window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'UA-9851146-2');

The Latest from the AU

Photo Gallery: Teenage Joans + Bella Amor + Aleksiah – Factory Theatre Sydney (04.11.23)

November 5, 2023

Teenage Joans are touring their debut album The Rot That Grows Inside My Chest across Australia, and played Sydney’s Factory Theatre last night. They were supported by the impressive emerging artists Bella Armor and Aleksiah. Teenage Joans, a duo consisting of vocalist and drummer Tahlia Borg and vocalist and guitarist Cahli Blakers, powered through their […]

Read More

Sonos is a promising short that delights in its horror flourishes: Brisbane International Film Festival Review

November 4, 2023

Whenever a horror film does well at the box office, the internet as a collective (or, more specifically, Twitter, sorry, X) likes to announce that “horror is back!”  But the truth is, it never really went anywhere.  Sure, like most genres it has its ups and downs in terms of general interest and monetary returns, […]

Read More

Sydney’s epic Sneakerland is back for the ultimate kick in December

November 3, 2023

Niche hobby festivals are always worth checking out in Sydney, especially when you’re looking for something new to do as the silly season approaches. In early December, all eyes will be on Sneakerland, which arrives in town after a successful run in Perth and Melbourne. And you don’t really need a synopsis to know what […]

Read More

New Music Discoveries 3rd November: Metteson, Somber Hills, Hellcat Speedracer and more

November 3, 2023

As we roll into November, we have added another ten tracks to our Discovery playlist on Apple Music and Spotify, including one single we exclusively premiered earlier in the week. Our track of the week is “Waves” from Norwegian pop artist Metteson.  Sydney-based artist Somber Hills is a creative powerhouse and has today released the […]

Read More

The Royal Hotel manipulates our expectations with a lingering sense of unease: Brisbane International Film Festival Review

November 3, 2023

Inspired by Hotel Coolgardie, Pete Gleeson’s shock 2016 documentary about two female Finnish backpackers and their work experience at a predominantly male-frequented pub, The Royal Hotel similarly shines a light on the the disturbing, toxic nature that can spawn from a small, isolated town that exploits Australia’s “drinking culture” mentality. An ironic title that will […]

Read More

All of Us Strangers is an achingly beautiful, haunting lullaby of a film: Brisbane International Film Festival Review

November 3, 2023

As someone who lost their father at a young age, and therefore never had the conversation regarding my sexuality (and all that could possibly entail), the thought process throughout and inability to hold back my emotions during All of Us Strangers was palpable. Adapted by writer/director Andrew Haigh (Looking: The Movie) from Japanese author Taichi […]

Read More

Film Review: Quiz Lady wins the comedy round thanks to an energetic Sandra Oh

November 3, 2023

Though she’s known for her dramatic work primarily on television’s Grey’s Anatomy and Killing Eve, Sandra Oh enthusiasts are all too aware that the actress has a serious talent for the comedic flare; The Princess Diaries, anyone? But even still, the absolute let-loose mentality the actress adheres to for Quiz Lady is another level entirely, […]

Read More

Theatre Review: Sydney Theatre Company’s The Dictionary of Lost Words at the Sydney Opera House proves that the pen is mightier than the sword

November 2, 2023

Adapted by Verity Laughton from the novel by Pip Williams, The Dictionary of Lost Words centres around the Scriptorium, where the very first edition of the Oxford English Dictionary is being compiled. It is 1886, and researcher Harry Nicoll (Brett Archer) is working while his four-year-old daughter Esme (Tilda Cobham-Hervey) plays under the table. The […]

Read More

Strange Way of Life is a gorgeous but unsatisfying short: Brisbane International Film Festival Review

November 2, 2023

Gorgeous but unsatisfying, Pedro Almodóvar‘s campy telenovela Strange Way of Life is a sexy short feature that proves the ultimate tease as it doesn’t entirely deliver on the sex appeal of its leads and then climaxes before we’ve even moved on from foreplay. Said leads are Ethan Hawke and Pedro Pascal, playing two perfectly-tailored cowboys […]

Read More

Film Review: Black White and the Greys encapsulates the emotional push-and-pull we universally experienced throughout the pandemic

