Northcote Social Club May Listings

What: BAHAMAS (Canada) – On sale Wednesday 18 April
When: Tuesday 1 May 2012 8pm
Price: $27.50 ($3 bf)

Already confirmed to support City and Colour on their national tour this coming May, Chugg Entertainment are thrilled to announce that fellow Canadian, Bahamas, will perform this headline show of his own. Bahamas is the musical pseudonym of Toronto-based singer-songwriter-guitarist Afie Jurvanen, whose disarmingly forthright, captivatingly melodic songs have already earned him both a devoted fan base and a significant amount of critical acclaim. On the second Bahamas album ‘Barchords’, the determined, down-to-earth tunesmith delivers a beautifully bittersweet, infectiously uplifting record with insightful lyrics, rousing melodies and raw, intimate performances. Watch Bahamas in a live session performing ‘Bar Chords’ opener, ‘Lost In The Light’. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoyeBd71Nq8&ob=av2e

What: LAST DINOSAURS (‘In A Million Years’ Tour) – extra show due to popular demand!
When: Wednesday 2 May 2012 7:30pm
Price: $15.00 ($3.00 bf)/ $18 door

Phew! Someone get this band a beer. After what has been a cracking summer, Last Dinosaurs are in the mood to shake it off and throw a serious party. It started with first single ‘Zoom’, shooting to #2 most played at triple j and hitting #4 on We Are Hunted. Then their graphic-storm video was crowned Channel [V]’s ripe Clip and scored over 80,000 views on Youtube. They’re supporting a Foster The People on a national, sold out tour, and to round it all off Last Dinosaurs’ anticipated album debut, ‘In A Million Years’, is set for release. Suffice to say the band is looking to share a few hi-fives, group hugs and rounds of drinks. Come celebrate with them at this show.

What: STEVE POLTZ (USA)
When: Thursday 3 May 2012 7:30pm
Price: $22.00 ($3.00 bf)/ $25 door

To suggest that Steve Poltz isn’t normal is about as safe a statement as one could make. For music fans on both sides of the equator – this is a very good thing. Among the music cognoscenti, Steve Poltz is regarded as one of the most talented and prolific songwriters of our time. His songs have been among the longest running ever on the Billboard Top 100 and they regularly appear in movie soundtracks, television shows, and even the odd commercial. His touring schedule is ferocious, ping ponging between continents with enough frequency to earn him manic followings in scores of different accents and languages. His live shows have captivated audiences far and wide with a mix of singing, storytelling, shredding, and the occasional spoken word rants. He can take an audience from laughter to tears and back again in the space of the same song.

What: DAPPLED CITIES (‘Run With The Wind’ Launch Parties)
When: Friday 4 May 2012 8:30pm
Price: $18.00 ($3.00 bf)/ $22 at the door if still available

Dappled Cities have announced the release of their first new single in over three years. ‘Run With The Wind’ predicates how special the upcoming fourth studio album will be for the band. To coincide with the release, Dappled Cities will host this very special live event. ‘Run With The Wind’ is already an epic closer to their live show and is their most expressive musical moment to date. While the band has been performing selected songs from the new album in recent shows around Australia, including Harvest Festival, and support spots with TV On The Radio and Death Cab For Cutie, this headline show will allow them to bring the new album to life in full technicolour for the first time. Revisit them lighting up the screen with the video for hit single from ‘Zounds’, The Price’.

What: MIKELANGELO & THE TIN STAR
When: Saturday 5 May 2012 7:30pm
Price: $15.00 ($3.00 bf)/ $18 door

It’s always high noon when Mikelangelo hits a saloon or a stage, or when he heads to the beach with his longboard. Launching his debut album last year, The Tin Star is the brainchild of the prolific and critically acclaimed performer, singer and songwriter. Forming the band in late 2009, he was inspired by a love of ‘50s and ’60s instrumental guitar ‘n’ Western sound. The debut album features nine tremolo-laden originals with wall of sound guitar atmospherics and a strong pop sensibility. The album is split between vocal songs, including lead album tracks ‘Midnight Flower’ and ‘Action (Is My Middle Name), and dynamic instrumental rock tunes with a distinctive retro-allure.

