Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

5 Seconds of Summer Break Aussie Singles Drought With “Youngblood”

It’s taken nearly two years, but we’ve finally got another Aussie act on the top of the singles charts. 5 Seconds of Summer are sitting pretty with “Youngblood,” their second number one following “She Looks So Perfect.” We haven’t seen an Aussie act at number one on the singles charts since The Veronicas did it in July 2016 with “In My Blood.”

Could Amy Shark be the next Australian act to top the singles chart? She’s sitting at number eight, one spot higher than last week, with “I Said Hi.”

Post Malone is back on top of the albums charts with Beerbongs & Bentleys, denying Courtney Barnett a number one on debut. Her new album Tell Me How You Really Feel sits at number two, her highest chart position after her debut album peaked at number four and her collaboration with Kurt Vile hit number five.

Keith Urban is the only other Aussie in this week’s top ten. His new album Graffiti U sits at number seven this week, four down on its debut last week.

Top 10 Albums
1. Beerbongs & Bentleys – Post Malone
2. Tell Me How You Really Feel – Courtney Barnett
3. The Greatest Showman – Soundtrack
4. And Justice for None – Five Finger Death Punch
5. ÷ – Ed Sheeran
6. Love Yourself: 轉 ‘Tear’ – BTS
7. Graffiti U – Keith Urban
8. Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino – Arctic Monkeys
9. Deadpool 2 – Soundtrack
10. Evolve – Imagine Dragons

Top 10 Singles
1. “Youngblood” – 5 Seconds of Summer
2. “Better Now” – Post Malone
3. “This is America” – Childish Gambino
4. “One Kiss” – Calvin Harris & Dua Lipa
5. “Nice for What” – Drake
6. “No Tears Left to Dry” – Ariana Grande
7. “Love Lies” – Khalid & Normani
8. “I Said Hi” – Amy Shark
9. “Psycho” – Post Malone feat. Ty Dolla $ign
10. “2002” – Anne-Marie

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Too Beautiful for Earth” – All for Darcy

On first listen, All for Darcy’s debut EP Too Beautiful for Earth sounds like simply a classic pop-rocker. It’s an easy listen, featuring songs that feel instantly accessible. But tap into those lyrics and you’ll gain a new appreciation for these tracks.

Too Beautiful for Earth, and indeed the entire band, is a tribute to songwriter Pete Atkinson’s late son, Darcy. Pete had been working on the songs to process the loss of his son, who died in mysterious circumstances in 2012 while in the care of Darcy’s mother’s then-boyfriend. He workshopped them with drummer and footy friend Sam Hickey before bassist Danny Lilly and guitarist Brett LeMin joined the group. Listening to the songs, understanding what inspired them, elevates the experience.

The opening number “Highest Mountain” is upbeat and full of fun. You’ll be singing along to the “woohoohoohoos” before the end of the song. “The View” is such a cool track with a groovy bassline, but the lyrics have a darkness and longing to them. ”Darcy’s Song” is the emotional heart of this EP, a moving, stripped-back ballad detailing the things left unsaid and the impact of loss. The amps are switched back on for “Something in the Water,” which touches on how difficult saying goodbye can be.

All for Darcy leave us with “Ordinary Life.” The EP’s lead single, it looks at the way tragedy can shatter our everyday.

“It’s real, one day you’re in a happy simple routine and the next all hell can break loose without any notice,” Peter explained. “The song is written to be uplifting to the listener who may be pushing through a tough time just as I have been through.”

While the songs from Too Beautiful for Earth come from a deeply personal place, we’ve all experienced loss and hardship. All for Darcy tackles the darkness so eloquently, but mixes it with hope and optimism for the future. The EP is an incredible tribute to a life lost too soon and a powerful vehicle for raising awareness of the plight of fathers who don’t have access to their children.

Too Beautiful for Earth is out now. All for Darcy will play The Palace Hotel in Camberwell on June 2.

Image used with permission from A&R Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Arroyo Start Strong With Debut Single “Please Let Me Know”

“Please Let Me Know” is the debut single from Gold Coast duo Arroyo, but it’s delivered with all the confidence of a band that’s been doing this all their lives.

It’s such a compelling song, soulful with elements of electronica, folk, and indie-rock. It’s dark, floating along with a hypnotic groove that reminds of something Jarryd James or Chet Faker might have come up with.

After hearing “Please Let Me Know,” I can’t wait to hear what Arroyo releases next.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Robert Hinton Teams Up With Kim Stolen For Beautiful New Single

There are few things I enjoy better than a really good duet. When two talented musicians come together and connect over a song, magic happens. That’s just what we hear in “Footprints,” Perth singer-songwriter Robert Hinton’s current single. A duet with Kim Stolen, it’s a beautiful song with some of the most poetic lyrics I’ve heard in a while.

“Footprints” comes from Robert Hinton’s new album There Are No Winners Here, Only Beginners Here, which is out now.

Image used with permission from Firestarter Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pretty City Rock Out With “Same as Before”

I’m really digging the big stadium rock vibes of Pretty City’s latest single “Same as Before.” Lifted from the Melbourne band’s sophomore album Cancel The Future, it’s pure, unadulterated rock that hits your heart and compels you to pound your fist in the air.

