Rock Bangin' at the Bella Union

So, as mentioned in my previous blog, Die Roten Punkte played a farewell gig at the Bella Union Bar at the Trades Hall a fortnight ago. The crowd wasn't huge, but the show still raced along in leaps and bounds, with yet another thoroughly solid set from the biggest thing to come from Berlin. There was much laughter, dancing, singing and cheering as Astrid and Otto Rot took us on a magical ride of ROCK. I'd say, if there was a fight-based-rock-out between Tenacious D and Die Roten Punkte, the latter would win hands down.

But don't just take my word for it. They're heading out on tour, hitting Dublin, Edinburgh and more locations to bring their own brand of rock to the world, one gig at a time, so you have no excuse. If you haven't already bought their album, what are you waiting for?

Bedroom Philosophering and Rock Banging

Well guys, last Thursday I headed down to the Toff In Town for The Bedroom Philosopher's album relaunch. Brown And Orange has been out in stores (and on iTunes) for a few months now, but it seemed as good an excuse as any for Justin to fill up a room full of comedy and music appreciators.

The night was not as long as the first time he launched the album (some would say it was less self-indulgent too, but this Mouse is not going to point fingers), and had a similar format; Josh Earl MCed the gig, and there was a warm up act who were very good (but I have temporarily forgotten their names, alas). Then Justin came on to do a solo set, followed by a set with his wonderful Awkwardstra.

Now, I'm not much of a music afficianado, but I don't think there's nearly enough sitar in the world. Thankfully, we have the Awkwardstra to help address this calamity. Their sound is incredible, at times ethreal and other times funky, and the album captures this balance quite well. Despite the accoustics in the Toff being slightly sub-par, it still blew this Mouse's mind, just like it always does.

In other news, this Thursday Die Roten Punkte are farewelling Melbourne before they head overseas for festivals and causing general rock and roll carnage. It's on at the Bella Union bar in the Trades Hall, Carlton, from 9PM. For those who are astute, you'll recognise this as being the setting for the Rock Bang! video clip I featured in my last blog. Come along and enjoy the zaniness before it escapes our borders!