Lauren Katulka

Posted on 31/12/202030/12/2020 by Lauren Katulka

2020: Year in Review

What a year it’s been. I’ve written these end of year reviews since Sounds of Oz began, but they’ve never come together quite like this one.

Normally I look back with fondness on the gigs I saw, struggling to limit my choices to a top 10. This year sadly after so many cancellations and postponements, I can’t even name 10 shows I saw. Rest assured, the ones I caught were all worthy of their place.

The albums and EPs I choose always have a special place in my heart, but they have been my lifeline this year. I won’t pretend I’ve spent 2020 on an even keel, but I hate to think how unhinged I’d have felt without them.

This time last year I was getting ready to head to a local restaurant for a big disco party. This year I’m driving to Newcastle for a much more low-key celebration with my parents. I wish I could feel more optimistic that saying goodbye to 2020 will bring us all more joy. I guess we’ll just have to take it as it comes. But for now, I’m ready to let the bubbly flow and close this chapter. Who’s with me?

Top 10 Aussie Albums/EPs

Top 6 Aussie Tours

Image source: Bennilover @ Flickr

Posted on 28/12/2020 by Lauren Katulka

Tori Forsyth Impresses With Brooding New Single, “Courtney Love”

After all the excitement of Christmas, I’m ready to wind down a little before the New Years’ festivities kick off. If you’re seeking out mellow sounds right now, Tori Forsyth’s new track “Courtney Love” is just what the doctor ordered. I love the way Tori combines gentle, acoustic folk sounds with dark, brooding lyrics befitting the grunge princess the song namechecks.

“The way ‘Courtney Love’ was written was much like most of my songs, on my lounge room floor with an acoustic guitar,” Tori explained. “The song quickly formed into a sort of disturbed lullaby.“

Tori created the single’s music video with director Emily Avila, who felt an instant kinship with the Newcastle artist.

“I instantly connected with Tori’s vision for the ‘Courtney Love’ clip – with such an intimate setting and raw, unguarded emotion, we just needed to give it all time and space to fill the screen,” Emily explained. “I love the meditative quality of a one-take performance video. Tori’s heart is there, all laid out in real-time, an unassuming moment that gets inside your head.”

This is stellar stuff from one of Australia’s most impressive up-and-coming artists.

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia; credit: She Is Aphrodite

Posted on 25/12/202023/12/2020 by Lauren Katulka

Merry Christmas From Sounds of Oz!

I’m feeling very lucky to be enjoying a little normality right now. It’s been on hell of a year, and up until a couple of days ago I wasn’t sure I’d get back home for Christmas. I’m still very aware of the potential for even greater COVID numbers in Greater Sydney. Honestly I’m writing this ahead of time, so the numbers might already be through the roof. But right now, I’m refusing to think about it. Instead I’m thinking about the family who’ll be around me as this post goes live (all from a responsible social distance of course), the bubbles we’ve got chilling, and the presents under the tree. I am very conscious of the fact that many of my readers don’t get such a normal Christmas, whether it’s due to lockdowns, border closures, or household restrictions. I hope that if you are impacted by this virus right now, you can still carve out a little merry for yourself.

I’m sure I’ve posted Tim Minchin’s “White Wine in the Sun” before. If I haven’t, what an oversight. Regardless of the fact, I think it feels extra poignant this year. Much love to you all!

Posted on 22/12/202023/12/2020 by Lauren Katulka

“A Kingswood Christmas” – Kingswood

When I heard Aussie rock act Kingswood released a Christmas album, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The tracklist was traditional, but I was sure there had to be a modern, subversive twist. So I resisted for weeks, sticking to my reliable playlist of Christmas favourites rather than trying something new. Now that I’ve finally pressed play, I wonder why I didn’t do it sooner. A Kingswood Christmas is a festive feast of nostalgia.

From the opening piano notes of their jazzy take on “White Christmas” I realised I’d misjudged our Aussie rock legends. While their originals have rock edge, these Christmas covers pay loving homage to influences including Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and Nat King Cole.

