Month: December 2013

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Midnight Juggernauts Release Catty Clip

I can’t say I’ve ever really gotten Midnight Juggernauts. Maybe I never will. But I’ve come close watching the video for their new single “Systematic.” I actually don’t mind the song, and the clip is a stroke of genius. It really does prove that everything online is better with cats!

“They had an idea to throw dozens of cats around and we were curious to see how they could do that without offending animal cruelty groups,” explained Vincent Vendetta. “My initial reaction to the video was to laugh throughout—and obviously no animals were harmed.”

“Systematic” comes from the EP of the same name, which is in stores now. Midnight Juggernauts will promote it as the headliners at Siberia Presents: A New Year’s Eve Party at Melbourne’s Prince of Wales on December 31.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Meet The Night

In the tradition of hot indie acts like Arcade Fire and Bright Eyes comes The Night, a Sydney band that makes music that’s epic and really interesting.

The act began as one songwriter’s attempt to pen tunes that “would bridge the gap between good music and good storytelling, by allowing one to complement the other.” The band formed in mid-2011, and they’ve been working slowly and steadily on music that’s worth hearing. “Like This” is out first taste of The Night’s EP I Am and Say, which is scheduled for a December 23 release.

This soaring single proves The Night are a band with a lot of potential.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

South Africa’s Mango Groove Head to Australia

Like everyone across the world it seems, I was saddened to hear news this morning of Nelson Mandela’s passing. I thought about writing about it, but then decided that others probably had more to offer on the subject than a music blogger from Australia.

But then I came across an e-mail telling me Mango Groove are heading to our country next year. I must admit, I hadn’t heard of them, but then I read through their list of achievements and it seemed fortuitous that I stumbled across them today. They played at Freddie Mercury’s tribute. They played at the Hong Kong reunification concert, and at the Paris SOS Racism concert. And perhaps most importantly, this South African act played at Nelson Mandela’s inauguration.

And so I watched their performance from the Montreux jazz festival in 1992 and marvelled at their joy and positivity. It was a similar energy to the one which radiated from Mr Mandela. I remember being a young girl and not really understanding who he was, but loving his big wide smile. I’ll bet he liked this band.

So have a listen and remember the joy, and if you like what they do consider checking out Mango Groove when they visit Australia next year.

21 February 2014 – Red Hill Auditorium, Perth
23 February 2014 – Forum Theatre, Melbourne
28 February 2014 – Big Top Sydney @ Luna Park, Sydney
1 March 2014 – Eatons Hill Hotel, Brisbane
4 March 2014 – Norwood Concert Hall, Adelaide

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Darren Hanlon Plays Christmas Shows

Darren Hanlon will ring in the festive season once again with a string of Christmas shows. For the eighth year running, Darren will play solo, intimate shows in the major capitals, culminating with a set of shows at the Woodford Folk Festival.

The gigs are a kind of homecoming for Darren, who’s been spending time writing and recording his next album in the American South. He’s promising to play some of those new tunes as well as favourites from his back catalogue at the dates ahead.

Tickets for the following shows are on sale now.

21 December 2013 – St Stephens Anglican Church, Newtown
22 December 2013 – Northcote Social Club, Northcote
23 December 2013 – Black Bear Lodge, Fortitude Valley
27, 29 & 30 December 2013 – Woodford Folk Festival, Woodfordia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Thom Lion Impresses with “Folk Divorce”

I was a bit slow to get around to checking out the video for Thom Lion’s new song “Folk Divorce”, but I figure sometimes it’s a case of better late than never. Happily this is one of those times.

This ticks all the boxes for me. The music is stellar. I find Thom’s voice so compelling, a little rough around the edges and oozing honest emotion. The music’s organic and perfect in its simplicity. And then we’ve got this clip which is colourful, quirky, and so much fun.

Adelaide’s Thom Lion’s definitely one to watch.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Thyrsday Peels Back the Layers with “Skin”

Thyrsday don’t officially release their debut single “Skin” until Monday, but since their band name is so similar to today’s, and since it’s just so good, I couldn’t resist getting in early.

