Take atrip withthe green fairy

After a bravura turn with their jaw-dropping circus cabaret show, Empire, Speigelworld are setting the tent up in Newcastle again for their latest show Absinthe and TE caught up with producer ROSS MOLLISON to chat about the heady production

Sarah McLeodThe Wild ComfortsSteve ClisbyGrowlers review

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PROUDLY INDEPENDENTthe newcastle post

If you’re keen on kicking off your 2015 with a healthy dose of face-melting acid-punk, then you’d do well to get on down to the Oxford Art Factory in Darlinghurst to check out Japan’s most fero-cious example of the genre, Bo Ningen.

Having recently relocated to London, the collective are currently riding high on the back of their aptly titled third long player - III - a gloriously unpredictable barn burner that is a heady amalgam of droney space psych, tinges of classic metal, lo-fi garage rock and some of the most intriguing guitar noise you’re likely to hear.

With an aesthetic that’s as noteworthy as their discography, Bo Ningen’s live offering is one not to be missed. With audiences all over the world turning up to see the androgynous, visceral and progressive nature of their shows. This is one not to be missed.

WHAT'S ON

The Smashing Pumpkins, or rather Billy Corgan, has always grated on this reviewer. While their early experiments in shoegaze indie rock and “dream pop” (Gish, Siamese Dream) were not entirely awful, they quickly became mired in a glut of self-important pretentious synth-heavy drones. However, this album sees Corgan almost do a 180, producing a short, sharp slice of tuneful pop that came as quite a surprise.

While the synths and spacey electronics are still well and truly present, they take a back-seat to a literal wall of guitars - overdubbed to the nth degree and swirling around like nobody’s business. Also, another big surprise here was the addition of Tommy Lee on drums - who brings a hell of a lot of “snap” to proceedings.

While there is still a great deal of “tortured artist” schtick going on here - this is arguably the Pumpkins’ most accessible album for some time.

While comedian Eddie Murphy is more known for making turkeys these days (Meet Dave, Norbitt et al) this 80s guffaw-fest is definitely one of his finest moments. Murphy stars as pampered African prince Akeem, who rebels against an arranged marriage and heads to America in search of a new bride. Accompanied by his closest companion (Arsinio Hall), he quickly finds a new job, new friends, new home, new enemies - and lots of trouble.

Not since Steven Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan has Hollywood offered such a visceral and unrelenting war epic. However, where Spielberg’s flick offered up many comments on the futility of war, this David Ayer-directed effort, while highly engaging, doesn’t have the same lofty ambi-tions.

Brad Pitt stars as hardened Sherman tank commander Don ‘Wardaddy’ Collier. Battle weary, outnumbered and outgunned, the crew are charged neutralising the remaining German tiger tank threats - all building up to one brutal stand-off.

The ensemble cast is solid here, creating a palpable sense of claustrophobia after being couped up in their Sherman. Surprising is the usually wooden Shia LaBeouf who turns in a bravura performance.

BO NINGEN Friday, January 23 • Oxford Art Factory

THE SMASHING PUMPKINS MONUMENTS TO AN ELEGYOut Now

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With influences as wide-ranging as Living Colour, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Dave Matthews bubbling underneath the surface, you’d be pigeonholing Newcastle-based band The Jimmy Bazil Project at your peril.

These guys definitely have one foot well-and-truly planted in blues terri-tory, but that other foot moves freely and effortlessly across wide-ranging genres to create a sound that truly

defies categorisation. Couple that with some adventurous and accomplished playing and you have one musical force to be reckoned with.

The band have an EP under their belt -Tall Tales, Promises and Empty Words and plans are in the works for a full length Jimmy Bazil Project slab.

Catch the Jimmy Bazil Project at the Lass O’Gowrie on Saturday, January 17.

Given that much of 2014 has involved touring a lot of foreign roads, in support of his latest album Silence/Win, it’s no surprise that Merimbula-bred songwriter Kim Churchill can’t wait to get back on the Aussie highways and by-ways.

While touring on home soil is always an enticing prospect for Churchill, his increasingly lengthy overseas stints have been more than worth it.

The blues/roots/folkie recently signed

a worldwide publishing deal with Sony ATV as well as inking a deal in the UK with Atlantic Records and some bucket-list European festival slots including Glastonbury and Beautiful Days, to boot.

His third album Silence/Win is still going great guns around the traps, so you’d do well to get along to the Cambridge Hotel on Friday January 23 to see a songwriter at the top of his game.

South Australian songwriter Ben David (The Hard Aches) plays an uncon-ventional blend of punk, country and folk, drawing influences from the likes of artists such as Hank Williams, Billy Bragg, Frank Turner, Chuck Ragan and Johnny Cash.

Working closely with bands and artists

such as Spencer Pig, Isaac Graham, Dan Raw, The Secondhand Squad, Kat Williams, Shivers, Brianna Louise, Mara and Anna J, Ben David shares his strong DIY ethic with those with a mutual love for honest, storytelling rock ‘n’ roll.

