In collaboration with Shane Thompson Architects, Caroline Dunphy presents Hanako — a rumination on Hanjo, a Noh play by Yukio Mishima. This is set to be an experimental work that incorporates elements of media, built structures and live performance. Yukio Mishima's play Hanjo is one of unrequited love; a lonely search for ‘the one’ in the face of every passer by and the agony of longing, disappointment and the continuing wait for a lovers return. Hanako is the featured event for Metro Arts' monthly Friday Night event. There are three performances on Friday evening at 6PM, 7PM and 8PM. Tickets are only available over the phone or at the box office on the evening of the performance. Late-comers will not be allowed entry so get in quick! This is one of many Takeover exhibitions. As the gallery puts it – “These Artists have come to Metro Arts to add the most important element to their work – you.” Don’t deprive the artists of their most crucial element, be a part of something great this Friday. For bookings, call (07) 3002 7100.
Deep in the woods of an Argentinian forest, Pedro (Viggo Mortensen) leads a simple life. He lives on his own in a cabin, tends to his bees with local girl Rosa (Sofia Gala) and is involved in less legitimate activities with childhood friend Adrian (Daniel Fanego) and the latter's slow-witted godson Ruben (Javier Godino). But when he begins coughing up blood, he knows he is quickly succumbing to cancer and he decides to make a rare trek into the city to see his brother. Meanwhile, in the city, his identical twin brother Agustin, a paediatrician, leads a comfortable but unhappy life and feels only numbness when his wife tells him they can adopt a baby. When the scruffy, chain-smoking Pedro visits unexpectedly and offers him a cash reward for treatment, Agustin seizes a chance to take his sibling's life and kills him, leaving his body to fake his death, enabling him to return to the cabin in Pedro's place. Agustin soon realises his brother's life was no idyllic backwater breeze, however, as he has to feign his sibling's ailments while piecing together his estranged brother's life and figuring out how to extract himself from the kidnapping scheme Pedro got himself involved with. The bees which make their way into his unfamiliar beekeeping suit turn out to be the least of his problems as he inherits a vendetta with the owners of a local general store, further isolating himself from the remote community. He also has to navigate an uneasy relationship the gun-toting, bible-quoting Adrian and convince Rosa that he hasn't been acting strange since he returned from the city. Everybody Has a Plan is a ponderously paced though richly atmospheric affair, its picturesque setting all broody swamps, hazy sunsets and fields speckled with ghostly trees. But a strong sense of place isn't matched by the story, which is thin and difficult to ever really care about. Similarly, the romance with Rosa feels underdone. The main reason to see this, a debut picture from Argentinian Ana Piterbarg, is Mortensen, who turns in not one but two intense and convincing performances, in Spanish no less. Mortensen remains a great screen presence, but he needs a better avenue for his considerable talents. https://youtube.com/watch?v=cJ8W01suq-c
As far as Henry Miller was concerned, alone time is crucial to creativity. “An artist is always alone,” he wrote, “if he is an artist. What the artist needs is loneliness.” But spending day in, day out, with only your cat for company isn’t always a recipe for inspiration. Luckily, Etsy is well aware of the problem. So, every year, they host an enormous, worldwide Craft Party. Artists and craftspeople all over the planet are encouraged to get together to paint, draw, sculpt, sew and make — with like-minded others. This year, the gathering will be happening on June 6 and the theme is 'Recapture: bring new meaning to your photographs'. You scour the family photo album for your most archaic, treasured, embarrassing and bizarre images and take them with you. Etsy Craft Parties will be held all over Australia. You can organise your own, or to attend one of Sydney's major bashes, book a spot online.
A fictionalised account of Grace Kelly's marriage to Prince Rainier III of Monaco, Olivier Dahan's glittery period drama arrives in theatres on a wave of bad publicity. Repeatedly delayed by its American distributor, publically disowned by the Monacan royal family and critically savaged after its opening night premiere at Cannes, the buzz around the film is nothing short of toxic. Yet the reality is that no amount of negative press could prepare you for how awful Grace of Monaco truly is. The film takes place in the early 1960s, five years into a marriage that has lost its fairytale feel. Stifled by the minutiae of her stately duties and neglected by the emotionally distant Rainier (Tim Roth), glamorous Grace (Nicole Kidman) yearns to return to Hollywood. Instead, she finds herself a pawn in a trade dispute with Monaco's French neighbours — one that threatens to erupt into the world's most one-sided war. Blending the tepid romanticism of a made-for-TV biopic with the most tedious political drama this side of The Phantom Menace, Arash Amel's screenplay is suffocatingly dull. The dialogue, when it's not dropping lead bricks of exposition, consists mostly of groan-inducing Hallmark quotations. There are a few unintentional comedic gems, thank God, but for the overwhelming majority it's just flat-out embarrassing. Equally weak are the attempts to connect Kelly's weepy personal crisis with the fate of Monaco at large. The entire second half of the film hinges on our heroine learning proper princess etiquette — via Miss Congeniality-style training montage — in the hopes that she can soften mean old Charles de Gaulle's heart. Of course, considering that the conflict basically boils down to whether or not Monaco gets to keep operating as a tax-free haven for wealthy Frenchmen, it's difficult to see why anyone should care. Dahan's direction is as ghastly as Amel's script, with sickly golden lighting and eye-watering soft focus making the film look like something between a daytime soap and a handbag commercial. His most baffling decision, however, is the one that led him to shoot key scenes of emotional dialogue in extreme close-up. As the frame roams aimlessly from Kidman's chin to her eyeball to her earlobe as she talks, the overwhelming impression (aside from a mild feeling of motion sickness) is that the guy operating the camera is every bit as bored as we are. It's a bit of a shame really. Kidman's performance is perfectly adequate, making it far and away the movie's greatest asset. She's certainly better than the wooden, chain-smoking Roth, who sports an unconvincing British accent as the decidedly not British Rainier. None of the film's normally respectable side players — including Frank Langella as Kelly's clerical confidant, Parker Posey as a hatchet-faced matron and Roger Ashton-Griffiths as a cuddly Alfred Hitchcock — fare much better. For a story about a woman called Grace, there are few films in recent memory as lacking in the virtue of the same name. Avoid this movie like the plague. https://youtube.com/watch?v=bFYmYWa348c
Big Strong Brute has returned home to play a live set at The Scratch. Brisbane musician, Paul Donoghue, is the man behind this solo project and has had a pretty exciting past 18 months. His most recent blog post describes his time living and playing in a rock band named Late Drive in Berlin, touring Belgium in a weekend and playing a few shows in his hometown. The Brisbane artist had played across the world and shared the stage with Jens Lekman, Mount Eerie and I Heart Hiroshima amongst others. This is your last chance to catch the folk singer before he heads south with Todd Dixon to record a new album on a gorgeous cattle farm in NSW. Why wait until the weekend for live music and great beer? Head along to The Scratch to hear some of Big Strong Brute's well known tracks from his 2012 album, Avalanche of Truth, as well as new tracks yet to be heard by an audience. Oh, and another thing, it's free!
In years to come, when music critics reflect on this time period of Australian music, one song will ring loud – Bad//Dreems’ 'Hoping For'. And such critics will say, how was this not on Triple’s J’s 2013 Hottest 100? Or 2014? Or of all time? How was there no push for this tune to replace our current national anthem? Bad//Dreems are a perfect encapsulation of modern Oz-rock and, as of late, have been stomping, screaming and strumming their way out of pubs and onto bigger stages. There’s something richly unique about Bad//Dreems’ sound – imagine Sid Vicious, Bon Scott and Farny sitting around a campfire, and stringing tunes together. There are traces of punk amongst riff-heavy rock, matched with knock-about lyrics and rasped vocals of lead singer Ben Marwe. They’ve just released new single 'Dumb Ideas', but before that was 'Caroline', 'Chills', 'Too Old' and of course Hoping For. If you haven’t heard of Bad//Dreems that’s okay - like all great pub rock, they’ve kept on the down low, confining their performances to hotels, RSLs and taverns, with the occasional hip dance-club in there for good measure. Now they’re branching out further, performing this Saturday at Rocking Horse Records in the city. Our local legends Tempura Nights will be supporting at this all ages show – that means no tallies, okay. You can grab a ticket for a blue swimmer ($10) and the afternoon will kick off at 1pm.
Welcome to the future, a striking hyperreality envisioned by The Danger Ensemble. They have been described as a love-or-hate cast, bold, mesmerising, yet infuriating and explosive. Now, the cast of notoriety take on the story of Caligula, the first Roman emperor to meet an untimely death by assassination, his divine intervention shrouded in controversy and conspiracy even to this day. Cruelty, passion, severance and glory makes for a scandalous tale that you can dig your dramatic fangs into; a wild ride for the gutsy and the vindictive. Meet Marie Antoinette with shields and brutality, extravagance with the ever pending ultimate cost. The glamour and power of the glorious ages of Julius Caesar’s Rome will be an ideal pairing for the outrageous and spontaneous works of The Danger Ensemble. Spare no time in securing a ticket to see this story as old as time, presented in a wholly unique way.
Rekordelig, Strongbow, Bulmers, Pipsqueak, Magners. Cider fans will know that these are all some of the most popular brands currently on the market. But what about some international flavours? Cider has steadily become one of the most popular beverage choices in Australia but what most don’t realise is that cider has been a big thing for many years all over the world. The New Globe Theatre and InCider Trading are hosting a night dedicated to cider of many varieties. Cider House Blues will have over 40 brands from nine different countries on offer – there will be more cider than you can shake a stick at. There will be live entertainment from Ali Penney, Badlands and DJ Gosper. Tickets are $5 presale or $10 at the door. We’ve heard that space is limited though, so maybe do yourself a favour and make sure you get ‘incide’ quickly.
As a screenwriter, Hossein Amini's name has graced successful book-to-film adaptations of thriller Drive, romance The Wings of the Dove and drama Jude, so seeing the scribe make his directorial debut with his own version of Patricia Highsmith's The Two Faces of January is far from surprising. The perfect storm of themes and styles exists in a story wholly suited to the first-time filmmaker's penchant for flawed characters and psychological developments, as set in the golden labyrinthine delights of Greece in the early 1960s. Forming a troika of trouble, sweet-talking, swindling tour guide Rydal (Oscar Isaac) meets wealthy American Chester MacFarland (Viggo Mortensen) and his younger wife, Colette (Kirsten Dunst), amidst Athens' famed Acropolis. He brands them an easy mark and they're wary of his overt charms, yet they all quickly — albeit tentatively — warm to each other's company. Their respective first impressions prove devious when the MacFarlands' past resurfaces. Soon, everyone is seemingly on the same side and on the run, but deception still reigns in their web of love, lies and larceny. The film's moniker references the Roman god for whom the titular month is named, typically depicted as having a pair of heads — one looking to the past, one to the future. Parallels with the duo of strong-willed men at the movie's centre are obvious; however, that doesn't make them any less effective. Both visually and narratively, Amini cloaks his dual duelling leads in shadows that question their allegiances and motivations. With a languid pace, he ponders their connection and divergence as they continue to clash and contrast. Are they bound by more than bad choices, inopportune circumstances and a shared affection for Colette? Selling the constant tone of suspicious questioning is an excellent cast aptly pitched to explore the failings of their protagonists. It shows that Amini and Isaac have worked together previously, their pairing continuing to create rich, resonant characters. Likewise successful is Isaac's match with Mortensen and Dunst, with the film ever the tight three-hander. The former is finessed even as he slowly frazzles, while the latter is given a more assured role than much of the rest of her resume has been built upon. Highsmith's works have earned cinema incarnations before, most notably Strangers on a Train and The Talented Mr. Ripley. Tense and intricate, paranoid and precise, similarities seethe through a feature that looks as exquisite as its tale proves smoothly unsettling. It may all build to a finale seen before in idea and execution, but there's no doubting the film's satisfying manoeuvring and old-fashioned refinement. Read our interview with The Two Faces of January costume designer Steven Noble about developing the film's dreamy, 1960s Greek Isles look here. https://youtube.com/watch?v=MhhsDkfX3Fw
The Hold Artspace has a brand new exhibition in the works and it promises to be bursting with creativity. Curated by Luke Kidd, Regenerate features works by artists Benjamin Crowley, Katelyn-Jane Dunne, Kristian Fracchia, Dominic Reidy, Emma Rochester and Angela Rossitto. The theme of Regenerate is the human body. Within the exhibition, this group of emerging artists have explored physical forms to create new understandings of our bodies. The tangling of identity, sexuality and mortality is of interest to these artists, as is teasing apart these ideas to uncover the point at which they collide. Our place in the natural world and the superimposed digital world will also play a part in this exhibition. The exhibition will run from 12th - 21st June. Opening night is on Friday 13th June 6-9pm. To find out more contact info@theholdartspace.com.
