A really cool hazy sunshine vibe here on Wishes from New Jersey’s Ducktails. I could just put this on repeat and slip into a trance filled with banana lounges, mojito’s, long sunny days, swimming pools, bicycles and polaroid pictures. Yeah…something like that.

Ducktails – Wishes

Luna Park’s Big Top is one of the worst venues i’ve ever attended. Big stale room full of security guards, wristbands and crowd barriers *shudder*, but it didn’t stop me from enjoying Franz Ferdinand last night.

If you’re like me and tend to get into bands 10 years too late, or stray completely away from the hype of massive bands like this, then maybe you should have a closer listen. FF have written some of the last decade’s most classic tunes.

Take Me Out had 2000 people jumping in unison and it reminded me whats so great about this band, amazingly well written, ridiculously catchy songs that have a lot of groove and a lot of style.

I just couldn’t believe no one cared when they played their cover of LCD Soundsystem’s All My Friends… i almost had a heart attack when they started playing it.

Franz Ferdinand – Take Me Out

Sydney’s Drugmoney has made a name for himself as MC Gaff E’s DJ and producer, and steps out here on his own for a solo effort. And it’s pretty damn good. The sounds are very interesting and impeccably produced (for an unmastered demo) direct from his bedroom in da hoods of Mascot. It’s almost comical at times, but I think that’s because i’ve been watching this Garth Marenghi episode too much and got the solo stuck in my head. Either way, Monday Luv has got a great groove. Drugmoney is hoping to put an EP out shortly.

Drugmoney – Monday Luv (Demo)

Melbourne’s Gold Tango released their debut EP late last year, and I’m really bummed I haven’t heard it yet. The first single Telescope, is a killer downbeat keyboard jam, that sounds more 80’s pop on junk than the twee indie stuff that you’d usually here from this kind of sound. I love how this track keeps building but still maintains its slow moving pop-drone the whole way.

EP available now from the wonderful EXO Records.

Gold Tango – Telescope

Shit Robot is a genius. Signed to the DFA label, Marcus Lambkin is originally from Ireland but has pretty much become a world-wide disco phenomenon, globetrotting his away across various countries for extended periods of time. Everything he touches turns to gold, and this is no exception.

Here he has remixed Idioma’s dreamy soundscape-esque track into the kinda track you dance your ass off to when the sun’s coming up, but still manages to keep that uplifting simplicity of the original. Save this one for 7am next time you’re out and about.

Idioma – Landscapes (Shit Robot remix)

This is so fucking good. Melbourne’s White Woods are doing a kind of drugged out garage sound that is so familiar, but somehow highly unique. The album is a huge journey through all kinds of garage/psych, shoegaze, and even no-wave-jam kinda paradises. I’ve only had a couple of listens and I already know i’m going to be playing this all year.

Groundswell is track 6 of 7 on this excellent record. Also go to their myspace and check out Ballet Tea and a live version of their nine minute album closer Backyard Blues.

Available soon on Sensory Projects.

STREAMING ONLY

After our sold out FNMC night in December with The Joysticks & Step Panther, we’re back again with a huge lineup that we are very very excited about…..

LOVE CONNECTION from Melbourne, doing thier Sydney album launch.

(Love Connection was released Jan 30 through Sensory Projects)

NO ART. Sydney & FNMC favourites.

TOMORROWS TULIPS from California USA, featuring ex Japanese Motors front-man Alex Knost, on their very first Australian tour.

It all happens on Saturday 27th March at Oxford Art Factory’s Gallery Bar.

Pre-sale tickets are available right here from MOSHTIX.

Get in quick, the venue is tiny and tickets will go fast.

Love Connection on FNMC

No Art on FNMC

Tomorrows Tulips on FNMC

Some new stuff from Melbourne’s Pageants this week, from yet another brilliant Sensory Projects signing.

I’m really digging the lo-fi pop vibe on Drink The World, it reminds me of all the great stuff coming out of the states at the moment, but with a distinctly Melbourne flavour.

Their EP Forbidden Delicious will be out soon. You should definitely buy it.

STREAMING ONLY

Some incredibly fun weirdo electronica here from Baltimore’s Happy Family.

Great sounds… and that jagged bass line is so perfect when it kicks in.

A big surprise is about three and half minutes through when the track seems to rapidly ascend into some kind of higher experience, and the back down again nice and slowly, bringing you out of the trance very comfortably.

Happy Family – Going To

If you’ve been reading much of this website, you’ll see that we have an affinity with a classic pop tune. However, check out this Kinks track from 1969…its a bit different from the usual (and excellent) short garage pop songs we all know and love The Kinks for. Clocking in at 6:42, its far beyond anything from them that you’d hear in any normal situation.

What really gets me every time is when it takes a big turn and get all psych’ on yo’ ass, ending up in an almost 13th Floor Elevators kinda jam…. Amazing!

The Kinks – Australia