Catch Ben David at the Hamilton Station Hotel on Saturday, January 17.

short cuts

Classify at your peril

Churchill for the win

Honest and heartfelt

BY STEPHEN BISSET

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Take a trip withthe green fairy

The last time the good folks at Spiegelworld pitched their opulent 700-seat Spiegeltent in Wheeler Place for their brilliant circus cabaret show

Empire, more than 14,000 Novocastrians were blown away with the cornucopia of high-camp comedy and jaw-dropping feats of human skill. In fact, across the 31-show Newcastle run, Empire gener-ated a mammoth $1.2 million at the box office, with the entire Aussie tour play-ing to more than 200,000 people.

After such phenomenal success, Spiegelworld are returning to Australia with their smash-hit Las Vegas show Absinthe and, as a thank you to Novocas-trians, they will be kicking off the tour in our fair city.

Melbourne-born theatrical impresario and Spiegelworld creator Ross Mollison (pictured), whose talents have also been lent to such productions as Tap Dogs and Puppetry of the Penis, told TE that it made sense to kick Absinthe off in Newcastle.

“We’re all really excited to be open-ing the Australian run of Absinthe in Newcastle,” he said.

“We had such phenomenal success there with Empire so we’re definitely looking forward to coming back. I’ve had great success in Newcastle going right back to the Tap Dogs days.”

Mollison, while remaining tight-lipped on the surprises that await those who enter the Spiegeltent, said the show was inspired by the absinthe-drenched cabarets of late 19th century Europe and was an “adult-themed cocktail of circus, burlesque and vaudeville”.

“What we can promise is an extremely funny show,” Mollison said.

“It’s hosted by Gazillionaire - he’s a bit of a big name in Vegas - and his side-kick Penny, and they introduce some of the most exceptionally talented performers from across the globe.”

If the denizens of the Empire stage - Ethiopian foot jugglers, death-defying roller skaters, gymnasts in giant bubbles, mesmerising “wheel masters” et al - are any indicator, Absinthe is sure to be one hell of a feast for the senses.

Aside from all of the on-stage cahoot-ery, Mollison said the venue - a 700-seat Spiegeltent (Dutch for mirror tent), decked out with bevelled mirrors, brocade and velvet upholstery, was as much a part of the experience as it’s cast of talented performers.

“There is a hell of a lot of work involved with getting everything set up - a hell of a lot,” Mollison laughed.

“It usually takes a couple of days but it really is an amazing feat of design

THEATRE

and architecture. The tent is around 26 meters across and the action takes place on a stage that is around three meters so it’s a really intimate show and audiences really get the chance to get up close and personal to the action - there’s not a bad seat in the house.”

Absinthe was the first production for Spiegelworld, starting life in the summer of 2006 underneath New York’s Brook-lyn Bridge, and has grown to become the toast of Las Vegas after opening at Caesar’s Palace in 2011.

While Mollison said that Vegas was initially a tough nut to crack, the fruits of his labour were well and truly paying off with the likes of James Franco, Olivia Newton-John, Neil Patrick Harris, Brad Garrett and Pamela Anderson getting along to see what all the fuss was about. Further, when you have critics from the Huffington Post saying, “if you only see one show your entire life, make it Absinthe,” it’s pretty much a given that you’re on the right track.

“The reception we’ve received in Vegas has been phenomenal,” Mollison said.

“Although the first year was really

tough, especially with the American economy not doing the best, thanks to a hell of a lot of hard work, we’ve managed to make it work.”

While Mollison said the famous faces in the crowd were always welcome, he said it was the reaction from friends and family that gave him the biggest buzz.

“I guess the biggest highlight for me would be just taking my family or friends who have come over to see it and to watch the expressions on their faces as it all unfolds,” he said.

“If there was one thing I’d want anyone to take away from Absinthe it’s that I want their expectations to be exceeded. Nothing sells better than happy punters.”

Absinthe by Spiegelworld will be on under the Spiegeltent at Wheeler Place from Tuesday, February 17 to Sunday, March 1.

TE is giving you the chance to win a double pass to see Absinthe. To enter, email your name and contact details to editorial@newcastlepost.com.au with “Absinthe” in the subject line by no later than 5pm on Tuesday, January 27. Winners will be notified by phone.

STEPHEN BISSET

Audiencesreally get the chance to get up close and personal to the action - there’s not a bad seat in the house

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McLeod’s off and running

When it comes to taking 2015 firmly by the scruff of the neck, there a few who have a tighter grip than Sarah

McLeod.“I literally just went on a massive run

with my dog and it’s 30-plus degrees here at the moment - and I don’t reckon I’ve gone for a run for at least 12 months but, I did so much eating and drinking over Christmas, I thought I owed it to myself to star the year doing something sensible,” she laughed.

“My enthusiasm will probably start to wane a bit over the next couple of weeks though.”

Aside from getting her “jog” on, McLeod is showing no signs of slowing down musically this year either, with the Superjesus frontwoman heading out on the road with Baby Animals drummer Mick Skelton for an intimate run of shows that will include a stop at Lizotte’s this week.

