If you haven't heard Purple City then stop reading this and listen to it. Now.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Best 12" of 2009: Joker & Ginz – Purple City/ ReUp
Runner Up: Excision & Datsik - Swagga/Invaders
If you haven't heard Purple City then stop reading this and listen to it. Now.
If you haven't heard Purple City then stop reading this and listen to it. Now.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Origin @ Steel Blue Oval Bassendean, Perth, 31/12/09
New Years Eve is usually a massive disappointment. Everyone always puts so much pressure on it to be the best night of the year, which it very rarely turns out to be. So in much the same way, this year's instalment of Origin could have turned out to be either an amazing night, or a massive disappointment, as with such an awesome line-up of local and international artists, there was a great amount of pressure for the festival to deliver.
Arriving early to catch Perth's psychedelic beat maker Diger Rokwell, I was greeted by a virtually empty Steel Blue Oval, and thus Diger ended up playing just to my friends and I for nearly his whole set. But this did not dampen his enthusiasm, as he played a banging set of beats, mixing in J Dilla, The Stone Roses, and throwing in a little Michael Jackson tribute mix towards the end. Diger provided the perfect start to the festival.
Next up was Naik, who was recently awarded best Australian performance by Drum Media's Members Only section, and he confirmed this accolade with yet another amazing performance. Naik's live show incorporates a live drummer to accompany his guitar/pedals/synths combo, as well as sometimes a DJ, which was the case today. Naik's instrumental "prog-hop" tunes are amazing as is, and translate brilliantly live, but with the added element of a DJ dropping huge rhymes over the top, it takes it to the next level. Syncing his tunes with rhymes from the likes of Nas, Three Six Mafia and Outkast worked perfectly, cementing his live show's reputation.
Distance dropped some heavy dubstep early in the evening.
Distance was the first of the international dubstep acts to spin, over at the Origin stage. He played a very solid set of big dubstep tunes, including several of his own productions. The highlight for me would have to be hearing his awesome tune Headstrung dropped by the man himself through a big rig. Dopeness.
After Distance, I encountered the only problem I had all day - acquiring drinks. Lines were long the whole time, which wouldn't be too bad, but they were also slowly moving. This meant that in my quest to slake my thirst, I was unable to catch any of Klute. I did however get to watch some of LTJ Bukem & MC Conrad whilst waiting for drinks, who were putting on a good show.
Roots Manuva, donning his own take on a white tuxedo.
Over at the Knowledge stage, Roots Manuva bounded on to the stage, accompanied by 2 MCs, a live drummer, a DJ and someone on synths and samples. He looked like he was having a lot of fun on stage, as he launched into a set of both new tracks (like Again & Again, and Let the Spirit) and old tunes (including the excellent Movements) from his career. My only complaint would be that I would love to have heard more of his older tunes, but his set was still awesome. The highlight would have to have been when crowd favourite Witness (1 Hope) was dropped. Such a good tune.
When I say Benga, you say Skream!
Straight after Roots Manuva were Skream & Benga, who got the ever-swelling crowd very pumped, very quickly. Playing a pretty full-on set of banging dubstep, Skream & Benga did not give us a chance to catch our breath, as they kept dropping wave after wave of hard wobbling tunes. The biggest responses from the crowd were saved for Benga's dubstep anthem, 26 Basslines, and the tune that has helped bring dubstep to the masses, Skream's remix of La Roux's In For The Kill. What a set!
Ugly Duckling wanted it louder, louder!
Arriving early to catch Perth's psychedelic beat maker Diger Rokwell, I was greeted by a virtually empty Steel Blue Oval, and thus Diger ended up playing just to my friends and I for nearly his whole set. But this did not dampen his enthusiasm, as he played a banging set of beats, mixing in J Dilla, The Stone Roses, and throwing in a little Michael Jackson tribute mix towards the end. Diger provided the perfect start to the festival.
Next up was Naik, who was recently awarded best Australian performance by Drum Media's Members Only section, and he confirmed this accolade with yet another amazing performance. Naik's live show incorporates a live drummer to accompany his guitar/pedals/synths combo, as well as sometimes a DJ, which was the case today. Naik's instrumental "prog-hop" tunes are amazing as is, and translate brilliantly live, but with the added element of a DJ dropping huge rhymes over the top, it takes it to the next level. Syncing his tunes with rhymes from the likes of Nas, Three Six Mafia and Outkast worked perfectly, cementing his live show's reputation.
Distance dropped some heavy dubstep early in the evening.Distance was the first of the international dubstep acts to spin, over at the Origin stage. He played a very solid set of big dubstep tunes, including several of his own productions. The highlight for me would have to be hearing his awesome tune Headstrung dropped by the man himself through a big rig. Dopeness.
