mcalex' blog
WAM Sound Distance - Rockin' the Regions
Sept. 19, 2025
WAM gig for Regional bands, Mandurah, Bunbury, Albany and Esperance. NoR next time WAM? 😁
I was walking in as they were walking out. Yeah, so I mcT'd the first band (ergo I have no idea where anyone is from. And I did try. 🤣 I got here before 9!
Pink Ladies @ The Bird (natch)
Sept. 13, 2025
Tonight's entertainment was brought to you by the colour: pink!
Blush, Shorehaven and (finally) Rosalie Chilvers headlining an all-chick rockfest party. It was so pink - and there was not a Georgia bluesman in sight! 🤣
Mojo's - Friday
Sept. 12, 2025
Friday night trio at Mojo's - I caught 2 of 3 - so worth it and totally made up for last Saturday
Walked in suffering the aftereffects of a massive headache - wasn't 100% sure I was up for going out. Five minutes later, I'm in with a handrawn star on my wrist (flowers are so last year) coz Mojo's is the coolest, a beer in my hand from my FB and a spot to check out the bands. Happy, happy, joy, joy - what headache?.
Saturday Night Live = Clancy's
Sept. 6, 2025
Not the best night I've had. Puts the weird Full Send gig into second place.
Checked out dinner and some bands at Clancy's. Dinner was great and a couple bands were pretty good. Might have to work out how to not publish a couple paras.
Saturday night live = Clancy's
Sept. 6, 2025
Not the best night I've had. Puts the weird Full Send gig into second place.
Checked out dinner and some bands at Clancy's. Dinner was great and a couple bands were pretty good.
Apex Chick Rock
Sept. 5, 2025
Chick Rock State of Origin - Victoria (Hot Machine) v WA (Legs Electric)
Hot Machine rock the east. Legs Electric rock the west. September 5 saw them face off at Lynott's. Who won? WA - we got the gig! But which was the best band ...
Acoustics, strings and Mountains
Aug. 30, 2025
Didn't write a word of notes - just enjoyed a really good gig. Would do again and again.
King Blue, Devon Street, Figurehead. What a fucking lineup! Throw in a couple strings, make it (semi-)acoustic, and let rip! Result: one banging night!
Late shift @ the Lounge
Aug. 29, 2025
Tried to get in earlier - I really did
Between a late work finish, not finding a parking spot and finding one that cost more than the rest of the night put together I didn't walk into the gig until just before 10pm. Shakes head
Thought I'd check out a follower's gig onna Sund'y 'arvo
Aug. 24, 2025
Cut lunch and waterbag time. I'm trekking to Scarbs to see a gig with somebody who's been following me almost since I first started on IG
Jack Hamilton is releasing and has gathered a few friends to support the gig. Harriet Hawthorne, Bella Dyer and Oakabella Mae were those friends. Out of those four names Harriet was the only individual. C'mon ppl: 'group' (Spencer Davis), band (J.Geils), 'project' (Alan Parsons), even 'experience' (Jimi); give the team some recognition. 😁🤣 j/k (not really, but.) Edit: some posters included '... Bella Dyer, The Culleens, ...' but one I saw after the event had 'Bella Dyer and the Culleens'. I had thought the Culleens were a no-show on the night, but if they were Bella Dyer's band the above entirely friendly rant doesn't apply to her set.
Headliners: 3 @ four5nine
Aug. 23, 2025
Haven't seen Blush! for a while, wanna see Viperchain again, and Sandbroker is a cool name for a WA band
Was wondering what to do when insta notified me of a Blush! post. Gig at four5nine with Viperchain and Sandbrokers. I thought, 'why not?' The two bands in support could both be headliners. And I get to check out a new band. Win-win.
Chasing Jayme in the Fast Lane
Aug. 22, 2025
Fast Lane is out and Chasing Jayme are releasing it with a show feturing Tritus, Uranium Dog and The Omaha Court
It's been a long time coming. Four5nine has been chosen as the unleashing spot for Fast Lane, Chasing Jayme's new single (which I might have on video twice already). I've had tickets since the announcement, so i figured I'd go :-D
Saturday Live - guess where?
