Thursday 7th August
Whether you’re into nesting or necking, during these winter months getting a bit of body warmth is more a need than a want. This week, make some sparks fly other than the zaps coming from your woollen jumper. Whatever gets you going; there are bucket loads of outdoor and indoor adventures for the frisky. You really can’t go past the jolly Ekka – the yearly highlight in rides and indulgence. For something more subtle, West End’s newest and prettiest character The Cupcake Parlour is sure to please. Learn something new in the dark, take an interesting shopping trip or simply get down and muddy. However far you end up going, try not to ruffle too many feathers.
FourThousand 056 - feeling frisky
Cover image by Sadie Lost. If you would like to submit a covershot, that would be rad. Email coverphoto@fourthousand.com.au.
Also this week:
Bonus WIN - come preview Where In the World Is Osama Bin Laden? this coming Monday night at Dendy Portside. To enter simply email your full name to win@fourthousand.com.au
Photos taken by Matthew Randall at Wolfgang Monthly feat: Pivot/Traps/re:enactment @ Alhambra Lounge
Iraqi gangster kid
COOL KIDS, Black Mags
Zaha Hadid for Melissa
Eureka Tower signage
The Large Hadrom Collider
Rosebud salve
Brooks saddles
Submitting a doodle
Tell us what's cool
cool@twothousand.com.au
LA Surfer Dude
Mariah Carey kid
Jennifer Hawkins for Myer
Saggy pants fineage
The New Mother
Southland tales
Brooke Satchwell
Painting a poodle
Tell us what's fool
fool@twothousand.com.au
True Norwegian Black Metal
What:
True Norwegian Black Metal
Where:
Here or order from Folio Books, 80 Albert St, Brisbane City
How much:
Around $50 including shipping
We feel pretty dubious about all this hipster anthropology shit, but this book has some serious credentials. Photographer Peter Beste apparently spent eight years getting unrivaled access to the most insular and hostile music scene in the world: True Norwegian Black Metal. Think Burzum. Emperor. Immortal. Darkthrone.
Primitive, evil, grim, raw, necro, and most importantly TRUE. These guys are serious, which is why they dress up in spikes, blood, corpsepaint and leather before overdubbing themselves shrieking into four track recorders in dank cellars.*
Except not really: a mate of ours was once excitedly quizzed by Darkthrone's legendary Fenriz about something called the 'Byron Bay rave scene', and Beste's lovingly-produced holiday album does as much to dispel Black Metal's record-sleeve fantasies as a week spent hanging around Oslo. The photo of Fenriz waiting at the bus stop is nothing after the sheer banality of Nattefrost sitting at his kitchen table, freebasing (p92).
So if you just want to wallow in the myth, try Banks Violette's burnt church sculptures If you want the reality, keep your eyes peeled for upcoming doco Until the Light Takes Us. For now, if you want Black Metal, Peter Beste's True Norwegian Black Metal and the accompanying Vice-broadcast series link: are the best there is.
*Cradle of Filth are not true.
Format: Book
Motivation: Good with a whiskey in the bath
Keywords: Metal, Vice, Photography
What We Do Is Secret
What:
What We Do Is Secret
Who:
Rodger Grossman
Where:
Sun Aug 10, 8.40pm, Palace Centro Cinemas
How much:
$15 per ticket
Darby Crash may have died age 22, but his legacy lives on with the release of What We Do Is Secret. Following the meagre success, yet massive influence, that LA punk outfit The Germs had within the music scene, What We Do Is Secret follows the life and ultimate death of the band’s ill-fated front man through a 92 minute biopic of confusion, deception, hate and turmoil. Crash’s life imitated his art – short, fast, loud – and also underscored his obsession with circles… his life may have a start and an end, but it continues to revolve in society’s minds infinitely.
The sex, drugs and rock and roll culture is a major part of this movie, sure, but the passion behind the band and the music itself is what adds substance to this film, and the gloom surrounding the movie’s main figure further injects a poignant dose of emotion into the heart of the story. A true punk to the very end, the story of Darby Crash’s life is not only a music biopic, it is a life lesson for all of us.
Release: Compilation
To Cure: The hangover
Keywords: Rodger Grossman, BIFF
Matinee at The Old Museum
What:
Matinee at The Old Museum
Where:
Cnr Gregory Tce & Bowen Bridge Road (short walk from Brunswick St Mall)
When:
Sun Aug 10, 3 – 8pm
How much:
$9 + bf / $12 on the door
Well it isn’t exactly strictly LOOK. We lied. Was it the matinee that give it away? The Old Museum is that gorgeous heritage listed building that sits perched at the top of the Valley towards Bowen Hills. It’s used mostly for the Orchestra, Zen Zen Zo and yoga groups with the occasional private function.
What’s cool is that some local indie kids met someone who was related to someone who runs the place… long story short they are using the space to put on some great shows – both music and art and coincidently, at the same time.
The bands: chalkandcheese, Houlette (Melb), Mary Trembles, Mapletons, mckisko, Table and Chair.
The artists: Jessie Warren (aka Carry Nation), Kitty Horton, Carlos Santos and more.
Come see what all the hoo-ha is about, it’s sure to be more exciting than doing your washing or some other mundane Sunday ritual. There is also a licensed bar for a drink or two and drink up if you’ve got a big heart (and a tolerant liver) as all the bar proceeds will go to Red Cross’ new project, the Centre for Young People which aims to provide a range of services for Brisbane’s homeless youth.
Medium: Mixed
Drink: Long neck in a paper bag
I Life Factory
What:
I Life Factory
Where:
240 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley
When:
7 days, 9-5pm
Contact:
3257 2881
If you haven't discovered it yet, your life is about to change. Introducing, I Life Factory: a whole world of stuff you didn't realise how urgently you needed until you step inside its doors. Its quirky little goodies are so cheap they are practically free. $10 will get you bag-fulls of treasures (aka crap you don't really need), including cute Asian stationary, trinkets, jewellery, ornaments, homewares, clothing and accessories from as little as 30 cents each. That's right: CENTS.
Needless to say, it's the perfect place to find that quick little birthday/xmas gift if your budget is less than a $1. (And no exaggeration on the Christmas bit either: they already have a bunch of decorations).
The awkward 'Engrish' translations on the stationary provide a great deal of amusement (for the immaturely minded at least), but out of everything its lanterns are definitely a must-see. From colourful hanging fish to lavish Asian designs, you will want one in every room.
Product: Accessories
Anatomy: Whole body
Keywords: Fortitude Valley, Cheap
Seven Easy Pieces
What:
Seven Easy Pieces by Marina Abramovic for BIFF
Where:
Cinema A, Australian Cinematheque, GoMA, South Brisbane
When:
Sat Aug 9, 3pm
How much:
$15/$13.50
Everybody knows that heaps of awesome wacked out shit happened in the seventies. But the decade wasn’t all about disco and deep throat and Doobie Brothers and Dr Who, you know. Apparently some pretty seminal performance art went down too – the only thing is that nobody really documented any of it. So in 2005, artist Marina Abramovic decided to re-enact seven of those famous performances over an entire week in the Guggenheim Museum in New York City.
The performances ended up becoming the talk of the town in Manhattan that week, maybe in some parts due to Marina’s exposed body, but mainly because the performances created among the visitors a sense of sublimation and transcendence. In other words, it was amazing.
And luckily for us here in Brisbane three years later, documentary filmmaker Babette Manglote was on hand to capture the week of performances and some of the audiences reactions too. This is a well-observed recording of Abramovic’s performances which captures the extraordinary endurance of an artist who has made her body both her subject and her medium for over 30 years.
Format: Festival
Mood: Make a therapy appointment now
Keywords: BIFF, Marina Abramovic
Ooh La La Pet Wear
What:
Ooh La La Pet Wear
Where:
Valley Markets
When:
Sat – Sun, 8am - 3pm
Paris Hilton may have started - and ruined - the craze, but we can't deny that dressing up your pooch is (torturously) cute. Brisbane vendors Ooh La La Pet Wear have brought a bit of L.A. to the streets of Brisbane with their range of designer doggie outfits.
This includes decked-out fur-rimmed hoodies, singlets, baby doll dresses, and novelty tees, including tiny Manchester United jerseys for the Victoria-Beckham-courting type. You can also pick up your regular doggie swag, such as collars, leads, bones, toys and what can only be described as the canine version of a baby-pouch. (We suggest that last one is going a bit too far).
