PerthZine

Tag: perth bands

  • Gig Review – Didion’s Bible EP Launch with New Phono & Botany

    Gig Review – Didion’s Bible EP Launch with New Phono & Botany

    Freo Buffalo Club, Friday May 8, 2026

    Another Friday night of live music in Perth/Boorloo and options aplenty. We were at the Freo Buffalo Club for the Didion’s Bible PS DB EP launch, and it turned into one of those warm, good-vibe local shows that reminds you why the scene is thriving.

    First up, brand new band Botany kicked things off with their first ever gig. It hardly showed, aside from a few mix-ups in the stage banter (the bass player had it covered). With an excellent rhythm section, the three-piece played with confidence and put out a noisy brand of rock. Throwing in a Townes Van Zandt cover for good measure, they powered through a quick set and showed plenty of potential in the racket they are making. Keep an eye out.

    New Phono were next up, and despite being a bit cramped on the small corner stage, they put on a fine show full of intricate little guitar and synth parts, and a very catchy catalogue of songs. Pulled mostly from their album Troubleshoot the Rain, songs like Static are just damn fine examples of Perth/Boorloo songwriting. Symmetry Is Dead is a highlight of both the album and the live show. The chorus is super catchy and sing-along worthy. With band members overheating, the set absolutely cooked (outdone myself with the puns here).

    And then to the band of the evening. Didion’s Bible jumped on stage with instant energy, and even a busted guitar amp didn’t break their rhythm. Kicking off with the songs from the newly launched EP, the band’s frantic new-wave chaos didn’t let up as the party atmosphere swelled.

    Songs like Mona Lisa (Never Let Me Go) got the crowd into the set, and Panorama is a fantastic showcase of what the band can do. With band members at times rolling around on the ground with glee, it’s hard to find a band in the city who exude such infectious joy. It translates well through the music and out into the crowd watching.

    The Buffalo Club was a great choice of venue for the EP launch, giving off old-school, small-stage venue vibes that make for fantastic local band gatherings.

  • Gig Review – Cargo + Champion Sound + Dreamline + Moondyne + Spearwood

    Gig Review – Cargo + Champion Sound + Dreamline + Moondyne + Spearwood

    Milk Bar, Friday May 1, 2026

    Bespoke Touring put together the Planet of Sound gigs regularly at the Milk Bar. They are a chance to showcase a diverse selection of Perth/Boorloo’s most exciting, emerging artists on the big stage. This event was number thirteen and no bad luck here, with old-school rock, hip hop and a bit of jazz for good measure.

    First up, apologies for arriving late and missing the set from Dreamline. We saw them playing The Bird a few months back so here is a built-in flashback. The indie dream-pop four-piece have a big guitar-driven sound that lands somewhere between the Smashing Pumpkins and dreamier bands like Mercury Rev. They are tight and have some solid originals including first single Dear Louise, so we’re expecting to hear more from them soon.

    This reviewer arrived to see Moondyne taking the stage with an enthusiastic crowd up front. You could see why they were popular already, with a sound sitting in that 60s-influenced rock n roll space — frantic rhythm section complemented by Hendrix-like guitar riffs, and a danceable energy coming from the songs. Singer Taya was oozing charisma, and you could tell she has studied in the school of Janis (great to see these greats are still influencing the next gen). They finished the set with a couple from the era – Whole Lotta Love with plenty of energy, and Hotel California for a laid back, singalong finish. Keep loading the set with originals guys, the current bunch have set the standard high.

    Time for some hip hop next, with six-piece Spearwood on stage (assuming they are from Spearwood). The music mixes laid back, jazz rap with a touch of more aggressive, almost Rage Against the Machine-like tunes. Band and MC were confident and tight, and it’s great to see a full live band for this genre. We’re keen to hear what they can put down on record (word is they are in the studio). They got the dancefloor busy and even had some break-dancers busting out moves during the set. The hip hop is strong in the city.

    Champion Sound kept us in hip hop territory, the instrumental group leaning more into funk and electro. Some of the tunes wouldn’t be out of place in a Cruisin’ USA or GTA video game. The band are high energy and make the most of the vocal-free performance with interesting licks and time changes. It’s always going to be a challenge keeping things interesting with instrumentals, and there were enough moments throughout the set that made you pay attention. With bands like Grievous Bodily Calm currently dominating the Perth/Boorloo live scene, there is definitely room for more of this.

