"Imaginary Things" – Delamare

Some music is so raw with emotion, it seems to bleed from your speakers. Some music is politically charged and written to change the world, or at least the thinking of one listener. And some music is just pure unadulterated fun.

Imaginary Things, the debut EP from Adelaide quintet Delamare, falls into the latter category. It’s not particularly deep or important, but it’s just so joyful you can’t help but smile when you hear it.

This makes the music of Delamare somewhat of a guilty pleasure, like lollies. I tend to expect my music to be a little meatier and more satisfying than this, yet for some reason I keep on listening. In a world where indie pop outfits like Good Charlotte, Fall Out Boy, and Simple Plan dominate the charts, there’s nothing revolutionary about this music. The lyrics are basic at best and cringeworthy at worst. The third track, “Camera Shy Girl” made me laugh out loud with its cheesy lines.

Yet funnily enough, somehow it all works. The vocal harmonies are brilliant and the melodies are addictive. Those North American punk-popsters I mentioned grate on me when I hear them on the radio, yet I happily listened to all five Delamare songs. I even went back for second and third helpings.

Yes Imaginary Things has flaws, but so what? I loved it. If I were a teenage girl watching these five good-looking lads belting out these songs, I imagine I’d fall even harder! This recording isn’t going to change the world, or even your outlook. But it might just brighten your day!

Image source: Delamare MySpace

A Sneak Peek at Katie Noonan's "Blackbird" Album

I can’t wait to hear Blackbird, Katie Noonan’s new album featuring the songs of John Lennon and McCartney. All the right ingredients are there: superb songs, amazing musicians (including the likes of John Scofield and Joe Lovano), and Katie’s sublime voice.

We’ll have to sit tight until November 1 to get our hands on a copy, but in the meantime you can hear Katie’s versions of “Yesterday,” “Across The Universe,” and “Blackbird” on her MySpace page. Her stunning reinterpretation of “Blackbird” is also featured in this behind-the-scenes video. I love the jazzy makeover Katie’s given these songs, and I’m really looking forward to hearing more!

Missing Hours Release Debut Album

Geelong’s Missing Hours are a local success story, but now they’re set to share their music with the rest of the country. The brother-sister duo will release their self-titled debut album on November 1, and later that month they’ll take their brand new tracks on the road.

Emma and Ant Hewitt have been playing and writing their own music for the last decade. Last year they decided to join forces, creating a unique sound inspired by the likes of Garbage, Evanescence, and Fiona Apple.

“I’d been playing guitar for a couple of years, and was at that point of becoming bored with playing other peoples’ songs, and having that feeling you wanted to say or express something,” Ant explained.

This album certainly achieves that! You can give it a listen when it’s released on November 1, ahead of Missing Hours’ national tour with special guests Avalon Drive. Tickets are on sale now for all shows through Moshtix.

20 November 2008 – Sol Bar, Sunshine Coast
21 November 2008 – The Zoo, Brisbane
22 November 2008 – Coolangatta Hotel, Gold Coast
26 November 2008 – Hoey Moey, Coffs Harbour
27 November 2008 – Spectrum, Sydney
28 November 2008 – Cooneys, Wollongong
29 November 2008 – Caringbah Bizzos
3 December 2008 – Transit Bar, Canberra
4 December 2008 – Ha’Penny Bridge, Geelong
5 December 2008 – Evelyn Hotel, Melbourne
6 December 2008 – Enigma Bar, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Sony BMG Australia

Revenge is Sweeter for The Veronicas

After months abroad The Veronicas are coming home for some local shows. The Veronicas will visit capital cities and regional centres around the country in February for their Revenge is Sweeter tour.

“We’re so excited about coming home to tour for our fans in February!” gushed Jess Origliasso. “We’ve played some amazing shows across America over the last six months, but with all the surprises in store for our Revenge Is Sweeter tour, we think these shows are going to be our best yet. We can’t wait to see everyone again and share the show with you!””

The Brisbane twins will be joined by American sensations Metro Station and up-and-coming local outfit Short Stack.
With three courses of pop rock goodness, these shows are sure to be popular. Make sure you get yours early when they go on sale on Tuesday 28 October! Here are all the dates!

13 February 2009 – Newcastle Entertainment Centre
14 February 2009 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre
16 February 2009 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
20 February 2009 – WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong
21 February 2009 – Royal Theatre, Canberra
24 February 2009 – The Palais Theatre, Melbourne
26 February 2009 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
28 February 2009 – Challenge Stadium, Perth

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Ben Lee Goes Indie For New Album

Ben Lee will release his new album The Rebirth of Venus through Brisbane indie label Dew Process.

“I’m thrilled to be signing to Dew Process, a label known to support careers that are eclectic, ambitious and full of integrity,” Ben said.

“I’m really excited about my new album The Rebirth of Venus, and I can’t wait to get into sharing my tunes with music fans across the country, with the support of Dew Process.”

Ben describes his new album, which he recorded in Los Angeles, as “uplifting, joyful, beautifully chaotic, opinionated, passionate, and real.” It also features a collaboration with Missy Higgins called “I Love Pop Music” which I can’t wait to hear!

He’s been stateside for a while, but Ben will return to Oz to perform with the Queensland Orchestra in Brisbane on the 23rd of November and play Perth’s Escape to the Park festival on the 29th.