What: AMAYA LAUCIRICA (matinee show)
When: Sunday 6 May 2012 2:00pm
Price: $10

If one were to summarise Amaya Laucirica’s music in a single word, that word would be ‘transcendent’. It’s a fitting word, because it describes both the genre-defying nature of Amaya’s music and the effect her music tends to have upon the listener. Releasing her debut album ‘Sugar Lights’ in 2008, the intriguing blend of country, folk, rock and pop, ‘Sugar Lights’, was well-received critically and awarded ‘Album of the Week’ by RRR. As bold a debut as it was, it is Amaya’s latest album, ‘Early Summer’ that truly defines her sound. The album is denser, more detailed and darker than its predecessor, yet at the same time retains the rawness, hope and beauty that made ‘Sugar Lights’ such an enticing debut.

What: JACK CARTY (album launch) with The Falls
When: Tuesday 8 May 2012 8:00pm
Price: $13.00 ($3.00 bf)/$17 at the door if still available

Fresh from standout sets at this year’s Woodford Folk Festival and his debut album, ‘One Thousand Origami Birds’, being named in a slew of Best of 2011 lists, Jack Carty is preparing to release his newest album, ‘Break Your Own Heart’, through Gigpiglet Recordings/Inertia this April. The new album sees a darker, more dynamic turn in Carty’s songwriting. From the rolling guitar line of opening track ‘The Length Of Canada’ (co-written with Grammy winning songwriter Dan Wilson), through the gritty directness of ‘Everything, Unhappily’, the immense longing of songs like ‘Travelling Shoes’ and ‘She Loves Me’ to the ironically upbeat swagger of ‘Waiting, Waiting!’, ‘Break Your Own Heart’ is a stunningly unified, moving and thoughtful collection of songs that effortlessly captures a time and place in a young man’s life.

What: PAUL GREENE (‘Behind The Stars’ tour – two sets)
When: Wednesday 9 May 2012 7:30pm
Price: $15.00 ($3.00 bf)/ $18 door

Paul Greene is the living proof that it is hard work being lucky. For Greene it has been a long, slow, steady progression that has seen him become the respected musician he is today, as well as a legion of loyal fans and supporters. He has worked with some of the world’s most respected artists, including Rob Hirst and Jim Moginie from Midnight Oil, Ani Difranco, Patty Griffin, Alvin Youngblood-Hart and even The Wiggles. He is also the new front man for Australian pub rock icons Spy V Spy. His new album ‘Behind The Stars’, featuring the song ‘Crossfire’, comes from a place where his acclaimed release ‘Everywhere Is Home’ left off: a groove that creates involuntary dancing; infectious melodies; lyrics that make you forget it is a song, and feel more like a conversation with a dear friend. While there are still the gentle moments he is renowned for, this time it also rocks.

What: SPLIT SECONDS (single launch) with Underlights
When: Thursday 10 May 2012 8pm
Price: $12 ($3 bf)/ $15 door

Perth’s pop kings Split Seconds started in 2011 in a blaze of glory, adding just about every summer festival to their resume (including an appearance at the Perth Big Day Out thanks to triple j Unearthed) and releasing their debut self-titled EP in March, a recording that featured their much vaunted single ‘Bed Down’. In fact, the buzz around Split Seconds became so overwhelming that by the time the WAMI awards came around in May, the band took home five awards. Refusing to rest on their laurels, Split Seconds went straight back to work and issued a brand new single, ‘All You Gotta Do’. Since then they’ve taken in national tours with The Panics, Owl Eyes and Jebediah, and now they’re set to launch another single at this show. https://youtu.be/ZbixD6F-GaY

What: RED ROCKETS OF BORNEO (EP launch)
When: Friday 11 May 2012 8:30pm
Price: $10

Launching their new EP at this show, Red Rockets of Borneo were together a full year before playing their first gig in 2010 and later launching their debut album and new film clip for ‘Party Bones’ to a sold out crowd at the Old Bar in March 2011. The self-titled album was quick to achieve critical kudos and medium to high rotation on PBS FM and Triple R. Shortly after launching the album and seeing their video enjoying air time on ABC TV’s ‘Rage’, the band entered the SYN ‘Free Kick Competition’ and won, which saw them being added to the lineup at the 2011 Reclink Community Cup, sharing the stage with You Am I and Tumbleweed.

