backseat downunder
Live Review & Gallery: Legends at Work: Toto and Christopher Cross at the ICC Theatre, Sydney 19.04.2025
Christopher Cross and Toto Roll Back the Years in Sydney
Album Review: ‘I Love What We Do’ – It’s Geoffrey O’Connor’s world and we are delighted to be immersed in his luscious sonic romanticism.
Geoffrey O’Connor creates a world of breathlessly beautiful chamber pop, rich and luscious with an infectious sensibility that takes its genesis from the sixties – a sort of Burt Bacharach/Max Bygraves/Frank Sinatra world, mixed with a contemporary Pulp/Lightning Seeds theatricality via ABC. ‘I Love What We Do’ is like a theme park filled with love …
Album Review: Mess Esque’s ‘Jay Marie, Comfort Me’ is an epically beautiful and assured album, released ahead of Australian and European dates.
Mess Esque, the collaboration between Helen Franzmann (McKisko) and Mick Turner (Dirty Three, Tren Brothers), follow up on their self-titled debut 2021 album (reviewed by me here) with the astronomically beautiful ‘Jay Marie, Comfort Me’. Released through Drag City Records and Remote Control Records, it’s a stunning collection of dreamy shimmering tracks that glow in the firmament. From …
Track: Tidal Peak is immersed in the dramatically beautiful ‘Wilderness’ ahead of album release.
Capricorn Coast band Tidal Peak has just released another expansive, glittering single in the form of ‘Wilderness’. Exhibiting the same sort of ear The Lightning Seeds have for bittersweet melodies with an anthemic glow, this is a glorious track borne on a pounding percussion and instruments that are rich and luscious. The work of musician/producer Kyle …
News: Touché Amoré Return to Australia With New Album and Emotional Firepower
Touché Amoré and Militarie Gun Unite for Explosive Australian Tour
News & Track: Tamara & The Dreams Is Back and Sweeter Than Ever with ‘Successful Bisexual’ + Single Launch
Tamara & The Dreams made a spectacular return last month with ‘Successful Bisexual’ – their first new release since 2022, and a hell of a comeback. It’s a certified banger: sharp and sugary. A song that makes you feel like your most chaotic self might also be your best. Tamara will headline Merri Creek Tavern …
Track: ‘Neil Young Saved My Life’ sees Jo Meares’ Silver Bullets give thanks for the music in their delicious louche style, with tour dates ahead.
With a whole swag of insouciance and poise, Jo Meares’ Silver Bullets fire more luscious sonic missiles with their new single, the enigmatically titled ‘Neil Young Saved My Life’. And while artists as diverse as Hank Williams, Tom Waites and Nick Cave are also thanked, poor Joni Mitchell is accused of attempted murder in this …
Track: Meres are only ‘Building Humans’ – a passionate paean to vulnerability, ahead of album release and live dates.
Meres have turned down the volume a little on their third single ‘Building Humans’ from their forthcoming album ‘Worried Sick’, but the intensity and the passion remain high. According to singer/guitarist Mary Shannon, This one is a little self-indulgent and is one of the band’s collective favourites – Building Humans is aggressively sad and rough …
Live Gallery: Yellowcard Storm Liberty Hall in Triumphant Sydney Return 15.04.2025
Yellowcard Make Up for Lost Time in Sweaty, Joyful Sydney Set