On Monday night I saw a show that I never through I’d see in Australia. Zamrock legends W.I.T.C.H (We Intend To Cause Havoc) played Sydney Opera House and it was a fantastically intimate feel-good show. As I’ve mentioned here before, I got fairly deep into the Zamrock scene a few years back and W.I.T.C.H are one of the leaders of the movement. Although a lot of the original members are no longer with the band, founder and frontman Jagari has assembled an incredible collection of musicians from around the world to perform their back catalogue classics, and also record new music which was highlighted with last years excellent Zango album, their first album in nearly forty years. Thanks to the legends at Mistletone for touring them in Australia!
Shining Bird are gearing up for the release of a brand-new album and they’ll be previewing plenty of music from it at a show next week in Sydney. It’s the first live appearance from the band in a while and it will be happening at The Great Club in Marrickville on Thursday March 14th with supports for from Blistar and new south coast band The Sevilles. The first taste of the new album was last years single Out Of The Black, and the next taste is just around the corner. The album, once again recorded with Tim Whitten, is sounding incredible and news of its release will be revealed shortly. Click on the link below to grab tickets.
I’ve been a long-time fan of the Late Night Tales compilations and have managed to collect most of them on vinyl. For those of you not familiar with the series, it is essentially a curated mixed tape from some of your favourite artists. Recently the Jamiroquai one got a vinyl reissue for the first time in about twenty years, and it is a great example of what the series is. The UK group take you on a journey mainly across disco, funk and soul genres (although in the wider series, so many genres are covered) with great tracks by everyone from Sister Sledge through to Marvin Gaye. These are great records to have at home ready to put on the turntable at dinner parties, kick ons or just to wake you up on a lazy Sunday morning. Pick up the Jamiroquai one in store or by hitting the cover image below.
There has been a huge amount of new local music lately so it’s worth a revisit to my regularly updated Hits From The Gong New Music playlist. I’ve previously spoken about new music from Hockey Dad, Obscura Hail, Tropical Strength and Richie Weed here but some other recent highlights are also featured on the playlist. Joe Mungovan is gearing up for a new album release and has a great new single out in the lead up, Satin Cali have just released a new single ahead of their European tour with The Terrys that is about to start. The Terrys have also just delivered a new album, while Wollongong bred, Melbourne based Tyne-James Organ is also back with a new single. If you want to dig a bit deeper there is a great new single from northern suburbs folk singer Helena Massey, while psych country outfit MFV are also back with a new single. Finally the latest track from Russell W is now up on streaming, a must hear for fans of electronic/post rock sounds.
And on the topic of local music there is a highly recommended show happening this Sunday March 10th at Thrirroul Railway Hall if you are into experimental/post rock/jazzy sounds. A collab by two of the region’s finest musicians Russell W and Godriguez. I’ll be out there to spin tunes on viny before and between sets. It kicks off at 6pm andbest of all it is free entry!