What: KIM CHURCHILL, MICROWAVE JENNY and BENJALU
When: Saturday 12 May 2012 8:30pm
Price: Ticket: $15.00 ($3.00 bf)/ $20 door

World-renowned guitarist/singer/songwriter Kim Churchill is ready to hit the road for a national tour with Microwave Jenny and Benjalu, hot on the heels of the release of his second album ‘Detail of Distance’. This exceptional line-up will traverse the country, kicking off at Bluesfest. At just 21 years of age, Kim Churchill is revered worldwide for his guitar talents, with a technique and lyrical outlook far beyond his years. His style is unique and explosive, with intricate fingerpicking, percussive beats on the body of the guitar, and two-handed tapping intertwined with an earthy stomp box, powerful harmonica melodies and soulful voice. Stream his new single ‘Seasons Grind’ from the album.

What: ‘An afternoon with’ HAT FITZ & CARA ROBINSON (album preview – two sets) (matinee show)
When: Sunday 13 May 2012 2:00pm
Price: $12.00 ($3.00 bf)/ $15 door

Musical gypsies Hat Fitz and Cara invite you along tonight to be part of their final run of Australian shows for some time. As the last rays of Autumn quietly fade, preparations continue in earnest for their annual European run across nine countries and many of the world’s most prestigious festivals. This evening promises to be something quite memorable with the dynamic duo showcasing many of the tunes off the follow up to their critically acclaimed debut release ‘Beauty ‘n the Beast’. Recently recorded and produced by the highly respected Jeff Lang, ‘Wiley Ways’ confirms that from a life on the road constantly performing their unique blend of hill country blues and old time folk has resulted in an album laden with passion, emotion and sheer energy.

What: DANDELION WINE (‘Light Streaming Down’ EP 10th Anniversary)with Heidi Elva
When: Thursday 17 May 2012 8:00pm
Price: $12 at the door only

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Dandelion Wine’s landmark EP ‘Light Streaming Down’. Showing the band’s customary blend of medieval string instruments and electronic beats in a more ambient and ethereal setting than their subsequent releases; ‘Light Streaming Down’ launched Dandelion Wine onto the international stage and resulted in them spending much of the next decade touring Europe and Japan and playing everywhere from Tokyo underground clubs to German castles. In celebration they’ll revisit some of the favourite tracks from the EP at this show, as well as showcase newer work. Joining them on the night will be cinematic audio-visual artist Heidi Elva with her iPhone-driven soundscapes.

What: MADRE MONTE (EP launch) with Arakataka and Papa Chango
When: Friday 18 May 2012 8:30pm
Price: $12 or $22 with copy of EP, at the door only

Hard hitting horns funkin’ up traditional style Cumbia, a tight rhythm section dissecting Afro-Colombian progressions, skankin’ guitars infusing reggae grooves, and a front man recreating the ancient mythological stories of Colombia, all intertwine to create what is now Melbourne’s unique nine-piece Latin reggae outfit Madre Monte. After four years of performing to crowds at festivals around the country, residencies at some of Melbourne’s most notorious music institutions, a tour of Tasmania, and selling out teir debut EP ‘Reaction’, Madre Monte have turned it up and will release their second EP ‘Raza:Madre’ at this show. Madre Monte will be joined on the night by special guests expanding to a 13-piece explosion of Afro-Colombian and reggae grooves.

