LIVE WIRE – Sydney Live Music Guide Thurs 15th December

It’s the last weekend before Christmas and there are a whole slew of live gigs to help us see out the year. This Thursday 15th local synth-tweakers Canyons who’ve just released their debut album Keep Your Dreams are playing a show at The Civic Hotel. The duo are renowned for their stirring electronic symphonies, however to mark this special night they’re debuting as a live six piece. It’ll be very intriguing to see where their music goes based on this. Support by Steele Bonus. For those with a hankering for a bit of heavy rock Melbourne’s Alithia are touring their second EP A Realm O’ Null. Their brand of space rock is melodic and meandering and thoroughly engaging. You can catch that at The Square and supports will be Domino, Spectacles and Paper Champion. At GoodGod Small Club NZ post rock group The Checks will be playing to celebrate the lead single from their upcoming album. It’ll be a great opportunity to catch a seasoned group in an intimate venue. Supports on the night are Underlights, Thieves and Pineapple Head. On Friday 16th you’ll be able to experience the the unique talent that is Andy Bull at the Beach Rd Hotel. This Sydney boy composes jangly pop ditties, characterised by uplifting hooks and infectious grooves while highlighted by his unusually high pitched voice. Over at the Oxford Arts Factory electronic glitch-pop duo Oscar + Martin will be celebrating the release of their single What I Know. Probably one of the freshest new Australian acts to come out this year they blend sweet pop vocal melodies with smooth hip-hop grooves. It’s a wonderful opportunity to catch a talented upcoming group. They’ll be supported by Mrs Bishop, Flume and Conics. On Saturday 17th Leader of The Whitlams Tim Freedman will be playing with his new project The Idle at The Metro Theatre. Known for his quirky upbeat sing-a-long songs he has taken the concept to a new level with his new band by releasing a joy-pop album influenced by his favourite 70s idols such as Elton John, 10CC and the Beach Boys. Local live-electronica outfit Kobra Kai are launching their self-titled debut album at The Gaelic Club. They reproduce drum & bass, dubstep and other electronic styles, driven by an extraordinarily tireless live drummer and fronted by three emcees that unrelentingly force you to dance, dance, dance. Over at FBi Social, seasoned travellers Expatriate return to Australia to play a string of shows. After spending the last couple of years courting Europeans and playing a host of festivals and club dates over there, the indie rock act are back to promote Miracle Mile, the first single from their upcoming album. Finally, on Sunday 18th sublime vocalist Katie Noonan will be bringing her trio Elixir to 505. Accompanied simply by saxophone and guitar, just about everyone knows that Katie needs little else to augment the beautiful sound of her voice. It’ll be the perfect elixir for a sweet Sunday.