behindthesceneofficial-blog

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Belle Haven // Eye Of The Scene // Angus Lewry Photography @angus.lewry @bellehavenband

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BEHIND THE BAND // Spilt Milk // INTERVIEW

A few nights ago i got to talk to the boys in Spilt Milk about HSC life and a little bit about the recording process of their first release “The Fall” This is the first BEHIND THE BAND and i hope you enjoy!

//Can you give us a brief history of the band and releases?//

Dylan: Being in high school in the midst of a looming HSC unfortunately takes its fair share of time away from the music we’d rather be making, so our single ‘The Fall’ stands as our only proper release to date with more to come early next year.  

//How did the band originate?//

Dylan: Early earlyyy Spilt Milk started between a few mates at Sydney Grammar School back in 2015 as a punk inspired cover band kinda gig up until last year when Charlie started writing some tunes, met me at some shindigs around and made plans to start pumping out some sweet music.

//What's the first band who made you love music?//

Chuck: For me it was the Beatles. I grew up with them, my parents would always play them whenever they got the chance, so they've always been there. I still get just as much enjoyment out of them as I ever did then, even more so now. But yeah that's how I really fell in love with music.

Sam: I actually first fell in love with theme music from video games and films (especially Doctor Who, which I watched from a young age just for the intro). I couldn’t stand pop, and it would be awhile before I grew to really appreciate specific bands, seeing as, beyond pop music, my friends were only into Green Day.

Dylan: The first time I recall music having a big impact on me would be when I was introduced to Jeff Buckley’s Grace album at 15 which for me then was just this really incredible crazy emotional thing that looking back probably validated a lot of teen angst.Either way, it really gave an example to me of how much you need to put into music for people to get something out.

//Who inspires you to make music now?//

Chuck: Honestly it's still the artists I look up to. I'm always discovering something new, whether it's more recent music or some hidden melody in a song I've been listening to for years. Also, it's that feeling you get when you hear an amazing song, that's what I'm chasing essentially. If I can make someone feel that way about my music that's a job well done in my opinion, because in my experience it's one of the most beautiful feelings you can have.

Sam: There is so much crazy music out there, along with many ridiculously talented drummers (Dave Weckl, Virgil Donati, etc.), but the man who inspires me the most is Aleksander Vinter (AKA Savant among his many aliases). He can write in any style and still make it unique, and he hates genres.

Dylan: Everything really man, with music the listener only gets out what the artist puts into it, so really I dig any artist whether it be jazz/rap/alt/rock/metal/reggae/psych or a clusterfuck of all the above that puts themselves in their music. In that respect I dig artists like David L’Eaupepe’s Gang of Youths, the Beatles, Jeff Buckley, Radiohead, Bon Iver, Foals, Snarky Puppy among heaps others.

//What are some of the most important things you have learnt while being together?//

Chuck: That it takes a while to get a band sounding good live - it takes a lot of work to get everyone in sync but once you do it's great. Also that co-writing songs can be very fulfilling

//How do you view your band now as opposed to when you started?// 

Sam: When we first started, we were practically a Nirvana cover band trying to play at our school social. But once Chuck started writing for the band, a level of respect sort of grew and we knew this could be so much more. The three of us are all committed to careers in music and so we treat Spilt Milk as our primary project.

//What's your favourite venue to play?//

Chuck: Well because we're just finishing with school soon, we haven't had the chance to do many gigs apart from a couple at a nearby youth centre, which was a lot of fun so I guess it's good ol’ Mosman Youth Centre

//Can you explain what goes on during the writing process?//

Chuck: Well initially I had a bunch of these song ideas, chords/melodies/etc, but I had no way to realise their full form I guess - I would just record a riff or whatever into voice memos on my phone so I wouldn't forget (I still do this pretty often actually.) But then I discovered that my dad had Logic Pro X, with everything I could ever need to record demos of the songs I had, so one day I sat down and bashed out this song over like 8 hours, I became addicted to having what was in my view a finished song, and so I recorded all the other ideas I had in there, just with a guitar and a midi keyboard with a bunch of effects to make it sound like a full band. It allows for sort of writing on the fly, because I can switch between instruments by clicking a button essentially. It's really fun, but it gets tiresome, so with the introduction of Dylan as a writer there's a bit more hands on 1 on 1 writing which I think is even better, because you get to vibe of each other's ideas - it's just a great feeling.

//Can you explain the recording process you go through?//

Sam: We record everything ourselves - I’ve spent a long time hunting for the right drum skins and listening to cymbal after cymbal to arrive at the drum sounds we’re currently happy with. Following that, if we’re recording in a new space, I’ll move the instrument around the room, listening for where it sounds best, and then place a few sheets of acoustic foam to tame the room sound a touch. At this point, I’ll set up the mics (we use nine, for example, on the kit), and record each part separately to a click track, working from the rhythm section up. Once the actual recording is done and the mixing begins it’s time for me to detach from my ego and work on a mix that will be refined over and over until all three of us are happy, without complacency. What’s most exciting is that we’re super young and already achieving a great sound, yet we’ve got so so much more to learn.

//What does this release mean to you?//

Chuck: it's exciting because it's our first official release, and it's pretty cool to have our stuff on Spotify and iTunes, it's pretty crazy. We're just glad that a lot of people seem to enjoy it, and having this release brings our music to people who otherwise wouldn't have heard our music, it's cool that they can now.

//What does the scene mean to you?//

Sam: Opportunity

//If you could change one thing about the scene,  what would it be?//

Chuck: Stop the Sticky Fingers cover bands

Sam: I think people should expose themselves to all kinds of music - Indian, reggae, electronic, all kinds of rock and jazz, etc. Our Australian music scene tends to have a bit of a specific sound these days, and I really wish there was more experimentation. Kevvy P’s obviously an exception to this.Dylan: For baby boomers to stop having a fat hissyfit about sound waves from live music entering their little investment property bubbles //What song means the most to you?//

Chuck: Probably “A Day In The Life” by the Beatles, I always knew that song was special, and listening to it now it gives me goosebumps, it's just an amazing song, means a lot to me because it's always been there throughout my entire life. I'll probably die to that song.

Sam: In The Air Tonight has the most beautiful mixing I’ve ever heard. It’s like unattainably good. It makes me shiver when I’m listening in the studio with my eyes closed, and I can practically see every instrument. There are too many good songs to pick one on musical/lyrical merit alone though. Actually lyrically it’s gotta be Crossfire by Stephen - so damn meaningful.

Dylan: I’d have to say Vital Signs by Gang of Youths down to David L’Eaupepe’s lyricism - it’s fckn poetry and it epitomizes for me the ecstatic way music should make you feel. Otherwise, there’s this short 1.30 instrumental called Idaho Pt. 2 by Acid Ghost which gets to me for reasons I don’t quite understand. I couldn’t explain it if I tried.

//What's your favorite song to play live?// 

 Sam: American Idiot!!

Chuck: Nah but probably the next single we're gonna release, it has this crazy ending that we all just really vibe on when we play it.

Dylan: Yea we’re all geed for that next one I reckon it’ll go down well^ //Why do you play music?//  Chuck: Because it's fucking hectic, when you play with people you're comfortable with it's beautiful.

Sam: Music is magic, and when you play with great players that’s exactly how it feels. People say I dance when I play and that’s simply because I fucking connect with the music.

Dylan: For jamming with other people really, you get these sick moments that come along every once in awhile where everything just clicks and it’s a crazy feeling.

//Would you encourage people watching this to start bands?// 

Chuck: I would encourage anyone watching to whatever they love doing, everyone has something that they're passionate about, if that's music, fuck yeah start a band or write music or whatever. If you have a passion, fucking go for it.

Dylan: Yeah for sure like in my opinion playing good music with other people is one of the best feelings you can have, and it grows on you.