What: LEADER CHEETAH
When: Saturday 19 May 2012 8:30pm
Price: $15.00 ($3.00 bf)/ $20 door

Leader Cheetah are gearing up and heading out for the last time in 2012 with this special intimate show. Leader Cheetah (in duo format) are fresh from the touring van after a stint of shows nationally with Canada’s Dan Mangan and are itching to take the full band out before work gets underway on album number three. The band will be letting fans decide the set lists for the shows via Facebook with anything from ‘Sunspot Letters’ and ‘Lotus Skies’ fair game, plus they’ll showcase new material. Leader Cheetah, with a violinist along for the ride, will also be mixing up the live show format with songs performed in different ways than seen before. Perhaps ‘Our Love’ will make your pick for the set list.

What: SEBASTIAN (two sets)
When: Sunday 20 May 2012 7:30pm
Price: $10 ($3 bf) / $15 door

Sebastian is a progressive neo-burlesque performance incorporating dance, live music and video installation. The production lustrous aesthetic is inspired by renaissance artworks form the likes of Caravaggio and is conversely infused with more modern tastes like the tongue-in-cheek works of Tom of Finland, and is structured in the performance styles such as Brechtian theatre or modern live Electroclash shows.

What: DEVIN (USA) with special guest
When: Thursday 24 May 2012 8:00pm
Price: $35 ($3 bf) / $40 door

After stand out shows at SXSW, New York rocker Devin has announced a nationwide Australian tour to follow up his triple j Feature Album ‘Romancing’. Armed with his catchy hit single ‘Masochist’, Devin is set to wow audiences, displaying why he was named one of NME’s “20 Acts That Will Matter in 2012”. Devin has received a wave of praise following his performances in Austin as part of SXSW, with Time Out New York declaring, “He is a breath of fresh air, tinged by the scent of Old Spice and the feel of a silk leopard-print button-down” and that his music is “the meeting point between Jack White and David Johansen”.

What: LOVE CONNECTION (album launch)with Montero and Angel Eyes
When: Friday 25 May 2012 8:30pm
Price: $10 ($3 bf)

Love Connection will launch their second album, ‘Euphoria’, at this show. The launch will be one of the final Love Connection shows before they relocate to New York in July. A beautiful opaque collection of swirling pop, the album sees Love Collection dig a little deeper and discover the reflective end of their lyrics, which while simplistic are introspective and in the context of pop music, offer up something nearing the anthemic. From the hazy warmth of opener ‘Piezoelectric’ and ‘Coasting’, the resonant pop tones of single ‘Nobody Knows’, the Floydian vibes of ‘Natures Vice’, to the gloriously ambient ‘Forest’, ‘Euphoria’ is filled with shimmery songs that only age better with repeated listens. This is not to mention the 20+ minutes of the title track, which lulls you with its lovingly entwined drones and Kraut-tones.

What: STOLEN YOUTH with Josh (Paper Arms) and Outright plus special guest international headliner to be announced!
When: Saturday 26 May 2012 8:00pm
Price: $22.00 ($3.00 bf)/ $25 door

Stolen Youth is a hardcore punk band hailing from Adelaide. They formed in 2000 and quickly gained momentum in the following years as a result of their fast paced hardcore-punk sound and strong DIY ethic. The band garnered much attention with their EP, ‘When Spiders Unite’, and gained a strong national following with their subsequent release and debut album, ‘Unconscious in Orthodox’. The band is renowned for its intense live show, social and politically inspired messages, and their no-frills approach to hardcore in a time where fashion often overrides the music. Joining Stolen Youth at this show will be Josh from Paper Arms and Outright, plus a very special international guest. Stay tuned for details.

