Album Reviews – Page 2

Posted on 05/11/202505/11/2025 by Lauren Katulka

“Bad Dreams” – Fool Nelson

On a Hump Day that’s feeling more challenging than most, Fool Nelson’s Bad Dreams EP is delivering the sonic shot in the arm I need. If you’re struggling this morning or you just want to enjoy some stellar indie-rock music, take a listen.

The title track is an explosive opener which sets the tone for the rest of this six-track EP. The music is relentless, with a furious energy which almost seems at odds with Tom Broadbent’s easy vocals. I’m not sure why the unlikely blend works, but it does.

Fool Nelson barely takes their foot off the accelerator. The brief atmospheric “Interlude” gives listeners a little time to catch their breath before the energy amps up again with “Forget It” and “Big Shot.” This is big stadium rock music made all the more impressive when you realise it’s created by a trio. I’m not quite sure how three people achieve such a massive sound, but I’m so glad they do. By the time the final note of the closer “Don’t Feel Right” faded away I was invigorated, and so ready to listen again. It’s that kind of EP.

Bad Dreams is out now. Fool Nelson are currently playing shows around the country to support its release. They’ll also head to the United Kingdom and Europe next May, so stay tuned for those dates if you’re living abroad. It’s only a matter of time before they graduate to large venues befitting their massive sound, so take the opportunity to enjoy them in these intimate settings while you still can.

7 November 2025 – Port Beach Brewery, Walyalup/North Fremantle
27 November 2025 – Solbar, Muru-kutchi/Maroochydore (supporting DICE)
28 November 2025 – Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads (supporting DICE)
29 November 2025 – Rolling Sets @ Ebenezer Park, Gugay/Tweed Heads
5 December 2025 – Harbord Hotel, Garigal/Freshwater
6 December 2025 – Rolling Sets @ Memorial Park, Karagi/The Entrance

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on 31/10/202531/10/2025 by Lauren Katulka

“Rollin’ Stone” – Roosta and Tim Roose

There’s a certain magic that happens when blood relatives make music together. We often hear it when siblings collaborate, but partnerships between parents and their offspring are much rarer and potentially more interesting. With natural chemistry and a shared love of music, Roosta and his son Tim Roose deliver their exciting new EP Rollin’ Stone.

Although he’s much younger, Tim Roose has more recording experience under his belt after releasing his debut EP Polarity just a few months ago. At 59 years young, Rollin’ Stone is Roosta’s first EP but you would know it to listen to him. His voice has a seasoned quality that reflects his life experience. Roosta also wrote every song on the EP, so there’s an authenticity to his delivery that only comes when an artist shares their story. Tim Roose is more than just a supporting player though. His incredible guitar skills elevate every song on Rollin’ Stone. Each one gives Tim the space to really showcase his talents with impressive solos and prominent riffs.

I was instantly captivated by the opening track “Bitumen to Gravel.” With guest vocals from Chelsea J Gibson, this blues-rock number has an irresistible deep groove. Much like the proverbial rolling stone, this EP refuses to stay in just one place. There’s a little country in the stripped back “Down by the Riverbed,” a little psychedelic rock with “Deadwood,” even a little soul and gospel in the final track “I’ll Be Gone.” With Chelsea making her return, it’s the ideal closer for this eclectic, yet satisfying EP.

Rollin’ Stone is out now. Take a listen on your favourite streaming service.

Posted on 23/10/202523/10/2025 by Lauren Katulka

“The Significance of Time” – Tanya Ransom

From the moment I heard Tanya Ransom’s vocals open her new album The Significance of Time, I knew I was in good hands. This is her third full-length studio album and one that’s likely to fly under the radar. You won’t find it on the major streaming services, and its songs are unlikely to gain airplay on mainstream radio. But it’s so good that it’s worth the investment.

It seems fitting that Tanya has kept The Significance of Time away from the streaming services, because listening to it feels like a throwback. I was never tempted to skip or shuffle tracks, preferring instead to hear them in the order Tanya intended. I’ve heard this album countless times over the last week, with the sort of focus I used to feel when I’d purchase music as a teenager. There was no streaming then, so I’d listen to one album on repeat until I could afford the next. There’s no heavy-handed production either, just good songs presented without bells or whistles. I was reminded of classic acts like Fleetwood Mac and Tom Petty as I listened. Tanya has a similar lack of pretence, a way of making music that seems so organic and honest.

Every song on The Significance of Time is a standout. Tanya has refined her signature sound, a blend of folk, alt-country, and Americana that serves as the perfect vehicle for her stellar songwriting. “Winter Song,” “Traffic Lights,” and the fitting closer, “The Light at the End” hit me hard, but ask me for my favourites next week and I may have different answers. It’s that kind of album.

The Significance of Time is available via Tanya’s Bandcamp page as a digital download, CD, or vinyl. She’s currently on tour to support its release. Catch her at one of the following venues around the country.

