VACANT VALLEY BLOG SPACE

Nov 7, 2018

BITUMEN • Discipline Reaction LP (VV035)

NOW AVAILABLE

Discipline Reaction is the much anticipated debut LP from Melbourne based post-punk industrial unit Bitumen.
This free-standing document was recorded at Magnet Studios in Coburg, and produced by the band with the help of Alexander Anglias (The Faculty, Ill Globo) – the phantom fifth member, and realised with the guidance of Peter Bramley, (Vacant Valley executive) who created the idiosyncratic cover art.

Experiencing their mesmeric live performances is to engage with a tense yet assured force. This year, the band have supported the likes of iconic UK post-punk group The Chameleons, and the needs-no-introduction Lydia Lunch, both in Melbourne and in Hobart as part of Dark Mofo festival.

Discipline Reaction – an apt title reflecting the bands sincere sense of drive and earnest audacity. This monolithic record faithfully portrays their electric dynamism and sheer conviction.

“grandiose post-industrial power”

ORDER DISCIPLINE REACTION HERE

OR CHECK YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT RECORD STORE

PURCHASE MELB LAUNCH TICKETS

Sep 11, 2018

BITUMEN • new single / video clip + tour details

BITUMEN

TWICE SHY

The new video / single

From the forthcoming DISCIPLINE REACTION LP

Out this October via Vacant Valley

WATCH

STREAM

DISCIPLINE REACTION TOUR 2018

OCT 12 • SYDNEY - PETERSHAM BOWLS CLUB

w/ Den, Twinrova, Telekenet

NOV 02 • HOBART - THE BRISBANE HOTEL

w/ All The Weathers, Starklane

NOV 16 • BRISBANE - THE BEARDED LADY

w/ Brainbeau, Girlsuck, Telekenet

NOV 17 • IPSWICH - GOLEBY’S BASEMENT

w/ Clever, Star Slushy

NOV 24 • MELBOURNE - THE CURTN

w/ Ov Pain, Premium Fantasy, Synthetics

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Live band photo: Steve Patrick

PRE-ORDERS AVAILABLE SOON

Jun 25, 2018

EQUALIZER 24K - Lost and Found compilation cassette (VV033)

• NOW AVAILABLE •

EQUALIZER 24K
Lost and Found compilation cassette

E24K is Nicola Morton

A nine track cassette compiling assorted material from 2001 - 2017
Some previously unreleased.
Hectic lo-fi beats, oddly energising, manic electronic sounds.
Nicola is now based in remote central coast NSW. She has been an integral part of underground scenes over the years, notably co-running legendary, defunct DIY space Real Bad Music (whilst based in Brisbane), and involved in many weird and wonderful outfits such as Bad Intentions, Club Sound Witches, Vavenge, Tracey, et al.
nicolaisgreat.com

Visual / layout by Peter Bramley
Mastered by Simon Maisch, April 2018

Live shot: Nick Dan

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Limited edition!
ORDER HERE

Dec 18, 2017

TELEKENET - s/t cassette (VV030)

TELEKENET
s/t cassette

Image courtesy of Ede Eves

Telekenet is the new dark industrial based solo venture for Peter Vannet Bramley (Vacant Valley, Club It To Death radio). After years of performing / recording as Penguins, this release marks a fresh, refined sonic direction. This limited run tape holds two cacophonous compositions..

STREAM / ORDER

Currently developing a live set for shows in 2018

telekenet@gmail.com

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This record was made on the stolen lands of the Wurundjeri people
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YEONGRAK - Mouth Scraper cassette (VV032)

YEONGRAK

Mouth Scraper cassette

yeongrak self shot photo from 2016
Published with an article by Shane Woolman in The Wire issue 390

An incredible new album from the elusive, avant-absurdist producer based in Carterton, NZ (originally from Christchurch). Since 2014, Yeongrak's high output of mind-bending digital only releases have mostly been self issued, with digital / physical releases also via various labels such as Visual Disturbances (US), Quantum Natives (UK), and End Of The Alphabet Records (NZ). Yeongrak - a totally unique solo artist with a truly warped, and fun yet unsettling perspective on electronic based composition.