Image source: Luiza @ Flickr

An Horse Sign American Record Deal

Brisbane’s An Horse have just signed with up and coming American label Mom & Pop Music! The Brisbane indie pop stars caught the attention of the New York label through their touring mates Tegan and Sara.

Kate Cooper and Damon Cox will tour the United States through October and November, including appearances at the CMJ Music Marathon. Then they’ll head back here for some shows in January!

The duo’s highly anticipated debut will be released in Australia and the United States early next year. Until then, fans can catch them at the following venues!

20 October 2008 – IOTA Club & Café, Arlington, VA
21 October 2008 – Maxwell’s, Hoboken, NJ
22 October 2008 – CMJ Music Marathon @ 205 Club, New York, NY
23 October 2008 – The Kyhber, Philadelphia, PA
24 October 2008 – Café 939, Boston, MA
25 October 2008 – CMJ Music Marathon @ The Living Room, New York, NY
28 October 2008 – The Abbey, Chicago, IL
29 October 2008 – The Pike Room, Detroit, MI
30 October 2008 – Mad Hatter, Covington, KY
1 November 2008 – The Basement, Nashville, TN
2 November 2008 – Local 506, Chapel Hill, NC
5 November 2008 – Opolis, Norman, OK
6 November 2008 – Bash Rip Rock’s 2, Lubbock, TX
7 November 2008 – Hailey’s, Denton, TX
11 November 2008 – The Echo, Los Angeles, CA
12 November 2008 – The Independent, San Francisco, CA
14 November 2008 – Kilby Court, Salt Lake City, UT
8 January 2009 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
9 January 2009 – The Palace Theatre, Melbourne
11 January 2009 – HQ, Adelaide

Image source: Lost Albatross @ Flickr

Yves Klein Blue Record Album in America

It’ll be all work and no play for Yves Klein Blue when they head to the United States next month. The Brisbane punk band is on a strict schedule for recording their debut album. They’ll work every day but Sundays, when they’ll probably need some sleep!

“It’s a very nerve-wracking adventure. I feel a lot of pressure,” lead singer Michael Tomlinson admitted to The Sunday Telegraph.

“EPs are well and good, but an album is like a grand statement – and none more so than your first album. It’s like a manifesto, so there’s a lot of pressure.”

It’s always interesting to hear what comes from such an intense situation, so I’m looking forward to see what YKB come up with in the US of A!

Image source: Sing Me a Song @ Flickr

Buckle Up For the Cassette Kids Tour Bus

Those crazy Cassette Kids are loading up their seven-seater for the Tour Bus tour! The 15-date, five-state journey will celebrate the October 18 release of the band’s new mini-album We Are.

This Sydney outfit is famous for combining crunchy indie guitars with pumping dance rhythms. They’ve supported some of today’s hottest bands including The Ting Tings, Van She, and The Presets, and now they’re stepping into the spotlight for their own headline tour.

Ever wondered what really goes on when rock stars get on the road? Wonder no more! The Cassette Kids will broadcast live from their sticker-covered bus every day of their tour. Make sure you tune into their MySpace page between 4:30 and 5:30 pm to see all their adventures. But that’s not all. The band will post blogs and vlogs at all hours of the day and night, so you can see exactly how this band rocks Oz!

If you want to join in the fun, make sure you check out the Cassette Kids Tour Bus when it rolls into your town! Here are all the dates!
24 October 2008 – Mona Vale Hotel
25 October 2008 – Village Fair, Bathurst
30 October 2008 – Alhambra, Brisbane
31 Oct 2008 – Elsewhere, Gold Coast
7 November 2008 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
14 November 2008 – Libertine Ranch, Wollongong
19 November 2008 – Beach Road Hotel, Bondi
20 November 2008 – Transit Bar, Canberra
21 November 2008 – Newcastle Uni T2R
22 November 2008 – Ding Dong, Melbourne
23 November 2008 – Club4Play, Geelong
27 November 2008 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
28 November 2008 – Rocket Bar, Adelaide
29 November 2008 – Stereosonic Festival, Melbourne
5 December 2008 – The Mean Fiddler, Rouse Hill

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Thanh Bui Leaves Australian Idol

The Australian Idol journey has come to an end for Thanh Bui.

The softly spoken Melbourne lad was always going to struggle in rock week, and his version of Linkin Park’s “Shadow of the Day” failed to connect with the voting public. It was good news for Sophie Paterson and Teale Jakubenko, who along with Thanh made up the bottom three.

They’ll look to lift their game next week when they tackle the songs of Motown. With such a fantastic collection of songs to choose from and Guy Sebastian on hand to assist, I’m really looking forward to it!

Eric Clapton Heads Down Under

Eric Clapton must have had a fantastic time in Australia in 2007. He hadn’t been here in 20 years, but now he’s set to return in 2009.

But the guitar legend is here for a good time, not a long time, only announcing dates in New South Wales and Victoria.

Sydney and Melbourne always get a run, but more surprising is the announcement of a concert at the Hunter Valley’s Hope Estate. Clapton will be the first artist to play at their new amphitheatre, and I can’t think of a better way to christen it!

Tickets Eric Clapton’s Down Under shows go on sale on October 24.

7 March 2009 – Hope Estate, Hunter Valley
8 March 2009 – Entertainment Centre, Sydney
10 March 2009 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne

Image source: Photo Mojo @ Flickr