Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Screaming Jets Interpret Aussie Classics for “Gotcha Covered”

Now here’s an album to get excited about. The Screaming Jets have always had a knack for making a cover version their own, from their spine-tingling version of Roland Howard’s “Shivers” to their irreverent take on Barry Maguire’s “Eve of Destruction.” Now approaching their 30th anniversary, The Jets are releasing the covers album that’s been missing from our lives.

Gotcha Covered features cover versions of the band’s favourite Aussie radio hits of the last 50 or so years. Think The Easybeats, Men at Work, You Am I, Hoodoo Gurus, INXS, and AC/DC, just to name a few.

“What we came up with was a great Aussie party album. Covering songs that have shaped us; songs from our youth; songs that have been written and performed by contemporaries and songs that will make even the most loyal fan go “what the” … I can’t wait to get out with the boys and belt these songs out with the rest of Australia…” said frontman Dave Gleeson.

I am looking forward to devouring this from front to back, but I’m most excited about their take on “Guitar Band,” primarily because they’ve assembled what might just be the greatest line-up of guitarists to ever play together. Along with the Jets’ own Scott Kingman and Jimi Hocking, the track includes the musical stylings of Rick Brewster (The Angels), Nat Allison (Suzi Quatro), Tim Henwood (SuperJesus/ Palace Of The King), Cam McKenzie (Horsehead/ Mark Seymour band), Bob Spencer (The Angels/ Rose Tattoo), Dave Leslie (Baby Animals), Brett Kingman (James Reyne), Brett Williams (the Choirboys), Warwick Scott (Skunkhour), Ronnie Simmons (Richie Ramone), Danny Spencer (Jimmy Barnes/ Richard Clapton), Chris Hawker (Taxiride), Pete Wanno (Suzi Quatro/ Josie Jason), Stuart Fraser (Noiseworks/ John Farnham), Stu Marshall (Empires Of Eden) and Zakk Zedras (Chocolate Starfish). Get excited people.

Gotcha Covered hits stores on July 27. To celebrate, The Screaming Jets will play a triple-shot of shows at The Bridge Hotel, where they’ll play the album in full before launching into all your favourites, before teaming up with Boom Crash Opera for gigs around the country.

3 – 5 August 2018 – Bridge Hotel, Sydney
10 August 2018 – Shoppingtown Hotel, Doncaster
11 August 2018 – Village Green Hotel, Mulgrave
17 August 2018 – Kingsford Juniors, Sydney
18 August 2018 – Rooty Hill RSL, Rooty Hill
24 August 2018 – Parkwood Tavern, Gold Coast
25 August 2018 – Hamilton Hotel, Brisbane
31 August & 1 September 2018 – The Gov, Adelaide
7 September 2018 – Ravenswood Hotel,
8 September 2018 – Charles Hotel, Perth
14 September 2018 – Miranda Hotel, Sydney
15 September 2018 – Revesby Workers, Sydney

Image used with permission from Revolutions Per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sannia Slays With “Go and Get Over”

Melbourne chanteuse Sannia wears her heart on her sleeve with her debut single “Go and Get Over.” I feel this one to my bones. It’s got so much soul, so much raw passion, so much honesty. It’s also so perfectly measured, without vocal acrobatics and unnecessary frills.

“This song developed really organically for me,” recounted Sannia. “I was actually driving home late one night and just sort of started singing the first words that came to mind to keep myself awake … ‘Go And Get Over’ is about literally just that, the cyclical process of moving on from someone while at the same time reminiscing on everything that was and what it’s become now, which I think a lot of people can relate to. You almost go through these sort of seven stages of grief – leaving them, missing them, going back, getting hurt, and trying to exact change – it takes its toll.”

Sannia will celebrate the release of “Go and Get Over” with an intimate show for hometown fans at the Wesley Anne on July 13.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rock Out With Eliza & The Delusionals

Queensland band Eliza & The Delusionals are delivering equal measures of sugar and spice with their rocking new single “Half Empty Girl.”