There's no one quite like Frank, the person, and there's nothing quite like Frank, the film. The former, as played by Michael Fassbender while wearing a papier mache mask, is a soul seemingly eccentric but really just looking for the essence of creation and contentment. The latter is quirky by design but beautifully bittersweet by execution, revelling in all life's failures and flaws. Frank leads an experimental rock band with the fittingly unpronounceable name of The Soronprfbs, and that's exactly where Jon (Domhnall Gleeson) finds him. Downtrodden in his dismal everyday routine, Jon wants desperately to be a musician but lacks the opportunity and the ability to extend himself. His unlikely encounter with his new friend with the obscured face brings both, one fruitful, the other less so. As the reconfigured group ventures from the Irish wilderness to the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas in search of musical fulfilment, the solace they find comes from internal, not external, forces. Journalist turned screenwriter Jon Ronson, of The Men Who Stare at Goats fame, turns fact into fiction in Frank, taking his characters and narrative from his own experiences. With co-scribe Peter Straughan and director Lenny Abrahamson, he spins a story inspired by Frank Sidebottom, the comic persona of musician Chris Sievey, as fine-tuned and fleshed out where necessary. The basics remain, including the large and unusual headwear that demands attention in every scene that it appears in. Added in the tinkering with the tale is thoughtfulness that resonates like a homage while investing a layer of universality. That relatable spirit weaves through a film that ponders the oft-contemplated contrast between reality and perception in an interesting and endearing fashion. While Frank must resort to announcing his emotions on screen for the benefit of Jon, and to the disdain of his other avant garde band mates — Hysteria's Maggie Gyllenhaal and The Rover's Scoot McNairy among them — the sentiment of his every sentence is always clear, heightening the feature's commentary on communication and identity. Of course, much of the success stems from casting, including Fassbender in the titular role. Gleeson is wonderfully uncertain, Gyllenhaal convincingly curt and McNairy ever eclectic; however, it is the hidden figure that combines all their traits and more into a singular yet complex package. Again, it is his words that do all the talking, offbeat charm oozing from every wide-ranging conversation and progressive tune. Indeed, whilst shot with the same anarchic energy that adjusts to the mood of the story, Frank is a film to listen to as keenly as to watch — from every inflection in Fassbender's sometimes strange, sometimes touching dialogue to the diverse array of noisy, catchy, cute and unconventional songs. https://youtube.com/watch?v=IblHV2x64f8
The Jungle Love Festival is a brand new music and arts festival, set to take place in November at the picturesque Moogerah Dam. Details are still being kept hush-hush at the moment, but anticipation is building steadily. To further stoke the fires of expectation, the team behind the festival are hosting a launch party at new West End venue, The Motor Room. There will be live art from Brisbane art collective, Lost Movements, a performance by Leanna Donovan aka Pent Upglamour and musical performances by Desmond Cheese (pictured) and HRBRT. Also, Stone and Wood Brewing will be on tap and the Bun Mobile will be parked right outside. Yum! Discounted festival tickets will be for sale at the event, so if you are interested in the idea of being the first to experience the newest festival in Queensland, make sure you are in attendance. Also, Trainspotters will be hosting the launch-party after party, so you can get all your pent up partying out in one night. Keep your eyes on the Jungle Love website for line-up announcements and ticket sales.
Rolls Bayce are on a roll. Sorry for the pun, but it’s true. They’ve recently been announced for a slot at BIGSOUND, they have just released a new single and now they are setting up shop at Black Bear Lodge for a month long residency. The Bayce boys are already accomplished musicians as its members were in successful bands previously. If you are fans of Hungry Kids of Hungary or Millions, then you might find something to like about Rolls Bayce. ‘Don’t Get Me Wrong’, the newest single from the band, is a kicker of a tune. Striking guitars, a thumping beat and exquisite vocals – this is your new favourite song, trust me. Rolls Bayce will be playing at Black Bear Lodge on the 2nd, 16th and the 30th of August. They will be supported by a bunch of great Brisbane bands such as Love Signs, Born Joy Dead and Blonde Tongues. Make sure you check them out on one of these dates, it is bound to be a treat for the ears.
GOMA has a new exhibition that will get your tummy rumbling. The wonderful Harvest exhibition celebrates food and art with over 150 pieces from the Gallery's Collection on display. Harvest features stunning still life paintings from the 17th century to now, delicious videos and large installations to fully immerse yourself in. As part of the exhibition, Harvest: Food on Film will focus on the presence and importance of food as a symbol in filmmaking. A discussion program, GOMA Talks will also be held each Thursday evening where you are invited to participate in a discussion with especial guests and ABC Radio National hosts as they discuss food from every angle. There are plenty more programs being held during the exhibition. Eating with your eyes at Harvest may stimulate your mind but leave your stomach wanting more, which is why GOMA have a designed a special lunchtime meal at the cafe bistro. After having your fill of art and working up an appetite, dig into the roasted Spatchcock, puffed corn and toasted grains with blueberry gel with a glass of wine ($20).
Rohin Jones is a face you might find familiar, and with good reason. The singer/songwriter of ex-The Middle East fame is back on the radar since the band’s split back in 2011. Rohin describes himself as a “part-time bum”, drifting about like a great nomad, undetected yet fully emerged in the world around him. Since his solo adventures kicked off, Rohin has released a smattering of material, including a duet with Magic Dirt’s leading lady Adalita. Take up the opportunity to catch Rohin in the very intimate setting of Jet Black Cat Music, where he will be showcasing not only that unmistakable, soul-wrenching voice, but to see what is to come off his pending album, hot off production. A rare chance to see the workings of a very talented mind, an enigma that seems impossible to tie down. What’s more, this is a free event, open to all ages.