After Distance, I encountered the only problem I had all day - acquiring drinks. Lines were long the whole time, which wouldn't be too bad, but they were also slowly moving. This meant that in my quest to slake my thirst, I was unable to catch any of Klute. I did however get to watch some of LTJ Bukem & MC Conrad whilst waiting for drinks, who were putting on a good show.
Roots Manuva, donning his own take on a white tuxedo.Over at the Knowledge stage, Roots Manuva bounded on to the stage, accompanied by 2 MCs, a live drummer, a DJ and someone on synths and samples. He looked like he was having a lot of fun on stage, as he launched into a set of both new tracks (like Again & Again, and Let the Spirit) and old tunes (including the excellent Movements) from his career. My only complaint would be that I would love to have heard more of his older tunes, but his set was still awesome. The highlight would have to have been when crowd favourite Witness (1 Hope) was dropped. Such a good tune.
When I say Benga, you say Skream!Straight after Roots Manuva were Skream & Benga, who got the ever-swelling crowd very pumped, very quickly. Playing a pretty full-on set of banging dubstep, Skream & Benga did not give us a chance to catch our breath, as they kept dropping wave after wave of hard wobbling tunes. The biggest responses from the crowd were saved for Benga's dubstep anthem, 26 Basslines, and the tune that has helped bring dubstep to the masses, Skream's remix of La Roux's In For The Kill. What a set!
Ugly Duckling wanted it louder, louder!Leaving Skream & Benga a tad early, in order to secure a front spot for Joker, meant that I caught a little bit of Ugly Duckling, performing their light-hearted take on underground hip-hop. Closing with single Turn It Up was a lot of fun, and the crowd really dug it.
We listened to DJ Joker.
We listened to DJ Joker.It was now time for the main reason I was at Origin, Joker. He is the man of the hour, blending a unique mix of dubstep, grimey beats and electro, to make a sound that he merely describes as "purple". It was ridiculous how good his set was, which incorporated several of his own tunes like Digidesign, Purple City, Gully Brook Lane, and also what sounded like new tracks of his. Tracks from other artists were also in the mix, such as Fackin' 'Ell by Crissy Criss, and Out of Space by the Prodigy, which really got the crowd going. If you know and like Joker's sound, this set was nothing short of perfect. Damn.
It was at this stage of the night that my phone (and thus camera) ran out of battery. Bummer.
Following Joker were the Dilated Peoples. From the start to finish, the energy these guys brought was incredible, as they tore through tracks from all five of their albums, including You Can't Hide, You Can't Run, Back Again, and Kindness for Weakness. DJ Babu is an amazingly talented DJ, and is the anchor of the group, which was emphasised through the parts of their set that showcased his skills, cutting and scratching with astounding precision. The set also included a few tracks from MC Evidence's The Weatherman LP. This is how live hip-hop should be.
And finally, it was time to see if all the hype was worth it, as I headed over to catch Method Man & Redman. Rumours of Meth being a no-show had been rife ever since reports of his arrest due to tax evasion surfaced (similar to what happened to Nas just prior to the Low:Fi festival). They took their time in emerging, as sound problems appeared to plague their DJs. However, Red n Mef's banter from backstage, as well as Meth starting chants of C.R.E.A.M. and Shame On A Nigga, kept the crowd entertained and got them excited. Finally emerging, these truly larger then life characters put on an awesome show, starting with tracks from their latest album, Blackout! 2. Tracks from Blackout! surfaced later in the show, and all were executed brilliantly. Some of the highlights from the set for me, however, were the sections that focused on Meth, as he sang his hook from Raekwon's Ice Cream, performed Wu-Tang Clan's track Method Man, and even his track Fallout. These two stoner icons really delivered what was needed, an over the top spectacle.
All in all Origin 09/10 lived up to (and possibly exceeded) my expectations, which were quite high. There was not a disappointment for me the whole day and night, unlike most other New Years Eves.
It was at this stage of the night that my phone (and thus camera) ran out of battery. Bummer.
Following Joker were the Dilated Peoples. From the start to finish, the energy these guys brought was incredible, as they tore through tracks from all five of their albums, including You Can't Hide, You Can't Run, Back Again, and Kindness for Weakness. DJ Babu is an amazingly talented DJ, and is the anchor of the group, which was emphasised through the parts of their set that showcased his skills, cutting and scratching with astounding precision. The set also included a few tracks from MC Evidence's The Weatherman LP. This is how live hip-hop should be.