“I just love playing with Mick - it’s always a great time,” she said.

“This show is a kind of fly-by-the-seat-of-your pants kinda deal - sometimes it’s a duo thing sometimes a trio with our

STEPHEN BISSET

MUSIC

support act KJ jumping up for an all-in rhythm thing, but overall there’s going to be a bunch of Superjesus stuff, my solo stuff a whole lot of banter and more than a few surprises thrown in.”

The run represents a bit of a warm-up for both McLeod and Skelton whose respective bands will be hitting the road together for a metropolitan tour in May.

“Yeah I’m really looking forward to that one - although I’ve been playing with Mick for years so it will be kinda weird seeing him onstage and not being able to jump up with him.”

While she is best known for her effort-less swagger as frontwoman for legend-ary rockers the Superjesus, McLeod surprised everyone with two out-of-the-square EP releases last year - the nod to the classic pop sound of the 50s and 60s on 96% Love Song Book Part One and a Christmas EP called Xmas Jam and she said delving into other creative avenues was essential to staying on top of her game.

“I think it’s really important to write in as many styles as possible because I constantly need that creative outlet and, if I don’t have it, things get really frustrating.”

Catch Sarah McLeod and MickSkelton at Lizotte’s Lambton on Thurs-day, January 15.

SARAH MCLEODAND MICK SKELTON LIZOTTE’STHURSDAY, JANUARY 15

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Gig Guide

SEND YOUR FREE ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS FOR THE GUIDE TO: stephen.bisset@newcastlepost.com.auor phone 4032 8373

14-19.1.2015

5 SAWYERS: Friday, DJ Jonathan; Saturday, DJ Sean Michael; Sunday, DJ Tone.ABSOLUTE THAI: Saturday, Prestige Inc.ANNA BAY TAVERN: Saturday, Soul Station; Sunday, Graeme Mills.AVOCA BEACH BOWLING CLUB: Friday, Open Fire.BAR PETITE: Friday, Matt Purcell; Satur-day, Emmy Rose; Sunday, Little Black Book.BEACHCOMBER HOTEL: Friday DJs.BEAUFORD HOTEL: Saturday, Kirsty Larkin.BELLBIRD HOTEL: Friday, Code Red.BELMONT 16s: Wednesday, Chris Booth, Milton Ward; Friday, Midnight Drifters; Saturday, Snape Trilogy; Sunday, Klassic Blak.BELMONT BOWLING CLUB: Saturday, Wob-bly Boot.BELMONT HOTEL: Sunday,. Paul Storey.BELMORE HOTEL: Friday, Daley Holliday; Saturday, Dan Runchel and Friends.BERESFIELD BOWLING CLUB: Friday, Sun-days Record; Saturday, GenR8.BUDGEWOI SOCCER CLUB: Saturday, Lone Wolf; Sunday, Terry Mac.CAMBRIDGE HOTEL: Thursday, 360.CANTON BEACH SPORTS CLUB: Friday, Time Slip; Saturday, Summerland Kings.CARDIFF RSL: Friday, Wiskey Lane Duo; Saturday, Loko.CAVES BEACHSIDE HOTEL: Saturday, Aqwa Duo.CENTRAL CHARLESTOWN LEAGUES CLUB:

Friday, Dane Fitzsimmons; Saturday, Hayden Johns.CESSNOCK EX-SERVICES: Saturday, Outer-phase.CESSNOCK LEAGUES CLUB: Saturday, Kara-oke; Sunday, Kids’ Disco, Ruby the Clown.CHARLESTOWN BOWLING CLUB: Friday, Dr Zoom Duo.CLUB AZZURRI: Sunday, Latinova.CLUB LEMON TREE: Friday, Karaoke; Satur-day, {istol Pete; Sunday, Karen O’Shea.CLUB MAITLAND CITY: Sunday, Holly Wilson.COLLIERY INN: Friday, Karaoke; Saturday, Pete Sneddon; Sunday, Live Music.COMMERCIAL HOTEL, Boolaroo: Friday, Kelly Hope.CRICKETERS ARMS: Saturday, Greg Bryce.CRITEREON HOTEL, Carrington: Friday, Ty; Sunday, Ben Travis.CUSTOMS HOUSE: Wednesday, Jon T; Friday, Kylie Jane; Saturday, Perry Carter; Sunday, Howard Shearman.D’ALBORA MARINA: Friday, Brooke Harvey; Saturday, Mick Jones, Troy.DENMAN HOTEL: Friday, Jackson Halliday; Sunday, James Naldo.DUKE OF WELLINGTON: Friday, Iguana; Saturday, Nick Raschke Duo.EAST MAITLAND BOWLING CLUB: Friday, Solid Gold Party; Saturday, Total 80s Recall; Sunday, John Noble.EDGEWORTH SPORT AND REC: Sunday,

Rafael.EDGEWORTH TAVERN: Friday, Busta Thong; Saturday, White Room.ENTRANCE LEAGUES CLUB: Saturday, Rob-bie Urquhart DuoFAMILY HOTEL: Friday, Rob Cass and the Cosmic Cowboys.FINGAL BAY SPORT AND REC: Saturday, Gary Davidson.GATESHEAD TAVERN: Friday, Lennie and Carter.

