Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Loose End Take it To the Next Level With “Jordan Street”

Melbourne punk rock act Loose End show they’re going from strength to strength with the release of their latest single “Jordan Street.”

Loose End always had the makings of a great band, but their inexperience showed. This song has a much more mature sound, with smarter songwriting and more sophisticated production than we’ve seen in the past. Yet it’s kept the essence of what made this band so special. It wears its heart on its sleeve, and that moves ours too.

Frontman Ben Smalley says the song is “about chasing my dreams. Like everyone I have my days where I hang over my head. I have the sleepless nights where I feel alone and ridiculous. The mornings in the car and worry about my dignity and if I’ll have any left if I fail. When I was in early high school I use to play in a band called Geroff and we practiced at our drummer’s childhood home on Jordan Street. Maybe it is the nostalgia, but they seemed to be simpler times.”

“Jordan Street” is the first track lifted from Loose End’s second EP, Overthinking Everything I Know, which drops on November 30.

Image used with permission from Collision Course

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Leonie Kingdom Wows Me With “So Much More”

Leonie Kingdom has one of those voices that stops you in your tracks. Like Laura Marling or even Joni Mitchell, there’s a great beauty in her simple approach to music. New single “So Much More” is, excuse the pun, so much more than the sum of its parts. Tracks with delicate acoustic guitar and piano instrumentation, gentle vocals, and simple melodies are a dime a dozen, but this track is so impressive. It captured my heart from the first listen, and compelled me to press play when it was done.

“I’ve always taken experience from the darker side of life. This is where most of my experience in song writing comes from. I like to write about things that are important, and people can relate to. I thought it would be refreshing to put a bit of a lighter and positive feel into a song with a big meaning. Encouraging people to keep going when life gets tough and remember there are other people going through their own struggles in life. We are not alone,” explained Leonie of the song’s inspiration.

As one of this year’s finalists, Leonie will play the Listen Up Song Writers Festival Grand Final at Sydney’s Factory Theatre on November 15.

Image used with permission from The A&R Department

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tamma Overcomes the Odds With “Beat You Down”

After several vocal surgeries and the traffic loss of her nephew, Tamma knows more about overcoming adversity than most. But rather than letting her struggles consume her, she’s channelled them into her feel-good new single “Beat You Down.”

“Music is my healer and I wanted to write something to make them feel uplifted – the way music does for me. I was thinking about my little nieces (and nephews) navigating through life at different ages and stages; it’s confusing enough as a young one, but then trying to understand that loss on top of that is so hard. I thought about my own journey, what it’s like to be a female today,” she explained of the song’s inspiration. “’Beat You Down’ came at the last minute, and it’s a message for my nieces: if they ever feel discouraged or hurt, don’t let it beat you down. Stay close to your loved ones … it’s a message for anyone who needs a pick-me-up. Life’s bigger than letting toxic people or trivial things get to you.”

The Melbourne-based singer combines pop, soul, and dance vibes into this summery track that should have you singing along before you too long. With much of Australia receiving gloomy, grey weather, Tamma headed to sunny Venice Beach for the film clip.

“Venice Beach is place close to my heart for many reasons: the warmth, the weirdness, the music, blue skies and palm trees, but mainly because of my awesome mates who live there, who also feature in the clip. We filmed some of it in their backyard in their amazing airstream caravan,” she said. “I picked skateboarding because I wanted a visual representation where persistence and resilience pays off. I have always loved and respected skateboarding since I was a kid; it’s an artform that requires courage to master it. You get physically hurt as well as rejected from society and little recognition, you eat shit and you get up again!”

No matter what you’re going through this Monday, crank this one and you’re bound to feel better.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Restless Noise” – Loser

Loser creates the kind of rock music purists yearn for. It’s rough and ready, with fuzzy guitars, rebellious lyrics, and anthemic choruses that compel you to sing along and stamp your feet. Their first offering, Restless Noise, is a short and sweet EP. But with just five songs, they prove they’re a force to be reckoned with.

Of course, that should come as no surprise to anyone who knows about Loser’s pedigree. They might be a new band, but the members have served their time with Apart From This, Grim Rhythm, The Smith Street Band, and The Bennies. These guys know their shit.

“Phase Me,” one of two singles, kicks the EP off, introducing us to the band’s knack for crafting a killer riff. It’s an easy entry, not quite as aggressive as many of Loser’s songs, an accessible track that primes us for more. The title track goes a little harder, taking us but we’re ready for those hard-hitting drums and F-bombs now. “Vacation” eases the foot off the pedal a little bit, giving us a chance to catch our breath before another aural assault, the EP’s other stellar single, “Loser.” Final track “Some Say” takes us home. The choruses are gentle, but that chorus reminds us of just what these lads are capable of.

The guys from Loser already proved their talents with other bands, but put them together and magic happens. They’re creating the kind of killer alt-rock I haven’t heard since the ‘90s. These five tracks have me wanting more. Restless Noise is out now.

