Words: James Frostick Shove band image: Bad Band Pix
Even though Australia’s live-music scene has come to a halt in the wake of the coronavirus lockdowns, musicians haven’t remained idle. Melbourne/Naarm-based punk label Blow Blood Records has assembled a killer crop of musicians to contribute to A Long Time Alone – a new mixtape of tracks composed by members of Australia’s underground in isolation. The compilation dropped digitally this week, so we chatted with Blow Blood head honcho Christina Pap about the genesis of the release and how music can unite a socially-distanced community.Continue reading Interview: ACTIVITY IN ISOLATION – BLOW BLOOD RECORDS LAUNCHES A LONG TIME ALONE→
Melbourne’s The Faculty are back with news of a new EP in the chamber. Before pulling back the hammer and unloading Here’s To Fun’s eight tracks of wild punk rock, they’re starting with a warning shot in the form of new single ‘Chrissy Moltisanti’ – a zippy number touching on those that place a higher importance on their own social standing than their relationships.
Earlier this month, Victorian gutter punks APCO dropped their hefty debut LP into our laps. While we’re still reeling from the record’s weighty punch, the group has followed up the haymaker with a snappy uppercut to the jaw in the form of the surreal and confronting visual treatment for lead single ‘Schizophrenimares’. Continue reading Video Premiere: APCO – ‘SCHIZOPHRENIMARES’→
Cereal Killer is calling it quits, but not before unleashing its one full-length record, The Beginning & End Of Cereal Killer through Anti Fade Records and Drunken Sailor Records. Lead single ‘Your Punk Scene Can Suck It’ is a gnashing and primitive piece of punk that thumbs its nose that the scene it’s leaving behind, but we’re left wondering if the scene sucks for various reasons or sucks because Cereal Killer is no longer a part of it.
With a gnashing fury buoyed by a destructive sonic onslaught, Sydney’s XILCH are on the cusp of unleashing its debut cassette release. ‘My World’ exemplifies the band’s penchant for unrelenting power, with influence plumbed from some of punk’s nihilistic best.
There’s a new crew on the scene slinging a feisty brand of speedy and unhinged hardcore. Hacker is the name, and the band’s brand-new demo tape contains four tracks of unbridled sonic intensity.
Melbourne-via-Geelong quartet Gonzo will be releasing their second full-length album Do it Better Again in March through hit factory Anti Fade Records. To get the juices of excitement going, the crew is offering up a prime cut from the record in the form of lead track ‘Put The Money’. A pepped-up slice of agile rock ‘n’ roll that is all about striking first, striking hard and taking the pot when it is at its fullest.
It’s a big day for Tasmanian trio All The Weathers. The exciting, electric and eclectic band is releasing its brand-new record ... For the Worms today through Rough Skies Records. The record is a lively and nuanced album of off-beat and rollicking art punk – urgent in parts, sombre in others. … For the Worms see’s the band make full use of each member’s talents – it showcases a musical versatility and creative knack for conveying sentiments in unique ways without lessening the impact of its message.
Sydney’s Low Life is back! The visceral punk legends have announced the March arrival of brand-new album Downer Edn, and offered a glimpse into the mess with lead track ‘The Pitts’. It’s a gritty and unflinching look at what it’s like to be down and out, but with enough fire in the gut to prevent you accepting your fate in the gutter.
Melbourne four-piece Eat-Man will be dropping a hot new EP in early July, but before the feast arrives the high-fashion DIY Queer-punk outfit invite you to check out the visuals for latest single ‘Take Me Home’.
Weirdo Wasteland is an Australian-based music blog that examines musical endeavour from the cultural fringe. The site regularly features reviews and interviews from the underground scenes from Australia and New Zealand. Weirdo Wasteland acknowledges the original custodians of the land upon which it operates. Sovereignty has never been ceded. To get in touch, contact: weirdowasteland (at) gmail.com