23 October 2025 – Wesley Anne, Wurunjeri-willam/Northcote (with Adele Oliver and Misty Harlowe)
24 October 2025 – Shedshaker Brewing, Djandak/Castlemaine (FREE- with Adele Oliver)
31 October 2025 – Hybrid Warehouse, Walyalup/Fremantle (Trio show with Adele Oliver)
7-9 November 2025 – Blues At Bridgetown, Geegelup/Bridgetown
29 November 2025 – Good Day Sunshine Festival @ Gloucester Park, Wooditjup/Margaret River
5 December 2025 – Denmark Arts House, Kwoorabup/Denmark (with Tracey Barnett)
6 December 2025 – Wilson Brewing Co, Kinjarling/Albany (FREE – with Tracey Barnett)

Images used with permission from Tanya Ransom Music

Posted on 21/10/202523/10/2025 by Lauren Katulka

“Paper Cuts” – Lyn Bowtell

If the buzz surrounding the Australian premiere of The Golden Bachelor has taught it’s anything, it’s that Aussies want to hear from people who’ve lived a life. The Taylor Swifts and Sabrina Carpenters of the world might dominate the charts, but there’s perhaps a more important place for releases from seasoned talents like Lyn Bowtell. At almost 50, Lyn is sharing some of her most personal stories with the release of Paper Cuts.

The album’s name is so telling. Some say paper cuts are the worst kind. They sting while the rest of the world barely notices. But they heal, and you keep moving forward. In that spirit, Paper Cuts explores themes of pain and resilience.

Lyn eases us into the gritty stuff with the fun single “Cold Shiver” and uplifting blues number “I’m Here.” But by the time her Bella sisters Kate Ballyntyne and Karen O’Shea join her for “I Don’t Want to Stay,” she starts peeling back the layers. Lyn wraps some of the hardest-hitting words in upbeat music. The ukulele in “Small” feels playful, but its lyrics exploring insecurities are so vulnerable and relatable. “Scene of the Crime” has a cool country-rock feel, but it tells a powerful personal story drawn from Lyn’s own experiences of domestic violence, coercive control, and alcoholism. Paper Cuts also has some beautiful quiet moments, including the piano ballad “Ordinary” and the uplifting acoustic “Ride.”

There seems to be so much of Lyn in this album that it’s interesting that the final track, “Paper Cut,” is the only one with a solo songwriting credit. However, when talking about “Scene of the Crime” she explained that the song was too raw and personal to finish alone. I imagine many of the tracks had a similar songwriting journey. Lyn’s collaborators have helped her create an album which shares so much wisdom and makes a profound emotional impact.

Paper Cuts is out now. Lyn is currently on tour to support its release. See her anywhere you can.

Images used with permission from Bec Gracie Publicity

Posted on 09/10/202510/10/2025 by Lauren Katulka

“Stonewater” – New Delica

Naarm/Melbourne funk-rock act New Delica are stretching their artistry with the release of their third album, Stonewater. It’s an exciting 12-song collection that will have you coming back for more.

The opening track “Steady” sets the tone for this genre-bending record. A collaboration with Aussie-born, Berlin-based producer and DJ Holo, the electronic beat drops before a bluesy harmonica joins in. It’s such an interesting fusion; I’m not sure it should work, but it does. Single “Dreamin’” follows, a straight-up groovefest which calls to mind classic 70s disco and the slick contemporary sounds of Daft Punk.

Stonewater continues taking exciting genre twists and turns as it unfolds. “Count Me Out” and “Love in Vain” are blues-rock bangers, “Down to the River” is spine-tingling and seductive with an epic, cinematic quality, and there’s such a laidback charm to the romantic “All I Know.” “Call Me Tonight” is another unexpected collaboration, this time with local folk singer Yours, Georgina. Her sweet voice is such a gorgeous contrast to Pat Coyle’s roughened, masculine tone. The way they play against each other so beautifully brings this country-folk duet to life.

The title track, a piano ballad brings this album to a gentle close. It’s not the place I expect to land given the upbeat openers, but it’s still so satisfying. New Delica kept me guessing, right up to the end. Rather than being disconcerted though, I felt exhilarated by the way New Delica refused to stay in any particular lane. Their sound is dynamic and their talent undeniable, no matter what genres they’re playing with.

Stonewater is out now. New Delica will celebrate its release with an official launch for hometown fans at the Brunswick Ballroom on October 17.

Images used with permission from New Delica

Posted on 08/10/202508/10/2025 by Lauren Katulka

“Evacuate” – Lines of Conviction

Undalup/Busselton rockers Lines of Conviction have given some of their live favourites the studio treatment with the release of their EP, Evacuate. If you’re new to this West Coast band, these five tracks are the perfect introduction.

Capturing the energy of a live performance can be challenging, but the fire behind Lines of Conviction translates beautifully. My speakers may not be a patch on the ones that usually blast out their music, but I still found myself bobbing my head along to opening track “Go My Way.” Lines of Conviction turns the dial up a notch with one of their most requested numbers, “San Miguel.” Every rock act should have a good drinking song in their repertoire, and this is one of the best I’ve heard in some time.

The EP takes a left turn with “The Words You Said.” Featuring the beautiful guest vocals of Sofia Watt, it shows these Aussie rockers have a gentler, more romantic side. If an Aussie ever fronted the Gin Blossoms, their music might sound a little something like this. We get just a glimpse of the softness before Lines of Conviction put the foot back on the floor to bring Evacuate home. “Back to My Place” and the title track are two more rock belters that leave no doubt this band is the real deal. They’re a quintessential Aussie rock act, singing songs for battlers in an accent we recognise as our own. Evacuate doesn’t sound slick as some major label releases do, but it sounds authentic, and I think that’s much more important.

Evacuate is out now on all your favourite streaming services.

Images used with permission from Lines of Conviction

Posted on 27/09/202529/09/2025 by Lauren Katulka

“Redemption Arc” – Siobhan Cotchin

Vulnerable and unapologetic, Siobhan Cotchin presents her heart to listeners through the five tracks that make up her latest EP, Redemption Arc. That heart’s clearly been stomped on, but Western Australia’s rock ‘n’ roll cowgirl reminds us that it’s still beating through her powerful music.

Redemption Arc sees Siobhan in the aftermath of a devastating breakup, trying to make sense of her loss and forge a path forward. She says the songs explore “the fight to become better – not perfect, not fixed, but real.” The tracks are brutally honest and although they’re introspective, the flaws and insecurities Siobhan reveals are so relatably human that I connected with them instantly.

The opener, “Ghost of Us,” speaks to the confusion so many of us have felt when a lover seems to go cold without warning. “The Truth Always Comes Out” perfectly encapsulates the frustrating cycle of being let down, then reeled back into the relationship only to be disappointed all over again. My heart broke for the self-loathing in “Redemption Arc,” a result of hearing the negative messages from the wrong partner for too long. “I’m Not Finished Yet” strikes another powerful blow as Siobhan wrestles with her head and heart. “Consolation Prize” offers a moment of quiet reflection. With just her voice and an acoustic guitar, Siobhan reflects on the relationship lost and what she’s left with. However, with any redemption arc, there needs to be a triumphant end. For Siobhan’s EP it comes with the blues-rock closer, “Overdrive.” Listening to this anthemic track, you know that even if things aren’t OK for Siobhan right now, in time they will be.

Redemption Arc is a powerful release from one of Australia’s most compelling female voices. It’s out now. Next up she’ll support Rob Thomas on his two shows in Boorloo/Perth. Catch them both at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre on October 24 and October 25.

Main photo credit: Jarrad Levy

Posted on 19/09/202520/09/2025 by Lauren Katulka

“Always Here” – OhMaSoul

As the working week winds down, I’ve found myself looking for a comfort listen. The kind of music that would wrap around me, nurture me, and help carry me through to quitting time. I found just what I was seeking with Always Here, the beautiful debut EP from Anaiwan Country/Armidale trio OhMaSoul.

As their name suggests, OhMaSoul make music that speaks to the heart. Vocalist Jemimah Hiscox has one of the best neo-soul voices I’ve heard in some time, pure and effortless, with a beautiful freedom that soars as it plays with the melodies. You can almost hear the energy crackling between Jemimah, keyboardist James Brinkhoff, and drummer Thomas Hogarth. They might be just releasing their debut, but this is a trio that understands one another intimately.

Neo-soul and jazz are often closely linked, and OhMaSoul fuse these genres beautifully. The EP opens with the title track, a gentle ballad which shows just how special the blend can be. “What Is This” is a little more progressive, with a melody that keeps listeners on their toes. “My Cup” is straight-up neo-soul, a track that gives these three performers space for creativity and connection. It feels so natural, almost unrehearsed, like a beautiful jam session has been captured. “Rollin” sees OhMaSoul at their funkiest and most upbeat. It’s a sunny spot before OhMaSoul shift back to a quieter space with the poignant closer, “Whisper.”

Always Here is a testament to the talent of this rising trio. It’s an independent release, so it doesn’t have the big-budget backing of a major label, but it sounds incredible. While mixing and mastering from Australian jazz guitar great Jim Kelly no doubt plays a part, the natural talents of OhMaSoul are what really shine through.