Image used with permission from Deathproof PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Atlas Shoulders” – Pierce Brothers

I’ve been waxing lyrical about the Pierce Brothers since 2014, waiting not so patiently for the Melbourne siblings to release their debut album. Those EPs just never felt long enough; I wanted something to really sink my teeth into. My patience has been rewarded with the release of Atlas Shoulders.

As a music fan, it’s only natural to want an album early, but there’s something to be said for Jack and Pat Pierce’s slow and steady approach. They’ve developed as artists, taking the time to get the balance right and create a sound that’s folky, yet bold, yet somehow never overproduced.

The first half of Atlas Shoulders is perfect road trip or BBQ music. A harsher critic might suggest its mellow vibes start to get a little samey, but I don’t think there’s anything wrong with laidback music that sounds this good. Songs like “Lovers Trip” and the single “Back End Roads” are so well crafted.

While I enjoyed the first portion of the album, it really picked up for me in the second half. All too often albums start feeling fatigued here, but this is where you’ll find some of Atlas Shoulders’ grittier material. The road trip has been marred by some arguments, the love stories are going sour. Mistakes were made, there are regrets. All that is fodder for some really powerful music. Songs like “Reckless Hearts and Restless Hands” and “Love You Broke” stop you in your tracks and stir your spirit. They wake you up and reinforce the true talent of this sibling duo. By the time you reach “Hold On,” there’s no doubt that the wait for the Pierce Brothers album has been worthwhile. Yes, they can create folky music that sounds good, but stay a little longer and you’ll hear some tracks that do more than delight the ear; they move every part of you.

Atlas Shoulders is in all good music stores today. The Pierce Brothers will play shows around the country to celebrate its release before supporting Rodriguez in February.

9 November 2018 – The Forum, Melbourne
16 November 2018 – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney
17 November 2018 – The Zoo, Brisbane
9 February 2019 – Sirromet Wines, Mt Cotton (with Rodriguez, Xavier Rudd, Busby Marou, and Alice Skye)
16 February 2019 – Rochford Wines, Yarra Valley (with Rodriguez, Xavier Rudd, Busby Marou, and Alice Skye)
23 February 2019 – Peter Lehmann Wines, Barossa Valley (with Rodriguez, Xavier Rudd, Busby Marou, and Alice Skye)

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Lab Experiments Vol. 2” – Cookin’ on 3 Burners

Sequels have a bad reputation. They’re often released as a desperate attempt to cash in on the success of the first creative endeavour, yet they typically pale in comparison to the original. For every The Godfather Part II there’s a dozen disasters like Jaws: The Revenge or Speed 2: Cruise Control. So it’s only natural to approach Lab Experiments Vol. 2 with a healthy degree of scepticism. Thankfully Melbourne’s favourite funksters Cookin’ on 3 Burners deliver the goods.

It bursts out of the gates with a joyous explosion of Hammond organ chords with the instrumental single “The Jump Off.” The flip side of that double A-side, “Warning,” comes next, with guest vocalist Kait delivering plenty of sass. “Howler” surprises, a darkly dramatic instrumental which could serve as the soundtrack to your Halloween parties. It’s an unexpected detour, but I appreciate that Cookin’ on 3 Burners keeps us on our toes. “Force of Nature” has such a great Motown groove, with Fallon Williams’ gritty yet soulful lead vocals backed by a choir of gospel angels. Longtime collaborator Kylie Auldist is back with the Burners for the soulful “One of the Ones.” Magic always happens when these guys get together, and this track is no exception. Closing number “Garden of Freedom” is made so much sweeter with the addition of The Meltdown’s cooler than cool frontman Simon Burke.

Cookin’ on 3 Burners have such an incredible sound, which builds on soul and funk traditions and makes them feel so fresh. But it’s those collaborations that really make Lab Experiments Vol. 2 so special. Rubbing shoulders with the right people elevates their sound, ensuring Lab Experiments Vol. 2 is a sequel worth spending your money on.

Lab Experiments Vol. 2 is released today.

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Vanns’ Rock Out With “How Was I Supposed to Know”

Wollongong rockers The Vanns have been wowing crowds all around the country on their current tour promoting new single “How Was I Supposed to Know.” They’re playing pubs at the moment, but with a sound this big it’s only a matter of time before they’re in stadiums.

“How Was I Supposed to Know” has everything you want from a rock song: dirty, chunky guitars, powerful vocals, and a chorus that will have you pumping your fist in the air from the first listen.

The track explores the emotions swirling when a relationship breaks down, and the clip, which puts you in the middle of an uncomfortable and explosive dinner date, is the perfect accompaniment.

The Vanns have one more show on their current tour, their first since May. If you’re in the area, catch them at the Festival of Fisher’s Ghost celebrations in Campbelltown on November 3.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kodey Brims Recalls Memories of Home With New Single “Bundaberg Rum & Coke”

She might be based in Nashville these days, but it seems home isn’t too far from Kodey Brims’ mind. Her new single “Bundaberg Rum & Coke” is a tender nostalgia-tinged ballad about her formative years and the memories one of Australia’s favourite drinks evokes for her.

