The Dirty Secrets

One month ago, “When is the debut album being released?” I asked Jarrah McCleary, vocalist/keyboardist of The Dirty Secrets when they were playing in my university. I emerged a fan after having the opportunities to see them played twice. Their performance is always pumped up with confidence and energy that leaves the crowd in thrills and anticipation for a full release. March 22, 2008, the self titled debut album finally released in Australia via the bands own Vagabond Records.

It seems every provincial capital in Australia has its best kept secret. The Dirty Secrets is a four-piece new wave/indie rock outfit from Perth. Many must think new wave, synth rock isn’t new anymore, but the band does it brilliantly by combining dirty bass riffs, quivering guitar with chest pounding beats and uniquely deep quirky vocals. Engineered and mixed by the UK's highly respected Nick Terry, who also produced Mercury Prize winner Klaxons, The Libertines, Ian Brown, Franz Ferdinand, etc, the self titled debut album is sure to create buzz and receive strong airplay worldwide. The three singles lifted from the debut album “Five Feet Of Snow”, “My Heart Is On Fire” and “Lighthouse” has been added to Triple J’s high rotation over the last six months due to their fast-paced catchiness with a pinch of electro.

The Dirty Secrets is definitely one of the most promising new acts from down under. Be sure to keep an eye out for the Perth boys!

The Dirty Secrets - Lighthouse
The Dirty Secrets - My Heart Is On Fire
The Dirty Secrets - White Lies

In Ghost Colours

As you may already know, I always have a thing for Australia electro bands. Take Midnight Juggernauts or The Presets for examples. I still feel bummed for missing Cut Copy's live when I was back in Perth. After three lovely tracks 'Hearts On Fire', 'So Haunted' and 'Light and Music' released preceeding the always-difficult sophomore album, Cut Copy's In Ghost Colours' finally dropped and it is nothing short of amazing. The 80s disco sound with a modern twist, smooth haunting vocals and cheesy lyrics, synthetic sound effects and all, such delightful and addictive. 'Unforgettable Season' is a little pop gem that I can't get enough. Now I miss my days in Australia - for their brilliant electro shit.

Cut Copy - Unforgettable Season

-Sim-

Interpol @ Metro City Perth, 17.02.08

Setlist:
Pioneer To The Falls
Obstacle 1
Narc
C'mere
The Scale
Say Hello To Angels
Hands Away
Mammoth
Leif Erikson
Slow Hands
Rest My Chemistry
Lighthouse
Evil
The Heinrich Manouver
Not Even Jail
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ENCORE
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NYC
Stella
PDA

Orange and Blue / Sun and Sky

Big Day Out 2008

Sunburst KL 2008

Couldn't they be more original?

Silverchair - Do You Feel The Same