November 2, 2023

With the Black Lives Matter and #MeToo movements featured prominently, as well as the overall intertwined arc of the COVID-19 pandemic, Black White and the Greys is a film that eerily encapsulates the emotional push-and-pull we universally experienced. A relatable, at-times uncomfortable drama, Black White and the Greys is a collaboration between Marchelle Thurman and […]

Read More
lara villani stop 2

Aussie Indie Artists: Lara Villani on singing cover songs and songwriting

November 2, 2023

Aussie Indie Artists is a series of interviews with lesser known Aussie creators across all forms and fields. The goal is to share exciting new works, find new angles towards the art, and peek behind the scenes.  Lara Villani’s music journey began at age 6, when her big sister started singing lessons. Like all little […]

Read More
Virgin Mary Disco

Exclusive Single Premiere: Virgin Mary Disco “For Free” (2023)

November 2, 2023

The fabulously named Virgin Mary Disco is a four-piece hailing from Melbourne, cranking out kick-arse post-punk new-wave garage rock. Their debut single, “Modern Man” was released earlier this year, and was followed up by “Automation”. We’re stoked to be premiering today their third single, “For Free”, ahead of its release tomorrow. “For Free” is ridiculously […]

Read More

Game Review: Hellboy Web of Wyrd is a visual delight but falters in its shallow combat

November 2, 2023

I’m going to come out swinging. Mike Mignola’s Hellboy is simply one of the best comic book characters ever made. While I’m not an avid reader of comics in general, I’ve certainly read most of these, complete with a unique, yet unmistakable art style, complex and diverse themes and some impressive writing across the board. […]

Read More

Game Review: Sonic Superstars is a welcome return to form

November 2, 2023

Since 1991, Sega’s blue blur mascot Sonic the Hedgehog has dominated the gaming industry with classic side-scrolling adventures, many defining a particular decade or console genertaion. After Sonic Mania re-invented the series again in 2017, the next big 2D platforming game starring our blue hero is finally here. This time around it is 2.5D expereince […]

Read More

Club Zero is a traumatic and dangerous film that misses the mark on satire: Brisbane International Film Festival Review

November 1, 2023

*Trigger warning: This review discusses eating disorders* The satirical possibilities present within Jessica Hausner‘s dramatic Club Zero are ripe.  The execution, however, is undercooked; ironic, considering the topic at the core of this truly odd and oft dangerous film. At an elite private school, the enigmatic Miss Novak (Mia Wasikowska) has arrived to teach a […]

Read More

Birdeater is a visceral experience that leans into the brutality of emotional abuse: Brisbane International Film Festival Review

November 1, 2023

Given that Jim Weir and Jack Clark‘s frighteningly uncomfortable Birdeater is an Australian chiller set in the outback (at least for the majority of its running time), audiences are justified in thinking it could fall in line with other brutality-in-the-bush titles like Picnic at Hanging Rock or even Wolf Creek.  The more accurate comparison though […]

Read More

Sampha announces 2024 Australian and New Zealand tour

November 1, 2023

Multi-disciplinary vocalist Sampha is set to return to Australia and New Zealand in February/March 2024 in the wake of his successful sophomore album LAHAI. Following the announcement of a coveted Perth Festival slot, the singer/songwriter/ producer will take the stage in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Auckland. With LAHAI, Sampha invites listeners on a transformative journey, […]

Read More

Live Review: Trophy Eyes – The Torquay Hotel (29.10.23)

November 1, 2023

Trophy Eyes wrapped up their epic regional tour with a bang last Sunday night at the Torquay Hotel, and what a time it was! They brought their buddies, Dear Seattle, along for the ride, and the entire night was a wild rollercoaster of energy and music. After dropping their killer fourth studio album, Suicide and […]

Read More

Film Review: Victim is a distressing watch about the online radicalisation of today’s youth

October 31, 2023

Throughout Victim‘s 14 minute running time, the tension laid forth by writer/director Robin Summons is near-unbearable as it traces a radicalised teenager and his increasingly concerned mother. Offspring favourite Kat Stewart brings a sweet yet stern nature to the role of Chrissy, a single mother whose seeming one wish is to have a collected dinner […]

Read More

SXSW Sydney – What did we see?

