Featured.Local.mp3s.

There is a lot of amazing local talent out there. Most of these bands are underrated, always gig-ing around town (either free or really cheap gigs) and go unnoticed. I think things are about to change (or should, anyway).

Here is just a slice of that Australian buzz cake you might want to take a bite off:


Artist: Halogen
From: Perth, WA
Download mp3s:
In The Summer (2.5MB), the new single, via Triple J.
Innocent (2.9MB), from 2004's Building On The Edge Of The Sky via Karmic Hit Records.

In The Summer is one of my favourite songs right now from five-piece outfit, Halogen. So underrated amongst the growing WA scene (unfortunately, lost amongst the overrated-ness of Little Birdy, Eskimo Joe, etc.) but hopefully big things will come.


Artist: Forza Liandri
From: Melbourne, VIC
Download mp3s (from their 6-track EP, The Modus Operandi):
Track #1: Friends of the Fatherless (2.7MB) via Resist Records.
Track #4: A View of His Own (2.5MB) via Triple J.

Local "punk buzz" four-piece band. Nice to hear a punk band sans the trendy emo sound and back to the roots of Fugazi and Bad Religion. They're going to be massive and blow those emo/scene kids away.


Artist: Faker
From: Sydney, NSW
Download mp3: Enough (4.1MB), the new single off their debut The Familiar EP (out May 2nd).

Post-Mod? Maybe, but with the success of bands like the UK's Kaiser Chiefs and all things dance rock; Australia following suit is no surprise. Faker are a five-piece outfit from Sydney and are one of the bands you will be hearing more of in 2005. They will be in Adelaide supporting Perth's End of Fashion with Melbourne's Daughter Boy Jao at Enigma Bar on Saturday, 16th April from 9pm and tickets are at the door for only AUS$12. I'm expecting a lot of swaying, dancing indie kids with trendy haircuts. Their debut album Addicted Romantic will be out on June 6th.


Artist: The Vasco Era
From: Melbourne, VIC
Download mp3: Kingswood (1.9MB), from The Miles EP (out April 10th).

Recently rocked The East Coast Blues & Roots Festival. I caught the three-piece band during their support for The Black Keys in their recent Australian tour. I was so impressed by their live performance (previously gig reviewed) and loved their set. Kingswood is currently on high radio rotation. Catchy stuff. The Vasco Era will be in Adelaide on Friday and Saturday; May 13th and May 14th, at Jive from 8pm and tickets will be at the door (not yet confirmed, but I think its around AUS$8). Check them out!


Artist: Wolfmother
From: Sydney, NSW
Download mp3: Woman (2.6MB), from 2004's Wolfmother EP, via InSound.

Produced one of the best live shows I went to last year. Who would have thought a 3-piece outfit could make that much awesome noise? This is clear cut pure Rock N' Roll. Pay attention! (Also, more cowbell?) Wolfmother will be in Adelaide at Adelaide Uni Bar on Thursday, April 14th from 8pm and tickets are at $13.20 (+bf) from Venuetix. I can't go because I'm catching Even's gig with Ken Stringfellow at Grace Emily Hotel but if you're going, tell me how it goes!

Previously featured but worth another mention:


Artist: The Grates
From: Brisbane, QLD
Download mp3: Message (2.3MB), from 2005's The Ouch. The Touch. EP, via NME.

Damn straight, the coolest Australian band right now and previously band plugged plus currently five track mixed. Three-piece outfit, The Grates, will be in Adelaide supported by formerly Adelaide but now based in Melbourne, Bit By Bats at Jade Monkey on Friday, April 15th from 9pm and tickets will be at the door at AUS$12. Dance with me!


Artist: Gyroscope
From: Perth, WA
Download mp3: Doctor Doctor (1.9MB), from their debut 2004's Sound Shattering Sound album.

One of the more popular "punk/emo" bands (but don't call them that) and currently five track mixed. I like screaming this song off on the top of my lungs with the windows down whilst I'm driving past high schools. Just kidding (or not?), it's still a good song, though.

So, there support local live music and whoever said the "Australian music scene is dead" needs a good pelting.
Comment and tell me what you think of the mp3s?
PLUS: If you're in a local band (esp. Adelaide), let me know!

*All photographs courtesy of each band's official website.