By Courtney Dabb, Rock At Night Sydney Correspondent
Venue: Manning Bar, Sydney–Battles and Making–February 10, 2016
Rock At Night was lucky enough to catch the bands Battles on their Australian leg of their worldwide tour. Battles put on an outstanding show as guitarist Ian Williams alternated between guitar and keys throughout the show—clearly he is a monster on both instruments and performs like there is no tomorrow. He reminded me so much of Jon Spencer (“Blues Explosion”) both physically and musically in this respect. Bassist Dave Konopka appeared to be clearly enjoying himself on stage as he worked a multitude of fx pedals, creating loops and a kicked off virtually every track. Drummer Mark (“Cain and Tomahawk”) had the tallest cymbal in history that was perched 6 feet above the drum riser. He had to reach and take lunges just to strike it.
Guest singer Marcus Whale of Collarbones/Black Vanilla fame was an odd but smart addition to Making. Generally known for his dance music and high energy on stage performances, he was rather subdued so as to fit in with the metal, drone sounds of Making—but moments of dance did burst through at times.
PHOTO GALLERY
Battles
Making
VIDEO
Battles at Manning Bar, Sydney
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My entry into the photography world is purely an extension of my love affair with music.
My entry into the photography world is purely an extension of my love affair with music. The first event I ever attended was the Big Day Out festival in 1992 as a 13 year old, catching the likes of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Sonic Youth, Iggy Pop and local legends Tumbleweed. I caught the bug and just loved the indie scene. Some 20 years and countless gigs later I wanted to go from behind the barrier to behind the camera.
Photographic residencies Include:The Manning Bar, Max Watts house Of Music and the Roller Den. Each venue sees a huge variety of local and international artists come through the doors making each shoot a unique challenge.
- Dispossessed and Neurosis in Sydney: raw, political and rocking - February 21, 2017
- The Oxford Art Factory features an energetic evening of garage rock - September 4, 2016
- Weedeater, Conan, and Lo! shake up Manning Bar with wild abandon - July 20, 2016
