With apologies to Noel Coward.

It must be the season for art-macabre with Robert’s recent note on the exhibition in Japan, and now this - Neo Goth: Back in Black, an exhibition at the University of Queensland’s St Lucia Art Gallery.

While many think of dear old Queensland as the state of sunburn, surf and politicians with ‘interesting’ political views, I have always felt assured in that sunshine state in years past, by the sight of the young & beautiful darklings who assemble late afternoons in Queen Street Mall in Brisvegas.  I suppose it’s all Emo now….why, when I was a monochromatic lad, frock coats were all the rage, Big Electric Cat were the local heroes and…yawn….young whipper snappers……zzzzzzz.

Kirra Jamison May all your wishes come true 2007

Anyhoo.

Curator Alison Kubler (as in the Absinthe!) has assembled 170 works from 60 artists over two levels of the museum, covering the mediums of music, fashion, film and literature.

From the exhibition flyer:

“From its subcultural origins in eighteenth century literature, through to the movement’s dedicated tribes of black-clad youths in the 1980s, Goth culture is no longer underground or fringe, but mainstream. Is this ‘new’ interpretation of the Gothic aesthetic just that – an aesthetic – or is the neo-Goth impulse a considered response to a darker, more pessimistic world? The major exhibition neo goth dips beneath the surface and takes a peek at the noir underbelly of Australian culture as it is manifested across art, fashion, film and literature.”

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Skull by Spencer Higgins, 2007

For those of our readers who find themselves in Yokohama in the near future… this may rock your coffin.

“The phenomenon described as goth / gothic exists in various cultural fields including music, fashion, movies and literatures. It originally referred to a style of art in Europe in the Middle Ages, however, today it functions as a term indicative of a certain lifestyle. Body modifications, such as tattooing or piercing, and a focus upon death and illness are not merely a matter of taste, but instead are an expression of the self trying to stand up against a conservative world…”

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(photo: Daniel Hatadi)

Are you a bar/hotel/restaraunt venue looking for quality information and recommendations on absinthe and absinthe culture?

The Libertines behind Absinthe.com.au are now available for confidential and reliable absinthe consultancy, advice and private/corporate absinthe tasting events. We at Absinthe.com.au pride ourselves on providing Australia and New Zealand with only the best and most truthful reviews and information of the global absinthe scene, and as such form a valuable and unique source of advice for the bar, hotel or nightclub proprietor. We also provide up-to-date information on the legality of absinthe in Australia and the various, and oft-times confusing legislation surrounding our poison of choice. Currently, Absinthe.com.au advises several key Australian venues on their absinthe stock and successful marketing of absinthe culture, and are in high demand for absinthe tastings, lectures and other events.

If you are looking for the true, inimitable absinthe experience, we can take you there. Contact us at NewLibertines [Email address: NewLibertines #AT# absinthe.com.au - replace #AT# with @ ] and join the la Révolution Verte …

The Dark Cabaret musical genre continues to grow from strength to strength, and shows itself not to be a passing fad riding on the heels of burlesque, but the genuine discovery of a style and approach to song-writing that balances the historical and contemporary.

One such artist worth investigating as the soundtrack to your next absinthe imbibing is the brooding but sultry Nicki Jaine, who’s commanding voice is seemingly far greater than her diminutive stature.

Mesmerising cover versions of German cabaret songs from the 1940s emerge from within, along with her haunting original material. You would probably be forgiven for picturing in your mind something of a Marlene Deitrich-type with an acoustic guitar. And, in case you needed convincing of her credentials, in this genre through a good back story her musical education arose from individuals such as her grandfather, who reputedly learnt the fiddle from Transylvanian Gypsies.

Any more noir and it would hurt, no?

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Ok, we have been a little quiet lately - what, with one of us in a study frenzy while the other is still catching up on life’s demands after a trip to the US.

But here, this week, in Enmore, old Sydney town, its new, its blue….

its the Blue Moon Cabaret!

(And apologies to members who received multiple emails from us on this - we had some slight technical difficulties)

There will be burlesque, magicians, music, and our fine friends at Absinthe Salon will be lubricating the evening with the finest of the green muse.

And all you can eat. All for only $45 a ticket. This Thursday, 7th June.

Buy your tickets on line now at Under The Blue Moon.

What does one do on their first night in a strange city like San Francisco?

Taking a stroll downtown to go visit the Absinthe Brasserie & Bar should be considered a must for any absintheur. As I am swanning through this fair city for a mixture of work and pleasure, it would be remiss of me to forgo visiting this fine establishment and letting you, dear Absinthe.com.au reader, know all about it. Particularly as their website is absinthe.com (to our absinthe.com.au), we feel a little fraternal affinity from an interweb point of view.

Situated on an easily identifiable corner position between Gough and Hayes Street, this popular establishment has a rich and luxuriously laid out dining area and easily accessible bar area where food may also be purchased alongside ones imbibing. The decor and ambience reflects the French Cafe atmosphere one would desire for a night on the green.

Upon my arrival I was warmly greeted by a namesake, Jonathan (Jonny Raglin), the Principal Bartender for Absinthe. Soon our mutual love and interest in absinthe laid the foundations for comparisons of the Australian and US experiences with absinthe. Of course such conversations should be lubricated with a glass of absinthe. Perched on the bar were two four tap water fountains waiting for my decision….Lucid or the San Franciscan produced St George Absinthe. Neither of which are currently available in Australia.

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Boules d’absinthe de chocolat

These absolutely delicious liquid centred absinthe truffles have been commissioned exclusively for Absinthesalon. There are currently four varieties produced from a combination of the finest Swiss couverture, French and Swiss absinthe. For a limited time you will receive two complimentary absinthe truffles when you place an order with Absinthesalon.

Free chocolate! Its a win-win situation.

Twas my birthday last Saturday, and as my fellow administrator was off touring the St George distillery in the USA (which you will hear about in very short order), I gathered a few other equally louche friends for an afternoon of absinthe, boules and chocolate pirate cake at Obervatory Hill, Millers Point.

What else do you need?

Pics: Daniel Hatadi

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Time for your monthly cross-promotion. Yes people, NeoTokyo, that decadent, Libertine, dirty electro night at Club 77 is upon us again, Friday 2 May.

I, once again, will be your host and, along with my dear associate Mr. Kasdeja, will be on hand to make sure everyone is having a lovely time of it. This months DJ talent includes the handsome Mr Disorder and Donnie Blood of Starfuckers, Ash Le Rouge of Midnight Express and Electro Pussy and, of course, our own NeoTokyo. The April party was a smash hit, and next months’ is set to be even bigger.

…and yes, there will be absinthe.

NeoTokyo at Club 77, 77 William St Kings Cross, Sydney.
10pm til 6am. $10 door entry.
Limited edition A2 poster prints will be for sale on the night.

One thing we like at Absinthe.com.au is a bit of style.

As the modernist successor to the Art Nouveau period, in which the light of absinthe shone brightly, a new generation of functional artists and designers continued the idea of a movement that infused itself into every part of life during the inter-war year in the early 20th century - furniture, buildings, clothes, jewellery, cars were also art, a canvas to be painted upon.

Arising into the public consciousness from the Parisian Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes in 1925, it was born during an era of economic depression. It reflected a luxurious Utopian vision, but where an eye to the past was present, taking stylistic notes from the geometrical designs and motifs of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia amongst other ancient cultures - but infused into the new mediums of polished steel and plastic.

Asclepian art deco motifs above a pharmacy in Prague

While many may associate Prague and ‘absinth’ , it should also be recognised as a very important city for its preservation of many Art Deco motifs. Almost every modern Australian city also has fine examples of Art Deco architecture, many under threat of demolition and overt redevelopment. As the increasing level of property developer contributions to State Labor governments becomes more apparent, those who support heritage protection should become increasingly concerned that we are losing generations of history under our noses - rather than finding ways of integrating the two, using the same principles the Art Deco movements proponents themselves used.

But for those with a penchant for this period should be overjoyed that Melbourne will play host to the 9th World Congress on Art Deco , 16-20th April 2008.

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