Ardent promoters of progressive and experimental rock, The Bird’s Robe Collective have announced the line up for Feather Fest 2010, “one glorious day of prog”. The day‐long event will be held at Sydney’s Annandale Hotel on Saturday 15th, kicking off from 1.30pm with a host of local and interstate talent.
They’ve been kind enough to provide us with an apt summary of all the bands announced so far:
Headliners Shanghai will be launching their latest EP The Battle for Mount Analogue, their first since 2000’s self titled edition which featured on Triple J and brought them a dedicated fan base. The seven piece line up’s quirky mix of styles has earnt them support slots for the likes of Dead Letter Circus and Japan’s Vampillia.
Darth Vegas are local legends of Australian experimental music. With a manic approach to the stage, these costumed freaks invoke the demons of lounge music and speed metal at once. Back on the live scene after an extended absence, their shows in 2010 have been better than ever and this is a rare opportunity to catch them at the Annandale.
Pirate are one of Sydney’s most innovative groups – the instrumental quartet is fronted by saxophonist Joel Woolfe (and his tortured screams into his instrument) and feature Tim Adderley’s pounding deep grooves and Shan and Ben’s Mars Volta‐esque breakdowns which complement the effects-treated sax to produce an exciting new sound. With last year’s debut EP picking up a buzz amongst the underground and a new EP on the way, their progression is not to be missed.
Captain Kickarse and The Awesomes are a Sydney institution of prog rock. The power trio have played stages across the land and in 2009 released perhaps their finest sounds to date, the Falsimiles from the Facts Machine EP. Never ones to rest on their laurels, the band have churned out new material already and as anyone who has seen them live can attest, they will bring the house down with thumping drums, cataclysmic guitar solos and a frenzied dancing bass player.
Toehider are one of Australia’s best kept secrets. Led by Melbourne wunderkind Mike Mills (formerly of Template), Toehider began as a one‐man project to release 12 EPs in 12 Months. Playing all instruments and writing 100 epic prog songs was no easy task, but in April 2010 the giant was completed with flying colours. Feather Fest is proud to present Toehider playing a “best of” set to celebrate the completion of the 12in12 progject. A special Toehider album will be available at the show. The live band features a Melbourne super group including Ricky Evensand (ex‐Chimera, Soilwork), Amy Campbell (Café Medula) and Lachlan Barclay, who have ripped up stages at the 2009 Menagerie and ROAR festivals and supports for Lord and sleepmakeswaves. You MUST see this band.
Panzer Queen have the potential to be the new heroes of the Australian post‐rock scene. With tight dynamics, wonderfully written melodic structures and a fantastic live presentation, PQ have been building a loyal audience in their short time on Sydney’s stages. 2009’s Hunting the White Stag EP was recorded with Chris Crisci of The Appleseed Cast and Mark Myers of The Middle East. If you haven’t seen these guys already, for shame. Now’s your chance.
Anubis are one of Australia’s foremost classic prog rock bands. With carefully produced songs recalling the influence of Pink Floyd, Genesis, Yes, Rush and King Crimson, lovers of a modern take on melodic prog will get into this band. Recently releasing their concept album 230503, the band will be performing the album in FULL. A rare opportunity to see the music as it was envisaged, a single piece of epic proportions.
Godswounds are back!! Having just returned from a tour of Japan, Taiwan and elsewhere to international acclaim, the electronic‐metal experimentalists join Feather Fest for a set sure to make you think “what the hell…was that?!” Keyboardist/frontman Lachlan Kerr features samples from all your favourite Nintendo games, twisted into a metallic yet catchy mix of super prog. Featuring Muel on drums and a special performance by producer Clayton Segelov (Nobody Knew They Were Robots, Quadbox) on guitar.
Mish are of the more innovative heavy progressive bands around. Currently completing their long‐awaited debut album, fans of the band can rejoice at their return to the stage. Look out for their album due in late 2010. Frontman Rowland Hines’ passionate performance is a must‐see.
The Bznzz are perhaps Sydney’s most technically advanced band. The duo, consisting of bassist Josh Ahearn (Squat Club, the Bakery) and drummer Alon Ilsar (Darth Vegas, Gauche, Happy Music Radio Hour) possess chops that are the envy of local prog musos. An exploration into math rock and the capabilities of the human mind, come early and just try to follow along…
PLUS MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED!
For just $15, any fan of prog rock would be kicking themselves to miss this.
FEATHER FEST 2010 – One Glorious Day of Prog
Annandale Hotel
17‐19 Parramatta Road, Annandale
Doors 1.30pm
$15 at the door, presale tickets available from www.annandalehotel.com.au