These guys already sound like they’re ready to play the world’s biggest venues. The band has already wowed crowds in the US and Europe this year, so hopefully that won’t be too far off. We haven’t lost them to the world just yet though Australia. Now that the European dates have wrapped up, Pretty City promises to play for crowds back home. Watch this space.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Counting Sheep” – Mariah McCarthy

Breaking away from her acclaimed band Deer Prudence, Mariah McCarthy shows he has what it takes to stand on her own two feet with the release of her solo EP Counting Sheep.

The title track bolts out of the gate, instantly sweeping you up and taking you along for the ride. It’s a driving folk ditty that perfectly encapsulates the frustrations and random thoughts that take hold when sleep eludes us. The single “Hail Mary” already charmed me, and it’s every bit as enchanting when heard in its context on the EP. The following track “At Peace” got me. I’m not sure whether Mariah has lived through losing someone through suicide as I have, but her lyrics took me back to that dark, painful chapter. It’s a real gift to be able to move people with your music that way. I love the gentle treatment and innocence of “Caught in the Rain,” and the next track, “Siren Song,” beautifully expresses those feelings we’ve all had when we just can’t resist someone. The gentle, delicate “Seeking Refuge” draws the listener in. It’s such a gorgeous, intimate number. “1821” is the perfect closer, exploring themes of history and our place in the world.

At seven tracks, perhaps Counting Sheep should be considered a mini-album rather than an EP. I can’t imagine it any shorter though, because every track is a stand-out. Mariah is an artist with so much to say and a charming folk sound that makes what she’s sharing with us a joy to hear.

Counting Sheep is available on May 25. Mariah McCarthy will support its release with the following shows.

26 May 2018 – The Wesley Anne, Melbourne
27 May 2018 – Taproom, Castlemaine
2 June 2018 – Old Church on the Hill, Bendigo
16 June 2018 – Martian’s Cafe, Deans Marsh
17 June 2018 – The Door Gallery Cafe, Geelong
22 June 2018 – The Delatite Hotel, Mansfield
30 June 2018 – Kilmore Celtic Festival, Kilmore
1 July 2018 – Gypsy Bar, Echuca
13 July 2018 – Oscar’s Alehouse, Belgrav

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Dreggs Bring Back Summer With “Feel Alive”

There’s nothing like folk music done well. There’s an ease and simplicity about it, a purity that’s just so endearing. One folk act that gets it right is The Dreggs, who’ve just dropped their brand new single “Feel Alive.”

The duo hails from Bribie Island, which might be why this song has a summery road trip vibe despite its nearly winter release. It’s such a charmer, with a hand-clapping foot-tapping rhythm that instantly gets under your skin.

“Feel Alive” comes from The Dreggs’ new EP Seas Embrace, which is also out now. They’ll play Cardigan Bar in Sandgate tonight and support Mar Haze at Byron Bay Brewery on June 2. An East Coast tour is in the works, so hopefully it won’t be too long before we all get to see these guys live.

Image used with permission from The A&R Department

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Inklines Rock Out With “Elusion”

There are just three members in Inklines, but they create a great big rock sound.

The Sydney band’s new single “Elusion” has everything you want from a rock track: hard-hitting riffs, infectious melodies, and a chorus that will have you singing along in no time.

Inklines will support British India at Narrabeen RSL in Sydney on May 26, but they won’t leave the rest of the country waiting too long to see them play. Expect these guys to tour nationally in September.

Image used with permission from RiSH Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dream on Dreamer Drop New Rocking New Single Ahead of Album Release

I don’t know how your Humpday is going, but mine is one that deserves some heavy rock. Big riffs and pounding drums, like those provided by Dream on Dreamer’s new single “Let It In,” are just perfect for echoing a little mid-week frustration.

“Let It In” comes from the Melbourne band’s fourth studio album It Comes and Goes, which is set to drop on May 25. The band say it’s their “most intimate and personal full-length to date,” so it’s sure to be something special.

Dream on Dreamer will waste no time bringing their new music to the masses, with dates all around the country this winter. Check them out at the following pubs and clubs.

31 May 2018 – Factory Floor, Sydney
1 June 2018 – Tattersalls Hotel, Penrith
8 June 2018 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
10 June 2018 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave
15 June 2018 – Fowler’s Live, Adelaide
16 June 2018 – Amplifier Bar, Perth
22 June 2018 – Elliots Bar, Ringwood
23 June 2018 – Pelican Bar, Frankston
30 June 2018 – The Brightside, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Little Giant

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

FourPlay Releases Exciting New Single “Bound”

Premiere electric string quartet FourPlay are back with a sexy new single “Bound.” This rock track just oozes cool, with its big dirty riffs, sexy lyrics, and one of the best viola solos you’ll hear all year.

That riff was inspired by Jack White and Beyonce, and written out of a jam session the band enjoyed as part of the Bundanon Trust’s Artist-in-Residency program in the Southern Highlands. The band produced this stellar track with the help of Justin Tresidder (Macy Gray, Wolfmother).

Longtime FourPlay fans will love the single, which includes three remixes of material from their Now to the Future album. Experience “Bound” live at the following shows. Every ticket comes bundled with a free single download.

2 June 2018 – Camelot Lounge, Marrickville
3 June 2018 – Trinity Sessions, Adelaide
5 June 2018 – The Street Theatre, Canberra
6 June 2018 – The Salon, Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne
8 June 2018 – Baroque, Katoomba
9 June 2018 – MONA, Hobart

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash