Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fall in Love with Brandon Duff’s “Crystal Eyes”

I’m feeling properly charmed by Brandon Duff’s new single “Crystal Eyes.” It beautifully captures the flush of new love with lyrics that really bring the object of his affection to life.

Brandon calls the track “an emotional coming-of-age song. It explores ideas of youth and young love, drawing from experiences of finding someone new in your life and sharing your past heartbreaks to grow closer.

“Being excited to have someone new in your life but with melancholy undertones knowing it may not last. There’s a beauty about finding someone new that makes you feel refreshed and loved, but it can also resurface past feelings of loss that have never really left. I drew on experiences of youth, drinking in parks and staying out in Newtown, trying to find where you fit in the world. I have fond memories of going out with friends in the city and feeling larger than life and wanted to capture that within the song as well.”

“Crystal Eyes” saw Brandon named as a finalist in the APRA Songwriters at the Rocks competition this year. That’s a testament to just how well this guy crafts a song. I can’t wait to hear more. If you’re around Newcastle, you can see Brandon doing his thing as part of Lizotte’s’ Live N’ Local night on February 9.

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Armageddon” – Between You & Me

I’ve been sitting on Between You & Me’s new album Armageddon since September, just waiting for the moment when I could encourage all of you to take a listen. I’ve had it on regular rotation since it landed in my inbox, turning to it whenever I needed to energise my day or exorcise my demons. The high-energy pop-punk tracks make me nostalgic for that time in the late ‘90s and early ‘00s when bands like Blink-182, Green Day, and Good Charlotte ruled the airwaves. The bands that make that kind of music seem few and far between these days, but I’m glad Australia has Between You & Me flying the flag.

Like a movie that grips you in front of the screen, Armageddon moves along at an exciting pace. With just 10 tracks and all but one clocking in under four minutes, you never get the chance to get bored here. There’s no filler here either. The tracks are ridiculously catchy. The powerful vocals from frontman Jake Wilton are so compelling. The band is right there supporting him with big punky guitar chords, driving drums, and cool bass simmering under the surface. These guys are so tight. Some might argue that punk should be a little messier than this, but it’s a joy to listen to.

Opening track “Pleased to Meet You” is a great introduction for the uninitiated, bold and ballsy with a chorus that encourages you to yell along. The single “Deadbeat” first turned me onto this band, and it’s lost none of its self-deprecating charm since the first time I heard it. These plenty of angsty material here to satisfy your inner emo kid, including “Goldfish” and “Supervillain.” Those darker moments are balanced with more optimistic numbers like “Change” and “Better Days.” “Go To Hell,” a collaboration with female-fronted contemporaries Yours Truly is a real treat for fans of the local scene. The album closes with the title track, the only song on the album stretching past the 4-minute mark. It’s the album’s most ambitious track, an epic rock number that gives a hint that this band can do even more than we’re hearing.

What Between You & Me have laid down on Armageddon is so much fun, but they’ve also left me excited about what their next step might be. With a three-year gap between this album and their debut effort, hopefully they won’t leave us waiting too long for the follow-up.


Images used with permission from Hopeless Records and Habit Music Co.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Outfit Brighten Up the Day With “Sunny”

It’s a little grey and gloomy around my part of the country, but outfit are bringing the sunshine with their soulful debut single “sunny.” This cool bop from the Perth trio is so catchy, don’t be surprised if you’re humming it for the rest of the day. Tim Tan wrote the track after struggling to fall asleep.

“The concept surrounded the sentiment of ‘I woke up, but in a way I guess I could have kept sleeping’ describing the cyclical nature of day to day life at the time,” he explained. “We were in between houses, work in the music industry took a dive due to the pandemic and really we just needed a light at the end of the tunnel to move closer to. From there the song grew into a full concept dealing with issues around mental health and finding comfort in what and who you have around you to collectively move towards the sunnier, sunnier, sunnier place.”

Outfit might be brand new, but these guys are no strangers to the music industry. Tim’s songwriting work for local acts Jaguar Jonze and Enschway and K-Pop acts aespa and ENHYPHEN has accumulated around 200 million streams and more than 3 million physical unit sales. No wonder this track is such an earworm!