//What advice do you have for new bands?//

Chuck: be prepared to be shit - at rehearsals, gigs, whatever - stuff is gonna go wrong at some point, and if you wanna get anywhere you have to fail.Sam: Hunned percent - you’ve gotta back yourself and never fucking stop, no matter how many times people reject you.

Dylan: Just fckn enjoy it cause you’re wasting it if you don’t, and that’s what the music’s about. If you wanna make it you gotta go hard, but just don’t forget what it’s about. //How important is it to network with other bands?//

Chuck: pretty important, it's great to be in a community of passionate musicians, it's like being in a band of bands uno, like a bunch of bands joining together to be one super band.

Sam: Network with everyone. Doesn’t matter if they’re in a band or not, as long as they’re cool people. You might introduce two people who just had to meet each other, and they might be the reason you meet a particular industry contact too.

Dylan: Yea for sure like most of all it’s just heaps chill to have other people to jam and collab with, cause at the end of the day no one is really competing in music.

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Paper Thin - When You Call // Song Review

Song: When You Call Band: Paper Thin Album: Living With. Being Without EP Location: Newcastle, Australia Date of release: September 13th Genre: Pop Punk, Alt Rock Reviewer: Byron Hall For Fans Of: This Time Only, Luca Brasi Paper Thin are at it again, The novocastrians dropped the title track off their upcoming EP "Living With. Being Without." which is set to be released on the 13th of September via Lost Boy Records. The intro is very mellow, the drums are beautiful and the guitar paints the perfect background. Honestly this song was more of a painting for me. I could visualize every element, every layer and every texture. I don't even know where to get started. This track has everything it needs. From the get go vocalist Spencer Scott nails superbly how the Australian accent can sound in its raw entirety. This layered with beautifully toned guitar work, punchy drum and bass combos and the very unique grunge flavored vibes nearing the mid of the song. All in all, although this was a very vague and subjective take on this track. I am totally looking forward to this EP to be released! Its almost abstract if you will, the deeper you listen the more interesting it is. Vocals: 9/10 Guitars: 9/10 Bass: 9/10 Drums: 9/10 Production: 8/10 Lyrics: 8.5/10 Songwriting: 9/10 Personal Enjoyment: 9/10 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FC8CsduR_5s

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Majora - Aphotic // Song Review

Song: Aphotic Band: Majora Album: Aphotic EP Location: Newcastle // Australia Date of release: 9/8/17 Genre: Instrumental Prog, Post rock Reviewer: Byron Hall For Fans Of: The Butterfly Effect, sleepmakeswaves

The main reason i stumbled upon this track was because of the band’s name. Majora are a killer four piece band from Newcastle. Yeah i know another review of a Newy band, will it ever end? As i’d never heard of these guys before and really didn’t pay attention to the video title to start with, i didn’t know this was an instrumental, i didn’t know these guys were instrumental. I tell you what, they dont even need a fucking singer this was one of the tightest recordings i’ve heard from a Newy band in sooo longgg.

Very ambient sounds of soothing wind fills your ears, when the first drum and guitar combo hammer through it seems to break the serenity, but alas every layer of guitar is perfectly placed. The drum work is so well placed with the bass work that it ties in every brutal slam and oh those bass chuggs are magical.

This just proves how immersive instrumental music can still be, four dudes with stingsticks and the pots and pans oh music is glorious sometimes.

Vocals: obvs 0/10 Guitars: 9/10 Bass: 9.5/10 Drums:9 /10 Production: 9/10 Lyrics: 0/10 Songwriting: 9/10 Personal Enjoyment:9.5 /10

Overall Score 54/69

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EYE OF THE SCENE // SNAKE EYES FT. TIM JOHNSON // TOM THORNE PHOTOGRAPHY

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Convex - BAND REVIEW - Braden Groundwater

For starters playing at ECP Studios is always a weird vibe, to add to that, the show was held outdoors at night and it was freezing but Convex cut straight through when they opened with their set starter. This kicks you in the ass immediately with heavies. After that they went straight in with ‘Wolves’ which showcases their potential really well. Although the crowd wasn’t the biggest, it was still a fun time.

