The longer this insipid pandemic continues, the more we here at Newcastle Live are missing heading out to gigs – especially local shows.
But, while we may be deprived of getting our musical fix at such Newy cultural landmarks as The Lass, Staysh, Cambo and Stag et al, thankfully this malignant virus hasn’t found a way to infect computers…yet.
So, in that spirit, we are continuing to shout our love for Newy music from the rooftops with these five clips from Newcastle artists that are definitely worth a look.
Also, if you’re looking for a YouTube rabbit hole to explore, there is a plethora of local live footage just waiting to be devoured.
Legwarmers – Hot Flush
Newcastle’s preeminent ‘menopausal rockers’ Hot Flush certainly pulled out all the stops with Legwarmers – the band’s opening salvo on the musical landscape.
The accompanying clip is chock full of rock and roll bravado, some of the biggest hair ever seen in King Edward Park and a healthy dash of humour which is needed now more than ever.
Check out their follow-up Hot Flush for an equally exquisite exploration of sassy rock ‘tude.
Mango – Oscar’s Dad
Oscar’s Dad is a bit of a side project for videographer and former Main Guy and The Other Guys frontman and Mousemoon drummer Erling “The Duke” Gronhaug.
With one of the catchiest love letters to mangos ever committed to tape as its soundtrack (honestly, why isn’t ‘Big Mango’ all over this one?)the accompanying clip is a whimsical stop-motion animation delight.
Watch this clip and try not to do the tango mango tango. We dare you.
Shadow Lover – Lachlan X Morris
This vintage rock belter from Newcastle sonic adventurist Lachlan X Morris was one of our fave tracks in 2019.
The accompanying clip shows a curious fellow becoming ‘possessed’ by a Kiss makeup-clad Lachlan ripping into the song on the TV and after just one listen to those ELO-inspired riffs it’s not hard to see why.
It’s catchy AF, a little bit creepy but also a hell of a lot of fun.
Geoff’s A Hoarder – Australian Beefweek Show
We were gutted when Newy’s favourite drunken party boys The Australian Beefweek Show called it quits last year, but thankfully the band’s loose legacy continues on the interwebs with this clip a definite highlight.
The brilliantly self-referential rack is all about guitarist Geoff Mullard’s penchant for hoarding everything from ‘rusty old HR Holdens to Val Doonican records.
The accompanying animated clip created by visual artist and musical multi-talent Fox Trotsky (Nancy Vandal, Nepture Power federation) shows Geoff ambling through band practice carrying a reel to reel tape deck.
And let’s face it, we all know someone who’s got “heaps more shit than he oughta.”
Boom Town – Steel City Sue
This stirring track is from Steel City Sue’s (aka Su Morley) debut 2018 album of the same name and decries the current state of our fair city, with abandoned buildings dotting the landscape of Hunter Street, and anger over the sale of the Port of Newcastle.
Directed by Heidi Lee Douglas, the clip shows Sue visiting various ‘formerly great’ Newcastle locales, and holding up photos of yesteryear next to their current forms.
One such site is the former Palais Royale, which became a KFC back in 2010.
“I can still remember seeing Screamin’ Jay Hawkins there,” Sue reminisces on the track. “Everybody’s parents met there. So much for the old icons of our town.“
Party Animal – Bofolk Ballico
If you’ve ever gone to a party or social gathering (remember them?) hoping with everything that you have that the hosts have a dog, then this great clip from Bofolk Ballico is definitely for you.
The socially awkward protagonist in this clip is having a less-than-stellar time at the shindig until he meets a gorgeous golden retriever.
The pair quickly bond over dog treats before the protagonist ninjas his way out of the party to take doggo on a moonlit car ride (remember them?)
Party Animal is sure to tug at the heartstrings of anyone who has ever wanted to make friends with a dog at a party and let’s face it, who amongst us hasn’t?
