Month: October 2011

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The X Factor Tackles Number Ones

The X Factor served up number ones for this week’s performance show. With every tune reaching the top, song choice shouldn’t have been an issue tonight. But …

Christina Parie reminded me that just because a song hits the top it doesn’t make it worth doing. “Teenage Dirtbag” isn’t a bad song, but it was all wrong for Christina. It didn’t sit in her sweet spot until the end, which was disappointing. She did as much she could, but she didn’t have much to work with here.

Young Men Society were back to their best with Beyonce’s “Single Ladies.” The boys smashed it with flawless vocals, brilliant dance moves, and plenty of swagger. I’m so glad to see these guys returning to form.

Declan Sykes toned things down a few notches with Youth Group’s “Forever Young.” I must admit, this song’s never been one of my favourites. I appreciated the treatment and enjoyed seeing him in another mode, but I also thought this was a bit sleepy. I found myself drifting off towards the end, but that could have more to do with my feelings about the song than what Declan did with it.

When Mitchell Callaway started “Can’t Get No Satisfaction,” I was thrilled someone remembered there was great music before this decade. However it didn’t get out of second gear. It was alright, but Jagger he ain’t. For Nat to suggest that Mitchell had no country stuff to play with boggles my mind though. If he wants to stick with his preferred genre, why not some Eagles, Lonestar, or even a bit of Shania Twain?

Continue reading “The X Factor Tackles Number Ones” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Impossible Odds Release Hip Hop Debut

After gaining a big following in their home state, Brisbane urban act Impossible Odds are taking their music to the masses with the release of their debut album Against All Odds.

The band easily blends hip hop and soul sounds to create something which flies in the face of the negative, misogynistic music created by some sectors of the urban community. The album’s lead single “Beautiful World” gives you some idea what this band is all about, both musically and philosophically.

The words of Impossible Odds frontman Rival MC give voice not just the issues facing contemporary Aboriginal Australians, but those facing all Australians, and in fact all citizens of the world. However he’s careful to do this without pointing fingers and demeaning others. That social consciousness gives the music of Impossible Odds real intelligence that’s worth listening to, even if you don’t usually consider yourself an urban music fan.

Impossible Odds will play a warm-up show on the Gold Coast before launching their new album in front of their hometown fans on October 22. After that the band will play shows down the east coast. South Australia, you haven’t been forgotten either. A launch show in Adelaide will be announced soon.

21 October 2011 – The Loft, Gold Coast
22 October 2011 – The Globe, Brisbane
5 November 2011 – The Laundry, Melbourne
3 December 2011 – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tales in Space Cover Adele

We’ve all heard Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” more times than we want to this year, but Sydney electro pop act Tales in Space have put a new spin on the hit with this cover. On one hand, you’ve got to wonder why a band is tackling a song that’s already made such an impact in 2011. However, perhaps that’s where the challenge lay.

This take is missing the emotional grit of the original, but it does bring out the tune’s great melody. If you were looking for a version you could groove to, this is it. It’s already making waves in the dance scene after being featured on the latest Ministry of Sound Uncovered disc.

What do you think of Tales in Space’s Adele cover?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Crooked Saint Gets Set for Summer with Sweating Bullets

Just six months after the release of his debut EP Every Angry Inch, Crooked Saint is preparing to unleash his follow-up, Sweating Bullets, on November 4. You can’t say this singer-songwriter isn’t working hard!

I always appreciate a tune with a steel guitar, so the title track is predictable right up my alley. This alt-country song has got a tangible summer vibe to it; I can almost feel that oppressive Australian humidity as I listen to the song unfolding.

To celebrate the release Crooked Saint will play shows down the east coast, culminating in a big final performance at the V8 Supercars final in Sydney. Here are all the places you can see this talented singer-songwriter performing, both in acoustic and full-band modes.


21October 2011 – Revolver Upstairs, Melbourne (EP Launch)
4 November 2011 – The Beresford Hotel, Sydney (Solo Acoustic – with Dirty Little Rebels and The Delta Riggs)
9 November 2011 – The Study @ The Gaelic Hotel, Sydney (Solo Acoustic)
19 November 2011 – Beaches, Thirroul (Solo Acoustic – supporting Dragon)
30 November 2011 – Rock Lily @ The Star, Sydney (solo acoustic)
3 December 2011 – The V8 Supercars @ ANZ Stadium, Sydney (with Noiseworks, John Farnham, and James Reyne)

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Short Stack at the Movies

The boys from Budgewoi hope to make a real splash with their brand new movie The Story of Short Stack. Before it hits your favourite DVD store, the flick will screen at movie theatres around the country on October 27.

While the film will hit various cinemas around the country, fans at Sydney’s George Street cinema are in for an extra special treat. The band will walk the red carpet, play an acoustic live set, and field questions from fans in a special Q&A session.

Considering how devoted Short Stack’s lovers are, I don’t expect the tickets for the events to stick around for long. They’re available through the CinemaLive website.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Matt Corby Plays Gardens

A brand new Matt Corby song “Brother” will hit radio next week. It’s the first track from the Australian Idol graduate’s new EP, Into the Flame. Or if you don’t want to sit patiently by your radio, you could just listen to it here!

I haven’t always enjoyed Matt’s music, but this track feels like his most mature work to date. While many of his tunes have seemed to meander without purpose, this one’s really compelling. If this is a sign of what’s to come this time around perhaps I’d better give him another listen.

To celebrate the EP’s November 11 launch, Matt headed out on the road this week for one of his most extensive tours to date. Called the Secret Garden tour, the shows see Matt playing in some of the country’s most beautiful gardens. These tranquil settings sound a lot more inviting than sweaty pubs with sticky floors!

Tickets are allocated on a first come, first served basis; fans just need to e-mail mattcorbysg@gmail.com with details of the shows they want to go and the friends they want to take (there’s a maximum of four names per e-mail to keep things fair). Tickets cost $20 per person and will be collected upon entry to the event. That money will help Matt continue to do what he does, and help the hosts cover their costs.

It all sounds like such a great concept, the sort of thing we don’t often see in the modern music world. The remaining dates are below if you want to get to one of the gardens, or Matt’s EP launch shows.

15 October 2011 – Salisbury, QLD (18+ BYO)
16 October 2011 – Forest Lake, QLD (All Ages)
18 October 2011 – Palm Beach, NSW (All Ages)
19 October 2011 – Ingleside, NSW (All Ages)
20 October 2011 – Pennant Hills, NSW (All Ages)
21 October 2011 – Kings Langley, NSW (18+ BYO)
22 October 2011 – Ashfield, NSW (18+ BYO)
23 October 2011 – Leumeah, NSW (15+)
26 October 2011 – Hopetoun, VIC (All Ages)
27 October 2011 – Kyabram, VIC (All Ages)
28 October 2011 – Niddrie, VIC (18+ BYO)
29 October 2011 – Donvale, VIC (All Ages)
30 October 2011 – Ringwood North, VIC (All Ages)
3 November 2011 – Crawley, WA (All Ages)
4 November 2011 – Como, WA (18+ BYO)
5 November 2011 – North Perth, WA (All Ages)
6 November 2011 – Carramar, WA (All Ages Morning Show)
6 November 2011 – Carabooda, WA (18+ BYO Night Show)
11 November 2011 – Campbelltown, NSW (All Ages)
24 November 2011 – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney
30 November 2011 – The Toff In Town, Melbourne
2 December 2011 – Blakeview, SA (18+ BYO)
3 December 2011 – Stirling, SA (All Ages)
4 December 2011 – Evanston Park, SA (18+ BYO)

Image used with permission from Pod Artist Services

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Home” – Adrian Deutsch

Adrian Deutsch serves up something different with his new solo effort Home. It’s a far cry from the music he created with the now defunct Sydney rock band Red Riders, but that’s just why I like it.