Aug. 16, 2025
Where else? Saturday is Clancy's by default. Door/Tix chick seems to have noticed my attendance
They know how to put on a show at Clancy's. Very interesting blend of music styles. Had different opinions during the night, (have decided since that it was me to blame), but overall thought it was great which is what counts.
Older Rockers in newer bands at Lynott's
Aug. 15, 2025
Not one person in the bands I saw would have been under 30 - also, none of 'em are on instagram
Four on the Floor was the name of the gig.
Lynott's for Fridays (with a quick Bird detour tonight)
Aug. 9, 2025
Has Lynott's become my regular Friday lounge?
Found a nice four-play gig in the giglist and duly trundled off to Lynott's to enjoy the startt of the weekend. Well done, me.
Bloom!
Aug. 2, 2025
BloomFest hits Perth with bulk rock played over two nights in Perth and Fremantle
I had a setlist plan of where to go and when. Parclo, Siobhan Cotchin and Dolce Blue at The Bird, Daisy Park at Rechabite Main, Georga Raath at Rechabite upstairs, Smol Fish back in Main, possibly Dani Enli upstairs again and then Fool Nelson in the Main hall or Kayps back at the Bird to close. I only missed Parclo. What a f%*#ing great night!
Mind blown Free! at Clancy's
July 26, 2025
Free Aviary release second single - and the crowd goes wild!
Clancy's hosted Free Aviary, Hey So Hungry, Bush Telly and Hello Stranger. I like Free Aviary and think they're on to something, so checking out their 2nd single release was a no-brainer.
Lounging about onna Friday night
July 25, 2025
It was PrettyPretty Isolated down Mellow Drive in Birdland (Isolated should be Isolators so 3/10)
I like Lynott's, it has a pew and barrels and comfy chairs if you want to relax, and when they're not catering to a specific crowd they usually manage to put on some decent bands. This should be my reference page for any night I'm feeling like I don't know if I can be bothered. It was such a good night.
Victorian invasion - Press Club
July 20, 2025
Sunday night and I don't have work tomorrow. Thought I'd see what the Press Club noise was all about
Haven't seen Lonesome Dove, have seen Ursula, don't mind seeing what the competition is like on the other side of the sandpit. Hello Mojo's!
Cactus Club - El Grotto - NoR Rock
July 18, 2025
New venue on the live list - El Grotto, Scarborough. Bespoke touring have started holding Friday fortnightly 'Cactus Club' gigs there
So, the Indy isn't the only reason to pack a cut lunch and a waterbag. There's a new venue in town, the El Grotto in Scarbs. Tucked away in a cafe, I would be a bit concerned if they tried to bring a band with a decent crowd following here. It's quite cosy and the stools/tables work ok if there aren't a lot of punters... This was the second gig Bespoke held and I don't think they would have wanted too many more people to turn up. Maybe it's just a trick to get more people on the dancefloor, coz there's no room anywhere else? Would go again. I do have to mention, Cactus Club is a very mcT friendly event but this isn't really a good thing. I got there about 9.15 for an 8pm start and the first band had barely kicked off. They get half an hour each which for mine isn't quite a long enough set or night overall. Bulk kudos to Bespoke for adding to the richness of WA music. What a time to be alive!
Drowning in Weird Conversations
July 15, 2025
Odd ad for a night of weirdness @ the Bird. It's just any old Tuesday, so I thought I'd take a look
Got in about 8.15 so the 'show' had started, but barely. Very gothic, very dark dressup for the Bird - it actually suits. Wasn't sure what to expect but assumed there would be some Drowners music so took along the camera.
Drumposition in the Temple - but nahh
July 12, 2025
Half of one band stepped in for another - Lakefield played a different cover and eleven am lead and I have a cool conversation about the biz
Went to see Lakefield Temple with a couple others to see if I could improve on my Drumposition project. Aft gag agley. No show from Fevermind, so Jackoranda stopped in. Only saw a couple of songs but heard em all. Clancy's does donut fries (read: mini churros) and throws choc sauce, cream and ice cream in. A bit cheating imho.
Planet of Sound - Milk(y Way) Bar Friday
July 11, 2025
Signed up for two gigs coz I couldn't decide - didn't end up seeing Front Yard Horse
Planet of Sound usually comprises an interesting setlist. They did not fail to deliver this Friday. The Meeck, Inkeater, Codavision and mcT: Uranium Dog and Wastelanz. Fun, if odd, night.