“Half Empty Girl is written about feeling confused with yourself and your decisions in life,” frontwoman Eliza Klatt explained. “I really relate to this as a young person making a career in music where a lot of people can second guess you and tell you how you should do things, which can sometimes make you second guess yourself. The song captures these feelings and the pursuit of better self-understanding.”

Eliza & The Delusionals will play Beach Sounds before joining Luca Brasi on their upcoming national tour. Make sure you arrive early enough to catch them at the following shows.

14 July 2018 – Beach Sounds, Lennox Head
11 August 2018 – Club 54, Launceston (supporting Luca Brasi)
17 August 2018 – The Triffid, Brisbane (supporting Luca Brasi)
18 August 2018 – Manning Bar, Sydney (supporting Luca Brasi)
23 August 2018 – The Gov, Adelaide (supporting Luca Brasi)
24 August 2018 – The Croxton, Melbourne (supporting Luca Brasi)

Image used with permission from Habit Music Company

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Michael Burrows Releases Folk-Rock Gem, “Please Don’t Cry”

Melbourne singer-songwriter Michael Burrows has impressed me with his debut single “Please Don’t Cry.” The title might seem sweet, but this jangly ear-pleaser is really more of an anti-love song about a girl who falls for the wrong guy.

Take a look at the lyric video, which was shot by Peter Leininger during a 30-minute Uber ride in Nashville.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Songs From The Village” – Jess + Matt

The X Factor Australia is becoming a distant memory and I’ve forgotten most of the acts that graced its stage over the years. But not Jess + Matt, who charmed me with their beautiful harmonies, their folky sound, and the romance of their real-life relationship. Something special happens when people in love make music together and that goes double when they’ve got some serious music taste. Over the years they’ve released covers and originals, which didn’t all hit the mark for me. Songs From The Village is the album I’ve been waiting for them to make, a celebration of classic folk music.

This album starts so strong with a jubilant version of “The Times They Are A-Changing.” Their take on “The Boxer,” the second track is another stunner. It builds to an epic vocal crescendo that makes your heart soar. The danger with bringing us so many folk songs though is that the music can become background. It’s admittedly a very gentle record, and there are a few slow spots. However, whenever it starts getting a bit sleepy, Jess + Matt deliver a knockout. Their rollicking version of “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right,” hits all the right notes. “Leaving on a Jet Plane” is so special. Jess + Matt are at their best when they get to play off against one another as they do here. It’s so beautiful and believable. Their version of “Both Sides Now” is exquisite.

Jess + Matt are such talented vocalists with an innate musical sensibility. They clearly have fantastic music taste and they know what will work well for their voices. They’re also such natural storytellers, ensuring their takes on songs from Simon and Garfunkel, Bob Dylan, and other American folk pioneers don’t feel like pale imitations. I had high expectations for this release. While I wasn’t wowed by every song, there’s plenty here to get excited about.

Songs From The Village is in stores now. Follow Jess + Matt on Facebook to learn about their pop-up appearances promoting the album.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lost Worlds Rock Out With “What You Say”

Queensland rockers Lost Worlds will have you thrashing around your room with the release of the lead single from their debut album, “What You Say.” The track has a great garage rock rawness about it, but the synths and guitar effects bring something new to the track. I also love its message about trying to find yourself in an era of information overload.

Lost Worlds have been around since 2016, but it’s taken a couple of years for them to head into frontman and guitar Lee McRae’s bedroom studio and put some tracks down to create their first album, Fire Fire. The band recorded, produced, and mixed the album there, so it’s a real labour of love.

“Making Fire Fire was like throwing it all on black. The gamble that doesn’t make sense at all,” he explained. “I wouldn’t feel right if we didn’t do it and I’d always regret it. This could be the only album that we get to make, so we didn’t hold anything back.”

That all guns blazing attitude really shows in this edgy release which is all passion and heart.

