Month: October 2016

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Emilee South Gets Spooky with “Howl”

As a kid growing up in Australia, Halloween wasn’t really a “thing.” I remember pestering my parents to go trick or treating with some school friends once. The neighbourhood was so unprepared for us all we ended up with was some muesli bars people had for their kids’ lunches and some very strange looks.

However, a lot seems to have changed since then and Aussies are embracing the spookiness of Halloween. In the spirit of this acceptance comes “Howl,” the creepy new single from Melbourne’s Emilee South. It’s got a great bluesy feel with dirty guitar licks and rich, sultry vocals from Emilee.

“Howl” currently has a digital release but from the end of the month you can get your hands on a 7” vinyl copy. The records will be on sale at Emilee’s single launch and Halloween party at Bella Union on October 30.

Image used with permission from Fever Shake Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Say Hello to Brufield’s “Goodbye”

It’s been a long time since I’ve heard music from a really great female-fronted pop-rock band. So I’m thrilled to hear “Goodbye,” the new single from Perth five-piece Brufield.

The track sounds a little raw – you can tell it wasn’t recorded in a big fancy studio – but I like that about it. The vocals from Lisa Caulfield are angelic with a hint of edge and the melody first class. I found the track instantly accessible, and the moment it was over I just wanted to play it again. The clip, filed at the Indie Bar in Scarborough Beach, shows you that these guys know how to deliver on stage too.

Sadly Brufield has just wrapped up a tour, but it shouldn’t be too long before we see this talented five-piece back playing in pubs and clubs around the country.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

J▲M▲T▲R Makes Music With Gameboy

I don’t tend to get excited by a lot of instrumental electronic music. I’d probably enjoy it if I was in a club dancing the night away, but it usually loses something in the translation when I listen to it during the day at home. However, you don’t need to be partying to appreciate J▲M▲T▲R’s new single “Interstellar.”

The space-age track was actually composed entirely on a Nintendo Gameboy. I’m not sure how one does that or how it would translate to the live arena, but fans will get a chance to find out when J▲M▲T▲R launches the single at The Workers Club in Melbourne on November 10.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Selahphonic’s New DIY Clip a Real Charmer

After a few days off last week catching up with my best friend visiting from Brisbane, I’m finding making it through this Monday particularly challenging. I’m procrastinating, taking far too long to do basic tasks, and relying a little too much on Coca-Cola. If Monday’s kicking your but too, than “Easy,” the new single from Sunshine Coast indie pop act Selahphonic is bound to strike a chord.

The cheerful ditty about perseverance is thoroughly charming and the perfect match for the adorable clip. It was a DIY job made on a shoestring on the streets of Fortitude Valley. I don’t want to give away spoilers. Just watch it!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lake Minnetonka Keeping Minneapolis Sound Alive

While I have such fond memories of Prince’s final solo Australian tour, I’m also thrilled that I got to spend time witnessing him playing with a full band. Whether he was with the Revolution, the New Power Generation, or any number of other musicians, it was always a party. While that party may be over, Australian act Lake Minnetonka is determined its spirit doesn’t die out. Why Lake Minnetonka? If you’re not sure, I strongly suggest watching “Purple Rain” pronto!

Inspired by Prince and the Minneapolis sound he pioneered, this Melbourne jazz-funk act knows how to have fun. New single “Out There Bout There” showcases the band’s signature sound with big bold sax riffs and sexy bass licks. The sound is so good that the Revolution’s own Dr Fink has been known to jam with the band. As well as originals like this, Lake Minnetonka also love to bust out classics from Morris Day and the Time, The Family, Mazerati, and other acts that came out of Paisley Park.

Expect all that and more when Lake Minnetonka launches “Out There Bout There” at The Curtin in Carlton on October 27.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Small Town Romance” – Small Town Romance

Melbourne country duo Small Town Romance is ready to unleash its debut self-titled album, a collection of songs Jim Arneman and Flora Smith call a love letter to country music.

I really love that description, because this album is one that celebrates the traditions of country music like few do today. Its songs have a great Western feel, with slide guitars and harmonicas used to awesome effect.

Jim and Flora have been making music together since 2013, and that experience shows. They’re equally capable taking on a beautiful ballad like “Halfway Up the Hume” as they are a honky-tonky number like “Old Letter.” “New Things,” which gives a playful but earnest take on encouraging a love interest to move on, is another highlight for me.

Individually both Jim and Flora’s voices shine, but when they harmonise, wow. The combination of their tones is really special, ensuring a song like “Rookie” is another album stand-out. It reminds me of what we used to hear in country music, from the likes of Johnny Cash and June Carter, or Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn.

When so much country music is being watered down, fused with rock or pop to help it cross over to a more mainstream audience, it’s refreshing to hear Small Town Romance’s music which faithfully pays tribute to the roots of the genre. Their debut album is a stellar collection of songs which shows this duo has a big future ahead.

Small Town Romance’s self-titled debut album hits stores on October 14. The duo will launch it with a gig for hometown fans at Bella Union in Carlton on October 21.

Image used with permission from Shows in Space

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Outdoor Type Speaks for a Generation with “Rumination”

Melbourne troubadour The Outdoor Type has really impressed me with the release of his brand new single “Rumination.”

The song has such a great spontaneous energy, a result of The Outdoor Type’s old school decision to record the track live with a band. I also love its relatable lyrics which speak of rejecting the confines of the nine-to-five life meant to pay off a mortgage you’ll have until you die with your picket fence, dog, and two kids, yet still wanting to prove you’re capable of attaining it.

Having supported the likes of Vera Blue, Tiny Little Houses, and Alex Lahey, The Outdoor Type is ready to play his own shows to support the release of “Rumination.”

28 October 2016 – Rare Finds @ OAF Gallery Bar, Sydney (FREE)
29 October 2016 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane (FREE)
4 November 2016 – Grace Darling Hotel, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Habit Music Company