And finally, it was time to see if all the hype was worth it, as I headed over to catch Method Man & Redman. Rumours of Meth being a no-show had been rife ever since reports of his arrest due to tax evasion surfaced (similar to what happened to Nas just prior to the Low:Fi festival). They took their time in emerging, as sound problems appeared to plague their DJs. However, Red n Mef's banter from backstage, as well as Meth starting chants of C.R.E.A.M. and Shame On A Nigga, kept the crowd entertained and got them excited. Finally emerging, these truly larger then life characters put on an awesome show, starting with tracks from their latest album, Blackout! 2. Tracks from Blackout! surfaced later in the show, and all were executed brilliantly. Some of the highlights from the set for me, however, were the sections that focused on Meth, as he sang his hook from Raekwon's Ice Cream, performed Wu-Tang Clan's track Method Man, and even his track Fallout. These two stoner icons really delivered what was needed, an over the top spectacle.
All in all Origin 09/10 lived up to (and possibly exceeded) my expectations, which were quite high. There was not a disappointment for me the whole day and night, unlike most other New Years Eves.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Best Collaboration of 2009: Burial & Four Tet
Runner Up: FlyamSam (Flying Lotus & Samiyam)
Arriving somewhat out of the blue, and under a shroud of mystery (the vinyl has an all black case and contains no liner notes or any information other than the artists names and the names of the two tracks, Wolf Cub and Moth) which should be expected as Burial is in the picture, Burial and Four Tet's 12" was always going to be something else.
Initially people were unsure as to exactly how the split was made - were both tracks collaborative, did each only make one, or was one worked on together and the other worked on separately? The last could have been a good guess, with Wolf Cub containing signatures from both artists, though not in an entirely cohesive manner (not, in anyway, implying that it is bad), while Moth sounds like what could have resulted with both artists sitting in the studio together. Kieran Hebden later confirmed that both tracks were, in fact, created collaboratively.
But all that really matters is the music. And it is phenomenal. If you are a fan of either artist (or both), or just a fan of alternative electronic music in general, this is one of the must hear releases of 2009.
Arriving somewhat out of the blue, and under a shroud of mystery (the vinyl has an all black case and contains no liner notes or any information other than the artists names and the names of the two tracks, Wolf Cub and Moth) which should be expected as Burial is in the picture, Burial and Four Tet's 12" was always going to be something else.
Initially people were unsure as to exactly how the split was made - were both tracks collaborative, did each only make one, or was one worked on together and the other worked on separately? The last could have been a good guess, with Wolf Cub containing signatures from both artists, though not in an entirely cohesive manner (not, in anyway, implying that it is bad), while Moth sounds like what could have resulted with both artists sitting in the studio together. Kieran Hebden later confirmed that both tracks were, in fact, created collaboratively.
But all that really matters is the music. And it is phenomenal. If you are a fan of either artist (or both), or just a fan of alternative electronic music in general, this is one of the must hear releases of 2009.
Best Club Gig of 2009: Kode9, Harmonic 313 & Steve Spacek @ Villa, 27/6/09
Runner Up: Flying Lotus @ Ambar, 10/1/09
Getting to see Kode9, owner of the awesome Hyperdub label, and a pioneering dubstep DJ/Producer in his own right, in Perth was something to look forward to indeed. And the night did not disappoint.
Arriving late and thus only catching the very end of Harmonic 313's set was to be the only disappointment of the night, as Kode9 took all present on a dark journey. And I mean literally dark. What was initially thought to be a mistake on behalf of the lighting crew later turned out to be a request of Steve Goodman, to leave him surrounded in darkness, which definitely added to the mystique of the night.
Kode 9 likes to keep it dark - his decks can just be made out here.
Playing a range of bass heavy tracks, including not only dubstep but also oldschool jungle and UK garage, the Villa dance floor was rife with stepping the whole night long, as Kode9 delivered an absolutely banging set.
Big ups to local boy Rekab who came on after Kode9 and continued the hectic pace, right up until sunrise.
Getting to see Kode9, owner of the awesome Hyperdub label, and a pioneering dubstep DJ/Producer in his own right, in Perth was something to look forward to indeed. And the night did not disappoint.
Arriving late and thus only catching the very end of Harmonic 313's set was to be the only disappointment of the night, as Kode9 took all present on a dark journey. And I mean literally dark. What was initially thought to be a mistake on behalf of the lighting crew later turned out to be a request of Steve Goodman, to leave him surrounded in darkness, which definitely added to the mystique of the night.
Kode 9 likes to keep it dark - his decks can just be made out here.Playing a range of bass heavy tracks, including not only dubstep but also oldschool jungle and UK garage, the Villa dance floor was rife with stepping the whole night long, as Kode9 delivered an absolutely banging set.
Big ups to local boy Rekab who came on after Kode9 and continued the hectic pace, right up until sunrise.
Best Festival of 2009: St. Jerome's Laneway Festival @ Perth Culutural Centre, 6/2/09
Runner up: Low:Fi Festival @ Aberdeen Street, 25/10/09
Setting an alternative boutique festival in the heart of the Perth Cultural Centre in Northbridge seems to be such an obvious formula for success, it's a wonder it took until 2009 for it to happen.
