9th December 2019
Desmond Cheese: Sunrise and Set (Independent)*
The S-Bends: Nothing Feels Natural To Me (Stable Label)
Georgia Maq: Pleaser
- It’s not often you get to compare Melbourne’s earnest, feminist rockers Camp Cope with 70’s glam legends KISS, but reminiscent of the time all four KISS members released solo albums on the same day, Georgia Maq is the second Camp Cope member to do her own release in the last two months. Her debut solo full-length is called Pleaser.
Griselda: WWCD
- If you're a hip-hop fan who hasn't heard the names Conway the Machine, Benny the Butcher, or WestsideGunn, then it's only a matter of time. Collectively known as Griselda Records, after Colombian coke-mogul Griselda Blanco, the trio of Buffalo rappers have been grinding their way to success for nigh on seven years. Each member has their own mixtape series, collabs between themselves, collabs with other rappers, and countless features on a whole host of New York projects.
imbi the girl - 'Back Then'
imbi the girl has started a movement of unapologetic truth, self-service, self-belief and self-love with their eclectic brand of ‘melodic rap.’ Following the release of their breakthrough single ‘swell’ in 2018, imbi the girl has made their mark in music and queer communities alike with their authentic expression, and through their unique artistry provides listeners with a sense of connection, camaraderie and solidarity.
On the creation of the EP, imbi the girl explained “For the first time, I felt safe and able to authentically express myself in a studio, mostly unaffected by self-doubt (or at least strong enough to overcome it). To me, this EP is a tool for ‘inner child work’ and has served as an invaluable aid in my processing of select childhood experiences; it has left me with a deeper understanding of myself, appreciation for the moments that have shaped me, taught me how to comfort myself in moments triggered by emotional wounds from my youth, and helped me manifest genuine self-love and nurturing which is truly life-altering magick. I hope that it might serve others in a similar, tender, loving way.”
Written and recorded over the past year, back then flitters between dreamy R&B and atmospheric hip hop, overflowing with blooming harmonies that dance over soulful melodies. It is an enchanting body of work, that richly showcases imbi the girl’s tender, poetic flow - their distinctive, velvety voice always the standout against the hypnotic yet understated production.
4ZZZ Top 20
1. Ausecuma Beats - Ausecuma Beats EP (Album Of The Week)
2. First Beige - Mirrors EP
3. Dumb Things - Time Again
4. Majestic Horses - Away From The Sun
5. Great Sage - The Faceless (Single)
6. Bianca Power - Blood On Your Shoes (Single)
7. VOIID - Hell (Single)
8. Violent Soho - Vacation Forever (Single)
9. Being Jane Lane - Savage Sunday
10. Mitch, Please - Neighbourhood Cat (Single)
11. Jaguar Jonze - Kill Me With Your Love (Single)
12. Perve Endings - Georgia (Single)
13. Blussh - Shut Up, Becky! EP
Mojo Juju & Joelistics: Ghost Town EP
<p><span><span>- Sleepless existential dread sums up my feelings of listening to <em>Ghost Town</em>. <em>In a good way</em>. Following up from 2018’s <em>Native Tongue</em>, Mojo Juju teams up with producer Joelistics once again for a contemplative EP exploring the thoughts that keep us awake in the dark. Doubts and lost loves because they’re never about taxes.</span></span></p>
Clipping: The Deep
<p><span><span>- Fresh off the release of horrorcore masterwork <em>There Existed An Addiction To Blood</em>, experimental hip-hop wunderkinds Clipping have dropped a three song EP of sea-faring, sci-fi shanties. Appropriately titled <em>The Deep</em>, it explores the afro-futurist fantasies of Detroit techno heavyweights <strong>Drexciya</strong>, whose music soundtracked an Atlantis-esque society of drowned African children whose mothers were thrown from slave ships across the Atlantic sea.
Review: The Wiz at QPAC
A glass is poised in the hands of each performer, backstage crew and patron alike. The glow of the Ferris wheel behind us washes a calm light over the crowd, as acknowledgments to the traditional owners on which QPAC stands are recognised.
Review: QSO Presents Cinematic at QPAC
On Saturday the 30th of November this year, Cinematic: Blockbuster Movie Music, presented by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, performed at the Concert Hall, QPAC. There were two sessions that occurred that day, including a 2:00pm and 7:30pm session. Whilst this was the only day that the performance was held, that isn’t to say there won’t be any future Cinematic performances, as there is one being held in May 2020 that will feature classic scores from a range of films including Gladiator and Schindler’s List.
Review: A Christmas Carol at QPAC
A Christmas Carol is a book that has never been out of print. Based on what I’ve seen on stage, the written form clearly isn’t the only way for this tale to be expressed. Written by Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol has been created for the stage by Shake & Stir Theatre Co and cleverly adapted by Nelle Lee to be presented to audiences at the Playhouse Theatre, QPAC from the 29th to 15th of December 2019. As the year winds down in time for Christmas, I was glad I had a chance to watch a classic Christmas tale adapted for the stage.