Unlike other artists, this band manages to maintain a great sense of dynamics and variety throughout their set for an up and coming band. Showing that they aren’t just a one trick show pony. This does a great deal for keeping up the interest. It’s good to see a band that isn’t just obsessed or one sided with a single sound. Keeping a good balance of energy, heavy and melodic.

A notable part during their set was when Kynan (Diamond Construct) came up to perform his guest vocal spot. It’s always cool to see local bands collaborating. That’s what we’re all about. When he started the energy instantly raised, not to diminish Chris their front man’s ability to do so. I dare say the pit opened, side to side, the mosh then appropriately commenced. He also nailed the bit, great spot.

There weren’t a lot of technical difficulties, which is really good for them. One of the only issues being one of the guitarists wireless fell onto the floor, which was quickly fixed showing again they have stage experience. One problem I noticed though was the guitars had some issues with tuning. Which for me is something that can really drag a set down. Tuning is something I feel should be triple checked.  

In terms of timing, I feel the band could work on making sure those tricky time signatures and syncopated parts are locked in. Once or twice I noticed a few of the members may fall out of time with the drummer or seem confused. They did will to keep it together with all of that, but the vocalist has a little trouble keeping in time with that, just food for thought. Their guitarist has a weird ass technique where he flips his hands around, not sure if it’s necessary or aesthetic but either way it looks cool I guess!

They had a quick set up time which is really good, they were on the ball. The set flowed well between songs, seems like they’ve worked on making sure it does. Chris does really well to not make these gaps awkward at all. He’s has a good level of personality on stage, and shows he knows how to treat a crowd with respect and get them moving.

In terms of their showmanship, they have a professional approach. It’s good to see a higher standard than average. Only thing would be to unify the stage presence just that little bit more. Finding more of a balance between performance and show. Just let loose a little more and have fun, entertaining more energetic crowd engagement. But it’s great they are focusing on having a tight performance, because they definitely achieve that.

One of the biggest highlights in the band is their drummer, who seems like a laid back guy but when he gets behind the kit he does the job so well. It’s not often you see a band where the drummer nails all his 16th note fills. These days, having a tight drummer is more crucial than ever to holding your set together. Especially when click tracks and backings are involved. You’ve got to hand it to him, he’s killing it. And yes finally a bass player who can play properly! 3 cheers for nailing his shit and not being like every other lazy bass murderer. He also has some parts in the set where he shines through, and takes the lead focus, without looking like a he’s taking over.

I like that I don’t know what to expect with this band. You don’t know if they’re about to bust out with a Justin Bieber cover or Thy Art Is Murder cover. They are tight as, and put on a good show. These guys definitely have something special that I think would go well with bigger crowds. I’d like to see where they take this. I really think this band is worth checking out live, they have a new sound that is as phresh a mid 2000’s pop compilation cd.

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Thornhill - Limbo//review.

Song: Limbo Band: Thornhill AU Album: Limbo (Single) Location: Melbourne, Australia. Date of release: 15/08/17... Genre: Alternative Metalcore Reviewer: Michael Dixon For Fans Of: Northlane, ARCHITECTS

‘Limbo’ is the second single to be released this year from this Melbourne-based Alternative Metalcore band. Thornhill have had a highly successful year so far after being selected to support Architects on their Australian tour back in March. Considering It’s been five months between singles, there has been a lot of anticipation building up for this new song and music video. From the opening chords and roaring vocals permeating throughout the track, it shows that the boys have really worked tremendously hard to step their game up. The music video features the band silhouetted against a stark grey backdrop with dense layers of flames, sparks and smoke surrounding the band members. Visually, it really captures the intensity and relentless energy from the track. I particularly liked the mirror image effect and the use of a wide-angled lens during the video. Vocalist Jacob really shows how capable he is with delivering both engaging screams and powerful cleans during the chorus. This is definitely a step in the right direction for the band and I hope that they continue to improve their sound in the future.

