If you've been steeping in the massively thick and potent broth of Australian punk for the past five plus years, you'll no doubt recognize one of the primary figures spanning across several genres is none other than 'Australian of the Year' Al Montfort, who appears in so many pivotal bands, it'll make your head pop like a zit. You already know his work, as it encompasses the output of The UV Race, Total Control, East Link, Lower Plenty, Straightjacket Nation, and tonight at the Noise in My Head: Voices from the Ugly Australian Underground US Book launch shows, you'll get to see another side, in Dick Diver. Almost just as omnipresent as his bandmate and cohort Mikey Young (Eddy Current Suppression Ring, UV Race, Lace Curtain, etc.), Al is the MAN and every band he touches turns to gold.
The two Noise in My Head: Voices from the Ugly Australian Underground Book launch shows this weekend at The Burlington in Chicago are anchored by both Montfort as well as another Australian heavyweight, Angie (Bermuda), who is also no slouch in the productivity department. From running her own film production company (check out Garish Hearts,) as well as burning the candle at both ends with her endlessly wonderful musical projects such as Ruined Fortune, Southern Comfort (with Harriet Hudson from Miss Destiny), Straight Arrows, and her remarkable solo material, not to mention her place in history carved out with Circle Pit a few years earlier. It's going to be one epic meeting of the minds this weekend, so don't be a dolt and miss the HEAPS of fun to be had!
So be sure not to miss the Australian Invasion kicking off tonight with Dick Diver, xNoBBQx, X-Wave, and Morales Phallus (Alejandro from RUNNING) & tomorrow with ANGIE, Nathan Roche and Radar Eyes in Chicago (both at The Burlington) and running until the Ausmuteants show Sunday (10/5) at The Owl with Cassie Ramone, Big Zit and The Sueves!