GEORGE TAVERN: Friday, Darren; Saturday, Kim and Mik.GRAND HOTEL: Tuesday, Jazz.GREAT NORTHERN HOTEL: Tuesday, Open Mic.GRETA WORKERS CLUB: Friday, Talk of the Town..GUNYAH HOTEL: Friday,. Katrina Burgoyne; Saturday, Hurricane Party; Sunday, Jon Schatz.GWANDALAN BOWLING CLUB: Friday, Dr Love.HALEKULANI BOWLING CLUB: Saturday, Malihini’s Over 30s Nightspot.HAMILTON STATION HOTEL: Wednesday, Jen Buxton and the Slaughterhouse Five; Thursday, Madhouse DJs; Friday, Karaoke; Saturday, Karaoke, Ben David, Craig Co-burn; Sunday, Local Acoustic.HARRIGANS IRISH PUB: Saturday, GenX.HONEYSUCKLE HOTEL: Thursday, Kylie Jane.HOTEL DELANY: Wednesday, AdzDrumz; Fri-day, DJ Surian, Jon T, Incognito; Saturday,

Born on the same day as the legendary Tom Jones, Dave Navarro and Prince, local muso Matt Semmens was simply born to entertain.

He has been caressing the ears of Novocastrians for the past 15 years with his dynamic performances and virtuosic guitar ability. After topping the Hunter in his HSC, Matt headed straight to University and completed a Bachelor of Music (Honours) at the Newcastle Conservatorium. Whilst there he was given the opportunity to study with renowned teacher John Mills at the Welsh College of Music in Cardiff, Wales. Semmens is able to perform numerous musical styles including classical, flamenco, jazz, blues, rock and pop. He has performed with many groups and ensembles over the years including the Gosford Philharmonic String Ensemble, classical concerts, Catalina Jazz Band, Elephant Funk, local cover bands, Scoota Boi, Quaan, Spook, Dynamite, Transit, Freestar and currently performs in his band Funky Munky. Well suited for all events Matt’s comical person-ality will have your ribs hurtin’ and your booty shakin’.

Catch Matt Semmens at the Lamb-ton Park Hotel on Friday, January 16.

MATT SEMMENS LAMBTON PARK HOTEL FRIDAYJANUARY 16

Bornthis way

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Saturday, Garth Prentice Band.PIPPI’S AT THE POINT: Friday, Howard Shearman, Mike Horbacz Duo; Saturday, Phonic Duo; Sunday, Brooke Harvey. PLOUGH INN:Friday, Dean Dee.POTTERS BREWERY: Friday, The Andy Show.PRINCE OF WALES: Friday, Freetones Duo; Saturday, Lauren Arms; Sunday, Hurricane Party.QUEENS WHARF HOTEL: Friday, Dean Kyr-wood Duo; Saturday, Ben Woodham, Jon T; Sunday, HP Duo, AdzDrumz.RACECOURSE HOTEL: Saturday, Ben Travis; Sunday, Mick Jones.RAILWAY HOTEL, Cessnock: Saturday, Plas-tic Spurs; Sunday, Katrina Burgoyne.REGAL HOTEL, Kurri: Saturday, Spank N The Monkey.

RIVER ROYAL, Morpeth: Friday, Troy.ROYAL CROWN, Dudley: Saturday, Karaoke.ROYAL FEDERAL: Saturday, The Levy-men. ROYAL INN, Waratah: Saturday, Brooke Harvey.RUTHERFORD HOTEL: Saturday, Mardmax.SALAMANDER SHORES: Friday, Mick Jones.SEVEN SEAS: Friday, Neil Farmer; Saturday, Thread.SHAFT TAVERN: Saturday, Free Juke Box.SHOAL BAY RESORT: Friday, Graeme Mills, Marriah; Saturday, Full Throttle, Karen O’Shea; Sunday, Top Shelf.

SHORTLAND HOTEL: Friday, Damien.SOLDIERS POINT BOWLING CLUB: Friday, Cover 2 Cover; Saturday, Rebel Rousers.STAG AND HUNTER: Wednesday, Steve Smyth, Tim Wheatley; Friday, Rehab Brass Band; Saturday, Chuparosa.STOCKTON RSL: Saturday, At The Hop.STOCKTON CENTRE: Tuesday, Ryde Duo.SYDNEY JUNCTION HOTEL: Friday, The Hepburns; Saturday, The Cruisers.SWANSEA HOTEL: Saturday, Howard Shear-man.SWANSEA RSL: Saturday, Wet and Dry.SWANSEA WORKERS CLUB: Saturday, Talk of the Town.TEA GARDENS HOTEL: Friday, Kim.TELARAH BOWLING CLUB: Friday, Karaoke; Saturday, Juke Box.THE POURHOUSE, Maitland: Saturday, Graeme Mills.TILLIGERRY RSL CLUB: Friday, The Piranha Brothers; Saturday, Lennie Live.TORONTO DIGGERS: Friday, John Jay; Sat-urday, Clint and Jules.TORONTO ROYAL MOTOR YACHT CLUB: Sunday, Murray Byfield.TORONTO WORKERS CLUB: Friday, Kara-oke; Saturday, Dr Love.TOWN HALL HOTEL: Thursday, KaraokeVUES ON THE BAY: Friday, DJ Sabro; Satur-day, HP Duo.WALLARAH BAY REC CLUB: Friday, Brassick; Saturday, Soul Agent.WALLSEND DIGGERS CLUB: Saturday, Incognito.WANGI HOTEL: Sunday, Jackson Halliday.WANGI WORKERS CLUB: Friday, Karen O’Shea; Saturday, Emile.WARNERS AT THE BAY: Thursday, Tom Buckley; Friday, Flying Mare; Saturday, Funkapedia.WARNERS BAY PODIUM: Friday, Twinsanity.WESTS CARDIFF: Saturday, Ryde Duo.WESTS NEW LAMBTON PIANO LOUNGE: Wednesday, Peter Wall; Thursday, Anga-mus; Friday, Peter Wall; Saturday, Warren Hunter; Monday, Warren Hunter; Tuesday, Angamus.WESTS NEW LAMBTON MARBLE BAR:Friday, Mark Wells Duo; Saturday, Deuce.WEST WALLSEND WORKERS CLUB: Friday, Hey Poncho.WICKHAM PARK HOTEL: Wednesday, Wicko Jam Night; Friday, Detonators; Saturday, The Hot Yogis, Bad Luck Kitty; Sunday, Lianna, Keith Hall & Pat Dow Band.WINDSOR CASTLE HOTEL: Friday, Pete Hib-bert; Saturday, Daley Holliday.WYONG BOWLING CLUB: Friday, Red Sweat; Saturday, Open Fire.WYONG LEAGUES CLUB: Friday, The Phoe-nix; Saturday, Viagro.

Code Red.HOTEL JESMOND: Friday, Gabriel Emillia Duo; Saturday, Hey Poncho.HOTEL PREMIER: Saturday, Kylie Jane; Sunday, Cruisers.HOTEL TUDOR: Saturday, Michael Mills.JEWELLS TAVERN: Friday, Whisky Tango Foxtrot.KENT HOTEL: Friday, Gen X. KING STREET HOTEL: Friday, Jay Sounds, Natnoiz; Sunday, Any Given Sunday.KURRI BOWLING CLUB: Friday, Gian.LASS O’GOWRIE HOTEL: Wednesday, White Walkers, El Grande; Thursday, Creative Creatures Open Mic Night; Friday, Joey Equine and the Glue Factory; Saturday, The way Out; Sunday, The Wild Comforts, Kris Morris, Milli Casey.LIZOTTE’S NEWCASTLE: Wednesday, Lachlan Bryan, Jack Henderson, Sam York, Aleyce Simmonds; Thursday, Sarah McLeod & Mick Skelton; Friday, Steve Clisby; LONG JETTY HOTEL: Saturday, Jackson Hal-liday; Sunday, Open Mic With Casho.MARK HOTEL: Friday, Daniel Arvidson; Saturday, Marissa Lee; Sunday, Rebecca Johnson Band.MARY ELLEN: Friday, Janey’s Alibi Duo; Saturday, Phase III; Sunday, James Paul.MATTARA HOTEL: Friday, James Naldo; Saturday, Disco & karaoke.MAVERICKS ON THE BAY: Friday, Pistol Pete; Saturday, Matt McLaren; Sunday, Troy Kemp.MAYFIELD HOTEL: Wednesday, Open Mic.MEREWETHER SURF HOUSE: Sunday, Kylie Jane, Jerome.MJ FINNEGANS: Friday, DJs; Saturday, The Hepburns, DJs.MOONSHADOW CRUISES, Nelson bay: Wednesday, Matt McLaren; Friday/Satur-day, Zane Penn.NAGS HEAD: Saturday, 4 Letter Word.NELSN BAY BOWLING CLUB: Sunday, Karaoke.NELSON BAY DIGGERS THE LOUNGE: Wednesday, Daley Holliday; Thursday, Ga-briel Emilia Duo; Sunday, Pete GelzinnisNEWCASTLE DISTRIC TENNIS CLUB: Friday, Karaoke.NEWCASTLE CLUB: Friday, Jake Folbigg; Saturday, Pete Hibbert.NEWCASTLE PANTHERS: Friday, Stephen Boyd.NEWCASTLE UNITED SPOTS CLUB: Wednes-day, Karaoke; Friday, Karaoke.NORTHERN STAR HOTEL: Friday, Josh Callaway.NORTHUMBERLAND HOTEL: Friday, Mick Boogaard.OCEAN BEACH HOTEL: Friday, Matt Gaud-rey.OLD PUB, Woy Woy: Friday, The Flicks.ORANA HOTEL: Saturday, The V Dubs.PEDENS, Cessnock: Friday, Baby Legs Duo;

Fifteen years ago the name the Cruisers was synonymous with songs like Tutti Frutti and Livin’ Doll. Today they are known as a powerful outfit that delivers musical diversity like few others.

