Lior 21, Arts Guide 22, Goanna

Chrissy Amphlett, Magic Dirt, King Gizzard & the Wizard Lizard are all major claims to the Geelong talent resume but there is another reptile species on that list that should be perched atop the solid rock.

Born northwest of Warrnambool in the coastal town of Dennington, Shane Howard landed in Geelong to undertake a Bachelor of Education at Deakin University where he would become the first Student Council president.

This is where the uniquely Geelong story of Goanna begins.

After enrolling at Geelong Teachers College, Howard recruited members for a new folk-rock band under the title Ectoplasmic Manifestation. It was through this process that he met Mike Biscan, Richard Griffiths and Rod Hoe, and with a name change in 1977, Ectoplasmic Manifestation was shed and Goanna thrived.

They cut their teeth on the sharp edges of the Great Ocean Road including being part of the Otway Benefit and playing fine Geelong establishments including Eureka Hotel.

“Geelong had an incredible live music scene back in those days. There was so much talent and many bands; great bands like The Trouts and Mike Thomas were just starting up back then. There were bands five Credit Jay Town or six times a week and we would see Richard Clapton, Midnight Oil, and Cold Chisel all at the Eureka Hotel - Joe Camilleri! It was all happening and it was amazing. “Melbourne had a great music scene that everyone flocked to but Geelong had its own unique character. You can’t subtract Geelong and the rock scene of the surf coast and the Otway ranges from the Goanna sound. It was informed by what was happening here,” Howard reminisces. “I have a funny story about Eureka Hotel,” Howard explains. “We were warming up for a gig there one night and had been working on the initial form of ‘Solid Rock’ and it was the first time we were playing it. There were these two Aboriginal guys at the bar and you could tell they weren’t local. I had been to Uluru at the time and had written the song and Rose [Bygrave] was trying to create a drone to sound like a didgeridoo. “This guy came up and said “what are you doing”, and Rose explained, and he said “I play didg. I’ll go home and get it”. He went home, got the didg and we ran

Goanna

Coming home to Geelong to celebrate 40 Years of Spirit Of Place

Words by Tammy Walters

through it together and that was the first time we played it live with a didg. He came on stage that night at the Eureka Hotel in Geelong, and the crowd erupted - it was electric. The didg through a PA, the first time this song had been heard and it really felt in that moment that our generation was ready for change.” Whilst their most significant song, a song that almost didn’t make the cut as a single thanks to label pushback, was written in the dusty red centre about Uluru, the song came to life in Geelong and has since garnered a lasting legacy not only within Australia as a social song of protest and protection, it made its mark globally within First Nations communities. It was also recently celebrated at the 2022 AFL Grand Final with contributions from a supergroup of artists Christine Anu, Emma Donovan, Tasman Keith and William Barton.

As the album that birthed the anthem, Spirit of Place, reaches its 40-year celebration, the Goanna story which has resonated beyond the Geelong confines, makes its way home. The final show of their celebratory tour echoes both their final tour of 1986 at Geelong Arts Centre and their Deakin history. On Friday 18 November, Howard and the current Goanna family will close the curtain at Geelong Arts Centre and Deakin University hybrid venue, Costa Hall. It’s further a full circle moment with support coming from local legends, Mick Ryan, and Luke Biscan. Biscan is the son of the Goanna founding guitarist, the late Mike Biscan. “We’ll finish back in Geelong because it’s our heartland; it’s where we got our break and it’s where we cut our teeth. Geelong is really central to our story and our identity! We did finish our tour in Geelong in 86 and we got back together to do a benefit for the Bali bombings at Costa Hall so Geelong really is our roots. “We’ll come back every time.”

With such a rich history in the Geelong epicentre, it’s time we start the petition to get a Goanna statue or name a laneway after the iconic, trailblazing band.

Goanna brings the Spirit of Place 40th Anniversary Tour to Lighthouse Theatre in Warrnambool on October 27 and 28, Ulumbarra Theatre in Bendigo on November 5, Wendouree Centre For Performing Arts in Ballarat on November 6, and Costa Hall in Geelong on November 18.

Tickets at thegoannaband.com.

Surprise Chef

EDUCATION & RECREATION

Album Reviews by Alex Callan

At this point, Surprise Chef are primed to become one of Australia’s most revered acts. Starting in an esoteric market, the last few years have seen the alt-jazz outfit cut their teeth amongst Australia’s boutique festival scene, transcending the niche aspects of the emerging nü jazz scene to win over a wide array of adorning fans.

