Tag Archives: Australia

AMYL AND THE SNIFFERS: Comfort To Me.

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Amyl and the Sniffers - Comfort To Me | Reviews | DIY Magazine

If you’re looking for not only the best Punk record of the year, but THE record of the year, then I am here to help. It’s this one. 100% this record. Comfort To Me by Amyl And The Sniffers is everything you could want from a record. Are you wanting to feel tough even though you may be chickenshit? Are you wanting to feel like you can take on the world, but also wanting something that makes you feel safe? Buy this record.

My love for Amyl And The Sniffers has no limits. I fucking LOVE everything about this band. I love how they are just the most relatable and no bullshit band around. The songs are so easy to relate to. The songs are so easy to find yourself in. This band, and especially this record will influence so many kids to pick up a guitar and make their own noise. Amy Taylor is the best frontperson in decades. You will not find anyone with more charisma, intelligence and purity than Amy. I think she’s incredible. If I was 13 years old, and saw this band and saw Amy for the first time, I’d have sacked everything off and decided to be in a band and not stop until I made something like Comfort To Me. You know when you hear a record so good you just want to cry? This is where I’m at right now.

The record opens with Guided By Angels which we all know is INSANE. I love the positivity in this song. All too often we hear songs that are all “woe is me, the world sucks.” But the positivity on this song is gorgeous. I cannot wait for them to tour this record because this song will probably cause the most beautiful riot possible.

Next up we have the wonderfully titled, Freaks To The Front. I love this song. I love the title. I love how it just feels like home. That’s what I adore about this record. I feel like I am putting on my favourite shirt, and feel ready to face the day. I love the aggression on this one; I love how relatable this is. Then we are smacked with Choices, which is the best fuck you to people who put others down for the decisions they make; which is I think, mainly aimed at those who try to dictate to women what they should think, feel and what decisions they make. Fuck ’em. Your mind, your body, your life- your fucking choice. Always.

I love how the record feels like it was made with urgency, importance and a fuckload of passion. I just want everyone in the world to listen to this record at least five times. It’s got everything you could want from lust to rage. Your heart will break listening to Knifey. It’s awful that it’s a relatable song, and that a lot (probably most to be honest) women will relate to. I won’t spoil it for you, but make sure you dedicate some time to really soak this one up. It’s so important, even if it is awful that it’s relatable but the message is so important.

I feel like this is the record that so many of us are going to keep going back to, and when we do- we will be left in awe all over again. I’ve listened to it 3 times this morning, and each listen is just blowing my mind. Everything about Comfort To Me is astounding. The sheer joy you get from blasting this record out is unlike anything else. Comfort To Me is the kind of record that you need to play every single day. It’s got everything you need and more, and it’s just really one of the most flawless records I’ve ever heard. I know bands can sometimes put fillers on their records, but Amyl And The Sniffers have shat all over the second record curse and given us something to really adore and cherish. You know when you hear a record, and you just feel “Fuck, I really needed this right now.” Well, that’s how Comfort To Me feels.

Last year was a drag for us all, and it could have been easy for so many bands to throw in the towel and just sack it all off. Thank fuck Amyl And The Sniffers created this record. Every single song on this record deserves to be heard by everyone. Songs like Snakes, Don’t Need A Cunt (Like You To Love Me), Choices, Knifey- the whole record! They are just mind-blowing. I’m just in awe of how phenomenal this record is. This record makes you feel free; every song will make you want to move in ways that others may be confused about but fuck it- music is all about freedom and connection. Comfort To Me is a prime example of this, and I cannot wait for the band to come back to the UK and play this record to us.

By no means is this a review, it’s just a massive fan declaring their love for a band that they absolutely adore, and telling you to buy this record and play it loud.

SKEGSS: Rehearsal.

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Nearly 3 years on from their last record, Skegss are back with a new record that completely justifies why they are one of the most exciting bands around. Rehearsal is a record to do a load of nothing to, and to just have a good time. Play the record in your room as loud as you want, or head out on a long walk blasting this out as loud as you can. Head to the beach and let the waves crash around you; soak up this beautiful record in all ways possible.

Skegss know how to make music that just hits you in the soul; instantly making you feel much better and less worried/stressed out. It’s like they take it all on, and let it all out for you. 5 singles have been released so far from the record, and don’t let that trick you into thinking you’ve heard everything the band has to offer on this record. So far from it. The singles released so far are obviously brilliant, but the record is made up of songs to just really take in and play every single day. Is this record better than their debut, My Own Mess? That’s like asking someone to choose who their favourite kid is or whatever- there’s no comparison here.

