These summer night gigs are getting just a bit much as far as sweltering humidity goes, it’s positively draining when you’re sweating before the gig even kicks off. No amount of heat or humidity or anything short of an apocalypse was going to keep me away from The Woolly Mammoth on Fortitude Valley’s iconic Ann Street.
Not when the recently passed lockout laws are looming and every night of unimpeded live music until they’re here should be savoured. And especially not when a virtuoso musician like Albert Hammond Jr., known most commonly for his role as part of the seminal New York City garage rock revival group The Strokes, is in town tonight, albeit in a solo capacity on his Momentary Masters tour in support of his latest record.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pT68FS3YbQ4
The psychedelic Gunns from Perth are in support tonight, playing to a decent early crowd who are well into it. They’re incredibly pleasant to listen to, radiating warm and breezy vibes of a much surfier pre-Currents Tame Impala. Songs like The Fool and She’s A Rainbow are totally mesmerising outer space rockers and the Woolly Mammoth sound system is more than up to the task of unpacking these and the rest of their songs from record to stage. It’s a wonderful way to catch a breath and enjoy the welcome indoors cool after sweating all the way here.
Having just launched their She’s A Rainbow EP with shows at the Oxford Art Factory in Sydney and Shebeen in Melbourne, expect some big things from Gunns in the very near future as their career hits liftoff.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Puoj-Y-Nmok
It’s a little wait until the man of the hour hits the stage, which is more than enough time for the crowd to swell. Having been hanging out for a tour or a festival appearance in Australia by The Strokes since their last here at the Splendour In The Grass of 2010, a solo tour by Albert Hammond Jr. is more than welcome.
To say that the crowd here tonight are only in attendance because of Albert’s Strokes proximity though would be to do the man and his indelibly impressive catalogue of solo work a great disservice though. 2016 marks the 10th year since Albert Hammond Jr. stepped out on his own and forged a path as a solo artist, and everything he has released since Yours To Keep a decade ago has more than stood up on its own.
A great deal of this is owed to the music coursing through his veins. The son of the senior Albert Hammond, an enduring musical icon from as far back as the 70s, as well as his own musical training at New York’s Tisch School of Arts that provided one of the backdrops for the formation of The Strokes, Albert Hammond Jr. is a true professional, a musical lifer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cY0gW4x7D5U
Clad in all white that throws all the way back to the stunning You Only Live Once music video, Hammond Jr. bounds onstage and wastes no time ripping in. It’s an enthralling set, initially Hammond eschews the guitar in favour of straight frontman duties, but as soon as he picks it up and rips into the solo from Rude Customer my jaw is on the floor at just how good he is. It’s an increasingly rare thing for a modern guitar player to have such an unmistakeable sound but Hammond’s is just timeless and brings back an absolute torrent of nostalgia.
The setlist encompasses his three albums and intervening AHJ EP with a fairly even spread. 101 from debut Yours To Keep gets an early run, as does GfC from 2008’s ¿Cómo Te Llama?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpuB3ZlhQ3g
It’s Momentary Masters that quite rightly gets worked over the most tonight though, the majority of the record getting its live treatment. A soaring Losing Touch, a frenetic Caught By My Shadow, Hammond Jr.’s absolutely stellar guitar work continuing to shine through, particularly on songs like Touché and one of the set standouts in Drunched In Crumbs. His band are no slouches either, all more than capable of keeping up with Hammond Jr., and the chemistry between them all absolutely tangible.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xt6U8nEmXWU
Aside from maybe two or three tracks the LP is scattered over the set almost in its entirety and is welcomed warmly by the crowd. Albert Hammond Jr. sings and performs just as adeptly and entertainingly as a frontman as he does a lead guitarist, the band having a lot of fun mid-set with a well-timed cover of The Misfits‘ Last Caress that saw the teenager in me almost burst through my chest, Alien-style.
Side Boob chugs along like a midnight train, In Transit has the crowd bopping along, as does the positively contagious Born Slippy, the opening track on Momentary Masters. It’s the kind of song that leeches itself to your auditory cortex and refuses to let go for days.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSJvqciulr4
The entire set feels lightning quick but runs for well over an exhilarating hour. As he’s wrapping up his encore, Hammond Jr. and the band play what I swear sounds like the opening riff of The Strokes classic Razorblade. It all happens so fast that it barely registers and I’m not even sure now that they did play it, but the way my heart leapt into my throat at the time seemed like a giveaway. They cut it off abruptly though and exit the stage after thanking us all.