The piano is a strong presence throughout this album. It reminds me a lot of Vince Gauraldi and his A Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack. It also gives these tunes a really festive feel. You can just imagine the lads from Kingswood singing around that piano on Christmas Day, with martinis in hand. The album moves from swinging tunes like “Let it Snow” and “Winter Wonderland” to more poignant moments such as “The Christmas Song” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” While secular music dominates, Kingswood still found a place for traditional carols. Classic Christmas tunes like “O Holy Night” and “Silent Night” don’t usually do much for me, but Kingswood’s reverent versions are unexpectedly moving.

If all of that hasn’t convinced you to ditch Michael Buble this year and give our local lads a try, consider this. Profits from all sales of A Kingswood Christmas will benefit Beyond Blue’s Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service. Christmas is such a tough time for so many people, but the pandemic will no doubt make it harder. Knowing Kingswood are helping out puts another big tick beside this album for me.

A Kingswood Christmas is out now.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on 18/12/2020 by Lauren Katulka

Neon Tetra Drop Latest Bop “Bite the Bullet”

Adelaide act Neon Tetra are back to inject a little funky fabulousness into your Friday with their fresh new single “Bite the Bullet.” Wrap your ears around that deep groove and just see if you can resist bobbing along to the beat. It drew me in from those horns and did not let go.

“’Bite The Bullet’ is an anthem of self-empowerment, encouraging people to be true to themselves in the face of adversity,” explained frontman Bill Meegan. “We all deal with insecurity in some form and It’s important to remind ourselves to not get caught up in it. Whether you’re going for a jog and need a track that’ll give you that extra push or struggling with something deeper, ‘Bite The Bullet’ has something for everyone!”

This joy of a track came out of the band’s writing and recording sessions with celebrated producer and engineer James Cecil (Architecture in Helsinki, Totally Mild) in his cabin studio in regional Victoria.

“Bite the Bullet” comes from Neon Tetra’s forthcoming EP Sweatin’ Up a Storm. Is that EP title a hint that there are more songs that will get me dancing to come? I hope so!

Image used with permission from Neon Tetra

Posted on 16/12/202016/12/2020 by Lauren Katulka

Eli Greeneyes Releases Retro Single “21”

WA artist Eli Greeneyes serves up some serious Brit Pop vibes with his latest single “21.” It’s rebellious, brash, and supremely catchy. The lyrics seem targeted at millennials, but if you were blasting Oasis and Blur back in the day, this will be right up your alley. That fisheye lens video is another fantastic throwback to the glory days of the ‘90s.

I’ve got to give you a language warning though. If you’re working in an office, you might want to stick your headphones on before blasting it as loud as you’ll want to!

“I wrote it in about 15 minutes about how depressed and scared I was about living my life the way I truly wanted to at 21 years old,” Eli explained. “I was becoming my own person and for some reason the thought of that was terrifying. A lot of this song is about figuring out who I am and feeling like I realised it too late, looking back at wasted time and how I wasn’t sucking the marrow out of life like I should’ve been. I was so pent up with childhood trauma and all that bullshit that I wasn’t seeing and enjoying all the positive things in front of me.”

Since he’s based in Western Australia, hopefully we’ll see Eli playing some shows around home in the New Year. Follow his Facebook page to learn about all his gigs and new tunes as they’re announced.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on 15/12/2020 by Lauren Katulka

“Lost in Time” – Vivien Aisi

I’m not quite sure where I was when Cairns-based soul singer Vivien Aisi released her three singles this year, but I’m glad I’ve caught up with her debut EP Lost in Time. If like me this talent had passed you by, this five-track EP is the perfect introduction.

Vivien Aisi has a voice that can seemingly do anything. It sits beautifully in the fresh laid-back beat of the opening track “Kiss the Stars,” but sounds equally at home on an old-school soul track like “Yesterday.” I can imagine a classic diva like Dionne Warwick or Gladys Knight busting out this soulful ballad. A lesser artist might pale in comparison to these legends, but this was the track that reinforced to me just how good Vivien’s voice is.