I really love that Skegss have such a powerful way of being open with their lyrics. There is this beautiful fragility to Fantasising and it just makes you feel like someone has scooped out all of your thoughts and described them in a more articulate and less scary way. I just love the way Ben has this sleepy tone to his voice, and it kind of feels like a lullaby. It makes you really feel every single word he’s singing and I really can’t get enough of Running From Nothing- it’s such an easy song to relate to. It’s one of those songs that you listen to, and think “oh fuck!” and it just blows you away. They’ve been around for a while now, but they have this sound that makes you feel like you’re listening to them for the first time with every single time. You just can’t get enough of their slick sound.

For me Skegss are like the friend that calms you down when everything is a bit too much. Their sound is utterly soothing; and they’ve really gone above and beyond with this record. These 13 songs deserve all your love, devotion and attention. You just can’t get bored of songs like Sip Of Wine, Picturesque Moment and Valhalla. You just can’t get tired of a record like this, of a band like this. The 3 of them are brilliant musicians, and you can really hear the bond between them all- especially on this record. There’s a tighter sound here, and it’s a real pleasure to listen to.

As someone who’s been a fan of them for a few years, to hear how they’ve developed their sound but always had a strong Punk backbone to their music; you can’t help but feel really proud of them. There’s moments on the record which make me think of In Utero by Nirvana- Curse My Happiness being the main song to liken it to. There’s something so pure about the band, and you just cannot help but become obsessed with them. Wake Up is a song to really listen to when you can feel the world taking its toll on you. It’s like the song is reassuring you that maybe, it’ll be alright. We don’t know when, but it will be. Hopefully.

When you listen to Rehearsal you just know that this record was made to be played live, to be played at 4am when your mind won’t settle- it’ll be your best pal. It’ll be your crutch. It’ll be your world. Skegss are such an exciting band, and Rehearsal is just a taste of how great they are. Grab a beer, and get lost in this delight of a record.

BLOWERS: Blowers LP.

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Need an obnoxious Punk record? Blowers have got you covered. Covered in all bodily fluids and whatever else they want to throw your way. Do they make you feel like you’re listening to the Dead Boys for the first time? Yes. It’s rowdy, raw and filthy. Everything a great record should be.

The 15 songs on this record were made to make you feel uneasy and ready to throw punches at anyone who looks at you the wrong way (I mean I’d never ever do this, but you get what I mean.) These songs are beautifully aggressive and loud. 15 songs just isn’t enough, but as far as debut record go- this one is exquisite. It makes you want to go to a Punk show and just let loose. It makes you forget everything, and all you can do is soak up the music. Only a couple of songs hit the 3 minute mark, and honestly if the songs lasted longer it would take away that magic and attitude that Blowers possess. You won’t hear anything else like it; they’ve got this attitude that makes you partly scared of them but partly in awe of this beautiful noise.

Blowers may be around for decades or they may be around for 5 more months and sack it all off- irrespective of what they may do, you simply cannot overlook how incredible this record. All of the band have been in other bands, but there is something about Blowers that is next level. It’s louder. it’s faster and gnarly as hell- it isn’t for those wanting soppy love songs or whatever. It is for those who want it louder and maybe a bit crude. It’s all I could want from a Punk record. They again, are a band who you just know would be amazing live. So I guess I have to live in some kind of hope that they may come to the UK one day, and i get to experience this band in the best way possible- live and loud.

It’s fairly easy to become fed up and jaded about the world and all around you, so if you’re looking for a band to unleash those furies for you- then Blowers have got you covered. Songs like Hate That Shit, Hitman and Chainsaw justify all this, and more. This isn’t a record you play in the background whilst you get on with your day. Hell no. This is a record you play hella loud and let it take over your bones. It’ll be why your neighbours get pissed off at you at 3am. It is such a great record that you can’t help but obsesses over. One listen isn’t enough- the more you listen, the more you can hear influences from their previous bands and also a taste of bands like Black Flag, Dead Boys, The Stooges. That feeling of being fed-up and having fuck all to do; Blowers really do express this in such a great way.

