Craig Nicholls
Rock/pop
It says a lot that we’re still excited about new Vines tunes 14 years after the band’s breakthrough (especially considering no subsequent releases have come close to matching the initial excitement). But hell, the band’s new single ‘Miracle Land’ is nothing if not listenable, so a Nicholls solo show promises to be at least intriguing.
Thursday April 14 – Newtown Social Club – Sydney, NSW
The Sugarcanes
Soul/rock
The Sugarcanes are wily instrumentalists who have found their way to the heart of the groove. Their classic soul throwbacks make you want to pledge allegiance to the lord (whichever one it is you prefer). They’re also led by a powerhouse vocalist whose presence lifts the band way above their contemporaries, making it so attentions don’t waver.
Friday April 15 – The Tote – Melbourne, VIC
UNEARTHED | FACEBOOK | BANDCAMP
Strict Face
Electronic
We’re believers in whatever it is Adelaide arts group Format are presenting. Strict Face is another discovery: low flying electronic stuff with paddy synths and a groove just waiting to kick in. It never quite does, but you’re dazzled just the same.
Friday April 15 – Format – Adelaide, SA
UV Boi
Electronic/hip hop
UV Boi’s electronic hip hop jams are representative of the post-808s & Heartbreak era – a time when emotion is just a welcome as head-smashing beats. That’s not to say he’s dependent on the example of Kanye and his associates. Rather, UV Boi proves himself to be a cunning experimentalist with refined, although divergent impulses.
Friday April 15 – Northcote Social Club – Melbourne, VIC
FACEBOOK | SOUNDCLOUD | UNEARTHED
Lily & the Bellows
Pop/soul
Sydney fivesome Lily & the Bellows are something of a supergroup, featuring members of Vigilantes and Suiix. But bandleader Lilly So is the star of the show, her vocals as sweet as they are hazed in mystery, and her songwriting immediate and yet unpredictable.
Saturday April 16 – Oxford Art Factory – Sydney, NSW
WEBSITE | SOUNDCLOUD | FACEBOOK
The Goon Sax
Indie pop
The Goon Sax have some family ties to the Go-Betweens, but without that knowledge you could have guessed Go-Betweens ran in the blood. They prefer not to over-decorate, instead using their three-piece constitution to emphasise stories of self-aspiration and convey an impression of still-forming greatness.
Saturday April 16 – Blurst Of Times – Brisbane, QLD
Problems
Electronic
Problems make sleek nu-electro pop. It’s not a completely smooth ride down the river, but all the pieces are immaculately groomed. There’s an R&B flavour, but their tunes are less sensual than they are depictive of total confidence.
Saturday April 16 – Mojos – Perth, WA
Deep Sea Arcade
Psych pop
Goodness bloody gracious would these guys hurry up and release a new LP. Bridging the gap between The Zombies and Stone Roses, Outlands still stands as one of the best Aussie albums of the decade, but it’s now over four years old (with several of its songs many years older). Deep Sea have been pretty quiet of late, but this headline performance suggests new things are on the horizon.
Saturday April 16 – Oxford Art Factory – Sydney, NSW
Scotdrakula
Rock/garage soul
For Melburnians it feels like yonks since Scotdrakula have played. It’s only been a few months, but god it’s good to have them back. This is filthy garage soul that revolves around an unhinged vocalist who sounds like he’s just about to steal your toaster (in a melodious way, at least.)
Saturday April 16 – The Curtin Bandroom – Melbourne, VIC
Nadia Reid
Folk rock
Kiwi songwriter Nadia Reid is making the trip across Nullarbor to present her songs of heartbreak and universal longing to the people of Perth. Reid has a shimmering, smoky voice that’s as unsettling as it is captivating.
Sunday April 17 – The Bird – Perth, WA
