WE'RE SUPPORTING

Next big things don’t often come as hot as Melbourne band, The Galvatrons. They’re still on the low down, but with a debut album on the way, this band will soon be everywhere. The four-piece rock-synth outfit do glam 80s better than the 80s acts did, with the attire to match. Currently on a small-scale tour of Australia, they’re worth seeing now before the crowds arrive. The Galvatrons have also already played the country’s biggest festivals, and supported Australian rock royalty such as The Presets, The Panics and You Am I.

WE'RE TRAVELLING TO

Melbournes laneways are cluttered with themed, designer bars. The challenge seems to be which is the most hip, funky and individual bar. Step in Section 8, an old inner city carpark furbished with warehouse pallets, patio heaters and a couple of freight containers, converted to serve you drinks. The vibe is fittingly low-key, with background music played at a reasonable level, frequently changing decor, and a variety of options to quench your thirst. It’s casual, fun and simple. Oh, and to keep it that way, there’s even a no suit policy! [photo via TravelMuse]

WE'RE WEARING

Ninety percent of the time, you can pick a Scandinavian brand from a metric mile away, which is not necessarily a bad thing considering that the Scands have such a refined, clean approach to thinking about clothes. Read more

WE'RE THINKING

Harma Heikens makes disturbing, perverted mash-ups of children’s toys, dolls, and figurines — all life-sized for extra creepiness Read more

WE'RE READING

Esopus only hits newsstands twice a year, but take a peek inside and you’ll understand why. Read more

Ten Masked Men are a British parody band that does death metal covers of famous pop songs by Ricky Martin, Christina Aguilera, Madonna, and many others. One of my favorites is their cover of Justin Timberlake’s ‘Cry Me a River’. It’s epic.

WE'RE LISTENING TO

Hotly tipped by a handful of soothsayers to take 2009 by storm, Trembling Bells are an altogether different and refreshing musical experience to much of what seems to excite people at the moment. On first listen, it’s fairly easy to ignore — one could casually shrug it off as some limp take on Scottish baroque folk. Yet, there is something more to it. Rarely do you hear that high-pitched, warbling voice in mainstream music. Likewise the marching band cacophony going on in the background is both daring and highly intriguing.