Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Placid in the Rough” – Toby Mobbs

Through the years of writing this blog, I’ve realised that often the best albums aren’t the ones pushed by the big labels. Sure, there are some brilliant artists with that kind of backing, but our country is so rich in talent that often the real gems come from independent acts who release their music simply because they have something to say. Toby Mobbs, an unsigned independent singer-songwriter from Albury, is one of those acts. His debut album Placid in the Rough is likely to fly under the radar, but it deserves your time.

Toby describes himself as a pop-folk act, but that doesn’t quite tell the whole story. Placid in the Rough is such a diverse album. My own music taste is so eclectic, I can get bored if a record stays in the same place for too long but this album takes us on a journey, from solo tracks recorded in home studios to collaborations with other artists in professional studios. Yes, there are poppy, folky moments, but Toby has so much more to share with us. The opening number “Making Lemonade” has a rock edge which gets cranked up to 11 with the next track “Moments”. There’s a gentle country feel to “The River,” a duet with the fabulous Nick Keogh, and “Just One Thing”, which features Asha Bright. “A Mark to Remember” has a retro electronic vibe. Toby’s sound is a glorious symphony by the time the final track, “Will I Be Somebody Else?” rolls around.

I have a sneaking suspicion that these eight tracks barely scratch the surface. No genre that Toby plays with feels ill-fitting, which is a testament to his talent and confident songwriting. As a self-confessed word nerd, I really appreciate Toby’s introspective, yet relatable, lyrics. The unique collection of songs that makes up Placid in the Rough encourages repeat listens. I’ve returned to this album countless times this week, and I’m probably going to press play again once I finish writing this review. You should too.

If you like what you hear, you can catch Toby showcasing the music and stories behind these special songs at intimate venues around the country. After seeing so many “national” tours that skipped Darwin, Perth, and Hobart, he was determined to play every capital, and a few choice regional centres too. He’ll be joined by Nick Keogh and local artists at every show, including many who appear on Placid in the Rough. The tour kicks off in Toby’s hometown of Wiradjuri Country/Wagga Wagga next month.

5 October 2022 – The Curious Rabbit, Wiradjuri Country/Wagga Wagga
6 October 2022 – The Food Co-op Shop & Café, Ngambri/Canberra
7 October 2022 – Butchers Brew Bar, Eora/Sydney
9 October 2022 – Can You Keep A Secret?, Meeanjin/Brisbane
15 October 2022 – Happy Yess, Garramilla/Darwin
22 October 2022 – The 21st Amendment, Boorloo/Perth
26 October 2022 – Wheatsheaf Hotel, Tarndanya/Adelaide
28 October 2022 – Brunswick Artists’ Bar, Naarm/Melbourne
30 October 2022 – Pablo’s Cocktails And Dreams, Nipaluna/Hobart
6 November 2022 – The Goods Shed, Bungambrawatha/Albury-Wodonga

Images used with permission from Toby Mobbs; feature image credit: Trewbella Photography

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sunday Lemonade Releases Bubbly New Single “See You Sometime”

Sunday Lemonade have thoroughly charmed me with their folky new single, “See You Sometime.” It sounds effortlessly organic, like something that just came out of an impromptu jam session, but it’s been years in the making.

“Even after many one-way ticket purchases to leave behind everything that’s comfortable for the great unknown, closing a chapter never gets easier. This song has developed substantially over the years and has travelled with me since it was written while amidst backpacking and a snow season in Canada then eventually released as a heartbreak, soft-folk song for a solo project,” explained Loz, one half of the duo. “It was Tyson’s rock influence that really developed the other side of the story, creating an interesting contrast of sombre lyrics blended with the uplifting musicality giving that feeling of excitement for a new adventure.”

Loz and Tys always seem to be on the road, and the next few months are no exception. They’ll pack up their campervan-home and make pitstops along the East Coast to play the following dates.

16 September 2022 – The Cambridge, Mulubinba/Newcastle (with The Pierce Brothers)
17 September 2022 – The Shed, Boonwurrung Country/Main Ridge (with Shaun Kirk)
23 September 2022 – Beer DeLuxe, Bungambrawatha/Albury (with The Pierce Brothers)
24 September 2022 – The Corporate Moose, Latji Latji Country/Mildura
25 September 2022 – Overland Corner Hotel, Erawirung Country/Overland
30 September 2022 – The Corporate Moose, Latji Latji Country/Mildura
2 October 2022 – Floriade Festival, Ngunnawal Country/Canberra
14 October 2022 – Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival 2022, Wodi-Wodi Country/Kangaroo Valley
13 November 2022 – Peninsula Vinehop Festival 2022, Boonwurrung Country/Mount Martha

Image used with permission from Sandhill Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Harry Cleverdon Wows Me With “Just for a While”

I am absolutely swooning over “Just for a While” the gorgeous new single from Harry Cleverdon. The press release says Harry is a country singer-songwriter, but I definitely hear a little folk and pop influence in his sound. His voice and gentle acoustic sound have melted me. The lyrics, which celebrate living every moment, really resonate as the memories of lockdowns still loom large.

