The site has now moved here - getbiglittlekid.com

Posted by geoff at 8:18 AM | Permalink | Comments

Those crazy kids at Popfrenzy have done it again - London's purveyors of 60s dream pop The Clientele are coming to Australia. 2005's 'Strange Geometry' was an absolute gem, and has since become one of my all time favourites albums. Channelling the perfect powerpop of The Beatles and Big Star, to the haunting refrains of Nick Drake, The Clientele deliver a sound that is timeless and immediately identifiable.

The new album 'God Save The Clientele' will be released here by Popfrenzy on June 11, and as mentioned, they are being brought out here for the very first time, and there is talk of a NZ visit also. Confirmed dates:

Thu 26 Jul - East Brunswick Club, Melbourne
Fri 27 Jul - Spectrum, Sydney (moshtix)
Sat 28 Jul - Troubadour, Brisbane

Recently, they stopped by at Nic Harcourt's Morning Becomes Eclectic show on LA's KCRW, and Smudge of Ashen Fluff has the 8 tracks from the session.


The Clientele - Isn't Life Strange [buy 'God Save The Clientele']

The Clientele - Since K Got Over Me (KCRW - 24 May 07)


The Clientele : official : myspace : blog : merge : popfrenzy

Labels: the clientele, tour dates

Posted by geoff at 11:41 PM | Permalink | Comments

We are deeply saddened by the news of John Pike's passing today. He was the drummer of promising indie band Ra Ra Riot and our thoughts and prayers are with John's family and loved ones.


Ra Ra Riot - Each Year

Labels: ra ra riot

Posted by geoff at 9:00 PM | Permalink | Comments

From upcoming album Gospel Ambitions on Below Par Records.

Also check out M.A.R.I.A.


Soft Tigers : official : myspace

Labels: soft tigers, youtube

Posted by geoff at 11:27 PM | Permalink | Comments

Made up of ex-members from Helmet and Don Caballero (to name but a few), Battles comes at you at a frenetic pace with outrageously intricate rhythms and distorted vocals - It's math rock for the 21st century with the added industrial-ness of krautrock, which under normal circumstances might seem a little scary at first, but once you delve in, it is a richly rewarding experience.

The first single "Atlas" features a killer video, which was exclusively released on Pitchfork, and the juggernaut seems to be rolling on with rave reviews in just about all the major publications, not to mention an album of the week status on FBI Radio last week.

You can stream the entire album, "Mirrored", on their myspace, but do yourselves a favour and buy this record. It is sure to make the end year list for most people, and it will go down as one of the classics of this decade.


Battles - Atlas

Battles - Ddiamondd

[Buy 'Mirrored']


Battles : myspace : warp records

Labels: battles

Posted by geoff at 11:28 PM | Permalink | Comments

It may have taken an extra 10 months, but the New York art-popsters are finally in Australia to flex their indie might on the scores of fans that have been desperately waiting. The DIY kings seemingly came out of nowhere back in late 2004, and I for one have been yearning for this day ever since.

When they were announced for Splendour last year (and a sideshow at the now defunct Rebel Rebel here in Sydney), it felt like the whole music community rejoiced in unison. But then we were hugely let down when it was announced that they had to cancel, with the band, in particular Alec Ounsworth, falling prey to fatigue.

So it is with much excitement that we see them here on a whirlwind 5-date tour this week. They already played the Hi-Fi Bar in Melbourne last night, with another show there tonight, and then it's the Enmore Theatre (tickets) in Sydney tomorrow, and a further 2 nights in Brisbane at The Zoo to round out the week.

Here is something you may not be so familiar with. It is a Black Sessions recording on French radio as part of the C'est Lenoir show back in January 2006. Also, a song I regard as one of my all time favourites..


Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - Papa's Waltz (Black Sessions)

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - In This Home On Ice


ps - now if we can just get Arcade Fire to tour here..


CYHSY : official : myspace

Labels: clap your hands say yeah

Posted by geoff at 5:02 PM | Permalink | Comments

The Lucksmiths return to the Hopetoun Hotel tonight and if you're heading down, expect to feast upon some well-crafted sun-drenched pop songs full of thoughtful lyrics with a pinch of irony. I had the pleasure of seeing them in Melbourne 2 weeks ago (pic above) and Marty, Tali and Mark were all in great form. The Lucksmiths are a true marvel in this day and age as they somehow manage to pull off being fun, intelligent and universely respected at the same time.

