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.
Chloe Alison Escott – one half of Tasmanian noise-punk duo The Native Cats – will be releasing a new solo record in October via Chapter Music. Stars Under Contract is an album of pared-back piano and voice compositions – twin foundations supporting a collection of reflective thoughts and musings. We’re thrilled to be premiering the video for the album’s new single ‘I Know the Soul By Its Presence in Others’ – a delicate piece showcasing the tenderness and subtle majesty evident on the record at large.
Hobart/Nipaluna garage-punk quartet 208L Containers are today releasing their brand-new cassette LP called Horseland through Rough Skies Records. To celebrate, the group is putting forth the visuals for new single ‘I Drive An Audi Into Town’ – a slab of careening and acrimonious noise aimed squarely at the selfish upper class.Continue reading Video Premiere: 208L CONTAINERS – ‘I DRIVE AN AUDI INTO TOWN’→
Cerebral Hobart, Tasmania post-punk legends The Native Cats are back with a throbbing and piercing newbie. ‘Run With The Roses’ marks a complete shedding of inhibition for singer and synth wielder Chloe Alison Escott – an acknowledgement of her long-held wants and desires, and an eschewing of false guises and behaviours donned for the sake of politeness.
Terrific Tasmanian post-punk crew Slag Queens are riding high following the release of their new full-length album You Can’t Go Out Like That. An amalgam of styles, speeds and emotions, the record showcases not only the band’s unique talent but also conveys their frustrations and thoughts about life in Tasmania. The band is putting forth a new clip for energetic thumper ‘Real 1’, a track that carries its fair share of discontent.Continue reading Video Premiere: SLAG QUEENS – ‘REAL 1’→
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.
Hobart’s Naked have come forth with a full album that is both striking because of its potent dissonance and conscious thought. The concept and content of Pink Quartz is interesting for a band with avant-punk leanings but it is a remarkable album due to how everything fits together in the end.
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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