WATCH

STREAM / ORDER

Sep 11, 2017

FILE FOLDER - Roaring In The Dark cassette (VV031)

VV is pleased to announce a new release from a revered Auckland based duo..

Words courtesy of Fujichia / Mother's News:

Another great packet of fucked-out new wave from File Folder.
Pounding drum machine, buzzing synth, and snotty scowling vocals in a

big warehouse echo. Pop songs, not techno. Duran Duran for scumbags.

Perfect soundtrack to a late night bike ride through a shitty suburb you hated growing up in.

"How can you see anything at this party with those sunglasses on?"

"I don't want to see anything at this party".

Words courtesy of Max Nordile, Oakland CA USA Sept 2017:

God-damn mess pile! Gosh darn it all anyway. Pickle + Da Duck (NOT their Christian names) have done spilled it all. Got a junk dada message on the fax- and I cant really hear it too good, but I sure does play it LOUD when the neighbors seem to be having a time. Its just a fake spook, I know, but I get real shook to the sweet core when those sounds come through the walls/wires. Changing platforms- gotta swap some midair prance, frolic, and still keep a punk plugged in. And for that, I do thank them. It makes me feel like a computer server in a meadow too! Gee, thanks? Ok but really, and not to be a policy wonk, but a True Lies sequel feels like the next song file to download. Taken down them masks. Pile after pile, too many thick pixels- OH DAD!

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Roaring In The Dark is limited to 60 copies

Stream + ORDER HERE

May 9, 2017

OV PAIN - s/t debut cassette (VV029)

The incredible, lingering, dark synth debut album from this Dunedin based duo,
comprised of Renee Barrance and Tim Player.

Recorded, mixed, mastered by Forbes Williams
U-card risograph prints courtesy of Gilbert May
Campfire orange cassette shell
Edition of 50
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AUS cassette edition > Vacant Valley VV029

NZ cassette edition > Zero Style (Wellington) ZS#33

NZ vinyl edition (forthcoming) > CocoMuse Releases

If you're in Australia, stream / ORDER HERE

Further words courtesy of Zero Style boss John Dimmery:

The duo of Renee (Élan Vital) and Tim (Opposite Sex) come together with a stark compatibility, producing a heinous yet endearing kind of antagonistic cold wave. The hysterical, despondent vocals resound, leaving the listener uncomforted but drawn in.

Apr 13, 2017

IRONING MUSIC • s/t LP (2017 reissue)

Medical Records LLC (Seattle, Washington) in conjunction with Crispy Nuggets

present..

IRONING MUSIC - self titled LP

Brilliant, ingenious synth pop/new wave group from Brisbane, QLD.

This exciting volume compiles their sole record, a rare and visionary self released EP 12" from 1985,

plus a range of incredible demos from that period.

LISTEN HERE

Vacant Valley will be the exclusive carrier of this title in Australia.

Limited copies!

AVAILABLE NOW

VV ONLINE MAIL ORDER

+ at these select independent record stores:

QLD

Phase 4 Records & Cassettes

Rocking Horse Records

Vital Juices Records

VIC

Greville Records

Poster design circa 1985

Apr 6, 2017

NO SISTER / BITUMEN split cassette (VV028) + tour

Vacant Valley's first release for 2017 is a split from two killer Melbourne based outfits,

No Sister and Bitumen.

PRE-ORDER HERE
Cassettes posting out / available in stores from 22nd April 2017

A new limited edition cassette, comprising two exclusive songs from each band per side. This document shows both groups building on their own distinctive styles of expansive, guitar driven post-punk sounds. There is the tight, lurching, dynamic attack of No Sister, and the dense, propelling coldwave power of Bitumen.

No Sister / Bitumen split cassette is an anticipated record, given the growing audiences via constant and consistently solid shows, and the praise surrounding their respective debut albums from last year.

