This City have been described in reviews as ‘like The Travelling Wilburys, if it was made of members of Bloc Party and At The Drive In’. If you throw in the eyeball-popping nuances of Blood Brothers, the same turn-on-a-sixpence disco-jerk rhythms of the more danceable end of punk (think Les Savy Fav or !Forward Russia!), the impassioned cacophony of mid 80s Dischord Records-led emotional hardcore, the pop sensibility of tykes such as The Automatic and subtract the reference to Tom Petty and co, you might be getting close.
WHY? / The Hollows
One of my favourite songs of recent years. The lyrical description of being robbed in Berlin is hilarious. The music is driving and haunting. Yoni Wolf is a consistently brilliant lyricist who has a really unique way of describing everyday situations to capture the imagination. The beats are great to chill out to.
Mogwai / Auto Rock
This is my tour song for solo time on the tour bus when I need to escape to my own world and get ready to sleep. It is so emotionally moving it makes me feel warm inside. The rich, full production on the album reaches right into the brain of the listener.
Russian Circles / Youngblood
This is the song for me when I am driving at night. It is the soundtrack to dark country roads, both unnerving and exhilarating. The intense beat helps keep me awake.
Murder By Death / Killbot 2000
The second track of a concept album about the Devil’s revenge on a hick town. The song describes the deaths of young children who are to be reanimated as zombies. It has an impressive and powerful middle eight. Reminds me of Nick Cave morbidity in story and sound.
Moving Mountains / Alastika
This band uses emotional post-rock soundscapes to take the listener on a journey. The songs flow in an unpredictable manner but never disappoint. The sparse vocals soar and blend beautifully with the music, sometimes they are almost unnoticeable.
Paper and the Plane / I Didn’t Sign Up for a Marathon
The best Australian band I’ve ever heard. Reminds me of Joy Division meets Brand New. The theatrical vocals carry the song over the subtle guitars and driving bass. This band needs to be heard outside of Oz.
Subtle / Exiting Arm
Dose One is a unique rapper. In Subtle, he uses rhythmic melodies that really do it for me. To my ears this is like electronic Interpol, a good combination and leaders of a style. There is method in the madness of his seemingly nonsensical lyrics for the listener to draw their own conclusions.
Glassjaw / Cosmopolitan Blood Loss
I defy anyone not to like this song. Daryl Palumbo is a vocal genius who has inspired many. This band are so expressive and have been dear to my heart for a long time. Cathartic, driving, beautifully structured music. Reminds me of good times watching them play.
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