In recent months, the Melbourne/ Naarm-based group have taken it to the next step, tackling their first ever European tour and impressively earning themselves a string of notable festival

slots and an appearance on the esteemed BBC Radio show “Live at Maida Vale” as a result. It makes for the perfect time for the group to drop their highly sought-after third release. Maintaining the jazz and funk vibes that helped the group initially garner attention, Education & Recreation finds its sound somewhere in between the realm of jazz elements, providing an immersive combination of contemporary, traditional and avant-garde soundscapes that only further carve out the group’s distinctive sound.

Pushing the boundaries of instrumental soul and funk, Education & Recreation see Surprise Chef dazzle through their signature use of syncopated rhythms; staccato picking and mesmerizingly meandering key arrangements; incorporating the free-flowing nature of jazz whilst maintaining clear-cut song structures. Whilst these are aspects prominent throughout the entirety of the release, ‘Grinners Circle’ stands out due to its impressive tempo changes and dissonant key patterns. The angular nature of the rhythms in ‘Suburban Breeze’ does the same, perfectly encapsulating the irregular time signatures and erratic reprises that the group have honed as their own. With modern jazz/neo-soul contemporaries such as BADBADNOTGOOD being an obvious point of reference to the band’s sound, Surprise Chef’s output has an accessibility that differentiates itself by leaning more into the realm of 90’s hip-hop. Many of the group’s instrumentals feel reminiscent of the work of jazz-inspired producers like J Dilla, Q-Tip or Prince Paul (De La Soul). This makes aspects like the jangly keys and melodic inclusion of flute in ‘Conversation Piece’, or the attention-grabbing bassline of ‘Money Music’ prime to be cut, sampled and reused by producers for years to come. With a sound that blends elements of jazz, funk and hip-hop and an evocative sensibility that pulls influences from the work of film scorers such as Jean Michel-Jarre and Amon Düül II, Education & Recreation stands up as Surprise Chef’s most ambitious and delicately curated piece of work to date.

Catch them at Torquay Hotel on November 4 and Theatre Royale in Castlemaine on November 18.

Label: Big Crown Records Release date: October 14

Flynn Gurry Weather & Dogs?

You don’t often come across a local unsigned artist with a sound that is not only comparable to but on par with some of the world’s biggest pop stars. Flynn Gurry is that anomaly. With a voice that matches up to Ed Sheeran and the songwriting to back it, Warrnamboolborn, Melbourne-based Gurry may well be one of Australia’s biggest undiscovered talents.

Marking his first release, the Weather & Dogs? EP highlights an accessible style that’ll undoubtedly and very quickly find a home on commercial radio stations around the country.

‘Sunrise To Sunset’, Gurry’s debut single already sitting on a cool 21,000 Spotify streams, is dominated by punchy beats and melodic guitar leads, whilst ‘Don’t Know Love’ displays subtle trip-hop picks and a raspy vocal cadence reminiscent of James Bay. ‘Running’ presents an exciting contrast due to its combination of vibrant surf folk rhythms and profoundly darker lyrics than its predecessors, with the inclusion of female backing vocals only further adding to the song’s vulnerability. In a style changeup that lends from Harry Styles’ ‘Kiwi’, the closing track ‘TopDog’ comes as quite a surprise. Gurry ups the ante significantly through the inclusion of heavy electric guitars and catchy rock ‘n roll hooks; a welcomed changeup that only further highlights the immediacy for Gurry to be seen in massive stadiums. If Weather & Dogs? is anything to go by, that’s only a matter of time.

Label: Independent Release date: September 23

Ivy Black BROKEN EP

Considering their short tenure as a group, Ivy Black have quickly been making a name for themselves - and with a sound rooted in the modern resurgence of pop-punk and an energetic presence that’ll resonate in a live setting, it’s easy to see why.

Varying between vibrant pop-punk numbers and emotionally charged emo power ballads, their debut EP, BROKEN, acts as the perfect introduction to why the Swan Hill-based newcomers are a local act to keep an eye on.

With a sound reminiscent of Yours Truly and Stand Atlantic, ‘Lonely’ feels destined to become an anthem for the crowds at UNIFY Gathering. With the opener impressively contrasting drawnout intervals with rapidly spouted vocals and shoegaze-inspired metal riffs, it’s a blistering introduction that adopts the aggression of The Donnas with the playful wit of Olivia Rodrigo.

In one of the EP’s most telling moments, ‘misery’, vocalist Shannon Bishop introspectively unpacks her own issues with mental health in a strippedback ballad that’s reminiscent of Tonight Alive’s ‘Amelia’. ‘TROUBLE’, on the other hand, is ruled by groove-laden basslines and powerful crescendos.

