Higher Places

Higher Places

By Chris Mineral

Nat Vazer’s debut album Is this Offensive And Loud was launched during the COVID-19 era, and it is a ripper of an album. 

One of the highlights is the song Higher Places. Sunlight, like the McEvoy racehorse of the same name, is brilliant. It’s optimistic and bright like that of a song by Spiderbait bassist Janet English.

After a hiatus in Canada, the chameleon Vazer (she once was a lawyer) with a clutch of songs in her files and folders went above a guitar shop in Melbourne with a member of Saskwatch as a producer to help steer the project, and it is a confident delivery of some great songs. 

Vazer will be performing songs from the stellar debut album, livestreaming from Rocksteady Records, Mitchell House, Lonsdale St, CBD on Friday, July 10 at 6.30pm.

During the lockdown, radio stations like 3PBS, 3RRR ,3CR and 3MBS have provided magnificent entertainment. MMM one day highlighted Midnight Oil’s Diesel and Dust album, citing it as a career highlight with such iconic rock songs as Beds Are Burning, Dead Heart and Put Down That Weapon. Great radio. Many recall the inspiring performance the Oils put on at an anti-nuclear rally at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, when at a creative apogee they played songs from their classic Place Without A Postcard album. Songs including Armistice Day, Brave Faces, Written In The Heart, Quinella Holiday, If Ned Kelly Was King and Lucky Country. There’s a bit of Patrick White in the detailed tales of living in the city. The searing guitar work of Moginie and Rotary is sensational, powered by Rob Hirst’s incandescent drumming and of course Peter Garret’s unique lead singing staccato style. It is a superb album well produced by Glynn John’s that would set the stage for their 10 to 1 album.

Mo’Ju has an EP out called Ghost Town that is getting great reviews. Recorded with Joelistics it is seven tracks of great soul, funk, gospel and blues. Worth considering.

The third edition of the Avantwhatever Festival is happening from July 8 - 12 and is one of the edgiest alternative music festivals in Melbourne.

Melbourne Music Week (MMW) is now a well-established music festival on the calendar and MMW is calling for musos to send in expressions of interest for the next festival taking place from November 18-22 after the Spring Racing Carnival. Go to the City of Melbourne MMW page and send in the great ideas you have to feature.

Responding to the COVID-19 virus, MMW2020 will focus on local venues and musos. Expressions of interest are open until June 28 •

Since Labor has been in power …

Since Labor has been in power …

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