This is beautiful stuff, with standout vocals and hard-hitting, honest lyrics. I wasn’t surprised to hear the song was written in just minutes after an emotional confrontation. It feels like a real outpouring, although it’s a lot more poetic than most of us could muster under the circumstances!

“In many ways, writing Skin was a breakthrough for me,” explained the songwriter and Thyrsday’s lead vocalist Nikki Malvar. “It was a cathartic experience and it just wrote itself. I think there’s beauty in remaining cryptic about the actual story behind it, but I’ll say as much that I think the sentiment of disappointment and redemption is relatable to a lot of people.”

I certainly connected. How about you?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kingswood and Calling All Cars Unite for Beachy Shows

Kingswood and Calling All Cars are joining forces for what’s sure to be one of summer’s hottest tours. The Life’s A Beach shows will see the lads following the East Coast, playing in some of the best beachy beer barns our country has to offer.

Kingswood are particularly excited to get back in front of local audiences after an extended stay in the United States. They’ve got a new single, “Sucker Punch,” to plug and their long awaited debut LP on the way. Expect to hear a sneak peek of some of its songs ahead of its release early next year.

Meanwhile Calling All Cars are riding high on the success of their latest single “Werewolves.” It’s also a taste of more music to come; Calling All Cars will release album number three next year.

As if two great local talents wasn’t enough, She Rex will join the tour from January 4. Here are all the places you can get a massive dose of Aussie rock this summer.

27 December 2013 – Westernport Hotel, San Remo
28 December 2013 – Tarwin Social Club, Tarwin Lower
29 December 2013 – Barwon Heads Hotel, Barwon Heads
30 December 2013 – Torquay Hotel, Torquay
2 January 2014 – Carmens, Miranda
3 January 2014 – Mona Vale Hotel, Mona Vale
4 January 2014 – Entrance Leagues Club, Bateau Bay
5 January 2014 – The Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
7 January 2014 – Yamba Bowling Club, Yamba
8 January 2014 – Hoey Moey, Coffs Harbour
9 January 2014 – Club Forster, Forster
10 January 2014 – The Northern, Byron Bay
11 January 2014 – The Tempo Hotel, Brisbane
12 January 2014 – Sol Bar, Sunshine Coast

Image used with permission from Remedy PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Rolling Stones Heading to Australia

Two weeks after announcing they’ll play the newly revamped Adelaide Oval next March, the Rolling Stones have released dates for a full-scale Australian tour.

The British rock veterans will kick off the Aussie leg of their 14 on Fire shows in Perth before making their way around the capitals. A show at Hanging Rock is sure to be the pick of them, although I’m sure there’ll be plenty of demand for all these gigs.

“We’re all looking forward to coming back Down Under,” Keith Richards said. “I can’t wait to get back on the stage with the boys.” Bandmade Mick Jagger adds that he “can’t wait to reconnect” with local fans.

There are whispers this will be The Stones’ last shows in this country, so if you’re a fan I wouldn’t second-guessing picking up tickets when they go on sale on December 16. Note that the Adelaide show has already sold out through an earlier sale.

19 March 2014 – Perth Arena
22 March 2014 – Adelaide Oval (SOLD OUT)
25 March 2014 – Allphones Arena, Sydney
28 March 2014 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
30 March 2014 – Hanging Rock, Macedon Ranges
2 April 2014 – Entertainment Centre, Brisbane

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Sinking Teeth Rock Out with “Temporary Living”

Sometimes you fall for a song despite all logic. I know the vocals of “Temporary Living” are a bit rough to say the least, but there’s something about this track by The Sinking Teeth that makes me smile.

It’s got a great energy about it. It’s incredibly catchy. There’s something perfect about its imperfections. It comes from the Victorian band’s debut EP White Water, which they’ll launch on December 6 at Ding Dong Lounge.