(independent) CD
Local Vic peeps with a penchant for intricate post-post-rock adventures. A hyper-literate bunch of virtuosic musicians contributes to a record that should turn the heads of those looking for intelligent, emotional music. Echoing the intensity of classic Mogwai & Godspeed, whilst displaying deft songwriting chops, this an album that deserves some local love.
After stints with New Pornographers & Immaculate Machine, Kathryn Calder steps out with a mature solo effort; Are You My Mother? orbits around Calder’s terminally ill mother & the songs borne of this are contemplative odes to the many paths one is offered in life. Balladry & pop hold hands all over this beautiful record.
Are you Kathryn online?
(Dead Oceans) CD & 2LP
Another amazing record from local legends Frog Eyes & possibly the one to see them finally reap the acclaim they deserve. From the opening guitar stirrings of “A Flower In A Glove”, the band are in fine form, but particularly Carey Mercer, who’s vocals move from caterwauling howls to sarcastic barking, leading the typical Frog Eyes maelstrom in strong fashion. We are proud.
(Old Life) CD
This crew of local musical enthusiasts has slowly started to gather a gust of hype around them, based mainly on their rocking ass live shows. Like many Victoria groups, the members have at one time belonged to other bands, but Forestry do the sincere post-rock/pop thing better than most. At time their debut is earnest & fragile, but that is often countered with a penchant for guitar racket that keeps things interesting. Promising new band. Drawing from peers like Great Lake Swimmers & Joel Plaskett.
Wow! That was amazing. Record Store Day 2010 was an overwhelming success here at Ditch & we only have all you amazing regulars to thank for it. We had a lineup at 9am! Well done to all you who picked up prize packs & those who snagged that special exclusive RSD title they were amped on.
Can’t wait till next year!?
WE WILL BE OPENING AT 10am!
April 17 is officially Record Store Day! Last year was a great success with a bunch of exclusive & cool releases on RSD & this year promises to be even crazier.
For details on RSD & cool artist quotes/interviews, wander over the RSD site …
Along with sweet exclusives & a crazy amount of new releases in general, there are a few nifty things we’ll be adding on to make Saturday radder than the raddest radness, such as…
Listen here...
(Absolutely Kosher) CD & LP
Ryan Beattie returns with his feverish falsetto amidst a palette of melodic inclines and coagulating crescendos. Portrayed as a palpable endeavour of the island in autumn, the record resurrects elements from both Kau’ai and Fight Against Darkness, whilst burning elements anew. Bittersweet, effervescent, and conjuring stylistic permutations of emotive self and environment; Chet strike a ruminating chord that shines like a beam of wavering light.
CD
Here is where Aaron Bergunder side-steps his band (Colourbook) for the dance floor. Reigning under the moniker Dreamboat, his synth pop anthems grab from the Pet Shop Boys uber-pop to the Junior Boys ethereal mood. Carried by the hedonistic flurry of the sex-surged night life of some metropolis floating in a distant bubble in the sky, this music is as sleek as glass – and hopefully the pre-cursor to an equally strong full length.
Rifflandia 2009 is shaping up & to say the least, WE ARE STOKED. Last year was a totally awesome experience; Black Mountain, Man Man, Walkmen, Tagaq, Z-Trip, the list goes on & on…
This year, the lineup has come together nicely; Tegan & Sara, Buck 65, Beach House, Longwalkshortdock, Basia Bulat, Holy Fuck among others, with some new venues as well (Market Square!).
So here’s our rundown of the lineup, with little write-ups to clue you in, and where appropriate, we’ve got tunes or videos playing as well.
Part 1: The Big Shots
Part 2: Introducing…
Part 3: The Local Yokels
(Supreme Echo) LP
Legendary Victoria hardcore/punk/thrash outfit that bore the first musical exploits of one Stephen McBean of Black Mountain/Pink Mountaintops/Jerk With A Bomb fame. Early rough recordings capture these then-teens doing what some say they did best. A Victoria time capsule & a must for anyone who picked up last year’s amazing book All Your Ears Can Hear.
Listen here...