To attempt to pick a favourite song on this record is impossible. You’ve got the vicious sounds of Can’t Get Started, then you’ve got the powerful sounds of Ripped and you’ve then got the intense sounds of Blow. This record has ZERO bad songs. ZERO fillers. Every song owns it’s spot in the record and just makes you want to stomp around like a toddler and do whatever the hell you want.

We all have those records that just make the day easier to get through because you’re hearing the song(s) that expose how frustrated you may be feeling or how you’ve got this rage at the world- Blowers make it alright to have these emotions, and let it all out for you.

The only way to play this record is loud. Like, stupidly LOUD. Scream along and let it all out.

LEGAL NOISE: Tough As Nails.

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Here’s another accidental find for you- Legal Noise. They released their new EP, Tough As Nails yesterday. It consists of four songs to smash your skull, destroy your hearing and move your soul. The songs are rowdy, exceptional and of course, beautifully obnoxious. A real gnarly Punk record to blast out super loud.

Lazy comparisons will be to the likes of The Chats or Skegss; but Legal Noise are their own kind of noise. Much like The Chats and Skegss. All three bands are incredible, and I absolutely adore them. Basically, Australis sure knows how to give us some great Punk bands. These are the kind of songs you play when you feel like you’re a bit of a slacker or a burden (Disgrace being the EP opener that really hits you) but you make peace with it, and you stop caring what anyone thinks of you. Easier said than done but trust me, you’ll feel much better when you get to this stage.

Goon Man is one of their heaviest songs to date. The guitar on this is insane- it reminds me of Birmingham’s finest, Table Scraps. That sheer loudness and the way it makes you feel like something has got right inside your skull with zero chance of an apology happening. Why get mad about it? This is the most glorious sound. Goon Man doesn’t sound like a song from now- there is something about it that could happily have been released in maybe the early 90s when Grunge was kicking off. Legal Noise sure know how to make music to wonderfully fuck with your brain and make you feel alive. I’ll say it again, they are another band that make you wish you could go to a live show. This EP live would sound ridiculous. It’d be an utter rampage, and you’d want to be in that moment constantly.

I really love the raw sound on this EP, and for me it does remind me a little bit of very early Silverchair (Frogstomp record for sure) and that loudness is just divine. Aside from being everything I could want from a record; they are astounding musicians. The drums are intense and you can truly hear how remarkable they are as musicians on Double Trouble. I love the lo-fi feel to this record, and how you are made to feel like you are watching them play these songs in a garage or what have you. They give you this insight into their world and sound on this EP, and they do it in a way that just leaves you utterly speechless. I think this is one of the most exciting EPs I’ve heard in a long time.

Legal Noise have been around since 2019 (I think) and this EP is definitely a testament to how great they are. I’ve only just got hip to them, but I reckon it’ll be one of my finest finds of the year (bold, I know) and I really cannot wait to hear more from them. They are such a joy to listen to, and they just make you want to forget the world and go into your own universe. Their songs are made to be blasted out as loud as possible. Once you’ve checked out the Tough As Nails EP, make sure you go back and listen to the rest of their hits.

Nightmare is a great song, and as you keep on listening to what they’ve released prior to Tough As Nails, you will hear a band that are on their own journey to discovering their sound. They are such a great band and I really cannot wait to hear more from them. Tough As Nails may only have four songs on, but these four songs will straight up blow your mind.

BABY CANDY.

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We know that Australia has given us some amazing bands, and Baby Candy are another band you can cite as being exceptional. They are everything you could want from a Stoner/Psych Rock band, and more. If you want loud sounds with some good ol’ fashioned reverb; then Baby Candy are the band for you. They’re for everyone.

They’ve just released two new singles (She’s Melting and What’s Inside) and these songs are not to be ignored at all. They are to be blasted out as loud as possible. Tell everyone you know about this band. Then we can all cry together until bands can tour again. They definitely give off that vibe of being a band that you HAVE to see live. This kind of music isn’t made to just be heard in bedrooms or through headphones. This band definitely need to be seen live. It’s bittersweet in a way because you can hear just how great they are but at the same time- you just wish you could go to a show.

Baby Candy have been going since 2018 (I think) and up on their Bandcamp page there is a song from 2018, some demos made last year and the two singles that came out this month. Although we do not have many songs, what they have given us so far is a clear indication that this band are really great. They sound like everything you could possibly want from a band that are unafraid to be loud and really delve into creating their own sound. The demos they made last year (titled Pandemos) are four songs that really hit you in the gut. There is so much going on, and so much to appreciate. They are brilliant musicians, and with just a handful of songs they have most certainly created something to be treasured.