Palo Alto should come with a warning: may cause optic nerve damage as a result of excessive eye-rolling. Adapted from a collection of semi-autobiographical short stories by Instagram-age Renaissance man James Franco, the film marks the directorial debut of 26-year-old Gia Coppola, the granddaughter and niece of filmmakers Francis Ford and Sofia, respectively. A portrait of teenage disaffection, it's a film that attempts to capture the aimlessness, the angst and the self-aggrandised melancholy of youth. That it more or less succeeds in that goal is a big part of what makes it so unbearable. Emma Robert and newcomer Jack Kilmer play April and Teddy, a pair of brooding high schoolers absorbed by personal drama. He's a delinquent skater who's actually an unappreciated artist; she's the neglected daughter of self-absorbed parents who begins an affair with her creepy soccer coach (Franco). Meanwhile, Teddy's best bud Fred (Nate Wolff) finds himself drawn to increasingly anti-social behaviour to hide his insecurities, while another classmate Emily (Zoe Levine) turns to sex in order to hide her own. While Coppola and Franco do their best to depict the nuances of teenage ennui, their interlocking stories end up bringing little new material to what is already an over-saturated genre. Likewise, while the mannerisms of the characters feel pretty accurate, the kids ultimately come across more like ciphers than real people. There's little insight into why they do the things that they do, other than they're bored, perhaps, or feel entitled. Or maybe the world just, like, doesn't understand. Coppola's direction shows promise, only to fall into indie film cliché. Midnight strolls through deserted streets look as though they've been pulled from a Smashing Pumpkins music video circa 1996, while some of the visual metaphors — Fred driving the wrong way down the freeway, for example — are way too obvious to be profound. Despite this stumble, there's enough in Palo Alto to suggest the youngest Coppola may have a future ahead of her. You'd be less inclined to be charitable towards Franco, whose aggressive desire to be taken seriously makes it basically impossible to do so. https://youtube.com/watch?v=sTqMUu1iTIo
The music fanatics that make up the Audio Collective are an eager bunch. They scour the internet for the coolest tunes and musicians and then bring them straight to your computer screens for you to enjoy. Reviews, interviews and photography are all a part of their repertoire, but they main skill set is and forever will be throwing massive parties. The Audio Collective is turning one, so they decided it would be a fitting occasion for getting in the party vibe. This time, they’ve spared no expense. Head on down to The New Globe Theatre to enjoy some amazing live music from interstate and Brisbane based musicians. On the bill will be CREO, Lucha Libre, CHINATOWN CARPARK (pictured), Pack Animals, Little Aztec, The Electro Kid, Sports Fan, Bloom, William Briskey and Aly Grace. If that wasn’t enough, there will be prizes for best dressed – the theme is the 90’s, so get the denim, the flannel or the colour out and get in the vibe. Happy birthday Audio Collective!
Join in the celebrations of the homecoming of Mik Shida’s works when this internationally recognised artist comes to Brisbane’s own Powerhouse. His works, spanning some 10 years and many countries, takes indoor and outdoor spaces and transforms them into monolithic works with minute details. He reconstructs spaces and perceptions through stylising and saluting classic techniques, pairing mastery and bewilderment. His murals are monumental artworks that demand note and admiration. Shida’s latest collection, Mythographies, continues in the same direction as previous works, guided by imagination and intuition. It’s been described as the culmination of his works and experiences as an artist. The exhibition has toured through Sydney and Melbourne, finding its final place of celebration in Brisbane, where Shida’s painting career first began. A fitting location, particularly for a collection of work so enamoured by and concerned with history. A dazzling combination of Science Fiction Art, French Post-Impressionism and Russian Symbolist Art, where the ethereal meets the immovable. It must be seen to be believed and experienced.
After taking the world by storm with her explosive brand hip-hop and pop, Nicki Minaj has solidified herself as a force to be reckoned with on the global music scene. Nicki hit Australian shores in May during her ‘Pink Friday’ tour, selling out venues in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Now her tour has been ‘reloaded’ and she is back for some more, bringing special guest Tyga along for the ride. 13 million Twitter followers and millions upon millions of Youtube hits can’t be wrong, Nicki Minaj is at the top of her game. If you are after equal parts aggressive frenzy and stylistic pop, look no further. Remaining tickets are now $70, get some before they are gone.
The weather is warmer, school's out, juicy mangoes have hit the fruit stand... this can only mean one thing, summer is just around the corner. With the start of summer comes the start of festival season, the first cab off the rank this party season is Stereosonic. Stereosonic is a favourite amongst electronic music lovers, last year the festival broke records with its biggest crowds to date. This years line up features big name international such as Calvin Harris, Major Lazer, Example, Carl Cox, Diplo and Flux Pavillion. Homegrown artists that are also playing on the day include Strange Talk and Peking Duck amongst others. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster and are selling out quickly. Welcome summer and the festival season this Sunday by heading along to Australia's best showcase of electronic music acts, Stereosonic.
Fans of Mumford & Sons need Sign No More: the folk darlings are bringing their banjos and heartbreaking harmonies to Brisbane’s Riverstage as part of their Australian Stopover Tour. Brisbane is one of 10 stops on their mass tour which sees the gentlemen visit metro and regional venues across the country. Mumford & Sons, having given audiences the #1 hit “Little Lion Man” back in 2009, is a band whose music is orchestrated for live shows; their latest offering Babel is even more adrenaline-filled than their debut, which is an exciting prospect for punters who have experienced Mumford shows themselves or are yet to. Supporting the lads will be North American singer/songwriter Willy Mason as well as equally as uplifting über group, Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros. Ticket holders would be advised to look at public transport options for the evening as parking on site is strictly limited.
Having completed a sold out Australian tour only last year, funny man Gabriel Iglesias returns to Brisbane for two nights of high-octane laughs. Known for mixing storytelling with voice effects, Iglesias provides a roller coaster of comedic experience from start to finish. Known predominantly for his shows I'm Not Fat I'm Fluffy and Hot and Fluffy, Iglesias' comedy career has been moving forward in leaps and bounds. Having started work for a mobile phone company, Iglesias suddenly changed to a career in comedy, risking his financial security for a shot at his dream. Luckily for us, Inglesias has been performing to audiences all over the world for the last 12 years, and even featured in the 2012 film Magic Mike with Matthew McConaughey and Channing Tatum. Inglesias will be performing two nights of stand up at the Tivoli. Don't miss your chance at seeing this electric, life-filled performer in the flesh. Gabriel Iglesias 'Drive Thru Voice'
On October 12th 2012 Melbourne rock/pop sibling three-piece Evermore are set to release “Follow The Sun”, their fourth studio album, and first following a three year hiatus from the local scene. Written, performed and mixed by the brothers “Follow The Sun” is led by its title track, a triumphant march of a single that evokes a sense of grandeur, youthful energy, unrelenting spirit and never-ending yearning for human affection, as only an Evermore record could. A heart-stopping masterwork deserving of maximum volume it’s their finest effort yet, and a hint of great things to come.
