proof Sumerian are killing it
9. American Me - Siberian Death Machine: Late release, super heavy and mosh friendly. This to this and go punch people
10. The Black Dahlia Murder - Deflorate: Much love for this band, digging the more guitar driven songs
Top Ten Releases 2009 (LOCAL)
1. Dead Kings - Self Titled : The production on this CD is huge, and enters fairly untouched ground for an Australian band. I can't wait to see what they can do in 2010
2. Values Here - Greet The Sun: Being a massive Just Say Go! fan, i was dissapointed when they broke up. Such a shame their follow up has always walked down the same path, but Greet the Sun is an excellent swan song
3. Confession - Cancer: Massive sound, sick mosh bits with clean singing. Whats not to like?
4. Elora Danan - In The room up There: Now defunct perth Gurus, great thought provoking release
5. Anime Fire - On The Wings of Hope: Might have trashed this a bit to much in the review, but On The Wings of hope copped a decent flogging in the car stereo
6. Cross the Lips of Grace - The Epilogue of suffering: Grotesque and evil, what death metal should be about
7. Cry Murder - Above us the Waves: Sick defunct Adelaide band. So many good riffs
8. Hopeless - Dear World: A lot of pain and angst carried with this release. Definitely feeling it.
9. Break Even - The Bright Side: The shit this band has pushed up hill us unparalled. Im so happy for them The Bright Side turned out better than anyone could have hoped
10. Bermuda - Tyrant: Great debut EP, even greater dudes. Next EP is goin to be huge
Best Shows of 2009
1. Misery Signals @ Fowlers Live
2. Set Your Goals @ The Gov
3. Anime Fire @ Syke Nightclub
4. Dead Kings @ Syke Nightclub
5. Poison the Well @ The Gov
6. Parkway Drive @ Thebarton theatre w/ Arcitects and August Burns Red
7. Hopeless @ Fowlers Live
8. Arch Enemy @ Fowlers Live
9. Soundwave Festival @ Bonython Park
10. Miles Away @ Fowlers Live
Top Ten Films of 2009
1. Avatar: Believe the hype. One of the best movies i have seen. Period.
2. District 9: Caffas, alien reffos and cussing in a hilarious South African accent. Definately entertaining, while captivating the darker side of the human condition.
3. Watchmen: While hurting my head, the story line is immensly captivating.
4. Trick R Treat: It took a while to come out, but i found this really entertaining.
5. Up: Hilarious. The dog is a genius
6. Star Trek: Sick rehash. The broad spock is macking is top notch
7. Harry Brown: Micheal Caine, ex marine old dude. Complete Bad ass
8. Inglorious Basterds: Funny as hell, with heaps of nazi killing
9. Dorian Grey: Eerie From Hell vibe. Dug it
10. Zombie Land: Fuck me this movie was funny
Top Ten(ish) Celebrities of 2009
1. Sam Worthington: Purely based on my staunch boner for Avatar. He was cool in Terminator as well i guess. Plus the dude is aussie, ruling !
2. Christian Bale: This guy lost his shit at a sound dude on set of a film. He's also played Bruce Wayne and John Connor so he is immensly better than all life forms (except the above)
3. Tiger Woods: The blooke rooted like a zillion stunning broads
4. The Hammer: Internet Lord by day, Melbourne shuffling DJ by night. What a package
5. Crafter: Seems like the logical thing to put this bloke in any top ten
Bands I'll be keeping an eye on in 2010 release wise
Hallower
House Vs Hurricane
Anime Fire
Mary Jane Kelly
Abandon All Hope
Buried In Verona
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2009
This week Jared "The Herbrew Hammer" Heilborn of MDK and 28 Days fame asked me to do a wrap up of 2009 with some top 10 lists. There has been so many good releases this year that I found it really difficult to pick a top 10 for any of them. My lists are definitely the best that will be posted on here. That is all.
TOP 10 - HARDCORE/METAL
1. Trapped Under Ice - Secrets Of The World
2. Every Time I Die - New Junk Aesthetic
3. Rise And Fall - Our Circle Is Vicious
4. Reign Supreme - Testing The Limits Of Infinite
5. Converge - Axe To Fall
6. Blacklisted - No One Deserves To Be Here More Than Me
7. The Rival Mob - Raw Life
8. The Mongoloids - Assorted Music
9. Dead Swans - Sleepwalkers
10. Bad Seed - Bad Seed
TOP 10 - PUNK
1. Fireworks - All I Have To Offer Is My Own Confusion
2. Title Fight - The Last Thing You Forget
3. Polar Bear Club - Chasing Hamburg
4. This Time Next Year - Road Maps & Heart Attacks
5. The Swellers - Ups And Downsizing
6. Set Your Goals - This Will Be The Death Of Us
7. Transit - Stay Home
8. New Found Glory - Not Without A Fight
9. Brand New - Daisy
10. Paramore - Brand New Eyes
TOP 10 - AUSTRALIAN
1. Blkout - Total Depravity
2. Break Even - The Bright Side
3. I Exist - Three Nails And A Book Of Flaws
4. The Hollow - The Hollow
5. Iron Mind - The Sun Has Set
6. Hopeless - Dear World
7. Legions - Demo 2009
8. Phantoms - Demo 2009
9. Sex Wizard - Sex Wizard
10. A Death In The Family - Small Town Stories
TOP 10 - LIVE SHOWS
1. Mindsnare - Bald Faced Stag, Sydney
2. Trapped Under Ice - Manning Bar, Sydney
3. Hardcore 2009 - Roundhouse, Sydney
4. The Hollow - The Loft, Newcastle
5. Terror - Oasis Youth Centre, Wyong
6. Rise And Fall - Bald Faced Stag, Sydney
7. Break Even - Oasis Youth Centre, Wyong
8. Miles Away - Oassis Youth Centre, Wyong
9. Set Your Goals - Manning Bar, Sydney
10. Comeback Kid - Manning Bar, Sydney
TOP 10 - TV SHOWS
1. Ultimate Fighter 10
2. Entourage
3. Gossip Girl
4. Curb Your Enthusiasm
5. Greek
6. Secret Life Of The American Teenager
7. The Contender Australia
8. South Park
9. Dog The Bounty Hunter
10. The Simpsons
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