Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Beautiful @ Lyric Theatre, Sydney – 10 December 2017

I was seeing musicals before I ever saw a concert. The music of Carole King has been a constant comfort in my life. So when I heard of the musical Beautiful’s creation, I was so hopeful it would eventually land on Australian shores. My parents saw it on Broadway and raved about it, and that only heightened my anticipation. But could it possibly live up to all that hype. For me it’s an emphatic yes.

The performance of Esther Hannaford as Carole is the lynchpin of this performance and she excels. Carole has such a unique way about her and Esther captures her voice and mannerisms without ever becoming a caricature. She’s supported beautifully by other key players: Josh Piterman as the troubled, complex love of her life Gerry Goffin, Amy Lehpamer as her vivacious and loyal friend and fellow songwriter of note Cynthia Weil, and Mat Verevis as Cynthia’s own songwriting partner and beau Barry Mann. While this isn’t Weil and Mann’s musical, as a fan of their music I was excited to learn a little more about the lives of the creators. The chorus of minor players was also exceptional. They brought us The Drifters, The Shirelles, Little Eva, and the songwriters of Don Kirshner’s Dimension Records in a such superb voice and retro fashion.

The music of the era, especially the songs of Carole King, both on her own and with Gerry Goffin, are key to Beautiful’s success. But the story is no afterthought. It’s told with heartbreak and humour drawing the viewer in and helping them understand more about these songs that are such a part of the upbringing of many of us. The players weren’t there just because they could sing and dance well, but also because they could bring the right emotional note to that story. It was a curious decision to refer to a “Nick” who encouraged Carole as she broke away from Gerry and resolved to start a new musical journey in California, when it so easily could have been James Taylor. But this was really my only quibble as I watched Carole transition from teenage Carole Klein to the Grammy-Award winning Carole King playing Carnegie Hall.

Beautiful is at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre until February 4. It will then travel to Melbourne, Adelaide, and Brisbane.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sun Sap Releases Summery New Single “Walking Out the Door”

Sun Sap seem to have been soaking up the laidback vibes of their home on the New South Wales South Coast, because their new single “Walking Out the Door” has a real sun-drenched surf-rock feel to it. I’m really digging its classic retro sound.

“Walking Out the Door” is the latest cut released from Sun Sap’s forthcoming EP Sometimes, Always, Never, Maybe, due out on February 2. They’ll launch the single tomorrow night, December 9, at The Botany View in Sydney.

Image used with permission from Brain Drain

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Folia Releases Moving New Single “Heart Beat”

Prepare to be moved as you listen to “Heart Beat,” the latest release from Melbourne alt-pop duo Folia. It’s a beautifully layered track with angelic vocals and progressive riffs exploring the devastation and confusion that comes with losing someone you love.

“Though fortunately neither of us have lost a significant loved one, ‘Heart Beat’ is our own perception of the agony and frustration that would ensue following the loss of a loved one, encompassed with the fear of this happening and not having the chance to say goodbye,” the duo says.
What do you think of this beautiful single?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Machine Age Releases Bold New Single “Fighting”

Blending indie rock and electronic sounds seamlessly, Brisbane’s Machine Age makes a real impression with his new single “Fighting.”

Machine Age says the entirely self-recorded track was inspired by those moments “When you find yourself paralysed by your own decisions and wake up asking ‘How did I get here?’ The only way to gain clarity is to be kinder to yourself and not repeat the mistakes of the past.”

There’s more where this came from. “Fighting” comes from Machine Age’s EP, due in March 2018.

Image used with permission from Rare Finds

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Higher Ground” – Reuben Koops

I had high hopes for Aussie expat Reuben Koops‘ music when I heard he’d been working with the likes of David Ryan Harris and William Bowden. Despite those lofty expectations, his new EP Higher Ground didn’t disappoint.

It feels good from the opener and title track, “Higher Ground,” an optimistic radio-friendly pop rocker that seems instantly familiar without being cliched. “Something to Believe In” is another crowd pleaser with just as much heart.

