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MBAS BluesLetter September 09

MBAS_SEPTEMBER_09.pdf 2.0mb

Inpress Magazine Issue 1087
Martin Jones

Wednesday 2nd September 2009.

2009 MBAS Victorian/Tasmanian Music Awards

Monday 17 August 2009.

The Awards were held at the Royal Standard Hotel on Sunday 16th August. Dave Hogan's Meltdown won the following awards:

Male vocalist/artist of the Year: Paul Neuendorf for "April Fool"
Album Of The Year: "Holler & Twang"
Song Of The Year: "Going To Texas (Texas QLD)"
Band Of The Year: Meltdown for their performance on "Jesterman"
Producers: "Double D Productions" for "Holler & Twang"

CD Reviews

Rhythms Magazine July 2009
Dave Hogan's Meltdown
Holler & Twang
INDEPENDANT

In a note acompanying this new release, Mr Hogan himself wrote, "a bit more country leaning than usual but I'm having more fun with this current line-up than I've have had in years" And it shows!

Indeed, look more closely and this is an all star line-up with vast experience. Gun guitarist David Adam, probably best know for his role in Relax With Max, wields his strat with style and grace; Paul Neuendorf has worked with the likes of of the Dancehall Rackateers, Texical Rose and Zydeco Jump; and how many bands can boast the husband-and-wife rhythm section (Ken and Chris Farmer).

Launching from Dave Hogan's long and rich grounding in blues, Holler & Twang does what it promises, the twang element rising to prominence in a significantly country/honky tonk influenced set.

The title comes from a track of the same name written by Hogan and Adam, one of four compostitions by the pair. Neuedorf contributes one, 'April Fool', and the remaining songs are well-chosen faves' from the twangin' stars like Buddy Miller and Jim Lauderdale, Tom T Hall (thier soul-blues flavour in 'That's How I got to Memphis' is a great album closer), and Delvbert McClinton.

But Holler & Twang is just one facet of of waht Meltdown are capable of. Next time you see'em in the gig guide, go see for yourself.

Martin Jones

The Age EG Reviews June 26th 2009
Holler & Twang
Dave Hogan's Meltdown
(Double D)

Those who have been in a bar bar rocking to to the music of Dave Hogan's Meltdown and have felt Ken Farmer's timekeeping recalibrate their body clock will find much to enjoy here. New member Paul Neuendorf (ex Dancehall Racketeers, Blues Before Sunrise et al.,) brings his strong vocals, swinging guitar and fine songwriting - April Fool is a sly crooner that would suit well with Bing Crosby in his day, or Willie Nelson.

Bassist Chris Farmer (ex Mojo's) joins husband Ken in a rhythm section of taste and drive. Hogan (vocals, harmonica) and guitarist David Adam have co-written four strong songs; especially worthy are album title track, an ode to life-enhancing qualities of howlin at the moon, and Going to Texas (Texas QLD), a genuine Australian road song.

There is more of a country accent than on Meltdown's previous album (2005) but only because the treatment suits the new material. Long-time fans of one of Melbourne's best bands will be pleased that the live favorite Lonely Woman Make Good Lovers, by Spooner oldham, finally makes it disc.

Ken Williams