Were we just trolled by Albert Hammond Jr.???
It was a fantastic show nonetheless. When I interviewed Albert Hammond Jr. last year, he promised that there would be a lot of surprised people at his shows who didn’t realise they would have such a good time. I think all of us in attendance that night can attest to that, we all knew we were in for a good show, but we probably didn’t realise it would be that good. Many artists who branch out solo from successful bands aren’t able to stand on their own next to the lofty standards of the original band, Hammond Jr. and his solo band aren’t just standing tall on their own, they’re smashing it out of the park.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOJUsAPbk3s
In that same interview he also said he wanted his solo band to be as huge as they can possibly be. With his comeback to solo music at full steam right now it’s definitely possible, Momentary Masters up there with his best work to date and his quirky individual twists on The Strokes original New York garage sound provides a unique and refreshing presence in a world where Strokes shows and material are coming much fewer and further between.
But whether it is with The Strokes (they’ve got a few American and European festival dates ahead so fingers crossed) or on his own again, there’s a few hundred lucky people in Brisbane tonight hoping Albert Hammond Jr. won’t be a stranger for long.
If two is better than one, eleven is definitely better than ten and such is the case for your beloved weekly playlist of top songs. Sure, one came out last week (looking at you, Cub Sport) but we can’t help that it was so good it still deserved a spot in this week’s cut as well!
We’ve got a lot of local flavours in this week’s list, with three acts hailing from Brisbane – the aforementioned Cub Sport as well as Emma Louise (who was remixed by Little Dragon) and Feki (who remixes Anna Of The North). We’ve also got some surf-psych jams from WA (Gunns), a couple of Melbourne acts (Hoodlem and Private Life) as well as Sydney’s Tigertown. Not to mention some international takes like a Louie Lastic remix of Kelela featuring GoldLink, some Bishop Nehru, a collab between Katy B and Kaytranada and not to mention a lit remix of Tory Lanez by Shlohmo and we have once again got you covered with the top songs you should have heard this week!
Gunns, Who’s Gonna Be Your Dog
WA darlings Gunns have a lot to be happy about right now. They’re about to join Albert Hammond Jr on tour (yes, the guitarist from The Strokes), they’re releasing their debut EP on February 12th AND it’s on the same label as a few fellow Western Australians like POND and that tiny band called Tame Impala. They’ve also shared a brand new single this week, titled Who’s Gonna Be Your Dog. Sounding like an Aussie version of Temples in the best possible way, this dreamy psych-surf band are bound for great things, and this song once again proves it.
Kelela, Rewind (Louie Lastic Remix ft. GoldLink)
Kelela was just in the country for a mindblowing whirlwind mini tour, and GoldLink is just about to touch down for Laneway. Although they didn’t cross paths in the literal sense, they certainly have in the sonic sense with this latest release. Jumping on a guest verse for producer Louie Lastic, the two have spun Kelela’s huge single Rewind into an old-school jam, complete with upbeat, bubbling synths, skittering beats, and a groove that just won’t fucking quit. It’s a total jam.
Anna Of The North, The Dreamer (Feki Remix)
Brisbane producer Feki has once again shown he really means business, and has remixed the hell out of Anna Of The North’s The Dreamer. We’ve had our eye on him for a while and each and every time he releases something, he sucks us in even more with his forward thinking, future-RnB production. He capitalises on the sad vibes and hones in on it, amping up the dark vibes and heaping on the emotion. Anna Of The North said it best herself when she told Nylon, “The Dreamer is already a sad song, but I like that Feki’s remix is darker. He makes it ok to cry at the club.” Damn straight.
Hoodlem, Kintsugi
Melbourne duo Hoodlem blew me away when I stumbled upon them at last year’s BIGSOUND in Brisbane, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Thankfully, they’ve finally released some new music this week, which earned them a spot in this playlist instantly. The duo are a powerhouse in a live setting, and have been bringing their A-game with each release since they dropped their tremendous single Through last year. Now they’re gearing up for the release of a new EP coming in March and they’re sounding better than ever. Kinstugi is the first taste of that record, and its glitchy, soulful vibes with their typically fantastic production skills makes for a very exciting release indeed.
Tigertown, Lonely Cities
Tigertown have an uncanny knack of making you think you’re listening to an unassuming indie track, but then catching you by surprise and blowing you totally out of the water with how great they sound. It’s a risky move but they always seem to pull it off, so why the hell not? The band return with their second single of the year, Lonely Cities, and it’s huge. Although the lyrics aren’t exactly celebrating the feeling of being lonely, they’ve juxtaposed them with some totally liberating, joyous and borderline euphoric singalongs, guitar melodies and sharp drums. If only all loneliness felt this good!
Bishop Nehru, Forever And A Day
You might know Bishop Nehru from his feature spot on Flight Facilities‘ excellent debut album, Down To Earth, on the track Why Do You Feel, but it is about time everyone knew him for his capabilities on his own as well. This song is a sultry, inviting, groovy number with some fierce verses and Nehru’s easy flow, he talks about his rise to fame and how his drive keeps him go. He doesn’t sound like he’s quitting anytime soon judging from this track, and that is some very good news for Nehru fans new, old and those still to come. It’s only up from here!
Katy B x Kaytranada, Honey
Anything that Kaytranada lends his hand to has a 99.99% chance of being amazing, and this latest track is no exception. Working with Katy B, this is a smoky and smooth number that shows B’s impeccable vocals and Kaytranada’s flawless-as-ever production. It’s the first taste from her forthcoming Honey LP (which has a tracklist that features everyone from Craig David, Major Lazer, Four Tet, Floating Points and more), and it’s impressive to say the least. It’s got a groove that is perfect for the bedroom, and Katy B’s sexy hook doesn’t go too bad either for the bedroom vibes. Thank us later.
Tory Lanez, Say It (Shlohmo Remix)
There was a time where Shlohmo was making some of the most experimental music of his career, and the days of him working with Jeremih felt like a bygone era. However, this latest remix is Shlohmo back to his RnB remixing best, as he takes Tory Lanez’ Say It, and makes it fucking lit. It’s still got his trademark dark sounds, and has an air of mystery about it, but it’s also got some token hip-hop drums, crashing cymbals, trap leanings and more to keep it dance-y and fun. Is this a sign Shlohmo is heading back towards his hip-hop roots?
Private Life, Dragon
Melbourne indie two-piece Private Life are fighting the good fight to make “pop” not such a dirty word anymore, and their latest track, Dragon is a perfect example of how well it can be done. Showcasing some huge vocals, crashing cymbals, a hook that won’t quit and some unpredictable production courtesy of Nicolas Lam (from Red Bull Music Academy), Private Life sounds like Australia’s answer to CHVRCHES with one less member and one hell of a knack for good songs. Dragon is explosive yet gentle, uplifting yet fragile, and seriously, SERIOUSLY impressive. We’re expecting big things from these guys.
Emma Louise, Underflow (Little Dragon Remix)
I mean, if you are going to get anyone to remix your comeback single, surely Little Dragon are pretty high up on the list of desired artists to do so. Brisbane artist Emma Louise has achieved just that, with the Swedish band stepping up for rework duties this week on her track Underflow. It was already an absolutely stunning single in its own right, so it’s only fitting that it gets an equally stunning remix, and it sounds like it was in pretty safe hands with Little Dragon. A racing almost-heartbeat like thump keeps the track running along as more and more is carefully poured into the mix. Splashy cymbals, vocal loops and subtle synths carry it along as Emma Louise’s vulnerable original vocals remain in tact. This marks the first remix in four years for the band, so if that alone doesn’t tell there is something great about this track, we don’t know what will.
Cub Sport, I Can’t Save You
Brisbane band Cub Sport fell off the grid for a while there, but towards the end of 2015 it was confirmed that their absence was indeed intentional as they returned to the fray with the release of Only Friend. Back on form, the band have now shared another brilliant track titled I Can’t Save You – another exciting cut from their forthcoming album, This Is Our Vice. A glimmering exercise in synth-driven indie-pop, Cub Sport are wasting no time in reminding us who they are, and keeping our excitement levels at worryingly high levels in the lead up to This Is Our Vice‘s March 4th release.
Image of Hoodlem via Facebook
The phrase “Thank God It’s Friday” could be said in regards to finishing the working week, but it could also be said because Fridays also mean one thing: Best Songs Of The Week day! Once again, we’ve pulled together the ten best songs released this week for your convenience. From indie electro pop, to hip-hop, all the way through to some scuzzy garage bands and 70’s psychedelia, these are the ten best songs from this week you need to hear right NOW!
