Review: Snakadaktal - Snakadactal EP

Winning triple j Unearthed High must be a dream come true for budding high school bands, but some winners have failed to further their success, unable to release a song since their winning track. But less than twelve months since winning, indie five-piece from Melbourne have defied this curse and released their debut, self titled EP. With soulful vocals, soothing guitars and synth, rhythmic bass and the subtle-yet-annoying tempo changes of "Chimera", this EP is a real success. Although "Chimera" consists of said tempo changes, it is quite an enjoyable song, along with "Carnival (Lobster Mobster)", "Skin" and the 22nd best song of 2011 (according to triple j's Hottest 100 of 2011), "Air", but I enjoyed every song on here. This is a truly good release and a joy to listen to.

8/10

The Awesominator

Review: The Avengers

Possibly one the most awaited superhero films ever, 'The Avengers' finally hits our screens after seven years and five 'prequel' films.  Impossible as may seem director Joss Whedon has delivered a film that meets all expectations and sets the bar for superhero movies in the future.  'The Avengers' follows the story of villain Loki (Tom Hiddleston) and his plight to bring the human race to its knees (Loki mightn't seem like a typical bad guy, but Hiddleston plays the part well and for all its worth).  In order to stop Loki and his plans, S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) puts the previously scrapped "Avengers Initiative" into practice,bringing together the combined power of Captain America (Chris Evans), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Dr Bruce Banner or the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) and Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.).  Where 'The Avengers' really shines is its ability to bring every superhero and their positives together and give everyone moment to shine, even S.H.E.L.D. agents Black Widow (Scarlett Johanssen)  and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) have some killer moments in the limelight.  Although each superhero had their drawbacks in their own movie, here they're all just forgotten about as the spotlight moves from one superhero to another before each of their weaknesses can show.  Also worth noting is Mark Ruffalo's fantastic debut as the Hulk, Ruffalo really nails the part and is a common audience favourite.  To summarize Whedon has fantastically blended all these complex characters into one of my favourite movies of the year so far.

Tomm

9/10

Review: The Naked and Famous - Passive Me, Aggressive You

'Passive Me, Aggressive You' is the debut album from indie rock outfit The Naked and Famous.  It made quite an impact upon its 2010 release with the lead single 'Young Blood' which is, quite a song.  It's songs like 'Young Blood', 'Punching In A Dream' (which sounds suspiciously similar to MGMT's 'Kids'), 'Girls Like You' and 'Jilted Lovers' that really make this record what it is. 'Eyes' is another good song that has quite a nice 80's vibe. The remainder of the songs are either alright or really quite bad.  The have either boring synth lines or harmonies that are in a word, annoying.  But just like most albums, you have to take the good with the bad and this one is predominantly good.

7.5/10

The Awesominator

Review: Captain America: The First Avenger

'Captain America: The First Avenger' focuses on the story of Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), a scrawny boy from 1942 America with a burning passion to serve his country.  After he is declined entry to the army many times, he is finally let in as he is to participate in the army's 'Super Soldier' Experiment. In the midst of all this, the Red Skull (Hugo Weaving) is hiding out in Norway constructing a super weapon.  While this movie is enjoyable, it just didn't reach the heights I was expecting it to.  The acting all round is good, Chris Evans is a good fit for Cap, but going for over two hours it just seems to drag on a little.  While Captain America's special effects are dazzling, it just seems like there is a lot more brawn then brains on show here. As I said previously this movie is enjoyable, but it just can't help but feel like an extended trailer for the Avengers.

6/10

Tomm

Review: Jack White - Blunderbuss

After many years of waiting Jack white has finally released a solo album, now that the Dead Weather and The Raconteurs have both put out two LP's and the White Stripes are gone for good he has managed to find some time for himself.  White digs down to roots here with the record mainly taking on a bluesy feel, album opener 'Missing Pieces' kick things off to a good start.  The album's next track and thrashing second single 'Sixteen Saltines' sounds like something of a mix between the White Stripes and the Dead Weather. Other early songs of note include the bad ass riff heavy power of 'Freedom at 21' and the album's first single 'Love Interruption' which is a great twisted ballad.  There really is some fantastic piano on this record as well, it is used to great effect on songs like 'Hypocritical Kiss' and 'Trash Tongue Talker'.  Some of songs I didn't get into that much were 'Hip (Eponymous) Poor Boy' and 'On and On and On' which is one of the slower, softer songs on the album.  All together though this really is a fantastic album, and a great way to start off Jack White's solo career.

9/10

Tomm