Upon listening to BROKEN, it’s pretty evident why Ivy Black are in line for a rapid rise to success, with the Swan Hill locals proving that from the get-go, they have something refreshing to offer the Australian pop-punk community.

Label: Independent Release date: September 10 Jade Imagine Cold Memory

Feeling like a mindmap of genres, Melbourne-based Jade Imagine’s sophomore release, Cold Memory, fuses elements of the modern day indie rock revival with early 2000’s electronic synths in a holistic and cohesive style that hones in on diverse new sounds. It does so all whilst feeling like a natural extension of the group’s previous work.

Opener ‘I Guess We’ll Just Wait’ channels harmonious guitar licks akin to Bowie’s revered rendition of ‘All The Young Dudes’, whilst ‘Instinct That I Wanna Know’ adds in a delicious art pop flair through its linear key arrangements and vibrant vocal harmonies. The title track ‘Cold Memory’ shines with its menacing whispered vocals and grimey subdued basslines; at times evoking a similar dissonance to hearing music playing through the walls of a club.

In a similar fashion to Weyes Blood or Adrianne Lenker, Jade McInally’s vocals are delivered with a dry conviction, making many of her lyrics resonate more as assertions than observations. Although, considering ‘Get Light’ sees McInally humorously state, “I don’t even know if I believe what I’m saying, I feel like I’m spinning shit”, that may be a statement in which the band laments.

Rounding out the 10-track album is the mystifying ‘Lines’. This acoustic epic sees the band deliver their most hauntingly powerful piece of work to date, a memorable closer to an incredibly delicate and well-rounded sophomore release.

Label: Milk! Records Release date: October 21 Cool Sounds Like That

Dainis Lacey has really been forging a name for himself as one of Victoria’s most hardworking songwriters.

With his newest project Partner Look turning heads amongst Melbourne crowds with their impressive synth-pop stylings, Lacey is now returning to his roots to deliver the newest instalment under the moniker Cool Sounds. Stepping out from behind a band facade, Like That proves, yet again, why Lacey’s insurmountable style and bohemian output are a cut above his contemporaries.

With hand-selected aspects of the European alternative disco sound of the ’70s and ’80s incorporated into his arsenal, Like That finds itself somewhere in between the funk-laden basslines of Idris Muhammad and the deep herkyjerky vocals of new-wave pioneers such as Brian Eno and David Byrne. The result, as expected, is quite an eclectic release.

‘6 Or 7 More’ drips with funk swagger; ‘Dance!’ adds in Italo disco soundscapes of the ’80s; whilst the aptly named ‘Part Time Punk’ sees electronica beats propelled through the impressive combination of percussion, MPC and bongos.

Ramping it up for the end of the release is the punchy standout ‘Foreign Feelings’, an art-punk number that further stretches Lacey’s all-encapsulating sound.

With Cool Sounds 2021 record Bystander rooting itself in coastal rock riffs and soft folk-rock-based vocals, Like That will come bearing a few welcomed surprises, acting as proof that regardless of the style, Lacey’s output remains equally as striking.

Label: Chapter Music Release: October 7

Frankie

Escape from day-to-day hustle and bustle at one of Geelong’s most beautiful venues, where a moody setting and pan-Asian fare make for a great weekly meeting place.

For years now, this elegant restaurant has been all about sleek lines and a trendy vibe. With wooden floors, intricate high ceilings, large windows, all polished leather, beige leather couches, and soft rose-gold accents, matched with comfy plush chairs, a neutral bar, and stunning art, Frankie boasts an ambient setting for lingering over Saturday night drinks or romantic evening dining. Emanating a rich and welcoming ambience suited to smart casual dining, Frankie is elevated further by the exceptional menu on offer. Spanning all parts of Asia, the result is a stunning feast that will transport your tastebuds to cloud nine, welcoming the summer season in the very best way. The ever-evolving menu features fresh local and seasonal produce, such as housemade dim sims, Korean fried cauliflower, crispy pulled pork spring rolls, Japanese-style crispy popcorn chicken and flash-fried local squid to keep the hunger levels at bay. We recommend ordering the steamed prawn dumplings and the pan-fried pork and chive gyoza, both served with delicious accompanying dipping sauces.

For something more hearty, try the slow-cooked beef cheek curry, Bang Bang chicken fried rice and vegetable yellow curry. Add rice, Asian greens and a selection of bao buns and you’ll be reminiscing about this place for years to come.

Best of all, Frankie’s drinks menu brings the heat all year round, featuring wines from local and national wineries, and gorgeously garnished exotic cocktails, courtesy of the award-winning staff. Crafted on-site and featuring a mix of traditional cocktail classics and Frankie’s own concoctions, there are 30 delicious cocktails to choose from. Opt for the Espresso Martini, or try the Clover Club if you’re into gin. The perfect pastel diner, if you’ve got a classy black dress hanging in your closet or a suave suit looking for a night out, this is the place to show it off.