As if her talents needed further reinforcing, Vivien turns her hand to jazz with “Nine to Five.” The mellow horns and that honey voice give this track such a cool vibe. So many EPs peter out, but not Lost in Time. It gains emotional traction with its poignant penultimate number “Just Leave.” Vivien’s voice is clear and composed, but there’s an undercurrent of pain in the lyrics there which is so compelling. If you’ve ever put on a brave face when a relationship falls apart, this is your song. The final number “Lost in Time” feels like a sister track to “Just Leave.” There’s a similar sadness to the lyrics, which is balanced beautifully with a funky electronic groove.

Lost in Time is such a solid debut which leaves me wanting more. It took me a little while to discover Vivian Aisi’s music, but I am so glad that I did. If you love what she does, catch her at the following venues.

16 December 2020 – Elixir Music Bar, Cairns
19 December 2020 – MusicView TV Showcase @ AJ Hackett, Cairns
31 December 2020 – White Party NYE @ Noori Beach Bar & Restaurant, Mission Beach

Images used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on 13/12/2020 by Lauren Katulka

Tim Hart Wows Me With New Solo Single, “Cold Comfort”

Feast your ears on “Cold Comfort,” the new solo single from Boy & Bear’s Tim Hart. It’s a powerfully intense track, dripping with disdain and angst. I love the way its honest, raw lyrics marry with those gorgeous horns and the warm strum of the acoustic guitar.

“Cold Comfort” comes from Tim’s forthcoming solo album Winning Hand, which should drop on February 19, 2021. If the rest of its tracks are as good as “Cold Comfort” and the lead single “Great Escape,” we’re in for a real treat.

Posted on 12/12/202012/12/2020 by Lauren Katulka

“Revisions 2020” – Josh Pyke

When Josh Pyke released his album Rome a few months ago, I said it felt like the “musical equivalent of a big hug.” In such a tumultuous year, that was just what I needed. After keeping us waiting five years for a new studio album, I didn’t imagine we’d see a new recording quite so soon. Yet last month he dropped another nugget of goodness, his Revisions 2020 EP, and again we’re all better for it.

As the title suggests, Revisions 2020 isn’t quite new music. Instead, they’re B-sides from Rome which see him (mostly) reimagining his biggest hits. That might seem like a superfluous exercise on paper, but listening to it, it all makes perfect sense. There’s a certain ease in these recordings that comes because Josh knows these songs so well. Because he understands them so well, he instinctively knows how they can be improved or enhanced.

The orchestral swell of a choir adds gravitas to the powerful lyrics of “Middle of the Hill.” Slowing the song down lets us linger on each of those words a little longer, ensuring we grasp the story we might have missed on the cheery sounding folk version. The addition of Elana Stone on three of the five tracks is inspired. Her vocals are flawless, and you can sense the chemistry between them. Her inclusion gives Josh someone to play off. I can almost hear the smiles as they bring new magic to “Memories & Dust.” I’ve always felt a loneliness in “The Summer,” but with another voice in the mix it feels less so. Instead, this wistful song captures shared memories and a sense of togetherness. Elana sticks around for Josh’s take on The Jezabels’ “Endless Summer.” I love what they’ve done here. It’s a very different treatment as you might expect, but its soft sweetness is so beautiful. If you haven’t checked out Rome yet (and you really should) Josh reminds you why with his final track, a new take on its single “Doubting Thomas.”

This is all lovely stuff, the kind of EP sure to make you fall for Josh and these songs all over again. 2020 has been a hard year, but Josh Pyke’s music certainly eases the angst. If Rome left you wanting more, your prayers have been answered.

Images used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on 11/12/2020 by Lauren Katulka

Camp Luna Gets Real With “Honesty” Single

Camp Luna shows just how much you can do on a budget with his latest single “Honesty.” It’s got such a beautiful lush electro-pop sound, but the Brisbane act made it in bedrooms with minimal production equipment. Clever stuff! This song also has such heart. It’s exactly what I needed to hear at the end of a far-too-long week.

“There is something about having to put it out there; a self-awareness that can become an insulator; an armour of sorts,” Camp Luna explained.

This is only Camp Luna’s second release, but it certainly hints at a big future for this Brisbane artist.

Image used with permission from GYRO PR