Ballarat Blog #680

Things are slowly winding down in the Rat as Christmas has been and gone, but the acts keep coming thick and fast. Country meets folk with the wholesome Melbourne duo Pierce Brothers who recently played at Karova Lounge on December 2 pleasing the crowd, having already toured the UK, Europe, Canada, U.S.A and their native Australia. Their 2017 release My Tired Mind has some interesting tracks on it and Hold Your Fire struck me as the most appealing track on the album.
Looking ahead, Drunk Mums are releasing their 7”- Denim – in January. Dropping their blues-y, indie rock sound, they have turned to ’70s rock bands for inspiration. Denim is the band’s fifth release. They’ll be at The Eastern on January 25, so head down for a night of rock.
Freight Bar continues to do things well, as they serve consistently delicious food and provide excellent service with their friendly staff. Plenty of variety on the menu here folks and the beer taps have a great selection to choose from.
The Athletic Club Brewery, which adjoins the pub, is continuing to go ahead in leaps and bounds with a new brewer about to start over the next few weeks to get summer froffies happening. Sunday sessions are a happening thing out on the deck and they’ve been going off lately.
Frenzal Rhomb are heading our way in early Feb. They have been doing punk rock for quite some time now and the High Vis High Tea Tour will land in the Rat on a Saturday night. Sounds like that gig will be a hoot!
By Glen Anderson