“On one of my first nights in Nashville I picked up my guitar and wrote this song when I was feeling particularly homesick. One thing I’ve learned about living overseas is that the feeling of homesickness doesn’t really go away, you just find new ways of being okay with it,” Kodey explained. “This song was my way of capturing the good memories of my family staring out onto the sugarcane fields in Maryborough, QLD, all drinking the same Australian rum.”

The heartfelt lyrics of “Bundaberg Rum & Coke” are impressive, but I’ve also fallen for Kodey’s sound, which is like some unique blend of Tori Amos and Natalie Merchant. If you loved these ‘90s songstresses too, this track will be right up your alley.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Ashfield Skyline” – Family Fold

There’s not a lot of flash about Ashfield Skyline, the sophomore album from Family Fold. It’s an album full of the kind of pleasant pop-rock music that most of us don’t pay too much attention to. It sounds nice enough, but without big vocals or edge we let it fade into the background. I must admit, I fell into that trap myself at first. I listened almost all the way through while I was working on other things, enjoying myself but deciding the album didn’t grab me enough to warrant a review. It actually took the final track “Greater Union” to really wake me up and force me to properly listen not just to this number but the rest of the record.

That song is still my favourite, a beautiful ballad with poetic lyrics and some of the most powerful vocals on Ashfield Skyline. But on that first half-listen missed how heartbreaking songs like “Crying in the Carwash” and “Brother’s Name,” about life without Family Fold’s singer-songwriter Paul Andrews’ late brother, are. I missed the humour in tracks like “Saturday Night, No Fever” and “Big Wedding.” I had so much fun listening to “Let Go” that I got up out of my desk chair and had a spontaneous boogie in my home office.

It’s fitting that the image of a heart graces the cover of Ashfield Skyline. These songs might fly under the radar, but together they form an album that has the power to move any listener that really taps into them. Something tells me that matters more to Family Fold than whether or not big media pays attention.

Ashfield Skyline is out now. Family Fold will officially launch the album at The Union Hotel in Newtown on November 25.

Image used with permission from Revolutions Per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kav Temperley @ Lizotte’s, Newcastle – 20 October 2018

A night at Lizotte’s always feels like coming home. I don’t get to visit as often as I’d liked, since the Central Coast arm folded, but it’s a venue worth making the trip up the Pacific Highway for. The musicians are always first-class, but many venues can claim that. Add in delicious food, friendly and attentive waitstaff, and quality beverages though, and you’ll start understanding why Lizotte’s has a special atmosphere that’s all its own. Music fans love being here, and musicians love playing here. If you’ve ever caught one of the live streaming videos the venue posts on Facebook, you’d understand that all those good vibes help magic happen at Lizotte’s. So not even the thunderstorms could dampen my enthusiasm for a road trip to Newie for Kav Temperley’s Lizotte’s show on Saturday night.

Kruger James played violin on Kav’s new solo record, All Your Devotion, but he got the chance to step into the spotlight in his support slot. I’m sure his blend of rapping and electric violin wasn’t to everyone’s tastes, but I was transfixed. His tracks were soulful, with clever rhymes and positive vibes. I would have loved to hear him with a band rather than a backing track, but I understand support acts have budget constraints. His own electric violin really elevated his work. A freestyle rap referencing the desserts people were enjoying near the stage, the fantastic venue, and his music got everyone on side. Even if rap isn’t your genre of choice, it’s impossible to be unimpressed by such clever spontaneous rhymes.

Kav was the man we all came to see, and he appeared every bit the star as he stepped on stage in his leather jacket, with an acoustic guitar strapped on. He might have been on tour to promote his new album All Your Devotion, but he wasn’t going to ignore the fans who’d been with him throughout his musical journey. Opening tracks “From the Sea” and “Older Than You” made me wonder why I’d left it so long to catch him live. The stripped-back performances helped me appreciate these radio-friendly hits just a little more.

After a little trip down memory lane, it was time to celebrate Kav’s new solo record. I absolutely love this album. While I always enjoyed Eskimo Joe music, this album has converted me from casual listener to real fan. So I was thrilled to hear those songs and the stories behind them. Since he played on the record, it was only fitting that Kruger joined Kav for a few numbers, including one of the night’s standouts, “Queen of My Heart.” I’d questioned the inclusion of “Christmas Lights,” feeling a festive song was a little out of place on this album of songs about love lost and found. However, being involved in the call-and-response chorus of this modern Christmas song, it made total sense. Even in October. What great fun.

Stepping out solo when you’re part of such a well-loved Australian band must be daunting. There’s no one else to hide behind, and since you’re the only one making the music, it often comes from a more intimate, personal place. But if there were any nerves, Kav Temperley didn’t show them. His set at Lizotte’s was wonderful, a celebration of this fantastic new collection of songs he’s created which didn’t forget the music that thrust him into the spotlight. There are just a few dates left on the All Your Devotion tour. If you’re near one of these Western Australian venues, trust me: get yourself a ticket. Just like the album they’re promoting, these shows are sure to be something special.

27 October 2018 – Mojos, Fremantle
2 November 2018 – River Hotel, Margaret River
3 November 2018 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury

Image source: Stephen Katulka