What: THE GUILD LEAGUE and MAJOR CHORD – Matinee Show
When: Sunday 27 May 2012 1:30pm
Price: $15 or $13 conc

Fronted by Tali White (formerly of The Lucksmiths), lead-cellist/bassist Cressida Griffith, sax prodigy Gus Rigby, drummer-about-town Phil Collings, trumpet from Roger ‘the tall man’ Clark and guitar magic from Basic Shape’s Gerry Eeman, The Guild League has been cranking out their lyrical-indie-soul-folk since 2001 and has produced three fine albums, ‘Private Transport’, ‘Inner North’ and ‘Speak Up’. Several songs including, ‘Jetset Go’ and ‘Siamese Couplets’, have received wide radio play. Joining The Guild League at this matinee show, Major Chord emerged about four years ago out of the ashes of other bands. He now lives alone, builds his own instruments and enjoys capturing sounds when they’re not looking.

What: TIJUANA CARTEL with Pigeon
When: Sunday 27 May 2012 7:30pm
Price: $25 ($3 bf) / $30 door

Hailing from the Gold Coast, Tijuana Cartel has built a firm reputation for beats that span the globe. Multi-layered grooves, touches of slide and flamenco guitar, trumpet, vocals and Afro-Cuban percussion mixed with some hardened electronica. With the sound of their previous two singles -the hypnotic ‘White Dove’ and eminently quirky ‘Letting It Go’ – still wafting through the airwaves thanks to solid radio support, Tijuana Cartel have announced this show off the back of their hot performance at Bluesfest over Easter.

What: MY BRIGHTEST DIAMOND (USA)
When: Monday 28 May 2012 8:00pm
Price: $41.00 ($3.00 bf)/ $45 door

My Brightest Diamond (Shara Worden) will tour for Vivid Festival and will play this sideshow. As impressive as her list of recent collaborators, Shara Worden’s voice and arresting live performances have left audiences thunderstruck. She’s performed under the experimental-pop moniker My Brightest Diamond for the last seven years, and counts Bryce Dessner (The National), Justin Vernon (Bon Iver), and each of The Decemberists (among others) as friends and fans. After moving to New York by way of Moscow, she joined the ranks of Sufjan Stevens’ ‘Illinoisemakers’. Now residing in Detroit, Worden’s latest offering, ‘All Things Will Unwind’ featuring single ‘Be Brave’, draws inspiration from the motor city itself. More folk inspired than recent work, the new album addresses the juxtaposition of life and death, class and race, pantries and politics, as heard through the mesmerising lullaby of a new mother.

What: KIM CHURCHILL, BENJALU and special guest – extra show due to popular demand!
When: Wednesday 30 May 2012 7:30pm
Price: $15 ($3bf) / $20 door

World-renowned guitarist/singer/songwriter Kim Churchill is ready to hit the road for a national tour with Benjalu, hot on the heels of the release of his second album ‘Detail of Distance’. This exceptional line-up will traverse the country, kicking off at Bluesfest. At just 21 years of age, Kim Churchill is revered worldwide for his guitar talents, with a technique and lyrical outlook far beyond his years. His style is unique and explosive, with intricate fingerpicking, percussive beats on the body of the guitar, and two-handed tapping intertwined with an earthy stomp box, powerful harmonica melodies and soulful voice.

What: CANYONS with special guest
When: Thursday 31 May 2012 8:00pm
Price: $15 ($3bf)

Canyons consider themselves musicians rather than DJs or producers – a distinction that certainly is apparent on last year’s long-awaited album release, ‘Keep Your Dreams’. It unfolds with a feverish series of frantic chords, loose synth lines and macerated drum machines; sun-bleached sitars, hypnotic hooks, sandblasted saxophones, and increasingly blurry blends of what’s live and programmed, a balance that was first struck on last year’s ‘My Rescue’ single alongside POND frontman Nick Albrook. He wasn’t the only guest either, with Tame Impala frontman Kevin Parker floating through the psych-pop ether of ‘Tonight’, with members of Nite Jewel, the Embassy, and the classic British rock band Sniff ‘n’ the Tears also lending their talents. In between touring, which included an appearance at Golden Plains in March this year, Canyons have been developing a special audio/visual show free of computers and full of live loops from a six-piece band, and now they’re set to bring their presence to this show.