Image used with permission from Beehive PR; credit: Ciara Isabel Muscat

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

South Summit Drops Summery New Single “River Days”

If you weren’t already convinced summer is just around the corner, South Summit’s new single “River Days” might get you over the line. This is a cool indie surf-jam that gets me in the mood for coastal getaways and lazy evenings watching the sun set over the waves. This Perth band reminds me a little bit of hot Aussie acts like Ocean Alley and Lime Cordiale, and with songs like this in their catalogue they deserve to be every bit as big.

“When we first wrote it, we knew it had potential and did not want to rush the writing process,” explained the band’s frontman and songwriter Zaya. “We didn’t plan on recording ‘River Days’ this early as we didn’t think it was ready, but we took a leap of faith. We came out with a song that was completely different to what we came in with, which retained the elements of the original demo, but truly captured the meaning behind the words.

“‘River Days’ is a story about the abuse of alcohol and how it can change the people closest to you. It is drawn from many personal experiences and deep emotions. The song is an attempt to show the very personal journey I have taken. ‘Save me from the river’ is a cry for help. Help to be spared from seeing those closest to me change for the worse, help to save them from alcohol and help to stop me from treading the same path.”

If you’re around Perth, there are plenty of opportunities to catch South Summit in the flesh in the coming months. Check them out at the following shows:

19 November 2021 – Amplifier Bar, Perth (supporting LATE 90s)
2 December 2021 – Perth Music Night @ The Sewing Room, Perth
3 December 2021 – Jack Rabbit Slim’s, Perth (supporting Young Robin)
11 December 2021 – The YMCA HQ, Leederville (ALL AGES)
12 December 2021 – Sunday Music @ Fremantle Arts Centre, Fremantle

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Velvet Bloom Casts a Spell With “Run”

Melbourne chanteuse Velvet Bloom effortlessly fuses jazz and soul influences in her stunning new single “Run.” It wraps you up like a big sonic hug, making you feel all warm and safe and comfortable. Her tone is just beautiful, effortless, easy. If you don’t have goosebumps after hearing this one, I suggest checking for a pulse.

“I remember writing this track during the second COVID lockdown in 2020,” Velvet Bloom recalls. “Restrictions were harsh and ‘Run’ was one of the first songs that I could fully resonate with after a creative lull. Sometimes, risks can be scary and the fear of sacrificing what you already have for something uncertain can cause inner turmoil. ‘Run’ is about overcoming those fears and leaning into the unknown with excitement.”

Despite this project’s relatively short time on the scene, Velvet Bloom has already supported Kim Churchill, Teenage Dads, The Grogans, The Mamas, and stacks more. She also recently played a sold-out show launching this single. Hopefully as the world gets back to normal we’ll have plenty of chances to see her live really soon.

Image used with permission from This Much Talent; credit: Anthony Rennick

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fall For Deb Suckling’s Latest Single “Romeo and Juliet”

If you’ve ever been in love with the wrong person, Deb Suckling’s new single “Romeo and Juliet” is bound to resonate with you. I love the grunginess of this one. The kind of love she sings about is pretty messy, and the sound of this track reflects that beautifully.

“This song was inspired by the numerous young people I have in my life including my son,” Deb explained. “The fact that we all have experienced huge first love at this time in our lives – that it can be so complex and so difficult to navigate because peers and parents all seem to have an opinion on your first true love. It’s also inspired by the music I listened to during my forays into teenage love.”

Listen out for Deb Suckling’s long-awaited debut solo album Worthy when it drops on November 19. She’ll celebrate the release with a free show at Brisbane Powerhouse’s next Livespark event on November 28.

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Barefoot Spacemen’s Debut “Here I Go” is Out of This World

Melbourne band Barefoot Spacemen are bringing feel-good vibes to your Friday with their debut single “Here I Go.” This is such a cool track, with textured jazz and R’n’B influences ensuring you’re going to have a good time. By the time that sax solo dropped I was well and truly in.

While this funky single will get your toe-tapping, it’s also got a great message. Those lyrics should really get you thinking about how egoism can kick in when people start taking themselves too seriously.

I know you’ve been waiting a really long time for live gigs Melbourne, and Barefoot Spacemen are taking full advantage of their return. You can catch them launching “Here I Go” at Colour Club on November 25.