Saturday, The Bird for three bands new to me
July 5, 2025
New bands, one with a new EP, so new music. Time to see what the Red Temples fuss is all about
Went on a 'new band' night at the Bird to see Twelve Parsecs, Moth Street Artists and Red Temples who were releasing their new EP: World Askew
Rockin' Metal* in the Lounge
July 4, 2025
Haven't been to Lynott's for a while and thought I'd see what the Ammify fuss was all about.
Went to see a band called Ammify, based on some fawning on the Monday night Noongar Radio show 'Rockin Metal' (*or 'Rock 'n' Metal', I've never been able to tell) with Tam and Jay. It turns out Tam was at the gig too.
3 From 5 at my usual Saturday haunt
June 28, 2025
5 band gig featuring bands. I saw three of 'em
I should be in time to see Post Ruckus, (probably) Headspin. and Dugite. The list and the line-up weren't entirely in sync. :-D
Freo Mid-Winter Music Fest @ Mojo's
June 21, 2025
Mojo's host the 'rockier' leg of the FMWMF (sounds like a pr0n category). Mojo's is cool.
It seems that Rosalie Chilvers is now a 3-time mcT victim - and she wasn't even first on the bandlist. I am going to have to seek her out and actually go to a show just coz of the numbers.
Devon Street, Scarborough
May 31, 2025
Mixed bag of bands I've seen and bands I haven't. Off to Scarbs we go!
Have some plans for 'Drumposition' so wanted to see Devon Street, and have '... to see again' for Figurehead. I think I mcT'd Hello Stranger previously and don't know band #1. There's enough reasons there to pack a cut lunch and a waterbag for the trip up north. 😄
I'm gonna get Patience if it's the last thing i do!
May 23, 2025
A night of catching up. Queen Qoral (band) and Patience (song), both of which I've had in my ToSee list for a while
Oh my! A band has read my blog. Next thing I'll have to start counting hits, or something. Hey guys, thanks most awesomely! :-D
Chasing Jayme @ Clancy's
May 17, 2025
I appear to have jumped on the Chasing Jayme bandwagon. Saturday night, Clancy's, Chasing Jayme. Wouldn't be dead for quids!
Well, that was different ...
May 9, 2025
Two gigs - eight bands - one happy but confused mcalex
What a Friday. Three gigs with bands I wanted to see or see again. Two in Northbridge, one in Maylands. Throw in the fact it was a work day and the first gig started at 7pm. Add in (just for good measure) some arm pain that meant holding a phone camera above my head for any length of time was just hurting. I valiantly (imho) attempted to go to both Northbridge gigs. A lot of walking was involved.
Amplifier gig w/Viperchain
May 3, 2025
Viperchain have been making recent waves - thought I'd have a look. Also, first time at Amplifier
Missed one of four, but had seen them before. Amplifier is a cool spot. One of few Perth CBd gig locations. Would go again :-D
Anzac Saturday @ Mojo's
April 26, 2025
Got to Mojo's and missed my standard 'get there for the last song of the first set' due to the door taking ages to get through.
9.00 for 8pm start - missed CNTR, but chatted to lead guitar/keys at bar.
History of Oz Blues - according to Matt Taylor
April 20, 2025
Coz his history and Oz Blues history are the same thing
I think it's Sunday. Anyway, scrolling through the giglist, a couple four plays happening, hmmm ... and then all of a sudden I notice Matt Taylor is playing at Clancy's. Guess where I'm going!
Easter Saturday - Milk Bar
April 19, 2025
Haven't been to the Milk Bar in ages. Couple bands I've missed before, couple bands I've never heard of. Sounds like a plan.
I have been to a gig previously with Better Late and Chasing Jayme, but due to mcT issues, I didn't see them. Dugite, Managold and Front Yard Horse (love that name) complete the bandlist, but I missed the latter of that list.
Good Thursday - 4play @ Lynott's
April 17, 2025
At Lynott's again. I seem to like it here. New camera, err, phone on board. Someone (with a hat) is sitting in the church pew. Totally missed band 1 (mcT).
