January 23, 2008

Australia Day is fast approaching and in light of Christmas holidays flying by in a haze of Guitar Hero, Christmas ham and Pure Blondes- so many Pure Blondes- it’s a welcome arrival. This year I’m looking forward to a safe road trip up to the beach to enjoy several days of boozy mayhem, much like our little mate in Narre Warren but minus the incoherency, rampant publicity and impending case of genital herpes. I’m also generally looking forward to the stack of local music that is set to be released this year and am keeping a watchful eye on several key local acts.

Irrelevant- Resist guns were due to release their new album last year, but have kept us waiting –quite impatiently-for some more quality Sydney hardcore. As a myspacer has so eloquently commented on their site, “aww yer. You guys are heaps hectic aye”. Myspace.com/irrelevant

Kill Whitey- Poison City’s newest signing have been promising some new material for some time now and hopefully they’ll deliver on their upcoming EP. Myspace.com/killkillwhiteykill

Wil Wagner- Remember Against Me? Like, old, old Against Me? Myspace.com/wilwagner

Gun Runners- Melbourne lads deliver their melodic hardcore with a distinctly modest vibe and no shortage of comradery. Have just finished their debut EP which is available at shows now. Myspace.com/thegunrunners

These Hands Could Separate The Sky- More Melbournites specialising in ambient, indie prog rock are about to knuckle down and record their first album and just scored the Minus The Bear’s Sydney and Melbourne support. Myspace.com/weareblackswans

Cut Sick!- Have gained quite the reputation for devastating live shows, specialising in daytime gigs- one of which is coming up on Feb 2 with Straightjacket Nation at Batman Park Hall. Myspace.com/cutsick07