“In Purple” – Ocean Alley

I hear an awful lot of music in my line of work, so when something different hits my inbox my ears prick up. That’s why I’m really responding to Ocean Alley and their sophomore EP In Purple.

They first caught my attention with the recent single “Muddy Water,” the final track of the EP. This strong track makes the ideal closer to this six-track collection, but there’s plenty to delight before it hits.

“Muddy Water” had a surf rock sound which only hinted at reggae and psychedelic sounds. They’re much more prominent on the other tracks, and I don’t just mean because one’s called “Space Goat” (despite seemingly having little to do with livestock). The songs are full of sexy grooves and infectious hooks. I appreciate party songs like “Twisted” and “Those Daze” most, but couldn’t help appreciating the daring of the epic “Sleepwalking.”

In Purple is a little rough around the edges, but I think its rawness is endearing. It adds a sense of authenticity that’s missing in many more polished recordings. Ocean Alley are currently touring the EP around the country. You can catch them at the following venues.

17 September 2015 – The Brightside, Brisbane
19 September 2015 – Great Northern, Byron Bay (FREE)
20 September 2015 – Sounds of Sunday, Gold Coast (FREE)
25 September 2015 – Uni Bar, Wollongong
2 October 2015 – The Evelyn, Melbourne
15 October 2015 – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney

Richard Clapton @ Laycock Street Theatre, Wyoming – 13 September 2015

When Lizotte’s at Kincumber closed its doors, I started to worry that the Central Coast might start missing out on shows. The older I get, the lazier I get, and the more it takes to compel me to head to Sydney or Newcastle for a show. However, it seems that the loss of Lizotte’s has been Laycock Street Theatre’s gain. This small theatre in Wyoming has been hosting some of Australia’s best talents over the recent months, yet a lack of promotion means I’m usually the last to know. I actually stumbled across the news that Richard Clapton was heading our way just a couple of weeks ago.

Richard’s always been one of my favourite performers, so I couldn’t resist checking his Lonesome Voyager tour. It was billed as an opportunity to see Richard up close and personal, to hear the songs that made him a legend and the stories behind them. Honestly on that score I was a little disappointed. It seems Richard’s heyday passed in a heady blur, so he’s a little vague on the details of many of the songs’ origins. However, there was probably drugs or alcohol or both involved in their inception. The stories he recounted were cheeky and hilarious, but I didn’t quite get the insight into the music I was looking for.

What I did relish was the chance to see Richard Clapton and his guitarist pal playing acoustically. I’ve seen Richard perform more times than I can count on my fingers, but this was my first opportunity to hear him without a full band, back-up singers, and the like. With just an acoustic guitar or two depending on the song, beautiful numbers like “Best Years of Our Lives,” “Blue Bay Blues,” and the final encore, “Goodbye Tiger” were shown in all their glory. There were no real surprises in the set. I’ve seen him play virtually the same songs most times I’ve seen him. He’s one of those artists who knows what his fans want and delivers it. However, while I’d heard these songs so many times before, the acoustic treatment helped me appreciate them in a new way.

With the show starting at 7 pm and no support act, we were all done and dusted by a little after 8:30 pm. I must admit, it felt weird to go home and have time to watch The X Factor before bed, but it was also kind of nice. What a thrill to have such a musical legend play so close to home, then send us on our way before we started to get drowsy. Hopefully there are more of these “old people gigs,” as my husband put it, at Laycock to come.

Image source: Richard Clapton’s Facebook page

Joshua Radin @ Metro Theatre, Sydney – 10 September 2015

Last Thursday I went to those concerts that put me on a real high. I’ll be honest with you and admit that I’m still on that high so many days later. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to write about this evening impartially, but I might just have calmed down enough to come off as more of a music blogger and less of a teenage girl. I might be in my mid-thirties, but that part of me is always going to come out when I see Joshua Radin, especially when I do it VIP.

When Joshua announced he would offer VIP tickets for his latest Australian tour, the first in more than four years, I jumped at them. I couldn’t wait to meet this singer-songwriter that I’ve admired for his entire career, but I wasn’t quite prepared for how special the experience would be. Around 30 die-hard fans were ushered into the Metro at a little after five to see Joshua standing on stage, playing one of my favourite songs “Closer,” from the first album. Joshua told us that he wanted to treat us to stuff we wouldn’t hear at the main show, which I really appreciated. The six-song soundcheck was more than generous. “Vegetable Car,” my husband’s favourite song which Joshua pulled out on the request of another fan despite being unsure whether he could remember the lyrics, was another highlight. It was also thrilling to hear a couple of brand new, unrecorded songs. I didn’t take any photos; it was one of those times where you just want to soak things in and have them just for you.

We were told we could get three pieces of merchandise signed, which equated to six for me because I brought my husband along. However, Joshua was actually happy to sign whatever we had, so those posters we were handed as we walked in also earned his signature. He took his time chatting to everyone individually, really paying attention to what we were saying and engaging us all. We never felt rushed, and we all felt special. I was so glad to be able to tell him what his album Wax Wings meant to me, and tickled pink when he complimented me on my skirt.

After the meet and greet we were shown a special VIP section of the Metro where we could sit for the evening. The plush seats and excellent view from those seats added further value to those VIP tickets, as did the company. I swear I’ve never been to a show with such wonderful people. We chatted with such interesting folks, not just about Joshua about our careers and families and other music we loved. They definitely made the time between acts feel much shorter.

Tara Favell was the first of those acts, a sweet young country-pop singer with a sparkly guitar. Her original songs reminded me a little of early Taylor Swift, and I felt for her when I spotted people near the front playing on their phones. Note to music lovers: if you want to stand near a stage, maybe give the artists the respect to at least appear to be paying attention. Her cover versions of “Thinking About Loud” and “I’m Yours” engaged the crowd a little more, but sadly their minds seemed to be elsewhere.

David Lazarus had an easier time of things. Frankly he was a gorgeous man, and that always helps at a show when most of the crowd are female. But his stories about the love he has for his sisters had every girl in the place swooning. He had a great rich tone, and serious guitar chops. His closing medley of popular songs old and new had everyone cheering. I became an instant fan, and plan on checking out more of his music.

But Joshua Radin was the man we all came to see. Despite being here to promote his album Onward and Sideways, his set took on a journey through his entire catalogue. In fact if anything it was heaviest on his debut album, after fans at the soundcheck told him they’d love to hear the early material. I sat in raptures, hanging onto his every word as he explained the circumstances behind the songs and listening to them with new understanding. After a backing band that felt too big for his songs last tour, it was refreshing to see him playing with just two other musicians. They gave the music the right amount of intimacy. My favourite Joshua Radin song “You’ve Got Growing Up To Do” was a real highlight, but “Winter,” “Only You,” and the jubilant” Belong” was also really special. Hell, the whole concert was special. His cover of “Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright,” the first song he learned to play on a guitar, capped things off beautifully.

I left the Metro bouncing off the walls and I still feel those same butterflies as I write about that night. Joshua assured us he’ll return sooner next time, and I can only hope he keeps his word. Because personally, I’m ready to see the show again.

Image source: own photos

Doctor Goddard Channel The Doors with “Without Love”

I almost dismissed Doctor Goddard as a bunch of Doors wannabes. The comparisons between the music they’re producing and the work of the legendary rock band are inescapable. But then I got to thinking and decided I might have been a little hasty.

Because the thing is, we don’t have The Doors anymore. Or at least, we don’t have the Jim Morrison fronted Doors, and anything that follows is never going to compare. Remaining members might tour from time to time, but they’re a band frozen, trying to recapture a time when they had one of the greatest lead singers the world had ever seen. But Blue Mountains outfit Doctor Goddard are here, making new music like their latest single “Without Love.” And if I’d never heard of The Doors, I would have judged this song on its own merits as something, dark, brooding, and really interesting.

If you dig what they do, make sure you get along to the single launch at Sydney’s Goodgod Small Club on October 2.

“Stories” – At the Dakota

I rarely hear music coming out of the Northern Territory. I’m not sure whether that’s because there aren’t enough musicians up there, or because they just don’t filter down to us here in the southern states. But either way, I’m really glad I have been able to listen to one of the few bands bucking the trend, At the Dakota. This Northern Territory outfit have just released their debut EP Stories, and it’s one of the coolest recordings I’ve heard in some time.

It opens with “Peach Hat,” a summery, breezy song with rapid-fire vocals. I instantly warmed to its cool quirkiness. “Jonestown” showcases a mellower side of At the Dakota. I love its sexy blues groove. The title track “Stories” is another solid indie pop ditty, with some of the EP’s best lyrics. The EP closes with “Stumptail,” which won the People’s Choice – NT Song of the Year 2015. I can understand why. It’s got some of the most impassioned vocals on the EP, and a great sing-along chorus.

At the Dakota have a great energy, with a fantastic pop sensibility that never strays into the predictable. In just four songs they’ve won me over.

Stories is out now. To celebrate its release, At the Dakota are touring around the country next month. Catch them at the following venues.

1 October 2015 – Darwin Railway Club, Darwin
2 October 2015 – Ric’s Bar, Brisbane
3 October 2015 – Shamrock Hotel, Toowoomba
9 October 2015 – Grace Darling Hotel, Melbourne
17 October 2015 – Hotel Metropolitan, Adelaide
23 October 2015 – Four5Nine Bar, Perth
24 October 2015 – The Prince of Wales, Bunbury
31 October 2015 – Epilogue Lounge, Alice Springs
13 November 2015 – Discovery Darwin, Darwin (supporting The Rubens)

Image used with permission from RISH Publicity

Lucas James Impresses with “Long Way Back Down”

Melbourne’s Lucas James blends rock and soul so effortlessly with his new single “Long Way Back Down.”

It reminds me a little of something Lenny Kravitz might have released, all swagger and sultriness. It’s such an easy listen, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t take risks. While it’s undoubtedly radio-ready, it also doesn’t sound like anything I’ve heard on the top 40 lately. It’s incredibly cool, and I hope we hear more from this Melbourne artist.

Alex Lahey Goes Solo with “Air Mail”

It was only a couple of months ago that I was gushing about Melbourne act Animaux and their awesome single “Come on Over.” I’m about to do it all again after discovering the first track from lead singer Alex Lahey’s new solo project “Air Mail.”

This song is just wonderful, with an infectious energy and charming lyrics. Oscar Dawson from Holy Holy produced the track and also offered his expertise on guitars, keys, and percussion.

“Come On Over” is really good stuff, the sort of music that makes me want to press play again when it’s done. Whether she’s with her Animaux mates or tracking solo, I’m so excited about this young Melbourne artist. We’ll see her debut solo EP released early next year.

Plastic Not So Plastic

I must admit that I got nervous when I received a single stream from a band called Plastic. That work suggests this Melbourne band is creating the worst of music, that which is disposable and lacking in substance. However thankfully, nothing could be further from the truth.

The lyrics of “So Numb” are what I’ve really sunk my teeth into. The melody’s lovely and the vocals solid, but it’s those words that have really gotten underneath my skin. Make sure you listen to them.

“So Numb” comes from Plastic’s EP Nightmares, which is available now as a pay-what-you-want download from their Bandcamp page. Plastic will launch the single at Melbourne’s Gasometer Hotel on September 18.

“Songs Made in My Bedroom” – Kristafor Farrenkothen

I’m a firm believer that if the music is good enough, you don’t need fancy production. It’ll speak for itself, and perhaps even shine brighter because it’s not bogged down in studio trickery. Just because you can add an orchestra or overdubbing to a recording doesn’t mean you should. In fact only today I decided not to post about a song with some really strong lyrics because I felt it was lost in its production.

It’s interesting on a day like that, where I’m getting weary of songs sounding too big, that I should hear Kristafor Farrenkothen’s EP Songs I Made in My Bedroom. The fanciest thing about this music is Kristafor’s name attached to it. The EP is exactly what it says on the tin, a collection of songs recorded in his bedroom. But what songs they are.

There are just three, far less than any EP I’ve seen recorded in the studio. But every one is incredible. I was transfixed from start to finish. Normally I listen to music while I’m doing other things but I had to stop and hear every word of these tracks. I ordinarily take notes, but I didn’t want to get dragged out of the spell they’d put on me. And why should I attempt to capture how special they are when I could just share the EP and let you listen for yourself?

There are certainly rough edges here, as there are with any bedroom recording, but that doesn’t take away from the beauty of what Kristafor has created. This talented singer-songwriter has a really bright future ahead of him.

The Wanderlife Spread Good Vibes with “Take Flight”

I’m feeling decidedly upbeat this week. For me Wednesday isn’t Humpday, but one day closer to the three-night cruise my husband and I are embarking on this Friday. It’s a short break but one that’s sure to recharge my batteries, and the promise of it has put a real spring in my step.

My mood is echoed in “Take Flight” the awesome debut single from local Australian indie-pop duo The Wanderlife. I love the way the female vocals skip along with those gorgeous synths. It’s such a cheery track, I challenge anyone to listen to it without smiling or tapping their toes.

Has it made your Humpday more bearable readers?