Because of diversion of the utterly fantastic PAVEMENT world tour of 2010, it is not since 2009 that we have had the pleasure of the company of Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks here in Australia.
Given the recent news that he would be headlining at Brisbane Festival 2012, it seems our crossed fingers have been rewarded with the announcement that the band will now be embarking on a full Australia tour in support of their latest album, 2011’s Mirror Traffic.
Recorded at LA’s Sunset Sound Studios and at the home of the album’s producer, Beck – Mirror Traffic has been rated by many as a career best and their most energized set to date.
The 15 songs range from hard-rocking political commentary (“Senator”), to touching, winsome folk (“No One Is”), to virtuosic but melancholy and contrite kiwi pop (“Stick Figures In Love”). The lyrics are as curious as ever but more meaningful than they have been since Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain. “This record,” concedes Malkmus dryly, “is relatively approachable.”
As the first producer to work with Malkmus since Pavement, Beck has drawn out a set of performances that ring with clarity and inventiveness. Gone are the long guitar workouts and jams that marked the last couple Jicks albums, replaced with a sharply defined focus and more colourful depth of field. With nearly half the tracks clocking in under three minutes, Mirror Traffic flashes by with a lightness of touch; a decision that band and producer found easy to take: “Beck & I were both burned out on the heavy rocking style,” says Malkmus, “and playing to the strengths of a melody felt like the way to go.”
Now, Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks will be finally packing the ultra-long distance suitcases, keep the liquids in their carry-on luggage under 100ml and head to Australia for their 2012 Mirror Traffic Tour. Hooray!
STEPHEN MALKMUS & THE JICKS MIRROR TRAFFIC AUSTRALIAN TOUR 2012 DATES
Tuesday, 25 September 2012
Wednesday, 26 September 2012
BRISBANE FESTIVAL Brisbane QLD
The Courier-Mail Spiegeltent, Cultural Forecourt, South Bank
Tickets & info: www.brisbanefestival.com.au
Presented by Brisbane Festival
Friday, 28 September 2012
ROSEMOUNT Perth WA
Tickets: www.heatseeker.com.au, Mills, 78s, Planet, Star
Presented by Soul Highway
Saturday, 29 September 2012
WAVE ROCK WEEKENDER Hyden WA
Tickets: www.soulhighway.com.au
Presented by Soul Highway
Wednesday, 3 October 2012
CORNER HOTEL Melbourne VIC
+ Bearhug
Tickets: www.cornerhotel.com and corner box office 9427 9198
Presented by Love Police
Friday, 5 October 2012
FACTORY THEATRE Sydney NSW
+ Bearhug
Tickets: www.lovepolice.com.au , www.factorytheatre.com.au
Presented by Love Police