Frankie. is located at 9-11 Malop Street, Geelong. They’re open Tuesday to Sunday.

Manhattan Bar

Nestled in Geelong’s James Street sits Manhattan Bar, your go-to for a weekend drink.

Next time you need to impress, suggest a drink at this funky New York-style bar. Manhattan Bar, The 18th Amendment‘s younger and more laid-back sister will have you sipping on craft beers, cocktails, quality spirits and fine wines all weekend long. Opening back in 2019, Manhattan Bar provides all the vibes of a New York bar in the centre of Geelong – cheap drinks, an unpretentious atmosphere, and a unique experience with equally unique individuals.

With the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll coursing through its veins, inside you’ll be met with an insta-worthy neon sign as the backdrop for your weekend drinks, with the added touch of vintage tour posters, sexy lighting, framed portraits of rock gods and goddesses, retro vinyl stickers lining the furniture and some of the best records lining the walls.

A haven for those who love real music, the bar offers all the best bits of going out for drinks with a chilled vibe to match. Their killer playlist is filled to the brim with classic rock and fan favourites, while the bar boasts an extensive drinks menu along with talented bartenders, ensuring there’s always something for everyone.

Whether it’s a craft beer on tap, a glass of red or a cheeky Pornstar Martini you’re after, Manhattan Bar caters for everyone. You’ll also find a delicious collection of shots - including a jelly shot served in a syringe - for when you’re craving that 10pm sugar kick. As part of the house-curated cocktail offering, Manhattan Bar also offers cocktails on tap which have been handmade to ensure drinks are served fast, cold and as consistent as possible. With no bookings required, wander into Manhattan Bar this weekend to suss all the drinks and good vibes they have on offer.

Manhattan Bar sits at 9 James Street, Geelong and is open Thursday until Sunday until 1am.

Mr Matteo

Look for the well-known facade of The Clarendon on Latrobe Terrace and that’s where you’ll find Mr Matteo, the new venue dedicated to pizza, pasta and all the classics.

The historic landmark is welcomed into the 21st century with a new name, a fresh fit-out, a flashy new bar with espresso martini on tap, a welcoming outdoor area and other beautiful upgrades (as well as live music and bottomless brunch). What remains though is the heart of a classic pub; retaining its place for meeting and socialising with family and friends.

Inspired by Italian cuisine, seasonal flavours and its commitment to using only high-quality ingredients, the menu leans heavily into fresh and colourful pasta and pizza dishes.

Pizza lovers are taken care of with a mouthwatering selection of classic toppings spanning Americana, Margherita, Hawaiian, BBQ chicken and vegetarian, alongside gourmet options like lamb shoulder, chipotle chicken, prawn and pancetta, and the Salty Pig. If pasta has your heart, there are 20 Nonna-worthy dishes on offer. With the choice of spaghetti, fettuccine, pappardelle, penne, GF penne, potato gnocchi, cauliflower tortellini and pumpkin ravioli, pasta lovers can select one of the mouthwatering sauces to accompany their carb of choice.

Garlic bread, warm olives, lemon salted calamari, parmis, Italian salad and Poke Bowl also feature, as well as chocolate mousse and sticky date pudding for dessert.

There’s also the drive-thru component on the business, offering locals the opportunity to pick up restaurant-quality food through a convenient takeaway window. Pizza and pasta to go? Say no more. The whole restaurant menu will be available through the drive-thru from Wednesday through to Sunday.

Combining an Italian-leaning menu and a sleek, contemporary space, Mr Matteo is the buzzy spot you’ll keep coming back to. Buon appetito!

Mr Matteo is located at 378 Latrobe Terrace, Newtown.

Sweet Adeline

Far from your regular cafe, Sweet Adeline cafe is nestled behind the giant trees on the bank of the Barwon River, boasting some of the best views in Geelong.

This stylishly renovated 1950's caravan is permanently positioned on what was once a barren car park, which has since been transformed into a lush and welcoming garden space.

Sweet Adeline owners Bart & JT are dedicated to providing a safe, affable and happy environment to all who venture through their gates. Guests are met with relaxing jazz tunes and sometimes live musical entertainment, while children will marvel at the play area which includes a sandpit, basketball court and juggling equipment. There’s even pavement chalk for the kids to express themselves creatively while parents enjoy their favourite beverages and snacks.