Tonight they will be supported by local bands La Huva, and John Columbus - the latter I saw a few weeks back opening for Cuthbert & The Nightwalkers, and were very impressive. Another one of those young talented bunch of lads making interesting music, and they reminded me of Richard In Your Mind.

If you can't go tonight, The Lucksmiths have just announced an extra show for this Sunday. It is to be an afternoon show at Abercrombie Hotel (cnr Broadway & Abercrombie St), starting at 2:30pm.


The Lucksmiths - The Chapter In Your Life Entitled San Francisco

The Lucksmiths - There Is A Light That Never Goes Out (Smiths cover)


The Lucksmiths : official : lost & lonesome

--

In other news, Pitchfork reports that Sunset Rubdown has just signed with Jagjaguwar, home to Okkervil River and Spencer Krug's other project Swan Lake. We can expect the new album "Random Spirit Lover" to drop sometime in October. It really can't come fast enough.

Also, Sandwich Club's Itty Bitty Festival is on tomorrow! The lineup includes Dead Letter Chorus, Cloud Control, Jack Ladder and Walrus. All for a crazy crazy $15!! Go to Sandwich Club NOW for more details.

Labels: news, the lucksmiths

Posted by geoff at 11:21 AM | Permalink | Comments

Saturday, 12 May

On the very evening the votes were being collated for the world's biggest musical orgy in the Finnish city of Helsinki, our favourite twee-popsters Architecture in Helsinki returned to Sydney for the first time in almost 2 years. Armed with a fresh set of songs, they seem to have a whole new persona and an attitude/vibe which I can only describe as twee-less. Gone are the days of when Cameron, Kellie & co would start the set lying flat on the floor, slowly rising for the choral intro to Nevereverdid.

I'm still in two minds whether the new AiH is an improved one, as the art-pop cuteness was one of the endearing qualities of the troupe, and while I really enjoyed the shambolic nature of some of the new songs that were showcased, I couldn't help think that this is what happens when talented and respected musicians try to imitate hipsters.

Of course it didn't help that it was an all-ages gig, meaning that there was always going to be a level of discomfort for the older (and younger) fans who are not so into the whole 'look-ma-I'm-on-the-stage' thing.

However, the Helsinki kids are still one of the rare treats this country has to offer and their live show remains as unpredictable as ever. Current single Heart It Races was an excellent way to end the show and tracks off the much-loved album In Case We Die were all triumphantly joyous. The new aspects of the band might need a little a nutting out however, as they continue to gallivant across the globe, capturing one wokkaton at a time.


Architecture in Helsinki - The Cemetery


Architecture in Helsinki : official : virb : myspace : polyvinyl

Labels: architecture in helsinki, live review

Posted by geoff at 11:38 PM | Permalink | Comments

NZ/Melbourne outfit Batrider have gone all acoustic and have recorded a 7-tracker which will only be available at their upcoming shows (Fri 4 May @ Cloud City, Melb & Thu 11 May @ Hoey, Syd).

We saw them back in January and we were absolutely floored by the ferocity of their performance (albeit in an empty room), and I must admit I am equally lost for words on how good some of these acoustic interpretations are.

The EP is titled "Pink Guitars, Yellow Stars" and includes 3 previously unreleased tracks - check out one of them below, and then head over to batrider.com for 2 more.

Batrider - Pink Guitars [HIGHLY RECOMMENDED]

Labels: batrider

Posted by geoff at 11:28 AM | Permalink | Comments

Muscles @ Spectrum, 2 Feb 2007

Melbourne's trance revivalist Muscles is in the midst of a North American tour with Soulwax right now, after a set of fortunate events that also resulted in him filling in last minute for Bumblebeez at the recent Sydney V Festival. Go to Slap You In Public for some pics of current tour.

On the downside, it appears that his two previously scheduled Sydney shows, with Midnight Juggernauts (Apr 27) and Architecture in Helsinki (May 11), are no longer taking place.

However, with the new album to drop in August, he is sure to do some more shows real soon. You can still catch him on the rest of his Soulwax tour for those playing in America, and Melbourne and Brisbane will get to see him for a few dates in May. Check his myspace for details.


Muscles - One Inch Badge Pin (Bag Raiders mix)


Muscles : official : myspace

Labels: muscles

Posted by geoff at 11:19 PM | Permalink | Comments