red kross

Soaked in beer, sweat and sex, Melbourne’s Grindhouse delivers a loud ’n’ fast album dripping with guitar riffs. This is their second offering.

It sure sounds like Ricky “Pony Club” Audsley (lead guitar), Mick “Two Fingers’ Simpson (vocals-guitar), Adrian’”The Father” Cummings (bass) and Liam “Sticky Wicket” Chuffley are having a blast playing these tunes.

Kicking off this assault on the ears is “I Just Want To Drink At The Tote” (a song about a great little hotel in Melbourne’s Collingwood) is a good, old fashioned party song. “Throbbing Eye” and “Why” keep the album moving along. These are drinking songs…pub songs…fuck Facebook songs. “Old Ship” and “Casual Sex” are more flat-out rock ’n’ rollers - and they do rock, baby. LAMF!

Top Ten for 2024 in order of event

The Breeders at Enmore Theatre
Starting off with "Saints", ending with "Divine Hammer" and everything you’d want to hear in between.

Grazza-Fest at The Great Club
We lost a beautiful man last year so we all got together to celebrate Graham Bowditch the best way we know how. With the music he loved. Held on the weekend of his annual BBQs, the bands were: The Strike-Outs, Hellebores, The Glycereens, Rocks, The Pink Fits, The Hard-Ons, and they all provided a great night of entertainment.

Recording with The Jane Does at Rancom St Studios
The studio is owned by Garth Porter from Sherbet and we had the opportunity to record a song ("Around the Bend)" there for an upcoming pop culture doco by Larry McGrath called "Yesterday’s Highway". We had Tim Carr as producer and he worked his magic with us.

Human League at Enmore Theatre
Managed to score a last-minute ticket to this one thanks to my bandmate Matt. Performing the classic "Dare" album in full plus a selection of their other songs. Given that it’s mostly done on synths they were able to replicate their sound perfectly.  

Marcus' Top Ten Albums for 2024 (with Spotify playlist after the fold)

1. Bad Nerves - Still Nervous:
I'm hooked on this album ! Full-throttle garage punk but with an ear for hooks and melodies. They're from Essex and have lately been opening for the likes of The Hives, Royal Bloodand The Darkness. Billie Joe Armstrong has labelled them “the best band in England right now." This album is so much fun !
Fav Track: You've Got The Nerve

2. The Lemon Twigs - A Dream Is All We Know:
These guys are absolutely brilliant ! With this album, they've really honed in on the 60's Pop/Baroque sound but also with elements of 70's power-pop. A couple of tracks on this sound like The Raspberries ! Amazing songwriting/performances and they look cool, what's not to like?
Fav Track: How Can I Love Her More?