Image used with permission from Barefoot Spacemen

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Holding On For My Life” – Harry J Hart

Sounding like the musical lovechild of Lenny Kravitz and Third Eye Blind frontman Stephan Jenkins, Harry J Hart has won me over with his debut EP Holding On For My Life. The title gives an indication of the emotion behind this release.

This EP grips you from the first track “Who We Are.” The atmospheric opening chords draw listeners in, ensuring we’re invested once those dark and relatable lyrics start. The chorus with its crunchy guitar chords and Harry’s stellar falsetto is brilliant. The track sets the bar high, but Harry continues delivering with five more songs. Six tracks is ambitious for a debut EP, but I can’t imagine leaving one behind. The current single “No Goodbye” lifts the energy and encourages you to hang on for the ride. The heaviest track on the album, the way the drums and electric guitars combine with Harry’s fervent vocals is really something special. Harry doesn’t take his foot off the pedal for “Come Back Down.” There’s even a guitar solo. I could wax lyrical about every number on this EP, but I’d much rather you discover them for yourself.

The songs on Holding On For My Life sound raw, but in the best possible way. The imperfections add authenticity to these tracks that clearly come from a very honest place. I hope Harry never gets those edges smoothed out, because what’s here really connects. Holding On For My Life is a really solid EP that hints at great things to come. Harry will celebrate its release with a show tomorrow, November 12, at O’Skulligans in Brisbane.

Images used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“The Hour Between Us” – Anna Smyrk

A quick scan of my blog revealed I’ve followed Anna Smyrk’s career since 2013. She’s achieved so much in that time, moving from her home in regional Victoria to far-flung places including Cambodia, the Philippines, and the Solomon Islands, and recently serving as a consultant for the World Health Organization. Despite all the changes in her life, music has been a constant. After being based in Papua New Guinea assisting with the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, she’s back on home soil for the release of her third EP, The Hour Between Us, which I honestly believe is her best yet.

It’s a timely release which Anna describes as “a record about all the things that keep us apart and all the things that bring us together.” That content is so poignant right now as we all come back together and adjust to a new kind of normal. Anna’s always had a knack for songwriting and it’s beautifully realised here. Her sound has evolved though into one more confident and edgy. “Song from the 36th Floor” shows us the gentle folk balladeer is still in there, but new elements of rock and indie pop give most of the tracks a bolder sound.

I was on board from the release of the opening track “Human Condition” a few months ago, and I’m thrilled to hear this EP features more songs in that vein. There’s a poppier vibe to the next track “You Break It, You Bought It” one of three songs about long-distance love on this EP. With “Song from the 36th Floor” and the current single “Daylight Saving,” they beautifully capture the longing, pain, and uncertainty that often accompanies loving someone who you’re frequently separated from. As someone who married a guy on the other side of the world, they really resonate with me. Many of the songs plumb painful content, as you might expect for an EP featuring songs developed during the pandemic, but Anna leaves us with hope. The final track “Wallace Street” is a heart-warming ballad about finding love within the crumbling walls of a Melbourne share house.

The Hour Between Us really reflects the world right now, but I think it’ll be one of those recordings I return to long after the pandemic feels fresh. I’ve always loved Anna’s music, but she’s taken her sound to another level with this release. The Hour Between Us is out now.

Image used with permission from This Much Talent; credit: Giulia McGauran

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

San Joseph Releases Moving Pop Single, “Everything in the Room”

Melbourne artist San Joseph casts a spell with his new single “Everything in the Room.” It’s only his second release, but the songwriting and vocals are so confident and capable. The month between this release and his debut “Blink Twice” haven’t been ideal thanks to the COVID pandemic, but San Joseph is navigating the conditions in the only way he can.

“I’ve been in lockdown since ‘Blink Twice’ came out,” he admitted, “so music for me has meant spending every day trying to figure out how to master social media in a way that feels like me.”

This song is his way of bringing that experience to life, transforming the contents of his bedroom into his own conscience as he struggles to let someone go.

“It’s been such a volatile state for me, mentally,” he confirmed. “I had the sudden realisation that I’d been writing the same song a million different ways about the same person. It explores a paranoia that inanimate objects were judging me for not having moved on from my ex.”

With lockdowns really testing San Joseph’s ability to connect with fans over his new music, hopefully it’s not too long before we see him playing shows. Keep an eye on his Facebook page for news of that as soon as it comes.

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia