Under the Blue Moon is an annual festival celebrating
the goth/alternative subcultures, and also to raise the profile of the
retail outlets that cater for these subcultures. In its second year,
Under the Blue Moon this year attracted people from all walks of life.
There were goth parents and their children, metal fans, punks, young
people looking for a 'foot in the door' into the scene (so to speak),
domineering women and their pussy-whipped boyfriends (and vice-versa),
single folks and other people who were not really part of the subculture
whose curiosity got the better of them.
There was a Goth treasure hunt for the kiddies during
the day, bands playing at Aftertaste, a merchandise store, bargains
ahoy if you bought a showbag and there were various performances as
well as street theatre during the day. Local artists Kriss Hades, Christie
Torrington and Skitta Designs, and photographer Anjella Roessler had
their works on public display. As the clock struck three, the showcase
gigs "Blue Moon Rising" and "Nachtmusik" begun at
Newtown Neighbourhood Centre.
Under the Blue Moon featured The String Theory, Mz Ann
Thropik and Angelspit. The String Theory's music is different but pleasing
- their music is hypnotic, with its tribal rhythms and haunting guitar
work that sends you into your own little world, and makes you want to
dance. Two women in the crowd couldn't resist the temptation, and watching
them dance like a whirling dervish was equally entrancing. With more
live experience and an album or more under their belt, The String Theory
have the potential to reach an international standard - and will be
worthy of supporting an international band such as Tool should they
ever tour Australia in the future. When Mz Ann Thropik play a gig, they
have fun doing so, and it was evident in their between-song banter,
their stage presence and in their music. Their cover of The Bangles'
Walk like an Egyptian got everyone into party mode, with Magdalena (vocals)
and Sugar (keyboards) walking like Egyptians from one side of the stage
to the other! They were very enjoyable to watch live and there's no
doubt that anyone in the auditorium that afternoon will agree. Angelspit,
a two-piece industrial band from Sydney, quickly followed Mz Ann Thropik.
After supporting KMFDM and playing at the Rock City Morgue on New Year's
Eve, Angelspit were in fine form and the afternoon's performance surpassed
their previous performances. Their harsh, abrasive sound was a taste
of what was to come in the second showcase gig.
Meanwhile, on Enmore Road at various times of the afternoon,
The Dark Lord began his procession in the Under the Blue Moon hearse,
RuneNet performed a protection ritual, there were tours of Camperdown
Cemetery, and people tried their luck on the Goth Wheel of Misfortune.
As the festivities outside continued, Nachtmusik (the
second showcase gig) featured Novakill, Angel Theory and Ikon. Novakill
have a sound akin to Frontline Assembly, their music the perfect soundtrack
to a platoon charging headlong on the warpath. Angel Theory sounded
similar, but have a more organic feel to their music. The last band
for the evening, Ikon, fit more into the style of the old school Goth
sound. In all, the six bands that played the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre
were equally impressive.
At Newtown RSL, the fashion parade unfortunately clashed
with the tail-end of Nachtmusik, but the parade featured fashions from
the local businesses along Enmore Road, in particular The Wild One and
Gallery Serpentine. Then after 10pm, as the festivities wrapped up,
those old enough to drink all congregated to Newtown RSL for Vortex
and Ascension after-parties. Despite the rain during most of the evening,
some people braved the weather and indeed had a good time!
The events for the most part ran smoothly, everyone behaved
themselves and made the job of the Police much easier! Bring on UtBM
2006!
© Megan Masters 2005
