Hey there guys. So this is my attempt at an Aussie version of Brits & Pieces. I thought rather than clog up the page with an entry every time I had news to report, I’d try and do a weekly report. I’m based in Melbourne, so naturally my reports will be more Melbourne orientated, but I’ll try and give you news from the rest of Australia too.

So, what went down this week? Most of us were recovering from the Soundwave festival fever that swept through the nation for the last fortnight or so. Soundwave is the closest thing to Warped Tour in Australia, and over the last 3 years has overtaken most of the other festivals to become one of the top summer festivals. Well done to the Soundwave production team for another great year!

On the local news front, let’s start with cd releases. Melbourne post-hardcore band House vs Hurricane released their debut album, Perspectives, today. HvsH ventured to Baltimore to record with Brian McTernan, who has previously worked with Thrice, Harvard and We Are The Ocean. House vs Hurricane will embark on a national tour in support of Perspectives, and will be joined by Antagonist D, Mary Jane Kelly and Skyway! Dates for “The Perspectives Tour” can be found here.

Switchfoot announced an April Australian tour this week. They’ll only be visiting the East coast cities of Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne though. Dates can be found on their myspace.

Closure In Moscow have announced a short run of shows to make up for their absence at Soundwave after their controversial departure from the festival lineup. There are a few free shows happening as promised in Melbourne, Sydney and Queensland. For all the dates of “The Supreme Turbo Facilitator Tour” check out Closure In Moscow’s myspace.

And in other news:

- Break Even has pulled out of Pushover, which is happening this weekend. I heard a rumour that it was because one of the guys broke a leg crowd surfing at The Get Up Kids’ sideshow in Perth. If that’s true, then that’s as legit as excuses get. They have been replaced by Pushover veterans Behind Crimson Eyes.
- Whitley has pulled out of Sounds Loud (not happening until April 11th) but has been swiftly replaced by Philadelphia Grand Jury.
- The Bendigo leg of Groovin the Moo, featuring Tegan and Sara and Vampire Weekend, has sold out.
- There has been a venue change for the Vampire Weekend sideshow, which is now happening at Festival Hall on Wed 5th May.
- Brisbane band, The Dream The Chase released a video for “Who Is Alone” from their debut EP Found Again. It can be seen on their myspace.

And lastly, some gigs to check out this week (in Melbourne):
- Head to BANG! tomorrow night for The Bright Star Alliance’s first show since reforming. They’ll be supported by And I Swear It’s The Last Time and Revontullet.
- Spend Sunday at Pushover, which sees a huge lineup of Australian bands, including 50 Lions, Behind Crimson Eyes, Kisschasy, City Escape and Built On Secrets. I’ll be working at this show, so come say hey and I might just take your photo.
- Another Public Holiday eve, another big night at Plastic. Catch heaps of great bands, including The Sundance Kids, The Mission in Motion, The Amenta and Double Dragon over two venues this Sunday night.
- On Wednesday head down to the Ding Dong Lounge to catch the free Closure In Moscow show.
- Melbourne band Built On Secrets will be having their EP launch show at the Ding Dong Lounge on Friday, and will be supported by City Escape, Dream on, Dreamer and Vultures.

[EDIT: Here is the photo that I, Sunny, wanted to be the logo for our Australian section. Alyce-Keli said no. ;)]