    Closing the night were Cargo, kicking things off with a cover of Stacy’s Mum that immediately got the crowd into it. The band have a solid modern rock sound, sitting somewhere between radio-friendly alt-rock and straight-up pub rock energy. Original track Turn Cold was a highlight, showing the band are strongest when leaning into their own material. Cargo felt like a fitting closer for the evening, bringing things back around to big riffs and singalong choruses after the funk and hip hop flavours earlier in the night.

    A nice showcase of young talent in the city and more reason for us to be hopeful Perth/Boorloo will continue to produce high-quality bands.

  • EP Review – Didion’s Bible: PS DB EP (2026)

    EP Review – Didion’s Bible: PS DB EP (2026)

    Post-Yours Truly Extras

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    PS DB EP is the latest from Didion’s Bible, and the six piece friendship-rockers continue producing music that is both out there and grounded in post-punk, new-wave and electro-pop goodness. The songs were recorded alongside their album Yours Truly, DB and just had to see the light of day.

    What’s A Name is a quick, catchy ditty that sets the tone nicely. The lyrical tongue-twister uses its pop frontage to address self-perception and identity, with an almost nursery rhyme-like pre-chorus followed by catchy harmonies backing the positive chorus: “no one’s not like you like you.”

    This Heat moves further into the classic Perth sound but slows things down. The song starts with droning synths before relaxing into near-spoken word verses, surrounded by Go-Betweens-esque guitars. The chorus turns a corner into lovely front-and-backing melodies, with lines like “I’m begging for mercy” and “hindsight is a twenty / twenty.”

    Mona Lisa (Never Let Me Go) is another fun-time tune and wouldn’t be out of place on a B-52s record, with shoutouts of “let’s go” and group chants. They used to call this new wave — now we can just call it fun-rock. Should be a good one live.

    Panorama, at 4:36, is the EP’s epic — you can’t spell epic without EP. The drums drive the track along in something that sits somewhere between Talking Heads and Arcade Fire. It builds brilliantly past the halfway point, with the repeated “I am searching for a panorama” becoming the focal point of the rise. Instruments and backing vocals keep joining until the whole thing reaches boiling point — and then we’re there. Nice finish.

    The band manage to balance fun and musicianship well on PS DB EP, creating a very listenable record that goes a bit deeper if you listen carefully.

    Didion’s Bible are launching PS DB EP this Friday, May 8, at The Buffalo Club in Fremantle. Tickets available here.

  • Single Review – Sascha Ion and The Elements: Cross Your Bones (Bring Me Thunder)

    Single Review – Sascha Ion and The Elements: Cross Your Bones (Bring Me Thunder)

    Already a staple of their live set, Sascha Ion and The Elements now release the extra-bluesy Cross Your Bones (Bring Me Thunder) — and it’s an easy playlist addition.

    Sascha and the band balance understatement with intensity — an interesting juxtaposition that works well with Ion’s vocal stylings and the general vibe of the band. The main chorus hook is catchy and memorable, built around the line “bring me light / bring me thunder / all day long.” There’s a slight scowl in the delivery that gives her voice a real edge. Special mention to bassist Liam Coffey for some excellent lines that wrap around the guitar work.

    The trio have found a nice groove pocket, and this is another example of the blues-influenced alt-rock that hits the spot.

    Sascha Ion and The Elements launch Cross Your Bones (Bring Me Thunder) this Saturday arvo (May 2) at The Bird. Get down early.

  • Gig Review – This Killing Frost + Elk Bell + Chris Mason

    Gig Review – This Killing Frost + Elk Bell + Chris Mason

    Lyric’s Underground, Thursday, April 23, 2026

    We’re at Lyrics Underground going down to the basement to get out of the rain. This Killing Frost hosted a warm night of stripped-back songwriters that suited the low-lit setting. It’s great to see so much variety in Perth/Boorloo — we just can’t stop discovering new music.

    Opening the evening was Chris Mason, with help from fellow Lunettes alumni Kerry Fletcher. While Fletcher held the rhythm on her acoustic, Mason was free to play a bit looser with his hollow body guitar, and the combination worked well. The songwriting carries a heaviness you wouldn’t necessarily expect from a semi-acoustic duo; the songs would work well with a full indie-rock band. The hooks were unusual, but wrap themselves around you and lock in.

    Elk Bell up next, and she was not afraid to open up and lay herself bare through the music, singing personal songs about loves lost and other battles. The fact she’s not afraid to tell you all the gritty details makes it all the more poignant.

    The singer/songwriter was able to entertain with the music and add plenty of interesting insights in between. She has a couple of strong album releases under her belt, with another on the way. After seeing her play the latest songs live, we’re keen to hear the next chapter.