It's Easter Thursday. I have a new phone. Let's find some music.
Grief for Pretty Jupiter's Fever @ Lynott's
April 12, 2025
Haven't been to Lynott's for a while. Prettypretty were on who I (didn't: mcT) saw previously.
A show for no reason except Perth likes to rock! Good Grief, Just Jupiter, Prettypretty and Fevermind put on a bands & friends show at Lynott's - though it was pretty much bands & mcalex by the time prettypretty were up. Hey! I don't mind an exclusive gig!
Caveat - Freed from the Aviary - Scarborough warning!
April 4, 2025
Single launch for Free Aviary and friends @ Indian Ocean Hotel in Scarbs
I've been to the Indian Ocean more times in the last six months... Scarborough! why are you so far away?
Sweet Drumposition
April 4, 2025
Sweet Disposition - Temper Trap's 2008 release has been noticed by WA's rock scene!
I got to three, so this page is going to compile all the Sweet Dispositions I hear in my travels. Now I've written this blog page I can guarantee there will be no more. C'est la vie.
I'm not at a Volcanics gig
March 29, 2025
Decided not to go to Volcanics (gasp!) - checked out a less known bandlist instead.
Clancy's Saturday Night Line-up - not entirely sure who was playing from the different ads, but 5 bands for 15 bucks is always worth it
Cryptids PreAlbum gig
March 28, 2025
An eclectic bunch @ the bird. Lyrical-electronic-indy-goth rock. There was dark music. There was a darker stage.
Lynott's or The BIrd? Helena or Cryptids? Two local bands headlining two gigs filled with local talent. Perth, you rock! In the dark.
Helena's EP Launch at the Milk Bar
March 22, 2025
Two and a song (mcT) out of Four ain't great
Party time. Bands with some experience make for a banging night. I should have got there earlier.
Indie feel-good funky pop-rock in Freo
March 21, 2025
Look, up on the stage. Is it lysergic acid diethylamide? is it Lucy in the sky with diamonds? No it's Lake Street Dive! (Coz @ Metropolis - geddit?)
The eclectic ensemble that is Lake Street Dive brought their eclectic ensemble of music to town! I think I've worked them out. They are a jazz combo, except they don't play jazz!
Clancy's - Saturday Live - till my battery ran out
March 15, 2025
5 bands and I saw 'em all. No mcT here!
Saw 5 bands - only one was all-male - at Clancy's. Dinner, couple drinks, good music all night. All's right with the world.
(not) Foothead at the (not) Rosemount
March 14, 2025
First venture to four5nine. Bought tickets to see Foothead a couple weeks ago. Then they did a Wunderhorse!
Formerly Foothead gig @ four5nine - discovered a new pub, saw a 'bands & friends' gig. Spoke to bands. Great night.
LoveMeNot enough to Waltz @ Lynott's
March 8, 2025
Single launch for LovesMeNot's latest 'Waltz'. Neither photo nor video skills were up to scratch.
Caught 3, err 2 and a half sets at Lynott's (very nice) Lounge in Northbridge. I like Lynott's. Missed Flora Road who were sorta the inspiration for the night's choice.
Also, I appear to be wearing a hat.
Vicenaria: some Pretty Ugly Mojo
March 7, 2025
Blush and The Spunloves support the Pretty Ugly's during their Vicenaria album launch at Mojo's in Fremantle
My door stamp - everyone else got an 'X' - including the old fart in front of me.
Everyone @ Clancy's
Feb. 22, 2025
Second gig of a double-header weekend for me. Tonight's gig was headlined by the opening act at last night's soiree.
Went to Clancy's to see - well, just about everyone. The lineup had: Nood Harbour, Free Aviary, Outfront, Lefty, and Flora Road. Doors @ 8, first set @ 8.30. How did they do this?
Partytime! with Playlunch
Jan. 25, 2025
JJJ Hottest 100 Kick Ons Party - and was it a party!
The guys that wrote 'Hornbag' came to Perth for the Hottest 100 party at the Indian Ocean Hotel. Fun and festivities for everyone!