Always Here is out now. OhMaSoul will play the following local shows in the coming months to support its release:

17 October 2025 – Creative Streets Festival, outside Signor Vertelli, Anaiwan Country/Armidale (FREE at 7:45 pm)
26 October 2025 – Markets in the Mall @ PCYC Armidale, Anaiwan Country/Armidale (FREE at 10am)
8 November 2025 – Black Gully Festival @ Black Gully Reserve, Anaiwan Country/Armidale (FREE)

Images used with permission from OhMaSoul

Posted on 07/09/202525/08/2025 by Lauren Katulka

“The Five Stages of Grief” – Joan & The Giants

We all need a little sad girl music every now and again, right? If you agree, wrap your ears around The Five Stages of Grief, the gorgeous new EP from Joan & The Giants.

This is a really personal collection of songs which explores the end of the nine-year relationship between frontwoman Gracie Newton-Wordsworth and the band’s former guitarist Aaron Birch. Gracie wrote some songs on her own and some songs with Aaron as they attempted to process their feelings.

Gracie isn’t afraid to lay her emotions bare here. The lyrics are raw, revealing sorrow, anger, and eventual acceptance and she moves through the grief of her relationship breakdown. Bandmates Riley Sutto and Liam Olsen take on gentle supporting roles, ensuring Gracie’s lyrics and voice shine brightest.

The Five Stages of Grief is a powerful snapshot of a relationship breakdown and what comes next. It’s out now. Thankfully Joan & The Giants have plenty to look forward to with sold-out shows supporting The Fray and their own headline tour on the horizon.

18 September 2025 – The Espy Gershwin, Euro-Yroke/St Kilda
27 September 2025 – Vic on the Park, Eora/Sydney (FREE)

Photo credit: Britney Long

Posted on 01/09/202525/08/2025 by Lauren Katulka

“All That’s In My Head” – The VANNS

You know you’re in good hands when The VANNS release music. All That’s In My Head is album number three, a killer collection of songs which prove they’re one of the best rock bands on the local landscape.

The Yuin Nation/South Coast act recorded this one across two full-on two-week recording sessions in London and Woolyungah/Wollongong. You know what they say about pressure creating diamonds though. That concentrated effort gives this album a focus and clarity which is so compelling. It sucks you in from the opening guitar riff of the single “Accomplice” and doesn’t let go. I love the way this band produces such easy listening rock music that has such tension and intensity simmering just below the surface. Jimmy Vann’s in fine voice, rising to the occasion of the gruelling recording sessions alongside his bandmates. After 10 years together they work together like a well-oiled machine, creating fantastic music that sounds effortless.

Keep listening and you’ll soon realise this album has a lot more than the singles on offer. That slick bassline on “Golden Eyes.” Those massive chords that wake you up from the cruisy coastal rock vibes and force you to pay attention to “For God’s Sake.” The yearning dripping from Jimmy’s vocals in “In and Out.” And so it goes. There’s something special about every one of these songs, and the more you listen the more you find to appreciate.

When I tell people that The VANNS are one of the best rock acts on the scene, I still get blank stares from my contemporaries, so I’m going to say it again: The VANNS are one of the best rock acts on the scene. All That’s In My Head cements their reputation with its blend of energetic bangers and sombre, sensitive moments, all delivered with exceptional musicianship and heart.

All That’s In My Head is out now. The VANNS will take these songs on the road in the back half of the year and through to 2026, but venues are selling fast so don’t procrastinate to get your tickets.

5 October 2025 – Wanderer Festival @ Pambula Beach, Panboola/Pambula
24 October 2025 – The River, Wooditchup/Margaret River
25 October 2025 – Freo Social, Walyalup/Fremantle
31 October 2025 – The Gov, Tarntanya/Adelaide
1 November 2025 – The Forum, Naarm/Melbourne
7 November 2025 – Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads
8 November 2025 – Princess Theatre, Meeanjin/Brisbane
13 November 2025 – McGuires, Yuwibara Country/Mackay
14 November 2025 – The Warehouse, Gurrumbilbarra/Townsville
15 November 2025 – Tanks Arts Centre, Gimuy/Cairns
20 November 2025 – Wrest Point Casino, Nipaluna/Hobart
21 November 2025 – Forth Pub 10th Anniversary Celebration @ Forth Pub, Lutruwita/Forth
28 November 2025 – Metro Theatre, Eora/Sydney
29 November 2025 – King St Bandroom, Mulbinba/Newcastle
13 December 2025 – Anita’s Theatre, Thurrural/Thirroul
2 January 2026 – Finnians, Guruk/Port Macquarie
9 January 2026 – Drifters Wharf, Darkinjung Country/Gosford
10 January 2026 – Dee Why RSL, Dharug Country/Dee Why
15 January 2026 – Torquay Hotel, Wadawarrung Country/Torquay
16 January 2026 – Pilly Bar, Monmar/Frankston
17 January 2026 – Westernport Hotel, Yallock-Bulluk/San Remo
24 January 2026 – The Baso, Ngambri/Canberra

Images used with permission from GYRO PR