A busy year for SoundPressing. A couple of 7" singles, a show here and there, an LP and a three-stop tour of SE Queensland with the one and only Mr Charlie Owen.
Here is a lil recap in no particular order. Thanks to everyone who came to a show or bought a record.
Spoon - Riverstage, Brisbane. Dec 2023
It's been a while since catching Spoon play. And they were incredible and absolutely nailed a cover of John Lennon's “Isolation”. Their latest LP is as good as anything they have ever released. New(ish) bass player Benny Trokan runs Daptone Records imprint Wick Records. Worthwhile exploring what this hepcat gets up to!
Chimers // Turn on the Lights - Tour 7" (SoundPressing)
We tried to make this a split 7" with Mudhoney. Licencing proved a little difficult so we went it alone and pressed out 150 copies for Chimers to take on the road. The Mudhoney-Chimers show in Brisbane was their second in as many months and easily gave The Zoo a once over. A focused band and still running thick inside a purple patch. Can't wait to hear their new music. Last copies available here.
Gaz Coombes - A Day on the Green // Sirromet Wines, Nov 2023
Sheesh..who woulda thunk it...hassling Gumtree sellers for a Robbie Williams ticket to see Gaz. The show had long sold out by the time Gaz Coombes had been announced as the opener. With a seven-piece band in-tow we were treated to much of his latest LP in a 12 song set. His catalogue is worth diving into with songs diverse and strong enough to distance himself away from what Supergrass ever laid down on tape and still be recognised as a genuine solo recording artist.
DB Band - Stranger in the Alps 7" (SoundPressing)
These guys still fly well under the radar. Mick Quinn is a busy guy running his digital design outfit BIGARM Technology along with being the current bass player for Swervedriver. This 7" takes the title tracks from their EPs back in the early 2010s which are still impossible to find. Vinyl available here.
https://www.youtube.com/@thedbband
Jaimie Branch - Fly or Die Fly or Die ((world war)) - (International Anthem)
A posthumous release and a punk-jazz spectacular. It's a bit of a trip and well worth a visit. Shame we won't be able to hear what Jaimie could've cooked up next. Unlikely to ever reach high rotation in your record collection but a must listen. Go here.
Leichhardt - Second Thoughts (SoundPressing)
These guys have been gigging around Brisbane for nearly 20 years. Their latest LP “Second Thoughts” pressed at the new vinyl plant in Brisbane, Suitcase Records. When hearing the demos, it sounded like they had been listening to far too much Oasis and You Am I. Some catchy numbers here and a genuinely great album. A few copies left here.
The Mark Of Cain - Ill at Ease tour - December 2023
Probably pretty lucky this tour to celebrate the incredible “Ill at Ease” LP managed to take place in 2023. Reading about Kim Scott's bicycle accident was heavy and also the speed of his recovery seemed all too quick.
Brisbane's summer has been a cycle of thunderstorms and humidity. The rain showers that you'd think would give some relief just makes it worse. TMOC arrived on one of these days. Was quite a buzz for Pigsx7 to play a support set judging by the crowd eager to discover - they proved to be the perfect opener. TMOC powerfully delivered Ill at Ease. If EPs are a still a thing, would love to hear some new tracks.
Ash Naylor with The Church.
The Church - Fortitude Music Hall - May 2023
Having completed a tour of the States for their new LP “The Hypnogogue” these guys were running like a well oiled machine by the time they made it to Brisbane. I'd been looking forward to this show to hear those new songs live. Ian Haug and Ash Naylor nailed the sound and loved seeing the array of guitars being swapped around. Some serious gear up there.
Sunnyboys 'The Last Dance' - The Tivoli - Feb 2023
Hard to believe but incredible in its own right that we ever got to see the Sunnyboys onstage again. It's like Jeremy could flick a switch and the combined magic of Pete, Bil and Richard would just happen.
Tim Pittman, Sunnyboys and Ups & Downs were kind enough to licence SoundPressing a track each for a split 7" to mark the cancelled shows originally planned for March 2022. Super proud to be a very small piece of the Sunnyboys jigsaw puzzle.
Searching For Charlie Owen - June 2023
Thanks to those who came along. We really enjoyed putting on the show each night. Stoked that The Barman took the show to Sydney and Canberra. Would love to do it again this year. Fingers crossed
DAVO XMAS Show - Dec 2023
Finished the year working with ConsumeTOURism putting on a XMAS show for Dave McCormack and friends with a super special 7" pressed especially for the night. Dave must've played 22 songs in just over an hour. Brilliant catchy numbers. The vibe in the room was special.
RIP FRANK KOZIK