In support of their new release, Chasing Ghosts, The Amity Affliction will burn a path across Australia with what is shaping up to be a blistering parade of infernal jams. After the success of their previous release, Youngbloods and some incredible shows at the Big Day Out festival earlier this year and a massive headline tours a few months after, the band are taking 2012 by storm. Performing with The Amity Affliction on all their dates will be a collection of international acts that revel in a similar style of chaotic music. California’s The Ghost Inside, Brighton’s Architects and local rockers Buried In Verona will all be on hand to rev the audience up.
“This is a sink or swim album”, TZU say of their fourth studio album, Millions of Moments. With no rap in this record, the hip-hop group has expanded and explored new musical territory on their latest album, which is sure to surprise from a live perspective. On the back of lead singles, 'Beginning of the End' and 'Beautiful' that have garnered acclaim from critics and fans alike, TZU will be bringing their new ambitious sound all around Australia. No strangers to the touring arena expect a showcase of new sounds and many classics on their Millions of Moments tour. TZU will be rolling into Brisbane this Saturday at the iconic Zoo with special guests SIETTA. Doors open at 8pm.
Following two sold-out shows in 2012, Trichotomy are back with a newer and bigger show for the Judith Wright Centre. The trio, formerly known as Misinterprotato, are set to round off their trilogy of performances at the JWC with a new direction, designed for the Performance Space. This time partnering with audiovisual artist Andrew Gibbs, the group will perform an immersive concert: they will combine sound and vision, new specially-composed tracks as well as new works of the recently-recorded album, to showcase their unique strand of jazz in a whole new way. Real-time interactions between the music and visual elements will create a one-off live experience that is sure to impress.
Home-grown indie-punk outfit Last Dinosaurs are taking The Satellites Tour to Alhambra Lounge for an Under 18 show. They’ve returned from their first European adventure, having unleashed their unrelenting sound on a host of boutique festivals; their debut album In A Million Years has gained momentous attention both locally and abroad. Ticket holders will be given the opportunity to purchase an exclusive EP of remixes, as well as their album at a discounted price. Along for the ride will be fellow Brisbanites, The Jungle Giants. This foursome have been making strides with their infectious pop sound, demanding to be noticed for all the right reasons. While this show is sold out, their 18+ show at the Hi-Fi on October 19 still has tickets available. This is one act you do not want to miss!
Hailing from Sydney, The Rubens comprise of four ridiculously talented musicians, three of whom are brothers. These boys have a knack for writing music that swells with soul and drips with bluesy goodness. 'Lay it Down' and 'My Gun' feature soothing vocals and showcase the quartet's obvious song writing skills. Their tunes have the ability to circle around your head long after the music has stopped. The Rubens only formed last year, but have since experienced a whirlwind of success. Frequent plays on Triple J, a spot at this year's Splendour in the Grass festival and an album recorded and produced in New York are some of the highlights from the past year, but, the boys are showing no signs of slowing down. The Rubens are embarking on a national tour this month as they celebrate the release of their debut, self-titled album. Head to The HiFi this Friday to find out what all the fuss is about.
Unafraid to shock and appall, sharp photographer, journalist and human rights activist Shahidul Alam examines the ever-increasing issue of ever-prominent extra-judicial killings in Bangladesh. In 2004 the Bangladeshi government created The Rapid Action Battalion, a new armed-enforcement agency formed in response to what they perceived to be a law and order crisis. Quickly the RAB became notorious and feared for their quickness to act violently and itchy trigger fingers, and hated for the number of people, allegedly, blindly killed in the crossfire. Shahidul Alam’s Crossfire opened to government opposition. First shown in 2010 to draw attention to The Rapid Action Battalion’s wanton disregard for public safety the project was swiftly shutdown by a government keen to hide from reality. But, following a high court ruling in Alam’s favour, the show was re-opened for a single day. Following a successful run at New York’s Queens Museum in April this year the exhibition comes to Brisbane’s Powerhouse for its first Australian appearance.
They have toured extensively throughout the US, Canada and Europe, now Australia will again be able to revel in the sonic bliss that is The Black Keys. The 2-piece garage rock heroes have rocked festivals all over the world on the back of some massive success with their latest albums, Brothers and El Camino, which have firmly set the duo at the top of the rock music heap. This will sure to be a highlight on the live music calendar, be sure to get your tickets before they go. The Black Keys will be supported by Australian garage-soul rock upstarts, Royal Headache, who are quickly gaining a massive following of their own.
Lawless, written by Nick Cave and directed by John Hillcoat, is a film about bootleggers, secretly distributing moonshine in Franklin County, Virginia: one of the biggest moonshine centres of the prohibition period. Based on the historical novel written, The Wettest County in the World by Matt Bodurant, Lawless is an action packed tale of three brothers trying to make a living on the wrong side of the law. Shia LaBeouf, Tom Hardy, Guy Pearce, Gary Oldman and Australia’s own Mia Wasikowska are part of an extensive cast who bring Depression-era Virginia to life. Lawless is a must see for fans of blood-soaked, booze-soaked, gun-slinging action.
Performance Anxiety explores the every day events that get our hearts racing, palms sweaty and tongues tied. This innovative performance draws parallels between every day anxiety provoking performances and the anxieties experienced by a stage performer. What makes this concept so interesting is that we can all relate. Whether it be in the bedroom, boardroom or classroom, we've all felt the familiar flurry of butterflies. Performance Anxiety is performed and choreographed by Brian Lucas. He has been described as “one of Australia's most commanding actor-dancers” by The Australian, so you know you're in for a good night. This 90 minute performance is held in a cabaret setting, intentionally designed to be intimate so the audience can sit back and take everything in. Brian's performance features dance, voice and sound and the result is both spectacular and confronting. The Powerhouse recommends this performance for those above the age of 15 years.