“’Just for a While’ was written during lockdown in 2020,” Harry said. “It’s about missing home or missing a loved one … it’s a sweet reminder of how important seemingly insignificant moments can be. It covers notes of sadness and depression due to a lack of familiarity in our upside-down world, while singing about happy memories. I wrote this during a phase of avolition that, I guess, was partially brought on by the lockdown at the time. I think most of us shared these emotions, and the promise of better times ahead and happy memories, was what got us through.”

Harry’s website says he plays a lot of corporate functions and weddings. His originals are so good that hopefully he can give those covers gigs away soon. He’s far too good to be stuck singing other people’s songs.

Image used with permission from Rock This Country

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Honey Nothings’ Start Your Week Right With “Talk to Me”

Mondays call for pick-me-ups like Eora/Sydney band Honey Nothings’ irresistible new single, “Talk To Me.” It’s got a classic 80s pop sound with bright synths and a chorus you’ll find yourself singing long after the track ends.

“‘Talk To Me’ is a song inspired by communication breakdowns; how assumptions and things left unsaid can lead to massive arguments and conflict,” explained the band’s guitarist and keyboard player, James Fuller. “I wrote the lyrics just after Christmas in 2020, during a particularly hard-hitting lockdown after some typical family tension. Pete [Longhurst, drums] and I did the first session at his parents’ place, springboarding off an ‘80s kind of synth hook he’d come up with. The track came together quickly thereafter, with ideas coming thick and fast. I found that the lyrics were starting to move further away from the original theme and towards a more romantic feeling, possibly inspired by the bittersweetness of the harmony and overall vibe of the track. After yet another lockdown was introduced in NSW, we finished off the track remotely via zoom. The icing on the 80s cake was a sax solo from Zac Olsen, which filled a massive gap we’d had since the beginning.

“This is our first single since our debut EP, which came out mid-2021. We’ve dealt with a bunch of setbacks in trying to gain momentum, from COVID to uni stuff to outright lack of motivation, but we feel like this release really captures the energy and passion we have for music, which we might’ve forgotten about a little over the past year.”

Honey Nothings will launch the single for hometown fans at Oxford Art Factory’s Gallery Bar this Friday, September 2. They’ve started your week right, why not end it with these guys?

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Noiseworks Show They’re More Than a Nostalgia Band With “Heart & Soul”

In case you missed it, Noiseworks have just dropped a new single, “Heart & Soul.” And it’s pretty fantastic.

Of course, it’s easy to miss a release like this. Commercial radio has a tendency to flog the back catalogue of classic bands without making space for their new material. And you know the alternative stations won’t play it! However, this track is so good that it should be on your radar. It’s also a taste of what’s to come. “Heart & Soul” is the first single lifted from Noiseworks’ first studio album in 30 years. Yes, they’ve still got it. Listen out for that album in October.

“Coming back after 30 years with new music and seeing the level of excitement that we have had from our Noiseworks fans has been a really powerful experience for us,” Jon Stevens said. “’Heart & Soul’ shows where we are now while also giving a nod to the sounds that make us Noiseworks. ”

No doubt Noiseworks will treat fans to a classic hits set as part of the upcoming One Electric Day tour. I just hope there’s space for “Heart & Soul”, because it’s every bit as good as the smash singles that came before. Tickets are extremely limited, so if you want to see Noiseworks and the other fine acts, including Suzi Quatro and The Angels, you’ll have to be quick!

5 November 2022 – ​Kent Reserve, Ramindjeri and Ngarrindjeri Country/Victor Harbor
19 November 2022 – ​Mornington Racecourse, Boonwurrung Country/Mornington
20 November 2022 – ​Werribee Park on the Great Lawn, Wirribi-yaluk/Werribee
26 November 2022 – ​Sandstone Point Hotel, Woorim/Bribie Island
27 November 2022 – ​Broadwater Parklands, Yugambeh Country/Southport

Image source: own photo

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Take a Trip With Skyuka’s “Fade”

Boorloo/Perth artist Skyuka casts a spell with her dreamy new single “Fade.” The song is a unique blend of electronica, indie pop, and trip-hop. Skyuka’s voice is also truly stunning. Just see if you don’t have goosebumps by the end. Skyuka wrote the song 10 years ago but shelved it when realising its potential seemed too hard. I’m so glad she came back to it, because it’s truly remarkable.