Vocals: 9.5/10 Guitars: 9.5/10 Bass: 8.5/10 Drums: 8.5/10 Production: 9/10 Lyrics: 8/10 Songwriting: 8.5/10 Personal Enjoyment: 9/10 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whyr6RBh_Lk&feature=youtu.be

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Baltimore - Impermanence//Review

Song: Impermanence Band: Baltimore Album: Room with a view Location: Sydney Date of release: 2016... Genre: Hardcore Punk Reviewer: Timothy Johnson For fans of: Defeater, Touche Amore, Gallows American Nightmare

When I first discovered this band Baltimore, I was at a gig and this long haired bloke (Tom) had jumped on stage for a guest vocal spot for the Snake Eyes (at the time Chaoswarrior) song 'Rust', at first, I'm not even going to lie, I questioned what this quiet guy was doing, however, the moment he held the mic to his mouth and started doing his thing I was blown away. Chatting with him after the show I'd learnt that he was the vocalist of a band called Baltimore. After the show I had gotten home and decided to listen to their EP From then it was all down hill, my pockets were full before every baltimore show was announced, but after that I was broke as shit, because they had a new fan.

'Impermanence' was the deal maker for me, from the moment the song starts you're in for a treat, carrying the message that "there is brightness beyond the gloom, if you let the light shine through", it opened my eyes to my own mental health and got me through a tough time in life. With it's sudden start, it sends you straight into a two step through your mothers living room, the energy stays with you from start to finish and really gets the blood pumping.   If you're a fan of positive messages, Impermanence is the track for you.

If given the opportunity to see Baltimore live, do it. I'm convinced that these boys are the some of the best out there when it comes to the Hardcore Punk scene.

Vocals : 9.5/10 Guitars: 9.5/10 Bass: 9/10 Drums: 9.5/10 Production: 9/10 Lyrics: 10/10 Songwriting: 10/10 Personal Enjoyment: 10/10

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Mercury Sky - Nausea // Song Review.

Song: Nausea Band: Mercury Sky Record: Infra Location: Sydney, Australia Date Of Release: September 22, 2017… Genre: Progressive Rock Reviewer: Timothy Johnson For Fans Of : Breaking Orbit, JERICCO, Gods of Eden, TesseracT, sleepmakeswaves

I have the honor to present to you, Mercury Sky From various parts of Sydney, Mercury Sky have breathed a breath of fresh air into the rock/metal scene with their EP “Infra” which I had the pleasure of hearing yesterday, from that ep is a song titled “Nausea”, which is up on spotify. “Nausea” completely blew me away, being greeted by a soothing build up of rich, harmonious vocals being backed up by an ambient guitar melody, It had me on my toes and kept me intrigued as to what the rest of the song had to offer. Nausea captures the bands intentions in creating a piece of art that is more diverse and intense than they have ever done, and has left me feeling refreshed.

Throughout the whole song I was captivated by the technicality of the guitars and aggression of the vocals, which at the same time was relaxing and mesmeric, I’ve been left speechless at just how beautiful the production and quality of the audio I was pumping straight into my skull sounded.

‘Infra’ shows Mercury Sky create material that is heavier and more delicate than their previous work, which shows what the band set out to achieve, a step forward in what they are capable of.

The 6 tracks of pure beauty called 'Infra’ will be avaliable Friday September 22. 'Nausea’ is now avaliable on spotify.

https://open.spotify.com/track/0IdwmfvrMS4OeJLHnQo3dq

Vocals: 9.5/10 Guitars: 9.5/10 Bass: 8.5/10 Drums: 8.5/10 Production: 9/10 Lyrics: 9/10 Songwriting: 8.5/10 Personal Enjoyment: 9/10

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Apate - 'Split' & 'Hangman' // song review

Song: ‘Split’ // ‘Hangman’ Band: APATE Album: Spit You Out Location: Brisbane // Australia. Date of release: 25/8/17 Genre: Nu-metalcore Reviewer:Byron Hall For Fans Of: Knocked Loose, Ocean Grove, Sworn In

Personally this was one of the my most hyped released of this year! However I wasn’t really a fan of their older releases although ‘Lions’ being the exception. When guitarist Caleb Patch shared the title single ‘Spit You Out’ a few weeks back I was hooked. I’d planned on doing a review of the release in the next few weeks but when I got the opportunity to check out all 7 tracks before release obviously I was fucking stoked! Now after having the record on repeat for almost a full day I’m pretty confident in this climbing up those charts!

‘Split’ the second single is one of the heavier and darker songs on the release. It starts off with an interesting build up of varied guitar tones layered together until the drop. Lyrically the song goes over the state of craziness, paranoia perhaps in this instance. Vocalist Zakk often yelling about confusion ‘what the fuck do I believe anymore’ and whispering hauntingly about how ‘the devil won’t leave me’ which helps aid the already top notch song structure.

“Hangman” was my stand out track, If Ocean Grove and Knocked loose had a child. This would be their birthsong.

This whole release is up there on my top 10 of 2017! It perfectly balances the angsty lyrics and riffs with very thought out song structure and mixing. I promise you that we’re going to see these boys feature on the show or at the very least on THE FAT MIX in the coming weeks! My ears are very pleased and my circle pit skills are ranking up!

This whole record drops in 2 days! Pre-orders are available for 1 more day! You can see their latest music video right here!

Vocals: 8.5/10 Guitars: 9/10 Bass: 9/10 Drums: 8.5/10 Production: 9/10 Lyrics: 8.5/10 Songwriting: 9/10 Personal Enjoyment: 9/10

https://youtu.be/bQ-W_YViMW0

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This is THE FAT MIX #2 - The second official mix-tape of Behind The Scene! Loads of quality new tracks by bands you love and some you never heard of! Yes the track list is of somewhat important, its how i designed it. If you like video clips there is also a link for you.

1. Slow Descent - Fourth Floor 2. Stray From The Path - Goodnight Alt-right 3. Trigger - Dead Sun 4. Eat Your Heart Out - Drag Me Down 5. Paper Thin - When You Call 6. Columbus - Say What You Want (featuring Alex Costello & Jordan Black) 7. The Vestige - Bad Me 8. Staunch - Outlive 9. SET ON END - Dissent 10. Temple Of Athena - Facilis Descenus Averno 11. Trojans - Dead Eyed Stare 12. Gravemind - Echo (featuring Aidan Ellaz) 13. Hellions - 12 (featuring Josh Franceschi) 14. Baltimore - Voices 15. Neck Deep - in Bloom 16. MERIDIAN THEORY - Piss and Complain 17. Ocean Grove - Beers 18. Deez Nuts - Antidote 19. Northlane - Citizen 20. Burial At Sea - AU - Unforsaken

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/…/…/playlist/21lnXvadjuMwonYTgPjADy Playmoss: https://playmoss.com/…/behindthesce…/playlist/the-fat-mix--2

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EYE OF THE SCENE // BALTIMORE // GRIM REFLECTIONS

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Invertebrate - Vile // Song Review

Song: Vile

Band: Invertebrate

Album: Ghost Pains

Location: Melbourne

Date of release: 2/07/17

Genre: Melodic Post-Hardcore/Deathcore

Reviewer: Michael Dixon

For Fans Of: I Exalt, I, Valiance, Advocates

Invertebrate are a new Melodic Deathcore band from Melbourne, consisting of ex-members from Hands of Hope (Nathan Coff, Jarred Thorne) and Along Shorelines (Nathan Sanderson, Andy Newbigging, Sam Walsh). The music video combines both colour and black in white footage with the band playing in a log cabin. Each of the terrors that lead vocalist Nathan is confronted with (insects, black hands, a noose) represents an internal mental demon that he is trying to overcome. Cigarettes are also highlighted as a coping mechanism to deal with stress, anxiety, depression and other forms of mental illness. It’s great seeing local bands like this using their platform to raise awareness and using the visual artform of a music video to strengthen that.