Robert Forster is returning to the stage after taking a year off from performing. He's back with a show that features old and new songs, as well as a cover or two. Forster is one of the founding members of Brisbane's iconic music group, The Go-Betweens. He also has extensive experience in songwriting and performing, making him a pro at entertaining. Foster has nine albums with the much-loved Go-Betweens as well as four solo albums under his belt. In 2008, Forster released his latest solo album, Evangelist which was wonderfully received by critics, as well as old and new fans. As if Forster wasn't busy enough, he has also released a book, The 10 Rules of Rock and Roll. Warming the stage for Forster on Tuesday and Wednesday nights will be home-grown six piece, The John Steel Singers. Celebrate our talented local musicians and head along to The Powerhouse for what will be a night full of toe-tapping and head-bopping.
Fernando Espinosa had the enviable opportunity to venture to the Galapagos Islands several times over the course of two years. His mission was to capture the visual majesty that is the Galapagos, a natural marvel. Using photographic techniques that help encapsulate the unique characteristics of the Islands and its inhabitants, Fernando has managed to seamlessly blend the harsh landscape, the wild vegetation and the vibrant wildlife into one astounding collection. This is nature photography as you have never seen it before. The best part is that it is free and that it lasts all month.
Gold Coast four piece Oceanics are proud to announce their most realized work to date, their new single ‘The City’, and celebrate it with a tour out on the East Coast. Oceanics are quite a success story. Thanks to the strength of their second EP, Bright People (released in March of this year, they’ve signed a deal with Alberts (AC/DC, Gotye), been championed by MSN and AOL, performed with Michi in Japan and landed syncs for Quiksilver and Fox. The band has one foot firmly in late Britpop. With big hollow guitars and a cacophony of discordant tones they force together fans and send them into an inescapable trance. ‘The City’ is laden with infectious pop rhythm’s and keen hooks. A real, likeable gem its epic vibe has the crowd just lapping up its indie pop goodness.
Celebrating the release of last year’s album Stranger, Kelly Clarkson will hit cities across Australia singing new tunes and fan favourites like Already Gone, My Life Would Suck Without You and Because Of You. As the tail end of a year spanning over fifty dates worldwide, the Australian shows of the Stronger tour are gifted by high expectation, with long lists of praise for the previous dates raising them upwards. Kelly Clarkson will dazzle fans. Her simple but versatile performances are all about the music, pulling on heart-strings and transforming the pain behind her writing into something exquisitely beautiful.
When you imagine the film that would unite Aussie powerhouse actors Nicole Kidman, Mia Wasikowska and Jacki Weaver, you probably think gritty outback drama. You don't think violent neo-gothic Bildungsroman directed by renowned South Korean director Chan-Wook Park (Old Boy) and set in wealthy New England. But that's what you get with Stoker, a film that's bewitchingly stylish but anchored by an intense performance from Wasikowska. Wasikowska plays India Stoker, a somewhat sheltered loner of a girl who is deeply sensitive to small sensations — but that's where her commonalities with Amelie end. India, a recreational hunter in her spare time, is not all sweetness. On her 18th birthday, she learns that her loving father (Dermot Mulroney) has died in a car accident. Besides being left with her less demonstrative mother, Evelyn (Kidman) in their big ol' house, she now has to deal with the arrival of her unknown and perturbing uncle, Charlie (Matthew Goode). He is soon followed by his aunt Gwendolyn (Weaver), who appears to have an urgent message to impart to young India. Gwendolyn disappears and we have a movie, where Charlie obsessively draws closer to India while India tries to figure out who she really is. It plays like something of a cross between Hitchcock, The Addams Family and Dexter. The script for Stoker, by Wentworth Miller (lead actor in Prison Break of all things), famously made the 2010 'Black List' of best unproduced screenplays circulating around Hollywood, and although it's trite in parts, it remains fresh and alluring overall. It's real strength, perhaps, is in its gaps and silences, which allow director Park to go to town with the mood, composition and imagery that ultimately make the film so memorable. There's one tracking shot, in particular, where a head of long hair morphs smoothly into a thicket of reeds, that will probably be shown in film schools for a decade to come. Add in a score by Clint Mansell with contributions from Philip Glass, and you have a movie of rare aesthetic brilliance. It's not a total triumph of style over substance, but it's as close as you're likely to get. https://youtube.com/watch?v=NPIi5sHmkAw
Ridiculous as it may sound, some of the most compelling on-screen moments of the past decade have been found in the simple 30-second commercial spots for Apple products. Think back, for example, to the excitement on the face of the deaf girl as she's finally able to use sign language on her mobile phone, or the hypnotic dancing silhouettes cutting loose to Jet's ridiculously catchy 'Are You Gonna Be My Girl'. Best of all, picture that deployed soldier on the distant battlefront, tearfully touching the screen just as his newborn son gently does the same from all the way back home. Like the products they were marketing, Apple ads tapped into the notion of selling ideas and emotions — not items — and $500 billion later it was pretty clear we liked what we saw. Because of that, though, one of the biggest challenges facing the Steve Jobs biopic Jobs was to simply be better than the ads for the products he invented, and on most fronts it was, unfortunately, unsuccessful. Not unlike 2010's The Social Network, the Jobs film tracks its protagonist's story from his college days through to his stewardship over what is now, economically, the largest company in the world. We're presented with an unflattering portrayal of the man whose extraordinary vision sat alongside his infamous temper, ego and capacity for cruelty, particularly in matters concerning close friends and family. Steve is played by Ashton Kutcher in a performance that impressively captures the tech legend's mannerisms and cadence. The problem, however, is that Jobs feels more like a movie about Apple than the man who founded it. Whilst we're presented with at least some of his highs and lows (the movie is at its best during those low points, most notably his dismissal by the Apple board), whenever the products rate a mention, they're given almost comical reverence; messianic machines bathed in ethereal light. There's no denying the Cult of Apple exists, but this film wasn't the place to indulge it, and when coupled with some serious omissions, such as Jobs's founding of Pixar, it's hard to not consider this biopic more Performa than performer. https://youtube.com/watch?v=FrvkCS0ZGPU
Though the days of hypno-duo Oscar+Martin may be over, one half of the entity remains - stronger and dreamier than ever. Oscar Key Sung has quickly gained a reputation as one of Australia’s most vibrant new talents and proved he don’t need no man by his side to hit the charts. Already seasoned with a string of performances, 23-year-old Key Sung has been encapsulating an audience beyond just fans with his refreshing sounds and sumptuous voice. Most notably, he was handpicked by Ghostpoet to join his Australian tour, truly cementing Oscar as an rnb-pop alchemist worth keeping an eye on. Now, with a hearty collection of new material, Key Sung will be gracing Black Bear Lodge, introducing Brisbane to his new singles 'It’s Coming' and 'Sure Thing'. Don’t miss out on what will be a truly buoyant performance by a real, heart-on-sleeve talent. Check out Oscar Key Sung's 'It's Coming'
Clay Smith, a fusion artist, brings together the styles of modern and low-brow art, in its many entertaining and promotional forms, to create satirical and thought-provoking pieces. Two of his seminal series are coming together for one highly esteemed exhibition: Techknotopia vs Cultural Tempest. He looks at unravelling possibility, of foreign lands and unrecognisable characters, and two such collections that examine these ideas from varying angles will prove an entirely-immersive experience for art fans and plainly curious alike. Techknototopia has been dubbed, by Smith himself, as “digital Technology unfolding, un-folding like Alice falling down the rabbit hole”. He takes elements from the “gaming world”, where characters not unlike those of Wonderland are transported into this parallel universe, like pieces of an ever-changing puzzle. Cultural Tempest looks at a fresh-faced traveller’s experience with new surroundings on debut overseas explorations. Having been presented in overseas collections, plus many times over on home soil, Clay Smith’s art is well travelled and celebrated. Don’t miss your opportunity to see what the fuss is about.
If last week’s 7.30 report taught us anything it’s that blood transfusions in the animal world are bred on cruelty, murder and mass slaugher. Fortunately for humans, it’s quite the opposite. And even more fortunately for the sub-species of humans, young creatives, the term blood transfusion coincides with something far more enlightening at a cost that won’t bleed you dry. Blood Transfusion – a yearly initiative by the artistic pure breds of Young Bloods – is your upgrade from boring old O to the ritzier AB. In non-blood-analogical terms, it’s simply an opportunity to learn from some of Australia's brightest and most experienced creative minds. Creative director Jonathan Drapes, GPY&R’s Brendan Greaney and Liquid Animations’ Georgie Uppington are just a few names who will be making up this year's panel. As an added bonus one of few half-decent, full-brained My Kitchen Rules contenders – a credit in itself, Jack Harrison will be leading the panel. It won’t all be sit and listen though - in perfect white blood cell, red blood cell, platelet, plasma ratio there’s be presentation, mingling, food and drink. So if you’re looking to meet some of the brightest people in your field, or just don’t have any friends grab a ticket pronto!
If you don't mind waiting 97 minutes for a really cute little animation at closing credits, then check out Filth. If waiting annoys you, then give this one a miss. If you must see it, do yourself a favour and read the book first. That might help. Adapted from the acclaimed novel by iconic author Irvine Welsh, Filth falls short of even the most casual of expectations. Directed by Jon S. Baird from his own screenplay, Filth stars James McAvoy with a supporting cast including Jamie Bell, Jim Broadbent, Imogen Poots and Eddie Marsan. McAvoy is Bruce Robertson. He's a tormented, bigoted cop who snorts, smashes and sleazes his way through the festive period. What he really wants for Christmas is a promotion and he'll do whatever he needs to get it — screwing wives, exposing secrets and trampling self-esteems is all in a day's work. The problem is, well, just about everything. Take Bruce. There's no descent into despair, no spiral out of control, no ride for us to belt up for and settle in. When we meet him he's an asshole, and he stays an asshole, with a few tears and moments on stairs with understanding colleagues thrown in. I laughed twice, once about a boat and once because the c-word was very well-placed. The characters are half-baked and predictable — when the next line is in your head before its spoken then something has gone very wrong. Any aspect of Bruce's personality or past we're even vaguely interested in gets resolved in a lazy tell-all monologue revealing just what we had figured out 80 minutes and two buckets of popcorn ago. And this is no Trainspotting situation; the violence is lame and without context, the sex is nothing to hang your hat on, the madness is stereotyped and disjointed and there's next to no opportunity for us to even begin to understand any of the two-dimensional characters or why they do all the annoying things they do. Except for the little piggy, right at the end, who is not annoying, and is completely adorable. Filth gets one small point for the smashing soundtrack and the animation and McAvoy's beard, which is very neat and coped well with all the jaw clenching. https://youtube.com/watch?v=tymWDB7gtK4
Silver is everywhere. It’s in the coins we hold, the jewellery we wear and in your Grandmothers expensive tableware. Silver indicates wisdom; silver bullets kill werewolves, being called a Silverfox is a compliment to some and it is just a cool colour. But what else can silver represent? The Museum of Brisbane is hosting a brand new exhibition showcasing various artworks that use the precious metal in a way that expresses new and historical meanings of silver. Iconography, historical influence, cultural influence and social influence are all examined by six parings of individuals who work together on a piece of silver artwork. Each duo, comprised of a photographer and an artisan jeweller have crafted pieces out of silver for this exhibition which runs until April next year. That is plenty of time to examine these timeless works made out of a timeless and important metal.
The Judith Wright Centre has been transformed into the Lonely Hearts Club. A place were love is sought and where love is sometimes never found. The dance floor of the Lonely Hearts Club is the epicentre of a dance, the steps of which are ever explicitly explained but failure to perform them correctly can result is disastrous social consequences. Don’ts for Dancers is about dance floor etiquette – avoiding the traps and pitfalls of ‘looking for love on the dance floor’. Looks are everything, the way you move is everything, and if you haven’t got that down pat then you haven’t got anything. This is what happens when social cues are taken to their extremes. Choreographed and produced by Nerida Matthaei, Don’ts for Dancers is ‘a self-help session for the left-footed lonely heart’, head along and see if there is anything you can learn yourself.
The Queensland Music Festival may not be totally encompassing of the music currently being made in Queensland; perhaps its more of a celebration of music, which is something we can certainly get behind. Regardless, if you aren’t into the big swing of jazz or the soaring sounds of orchestral music, you might think this isn’t for you. Think again! Here are a couple of our favourite events. Esperanto is a series of shows bringing together differing styles of music, creating a blend of worldly sounds that are as exotic as they come, but with a flavour that everyone can enjoy. Check out Mzaza, The Mouldy Lovers and more at the Esperanto series at The Powerhouse. If you are a fan of Pitch Perfect-style a capella and smooth RnB rhythm, listen to Take 6. These cool cats are a multiplatinum-selling, Gammy Award-winning, universally praised group of singers who can make any song come to life with just their voices. This is probably the coolest event of the QMF calendar. It’s so smooth, so cool, so worth seeing. There are a lot of hidden gems at this years Queensland Music Festival. Have a look at their calendar — there might be something for you.