That solid Garage Rock sound is there, but it’s mixed with this heaviness that just makes you zone out in the most magical way possible. You feel like you’ve gone back to the 60s with these songs (the Pandemos) but stepped into the future at the same time. I just love what they do, and I love their sound so much. There are a few bands I could liken their sound to (as in bands I love) but when you keep listening to them, you can’t help but think “I’ve never heard anything like this before!” There is something familiar yet brand new about them, and that’s what I adore about them so much.

Baby Candy are the kind of band that you don’t just half heartedly listen to. You really invest your time into their music- there is so much to love and appreciate about their music, and I think that is part of the charm. It’s totally fine to have bands that you listen to in the background or whatever, but sometimes you want something that just gets you right in the gut. If you want to really experience this, play their song Have You Lost Your Mind. You will see what I mean. It’s the kind of song that makes you stop what you are doing, and all you can do is focus on this song. Everything on this song is just golden and beautiful. I can’t get enough of it, and it’s easily my favourite song by them so far.

The sheer ferociousness in the songs, the production, everything- it is just impeccable. We need bands like this. They really do make you feel like you’re going into another universe with them. Shut your eyes and silence your mind when you listen to Baby Candy and let them take you on a trip. Go as far out as possible, and don’t come back down to earth if you don’t want to. Live in the world they have created and be free.

THE CHATS: High Risk Behaviour.

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It’s here! The debut record by The Chats- one of Australia’s finest bands. These three wonderful ratbags are back with 14 songs to get you in the mood to self-isolate. Well, what else is there to do! Doom and gloom aside, The Chats are just a brilliant band. If you love bands like Skegss and Amyl and The Sniffers then you’re probably already onto The Chats, and you’re probably excited for this record.
The Chats are that band that keep appearing at your local pub; part of the furniture and no one dares tell them to go home. Why would you? They’re everything you want from a rowdy band, and they just make you want to hang out with them and get into mischief. I love how their songs just are declarations of impish behaviour. Ignore the song The Clap- you probably don’t want to behave in that way, but as far as songs that find humour in an STD this one is pretty great. They’re owning it, and fair play to them. The humour in the lyrics and the way they just share their life with us is so cool, and they aren’t afraid to let us in on their mishaps and fuckups.

They make songs that are just destined to be chanted right back at them, and you can imagine Josh crowd surfing as the fans go mental to Identity Theft and shout the words as loud as possible. Maybe this will happen on their tour later in the year, if the universe allows us to leave our homes again for fun! I just bloody love this band and their carefree attitude. Aside from that though, they are really great musicians. They just keep getting better and better, and the production on High Risk Behaviour is really tight too.
Their two Eps showed us exactly how great they are, and how on earth does it come across on a full-length record? Well, we can call this as one of if not THE most energetic records of the year. They pick up nicely where Get This In Ya!! left off, and these songs are proper rippers. They make you want to just trash shit, skate around or just get up to no good. Dine n Dash is a great song about being too broke to eat, so you get your fill then fuck off without paying. It’s one of my favourites off the record, but it’s just a non-stop party record. The songs are made for you to just let loose and forget your troubles and find humour in what’s getting to you. They talk about being broke and doing nothing, and not really letting it get to them. Their laid-back style is what really makes you connect with the songs.
Eamon’s vocals just hooks you right in, and you want to copy his style as you chant the words back. Then you mix this with Matt’s INSANE drumming and Josh’s guitar, and also Eamon’s bass well, then you’ve just got top musicians who really love what they’re doing. Ross River is a great tale, and you picture yourself right there with Eamon as he describes what’s going on. Pub Feed is a great example of this too and how they are just craving some good, wholesome pub food. Sometimes, that’s all you need.
The songs don’t even hit the 3 minute mark, but don’t let that deter you in any way. The songs were made to be played loud and on a loop. They have this wicked energy that just makes you move and flail those limbs about. I love how freeing their sound is, and again, the carefree attitude. It’s like, “everything is shit but don’t worry about it.” Sometimes you just need to hear that, or in a roundabout way you know? Just so you don’t feel so down and out about what’s going on in your head. It’s so easy to worry and assume the worst, but with The Chats they’ll give you the brutal truth but put their own twist on it that makes you feel lighter.
There are some exceptional bands in Australia, and some really great Punk bands. The Chats are a band that I’ve seen a lot of people make reference to when talking about new and exciting bands, and it’s so easy to see why. I mean, this is their debut full length record and it sounds like something from a band who are well into their career. The energy they have on record is poured right into their live shows too. It’s like all this pent-up energy is released how they need it to be in their live shows, and on record it is just a taste of this energy. They are such an easy band to love and become obsessed with; High Risk Behaviour is a remarkable record, and I love how they have a distinctive sound but no part of you gets tired of it at all. Songs like Do What I Want are just so rebellious and mischievous, they just make you want to hang out with them and get into trouble. It’s pretty clear that The Chats will be a band that kids listen to, and are influenced by to start their own band and it is such a great thing!