Why not? turns out to be a good night
Jan. 24, 2025
Bad Weather, CNTR, Dawson and Mysticia at The Bird on a 'Do i feel like going out? Why not?' kinda Friday night
Saw two out of four bands @ The Bird. Was it worth it? Yes!
Born to rock WA!
Jan. 11, 2025
Benefit gig for James Baker - legendary WA drummer
Lyric's Underground hosted a benefit gig for James Baker who has drummed for everyone in the west. F*(# cancer. Lyric's was packed - there weren't this many punters at the Kim Salmon gig!
Critters - mostly Australian - at the Bird
Jan. 10, 2025
Post-Ulysses drinks in South Perth, I didn't feel like heading home ...
Wound up at the Bird and saw Australian Critters, Grub and Ursula. Low-key good night out. Bands were all good, but the music wasn't rocky(?) enough for me. NB: three bands fronted by women and no mention in the paraphernalia - is this mainstream now?
Quixotic! at the Fish Pub!
Jan. 3, 2025
Fiirst gig of 2025 - Quixotics album launch at Clancy's in Fremantle
Missed the warm-up, caught half the headline, stayed for the post-headline (best) set!
Rainbow cage
Dec. 29, 2024
Saw a rainbow, took a photo.
It turned out cooler than expected.
Last hurrah for '24 - Lynott's Lounge
Dec. 28, 2024
Late decision to go checkout the music was well worth it. First time at Lynott's, definitely want to go there again. Venue is cool!
Saw a couple of bands after deciding waay too late that i wanted to go out. Quite glad I did, even if I only saw 1½ sets. Lynott's is cool!
Full Send Freo
Dec. 27, 2024
End of year gig in north Freo. Weirdness ensued.
Seven bands in a two part gig at Fremantle's Swan Hotel. I caught at least 4 of 'em.
Scurry to Ber Ber Bernn
Dec. 20, 2024
Scurry is the single. Ber Ber Bernn is the band. Good stuff.
Two really good bands made for an excellent, if short, night out
Volcanics 'Submarine' video launch
Nov. 29, 2024
Volcanics gathered a couple friends to help launch their new single/video, 'Submarine'
Freo Saints
Nov. 20, 2024
Revamped Saints lineup played the best of the early Saints material from 1973-1978.
mcalex makes up for (some) missed music.
Smokin' Salmon and Birchall
Nov. 2, 2024
Kim Salmon's Smoked Salmon w/support from Salmon guitarist Claire Birchall
Kim - legend of Australian music, scientist, surrealist and beast - brought the Melbourne chapter of his current musical project to Perth
A Wilde night with Kim
Oct. 22, 2024
Kim Wilde at Astor Theatre on her Greatest Hits tour 2024 - The family that plays together stays together
Kim Wilde. 40+ year career. The first Queen of Pop. England's most charted female artist. Royal Horticultural Society Flower Show Gold Medalist.
Hurt like Homebrand
Oct. 5, 2024
Single launch for Homebrand with friends at The Bird
About Yesterday, Foothead and Edie help Homebrand launch 'Hurts like that'
Female Frontend Frenzy
Oct. 4, 2024
Women Rock Freo
Three woman-powered bands at Clancy's Fish Pub
'Nother Volcanics gig
Sept. 13, 2024
Three bands at Old Habits
Punk*, Country-Rock, and Classic Rock meet for a great night!
*technically: "garage punk rock n ruin" from their Facebook
Martian riffs, apparently
Sept. 8, 2024
Four guitar-band line-up at the Milk Bar
Riffs from the Red Planet - presented by Space Cadet Events. I kid you not.
P̶a̶i̶d̶ ̶f̶o̶r̶!̶ Murphy strikes again!
Aug. 26, 2024
Bought a bike, coz they stole the trainline from me. Then someone stole my bike.
From ridiculous to sublime
Aug. 19, 2024
Two new blossoms in the garden caught my eye on the same day ...
Up 'n' coming
Aug. 2, 2024
Small crowd pub + 4 new bands = great night out that nobody knew about
Perth still rocks
July 14, 2024
The Volcanics album launch for 'Volatile World' at the Milk Bar, Inglewood.
Perth rockers show Perth how to rock!
The beginning
April 10, 2024
What's it all about?
The end
April 9, 2024
Testing, testing - is this thing on?