10 ARTISTS TO CATCH LIVE THIS WEEK(END)
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10 ARTISTS TO CATCH LIVE THIS WEEK(END)

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JEP AND DEP
Fol Noir

Jep and Dep are a couple of acoustic-wielding, vocal-harmonising purveyors of smoky folk songs. There’s a dark tension to the pair’s compositions, which is compounded by wandering strings and forceful splashes of percussion. But it’s Jep and Dep’s united female/male vocal synergy that really snares your attention.
 

Thursday August 13 – The Vanguard – Sydney, NSW

FACEBOOK | BANDCAMP | YOUTUBE

 

CHILDS PLAY
Hip Hop/Jazz

Perth trio Childs Play make conscious hip hop that seems obviously indebted to the work of the Native Tongues collective. Though, instead of simply moulding themselves in the image of Tribe or Jungle Brothers, they display an affinity for the jazz influences and political-mindedness that gave the collective its distinction. 
 

Friday August 14 – Mojos – Perth, WA

BANDCAMP | UNEARTHED | FACEBOOK 

 

AINSLIE WILLS
Progressive Pop

The power of Ainslie Wills’ songs creeps up on you. But once you’re under its spell, it’s hard to deny. Her recent single ‘Hawaii’ perfectly exemplifies this – it begins as an politely rhythmic, moody rumination before bursting into ‘80s power ballad territory. It’s a journey that leads you to straight back to the play button, now filled with eager anticipation.
 

Friday August 14 – Darwin Railway Club – Darwin, NT

BANDCAMP | FACEBOOK | WEBSITE | SOUNDCLOUD 

 

PLEASURE SYMBOLS
Cold Wave

Pleasure Symbols exist in a world of murk and blood-sucking synthesisers. It’s the dark side of new wave, where flamboyance is supplanted by disaffected grit. They’re on the road supporting The Grates at the moment, which seems an odd fit. But beneath the layers of distorted synth and ice cold drums, Pleasure Symbols hint at a latent melodic aptitude.
 

Friday August 14 – Oxford Art Factory – Sydney, NSW

FACEBOOK | BANDCAMP | SOUNDCLOUD 

 

REMI
Hip Hop

You want the realness? Well Remi gotcha. These days being compared to Lupe Fiasco hardly seems like a compliment. But the Chicago MC started his career with some legitimately decent, thought provoking records. There’s a touch of Lupe in the way Remi’s friendly demeanour belies his political intent and simmering bravado. Either way, hip hop worldwide is better for his presence.
 

Friday August 14 – The Lighthouse – Darwin, NT

FACEBOOK | BANDCAMP | YOUTUBE | WEBSITE

 

CAPRE
Electronic/Hip Hop

Psych-influenced electronic hip hop duo Capre are a hard one to pin down. Defying easy categorisation is a laudable achievement, but the results aren’t always satisfying. However, Capre stay attentive to fact that genre-bending should be employed to serve the songs, rather than a mere decorative distraction.  
 

Friday August 14 – Wooly Mammoth – Brisbane, QLD

FACEBOOK | UNEARTHED | BANDCAMP | SOUNDCLOUD

 

HAU
Hip Hop

It seems odd to describe any artist as ‘royalty’ in their given genre. Royals got to where they are simply by being born, they fulfil a post that can’t be challenged, and are largely dedicated to preserving tradition. Hau is often cited as Aussie hip hop royalty, but his career has been characterised by non-stop work, continually proving himself and seeking out new creative territory. In latest single ‘Kill.I.Am’, a mean, bass-heavy groove supports Hau’s lyrical dismissal of the shameless quest for stardom. 
 

Friday August 14 – Republic Bar – Hobart, TAS

BANDCAMP | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE

 

BAPTISM OF UZI
Psych/Kraut/Groove Rock

Baptism of Uzi make music that you want to wear. Not only is it gosh darn comfy, but it possesses a seductive power that massively surpasses any contrived gesture. Krautrock and other such associated movements aren’t generally thought of as particularly sensual. But that’s nothing but a misunderstanding. Baptism of Uzi indicate how precisely calculated textures can also encompass sensual freedom.  
 

Saturday August 15 – The Tote – Melbourne, VIC

BANDCAMP | UNEARTHED | FACEBOOK

 

SPLASH BROS.
Basketball Electronic

The premise behind Perth electronic trio is a wee bit silly: they’re named after Golden State Warriors players Klay Thompson and Steph Curry, who led the team to NBA championship victory in June – which is when the Splash Bros. songs were written and recorded. But their sports-oriented origins have led to a collection of songs that exude class while exercising nimble minimalism.

 

 

Saturday August 15 – Connections Nightclub – Perth, WA

BANDCAMP

 

MILK TEDDY
Washy Pop

Utilising shimmering guitar and vocals that plaintively enchant from beneath a bed of reverb and ambient noise, Milk Teddy might take the long way round, by they’re purveyors of classic guitar pop. Hazy as it is, it’s a pleasure to listen to – like one of those levitation-inducing lucky hangovers.
 

 

Sunday August 16 – Gasometer Hotel – Melbourne, VIC

BANDCAMP | SOUNDCLOUD | FACEBOOK