In his press release Adrian tells readers the album came about a time when he was turning away from the indie rock he’d made a living from. Instead he found himself inspired by the sounds of Steely Dan, Hall and Oates, Michael McDonald, and other more mainstream fare. I could certainly hear the Steely Dan coming through from the opening strains of “Follow the Dream.” I also detected a touch of Elvis Costello in “For You, The War.”

But rather than sounding derivative, Adrian’s used the best elements from his favourite acts to inspire his sound. It’s all very smooth, with a great melodic focus. That makes the tunes instantly accessible, although there are more layers than the average Top 40 pop song. You can dig as deep as you like here. It’s easy to appreciate the quirky melody of “The Arms of America,” or the sheer joy of “By the Hand.” But listen to the lyrics and you’ll develop an even more profound sense of what Adrian’s trying to do.

Your average Top 40 artist wouldn’t dare take Adrian’s risks either. It’s eclectic, with some really interesting choices. “Yr Philosopher” really comes out of left field. It’s so deliciously dark and dramatic. The maudlin “Nothing I Can Do” is also an interesting choice, particularly for a parting track. However it’s such an achingly beautiful tune. Perhaps on such a diverse record it’s only fitting that even the final song sees the disc making a sharp left turn.

I liked Home from the first listen, but I have a feeling I’m going to embrace it even more weeks or even months from now. This is really smart music, and it sounds amazing. That’s a pretty heady combination.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Convair Impress with Retro EP

Sydney’s Convair have wormed their way into my heart with their fun new EP The New You. The title track has won me over with its retro synth sounds and loved-up innocence. It takes me back to my youth, the time when I first got excited about music. It has me wanting more; something tells me an EP’s not going to be quite long enough!

It’s all we’re getting for the meantime though, so at least Convair have done it right. The New You will be available in standard EP format and a special vinyl package, just as any good 80s inspired music should be! Look for it in stores on November 7.

Image source: Soundcloud

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Audio Vixen Out of X Factor Race

Tonight’s X Factor elimination saw Johnny Ruffo and Audio Vixen battling it out. After Johnny Ruffo murdered some Meat Loaf, I was happy to see him doing time. However it seems perhaps the judges were on to something when they accused Audio Vixen of being boring.

Johnny Ruffo reinforced everything I thought about him with his performance of “Just the Way You Are.” He’s really pretty, but I don’t feel anything beyond the surface. His vocals were also pretty shaky for the most part. Bruno Mars he ain’t.

Audio Vixen slayed him with Queen’s “Somebody to Love.” It wasn’t perfect, but it was a damn sight better than Johnny’s performance. And at the end of the day, that should be enough.

Clearly though my opinion doesn’t matter. After the judges were deadlocked the public had their say, and young girls will always vote for pretty boys. It’s sad when a talent competition comes down to that.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Starlight Theatre Tours “Castles, Clocks & Cathedrals”

Brisbane pop rockers Starlight Theatre are hitting the road this week to support their brand new EP Castles, Clocks & Cathedrals.

The band recorded the four-tracker in an old Queensland church earlier this year. It sounds like the spiritual location rubbed off on the lads as drummer Paul Bradshaw said the cording process was “such a positive experience. Everyone was so at ease.”

The EP showcases a sound that’s much closer to Starlight Theatre’s live show than they’ve committed to record before. The band has been working hard on that live act, with more experimentation and a greater emphasis on flow. You can see the fruits of their labour at the following shows.

14 October 2011 – The Uni Bar, Lismore (18+)
15 October 2011 – The Globe Theatre, Brisbane (18+)
21 October 2011 – Neverland, Coolangatta (18+)
22 October 2011 – On The Pulse Festival @ Fortitude Valley PCYC, Brisbane (All Ages)

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment