LIVE REVIEW: Shovels & Rope, Shakey Graves, Ruby Boots @ Factory Theatre, Sydney (05/03/15)
Alt-Country / Americana / Blues / Gig Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Shovels & Rope, Shakey Graves, Ruby Boots @ Factory Theatre, Sydney (05/03/15)

Ruby Boots had opening honours and showed just why the powers that be at Lost Highway Records have recently signed her as a recording artist. With electric guitarist Lee Jones carving out some wonderful solos and backing she showcased her songs (old and brand new) of heartache sung with a strong country voice and interspersed … Continue reading

LIVE REVIEW: Kasey Chambers, Harry Hookey @ Enmore Theatre, Sydney (15/02/15)
Alt-Country / Country / Folk / Gig Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Kasey Chambers, Harry Hookey @ Enmore Theatre, Sydney (15/02/15)

Harry Hookey has been touring his Misdiagnosed album all over the country since it’s release and tonight’s opening slot for partner Kasey Chambers was an opportunity to reach a wide demographic of music fan. The majority of the seated crowd responded warmly to Hookey’s enthusiastic performance, genial stage manner and the memorable melodies he embeds … Continue reading

LIVE REVIEW: C.W Stoneking, Fraser A. Gorman @ Metro Theatre, Sydney (14/11/14)
Bluegrass / Country / Folk / Gig Reviews / Swamp Rock

LIVE REVIEW: C.W Stoneking, Fraser A. Gorman @ Metro Theatre, Sydney (14/11/14)

Fraser A. Gorman was subject to the vagaries of a Sydney audience who seemed more concerned with chatting about their day than soaking up his solo opening set. Resplendent in a polka dot shirt with curly hair, harmonica and acoustic guitar, most would have commented on the visual similarities to Bob Dylan and there were … Continue reading

LIVE REVIEW: Robert Ellis, Jonny Fritz, James Thomson @ Newtown Social Club (23/10/14)
Alt-Country / Americana / Blues / Country / Gig Reviews / Photos

LIVE REVIEW: Robert Ellis, Jonny Fritz, James Thomson @ Newtown Social Club (23/10/14)

James Thomson opened proceedings with a strong set that showcased songs from his forthcoming album Cold Moon as well as a brace of covers including songs by Blaze Foley and Jimmie Rodgers. Thomson is a master of understated blues-based country and showed his ability to capture the audience’s attention with evocative lyrics, wonderful finger-picking and … Continue reading

LIVE REVIEW: Ryan Bingham, Harry Hookey, Tim Wheatley @ Newtown Social Club (14/10/14)
Alt-Country / Americana / Gig Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Ryan Bingham, Harry Hookey, Tim Wheatley @ Newtown Social Club (14/10/14)

Aria award nominee Harry Hookey had the honour of serenading the early arrivals and he did a superb job of capturing and maintaining their attentiveness with an engaging set. Predominately folk-based with a dash of country, Hookey showed his ability to invest real emotion in what might be clumsy turns of phrase in lesser hands. … Continue reading

NEWS: Marlon Williams announces headline shows with full band
Alt-Country / Americana / Blues / Folk / News / Tour

NEWS: Marlon Williams announces headline shows with full band

Marlon Williams has been crazy busy in 2014 with festival appearances, supports and his own shows. Now he has put together a band, The Yarra Benders, including Dan Parsons on guitar. The full band played the Out On The Weekend festival and associated sideshows and now Williams has announced his own headline shows for Melbourne and … Continue reading

LIVE REVIEW: Nikki Lane, The Delines, Ruby Boots @ Newtown Social Club (21/10/14)
Alt-Country / Americana / Gig Reviews / Soul

LIVE REVIEW: Nikki Lane, The Delines, Ruby Boots @ Newtown Social Club (21/10/14)

As the incredible list of Americana acts visiting our shores continues (courtesy of Love Police and Out On The Weekend), last night saw contrasting shades of alt-country serenade the Newtown Social Club and a room full of music and media who’s who of the Sydney Americana scene (Emma Swift, Jep & Dep, Fanny Lumsden, Bernard … Continue reading

ALBUM REVIEW: Green Mohair Suits ~ Wooden Duck
Album Artwork / Album Reviews / Bluegrass / Folk / Stream

ALBUM REVIEW: Green Mohair Suits ~ Wooden Duck

Green Mohair Suits, who always put on a great live show – from lounges to festival stages – can now add a strong debut album to their CV. Their strength lies in their uber-tight harmonies that blend in virtuosic layers, equal parts Fleet Foxes and CSN. Like local alumni Little Bastard they’ve captured the vibe … Continue reading

LIVE REVIEW: First Aid Kit, Marlon Williams @ Metro Theatre, Sydney (29.07.14)
Americana / Gig Reviews / Indie Folk

LIVE REVIEW: First Aid Kit, Marlon Williams @ Metro Theatre, Sydney (29.07.14)

Marlon Williams graced the stage with just his shabby-chic hat and tie, acoustic guitar and a voice that left many spellbound for the majority of his opening set. The New Zealander, (now based in Melbourne) held long, wavering country notes, caressed lullaby-like tones and bullied out a gravelly blues delivery across originals and covers of … Continue reading

LIVE REVIEW: Tracy McNeil, Jep and Dep @ Coogee Diggers, Sydney (10.07.14)
Alt-Country / Americana / Gig Reviews / Photos / Tour

LIVE REVIEW: Tracy McNeil, Jep and Dep @ Coogee Diggers, Sydney (10.07.14)

  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

ALBUM REVIEW: Little Bastard ~ Little Bastard
Album Artwork / Album Reviews / Alt-Country / Americana / Bluegrass / Indie Folk / Videos

ALBUM REVIEW: Little Bastard ~ Little Bastard

  The last few years has seen Little Bastard gain a reputation as one hell of a live band, the septet causing raucous, drunken partying with their punk-spirited folk and bluegrass. Now they’ve finally stepped off the road to try and bottle some of that stage magic on their debut album. The good news is … Continue reading

PHOTOS: SIXTEEN STRINGS: An Afternoon of Americana with Mark Moldre, James Thomson, Darren Cross @ The PBC (07.06.14)
Alt-Country / Gig Reviews / Photos

PHOTOS: SIXTEEN STRINGS: An Afternoon of Americana with Mark Moldre, James Thomson, Darren Cross @ The PBC (07.06.14)

Massive thanks to everyone that came along to the PBC on Saturday for the Post To Wire Presents show. Thanks to Darren, James and Mark for playing three sets of brilliant music, The PBC for hosting and a special thanks to Nick from Dear Orphans for making it sound so damn good! Continue reading