Today Lutruwita/Tasmania-based trio Free Live Sports releases Stay Grounded, its first ever set of recordings put to tape. Over nine tracks the group cannily cobble together a collection of rough-hewn hooks, rickety riffs and rattletrap rhythms that belie the majority of the group’s neophyte abilities. Prioritising instinct over technique, Stay Grounded showcases the group’s keen sense for sound and ethos of placing fun over fidelity to engaging results.
Words: James Frostick and Julian Teakle Artist image: Wil Moon Cover art: Brendan Boucher
Julian Teakle of iconic Nipaluna/Hobart two-piece The Native Cats is pivoting from TNC’s signature throbbing bass-heavy post-punk sound on his brand-new solo album. Via his own interpretation of stripped-back (but still punk-influenced) jangle, New Hobart (out today via Rough Skies Records) sees Julian exorcising his frustrations with the more aggravating aspects of modern living, delicately balancing the airing of grievances with personal musings on mental health, perseverance and living without regrets. We’re extremely privileged to be giving the record its debut spin, which we are sharing alongside a Q&A with the artist himself.
Words: James Frostick
Band image: Eden Meure
Cover art: Amber Perez-Wright
Today marks the release of If You’re Cold They’re Cold, the debut album from Tasmanian group Dolphin. To celebrate the release, the band (which is comprised of members of The Foxy Morons and Slag Queens) is sharing the visual accompaniment to lead single ‘Wine’ – a downcast lo-fi jam that hints at an inner unhappiness and the unhealthy coping mechanisms we often rely on to persevere.Continue reading Video Premiere: DOLPHIN – ‘WINE’→
Brisbane/Meanjin-born unconventional sonic outfit Cured Pink return with Current Climate – the first full-length album from the project in five years. Lead single ‘The New Public’ is a resonant and exhilarating listen, harnessing the outfit’s unbound ingenuity and knack for crafting singular sounds into something animated and engrossing.
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.
Words: James Frostick
Image: Lou Conboy
Record art: Molly Dyson
A few months removed from the release of one of their most accomplished works (and a personal album-of-the-year contender) John Sharp Toro, The Native Cats are putting forth a new three-track 7” EP. Spiro Scratch is an epilogue of sorts; one that sees the acclaimed duo embarking on a new chapter with a clear sense of identity, unburdened by the demons that were exorcised in their still-resonant LP.
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
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