A brand new powerpop-rock combo with an impeccable pedigree, The On and Ons, are launching their Citadel Records CD album, "It's The On and Ons Calling", at the Factory Floor in Sydney on July 18.

The back story is this: Ex-Screaming Tribesman and Kings of the Sun member Glenn Morris (lead vocals and guitar) and his brother Brian (drums), of The Zeros (the Australian band) toured Australia and the US in 2012 as members of The Paul Collins Beat.

That successful stint encouraged them to record their own album of Glenn's original songs. The resultain record "It's The On and Ons Calling" was produced and engineered by legendary Australian guitarist Dennis Wilson, of Khavas Jute fame.

Real Kids, Classic Ruins, Primitive Souls and Varmints guitarist Billy Borgioli (pictured right, with The Real Kids) has passed away, apparently after suffering a brain aneurysm.

The Real Kids were one of the most influential bands of the Boston scene of the late ‘70s, with their roots in '50s classic rock and roll, loads of melody and hooks and all the energy of punk. Borgioli is best remembered for being on board for their classic 1977 debut album, “The Real Kids” whose stand-out track “All Kindsa Girls” is a stone classic.

Following in the tradition of acclaimed compilations like “Boogie” and “(When The Sun Sets Over) Carlton”, Festival Records and WMA are releasing a new collection of music from Australia’s sharpie subculture of the ‘70s.

“When Sharpies Ruled – A Vicious Collection” is a power-packed 23-track CD packaged with a slipcase, 28-page jewel case booklet with liner notes and a separate 60 page booklet of Sharpie snaps. It’s billed as “the ultimate aural and visual statement on the infamous Australian youth movement and gangs of the ‘70s” and who are we to disagree?

Sharpies were a uniquely Australian, working class phenomenon from the late ‘60s to the late ‘70s. Notorious for causing trouble, they’re remembered for their startling style sense - tight Italian cardigans and razor cut hair were favoured – and outrageous dancing.

Burning dive bars like bridges Brisbane’s inconsolable Shifting Sands erode into Marrickville’s Factory Floor in Sydney on Friday, July 3.

Sprinkling their trademark downbeat alcho-aesthetic, one part piano bar depresso-core and one part island funeral, Shifting Sands play all the hits from their stunning debut long-player “Beach Coma” – one of the albums of the year for ours. 

Support comes your way from Devotional, who level it drenched and panoramic, and new project for Yvonne Moxham and Cec Condon (Mess Hall), Roadhouses. Buy your tickets here. There's a film clip after the MORE link. 

Newcastle band The Delta Lions have just released a brand new double A side single and are donating all the proceeds to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. “Smoke Bombs” b/w “Mac & Laura” is up for grabs digitally at $A2 for both songs. It’s also available as a vinyl seven-incher and is the band’s first recording in two years.

Set up in 2011, the Indigenous Literacy Foundation is a not-for-profit charity without government or major corporate funding. It aims to raise literacy levels and improve the lives and opportunities of Indigenous children living in remote and isolated regions.

Delta Lions are touring buddies of Leadfinger and one of the best blues-rock bands to emerge from Newcastle in recent years. Details or how to buy the single are available via the links below.

The Delta Lions on the Web

The Delta Lions on Bandcamp

Guitarist for influential Michigan rock band the SRC, Garry Quackenbush, has passed away after a struggle with lung disease.

Best known for his work with the SRC (Scot Richard Case) in the late ’60s and early ’70s, Quackenbush had been under home care. Friends rallied earlier this month in Detroit to stage a benefit show.

SRC released three albums (“SRC”, “Milestones” and “Traveler’s Tale” – the latter without Quackenbush) during their run and two posthumous records (“Lost Masters” and “Black Sheep”) after their break-up. The surviving members staged some reunion gigs in recent years.

Quackenbush was recognised as a master of sustain and feedback and the band’s influence was particularly felt in Europe thanks to a string of album re-issues.

Leni Sinclair photo