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September 19th 2007 07:37
It is fair to say that my knowledge and understanding of the hip hop/rap world is perhaps less than desirable. Having said that, my lack of experience is not from want of trying, but rather lack of good exposure. However, Saturday night in my favourite part of town, Melbournes very own Brunswick Street I was lured into The Laundry a laid back drinking hole. On this cool September night, this usually quiet place was busier than I had ever seen as it was filled with the buzz and excitement of what was set to be a night of earthy Melbourne Rap. Renovators Dreama Hip Hop duo who have been hitting the Melbourne, rap scene both individually and as a group for some time, were out to launch their first, self titled Album.
Anthony Weare and Jules Cleary (aka Antics & Seizure) combine forces as Renovators Dreamwith a refreshing offering for the thriving local scene. Featuring Melbourne jazz singer Nina Benvenuti, their music can not be easily categorised. Flowing between hard hitting politician tunes, mixed with up beat pop, and sentimentality, with an under current of sounds not dissimilar to our very own Hill Top Hoods. Their beats are catchy and energetic, and managed to hit the spot with an eager crowd who were particularly lively, hitting the dance floor, and greedily drinking in the soulful vocals of Ms Benevenuti.
When I caught up with the exuberant group after their forty minutes on stage I learned that opposites really do attract. Both Antics and Seizure had very differing views, and this most often came out in their lyrics, whether poet or wordsmith these contradicting artists were out to express the same idea, and it is this difference that inspires their collaborations, even though they are often fraught with energy and tension. Overall the boys gave an amazing performance, mixing some well rehearsed numbers with some cheeky improvisation.
If you thought Australian Hip Hop was not your thing I recommend you give these guys a listen before you rule it out all together.
Catch the boys on their regularly up dated myspace site:[Umyspace.com/renovatorsdream/U]or hang them a line through email:renovatorsdream@gmail.com
The Boys during their performance.
Who the hell is Mark Ronson I hear you say, well if you havent meet the Dj/producer/massive star, you have definitely heard his ode to the Smiths,Stop me if you think you've heard this one before, cleverly mixed with the Supremes You Keep Me Hangin' On, and soulfully tuned too R& B singer Daniel Merriweathers affecting voice. The track simply entitled Stop me has hit number two in the U.K. and continues to get air play in Australia, particularly on the Saturday night getting ready to go out mixes.
Mark Ronsons name is infamous in the very chic London social circuit, where he made a name for himself with his upbeat, pop sounds, and a cleverly unique bend towards originality. His new album Version although having suffered badly at the hands of critics, accusing Ronson of lack imagination, as it is a CD of covers, easily sets these criticism to one side with what it does offer; a unique look at some extraordinarily popular tracks, and inspires a world of creativity in its inventive re-productions.
Criticism could be given for the particularly chosen A list set of names, that sung on the Album. Artists such as Amy Winehouse, bringing her deep, brooding voice to an eerie rendition of the Zutons Valerie, Robbie Williams, Lilly Allen and Santo Gold just to name a few. The tracks drive the album with a soulful push towards the jazzy big brass band. Of course it is hard to go past the opening track, Coldplays Put A Smile On Your Face, featuring the Daptone Horns, if this track, slowed right down, jazzed right up and littered with horns, doesnt suck you in then this isnt an album for you.
The album is filled with covers of tacks, if you dont recognize instantly, you know youve heard before. Even Britney Spearss Toxic, is given a kudos; redone to an extraordinary, down beat jazz, contemporary feel.
Essentially Ronson has taken a bunch of modern classics, and re-worked them to a jazz, soul style. The album itself could be considered particularly risky, considering the connotations, and fan bass that go along with groups such as Radiohead and their extraordinarily popular sound. Remaking such hits as their JustPretty Green sound?
Described as left field this is not an album for everyone, should jazz and brass horns, not be your thing, stay away from this Cd. An album you definitely need to allow to sink in I would recommend a few listens before you judge to harshly; Im leaving you with a 3 out 5.
Up and coming is something thrown around far too often; the idea that every band that gets a promotional deal is up and coming, theyre going to suck you in with their catchy lyrics, and easy rock beats. Whatever happened to the great Australian rock dream, where you start a band with your mates, you make your other mates come and see you every week, until you become so f*$%^@ good that people get pissed if you dont start emailing round flyers and advertising. Meet Escapist, Andy McGarvie Guitar/Vocal, Dave Zito Guitar, Ned Holloway Bass, James Kay Drums. These boys are a return to the raw sound of an authentic pub band. The guys clearly work hard on producing a tight sound that ranges from Jazz, to Hard Rock, and includes plenty of catchy up beat lyrics. When these boys are on stage you dont want to walk to far from the excitement, because just when youre thinking youre dying for a cigarette, youll miss out on there amazingly eerie ode to Led Zeppelin, and if you squint hard enough Escapist Andy might just bring back an uncanny likeness of a young Robert Plant.
Escapist has been together for a number of years, perfecting their sound and really building a following. Their sound is crisp, hard, and very edgy, and not for the faint hearted looking for an easy afternoon at the pub. These boys love to rip up the stage and entertain the audience with their solos, filling any crowded space with what can only be described as a return to the old school the din and blast of pub music. This band takes themselves seriously and looks to satisfy the crowd, even the die hard Tote regulars were impressed.
The guys work hard, a quick chat with these boys after the set, introduced me to a very relaxed group of four mates since high school focusing on as much exposure as possible. Escapists myspace site is http://www.myspace.com/escapistband
. If you are in the mood for a bit of great rock these guys are not to be missed. Look for their next gig and judge for yourself, its absolutely worth seeing a band that wants YOU to enjoy yourself, as much as they love playing.
Escapist crew
The ancient Aussie tradition that is, having a few on a Sunday night before you enviably start the week, I had feared was all but lost. However, last night (Sunday) I not only had the privilege of enjoying a few in the smokeless atmosphere of the Evelyn on Brunswick Street, but had the absolute pleasure of being introduced to the musical residence of this buzzing little pub.
The Benson Campain, is a two piece band (that last night included a Cornish Double Bass player), that have been playing together since 2005, whose motto is to write and play music that us Aussies can relate too.
These boys not only know how to harmonise, and explore an enormous depth and range of music, in what seemed a fleeting set, but above all they provided the audience with an incredibly captivating, and engaging performance
[ Click here to read more ]
This week has filled the ears of Melbourne town with an absolute plethora of music, many of our new favourite exports arriving fresh from their gruelling, two day stint in Bryon Bay, from the Splendour on the Grass festival
[ Click here to read more ]
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Anthony Weare and Jules Cleary (aka Antics & Seizure) combine forces as Renovators Dreamwith a refreshing offering for the thriving local scene. Featuring Melbourne jazz singer Nina Benvenuti, their music can not be easily categorised. Flowing between hard hitting politician tunes, mixed with up beat pop, and sentimentality, with an under current of sounds not dissimilar to our very own Hill Top Hoods. Their beats are catchy and energetic, and managed to hit the spot with an eager crowd who were particularly lively, hitting the dance floor, and greedily drinking in the soulful vocals of Ms Benevenuti.
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