Amphetame

Band: Amphetame
Venue: Ding Dong Lounge
Date: 14th March 2008
Reviewed By: Lyn Harder, photograph by Mark Geisel.

Ding Dong on a hot night with broken air con is not very enticing, but nonetheless I came to see a band called Amphetame (from L.A). Quite a decent crowd turned out tonight.

The band started with awesome guitar riffs from Ash Jones (Carousel) and Ben Brennen (Seven) then drums James Innes (Jaed) joined in - a great instrumental start.
Then Dani Raushithe, singer and founder of the music that is Amphetame, entered stage with confidence and showed us her music. Unfortunately the vocals were rather low for the second song 'Take My Hand' but after this the technician provided louder vocals and the sound was much clearer. This sound showed off the songs as they deserve, smooth and catchy song with more great riffs.

After lots of sweating (from band and punters alike) we heard ‘Give’, ‘Beat Me Up’ then ‘Glory Box’. Dani did chat a bit in between songs but being a quick talker (or maybe it was nerves) I couldn’t catch much of what she said, but I think the gist was to get the crowd going a bit more. The punters appeared to be enjoying the music that was on display.

Dani then launched into the last song ‘I Don’t Need You’, and I felt the crowd and I were finally enjoying the music and getting into it more when the plug was pulled and the show ended. Ding Dong are quite frugal about bands approaching timelines apparently. Oh well, we all got a quick fix of the band that is Amphetame.

Goodbye Motel EP - End Play

Band: Goodbye Motel
CD Title: End Play EP
Reviewed By: Lyn and Heather

We both found it daunting to write a review of a CD that a band member has sent to us to review. They’ve gone out of their way to do this - what if we don’t like it?!

However, we can both say that once we received this EP and checked out the cover art, we had a sneaking suspicion we were going to enjoy it. Any daunting thoughts completely disappeared on the first listen.

This music would suit a wide range of listeners, from anyone interested in UK-styele indie rock and enjoy bands from The Verve to Suede, Eskimo Joe to U2, End of fashion, Gomez, David Bowie, Crowded House, iOTA and even Death Cab for a Cutie, who they have been compared to before.

This EP was recorded late 2006 by producer Kalju Tonuma (Crowded House, Evermore, The D4, the Mavis’s). Recorded and mixed in Collingwood, Melbournem it was then mastered in NY by Howie Weinberg (Jeff Buckley, Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana).

‘Not Anymore’ starts off with smooth tones and builds to a catchy, beat-driven indie rock song. The guitars work so well with the strong vocals. It’s a nice strong start to an EP.

‘All That Bad’ is our standout favourite from the EP. The singer – Damian Capicchiano - has a voice that reminds us of Brett Anderson at times. There are great effects and vocals. With swaying beats and lyrics that catch hold of you and become familiar after just one listen, it's a fantastic radio song that has had some great airplay. Drums are prominent too, and there is great rhythm throughout.

‘Hell Out Of Here’ - if you like your music to escalate then this EP is for you. Straight grooves belt up into an explosion of sound. We love the intensity and slight angsty feel to this song.

‘Operation Lights’ boasts some more smooth vocals. A grunty, dirty bass riff starts the song, and crisp guitar work holds it all together. It’s definitely the dramatic song on the EP. The end gains pace with great backing vocals and voice distortion. Again, this song escalates your senses.

‘If This Is The Way Out (Then I'm Staying Here)’ is a great melodic tune layered with effects, piano, guitar, vocals and strings in a 51 piece orchestra. The song is an epic at around 7 minutes long, but it doesn't feel drawn out. It creates a beautiful ending to what is a well produced EP. It’s important to note that the orchestral strings for this song were arranged and conducted by Ben Northey (Hilltop Hoods, The Whitlams).

The thing that struck us most about the EP is that it almost sounded like we’d heard it before, like an old favourite we hadn’t listened to in a while. That’s probably because every song is extremely radio-friendly, a feature that should help Goodbye Motel along immensely as they gain popularity.

We’re certain that if these boys keep heading in the direction they are, they will develop an escalating fan base. Songs like this don’t grace us often. We can’t wait for a full album.