    Onto the hosts, and the basement setting was perfect for This Killing Frost. Dressed all in black, with Julian Bolleter on piano and Andrew Ewing singing, the pair were engrossing to watch. There are shades of Nick Cave or the likes of Antony, but the sound goes further than any direct comparisons. The piano melodies get very cinematic, and the lyrics follow suit, moving between love songs about secret crushes and grander themes (if love isn’t the grandest).

    Conquer and Divide is a perfect example — the piano sounding almost exorcist-like before Ewing croons about a relationship fading. From a literal beginning (“I think maybe it’s over, we’ve done our 10 years”), the lyrics ascend to gods and iconography like the tower of Babel (communication, that usually gets relationships). The music is intelligent but isn’t afraid to twist and play with its themes.

    Special mention to the between-set music, which kept the mood right throughout. A strong showcase of songwriting talent, and one that more than delivered.

  • Single Review – Interflow: Dirty Money

    Single Review – Interflow: Dirty Money

    Interflow are making serious noise in the Perth scene with some proper rock n roll, and they continue releasing strong music, this time with Dirty Money.

    The tune is bangin’ from the start and leans heavily into post-Zeppelin ’70s rock styling. Hats off to drummer Charlie Pascoe for some ridiculously tight beats, including a couple of perfectly placed fills to punctuate key moments. This kind of music demands big, tight, simple beats — and he delivers.

    Also shouting out a live version of Old Ways, included as a B-side to the single (people still do these, hallelujah). The acoustic track is no less powerful, with guitar and vocals just as intense as any of the full band cuts.

    Keep it up fellas — the Perth/Boorloo scene is strong, and always needs the classic rock representatives flying the flag and shredding stages.

  • Gig Review – Lake Mammoth + Little Things + Sascha Ion & The Elements + The Off Set

    Gig Review – Lake Mammoth + Little Things + Sascha Ion & The Elements + The Off Set

    Milk Bar, Friday April 17, 2026

    We’re out in the suburbs on this rainy Djeran Friday night and luckily, we are inside and dry with a strong lineup of bands gracing the mammoth Milk Bar stage.

    First up, The Off Set and the rotating 4-piece delivered the melody-rich jangles they do so well. The rotation is seamless between the three frontmen — switching instruments and singers while maintaining a great flow of catchy tunes. Zac Yusof’s turn was a particular highlight of the set, and the ear worming single The Places She Only Wished That She Could Go.

    Next up Lake Mammoth, playing the lock-in jam-session-style psych rock we love them for. Some of the guitar sounds from the back-and-forth conversation between Jason and Steve are out of this world. Lighter on the usual percussion, the band were tight and suited the larger venue and lightshow. There are so many pockets through the sprawling set, the guys clearly relish jamming, and it comes across on stage

    Little Things were a new experience for this reviewer, and once again, thank you Perth/Boorloo for continuing to turn out quality acts. These guys have some serious supergroup credentials, and it shows in the grungy, 90s rock-ish songs. The edge comes from Chris Cruickshank (krʊkʃæŋk) with his violin, playing it about as close to punk rock as the stringed instrument can be. It’s always nice to see a violin up there tearing it up with the rock band.

    It was left to Sascha Ion and her Elements to close proceedings, and the diminutive riff demon did what she does best — firing off lick after lick in her understated but powerful way. The band played heavy and tight with an ease that camouflages what is seriously intricate instrumentation. With a range of songs from the folkier Lilliana to the grooving, riff-based The Groove, they just kept coming at you and building that bluesy alt-rock wall.

    A seriously good lineup on a Friday night, and it’s good to see these bands out there playing regularly and putting out a steady flow of records. It shows, with a combination of bands, friends, and fans filling the venue. Stay off that dancefloor!

  • Single Review – West Envy: No Breaks

    Single Review – West Envy: No Breaks

    West Envy‘s new single No Breaks leans heavily into the reggae side of their sound, and it feels like a good direction to head in.

    The band have always cited that influence while mixing it with indie rock, but this track has the production and tightness to really elevate the offbeats. Gaz’s lead guitar tone and licks are spot on, giving them an edge that could almost be described as post-surf. It definitely has a west coast vibe.

    When it hits the pre-chorus, it dips into the UK-influenced indie side of their sound and singer Riley really hits his stride. The vocals dance around the music with excellent phrasing, before the band burst into chorus catchiness.

    West Envy are a young band to watch and regular giggers around town. Go see them and buy some merch — we want to see how far they can go.

