Month: August 2012

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pataphysics Shows Something Special with Subversive

Pataphysics is bringing something new to the urban scene with his unique blend of hip hop, jazz, and political ideology.

“Self,” the latest video from Pataphysics, showcases that distinct blend beautifully. On it he lays down some insightful lyrics and performs a killer trumpet solo. MTV named Pataphysics one of the Top Ten Breakout Bands of Australia way back in 2010, and with “Self” and his debut album Subversive released last month, he looks to be making good on that promise.

Pataphysics will launch Subversive at Collingwood’s Gasometer Hotel on September 14.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Delta Riggs and Money for Rope Band Together for Double Vision Tour

The Delta Riggs and Money for Rope are joining forces for one big tour!

The Melbourne rock acts are both in fine form after some relentless gigging. The Delta Riggs have barely drawn breath since releasing Talupo Mountain Music Vol. II in late May. The band had their launch tour, and then frontman Elliott Hammond played keys for Wolfmother at a swag of European festivals.

Money for Rope have also been pretty busy with their This Epic Tour, which saw them sharing the bill with Kingswood and Damn Terran. They whipped crowds into a frenzy at Cherry Rock and Splendour, so they’re the perfect foil for the exuberant Delta Riggs.

If you like your rock straight up, without ice, make sure you get down to the following shows. The bands will be swapping out headlining duties throughout the tour, so don’t think you can arrive late!

15 August 2012 – Beach Road Hotel, Bondi (Free)
17 August 2012 – Side Bar, Newcastle
18 August 2012 – Annandale Hotel, Sydney
19 August 2012 – Transit Bar, Canberra
23 August 2012 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
24 August 2012 – The Loft, Warrnambool
25 August 2012 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
30 August 2012 – Barsoma, Brisbane
31 August 2012 – Shark Bar, Gold Coast

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Not So Hard to Fall for Love Migrate

It took me a little time to get into Love Migrate’s first single “Plagued are All My Thoughts.” It won me over, but it was a bit of a slow burner. It didn’t take me any time to fall in love with their second single “Making This Hard” though.

This track is much more accessible with the hooks that were missing from the first cut. However it’s still got the things that eventually caused me to take notice of Love Migrate. Its lyrics are beautifully poetic, and its instrumentation lush and layered.

“Making This Hard” comes from Love Migrate’s debut album Plagued Are All My Thoughts, Like White Ants In The Fence, which will hit stores on October 12. Love Migrate will launch it at Melbourne’s Toff in Town on August 30.

Image used with permission from Show Off Services

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Justice Crew Still Tops

Justice Crew’s “Boom Boom” continues to do great business this week. The Aussie dance crew turned musical juggernaut is again sitting at the top spot on the ARIA Charts.

Karise Eden’s reign at the top has finally ended. While Ed Sheeran’s + nudged her out of number one, My Journey’s only slipped slightly to sit at number two.

Pointing to some success at the box office, the soundtrack for local comedy-drama The Sapphires sits at number five on the albums charts. That pushes Missy Higgins The Ol’ Razzle Dazzle down to six. It’s one better than Hilltop Hoods’ Drinking from the Sun, which has made a big jump from number 24 to number seven.

Click below for this week’s ARIA top tens.

Continue reading “Justice Crew Still Tops” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Barry Southgate’s Dreamy Mash-Up

Prepare to melt over this clever mashup from Barry Southgate.

The soul singer who generated plenty of buzz with support slots for American music heavyweights Brian McKnight, Eric Benet, and KCi & JoJo has laid down a clever cover of Katy Perry’s “California Gurls” and his own track “You.”

I’ll take this stripped back, guitar driven take over Katy’s overly produced piece of pop any day!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

In Love with L.O.V.E.

Local electronic producer, vocalist, and visual artist Michelle Xen has created an instant dancefloor classic with her new single “L.O.V.E.”

Michelle came up with the line “and she spells L.O.V.E. with her eyes,” before the song tumbled out. While it came together quickly it wasn’t quite alive until Regurgitator’s Quan gave it a bit of massaging. Now the song is one of those perfect dance-pop anthems, with a great 80s synth sound and just the right amount of heart.

“L.O.V.E” comes from Michelle Xen’s forthcoming album Synaesthesiac, which will hit stores this October.It’s currently available as a free download from Michelle’s Bandcamp page.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hugo Race Does The Boss

Former Bad Seed Hugo Race has well and truly creeped me out with his moody cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “I’m on Fire.”

The shiver I get listening to this unusual take on the American classic isn’t entirely a bad thing. Hugo’s interpretation gives a malice to the lyrics that I never heard when The Boss was cranking them out. I almost feel like I’m hearing the song for the first time.

This take on “I’m on Fire” comes from Hugo Race’s newly released digital album No But It’s True. The album sees Hugo putting his unique spin on love songs through the ages. It’s available through iTunes now.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dan and Hannah Acfield Impress with Indie Folk

Brisbane based singer songwriters Dan and Hannah Acfield are solo musicians in their own rights, but they’ve recently pooled their talents for some gorgeous recordings.

“After You” is the lead single from their latest musical project. It’s such a well-crafted song, with the music and Hannah’s vocals building beautifully to its emotional crescendo.

That song inspired me to seek out more. Don’t you love it when that happens? I wasn’t disappointed by another of the siblings’ songs, “Sorry I’ve Taken So Long to Love.” This time around Dan’s on leads and Hannah’s supporting him with her gorgeous harmonies. Their voices star, but they’re anchored by some simple but stunning lyrics.

I really feel this twosome. There’s so much emotion in the music they create, and you can pick up on that even hearing the songs from tinny laptop speakers. I can only imagine how much they’d impress in the live arena.

The pairing of Dan and Hannah Acfield is definitely a double act to watch.

Image used with permission from Dan Acfield

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Joel Sarakula Serves Up Sexy Single

Australian expat Joel Sarakula’s got my blood pumping with his sexy new single “I Will Deliver.”

This track has such a great groove which marries beautifully with Joel’s dirty vocals. The clip’s also a little on the dirty side, so you’d be best served waiting until you’re home from work to watch it. Some feminists might rail against it, but in the wake of Magic Mike’s release I’m all for equal opportunity perving!

Joel’s now based in London where he’ll launch at the single at the Alley Cat on August 16.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Paul Kelly Gets Poetic with Conversations with Ghosts

Paul Kelly will deliver a very different kind of show with the upcoming Conversations with Ghosts concerts.

Paul will join recorder wiz Genevieve Lacey and musicians from the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM) for performances based on poetry. Pieces from Les Murray, W.B. Yeats, Lord Alfred Tennyson, Emily Dickinson, Kenneth Slessor, Norman MacCaig, and even Paul Kelly will receive brave new treatments. Paul worked on the project with  ANAM’s 2011 composer James Ledger.

Conversations with Ghosts will play Sydney’s Capitol Theatre on October 10 before moving to the Melbourne Recital Centre on October 12 and 13. These don’t sound like shows for every Paul Kelly fan, but they should offer something different to people with an appreciation for poetry and music.

Image used with permission from Jones PR