Welcome To Vacant Valley

The tops dude behind Vacant Valley in Melbourne has been putting out some amazing underground releases in the past couple years, such as Jouissance, Cured Pink and Penguins. There are some choice releases on the way too, two of which I'm am super psyched about.

Brisbane noise trio Psy Ants will soon be calling it a day, but not before unleashing onto the world their first (and obviously only) release, the Bit Tongue Prik 12". They played the first ever Sonic Masala Presents, and promptly blew everything away. It'll be sad to see them go, but at least this means there will be a physical keepsake that doesn't require sneaking into their bathroom to get locks of hair.

Also bringing out a 12" is Melbourne act Pop Singles. They have been peddling their guitar pop smut for a while with a few cassettes and such out there, but All Gone will be their first LP. I've only heard this track off the album but suffice to say I like where it is heading.

Expect to hear more when the waxen goodies come out, but until then, enjoy the tracks below!

Psy Ants - Spike
Pop Singles - All Gone

First SONIC MASALA PRESENTS... A Resounding Success!

Well, all's been quiet on the Sonic Masala front, and some of you must be wondering if it had anything to do with our first live music showcase that was due to be held last Saturday. Well, it went ahead, and despite a couple of minor setbacks (a few pre-show amp explosions, Charles Curse's Codeine Choir not making an appearance), it slayed!


Charles Curse (AKA Greg Charles) really stood up in the solo guise, and infused the largely old material (he's had most of these songs in the bag for years now) with a scratchy sense of urgency found wanting in most of his counterparts.


Psy Ants were a force to be reckoned with, a visceral punch to the eardrums, and the news that they are using their hard-earned dosh to put a recording out soon is fantastic news. Seriously, Psy Ants stood out tonight and were all the better for it! Get these guys more gigs pronto!


And Nova Scotia - what superlatives haven't already been used for these lovely lads? They may be down to a quartet (and soon to be taking a break - massive sigh), but they command every ounce of your attention. It was an assured yet inherently fun set from Brisbane's best band of the moment.

Nova Scotia - Round The Twist

Thanks to those who came out and shared in the fun and frivolity, especially Joanne Thies for the poster work, Ash Timms for helping out with the production, Vanessa Johnson who kindly gave her time to take photos, Belly and Dan over at 4ZZZ's Wake & Bake, Time Off magazine, Cam and Innez at The Waiting Room and Dave who did an amazing job at the coalface. If you didn't make the show (or even if you did), check out more of Vanessa's ace photos below.












SEE YOU DECEMBER 2ND...