Lower Plenty are from Melbourne, an amalgamation of individuals from bands like Total Control, UV Race and Deaf Wish. But their material is unlike the chaos those bands are known for, the stuff on their debut record, Hard Rubbish, are mournful, gentle affairs, filled with the meandering chords of an acoustic guitar, the lethargic vocals of Al Montfont, with occasional noisy interludes from an electric guitar. Female lead Sarah Heyward occassionally reminds me of Hope Sandoval from Mazzy Star for some reason, particularly on songs like White Walls.

Nullarbor is an early standout. A sad meandering tale of heartbreak. I’ve listened through a bunch of times, and most of the other stuff is great as well. Have a listen below.

If you like stuff by the likes of Twerps (which I do), you’re going to love this.

I’m back playing guitar in a new band with a few friends after some time away from doing so. It’s been pretty fun actually, and we’re playing songs that I really like – ones that experiment with guitar noise, almost shoegazing, but also not afraid to embrace pure pop either. I find myself gazing at guitar pedals again – not sure if that’s a good sign.

At the same time, I’ve begun to really listen to a lot of Yo La Tengo. Specifically Painful and I Can Feel The Heart Beatnig As One, two excellent records. I’m presently trying to master this song – my favourite YLT song yet (though From A Motel 6 is pretty great – thanks for the tip Warren).

Pot Kettle Black was always my favourite, I loved that muted guitar noise that floats around behind Jeff Tweedy’s acoustic guitar.

I happened to be listening to Bleach today, and happened to listen to this song. This was always one of my favourites off the record.

Want to know more? Well here’s the shows blurb:

This week’s Rave On has not one but two special guests. Because like The Beatles in the final days, Rob Newcombe, Alasdair Duncan and Mitch Alexander behave themselves when there’s company. First there’s Rave Magazine regular Darragh Murray, but as Brisbane’s foremost export on phrenology, he’s brought a disembodied head with words all over it. More on that later. First, there’s chat devoted to substantial payrises for the grown-ups of Modern Family, and one of the last remaining signals of the demise of The Office. When even bit characters are jumping ship, it might be time to call it a day.

AV&A cuts across the realms of music from Chromatics (not The Chromatics), video games and movie casting news. Tilda Swinton is to star in a gripping true story of genocide in wartorn…nah, just kidding, it’s about the next Captain America movie!

To round out the show, Darragh talks phrenology. No, not that rad album by The Roots, the study of the human skull to determine personality traits. And with the help of Google Images, the gang take a look at famous baldies and see what their brain box says about them. How could Billy Corgan not be involved?

I want to listen!!