Loving live music isn’t just about attending music festivals and seeing an international artist’s massive arena show. Even the biggest of big-name headliners started in the trenches, on the sticky carpets and bandrooms of your local bars and pubs – which is exactly where you should be if you want to discover your new favourite band or venue. Here’s our picks for this week’s best local gigs from Aussie talent – from Perth to the East Coast – and all for the price of a good meal.
I, A Man (Only Show For 2015)
Where? Hugs & Kisses, 22 Sutherland Street, Melbourne CBD
When? 8:00pm, Saturday 21st February
Why? Yep, you read that headline correct, this is one of our favourite local outfit’s one and only show for the year, and where better to play but at the intimate setting of Hugs & Kisses. The masterful four-piece will be delivering their dreamy blend of dream-pop, shoegaze and neo-psychedelica this Saturday night before the band part ways to work on separate projects and move overseas. They promise this isn’t their last ever show – but the last one “for a very long time”. You’d be mad to miss this. Supports include New Gods and Sleep Decade.
Tickets & Info: $11.50, www.facebook.com & www.dashtickets.com.au
The Belligerents
Where? Black Bear Lodege, Level 1/322 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
When? 8:00pm, Friday 20th February
Why? Okay, we know we have stretched-out our usual $15.00 price cap, but hell, it’s only a few cents more, and when you’re forking over some additional hard-earneds to witness a live show from a band like The Belligerents, it’s well worth it. The Brizzy quintet are smashing it at the moment, with their indie-dance meets psychedelic-pop track ‘In My Way‘ spinning out of control on Triple J at the moment.
Entry & Info: $15.30, http://blackbearlodge.oztix.com.au
Gunslingers
Where? John Curtin Hotel, 29 Lygon Street, Carlton
When? 8:30pm, Saturday 21st February
Why? Live music fans of Melbourne are up for a real treat this weekend with the arrival of the titanic White Night, and to get you warmed up for what will promise to be a huge night, local fuzz rock shredders Gunslingers are throwin’ a gig to celebrate the release of their brand-spankin’ new single ‘I’ll Always Be Waiting‘, which you need to listen to. The boys will be supported by Pretty City and Covers.
Entry & Info: $10.00, www.facebook.com & www.johncurtinhotel.com
Black Stone From The Sun
Where? Little Wing Corner Gallery, 263 Hay Street, Subiaco, Perth
When? 8:00pm, Saturday 21st February
Why? Like we say every damn week, Perth has got one the hottest nights of live music in the country. This time in comes in the form of the burning alt-rock outfit Black Stone From The Sun who are celebrating the release of their searing single ‘Sun Pastel Roses’ from their sophomore EP Death Threats and Cigarettes. If that’s not enough, there’s a huge list of supports including FOAM, Aborted Tortoise and Skullcave, rounding out what will be just another incredible night out for local live music.
Tickets & Info: $10.00 www.facebook.com
Busy Kingdom
Where? Cherry Bar, 103 Flinders Lane, Melbourne CBD
When? 8:00pm, Friday 20th February
Why? The weekend is here, and you’re looking for some no bullshit, good old fashioned rock to have a boogie to? Look no further than Melbourne’s very own Busy Kingdom, the guys behind the killer ‘Broken Hearts‘, who will take over the infamous Cherry Bar to launch their brand-spankin’ new EP, Brunswick Hangover. The guys have enlisted some ripping supports including The Solicitors and Neon Queen. Busy Kingdom will also be giving out free copies of Brunswick Hangover upon entry – yew!
Tickets & Info: $13.00 www.facebook.com & http://cherrybar.com.au
Flamingo
Where? Shebeen, 57 Swan St, Richmond, Melbourne
When? 8:30pm, Friday 20th February
Why? One really shouldn’t wish the week away but boy, we can’t wait for this Friday night. Adelaide three-piece Flamingo have embarked on their national tour, the trio delivering their hypnotic electro beats like the cruisy ‘Drip Away‘. The brilliance doesn’t end there, with the likes of rising star JOY. and Stax Ossett set to warm the stage.
Entry & Info: $12.00, www.facebook.com & https://shebeenbandroom.ticketscout.com.au
Gang Of Youths
Where? Goodgod Small Club, 53-55 Liverpool Street, Sydney
When? 8:00pm, Saturday 21st February
Why? Touted as one of Australia’s “next big things”, this local four-piece are set to play one insane homecoming gig as they promote the release of their latest single, the indie rock tune ‘Benevolence Riots‘, which will fall from their forthcoming debut record. Food Court will kickstart the night with their infectious jams and raucous live show.
Entry & Info: $12.00, www.goodgodgoodgod.com & http://moshtix.com.au
The Sugarcanes
Where? The Factory Theatre, 105 Victoria Road, Marrickville, Sydney
When? 7:00pm, Friday 20th February
Why? Melbourne’s shining rock/soul extraordinares The Sugarcanes are taking their charming live performance north to perform tracks of their new EP. The band draw from a myriad of influences, from southern soul, punk as well as ’50s and ’60s rock’n’roll, take a taste-test here. The supporting cast is bursting with talent, including The Venusians, Hannahband, Maricopa Wells and Love.
Entry & Info: $11.00, www.factorytheatre.com.au
Ocean Alley
Where? Pirie & Co., 121 Pirie Street, Adelaide
When? 8:00pm, Friday 20th February
Why? Hailing from the Northern Beaches of Sydney, the coastal-stained tunes of Ocean Alley are for the very first time making their way to Adelaide, injecting the City of Churches with some much needed reggae infused psychedelica, best found on the groovin’ ‘Those Daze‘. In what promises to be a rowdy night of movin’ and shakin’, Ocean Alley will be supported byWeekday Wolves and Jupiter Groove.
Tickets & Info: $14.30, www.facebook.com & http://tickets.oztix.com.au