“I was young and naive and had met someone who only wanted a casual relationship. I was hoping I could reciprocate this only to find that it left me feeling completely empty,” Skyuka explained of this song’s inspiration. “It’s about all the emotions we go through when someone can’t meet us in the way that we want them to. It’s about losing confidence in ourselves because we break our own promises.”

Skyuka will play The Rosemount Hotel on September 25 as part of the Big Tommo Presents – 10 Year Anniversary Show.

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR; credit: Six Strings Photography

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Darcy Doe Celebrates Friendship With “Fitzroy Baby”

Yugambeh/Gold Coast artist Darcy Doe transports us to a buzzy Victorian neighborhood with their latest indie pop single “Fitzroy Baby”. It’s an ode to friendships nurtured in a too-loud corner bar and sharehouse courtyard.

“This is a song about a house on Kerr Street in Fitzroy, Melbourne, and the people that were in that house,” Darcy explained. “So many nights we spent around a little wooden table in the concrete courtyard next to the clothes horse where we talked it all out, or in the too-loud bar on the corner, or the darkened curb for secret telling and a break from all the noise.”

This song is so beautifully written, so it makes sense that Darcy is one of nine artists who’ll showcase their lyrical skills at the Eora/Sydney semi final of The Songwriting Prize 2022. The nation’s only songwriting competition focused on mental health, this competition and its events shines a light on a topic that’s still too taboo. You can see Darcy and the other incredible acts at Wildfire Lounge on September 30.

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR; credit: Geniie Jam Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Hollywood Waltz Drop Poptastic Single “There For You” Ahead of September Residency

The press release for The Hollywood Waltz’s debut single “There For You” says that “If a DeLorean had a head on collision with a Tesla,” this band would be the result. Their music might not be as messy as all that, but they certainly infuse a contemporary feel into classic ‘80s pop. This song is so much fun, I’ve had it on a loop.

If you love what you hear and live in Eora/Sydney, you’re in luck. The band will play Frankie’s Pizza every Thursday in September, showcasing this song and others from their forthcoming mini album. The band will hit the stage at 9 pm, but you’ll want to get there early as the first 100 punters through the door take home a free badge.

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Smith Street Band Maintain the Rage With “Everyone Is Lying to You For Money”

If you weren’t already excited about the next album from The Smith Street Band, wrap your ears around their latest single “Everyone Is Lying to You For Money”. The robot voices threw me for a second, but before too long it becomes the explosively angry track I hoped for.

While I love the clip, you’re going to want to head to the streaming services as this single comes packaged with three killer live cuts from the band’s appearance at the Forum last year. If that doesn’t get you excited about seeing The Smithies live, I don’t know what will. Here are the remaining dates on their current Aussie tour!

26 August 2022 – The Metro, Eora/Sydney
27 August 2022 – UOW, Woolyungah/Wollongong
10 September 2022 – The Croxton, Naarm/Melbourne (with Bodyjar)
17 September 2022 – Kambri, Ngambri/Canberra
22 September 2022 – Miami Marketta, Kombumerri Country/Gold Coast (SOLD OUT)
23 September 2022 – Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
24 September 2022 – Eleven Dive Bar, Kabi Kabi Country/Maroochydore (SOLD OUT)
7 October 2022 – The Gov, Tarndanya/Adelaide
8 October 2022 – The Gov, Tarndanya/Adelaide
21 October 2022 – Republic Bar, Nipaluna/Hobart
22 October 2022 – Forth Pub, Palawa Country/Forth
28 October 2022 – Astor Theater, Borloo/Perth
29 October 2022 – Wintersun, Amangu Country/Geraldton

Image used with permission from Little Giant Agency; credit: Ian Laidlaw

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Amber Farnan and Nick Keogh Team Up For “Bolt From the Blue”

If you’ve followed this blog for any length of time, you know I’m a sucker for a great duet. So it should come as no surprise to anyone that I’m really digging “Bolt From the Blue,” Amber Farnan’s new song featuring Nick Keogh. Nick also cowrote the song with Amber over multiple Zoom sessions. How good is technology?

Amber calls the song “an ode to the wonderful fever dream that is the early stages of a romance.” It’s certainly got that sense of magic about it. I also love the way Amber’s pure vocal tones complement Nick’s huskier sound.

“Bolt From the Blue” comes from Amber’s EP The Motions, which drops on September 1.

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music; credit Saskias Imagery