So Sydney Big Day Out has come and gone with nothing left but headaches and memories of people you met and acts you saw. As well as what you don’t really remember but kind of wish you did… like getting home – or running down the train tracks between Central and Redfern causing the trains to stop completely.

Lykke Li – I’m Good, I’m Gone (Black Kids Remix) (213)

Next up on our little schedule was TV On The Radio. Another stand out band from the United States. Known more for one of their older track, Staring At The Sun which exploded onto the blogs and airwaves all around the world leading to great success. This was an awesome live set. As we stood towards the back just watching the band go off on stage and the crowd responding, feeding each other and exploding with intensity as the all time favorite tracks are played.

TV On The Radio – Staring At The Sun (128)

After hanging out in the shade, chatting and drinking, we made our way over to the grand stands and saw a little of Arctic Monkeys. Only checking out half of their set we made our way over to the Boiler Room where we spent the rest of the night admiring such acts as Hot Chip, Peewee Ferris and The Prodigy.

Seeing The Prodigy live is one experience we will never forget. They were insane, scary, and fascinating. Never before have we seen soo much intensity from one act. Working the crowd, building them and and pleasing the entire time. Of course Fire Starter was insane and the highlight of their set. When you get the chance to check them out, make sure you do. They are one act not to be missed.

The Prodigy – Omen (Hervé’s End Of The World Remix)(320)

Well thats another Big Day Out passed. Thanks guys for putting on an awesome show – as usual, and can’t wait to see you again next year..!

Mitch and Ben

circle.square.triangle

Simon James and Dan Hastie (aka Woolfy vs Projections) have crafted one smooth-arse album. The Astral Projections of Starlight released through Permanent Vacation last year creates a very satisfying blend of down-tempo electronica and washed out sounds with a disco-inspired rhythm section. While the album as a whole isn’t entirely successful there is no denying its high-points, particularly the track ‘Starlight’. I can’t help but feel like there is a definite Happy Monday’s influence to this track. Anyway, listen to it and decide for yourself.

I’ve also thrown in an Invisible Conga People remix in there for good measure as well. You might want to relax back with a mojito or two for this one.

Woolfy vs. Projections – Starlight (320)

Woolfy vs. Projections – Starlight (Invisible Conga People Remix) (128)

Pulsating strings and scaling tones are what these two artists have on offer. The first track of which was produced by Canadian superstar Deadmau5. Gaining notoriety last year as the highest selling artist on Beatport, with over 30,000 digital downloads. Ghosts N Stuff was dropped into my lap not so long ago, and it’s a banger.

Deadmau5 – Ghosts N Stuff (160)

The second track of equal caliber was produced by maturing Australian artist Redial. Attracting criticism throughout 2008 for his mimicking nature, there is no doubt that Redial is finding his own sound. And it’s amazing! Titled Valkyrie, check it out bellow.

Redial – Valkyrie (320)

Hello 2009! Hope everyone had an awesome Christmas and New Year. We have big things planned here at circle.square.triangle for 2009 – change is a good thing so get ready.

The Twelves – Be My Crush (The Juan MacLean’s Mix) (256)

Damn it feels good to be back. The New Year has arrived and when looking back over 2008. There is a little Swedish girl by the name of Lykke Li that took us all by surprise. With that in mind, when I came across the Friendly Fires cover of I’m good I’m gone. I knew they had tough shoes to fill.

This fantastically electronic cover features the vocals of front man Ed Macfarlane. Accompanied by the distant ringing of keys and an infectious bass line. If only I went for another 10 minutes.

Welcome to 2009, shout, dance and fuck off New Years resolutions.

Friendly Fires – I’m Good I’m Gone (Lykke Li Cover) (160)

Blogger has been acting up so we apologise for the lack of posting over the festive season. But we’ll definitely be making up for it over the coming weeks.

A word I find thrown around way too much nowadays is ‘epic’. But The Season, from Californian indie folk group The Dodos debut album Visiter is fucking epic. With its relentless rhythm section, eerie keys and melancholic sentiment it’s really hard not to appreciate the fact that such a big sound can come from just two people. It also includes some of my favourite lyrics of the year.

Where The Season builds and explodes, Park Song simply cruises, its lyrics sounding as if they were taken straight from lead singer Meric Long’s journal – reflecting on the day’s trivial tasks, revealing minor insecurities and musing on the possibly of buying a dog.

The Dodos are currently in Australia playing the Falls Festivals and supporting Fleet Foxes at their only Sydney show on January 3rd at The Metro. Check their MySpace for other tour dates across Australia.

The Dodos – The Season (320)

The Dodos – Park Song (320)