Cats needn't miss out either: these outfits certainly come in sizes small enough to fit your pretty kitty. Expect to be scratched. Dressing up your pet: it's kitsch, it's crass, it's over-the-top - it's perfect.
Product: Clothing
The Cupcake Parlour
What:
The Cupcake Parlour
Where:
Shop 5/60 Vulture St, West End
When:
Tues – Sat, 8am - 6pm
How much:
From $3 a pop
Contact:
Online here
What do James Brown, Lil Miss Piggy, Madam Butterfly and a green apple have in common? They are all cupcakes! … well at Cupcake Parlour they are. This house of fluff and cream transforms almost anyone/thing into buttery delectable morsels of whipped air and sugar – add some fine chocolate, marachino cherries, fairy floss or bubblegum and you’ve got every cupcake lovers dream all in one glassed cabinet. Is it just me, or have cupcakes become really fashionable lately? Fashion shows, book launches, bar openings - are all about the cupcakes.
If you can’t beat them, eat them? Trust me, you won’t be disappointed. if you’re scared you won’t be able to contain yourself in real life, check out the full range on the website and have them delivered to your home/office. Professing to be a meal on it’s own ‘flack borest’ (get it) is right up there on the ‘it’s all in the name’ scale. It's the cupcake equivalent of taking Dizzee Rascal home to meet your mother. Have a guess what flavours these are: after ate, fluffy bunny and pucker up? Ah, it’s just too much fun really isn’t it.
Venue: Shop
Meal: Party Time
Brisbane Ekka
What:
Brisbane Ekka
Where:
RNA Showgrounds, Bowen Hills
When:
Thurs Aug 07 – 16, 9am-9pm
How much:
$22 / $16
Would you believe that there are no good carny jokes anywhere at all on the Internet? That was our original plan for filling this section, but seeing as all of the jokes suck, we’ve had to get off our lazy asses and find out what’s actually happening at the Ekka this year.
We were surprised to discover there’s heaps more interesting things to do than try to take discreet photographs of carnival folk. For starters, this year they’ve got a Bibly Man. There’s cow milking. You can look at some dogs. You can participate in an aerobic workout. Go in an egg and spoon race. You can observe the Caboolture Cobra Cheerleaders. Look at some carved pumpkins. You can be an audience member in some bush poetry recitals. You can go on a scavenger hunt. You can go and hang out in the Peter’s Enchanted Park even though we don’t really know what that is.
Most importantly you could eat heaps of those strawberry ice creams, dagwood dogs and fairy floss and trial-sized chocolate bars from showbags and then go on this new ride called the Sky Walker which promises to whisk you 24 metres into the air whilst revolving on three different axis spinning in all directions.
Ambience: Outdoor
Difficulty: Won't hurt a bit
Back Issues fundraiser
What:
Back Issues fundraiser
Where:
The Alibi Room, (downstairs in the Tiki Bar) 720 Brunswick St, New Farm
When:
Thu Aug 07, from 7pm
How much:
Free entry (but every drink you buy goes toward the fundraising!)
Description:
To raise funds for a showcase of some of this city’s brightest and best alternative comic designers, The Alibi Room will host an evening of comics, beers and raffle tickets. Help to support Brisbane’s creative talents past and present alike, and get along to this to get behind the vivid imaginations of a kick ass sub-industry. There are some cool prizes to be won, awesome comics to purchase and obviously plenty of tasty beverages to imbibe, so for some Thursday night fun, The Alibi Room is the only place to be. - SM
Event: Party
Stimulus: A
Keywords: Alibi Room, Comics
Bachelor Of Arts / The Z-Rays
What:
Bachelor Of Arts / The Z-Rays
Where:
Ric’s, 321 Brunswick St (Brunswick St Mall), Fortitude Valley
When:
Thu Aug 07, from 9pm
How much:
Free
Description:
Studying the sounds of Big Black and Shellac to form a sound of their own, Melbourne group Bachelor Of Arts launch their debut album at Ric’s this Thursday to teach the crowd a lesson in grime. Joining them will be garage rockers The Z-Rays, so you’ll get a double course of in-your-face rock. And if that isn’t enough, the amazing DJ duo of Dave and Claire will lend their hand in pumping out some great tunes throughout the night. - SM
Event: Bands
Stimulus: A
OtherFilm
What:
OtherFilm
Where:
See schedule for event locations
When:
Wed Aug 06 - Tue Aug 12, see schedule for event times
How much:
Various costs across the events
Description:
OtherFilm are a Brisbane-based collective who strive to present the public with avant-garde and experimental films through regular screenings and exhibitions. In time for the Brisbane International Film Festival, OtherFilm present four amazing minds, Guy Sherwin, Lynn Loo, Ben Russell and Ben Rivers, for a week of abstract film which is sure to inspire and excite you, whether you are heavily into the moving picture or not. - SM
Event: Film
Stimulus: W
INDIEcent
What:
INDIEcent
Where:
Step Inn, cnr Brunswick St & St Paul’s Tce, Fortitude Valley
When:
Fri Aug 08, doors 9pm
How much:
Free
Description:
After forcing to relocate from the culturally inferior Sunshine Coast *elitist chuckle*, Nebula & Cloudface are bringing their banging tunes south toward our part of town for a night of mash-ups, alternative rock, electro hip-hop and other trendy shit. Support the events which support your culture, or else a few months down the track you’ll be complaining about there being no place to go on the weekend. You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone, Brisbane… The Depot, anyone? Oh, and yeah, IT’S FREE! So you have NO excuse not to go. - SM
Event: Bands
Stimulus: A
The Kill Devil Hills / Halfway / At Sea
What:
The Kill Devil Hills / Halfway / At Sea
Where:
The Troubadour, Level 2, 322 Brunswick St (Brunswick St Mall), Fortitude Valley
When:
Fri 08 Aug, doors 8pm
How much:
$20
Description:
After the success of their last East Coast tour, The Kill Devil Hills are back to unleash their dose of alternative country on Brisbane audiences. The West Australians will be towing along Halfway and At Sea for the Brisbane leg of their trip, so you can expect a three-way musical muster of rockin’ proportions. Get along to see some of the best in the Australian alt-country scene doing their thing. - SM
Event: Bands
Stimulus: A
Keywords: The Troubadour
Regurgitator / Yves Klein Blue
What:
Regurgitator / Yves Klein Blue
Where:
Nova Park, The Ekka, RNA Showgrounds, Bowen Bridge Rd, Bowen Hills
When:
Sat Aug 09, from 7pm
How much:
Included in your admission fee $22 /16
Description:
If there’s only one time you go to The Ekka this year, make this it. Everyone’s favourite Brisbanites Regurgitator get into the spirit of the carnival to headline the first Friday night proceedings with the always brilliant Yves Klein Blue as support. Brave the flu, the salmonella, the animal excrement, the vomit, the crowds, the kids and the carnies for a night of musical fun. God I hope we didn’t just put you off going then. - SM
Event: Bands
Stimulus: A
Keywords: Ekka
John Lennon walked them, Mossy strutted them and Serge Gainsbourg trots them. Why? Spring Courts got bounce, or, um, spring. At the risk of sounding like a shoe nerd, this all comes down to the insole. It's cotton, removable and has eight ventilation channels that sit above natural rubber (sourced from the ‘tears' of a rubber tree). Seriously. You don't even need socks with this shoe, unless you have Bromodosis (also known as ‘bad breath of the toes'). Then you will need many socks, and most likely a powder. Spring Courts have just dropped into Fat stores in winter worthy leather, they retail from $200, Fat stores are in Melbourne but you can buy them by calling Left Industries on (02) 9281 6687. And we have a pair to give away. To enter, just answer the following question.
This week's question:
Bromodosis is
a) best avoided with ventilation channels
b) the younger Gainsbourg
c) Never gonna be allowed back into Take That!
d) Bromantic
To be in the running send your answer AND postal address to win@fourthousand.com.au, winners will be notified by email. Subscriber only entry. Not a subscriber? No sweat. Sign up here.
FourThousand is a weekly snapshot of Brisbane's subculture(s), flung into into your inbox from a slingshot of love, for the people who realise that the best things in life are often hard to find. It is compiled by a gelatinous gaggle of writers, stylists, designers and photographers embracing under that big umbrella we like to call creativity. Without editorial independence FourThousand has nothing. All editorial you read is featured because it's worth it - not because it's paid for.
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Group Publisher:
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Editor:
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Contributing Monkeys:
Penny Modra
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Rude Law
Angus Christophersen
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