Image used with permission from the A&R Department

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Zenith Moon Make Their Mark With “Inhibition”

“Inhibition” might be Zenith Moon’s debut single, but this Melbourne rock band don’t seem to be shy. They’re bolted out of the gate with a rock pearler that’s going to wow fans of classic acts like Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix. Lead singer Kahli Rose is in fine voice and she’s supported beautifully with one of the tightest bands you’re going to hear.

“’Inhibition’ is a song I wrote after I finished year 12,” Kahli explained. “My high school experience was rather tough and negative as I had to deal with racism and bullying, which led me to depression and extreme anxiety … I became so afraid to be myself that I stopped doing all the things I love which included writing and performing music. In year 12 I decided that I was going to stop letting my depression and anxiety take control. This song is about the journey I went through to becoming a confident woman and not being swayed by other people’s opinions.”

The clip takes us to a house party that we’d all love to attend. It also gives you an inkling of what these guys are like live. If you like what you see, clear you schedule because Zenith Moon will launch “Inhibition” tomorrow night at The Grace Darling in Melbourne.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jack Biilmann Releases Killer New Single “The Hills Have Eyes”

Canberra-based bluesman Jack Biilmann has got me tapping my toes today with his new single “The Hills Have Eyes.”

It’s one of those tracks that grabs you from the get go. It’s honest and unpretentious, just bloody great music delivered from the heart.

“‘The Hills Have Eyes’” is a kick in a new direction from me,” Jack explained. “I wanted to do something that had the elements with what make me who I am as an artist with a new twist. It’s sure to come as a bit of a surprise, but is still a very ‘Jack Biilmann’ sounding song. The production from Kojo Ansah has really given this song exactly what I am after and I am so excited to release it and see its response.”

Jack is currently on the road promoting the single, stopping in at capital cities and regional centres all around the East Coast. Here are the remaining dates.

7 July 2018 – The Wesley Anne, Melbourne (with Pat Tierney)
19 July 2018 – Jindabyne Brewery, Jindabyne
20 July 2018 – The Alpine, Cooma
21 July 2018 – The Abbey, Canberra
26 & 27 July 2018 – The Eiger, Perisher
4 August 2018 – The Vic, Wagga Wagga
5 August 2018 – The Bended Elbow, Albury
10 August 2018 – The Captain Cook Hotel, Sydney (with Erin McMahon)
12 August 2018 – Hamilton Station, Newcastle
18 August 2018 – Rad Bar, Wollongong (with Erin McMahon, Liam Wright, and Jack Moon)

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Glorious North Unleash “The Widow”

The Glorious North put a spin on the classic murder ballad with their new single “The Widow.” The story unfolds through the eyes of a man who kills for love and later feels manipulated by the object of his affection. It’s got a great alt-country vibe to go with those dark lyrics that I’m really digging.

“The Widow” comes from Melbourne quartet’s debut album, Welcome to the Glorious North.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Young Monks Spread Good Vibes With “Supersonic Melodies”

I can’t say I’ve listened to a lot of “experimental tropical-funk,” but if it all sounds as good as Young Monks’ new single “Supersonic Melodies” I have to listen to more. This track from the Canberra quartet is such a groovy, positive number, perfect for chasing away the blues on a gloomy winter’s day.

“Supersonic Melodies” comes from Yong Monks’ self-produced debut album Swamp Creek, which drops on June 29. They’ll take the music to the masses on their upcoming East Coast tour.

13 July 2018 – Bloodhound Bar, Brisbane
15 July 2018 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
20 July 2018 – Workers Club, Melbourne
21 July 2018 – Brighton Up, Sydney
22 July 2018 – Rad Bar, Wollongong
25 July 2018 – Roundhouse Beergarden, Randwick
27 July 2018 – The Park House, Mona Vale
28 July 2018 – Waterfront Hotel, Moruya

Image used with permission from Bianca Blancato