Sydney’s music scene is still feeling a little down and out these days, what with all of the venue closures gripping this vibrant city. That’s why this news is just so damn beautiful. A piece of the city’s musical heritage is back from the dead with The Lansdowne Hotel reopening its doors over the weekend. After a near 90 year run, the historic venue closed shop back in 2015 following the introduction of the lockout laws, as well as a number of other setbacks.
Jake Smyth and Kenny Graham of Mary’s/Unicorn Hotel fame have teamed up with The Annandale’s Matt Rule to breathe new life into one of Sydney’s lasting mid-sized venues, following the demise of the Newtown Social Club. They have moved the live music portion upstairs and kept downstairs free for daily trade i.e. punters who just want to play a game of pool and throw back a Mary’s Burger pizza (as you do).
To announce their resurrection, the guys decided to throw a four-day-long party featuring a bunch of absolutely stellar names, including The Preatures, Palms, The Pinheads, Skegss, and Sydney’s own supergroup A Band.
Comprised of Elliott Hammond and Michael Tramonte (The Delta Riggs), Thomas Champion (The Preatures), Paddy Cornwall, Seamus Coyle and Freddy Crabs (Sticky Fingers), they belted out a slew of covers along with some special guests, including Royal Headache’s Tim “Shogun” Hall, Gideon Bensen, Hayley Mary of The Jezabels and Johnny Took (DMA’s) on slide guitar duties.
We snapped up all of this and Skegss at the tail-end of a massive Sunday lineup, flawlessly closing out the four-day bender.
Needless to say, we’re stoked to have The Lansdowne back and are looking forward to a sweaty mess of new memories.
A Band
Skegss
Photos: Dani Hansen
Every week, we do our very best to provide you with the sweetest sounds from across the musical globe. From hip-hop, to R&B, to electronic and beyond, there’s so much incredible new music coming out every day. Head to our singles and playlists pages to check out everything else, but for now, here’s a playlist of the best new music that you might have missed from the past week. There’s only one hip-hop track here, as this week’s been all about the luscious pop melodies and smooth electro-soul.
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Golden Vessel, Wave (ft. OKBADLANDS)
The final single from Golden Vessel ahead of his EP release, this is a beautiful, intimate piece, anchored by lingering, hollowed percussion and gorgeous vocals courtesy of Brisbane duo OKBADLANDS. An emotional track that kind of reminds me of Rhye, or perhaps Emma Louise, save this one for the feels of a grey Sunday morning. -
Brandyn Burnette, State I’m In
One of my favourite new discoveries, Brandyn’s new single State I’m In is a really lovely, guitar-laden bluesy piece, packed with soul, emotion and a really catchy melody the whole way through. Brighter than some of his recent tracks, I have no doubt that he’s poised for a radio takeover any day. -
A Z E K E L, Linger
I’ve been a long time fan of AZEKEL and I’m stoked that a new piece is now upon us. Continuing on from the previous two tracks, this future-soul number is slinky and sensual, featuring his amazing, husky vocals, pitted against a deep bass and flickery percussion. One for the bedroom playlist for sure. -
TEN FÉ, Make Me Better (UNKLE Reconstruction)
UNKLE has long been one of my favourite artists ever, and he’s put his spin on this heartbreaking, folky track in a way that evokes all kinds of emotions. The rich, echoed vocals are embellished by ambient instrumental layers, before a synth-pop beat kicks in, elevating the entire atmosphere in an incredible way. -
True Vibenation, The World Is Ours
True Vibenation are heading off to Glastonbury soon, but before they go, they have unleashed The World Is Ours, a really intricate, interesting, and seriously cool new single, a big leap away from their more hip-hop inclined roots. Packed with funky synths and a really great rhythm, it’s impossible not to wanna have a boogie to this one. -
Marone, Mission Impossible
Upcoming Melbourne rapper Marone has released another slice of conscious hip-hop pie, once again demonstrating incredible lyricism and clever rhymes. Absolutely one to watch in the local hip-hop scene, he knows what he’s talking about, he’s studied the craft, and it shows. I’m looking forward to hearing a lot more from this one. -
Clark, Mirage Trooper
This week’s Adult Swim single comes from legendary producer Clark, and it might just be my favourite one yet. This is a heady, beat-laden experimental production, with incredible, mesmerising sounds and effects emanating from every single layer across this intense, choppy, dense piece. At seven minutes long, there’s a lot to absorb, and a lot to love. -
Hayden James, Just A Lover
New Hayden James is always a great thing! One of my favourite Australian producers, and live performers, this is a swift, dark and dirty house track with a seductive late night vibe. The thumping bass and percussive groove complements the vocals so perfectly – I have no doubt we’ll be hearing this one all over the place really, really soon. -
Thomston, Float
Upcoming New Zealand singer Thomston has today released Float, an intimate track, both lyrically and musically. The melody in particular is really lovely, backed by a bold, yet restrained rhythm. Balancing the fine line between lush pop and electro-soul, this is heartfelt, and really beautiful. -
Kllo, Walls To Build
Finally this week, we have a brand new single from Melbourne duo Kllo. This is a dainty, delicate new single ahead of their upcoming EP, Well Worn, due out August 5. Topped by understated vocals, a lightly bouncing rhythm and new layers building and growing throughout, the atmosphere continues to expand and change as it progresses.
Image: Hayden James / Supplied