While their repertoire still encom-passes songs from the 50s, their passion for learning new material allows the band to constantly turn over songs from all eras and include current hits. Their catalogue extends to over 80 songs that can be played at a moment’s notice, which is impressive given their commit-ment to learning at least one new song each week. So, come along and see what all the fuss is about and enjoy timeless hits from the likes of the Beatles, Creedence Clearwater Revival and T-Rex, as well as current material from Bon Jovi, John Mayer and Keith Urban. All this and more, including the occasional AC/DC number to end the night with a bang. Catch the Cruisers at the Sydney Junction Hotel on Saturday, January 17.

THE CRUISERS SYDNEY JUNCTIONHOTEL SATURDAYJANUARY 17

Cruisin for a groovin

DANE FITZSIMMONSCENTRALCHARLESTOWN LEAGUESFRIDAYJANUARY 16

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18 January: RAFAEL 2.45-5.45pm

16 January: DAI PRITCHARD 8-11pm

Lazy Sunday Arvo - Live MusicFriday Night - Live Music

Men of constant sorrow

After spending much of 2014 hunkered down work-ing on their sophomore album Silver City Sorrow, Melbourne alt.country

outfit, The Wild Comforts are hitting the road in support of the rollicking album, with two Hunter shows this weekend.

“It’s great to be getting out on the road - the tour starts tonight so we’re really looking forward to kicking off - there’ll be heaps of driving but also heaps of fun,” bass player Kinch Kinski told TE.

If you aren’t au fait with the Comforts, these guys belt out a sound that is equal parts country, punk and blues while the musings of frontman Joshua Deeble recall the bar-room fragility of the likes of Willy Vlautin (Richmond Fontaine) or Townes Van Zandt.

Kinski said while the band had been bashing away for a while, trying to get a set together, it wasn’t until they met Deeble on a drunken night at a Melbourne venue in 2011 that the Wild Comforts were born. “We were a partial band trying to bash out songs and we were at the East Brunswick Club and we could hear this drunken singing coming from the next room and we asked the

STEPHEN BISSET

MUSIC

guy behind the bar who it was and he just said “oh, that’s Deeble”.

“We had no idea what he was talk-ing about so we went in and saw Josh drunkenly belting out these songs and the next thing we know he’s in our band and writing like 80 per cent of our stuff. It’s funny how things happen.”

For Silver City Sorrow, the band enlisted the services of country music legends Bill Chambers and Jeff McCormack to do all of the knob twiddling and Kinski said that their input was invaluable. The band even managed to get Bill’s daughter, the up and coming Kasey Chambers to lend her talents to the latest single Cosette.

“We actually met Bill at a gig and he said he was keen to work with us,” he said.

“So we went up to the Central Coast to the legendary Music Cellar with Bill and Jeff for the basic tracking and then we went to Bill’s studio to do all of the interesting overdubbing stuff. Having those guys on board made a massive difference - I mean Bill played, like six or seven instruments on the album. It was an awesome experience from start to finish.”

Catch the Wild Comforts at the Royal Oak Hotel, Cessnock on Saturday, Janu-ary 18 and the Lass O’Gowrie on Sunday, January 19.

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If you are a fan of quality music, then, as the man in the hat once said, “do your-self a favour” and get along to the Stag

and Hunter tonight (Wednesday) to check out two of the best Aussie musos doing the rounds at the moment - Steve Smyth and Tim Wheatley.

Smyth’s latest album, Exits, dropped, with much fanfare, in September last year snagging feature album slots on Triple and Double J.

He had a bit of a rough trot while on tour in Sydney in October last year when an unpleasant incident left him with a broken jaw and having to reschedule the last leg of the Exits tour but, in a case of you can’t keep a good thing down, Smyth is hitting the ground running in 2015 with a mammoth run of dates that will take him through to Bluesfest in April.

Joining Smyth for this enticing double

MUSIC

Twice as nice

STEVE SMYTH& TIM WHEATLEYTHE STAGWEDNESDAY,JANUARY 14

header is Melbourne singer/songwriter Tim Wheatley. Since establishing his band Tim Wheatley and Crooked Saint he certainly hasn’t rested on his laurels.

In the last two years he has released two independent ‘Alt/Country’ EP’s and two singles to critical acclaim, toured the country three times over, supporting the likes of Tim Freedman, Sarah McLeod, the Black Sorrows, Ian Moss and the Angels. Following the completion of his debut album, Crooked Saint, Wheatley moved to Los Angeles and, teaming up with producer Niko Bolas (Neil Young, Warren Zevon, and Johnny Cash), they tailored the Crooked Saint EP featuring the single Burning The Midnight Oil, which is currently going great guns across America and Europe.

