So the final days of November mark the end of yet another Melbourne Music Week. Now in its fifth year, Melbourne Music Week’s 2014 program was bigger and bolder than ever. The 10-day curated music program was bursting with local and international talent.
From music events in laneways, trams, power stations and elevators to experiential performances at iconic Melbourne institutions, MMW’s 2014 program celebrated everything music and everything Melbourne, though a little overwhelming we put together a list of our MMW 2014 highlights.
Beaches Nailed It
Saturday was massive for killer live acts, but the shining star above all were Melbourne’s leading legends of psych-rock, Beaches.
The five-piece’s heavily distorted swirls of seaside psychedelica filled and spilled throughout the Queen Vic Markets, the ladies placing punters under their sonic spell.
Beaches’ seamless set comprised heavily of tracks from their stellar sophomore record She Beats, which saw every last patron swaying in transfixed unification, unable to break their stare from the hypnotising performers.
In a mere 45-minute set, the quintet emphatically proved why they are a national music treasure.
Minimum Chips’ Made A Triumphant Return To Live Music
There’s no question that there was a special buzz in the air, with many of the MMW audience super excited for the arrival of DIY pop sounds of Minimum Chips.
Despite having been in a somewhat state of “retirement”, the Melbourne/Brisbane quartet showed no sign of rustiness, comfortably taking to the stage delivering their unique indie rock tunes, even featuring children performing on-stage too.
Milwaukee Banks Slayed, Not Once, But Twice!
Sometimes a band is just so nice, you’ve gotta’ book ’em twice.
Having kicked off Melbourne Music Week 2014 with a stellar Monday evening slot at Spook Magazine’s bustling MMW party at the Queen Vic Markets MMW hub, our favourite local hip hop act followed up with a party starting set three days later as part of Section 8, and Ferdydurke’s Live Music Safari.
Performing underneath a tiny pergola on top of a shipping container (aka the Section 8 Bar) in just 45 minutes the pair (with help from local legends Rara) managed to turn a soggy jam-packed laneway into a bonafide block party.
A Winged Victory For The Sullen Captivated Audiences
Performing on a story Saturday night, etherial ambient classical duo A Winged Victory For The Sullen soundtracked Melbourne Music Week like no other.
Accompanied by a string quintet comprised of some of Melbourne’s greatest players, Adam Wiltzkie and Dustin O’Halloran captivated audiences at Melbourne’s stunning Recital Centre with new and old material as well as tracks from their new LP ATOMOS.
They thanked Melbourne Music Week for flying them across the world to play a single one hour show, and while logically it sounds crazy, seeing the duo perform live make the decision worthwhile.
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DJ Spinn Brought Chicago Footwork To Melbourne
Pass though on a whirlwind tour of Australia and New Zealand, Melbourne audiences we lucky to catch a music modern music legend in action.
As the addictive, dizzying rhythms of Chicago footwork have spread across the globe over the last couple of years, most notably with credit due to the late DJ Rashad, another DJ, Rashad’s partner-in-crime DJ Spinn has become one of the genre’s greatest champions.
Performing tracks from his back catalogue as well as playing tribute to Rashad, DJ Spinn’s Sunday night set at the Melbourne Music Hub that closed the MMW festivities, and in the best way possible. Also an honourable mention for DJ Joe Kay’s preluding set (Soulection) is warranted here.
It Records Hosted A Killer Thursday Night Party
Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the CBD Live Music Safari happenings was It Records who threw one of the best gigs of the night.
Reminding punters to pop by a little more often, the sometimes forgotten Public Bar (across the road from the QVM) played the gracious host to some of the city’s most exciting bands.
Setting the mood for the evening was the moody blues of Little Desert, followed by recent Remote Control signees Pearls and finally capped off by an enthralling set by the ‘tropical goth’ styling of White Hex.
Stumbling along to this show after trampling through the CBD felt like you were in on a pretty exciting secret that only a selected few (with excellent music taste) knew about.
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Chapterfest 22 Fan-Favourite: Little Ugly Girls
Smashing their way through 40-minutes of ferocious noise punk, Hobart-meets-Melbourne four-piece Little Ugly Girls set the North Melbourne venue on fire.
Highlights include the band’s hilarious on-stage banter as they shared stories on the origins of tracks as well as joking about being labelled a “grunge” act in the ‘90s, all member’s of the crowd well and truly sold by the frontwoman’s unabashed howling vocal delivery.
Robin Fox And Oneohtrix Point Never Showed Us The Future Of Abstract Electronica
To say local visual and sound artist Robin Fox blew minds on Friday night at the MMW hub is an understatement. Bringing his earth shattering soundscapes and laser show to the masses, Fox took us on an exploration of what happens when sound and light collide.
Having visited Australia early last year, avant-garde electronic musician, Daniel Lopatin aka Oneohtrix Point Never returned to Australia for Melbourne Music Week bringing in tow cuts from his incredible, critically acclaimed 2013 album R Plus Seven.
Delving into abstract futuristic sounds and visuals the American producer performed a tight hour long set that left audiences eager for more.
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Photo source: Melbourne Music Week Facebook