High Risk Behaviour is such a great record, and it was definitely worth the wait. The two EPs they gave us were just a little taste of what was to come, and now we have it you’d be hard-pressed to let go of that excitement. With any luck, I’ll get to see them in October. I can’t wait to see how this all comes alive in a live setting. I think this is how people felt when the Ramones first got peoples attention. These 14 songs are made for wasting your days away to, go out for a walk and play this record in your ears and let every annoyance you have slip away.
High Risk Behaviour is out right now via Bargain Bin Records.

NITE FIELDS: A Voyeur Makes No Mark.

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Where do I even start with writing about the new Nite Fields record? It’s spooky one, and one that I’m honoured to listen to let alone write about. A little different to what I normally write about, but there’s no better way of celebrating 12 years of this site than by writing about an incredible record.

 That’s right, 12 years ago I set this site up whilst in my second year of university. I didn’t think I would carry on with it, let alone let it go on for over a decade! So, with that in mind I’m going to tell you all about the exceptional new record by Nite Fields. If you’re obsessed with the likes of Cold Cave (Wes Eisold is a God/Genius) or Psychic TV or Autumns (Derry’s finest) or even Drab Majesty- chances are you will fall in love with A Voyeur Makes No Mark by Nite Fields. It is this glorious Industrial sounding record that has mind-blowing sounds flowing all the way through. It is made up of 8 tracks that will leave you in awe. When I listen to it, I am reminded of The Vacant Lots- my love for TVL is pretty obvious, and songs like Not Your Time remind me of some of TVL’s songs. I bloody love it, and it is such an exciting record to listen to. I adore the distorted and eerie vocals. Sure, I’m a massive Punk fan, but whatever you want to call this- this is what really gets me in the gut too.

 The new record is a 10/10 for production. Yeah, I never ever mark records because I am not that kind of person, but I really want to point out just how fascinating every element of this record is, and the production is really something else. The new record is essentially a solo project now, and Danny did the record in Moscow. You can hear the coldness in this record, and it is such a great listen.  Invitation and Voyeur are such powerful songs, and they have a grander feel to them than what we have previously heard by Danny/Nite Fields. You can truly hear the devotion and connect with the creative process on this record, and in a world where everyone wants everything immediately and has to annoyingly share it online immediately; I love how Danny has made something truly worthwhile and deserving of treasuring. Honestly, the production on this record is flawless.

 

 

 

A Voyeur Makes No Mark is a really stunning record, and I love how Danny takes you on this highly intense, and euphoric journey. It’s like you’ve stepped into this decadent underworld that not many are aware of, and the possibly shy away from. It’s full of songs that will make you move in ways no other could. It is full of songs to really lose yourself in. It is just a phenomenal record, and I’m pretty sure that amongst fans, this will become an instant classic. It’s a record ahead of its time, and I sure hope it causes enough demand for a UK tour. Depersonalisation came out 5 years ago, and the leap in the sound, arrangement and production is so great. It’s such a joy to listen to and although it is only 8 songs long, it is enough to make you realise that Danny is truly making something special here. I mean it was obvious 5 years ago, but there’s something about this record that is really beyond anyone’s expectations of what was going to come next from Nite Fields.

 The record ends with the mind-fuckery that is Do It In Reverse. Everything about this song feels like it was made to mess with the listener’s head, and I love that. I love music that takes a listener out of their comfort zone and makes them feel a bit on edge. Danny does this all through the record, but the final song really, really does this in a different way. I can’t really explain but what I can tell you is that every ounce of his talent truly comes through on this song (obviously on the whole record too, but you know what I mean!)