Split tape tour April 2017:
Thursday 13th April - Marrickville Bowling Club, Sydney N.S.W w/ Pink Batts + Narrow Lands
Saturday 15th April - The Bearded Lady, Brisbane QLD w/ Pleasure Symbols + Clever
Sunday 16th April - The Time Machine, Nambour QLD w/ Sewers
Saturday 22nd April - The Tote, Melbourne VIC w/ Stationary Suns + Synthetics

Poster art by No Sister members Siahn Davis, and Murray Coggan

No Sister performing at The Tote front bar
Video still: Peter Bramley

Bitumen performing at the Yarra Hotel
Photo: Steve Patrick

For any enquires, contact Peter vacantvalley at gmail dot com

Sep 19, 2016

IS THERE A HOTLINE? / SQUIRREL PANCAKE cassettes

VV is proud to be helping release two visionary new documents..

Is There a Hotline? - s/t cassette

The debut record for this Melbourne based duo, comprised of Jen Tait and Jen Callaway. Live recordings at Longplay (North Fitzroy) and Howler (Brunswick), both from earlier this year. Atmospheric post-punk space rock featuring percussion, analogue synth, electric thumb piano, various objects and alien-siren vocals and wails. Strange drifting sounds, delicate and intense extremes, evoking a parade of cosmic imagery. Stream an audio excerpt..

Squirrel Pancake - 'II' cassette

Album number two for Squirrel Pancake, aka Melbourne based artist Jen Tait. In her inimitable electric guitar and vocal format, this follows on from the debut self titled album released last year (VV021).
Dissonant, cycling, and inexplicable free-formations. Hear a track here..

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ORDER HERE

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DOUBLE LAUNCH SHOW > 23RD SEPTEMBER 2016
Aeso Studio - 83 Brunswick St, Fitzroy
Is There a Hotline? + Duck Billed Dinosaur to perform
Doors 8pm • $5 entry

This show coincides with a 10 artist exhibition, curated by Victoria Armytage.
Artists involved: Kevala Buttonshaw, Georgina Matherson, Victoria Armytage, Carly Housiaux,
Jen Tait, Allanah Stewart, Jane Hearn, Alyssa McBain, Olivia Vesnaver, and Jen Callaway.
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Aug 10, 2016

HAGAR THE WOMB - Hagiography • A Retrospective: 1982-2014 CD

NEW IN THE VV DISTRO!

Hagar The Womb are a U.K. punk band. They were part of the anarcho-punk scene from 1981-1987, and reformed with all original band members in 2011. Hagiography compiles recordings from both of these periods: The Word Of The Womb EP (Motorhate Records, 1984) • Funnery In The Nunnery EP (Abstract Sounds, 1985) • select recordings from the Increase The Pantomine cassette (69 Tapes, 1985) • a track from the classic compilation Who? What? Why? When? Where?' (Motorhate Records, 1984) • Life Of Lies...Distant War...You Never Learn EP (All The Madmen Records, 2014) • PLUS, previously unreleased recordings from a Xntrix Studios session in 1982.

Hagiography was recently self released by the band via their imprint One Bright Spark Records.
Vacant Valley is the exclusive distributor of this title in Australia.

Very limited copies just shipped over from London, U.K.
ORDER HERE

Elaine Howling, 1983

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Ruth Elias and Karen Amsden

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Hagar The Womb performing at the Hope n Anchor squat in London, early 80's.
Photo: Alison Russell

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Live in 2014

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Jul 5, 2016

NEWS - JULY 2016

FORTHCOMING RELEASES

Due September

Is There A Hotline? - s/t cassette (VV026)

The debut record for this Melbourne based duo, comprised of Jen Tait and Jen Callaway.

Live recordings at Longplay (Fitzroy) and Howler (Brunswick), both from earlier this year.

Atmospheric post-punk space rock featuring percussion, analogue synth, electric thumb piano, various objects and alien-siren vocals and wails. Strange drifting sounds, delicate and intense extremes, evoking a parade of cosmic imagery.

