March Playlist: Cool Change

March 16, 2015 | vinylgarden

As a warm welcome to March and the Autumnal change here in Australia, we felt it was a perfect time to put together another mixtape to share some of our favourite tunes with you for the coolest season of the year.

This playlist showcases some of our favourite new releases, golden oldies, local favourites and highlights from some of our favourite gigs last month, including Wet, Highasakite and Tkay Maidza. Overall the mix has a rather warm and 70s inspired sound and is perfect to listen to as you soak up the sun in the last few weeks of warmth we have left.

Check it out here or on Spotify Cool Change:

We hope you like it x

By Sophie

Gig Review: Mansionair + Grace + Slum Sociable @ Newtown Social Club

March 12, 2015 | vinylgarden

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, perhaps for some time: Newtown Social Club is my favourite live venue in Sydney. Some may find this controversial, but to me there is nothing controversial about the venue always delivering an intimate show with on-point mixing and a relaxed yet enthused crowd. Not to mention the opportunity to chat with the band members (and with it, the opportunity to fan-girl). On Monday night, each act provided a variety of sounds and styles, which made for a well-rounded evening.

Slum Sociable played a mixed set – they had an unusual sound that began very polished, which drew the crowd in quickly. The best thing about these Melbourne dudes was how relaxed and laid back they were on stage, and how naturally their music came across. While they only have one single out at the moment (“Anyway”), they had a lot of catchy tracks in their set which I personally can’t wait to hear recorded.

Grace brought the audience closer in towards the stage and enticed with her smokey melodies. While she seemed uncertain at first just singing, once she found her guitar in hand she became more comfortable, and rounded off a pleasant set.

When Mansionair came on, the most notable aspect of their performance was vocalist Jack Froggart’s well-supported silvery vocals. He cruised through their singles ‘Hold Me Down’ and ‘Second Night’ sensually, while drummer Alex Nicholls and guitarist Lachlan Bostock held the rhythm of each piece together. Effects on the mic made the sound effortless and brought to mind the beats of Glass Animals or the delicate sounds of producers like RUFUS.

The banter between band members and singing of ‘Happy Birthday’ to Alex (complete with cake) made the gig an intimate one, and made the band seem down to earth and approachable. Though the audience shouldn’t be fooled, Mansionair packs a punch live, and is an act to watch grow in the future.

For a taste of their sensuality, try listening to ‘Second Night’:

By Erin Rooney

Song Of The Week: Anyway by Slum Sociable

February 17, 2015 | vinylgarden

Slum Sociable are a duo from Mordialloc in Victoria with some serious sass. Their debut recording “Anyway” is at times electronic, bringing to mind the delicate sound of producers like Cashmere Cat, while at other times it oozes cool jazz undertones with a constantly moving hop beat. Give it a listen:

I personally love the tinny vocal sound in this track – it gives a neat sense of nostalgia while the production values modernise the feel.

It’s only fitting Slum Sociable should be joining the very smooth group Mansionair (who rocked Laneway) for two gigs at Newtown Social Club on March 8 and 9. Be there or be square-shaped, Sydney-siders.

By Erin Rooney

Best Moments of Sydney Laneway Festival

February 6, 2015 | vinylgarden

Happy Friday everyone! I have festival fever a bit at the moment, so couldn’t help but head along to Laneway Festival on the weekend and enjoy all the incredible acts it had to offer.

Besides being full of good-looking folk dressed in hipster attire, the bands were definitely a highlight – that and the food. Between Mary’s burgers and Messina gelato flavours designed specifically for the event, we were spoilt for choice.

But anyway, onto the musicians, who were amazing. Here are my top acts, with some definitely to watch:

1. Mansionair

I was very disappointed to find only two recordings by these very handsome (and talented) dudes online – but make no mistake, their set was one of the highlights of the day. Featuring beats nearly as dirty as Glass Animals’ and a vocalist definitely as silky smooth, they truly rocked their early and short set. I will certainly be heading along to one of their solo shows in the future. Check out this little ditty:

2. Tkay Maidza

While Tkay has come under some criticism for her releases thus far, I’ll bet the critics haven’t seen her live. At 18 years old she has a very youthful enthusiasm and vigour in her live performance style, and with the way she can amp up a crowd now, at her age, I honestly can’t wait to see what she’s like in two years or so.

3. Rustie

Without a doubt the most enjoyable live set of the day due to its danceability, Rustie just killed it. Laneway was very chilled for most of the day, but having the opportunity to let loose a bit and dance to someone who knew how to drop a beat made Rustie one of the best DJ acts I’ve ever seen.

4. Andy Bull

You can’t help but watch an Andy Bull set and just ask yourself “How? How does he sing that high?”. He’s always had a very androgynous voice, but the accuracy with which he can sing notes above what is normally humanly possible is pretty crazy. He always approaches his live performances with a sense of humour too, which always adds to the experience.

Have a happy weekend all! This Saturday I’m taking a break from watching indie acts and trying something completely new. Yep, I’m seeing One Direction. I’m not even ashamed.

By Erin Rooney