WULFE Does “Dallas”

Listening to “Dallas,” the debut single from Perth one-man electronic project WULFE was an interesting experience for me. I’m used to thinking of electronic music as the stuff they play in the clubs that gets people up on the floor and dancing until dawn. However, “Dallas” shows a different side of electronica, something more subtle, delicate, and really quite beautiful.

Even though I didn’t have lyrics to cling onto, I found myself going on a real emotional journey with “Dallas.” I love how the piano anchors it, an organic heart supporting the shimmery synths.

I was already impressed by this track, but when I noticed WULFE is just 18 I became even moreso. This is one young artist with a big future ahead.

Tully on Tully Touring “Miles Away”

This might be the rantings of a child of the ‘80s looking back at the decade she was born with rose-coloured glasses, but I’m convinced the women of the music world we looked up to were so much cooler than young ladies that serve as musical role models today. We had Pat Benatar, the Wilson sisters of Heart, the Bangles … I was almost feeling like they’d broken the mould until I heard “Miles Away,” the title track of Tully on Tully’s EP.

It seems I’m not the only one digging this 80s-inspired power pop anthem. Rage recently chose the video as its indie clip of the week.

Tully on Tully are currently on tour to support the Miles Away EP’s recent release. You can still catch them at the following venues.

15 April 2016 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
16 April 2016 – Workers Club, Melbourne
22 April 2016 – Mynt Lounge, Werribee
26 May 2016 – Bar On The Hill @ University of Newcastle, Newcastle (lunchtime gig)
26 May 2016 – Gallery Bar @ Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
28 May 2016 – Transit Bar, Canberra

Greg Chiapello Releases Long-Awaited Second Single

Greg Chiapello has certainly taken his time to release a follow-up to his debut single “Hot Coffee.” The Queensland singer-songwriter has kept us waiting since last February to hear something new, but it’s worth the wait.

“Around the World” showcases the same stellar falsetto and quirky pop sensibility that drew me to Greg’s music all those months ago. I love its retro 70s vibe and easy groove.

Hopefully Greg won’t leave us waiting so long for the follow up to this one!

RÜFÜS Album Tour Approaching

We’re only four months in, but already 2016 is shaping up to a be a big year for RÜFÜS. Bloom topped the ARIA charts in January, kicking Adele off her perch, the singles “You Were Right” and “Like an Animal” were both in the top third of the triple j Hottest 100, and they’ve been selling out shows across Europe, the UK, and North America.

But it’s all been building to this, the start of their national Bloom tour.

“When we approach the live show I think a really exciting thing for us is to re-imagine the songs and try to bring a new dimension and new journey to our music. A big part of what we do whether it be writing a record or performing it live, is that sense of progression and that sense of tension and release,” drummer James Hunt explained. “We’ve been absorbing so much live music lately so there are a million little things we want to try.”

Some shows are sold out, but if you’re quick you should be able to get yourself to one of these gigs.

29 April 2016 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
30 April 2016 – Red Hill Auditorium, Perth
4 May 2016 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney
5 May 2016 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney (SOLD OUT)
6 May 2016 – Festival Hall, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
7 May 2016 – Odeon Theatre, Hobart (SOLD OUT)
12 May 2016 – Festival Hall, Melbourne
14 May 2016 – River Stage, Brisbane

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Daggy Man Releases Video for “Little Whip”

It’s been a long wait, but some six months after dropping the single Daggy Man has released a video for “Little Whip.” I don’t think it’s a bad tactic, because it’s encouraged me to revisit this song and reminded me what I liked about it in the first place. The film clip is simple but effective, as understated as this slow-burning song demands.

While it’s taken a long time for Daggy Man to release the video, he promises he won’t leave fans waiting too long for something else new. He plans to release a new single really soon.

Selahphonic Release Killer Track “Ghosts of 1999”

Hump Days are never easy, but when you’re battling a cold as I am pushing through a work day is that much harder. If you’re struggling today, take a moment to press play and let the feel-good power-pop vibes of “Ghosts of 1999.”

The track comes from Sunshine Coast indie-rock act Selahphonic, who’ve spend the better part of 2015 touring Australia and the United States. All that experience is paying off, because they’re sounding like they’ve got years of experience under their belt. It’s polished without feeling bland. At this relatively early stage in their career I can already imagine them selling out stadiums.

See Selahphonic before they blow up at the following single launch shows.

15 April 2016 – The Foundry, Brisbane
30 April 2016 – Moonshine, Manly
6 May 2016 – The Helm, Sunshine Coast
11 June 2016 – Sea N’ Sound Festival, Mooloolaba

Image used with permission from Rare Finds

LAMA Go Their Own Way With “Wolf”

With seven members, you’re probably expecting a big sound from Melbourne’s LAMA. But you’re probably not expecting something as excitingly original as their new single “Wolf.”

I’ve heard this act described as a psychedelic folk band, but that’s only just scratching the surface. There’s a lot of rock in their sound, and a real theatricality that you don’t often hear in modern music. With a flute, violin, and trumpet all competing for airtime, the result is surprisingly coherent, and just downright surprising.

LAMA shows are fast becoming recognised as some of the most vivacious on the local scene. You can see the band do their thing to celebrate “Wolf’s” release at the following shows.

15 April 2016 – The B.East, Brunswick
13 May 2016 – Bar Open, Fitzroy

Image used with permission from the A & R Department

“Let Us Adore Him” – All the Kings Men

Like so many Australians, I’m not a religious person. I flirted with becoming a Junior Soldier with the Salvation Army when I was a kid, but I think that ambition was driven more from a desire to play the tambourine than any deep-seated faith. Today I only go to church for weddings, christenings, and funerals. I identify as agnostic, not quite prepared to dismiss the idea of a higher power completely but fairly ambivalent about the whole religion thing.

So it felt a little strange this morning to make Let Us Adore Him, the debut album from Perth folk-rock worship act All the Kings Men, my soundtrack. This is a band that sings proudly about their faith. There are none of the vague references we hear in the songs of crossover acts like Creed and Amy Grant. Their numbers don’t pose as conventional love songs. They sing proudly about heaven, sins, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost. There’s something really powerful about hearing an act that owns its beliefs and doesn’t try to package them to the mainstream.

I found something to enjoy in most tracks, although there were a few standouts for me. “Hope of the World,” set to the familiar tune of “Amazing Grace” is inspired. The rousing “Depth of Mercy” had me tapping my toes and bobbing my head to the beat. “I Will Walk With Him” is a really special moment. With only a single voice and an acoustic guitar, this stripped back number compels you to hone in on the words.

All of the Kings Men are a really accomplished group of musicians. Their harmonies are gorgeous. I loved the great organic sound of these songs, driven by acoustic guitars, drums, and handclaps. While I couldn’t necessarily relate to the songs of Let Us Adore Him lyrically, the passion and joy behind them struck a chord with me. It doesn’t matter what inspires those emotions; to me they’re the cornerstones of some inspirational music.

Let Us Adore Him is available for free download from CDBaby.

Rare Finds Club Turns 1

It’s been 12 months since the Rare Finds team held their first club night in Sydney and they’re ready to celebrate. Deep Sea Arcade, Lime Cordiale, Owen Rabbit, Hedge Fund, Good Boy, and heaps more will all play to celebrate the one year milestone.

In this day of lockout laws and more venues passing over up-and-coming acts for big-name artists, what the Rare Finds team does is really special. They’ve always believed in giving emerging artists a platform and nurturing a community of people that’s excited to discover what’s dwelling outside the mainstream.

If you think that’s worth supporting, head on down to the first birthday bash at Oxford Art Factory in Darlinghurst on April 16. Tickets are just $18 (plus booking fee) and available from Moshtix.

Image used with permission from Rare Finds

Gypsy & The Cat Release Single Ahead of Anticipated Album Release

It’s been a little while since we heard new material from Melbourne electro-pop act Gypsy & the Cat but it’s been worth the wait. Their new single “I Just Wanna Be Somebody Else” is perfectly poised to drum up hype about their new album Virtual Islands ahead of its July release.

Summer might be behind us, but the saturated synths of this track bring the season back for me. I love its driving anthemic chorus and the oh-so-casual chorus. This is fun stuff.

Gypsy & the Cat only just wrapped up a national tour, but I have no doubt we’ll see them back on the road soon to support the album’s release.