October 31, 2023

For those in the know, South by Southwest (always referred to as SXSW) is an institution. It’s an all-encompassing media, technology, gaming, film and music conference, networking opportunity and party that lasts a week and –some would say – takes a year to get over. It’s been going for 35 years in its hometown and […]

Read More

Interview: Scarygirl‘s Remy Hii on his love of animation and finding the right voice for his unique character

October 31, 2023

From the glamour of Crazy Rich Asians to the Christmas cheer of The Princess Switch 3, by way of being Tom Holland’s romantic rival in Spider-Man: Far From Home, Malaysian-Australian actor Remy Hii certainly forged a formidable path in his career thus far. But I don’t think any of that prepared him for the “Giant, […]

Read More
Beck

Review and Photo Gallery: Harvest Rock II showcases global music and regional Adelaide food and wine

October 31, 2023

The second instalment of Harvest Rock is back in the Adelaide parklands, bigger and better than even the first. After last year’s wet weather, the event organisers ensured plenty of astroturf would keep the mud away if it did rain. Luckily, this weekend we were blessed with glorious weather after a brief early shower at […]

Read More

Interview: Jillian Nguyen on voicing Scarygirl; “It felt very sacred.”

October 31, 2023

In another case of someone making the most of their lockdown potential during COVID, Australian actress Jillian Nguyen auditioned for a voice role as she was confined to hotel quarantine.  That role ended up being for the lead in a bold, ambitious new locally made animated feature – Scarygirl. As the family film continues to […]

Read More

Late Night With the Devil is a twisted take on the “found footage” horror film: Brisbane International Film Festival Review

October 31, 2023

“Before we continue I’d like to apologize to anyone who might be upset or offended by what you saw before the break. It’s not every day you see a demonic possession on live television.” Not the most typical sentence you’d expect to hear from a late night host, but such is the statement made by […]

Read More
Briohny Doyle

Book Review: Briohny Doyle’s Why We Are Here teaches that when life knocks you down have faith in Dog

October 31, 2023

Miles Franklin Award nominated author Briohny Doyle earlier this year released, Why We Are Here, a touching new novel about love, loss, dogs and golf courses. Frankly any book that starts with discussions of dogs’ scrotums and golf course mishaps has succeeded in piquing my interest. The novel follows the story of a girl – […]

Read More

Game Review: Gargoyles Remastered serves up stellar visuals but falters with shallow gameplay

October 31, 2023

I grew up in the late 90s watching most of these animated Disney shows, but Gargoyles seemingly evaded me. Be it the limited exposure here in Australia, or my own ignorance, I never really had much of a connection to it. While I’ve certainly watched a few episodes of the series since then, my knowledge […]

Read More

Brisbane International Film Festival’s uproarious reception as the sunshine state centres on cinema

October 30, 2023

The BIFF is back! As the Brisbane International Film Festival continues to go from strength to strength as an industry must-do, newly appointed CEO Luke Wheatley and Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney made sure the festival’s 29th year was worthy of an Uproar-ious reception. A celebration of films for audiences seeking new perspectives and memorable […]

Read More

Live Review: The Corrs leave Sydney ‘Breathless’ – Qudos Bank Arena (29.10.23)

October 30, 2023

There has to be something said for the power of nostalgia. Despite not having any major success in Australia as of late – at least comparatively to when they first burst on the scene in the mid-90s – The Corrs packed out Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena to practical maximum capacity as they delighted fans with […]

Read More

Game Review: Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 is still a worthy package

October 30, 2023

Providing some of the most memorable titles across nine generations of consoles, from the NES to the PlayStation 5, Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 wraps up a significant portion of this franchise’s history in one convenient package. While there are plenty of reasons to return for the ride, this collection feels like a missed […]

Read More

How to travel in style with Levi’s 501 jeans

October 30, 2023

Compromising on your personal style while travelling has always been a big issue. You’re limited by luggage, it’s often hard to get a sense of the weather each day, and sometimes you’re too rushed to even think about what to wear. That’s why it’s a good idea to find a balance when you’re travelling. You […]

Read More