Perth's inaugural Laneway Festival took place in 2009, and had an awesome line-up, that allowed me to see Stereolab, The Hold Steady, The Drones, Four Tet, Buraka Som Sistema, Pivot, Born Ruffians, Still Flyin', and Daedelus. All in the one day. Amazing.
The location was beautiful, with stages set up amongst heritage buildings and the art gallery, the vibe was amazing, as being a more boutique festival, the crowd actually went to listen to and watch some amazing artists, rather then walk around with their shirts off until they were at an adequate level of sweatiness to begin rubbing up against other punters.
There was not a bad act the whole day, and none of the dramas witnessed at the Eastern States shows (where the laneways containing the stages became too crowded, so people missed the acts they wanted to see) were anywhere to be seen.
And although not technically part of the festival, the after party was amazing too - walking in to the Bakery to see Daedelus jamming with Pivot is a memory I will never forget.
Bring on Laneway 2010!
Setting an alternative boutique festival in the heart of the Perth Cultural Centre in Northbridge seems to be such an obvious formula for success, it's a wonder it took until 2009 for it to happen.
Perth's inaugural Laneway Festival took place in 2009, and had an awesome line-up, that allowed me to see Stereolab, The Hold Steady, The Drones, Four Tet, Buraka Som Sistema, Pivot, Born Ruffians, Still Flyin', and Daedelus. All in the one day. Amazing.
The location was beautiful, with stages set up amongst heritage buildings and the art gallery, the vibe was amazing, as being a more boutique festival, the crowd actually went to listen to and watch some amazing artists, rather then walk around with their shirts off until they were at an adequate level of sweatiness to begin rubbing up against other punters.
There was not a bad act the whole day, and none of the dramas witnessed at the Eastern States shows (where the laneways containing the stages became too crowded, so people missed the acts they wanted to see) were anywhere to be seen.
And although not technically part of the festival, the after party was amazing too - walking in to the Bakery to see Daedelus jamming with Pivot is a memory I will never forget.
Bring on Laneway 2010!
Monday, December 7, 2009
Best Concert of 2009: Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds @ Belvoir Amphitheatre, Perth, 20/1/09
Runner up: Of Montreal @ Becks Music Box, Perth 28/2/09
At the start of the year, Belvoir Amphitheatre played host to Nick Cave and his Bad Seeds, touring off the back of their album, Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!!. The fact that he is now over half a century old has not slowed Mr. Cave in the slightest, as he and his spectacular band tore through a set of not only great songs from Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!!, but a whole host of other classics, including Red Right Hand, The Mercy Seat, Tupelo, Deanna, and Into My Arms, enthralling the audience for over 2 hours.
Most shows at Belvoir are usually quite special, due to the intimacy of the venue, but this show was just amazing, as Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds proved not only that they definitely still have it, but also why they are one of the most critically acclaimed Australian groups of all time. Adding to the mystique of the night was the announcement just 2 days later that Mick Harvey was leaving the Bad Seeds after 25 years, meaning this was his last ever show.
I can't wait to get the oppurtunity to see this band again, hopefully sooner rather than later.
At the start of the year, Belvoir Amphitheatre played host to Nick Cave and his Bad Seeds, touring off the back of their album, Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!!. The fact that he is now over half a century old has not slowed Mr. Cave in the slightest, as he and his spectacular band tore through a set of not only great songs from Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!!, but a whole host of other classics, including Red Right Hand, The Mercy Seat, Tupelo, Deanna, and Into My Arms, enthralling the audience for over 2 hours.
Most shows at Belvoir are usually quite special, due to the intimacy of the venue, but this show was just amazing, as Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds proved not only that they definitely still have it, but also why they are one of the most critically acclaimed Australian groups of all time. Adding to the mystique of the night was the announcement just 2 days later that Mick Harvey was leaving the Bad Seeds after 25 years, meaning this was his last ever show.
I can't wait to get the oppurtunity to see this band again, hopefully sooner rather than later.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Best of 2009 (a.k.a. My Favourite of 2009)
December is officially upon us, so I have decided now is the time to start compiling a list of my favourite music related happenings from over the course of the year.
The categories will consist of best (and a runner up for each):
- Concert
- Club Gig
- Festival
- Collaboration
- Local Release (Perth)
- Australian Release
- 12"
- EP
And culminating in my favourite top ten albums of the year (of which are not in previous categories).
Stay posted!
The categories will consist of best (and a runner up for each):
- Concert
- Club Gig
- Festival
- Collaboration
- Local Release (Perth)
- Australian Release
- 12"
- EP
And culminating in my favourite top ten albums of the year (of which are not in previous categories).
Stay posted!
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