Musically, this is a solid debut track. It doesn’t really bring anything new to the table with the usual heavy guitar riffs, tight breakdowns and disturbing melodic samples. The vocal parts are probably the best thing about this track as Nathan shows off a variety of different styles from harsh screams to sinister whispers and near spoken word. There is a lot of potential for this band going forward. I feel that they need to experiment a bit more and bring something fresh to proceedings, in order to set themselves apart from the many other Melodic Post-Hardcore/Deathcore bands in the local scene.

Vocals: 9.5/10

Guitars: 8/10

Bass: 7/10

Drums: 8/10

Production: 8/10

Lyrics: 8/10

Songwriting: 7/10

Personal Enjoyment: 8.5/10

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FR3WmIHBuw8

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invertebratemelb/

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Shysters // Dual Song Review

Song: ‘God, I Wish I Could’ve Been There’ / 'I’m A Fucking Fool For You

Band:shysters

Album:Shysters

Location:Newcastle

Date of release:

Genre: Newcastle Emo Warriorz, punk / indie rock

Reviewer: Byron Hall

For Fans Of: Pulled Apart By Horses

Initially when I started to review Shysters I was a little confused, after a few plays of 'God, I Wish I Could’ve Been There’ I was kinda taken back. I guess it’s more one of those songs that has a weird nostalgia to it, for me anyway. Shysters are a relatively hidden gem from Newcastle, perhaps the next Silverchair perhaps not. The groovy bass work and angry riffs really struck with me. Bored and I’m a car for 3 hours I then checked out their other song of the self titled record 'Shysters’ hence the confusion. 'I’m A Fucking Fool For You’ sounded like the mixdown of the participants of the Russian sleep experiment remixed with some early gospel organ circa 52’. It wigged me the fuck out. All in all I’m pretty intrigued and will vow to check out a future show.

Vocals: 8/10

Guitars: 7/10

Bass: 9/10

Drums: 7/10

Production: 7/10

Lyrics: 8/10

Songwriting: 7/10

Personal Enjoyment: 8/10

Bandcamp:https://shysters.bandcamp.com/

Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/3CQdj4ehH40uZ8mlyYGOZB

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Windwaker - Fade EP // Release Review

Band: Windwaker Album: Fade Location: Melbourne Date of release: 31/05/17 Genre: Melodic Metalcore Reviewer: Michael Dixon For Fans Of: BRING ME THE HORIZON , Hands Like Houses

The release of Windwaker’s debut EP “Fade” has been a long time coming. After several line-up changes and the release of singles “Castaway” and “The Destroyer”, the boys along with producer Sonny Trulove put in the hard yards to get each of these tracks as polished as possible. There has been tremendous improvement since their 2015 demo “Knock Down // Rebuild” especially in terms of songwriting quality, vocal diversity, memorable guitar riffs, catchy melodies and deep lyrical content. Lead vocalist Will King can definitely carry a tune as he switches nimbly from cleans to screams and back again. The lyrics explore the themes of being grateful for what you have in your life (Take Me With You), dealing with regrets and lack of ambition (Castaway) and dealing with mental illness (The Destroyer). It’s a very strong release from these boys and I’m looking forward to seeing how they continue to evolve musically in the future.

Vocals: Screams 7/10 Cleans 9/10 Guitars: 8/10 Bass: 7/10 Drums: 9/10 Production: 8/10 Lyrics: 9/10 Songwriting: 8/10 Personal Enjoyment: 9/10

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/46le9d4IkW3C6zTxhkuxIS

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c…/UCz2dVGYGJjpjp_INV0UrHZg/featured

Bandcamp: https://windwakerofficial.bandcamp.com/

Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/fade-ep/id1231090205