Melbourne and area Oct 14 - 17

tall objects in a Melbourne garden

Oct 14 "Maple Syrup" showcase w/ The Trews and Final Flash at Ding Dong Lounge Melbourne

Both the other bands are great. The Trews are becoming somewhat of a household name in Canada, at least amongst families with indie rock cred. They require little introduction, and they are beginning what will likely be a great relationship with the land down under. Final Flash are entirely new to us. They've been together around 3 years, and have recently put out their new record, "homeless", which is really enjoyable, and was on the 2010 Polaris Prize long list. They have a 'prog rock' kind of sensibility, and are hot on the tail of the recent successes of other Montreal acts. I would describe them as a mix somewhere between the Besnard Lakes and Plants & Animals. As I write this (from Canada), Elliott BROOD just received an email from a new fan from this show raving about the performance, and commending our first EP "Tin Type", which she bought, and is unavailable otherwise in Australia. Thanks Kieren! Feedback like this makes everything worth it.

Sherwood Forest - Belgrave Victoria

Oct 15 Belgrave - in the mountains - radio interview through Sherwood Forest which I am comparing to the hilly drives through Mill Valley and Sausalito just North of San Francisco, if anyone has done that. The difference here is less real estate and more vegetation. Instead of California redwoods there are massive palmtrees, and open forest pervades still, as opposed to the impossibly hilly subdivisions you find in California. The road seems to be inviting development in a matter of time, though, and in some places this is already underway.

The club, "Ruby's", is inviting, with pleasant staff, but shortly we notice the signs. There is a repetitive posting that after 11PM the club will not serve redbull/vodka, shooters or pitchers. You must have your ID electronically scanned at the door. You cannot where a hat in the club, as the cameras can not accurately get your identity. What's wrong? Something serious must have happened here. I'm not going to ask.

Once our set is done at Ruby's, The Fumes kick up the intensity. It is around that said threshold hour of 11PM, and the freak flags begin to fly. It is a mountain town after all. We have such places in Canada too, but I don't think I've ever seen such a conglomerate of freaky dancers. There must be something in the water.

rain rain rain.... the rain storm has followed us to Melbourne from Brisbane it seems. Today the weather might best be described as 'shite'. So we stay inside all day at the Richmond Hill Hotel, and log on to internet, which is not particularly cheap.

Sat Oct 16 Melbourne - East Brunswick Hotel - what a great sounding club. This is where The Fumes are really hitting stride in the tour. We get to hear them in front of an urban audience and with great sound to boot. Great performances such as this one will happen again in Sydney (Notes Live), and Bulli, where we will end the tour.