I only write about what I love and will always do so. I’ll never ever find fault, and I will always do my best to get across just how great a record is. I really hope I have done this with the new Nite Fields record because it is such a great listen, and the whole experience of listening to it is just perfect. Bands/artists like Autumns, The Vacant Lots, Drab Majesty- they are really making a difference with their sound and take listeners to some place sacred with their art. Danny/Nite Fields does exactly that too.

 The record is out in April and will be released via Lost Race (if you want the vinyl version) and Perfect Aesthetics (if you want it on tape.)

NICK NUISANCE & THE DELINQUENTS.

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If you’re looking for some rowdy Punk, then get your ears turned onto Nick Nuisance & The Delinquents. They’re a might fie band from Australia, and they take you way back to when Punk was starting out, and bands were solidifying their sound. Nick Nuisance & The Delinquents are everything you could possibly want from a gloriously rambunctious band.

 Nick’s vocals remind me slightly of Bobby Gillespie. I can’t really pinpoint what it is exactly but maybe it’s that wonderful sleazy tone that really locks you in. It’s incredible and will just blow your mind. They remind me of Primal Scream mixed with New York Dolls, with a Ramones attitude. But there’s something else going on and it defies any genre or band comparison that I or anyone else could put together. They’re worth way more than that, but I just wanted to give a slight indication to you on how great they are. When you listen to them, you’ll get what I mean.

 

 

Last year they released the dreamy Dumb Fuzz record. Five new songs that just made you want to have a good time an escape into your own little world. Talk To No One, Head, the songs on this release are so great and you cannot get enough of them but for when five songs just won’t do- we’ve got other records to fawn over. Cheap Things is another record of theirs that will just blow you away; this one came out in 2017 and the six songs on this release again just show us how amazing the band are. I think this is their most trashy/sleazy Rock ‘n’ Roll record. It’s got this 70s Glam Rock feel to it, that at times I can do without but here it truly works. It’s an exceptional record, and sure six songs aren’t enough, but it is a strong taster of what the band are about.

 Something really impressive to note about Cheap Things is that the band recorded it live to tape in just two days. If this is what we can get in two days from them, imagine what a week could churn out! I’ve got high hopes for this band, and one being that they find their way to the UK and melt our faces and steal our souls at their live shows. I love the sound that they have, and I love how it just sounds so natural to them. There is nothing forced about their sound, and they aren’t afraid to experiment with sounds that some may be cautious of dabbling in. An utterly fearless sound is what they possess, and collectively they are just a real treat to listen to. They are excellent musicians who just make you feel a sense of joy when you listen to them. Their songs go from being house party anthems to songs to waste the day to. Whatever you’re into, or whatever you spend your days doing- Nick Nuisance & The Delinquents are the perfect soundtrack to it.

 

 

Most of their songs don’t really hit over the two and half minute mark, and I guess this is one of the reasons why you just crave more music from them. They are just an absolute pleasure to listen to and when you listen to them, you just imagine yourself either hanging out with them, at their show or just anywhere that’s your happy/safe space. That’s what music should be about and given the state of the world at the moment, we should take that feeling any chance we get.

MINI SKIRT.

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Finding information about the band Mini Skirt is impossible without searches bringing up weird images and the like. Fortunately, I’ve got what I need to write about this proper rowdy band. A band that make you feel like you’re listening to Black Flag for the first time. Are you ready to throw things out of the window and trash your living room? Yes? No? It doesn’t matter. Mini Skirt are a brilliant band who have this refreshing angst and humour in their music.

 Mini Skirt formed in Byron Bay (yes, another Australian band that I’m writing about) and although I know basically nothing about the Australian music scene (I know what I like, and what I’m not big on) I can safely say that there are some fucking incredible bands out there. I’ve written about the ones I’ve found and loved, but I know there’s more out there. It’s the turn of Mini Skirt right now, and there’s something about their extremely honest and to the point lyrics that just makes you fall in love with them instantly. They have this charm that makes you feel like you’re hanging out with your best friends; they see the world in a way that may or may not irk some, but they’re telling us what they see and what they see in others. They unleash their disappointments and the like, and the way they express it is done in a way that you wish more would do. Their humour is what lures you in but it’s their evident talent that keeps you there. Completely locked in.