Catch Steve Smyth and Tim Wheatley at The Stag and Hunter Hotel on Wednesday, January 14.

STEPHEN BISSET

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Walk a mile in Clisby’s shoes

While, he was perhaps best known for his unforgettably soulful turn on the 2013 series of The Voice it seems

veteran singer Steve Clisby is well and truly breaking out of the reality TV mould with his stunning album Leave Me Dreaming.

After packing houses around the country on the album launch tour last year, helped in no small part by the big, bold and brassy ear worm of a lead single, Walking These Streets, Clisby is back on the road with single number two and the album’s title track and he told TE he was over the moon with the way punters had warmed to the collection.

“It’s been great - I’ve been getting a hell of a lot of love from places that I least expected it.”

Clisby said things had taken off consider-ably since the album’s release, with the singer hooking up with New York based producer Chew Fu (who ha done remixes for the likes of Lady Gaga and Prince) for a string of remixes - a couple of which ended up on the soundtrack of the Simon Pegg film Kill Me Three Times.

MUSIC

Starting his career in the 1970s after relocating from the US to Holland, Clisby forged a two-decade career as part of the band American Gypsy who, with tours with the likes of Chaka Khan, Kool and the Gang, Tina Turner, Santana and Frank Zappa, cemented themselves as the Afri-can Americal soul voice in Europe. Oh he’s also jammed with Jimi Hendrix and writ-ten songs for the likes of Groove Armada and Neneh Cherry.

With a career peppered with highlighs such as working with Tina Turner (who personally complimented Clisby on his voice) and writing for Neneh Cherry an Groove Aramada, you’d think picking a highlight would be hard. However, when one of those highlights is jamming with Jimi Hendrix as a young up and comer, it becomes a bit of a no brainer.

“Yeah, jamming with Jimi was definitely up there,” he said.

“People ask me all the time what it was like and I’m like ‘what do you think? I was just a kid, it was terrifying. But I made the decision to just dive in and do it and now I can say that I’ve jammed with Jimi which is pretty cool.”

Catch Steve Clisby at Lizotte’s Lambton on Friday, January 16.

CLISBYLIZOTTE’S LAMBTON FRIDAY,JANUARY 16

STEPHEN BISSET

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Cessnock Regional Art Gallery: Black Harvest: Andy Devine and Peter Tilley until 1 Feb

Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery: Wildside, A Tribute to Uncle Jim Ridge-way, Animal Sanctuary until 1 Feb

Lock Up Cultural Centre: Inside | Outside until 1 Feb

Lovett Gallery: A Beginning: Newcas-tle Printmakers Workshop until 31 Jan

Maitland Regional Art Gallery: Art in Menindee: a remote outback town | Artwork by students of the Menindee Central School until 18 Jan; Jim Cooper: My family the album and their animals until 8 Feb; Christina Cordero: Alle-gories until 22 Feb; Remain in Light: Photography from the MCA Collection

until 1 Feb; Nadia Waters: Natural Beauty until 1 Feb; 2014 Brenda Clouten memorial Travelling Scholarship for a Young Achiever in Visual Arts until 22 Feb Archibald Prize 2014 Regional Tour until 22 Feb

Nanshe Studio gallery: Colour of Summer (image: Juggernut II Karen Bloomfield) until 7 Feb

Newcastle Art Gallery: Kilgor Prize 2014 & Beards, Mo’s and Bro’s until 25 Jan; LIKE US: Patricia Piccinini until 22 Feb

Timeless Textiles: Wine and Roses: Newcastle Creative Embroiders and Textile Artists until 18 Jan

All listed exhibitions are on now or starting week of 12 Jan

WHAT'S ONGalleries Guide

Karen Bloomfield - Juggernaut II - Nanshe Studio Gallery

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Mon - Burger + ChipsTue - Pasta + Bread

Wed - Steak + Chips + SaladThu - Chicken Snitty + Chips + Salad

Fri - Nachos Sat - Pizza

Sun - Roast Dinner

The Week Ahead for January

The Week Ahead for February

Sun 18 - TRUCK FIGHTERSWed 21 - DOWNSIDE

Fri 23 - PLATINUM PENSAT 31 JAN - MeWithOutYou

Wed Feb 15 - BREAKEVEN

New Chef & Menu / $10 Specials

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EAT OUTTHIS WEEKEND T

he CBD Hotel in Hunter Street offers classic bistro fare that doesn’t skimp on the flavour. Couple this with the friendly and helpful waitstaff and

reasonable prices, and you have a dining destination to write home about.

We decided to start our CBD experience with that staple of pub grub starters - the sweet chilli and cheese bread and, what a way to start! Thick slices of foccacia were toasted just enough to form a thin, crisp crust while maintaining a gloriously fluffy centre, and the sticky, sweet topping demanded repeat bites.

With barely enough time to contemplate the starter, our mains arrived (no mean feat considering staff were also dealing with a thirtieth birthday party) and we were in no way disappointed.

In keeping with the pub grub classics theme, I opted for another bistro favourite - the salt and pepper squid, which was a delight from go to woah.

The healthy portion of perfectly cooked squid, sitting on a generous bed of crispy, golden brown chips, that was sweet and succulent with just the perfect amount of seasoning while the addition of a zesty garden salad rounded the dish off beauti-fully. An old favourite, but as they say in the classics “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Given CBD’s reputation for cooking a pretty mean steak, my dining partner opted for the filet mignon and it wasn’t long before we realised that reputation was very well founded.

A perfectly grilled medium rare scotch fillet was wrapped lovingly in crispy bacon. Such was the perfection of the cooking, the steak knife that accompanied the dish was completely redundant. The

The business of flavourSTEPHEN BISSET

addition of a rich and heady mushroom sauce really took the dish to the next level and the traditional style mashed potato and steamed vegetables tied everything together beautifully.

If you’re looking for a modern take on the classic pub bistro, then CBD should definitely be on your ‘to do” list.

CBD HOTEL471 HUNTER STREET, NEWCASTLEP: 4929 2274en

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AC/DC TRIBUTE BANDAUSTRALIA DAY26TH JANUARY

It has been generating a lot of buzz in Hollywood in the lead up to awards season, but in the case of Norwegian director Morten Tyldum’s Alan Turing biopic, The Imitation Game, the hype is well deserved.

Based on the life of the renowned British mathematician and father of modern computer science, the Imitation Game docu-ments Turing’s struggles as he attempts to solve the biggest mystery of World War II, the Enigma Code.

But there’s more than puzzle solving going on here. Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch puts in a stellar performance in the lead role giving remarkable depth to a truly fascinating character.

Keira Knightly is also impressive as Turing’s stoic colleague Joan Clarke. Both have already received Golden Globes nods and will surely each score an Oscar nom when they’re announced later this week. For me, this one is a must-see - strong performances, beautifully shot, a captivating story of an intriguing man.

While never living up to the unabashed hilarity of the original there are still plenty of guffaw-worthy moments in this, the latest adventure from the world’s most favourite buffoons Lloyd Christmas (Jim Carrey) and Harry Dunne (Jeff Daniels).

20 years after their first adventure, Harry discovers that he has a daughter and his ever faithful friend Lloyd insists that the pair travel cross-country to track her down - also owing to the fact he developed a bit of a crush on Harry’s daughter after seeing a photo of her.

As is the case with this pair, their stupidity quickly comes to the fore and very little goes according to plan.

Much of the success of the original was the chemistry between the two leads - something which just doesn’t exist this time around. Also, while many of their pratfalls in the first flick were born out of a good-natured naivety , this time around there is an undercurrent of meanness which tends to sully proceedings a tad.

The Imitation Game [Rated M] Reviewed at Tower Cinemas, Newcastle by Amelia Parrot

Dumb and Dumber To [Rated M] Reviewed at Event Cinemas, Glendale by Stephen Bisset

4/5

2 . 5/5

REVIEW

The Growlers/Sea Legs/The Dandelion/Republic Cucumber MagazineThe Small Ballroom, Thursday, January 8 by Stephen Bisset

While this bill, chock a block full of indie rock lovliness wasn’t overflowing with people (hey, it was school night after all) you wouldn’t know it by the performances all bands put in. Local electro-popsters Republic Cucumber Magazine, kicked off proceedings with a dynamic and ethereal synth based sound that reminded this reviewer in parts of a less trip-hoppy Portishead. Seriously, these guys have the goods - well worth checking out.

The Dandelion, from Sydney, were up next and they mixed things up consid-erably with a snakey, soulful set chock full of 60s janglers that wouldn’t sound out of place in a Russ Meyer flick or the Nuggets compilation. This could be described as psych, but definitely not in the Tame Impala vein - think the likes of Strawberry Alarm Clock or even the great Ennio Morricone on some of their more cinematic outings.

With the crowd slowly building, the Central Coast’s Sea Legs took to the stage and these guys won the crowd over with their convivial “Coastie” charm and a crop of truly catchy 80s inspired pop. These guys have been doing their fair share of touring of late, and it showed tonight. Whip smart pop, tighter than a tourniquet and delivered with a headliner’s confidence.

Given their PR cahootery was awash with tales of frontman Brooks Neilsen’s

stage antics and the band’s general sense of live craziness, I was quite look-ing forward to checking out Californian “beach goths” The Growlers.

However, probably owing to the fact that it was a school night, it was quite a subdued Growlers that took to the Small Ballroom stage. That said, with the antics dialled down a tad, the songs were really allowed to shine and, play-ing a set consisting largely of their latest and most accessible album Chinese Fountain, shine they did. While expect-ing a bit of a lo-fi Thee Oh Cees vibe, I was met with a kind of cross between the Strokes when they were good and the Arctic Monkeys filtered through a kind of Californian slacker lens. If you haven’t checked out the Growlers yet, get on it.

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