private function

_{Flashback to Thrashville 2023.}

Heavy Hunter Valley music festival Thrashville is back on the New South Wales map at the town of Dashville in Lower Belford on Saturday, June 28. The news flies in the face of a wave of festival cancellations, and organisers are going with 25 bands over four stages. 

Heading the first line up announcement are Melbourne punks Private Function, hard core stalwarts King Parrot, raw and powerfully eclectic MUDRAT, hard mosh beasts Volatile Ways, blistering heavy-hitters Frankenbok, Simpsons themed Dr Colossus and rising folk-punk superstar Slim Krusty.

Top 10 Things of 2023
as designated by Fox

This was an absolute banner year for Australian rock & roll which made me feel very proud of my country which was a nice change of pace from feeling ashamed by it, which also happened this year. Anyway, - here comes a list!!

Morons Morons - High Tension Situation LP
Before delving into our domestic successes let’s hear it for this demented Polish outfit and their barnburner of an album. It’s energetic pedal to the metal punk rock with a healthy dose of The Damned DNA. Puts it’s foot on your throat and does not let up. Glorious band name, logo and album cover too.

Stepmother - Planet Brutalicon LP
The latest project from U.S expat Graham Clise of Annihilation Time and Lecherous Gaze fame. I first saw him with the latter in Sydney about eight years ago and was blown away by his guitar playing. It was pure classic rock but played with an energy and intensity that felt like I was watching Leslie West or Mick Ronson after a quick trip in the old Time Machine.  Though I shouldn’t get hung up on ye olden days comparisons - It rules that this kinda music is being made in 2024 and it should be celebrated. This album is driving Detroit-flavoured pub rock and has been a constant on my turntable since it landed.

Private Function
Best Oz Punk band by far out of the current crop.

Old Chisel
Only way you get out is by dying, live show still strong.