Grandsister, Headlights (Ft. Sarah Belkner)
Indie electro pop doesn’t get all the credit it should, but there is no denying that this track, a collaborative effort between Grandsister and Sarah Belkner, is a seriously good song. For fans of Digitalism, Robyn, Royskopp or even New Order, this twinkling, pulsing, propulsive track is as fun and explosive as they come. See! Indie electro pop isn’t so bad after all!
MANTRA, Nowhere To Go (Ft. E-Swift and J-Ro of The Alkaholiks)
It’s been a while since we heard from rapper MANTRA, but with the release of Nowhere To Go, it’s clear he’s been busy working hard on his sound and making the wait so very worth it. Throwing back to traditional hip-hop sounds from the old guard, but keeping it fresh with modern flair, MANTRA has teamed up with E-Swift and J-Ro of The Alkaholiks to deliver this upbeat but chilled jam that will get your head moving within seconds of listening. Welcome back, MANTRA!
Sunflower Bean, Wall Watcher
Brooklyn based trio Sunflower Bean have released Wall Watcher ahead of their debut album out next year, and it is an absolute belter. Scuzzy guitar rock at it’s best, this band uses fun harmonies to keep it light whilst the fuzzy riffs plunge it well and truly into grunge territory. That hook has been in my head for a few days now, and I don’t see it leaving any time soon.
GUNNS, She’s A Rainbow
Spinning Top’s newest treasures GUNNS have released She’s A Rainbow in all it’s sparkly, psychedelic glory. It’s the first taste from their debut EP out next year, and it’s an exciting first taste indeed. Dripping in nostalgia, this kaleidoscopic track is an impressive follow-up from the band’s stellar track The Fool released last year (sitting on a casual 94K SoundCloud plays…), and makes us really eager to see what else they’ve got in store for us!
Lastlings, Chills
This song is absolutely stunning. Serene vocals ring out over a shifting, pulsing bed of electronica, with some intricate flourishes here and there to draw you in even further. Really capitalising on the name of the track, this latest release from Lastlings would make for a perfect summer soundtrack. Sounding a little like ODESZA in the best way possible, these guys are really onto something here.
Radiation City, Juicy
If you’re a fan of bands like Dum Dum Girls, let us introduce you to the sounds of Radiation City – a quintet from Portland that have recently undergone a makeover of sorts. However, change is always a good thing and now we have Juicy to prove it. This song is huge; commanding riffs, dynamic and attention grabbing vocals and a beat that almost makes it feel like you’re in slow motion for a second. They’re set to release a new LP next year, and if it sounds anything like this – sign us up!
COVERS, Strange Bird
Melbourne band COVERS wrote Strange Bird to deal with their “inability to be content with anything comfortable or mundane,” which is fitting considering this song is neither of those things. Grand, dramatic, and thunderous, COVERS aren’t holding back here and have created a soaring track that would be incredible to see live. Marking their return to the scene, the band have clearly been hard at work honing their sound, and this new direction couldn’t sound better.
Flamingo Jones, Fred Bear
This is the third single off Flamingo Jones’ EP, Wet Sounds, but it’s definitely our favourite so far. Once again showing off his self-described “Nature Beat” sounds, Fred Bear is exactly the type of song you need to transport you away from whatever mundane task you’re currently doing to an island party sipping margaritas in a grass skirt. No? Just us? Either way, Flamingo Jones is quickly becoming one of our favourite local acts. Sounding like Animal Collective at a luau, we have been converted to “nature beat” fans, and it won’t be long before the rest of the country follows suit.
Romy, Wild Heart
She’s being heralded as Australia’s answer to Tinashe, and from just one listen to Wild Heart, that’s not far off. Futuristic in the production courtesy of local Brisbane producer James Angus and soulful in her RnB stylings, Romy is seriously one to watch. Heavy 808s, splashy hi hats and commanding vocals are a surefire recipe for a hit, something tells us Romy is just getting started.
Vera Blue, Hold
It can be a scary experience, releasing your debut single. However, Sydney newcomer Vera Blue is positively fearless with this track. Releasing the video and track for Hold at the same time, Vera Blue is messing around. She’s ready, and you only need one listen to her song to realise this. Lush synths swirl as her beautiful voice soars, pierced by intermittent thuds, all the while complimented by simplistic and stunning visuals with artistic effects to give it some extra depth. Really, really beautiful, and really, really promising.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Cv6JEjevKQ