After a few upbeat numbers, Reuben Koops shows a softer side with “Lady on a Train.” It’s a beautiful reflection on those moments when you’re struck by someone, struggling to get the courage to try to make it something more. “You and I” is another tender ballad, a nostalgic number recalling young love and the way it can grow into something more.

“Labour of Love” kicks the energy up a notch. It’s a rollicking feelgood track that leaves no doubt Reuben Koops has a big future ahead of him.

I think a lot of people underestimate the skill that it takes to create music like this which is instantly accessible. There might not be a lot of sharp edges to the music Reuben’s making, but that’s part of its charm. Higher Ground certainly doesn’t challenge the ear, but sometimes it’s nice to hear a collection of songs that speak to you from the first listen, and only get richer with every subsequent spin.

Higher Ground by Reuben Koops is out now.

Image used with permission from Circa41

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Take Her” – Taylor Pfeiffer

When I slipped on Take Her, the new EP from Taylor Pfeiffer, I was struck by her sweet vocals and prowess on the banjo, a formidable combination for any country-crossover artist. I couldn’t help but think of another musical Taylor’s early material as I listened to her music. There’s a similar confessional nature to the songwriting, an innocence that’s so endearing.

The opening track “Beauty is the Beast” is a searing commentary on the modern obsession with our external beauty and a reminder of the importance of looking inside when evaluating ourselves and one another.

The title track “Take Her” reveals more colours to Taylor’s voice. I just love her little yodel and the quirk of this powerfully feminist song. This isn’t a tale of sorrow at a relationship’s demise; rather than wallowing, Taylor sings that “sometimes it feels good to be alone.”

There’s more of that strength in “Murder in the Dark.” What a powerful track this is, dark and brooding.

After the layered instrumentation of the previous tracks, the simplicity of “Make Today Count,” a duet with Matt Scullion, is so endearing. Their voices blend beautifully in this song about grabbing life with both hands.

“Romeo” is a sweet closer, the kind of song we might expect from a young performer like Taylor. However, while it’s expected, that doesn’t make it any less gratifying.

Taylor Pfeiffer is likely to draw comparisons to Taylor Swift which her pop-country songs, but that’s not a bad thing. We can only hope the future is as bright for this talented young Aussie. Take Her is available now from leading digital platforms and via mail order.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kayar Releases Fresh New Single “Long Way Home”

Kayar reinterprets the traditional South Indian sounds he grew up with into something funky and fresh with his own music. A second-generation immigrant born in Western Sydney, he’s just released a brand new single “Long Way Home.”

I couldn’t help thinking about early Jason Mraz as I listened to this track. There’s a similar rhythmic sensibility and purity to his vocals. I lost touch with Mraz’s music somewhere along the way as it lost a bit of its quirk; Kayar might just be the artist I need to fill the void he left!

Image used with permission from the A&R Department

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dom Youdan Releases Stunning New Single “Tigerlily”

All too often it seems we lose our most talented musicians to overseas. So it’s great to hear a real talent has left another country to join us here in Oz. Once you listen to his new single “Tigerlily,” I’m sure you’ll be as thrilled as I am that London-born muso Dom Youdan has decided to call Sydney home.

The track has a folky feel that’s been freshened up with modern recording techniques. The lyrics which speak of the love that brought him here to Australia are also so beautiful. As a woman whose husband chased her to the land Down Under, the song has really struck a chord with me.

It hasn’t taken long for Dom to get to know our local scene. He’s already taking inspiration from the likes of Matt Corby, Julia Jacklin, and Flume. With a single as strong as “Tigerlily” under his belt, the future looks bright for Dom.

Image used with permission from Inmocean

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Grenadiers Release New Album Cut “Long Way Down”

Just see if you’re not singing along to the chorus by the end of hearing “Long Way Down,” the new single from Adelaide rockers Grenadiers. It’s got such an infectious quality to it, in the best possible way.

“Long Way Down” comes from Grenadier’s new album Find Something You Love and Let it Kill You, which is in stores now. If you want more, and you live in Adelaide, you’re in luck. Grenadiers are playing Ed Castle tonight. If not, don’t worry. They’re touring in February. Here are all the dates and venues you need to know!

1 December 2017 – