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New Zealand's Liam Finn, son of Crowded House and Split Enz frontman, Neil, is one of the most talented up & coming musicians/songwriters on the planet. Now teamed up with another famous name, Eliza-Jane Barnes, daughter of Aussie rock & roll legend, Cold Chisel's Jimmy, the two combine for one of the best live shows i have had the pleasure of watching.

Musical Royalty: Liam Finn & Eliza-Jane Barnes

Myself and one of my best mates were front and centre for their performance at the 2009/10 Falls Festival at Marion Bay, which we both agreed was a highlight of the festival, despite some high profile names on the bill. The reason was simple: despite temperatures above 30C, the passion they put into the performance was amazing, and really came through (peaking with the crazy stage dive by Finn late in the set) ... when it was over, it even looked like they didn't want to leave the stage! Stage banter between the two, as well as with the crowd, also gives a welcome insight into their personalities, something I always love to see. Finn is one of the best users of a loop pedal I have EVER seen (for the record, Jeff Lang is also up there) and inspired me to go out and splurge more than $500 on my own loop pedal. But its the fact that Finn is equally proficient on drums as he is on guitar that most impressed me. He would loop drums, play them back, pick up the Tele guitar and do a quick bass line, a few high-end bends for good measure, and launch into the song, switching whichever loops on and off with pure musical skill (and believe me, operating a loop certainly takes skill.) Then, he would start another with a guitar loop, and finish the song by bashing the shiit out of the drums live, creating an amazingly full sound given you only see two people on stage. It really was a pleasure watching this unfold, knowing that he would loop the tracks perfectly every time. EJ Barnes simply completes the act very well. Her vocals (which sometimes soar over Finn's) provide much needed female change, and some nice harmonies. She also plays percussion, autoharp, as well as other instruments. The highlight of their set at Falls would have to be Second Chance. Check it out as a live video on youtube if you haven't already.... Liam Finn - Second Chance

Today, I finally got my hands on Champagne In Seashells, the debut EP by Liam Finn and Eliza Jane. It is a fantastic little collection of songs.

Champagne In Seashells: rating....8.5/10

Tracklisting
1. Plane Crash
2. Long Way To Go
3, Won't Change My Mind
4. Honest Face
5. On Your Side

Far from being pigeonholed as just "singer/songwriter music," Liam Finn and Eliza Jane Barnes have managed to make this EP sound more experimental than some previous songs, through the use of reversing, looping, and various other weird and wonderful effects (including monkey noises) while still having elements of pop indie rock. I guess you could say the songwriting is quite pop, while the deliverance is certainly more unique. This is definitely not a bad thing....I am really loving experimental effects at the moment, while I grew up on a diet of singer/songwriter music. Long Way To Go is the upbeat, crowd-favourite-type song of the bunch, while Plane Crash shows off all the skills and musicianship Finn and Barnes have developed. The loud, whiny, distorted guitar throughout Honest Face really threw me off-guard, but after I got used to it, I started to warm to it.

Overall, a very good demo by two young talents to keep an eye on in the future. With slots supporting the Pearl Jam tour along with Ben Harper here, their current form suggests that future may not be too distant!

Bren

P.S. For those who are interested, check out my band here The Save

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Recordings of the Middle East Reviewed

February 6th 2010 10:41

The Middle East released this album prior to splitting up in 2008, and after reconvening re-released an abridged EP - the Recordings of the Middle East. That's the EP that's in front of me as I type, and has been played out of my speakers for the last few days now. Before I start my review I'll give you some basic information on them.

who are the Middle East?
The Middle East are a six piece band from Townsville, Queensland, Australia.

What do they play?
It's a topic of a lot of conjecture. Their myspace lists them as simply 'indie' but I'd say indie-folk, with a whole heap of other influences thrown in. Gypsy, Folk andIndie all fused together may be the most apt way of describing them. They've been described as sounding similar to Arcade Fire, and their widespread use of vocal harmonies as well as the glockenspiel, trumpet, piano and hand percussion does nothing to stop people talking of the similarities.

Recordings of the Middle East album cover

The EP consists of five songs, two of which are fairly well known amongst Triple J listeners, or so it would seem. The Darkest Side and Blood both placed in the 2009 Triple J Hottest 100 Countdown.

The melodies are beautiful and the female and male lead vocallists interwine so perfectly the listener feels themself floating off to an alternate universe.

The Middle East take a religious slant on their songwriting and aim to educate their listeners - 'we have material minds' in Lonely, 'And you’ll find the peace of the Lord', in Blood, 'the evidence of heaven' in Fools Gold and many subtle biblical references throughout The Darkest Side.

That is not to say the EP is not lyrically beautiful. 'it's the darkest side of your heart that dies when you come to me' and the And we’re left with wretched hearts, And mangled minds, Concrete feet, And beggars lies'. Truly emotive and heartfelt lyrics that make the listener think, whilst listening to the beautiful harmonies the Middle East are known for.

My favourite tracks: The Darkest Side - Lyrically beautiful track that speaks of how our lives are incomplete without that something special in our lives - whether it be the people we love or our God. The vocals are haunting and the guitar simply exceptional, and it makes it easy to concentrate solely on the music.

Blood: Layered indie/folk vibe the whole way through, the melodies are to die for, and the crescendo - well what a crescendo. Check this out, if nothing else.

If you can push the religious slant to one side you'll find that this is an exceptional EP - and the Middle East are a band to keep on your radar; well and truly.

Rating: A very solid 3 and a half out of 5.

Posted by Adam.

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Kiddlywinks: Songs that take you back to your childhood.

February 5th 2010 12:36

Well written or just well played music has this uncanny ability to transport the listener to an alternate reality, a parallel universe or even back to a certain time in their life. In this post I'll be revealing five songs that take me back to my childhood - days of not caring, of spitting the dummy over nothing, days where things were anything but complicated.

The Arctic Monkeys - Riot Van - The song showcases the rebellious streak most adolescents, particularly male adolescents, towards authority. Reminds me of being a smartarse and getting my arse kicked by my parents/authority when I went too far, just like the lads in the song do.

Josh Pyke - Middle of the Hill - Pretty universally known song that's easy to sing along to, and it's even told the way a child would, jumping from story to story almost at will. Takes you back to when everything was mystical, a lot more exciting than it seems to be now. Listen to it.

Paul Kelly - They Thought I was Asleep - Reminds me of the times I used to hide under the covers and shut my light and make my feuding parents think I was asleep. Like PK's character does, I find out later, that it didn't matter to my rents whether I was asleep or not. Paul Kelly is the best storyteller, and his tales all strike a chord and transport me to another time.

Blink182 - First Date - Must admit I was a huge fan of Blink in my early teenage-hood, and this song strikes a chord with every guy who's been on a first date - sweaty palms, fears of being rejected - that nothing but the girl you were after mattered.

Pink Floyd - Another Brick in the Wall - When I was a kid I thought this was a childish song about teachers un-necessarily making us do work. Now I'm almost at adulthood (18 in a month) and it's about censorship - and everyones right to free information. Takes me back to the time when teachers were the infidel, and shows me just how much I've learnt, and how much I've matured.

Do you have songs that have struck a chord with you? Songs that changed the way you lived or that simply took you back to your childhood?

Responses are encouraged, and I'll nag at Bren to add his list of five in a comment.

Posted by Adam.

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Hottest 100 Review Part 2

February 5th 2010 03:00

Hey guys - Adam here - and I'll continue my review of the Triple J hottest 100 countdown.

In this post I'll go through #80-#61 and provide a lowlight and highlight for the section.

#80 - Dizzee Rascal - Holiday - I'm not a rap/hip-hop man, but I like Dizzee, especially his early stuff, for the man has attitude. Holiday isn't as inaudible or as 'fuck you world' as anything on the first album, but it's very easy to listen to, and he still has a little something extra that sets him apart from the stereotypical rapper. I like the song, and I like the man.

#79 - Yves Klein Blue - Getting Wise - Behind Polka and Make up Your Mind as my third favourite track off their debut album - Ragged & Ecstatic - and is pretty well universally liked. A lot of piano, a big rousing chorus and this track is a very good one.

#78 - Tame Impala - Remember Me - Nothing like a bit of psychedelic rock. Fairly repitive lyrically, but a very good dance song, with a thumping beat.

#77 - Jet - She's a Genius - Was bound to get in. It's old school Jet, and even if its not one of my favourites off their new album Shaka Rock, it's what the public most identifies Jet with. An old school rock track that the purists who grew up on a diet of heavy hitting rock find most enjoyable.

#76 - Julian Casablancas - 11th Dimension - The Lead singer of the Strokes gets in to the count off his solo work. Electro sounding beat, and his voice sounds a lot more commercial than in his work with the Strokes. Different, but I like it.

#75 - Wolfmother - New Moon Rising - More old school rock. The most popular track off their new album, Cosmic Egg - and was always bound to get in. High energy guitar and drum beats and complete with Andrew Stockdale's unique voice. Old school rock at its finest, and one to really head bang to.

#74 - Art Vs. Science - Friend in the Field - No where near as energetic as the three pieces two main hits Flippers and Parlez Vous Francais, but lyrically, is probably their best track. A much slower tempo, but Art Vs. Science are enjoyable regardless. If you've only heard of Flippers and Parlez Vous Francais, check this one out.

#73 - MSTRKRFT (ft John Legend) - Heartbreaker - Very electro, with a poppy sound the whole way through and more oh oh oh's than you can poke a stick at. Not as edgy as what I'd normally listen to, but I can certainly enjoy it, and relate to the lyrics.

#72 - Sia - You've Changed - Poppy with an electro, hand clap beat the whole way through. Sia has a very good vocal range and the difference in her songs is truly astounding. I'm not a huge fan of the song, but I admire Sia and her versatility vocally. Check out the film clip - it's a whirl of colour and action.

#71 - Bertie Blackman - Byrds of Prey - My favourite track off Bertie's new album where she goes very electro. She's got an amazing voice and the synth compliments the chorus very nicely. A great track.

#70 - Animal Collective - My Girls - If you haven't heard of Animal Collective, check them out - experimental or even physchedelic pop best describes them. My Girls is a fantastic track from their new album, Merriweather Post Pavilion, which features perfectly used back up vocals and a real change of tempo. I love it.

#69 - Death Cab for Cutie - Meet me on the Equinox - The song being used on the second Twilight movie killed it for me a little bit, but it's still a great track lyrically - the slower side of what I listen to normally.

#68 - The Prodigy - Omen - Electro, or Dance Punk as it has been described - enters the count yet again, this time courtesy of the Prodigy. Big Electro build up, and it's a great dance track, even if limited vocally.

#67 - Washington - Cement - There's only one song on the countdown that makes swearing in a song sound cooler - and it took out number #1. I'm in love with this track, and Washington as a whole. She has a fantastic voice, is a mean piano player and lyrically, her songs connect with me like few others can. Check this one out. Do it.

#66 - Illy - Pictures - Illy is a rapper I really enjoy, and the female backing voice on this track compliments it perfectly. Illy paints pictures through his lyrics - and if you haven't heard of him check him out - you'll be hearing more from him later.

#65 - Eskimo Joe - Foreign Land - A real feature of their new album Inshalla - and given a lot of airplay commercially. Power chords and very intriguing lyrics, written as a reaction to Heath Ledgers death. The weird wind instrument you hear is a turkish instrument called a zurna, and it compliments the song very well.

#64 - The Middle East - Blood - They won the Unearthed Comp a few years back, and I love their sound. This is my favourite tune from their EP. Check it out before they get huge - because they will. Great use of instruments, and the folkish sound, and dramatic build ups are used to great effect. Comparisons to Arcade Fire are not far off the mark.

#63 - Karnivool - All I know - Very heavy rock, with Ian Kenny's amazing, floating, melodic voice. I love his work with Birds of Tokyo, and although I'm not as into Karnivool, I can certainly appreciate why they're so widely loved. This is as not as heavy a track, and a real favourite of mine.

#62 - Bloc Party - One More Chance - Most of you will know of Bloc Party's sound. Kele Okereke's very distinctive, very english voice, compliments the electro sound of the song superbly. It's very electro, but very enjoyable.

#61 - Grizzly Bear - Two Weeks - An amazing song, from my co-collaborator's favourite band. How do you describe Grizzly Bear? Psych-folk or simply alternative? It doesn't matter, for they produce great music, and the backing vocals here compliments Ed Droste's fantastic, floating vocals.

Highlight of the section: The mix of amazing music. Great electro and rap tracks, along with some of my favourite indie rock and alternative tracks. This section houses the widest variety of the lot, so spend an hour or so listening to the lot on youtube - for you'll find at least a few songs you'll love. If I had to pick a song I was stoked made it to here, it's Blood by the Middle East. They're just starting to get the recognition they deserve.

Lowlight: I couldn't find one. Most tracks very good lyrically, or had something to bop along to that made them very different to other tunes floating about.

Only 60 to go.

Adam.

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'In Ear Park' Reviewed

February 2nd 2010 06:31

Hi guys, Bren here, posting my first in-depth album review of the blog. I'll be reviewing an album called "In Ear Park" by Department of Eagles, a duo I'm not sure many people would have heard of, so I'll start with some background information on them.