 

 

A band I can liken them to is Viagra Boys- they both have this undeniable charm and wit in their songs, and it is just a real privilege to listen to. Mini Skirt are a band that observe, and I mean really observe. Their song (Untitled) taken from Hello Possums (ten points if you get the reference!) is one of my favourites, and it really captures the way we observe others, ourselves and the world; and how our thoughts can just turn into a bunch of nothingness. Sometimes you just gorm out and your brain focuses on things that probably hold no worth to others, but it matters to you. So, it does matter.

 I’m not entirely sure when the band started, it may have been around 2016 with their Taste EP- which you must listen to! They have such a solid and gnarly sound; they’re just consistently brilliant, and I think that’s why what they do works. Songs like Out Of Place (from 2016) to last year’s Pretty shows just how far they have come, and how their sound has got stronger and the toughness in the lyrics is really coming through. Mini Skirt aren’t afraid to be brutally honest and call out bullshitters. We need more of that, and the way they call out various injustices is brilliant. Dying Majority is a prime example of this and is definitely one of the most vital songs of our time. Listen to it. Listen to it really loud and take in the lyrics. Going back to the Taste EP; it is made up of 6 songs that are the perfect introduction to the band. If you’re going to start here with the band, then you won’t be sorry. Songs like Billy Elliot and Dogs are so effortlessly great, and they have this lo-fi sound that makes you feel like you’re watching them rehearse right in front of you. If only we could be that lucky! It’s such a fantastic EP. They aren’t afraid to call people/society out on their shitty behaviour, and that alone makes them easy to love.

 

 

Mini Skirt are nothing short of exceptional, and I hope they take over the world someday…somehow. I love everything about their sound. I love how they make music for them, and aren’t afraid to be bold and honest, and of course- loud. The snarls in the vocals (especially on Security) to the drums that sound like a riot and everything else, it’s just incredible. They’re made up of some of the best musicians you’ll probably ever hear, and their newest release Pretty shows us that. Go listen to all the music they’ve given us, and you’ll truly hear something that will blow your mind.

 

*photo by Dougal Gorman

DRAGGS.

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DRAGGS

 

So, we know that Kel Mason from Gee Tee is an exceptional musician, right? If you’re a fan of Gee Tee then you’re probably aware of his other project, DRAGGS. DRAGGS are ridiculous. They’re this super lo-fi sounding band that are really creepy. You don’t feel safe when you listen to them, and I’m totally fine with that. I love the heaviness of the sound, and I love how really weird it all is.

 DRAGGS are obscure and everything you want from creepy sounding lo-fi Garage Rock. I’m hooked. I love how distorted it all is, how difficult to listen to it is- I mean this in the best way possible. They aren’t an easy listen, and I love that about them. I love how you have to be really focused to listen to DRAGGS in order to really get the sound. This isn’t a band that you casually listen to, oh no! This is a band that you set time aside for, so you can really hear everything that’s going on. And trust me, there’s a LOT going on.

 

 

The more you listen to DRAGGS, the more obvious it is that Kel is a genius. That’s for another post though, right now I just really want to tell you as many reasons as I can as to why DRAGGS are incredible- but maybe you already know this. If you do, then sorry for wasting your time. Anyway, the thing to really become obsessed with is the production. The production on their records is INSANE. It is pretty much perfect, but there’s this strong DIY feel that just makes you feel like you could do this. Maybe you could. Are YOU the next Kel Mason? Let’s move on quickly.

 DRAGGS sound like you’ve taken Night Nurse during the day and you’re attempting to hold yourself together. There’s this woozy feel to their sound that I’ve not really heard before. Or maybe I have, but with DRAGGS it is something else. You feel like you have zero control over anything, and sometimes that is totally fine. Songs like New Teeth, Slob City and the whole of Slime Street will make you feel odd, but in a good way. This is some of the weirdest music I’ve ever heard, and I adore it. It’s part futuristic, part outer body experience. There’s enough going on here to keep you hooked- I just love how weird and off the wall it all is. It’s something that I know I’ll keep going back to. But like I said, DRAGGS aren’t a band that you just listen to casually. You need to really focus when you listen to them; you might miss something important if not!

 

 

 

Slob City and 3D Funeral are two of DRAGGS releases that were made to purely blow the minds of anyone who listens to them, and they truly succeed in doing this. I absolutely adore the Slime Street release, but to be honest I just find the whole catalogue of music to be nothing short of fantastic. They don’t make for an easy listen, and I’m all for that.