It was only a matter of time before the ambitious Lost team realised they’d have to go out on a limb to accommodate the massive crowds they’ve been pulling with their recent gigs and events. That's why, with a juicy-as-always lineup, their latest event, Lost Gig #1 takes live performance to a whole new level — secret warehouse style. In a location neatly tucked away in the Valley – you’ll never guess where, Lost Gig #1 will be hosting a tasty selection of bands, beats and artists with a Vietnamese street food stall to please those with an appetite for music and spring rolls. New kids on the block, Skinnie Finches, will be joined by favourites Foxsmith, Seahorse Divorce, Mega Ogre and a few other up and comers all for the price of $10 before 8pm, and $15 after. With a string of Lost Movements gigs, Scribble Slams and funk-fuelled projects under their belt, the team at Lost have made it their duty to keep your ears ringing with the best baked local entertainment – join the mad frenzy for the fresh sounds of Lost Gig #1.
The Growlers are bringing their sweet sounds all the way from their hometown Costa Mesa, California to Black Bear Lodge. This five-piece are no strangers to the stage as the lads have played gigs everywhere from London, Brazil and Coachella. The American quintet has played with the likes of The Black Keys, Dr. Dog, Devendra Banhart, Julian Casablancas and Night Beats. Along with being a bunch of attractive scruffy surfer dudes who all sport great hairstyles, The Growlers have a long list of quality psychedelic rock tracks. Bop along with the sunny sounds of Someday which not only shows off the band's lyrical ability but also their appreciation of the theatrical. On stage shows sometimes consist of crazy costumes and even crazier wigs. Other notable tracks to get you psyched for Wednesday night's show include 'One Million Lovers' and 'Wandering Eyes'. It's the boys' first time in Australia so head down to the bear's den and give them a warm welcome. Be sure to check out our chat with singer, Brooks Neilsen before seeing them live!
Great vintage stores are few and far between. It seems, these days, that to get anything amazing you need to be a part of a secret well-dressed group who know what op-shops haven't yet been raided and what vintage stores have the best of the best on offer. Luckily, there is one pop-up store that is guaranteed to house your next prized possession. Kijaro and Atomic Martini Vintage have joined forces to bring fashion lovers a world of vintage clothes, fabrics, jewellery, accessories and homewares. This team of vintage goddesses have found a plethora of goodies from the 1930s to 1980s. Opening night is on Thursday from 5pm-9pm. Arrive early as the saying “first in, best dressed” has never been more applicable. Pop into the pop-up shop and find a gorgeous piece that will make you the envy of your friends. When they ask where you found something so amazing you can say “it's vintage dahhhling”. That's reason enough to go, right? The store will be open on Friday 9am - 7pm, Saturday 9am -6pm and Sunday 10am -2pm.
It is a truth universally acknowledged that classics of literature stand the test of time. There is no better example than a classic story, one with many an adaptation and growing audience, than Jane Austen’s masterpiece, Pride and Prejudice. When a highly desirable gentleman of great style and circumstance graces Netherfield Park, the greater township of Meryton and its eligible ladies spiral into frenzy. It is a tale of virtues and vices, following your heart or your head. A timeless classic, one which has been graced with various faces over its many, many years. The beautiful venue that is the Brisbane Arts Theatre fits this tale like a glove; it is one of Brisbane’s longest running theatre groups, and know the sacred bounds of traditional theatre. Your beloved tale of Elizabeth Bennet is in safe hands. There are an abundance of ticketing options available, so be sure to gather your likeminded gentlewomen for an evening of homage to the fair Mr. Darcy as intended to be seen: in the flesh.
The impression I had of The Spectacular Now before seeing it was that it was another teen movie about a cool guy falling in love with a dorky girl — but this time genuine and refreshing. 'Not possible!', thought I, as I anticipated counting off all the ways that the film failed. Cool guys and dorky girls don't mix, and if they do, Hollywood filmmakers cannot be counted on to explain it. Now I'm forced to eat my words. The Spectacular Now definitely is that genuine and refreshing take on the cool-guy-falls-in-love-with-the-dorky-girl story. It succeeds by focusing secondarily on the romance, and primarily on the shambolic and troubled life of its protagonist, Sutter Keeley (Miles Teller). Sutter is cool not because he's a jock, a leader, a looker or a bully — he's just the most fun. He and his girlfriend, Cassidy (Brie Larsen), are the life of every party. And that's in good part because Sutter has no self-worth, no ambition and knows how to drink without cessation. The Spectacular Now is unique in its portrait of what alcoholism can look like in adolescence, beyond the usual hysteria over binge drinking. Cassidy leaves Sutter when she realises that, even though their chemistry is the stuff of legend, she wants more out of life. Sutter then meets Aimee Finecky (Shailene Woodley, last seen in The Descendants) — a quiet, swotty girl whose interests include manga and French club (the type who's going to own the college campus soon enough) — when she finds him passed out on a neighbour's lawn in the wee hours. Remember, Sutter is good and fun; he has no ulterior motive for hanging out with Aimee afterwards, besides that he likes her company. But, aided by his inebriation and her infatuation, that friendship quickly escalates. The Spectacular Now has ten times the nuance and complexity of the previous film from the writing duo of Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber, (500) Days of Summer. It might be that they had strong source material in the book by Tim Tharp, or that they've simply matured as writers. The Spectacular Now is a standout achievement that makes you care for its characters and leaves you with plenty to think about afterwards. It's true the character of Aimee is sidelined, but she's not just a cipher; she's a multidimensional character who is only known to us through Sutter's eyes, because he's who the film is really about. The relationship between the two characters is strong, interesting and believable, with their complicated mothers being a particular source of commonality. Woodley and Teller really help to sell the roles with their incredible performances. "When you look at her, you really see her," Sutter tells his buddy at the halfway point of the movie, and much the same can be said of the two actors. They add so much depth with their mere presence. The Spectacular Now is a beautiful surprise package. High school has never looked so worth revisiting. https://youtube.com/watch?v=wceaLzbtuDY