Soaring eagles: Dan Rossen and Fred Nicolaus

DEPARTMENT OF EAGLES began at New York University in 2000 when roommates Daniel Rossen and Fred Nicolaus began to pass the time by writing songs together, and laying down tracks using pirated software and microphone equipment borrowed from their neighbour, Chris Taylor. In 2004, Rossen joined New York band, Grizzly Bear, a band featuring Taylor on bass. In the meantime, Nicolaus began working, but would send tracks and song ideas to Rossen, who was working on his own songs too personal for use in Grizzly Bear, via email. Over the next three years, the two men had begun the workings of a studio album, which they begun in December 2007, enlisting the help of Rossen's fellow Grizzly Bear members Chris Bear (Drums) and Taylor (Bass, horns, producer/engineer.) The result was In Ear Park, a personal collection of songs dedicated to Rossen's late father, and released in late-2008.

Track Listing
1. In Ear Park
2. No One Does It Like You
3. Phantom Other
4. Teenagers
5. Around The Bay
6. Herringbone
7. Classical Records
8. Waves of Rye
9. Therapy Car Noise
10. Floating On The Lehigh
11. Balmy Night

This is a fantastically colourful album, sometimes dark and emotional (In Ear Park, Herringbone), sometimes bright and happy (No One Does It Like You, Teenagers) and everything in between. It is an album that is enjoyable from start to finish, while still varying its moods. This is certainly my kind of music; an acoustic record with piano featuring in some songs, and perfect vocal harmonies on every song stealing the show. Rossen and Nicolaus are spot on with their vocals, especially. The songwriting draws from various influences, but is still completely original in its melodies, personal lyrics (Rossen being the main vocalist for the duo), and musical concepts. The Grizzly Bear similarities are also there in some songs, which is understandable given the band members, although not too prominent throughout. Rossen has been given more freedom to use his own themes and songwriting techniques, and his own brand of guitar playing is on show. The banjo also features on the record, most prominently on closing track, Balmy Night.

All of these things make In Ear Park something, but the samples and effects contributed by all four collaborators make this record something else. The seemingly a'cappella parts for songs such as No One Does It Like You and Phantom Other are, for me, the highlight of the record, and are what sets them apart from your typical acoustic/indie/alternative record out there. The arrangements for strings, etc. add a certain rare mysterious feel to the album, one you will only just begin to understand after studying the songs a dozen or more times.

It is hard to find a lowpoint of the album, but I would say Therapy Car Noise would be the lowest. It is a very experimental type of song. Highlights incude No One Does It Like You (probably the most pop-influenced song on the album, the song is a reminder of summer), the brilliance of Phantom Other (the drums comimg in for the second verse is pure bliss!) and the fantastic 'bring-up-then-straight-back- down' chorus in Classical Records.

Overall, this record certainly increased my love for the man some are labelling 'God,' Daniel Rossen, and provides a good alternative to listening to my favourites, Grizzly Bear.

Rating: 4 and a 1/2 out of 5.

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Hottest 100 Review

January 28th 2010 10:39

I hope you all had as enjoyable an Australia Day (and Hottest 100 day) as I did.

I'm going to evaluate all the songs in the count - and provide a lowlight/highlight for each section of the count

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Hottest 100 Preview #2

January 24th 2010 12:04

For me, 2009 has been all about the emergence of some great new bands who i suddenly fell in love with, most notably Grizzly Bear, The Temper Trap, Empire of the Sun, and Beach House, the three formers I have seen live this summer.

For this, the 2010 Hottest 100, I even broke my rule by voting for 2 songs by the same artist. Before I go on, however, I just want to say that I wasn't in the best state when i finalised these votes, and that a little more thought and time (I did my voting on the 22nd of December) would make my list that much better, My 10 votes in alphabetical order are here

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Hottest 100 Preview:

January 23rd 2010 03:22

Well what a year in music 2009 was!

The Arctic Monkeys re-invented themselves with a grungier, rockier sound, departing from the the indie-pop music they were known for. Humbug shows us that the band has progressed in style, and the end result was just as good, if not better, than the previous two albums

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Contra Reviewed

January 16th 2010 09:46

Contra - the second album of Vampire Weekend, is much more experimental than their self titled debut album. The university educated New Yorkers, who describe their style in their debut as 'Upper West Side Sowetto', produce a more diverse sound, but it oozes with just as much enthusiasm and originality as 'Vampire Weekend' did

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