Live at Dane Certificate's Magic Tricks, Gags & Theatre, April 2016
Photo: Kurt Eckardt

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Due September

Squirrel Pancake - II cassette (VV027)

Album number two for Squirrel Pancake, aka Melbourne based artist Jen Tait.
In her inimitable electric guitar and vocal format, this follows on

from the debut self titled album released last year (VV021).

Dissonant, cycling, and inexplicable free-formations.

Collage art: Jen Tait

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Due late 2017

Telekenet - debut album cassette (VV028)

A literal merging of recent and older recordings by Peter Bramley.
A cacophonous concoction of varied drum patterns, raw metronomic noise, and poisonous voice.
A new pseudonym, and a slightly different approach to his Penguins project.

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Due 2017/18

Penguins live VHS

A very limited edition video compiling a range of live
performances by Melbourne based Penguins, aka Peter Bramley.
Featuring footage of shows from 2008 to more recently, including:

- one from Hobart last year

- the second show ever, at Bar Open in Melbourne

- a non-sensical recital at Dane Certificate's Magic Tricks, Gags & Theatre

- a surreal set at North St Bar in Bateman's Bay, N.S.W

- a crude set at Burst City (now defunct diy space) in Brisbane

- the 'infamous' performance at Jura Books in Sydney, never-before-seen video.

Like an audio-visual scrapbook.

Penguins at Percy's Bar in Carlton, 2012
Photo: Ema Dunstan

Plus a couple of other exciting releases to be announced down the track!

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RELEASED IN 2016

Whitney Houston's Crypt EP 7" (VV024)
Released a few months back, it has received some strong reactions so far..

"A noise-rock approach that smells of death."

"...like a cup of cold tea with coal silt sediment"
"The vocals are too intense"
"...it’s screaming bloody murder, it’s murder to the mind and it’s nightmarish to the extreme"

"...it’s about time someone started coughing up blood over a 7” once again, playing as if their lives depended on it"

Review by Byron Coley, The Wire issue 388

Record Of The Day at WFMU radio station in New Jersey.

Copies still available via direct email order, and the VV bandcamp page.

If you're in Australia, ask your local independent record store / distro about a copy.

If you're in the U.S.A, via Aquarius Records in San Francisco.

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Treehouse - Centre Of Their World cassette (VV025)
There has been much praise already for this new album from
the Hobart based trio, and it's very close to being sold out.

"There’s something in the Tasmanian water that breeds fiercely intense sound"

"..must have been a relief to get this out of their system"
Review via 4ZZZ radio

Check the VV bandcamp page, or your local record shop for a copy.

JULY TOUR DATES . . .

Jun 8, 2016

TREEHOUSE - Centre Of Their World cassette (VV025)

Now available!

The glorious new album from beloved Hobartians' Treehouse.

Entitled Centre Of Their World, and issued on cassette in an edition of 100 copies.

A bonus live track accompanies the album download card.

The first edition of this cassette (40 copies) was made by the band in time for their tour of New Zealand earlier this year (with Wasted Idol). That run sold out promptly.

Centre Of Their World builds on their much praised Gathering The Dreams cassette EP from last year, released via Plum Stop (a 'bedroom' label run by bassist Jon Ainslie).

ORDER THE NEW ALBUM HERE

Treehouse at Lake Okareka in Rotorua, New Zealand, 2016
Photo by Simon Maisch

FORTHCOMING TOUR . . .

Feb 11, 2016

WHITNEY HOUSTON'S CRYPT EP 7" (VV024) + TOUR

Vacant Valley number 24 is the Whitney Houston’s Crypt EP 7”

• NOW AVAILABLE •

Whitney Houston’s Crypt are a five-piece death wave noise rock band originally from Newcastle, N.S.W. Vexed vocals, pummelling rhythm section, dual electric guitar assault. Known for their intense and spirited live shows, this release (recorded by Oliver Young) faithfully captures that dark atmosphere. A much anticipated record, it will be the follow-up to their alarming ‘Chairpagedotcom’ cassette from 2014.