BYO Sounds #8

Ever heard the saying that “no one looks back on their life and remembers the nights they had plenty of sleep”? Keeping this mantra in mind, we head into the weekend and take a look at 5 of the very best picks around Sydney to keep you going.

The Holidays @ Goodgod Small Club - Thursday September 19.

The Holidays are pretty much what you could call quintessential dream pop. After taking a siesta from touring since the release of their award-winning debut ‘Post Paradise’, they’re finally ready to hit the stages once again. With the recent release of their latest single ‘Voices Drifting’ demonstrating a slight shift in their signature sound, this will be a chance to check out spanking new material from their forthcoming sophomore album. Supports for the night will come in the way of Major Leagues, a talented 4-piece from Brisbane that somehow manage to compete with the sun-kissed vibes of the headliners. These guys are getting quite a lot of attention as of late, rounding out a night certainly not to be missed.


Pluto Jonze @ Beach Rd Hotel – Thursday, September 19.

The last time I saw this guy at Beach Road, he brought along an array of old school analogue televisions that had various visuals accompanying his entire set. It was just one element that made his entire show nothing short of awesome, and let’s just hope he does it again on Thursday. If you are unaware of who Pluto Jonze is, he is a master of indie-pop and hails from Sydney. With his acclaimed debut album ‘Eject’ being entirely recorded, mixed and produced by himself at home, it’s a fair call to say this is guy is rather multi-talented. Get down to Bondi this week and see what other random talents Pluto manages to bring out on stage.

Beach Fossils @ The Standard – Friday, September 20.

If anyone has got one of those friends who always manage to slip in there exasperated “man, I would fucking love to see Beach Fossils live!” signature line whenever music discussions arise - now is the time to finally shut them up. ​Brooklyn’s indie darlings are making their maiden voyage over here, taking time for a headlining show at The Standard. With a sound that’s mellow, yet equally able to incite a gnarly mosh live, there really is a bit of something for everyone. Those dudes from Major Leagues have certainly got a big weekend ahead as they’ll be warming up the crowd here too, as will TV Colours.

The John Steel Singers @ Goodgod Small Club – Friday, September 20.

This week certainly is one for triumphant returns. Brisbane’s own The John Steel Singers finally make their performance comeback, a decent wait for it since 2010. Touring their single ‘State of Unrest’, it’s a taste of what will be on offer from the forthcoming sophomore album. With consistent upbeat pop tracks which sometimes include brass (who doesn’t love a bit of brass?!) this show is sure to leave everyone walking out with a sweaty smile. They too have managed to score some killer supports, with the recent winners of the Splendour In The Grass unearthed competition Baptism of Uzi, and garage-quintet The Fabergettes.

Caravãna Sun @ Beach Road Hotel - Saturday, September 21.

Who doesn’t consider gypsy-fuelled-ska-surf-rock as one of their top three favourite music genres? Oh, just me…? Anyway, the band in reference here are Caravãna Sun and regardless, I can assure you that these guys are amazing live. Bare-footed and all, these four dudes from Cronulla sure know how to bring the house down with bouncy hooks, cleverly upbeat rhythms and of course the trumpet. Fresh off a European tour, they’re now launching the first single ‘Take The Word’ off their forthcoming album ‘AYA’. The second best part about getting to catch these guys live is that there will be no wallet damage whatsoever. Get down and get sweaty.


-  James Sherley