While never failing to hit the cravings, your furry friends get to indulge too with a dedicated filtered drinking fountain for parched doggies as well as treats and lovingly crafted puppacinos. Bike riders can park within the property for ease of mind and there is a heated glamping tent complete with board games and book swap for when the weather turns inclement.

Becoming the city’s most wholesome purveyors of damn fine cups of coffee, permaculture and sustainability are a staple at the cafe. The coffee cups and lids are fully compostable and are processed on the property along with coffee grounds and other appropriate compostables. Water is redirected from the neighbouring business's ice machine run off to passively water the edible garden.

Worth visiting for the experience alone, Sweet Adeline's food and beverages only add to the appeal, being both delicious and affordable. Indulge in 100% organic blend coffee, premium hot chocolate and Chai, or cool down with smoothies, milkshakes and fresh pressed juice.

A hidden gem, the serene Sweet Adeline is found just a stroll across the river from Highton and Belmont. You won’t regret spending a moment here by the beautiful Barwon river for the best coffee in Geelong (and quite possibly, the world).

Sweet Adeline is located at 1/560 LaTrobe Boulevard, Newtown. The cafe is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 8am to 3pm. Find them on Instagram @sweetadelinecafe

Sphinx by Debra Salter

Roughly Twelve

Celebrating emerging artists worthy of your attention

The opportunity to create a portfolio of works and exhibit in a gallery space is an exciting prospect for growing artists. None more so than The Gordon’s Visual Arts students whose Roughly Twelve exhibition is an impressive representation of their developing artistic direction and talent. “The Gordon’s Visual Art students have created a stunning gallery of works produced from a collection of drawings, prints, 2D design, sculpture and paintings. The works reflect their journey in the last year, researching and developing creative works in their own unique style,” says Deirdre Keenaghan, Visual Arts teacher at The Gordon

For many of the students, it is their first group exhibition and emergence into the local art community. Danielle Murphy is one such student.

“I love painting forests. My first assignment in painting was a nature theme. I could only use black and white with the addition of one colour. I had never done this before and was pushed to the edge of my comfort zone,” shares Murphy. “It’s a bit daunting to show my work for the first time, that’s why it’s a dark forest, a scary place to be.”

Students also record and analyse all that is involved in staging an exhibition, including curation, design and marketing. “Real industry experience is very important to gain knowledge and to become confident about displaying and talking about their art,” explains Keenaghan.

For Certificate IV in Visual Arts student Eva LaSpada, the experience has helped her to explore different mediums and build her artistic practice.

“As an artist, my inspiration is the intrinsic beauty and interconnectedness of nature, womanhood and everyday life. Previously, I focused on drawing. Now, I am loving painting using acrylics and creating expressionist landscapes with a strong colour palette of yellow, pink and green,” LaSpada shares.

The Roughly Twelve exhibition is at The Gordon Gallery, 2 Fenwick Street, Geelong. The exhibition can be viewed from 1pm - 4pm until October 14.

The people’s brewery of Geelong

Valhalla Brewing opens to local investors for the first time

Geelong-based brew legends Valhalla Brewing is continuing to honour the Viking philosophy that life is to be lived to the fullest, offering dedicated locals the opportunity to own a piece of the brewery. In a first for the region, Valhalla will allow local investors of all sizes to become a part of its history as it launches a crowd sourced funding (CSF) campaign.

Founded in 2016, Valhalla Brewing has found a home at the historic Geelong Federal Woollen Mills site in North Geelong to erect a state-of-the-art automated brewery and now seeks to help fund its planned brewery by inviting small investors to become part owners in the company.

Valhalla’s founding director Scott Hunt believes this is an opportunity for local people to become a part of something truly unique in the region. “We believe that this is the beginning of what will become known as the people’s brewery of Geelong,” says Scott. “By offering locals the opportunity to own a part of Valhalla, we are building a business that is truly locally owned and run. Investors will be contributing to local jobs, profits will go back into the local community, and locals will be able to come and have a drink in a brewery they own a part of.” Crowd sourced funding has become a popular way for craft breweries to fund growth in recent times, with well-known brands such as Dainton, 3 Ravens, Bridge Road Brewers and Black Hops among those completing successful CSF campaigns in the past 12 months. These campaigns have allowed small-time investors to own a part of participating companies for less than $500.

“Crowd funding has been an important part of Valhalla’s history with our first two beer releases being funded through successful crowd funded campaigns.

“This is next-level crowd funding though, as participants will actually own a part of our company. This will give us the opportunity to build a passionate and loyal Valhalla family who will be proud to bring their friends and family to a brewery that they are part owners of.”

To register your interest, head to valhalla_brewing on Instagram.