2017 is pretty much done and dusted and it’s been another great year for Australian and New Zealand releases under the broad banner of Americana music. Our favourite album (and an EP) list takes in ethereal and eccentric folk music, raw alt-country, covers, spoken word and melancholic power pop – highlighting the range in … Continue reading
After two decades as a musician, Darren Cross is finally releasing his debut solo album _Xantastic. It is his personal view of the world around him and in his typically unique fashion it draws influence from two seemingly contrasting musical styles in Bruce Springsteen and Kraftwerk. Sitting opposite Darren Cross in the Annandale Hotel … Continue reading
Darren Cross (Gerling, Jep and Dep) is a couple of months out from releasing his debut solo album _Xantastic. It finds the songwriter heading into dark folk territory while still retaining subtle glimpses of technology via textured ambience and synths. That blending of styles is what made Gerling such a distinctive sound and continues to … Continue reading
We’ve joined forces with the wonderful Areatha from Mother Hen Touring (M.E Baird, James Thomson, Dan Waters, Leo Rondeau etc) to put on an end-of-year gig/party at the Petersham Bowling Club on December 20th. This will be a chance for the Sydney alt.country and folk music scene to celebrate another wonderful year of music in which some … Continue reading
Heartbreaker Sessions rolls around again this weekend and it’s an evening that continues to gather great momentum with its reputation for great live performances, food, drinks and some of your favourite country and folk music tunes via the DJ booth. This Sunday (it’s a long weekend!) we’ve got Jep and Dep launching their new single ‘Cut All … Continue reading
As usual, new music has been coming thick and fast. We’ve been reviewing albums from Patty Griffin, Keith Richards, Lachlan Bryan & The Wildes, Papa Pilko & The Binrats and Jemma & The Clifton Hillbillies. Jasper Shelton Hollis has released an excellent first track from his new EP, Jep and Dep have released a new video and Sarah … Continue reading
Jep and Dep have released their latest single and clip from their acclaimed debut LP Word Got Out. ‘Cut All Ties’ blends religious imagery with deserted broken homes in small town NSW to great effect in their trademark black and white style. Continue reading
Ben Horder’s set started with some guitar issues and forgotten lyrics but that was quickly overcome and he set about delivering a batch of honest, observational songs that chronicled everyday life in Australia. With a style reminiscent of Neutral Milk Hotel and The Tallest Man On Earth his set concluded with two thirds of the … Continue reading
Ahead of Mark Moldre’s last full band show for 2014 at the Petersham Bowling Club this Saturday Nov 29th (presented by Post To Wire) we’ve asked him to be the guest editor of the inaugural edition of Celluloid Jukebox, a new feature where musicians will select and talk about a handful of their favourite clips. * Mark Moldre + The … Continue reading
Coogee Diggers have been doing great things for original music for a couple of years, in an area well outside the normal locales for live music. Tonight’s small audience was both symptomatic of the reluctance of punters to venture out east and a still growing Sydney alt-country scene. Regardless both acts performed exceptionally well, … Continue reading
Jep and Dep (Darren Cross and Jess Cassar) have a brand new single out this week and today they’ve unveiled the accompanying video for ‘Babe Come Down’. Shot in rich black and white the pair serenade the ocean and themselves via some gothic ghostliness. It marries the song perfectly, which highlights the duo’s ability to … Continue reading
Jep and Dep are Sydney duo Jessica Cassar and Darren Cross who have been working up a reputation as a wonderful live act over the last year or so. I’ve caught them a couple of times now and they really do possess that special musical connection and that balance of sweetness and grit that typifies … Continue reading