    No Breaks is launching at The Bird on Friday, May 15. Get your tickets here.

  • Gig Review – The Kill Devil Hills + Grub + Phantom Island

    Gig Review – The Kill Devil Hills + Grub + Phantom Island

    Mojos, Saturday April 11, 2026

    The Kill Devil Hills have a reputation as one of the most experienced and battle-hardened bands to come out of Perth/Boorloo. Seeing them strut their stuff to a sold-out Mojos only added to the legend.

    Opening the night were 4-piece Phantom Island. The band play a classic brand of indie rock, with an edge coming from the demon lead guitarist doing a lot more than the average melodic licks you would expect – giving them a slight proggy edge. Combine that with shared singing duties including the Britney-style mic’d up drummer and you’ve got a good formula. The stomping second-last song Adam was a highlight.

    Time to up the ante and who better than the triple guitar threat Grub to do it. Matilda up front drives the sound with her tele and ocker wit. Mix it with two more guitars and a ridiculously heavy rhythm section, and the force of sound coming from that stage is nothing short of mind-blowing. With singles like Ghost (stupidly heavy) and the crowd singing along to The Floor, it’s clear why these guys are getting plenty of radio play and hype. Thrashing it out in their hometown of Freo, they were magnificent and clearly having a good time.

    With the bands done and dusted, the stage fell into smoke and red light — and into the hands of The Kill Devil Hills. They took to the stage to a packed house and made it their home.

    Working from a formidable song catalogue, they went through everything from The Day the Dinosaurs Died to This Is Karrakatta. With a star-studded lineup of musicians including Timothy Nelson on keys / backing vocals, and drummer extraordinaire Todd Pickett banging away, the Kills could do no wrong. The crowd were rowdy and drinking too much, which added to the moody, smoke-filled ghost-town bar feel, with haunting violins drifting out into the haze. The combination of Brendan Humphries leading the vocals, with harmonies and more coming from Pickett and Nelson only amplified the atmosphere.

    Was it a coincidence that a black cat crossed the road outside as they played 13th Sunday? I don’t know but the devil works in mysterious ways.

  • Gig Review – Leah Grant + Symmetrical Dogs + Jackson Christie + Goodbye Forever + Swan Drafts

    Gig Review – Leah Grant + Symmetrical Dogs + Jackson Christie + Goodbye Forever + Swan Drafts

    The Bird, Friday April 10, 2026

    Back to The Bird on a Friday night — a dangerous place to be if you’re trying to drink less. Leah Grant hosted the night and, once again, the venue was full of love from eager punters and bands alike. What a great time to be part of the Perth/Boorloo scene.

    Swan Drafts opened the evening with a delicate acoustic set while the audience sat picnic-like on the floor in front of the stage. The guitar work from Shawn Cygnus is special — someone worth keeping an eye on as the music develops. Gatorade Bong is both an inspired name and a very good song.

    Goodbye Forever followed and showed that two people can make a hell of a racket. Their guitar, bass, synth and looper setup was engaging, delivering a set that was somehow both casual and intense. Isn’t it great when you go to a gig for one band and another completely captures your attention? Keep an eye out for these guys, highly recommended for something a little different.

    Time for the first full band of the night with Jackson Christie taking the stage. The harmony-heavy three-piece play a poppy brand of indie that is hard to pinpoint. Bright, catchy guitar-driven verses that mutate into big choruses, driven by the fine vocal work of the frontman and co.

    Symmetrical Dogs took to the stage next and showed us exactly how to do it. Somehow managing punk rock energy with just an acoustic guitar, Michael Woodbridge is one of those musicians you can watch but never quite understand. Maybe the word is sublime — it goes beyond normal comprehension. Combine that with intricate drumming and the charismatic Claire up front, and you have something pretty special. Can’t wait to see what this young group does next.

    Main event now. Leah Grant is a treasure to the Perth/Boorloo music scene, and the appreciation in the room made that clear. Backed by a full band and a nicely decorated stage, she showed off the depth and quality of her songwriting.

    Grant’s sound is big — post-rock, with folk at its core — built on excellent guitar work and vocals that reach the stratosphere in the biggest moments. It’s a striking contrast to her seemingly quiet demeanour. Is there anything better than someone who transcends when they step on stage?

    Her band rose to the occasion, elevating the songs with fine noise-making guitar and big, dynamic moments throughout. The set moved between intimate lyrics (“I give it all up”) and head-shaking heaviness — a combination that sounded fantastic in the room.

    Leah Grant has released EPs Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, and after seeing her live for the first time, we’re ready for Vol. 3.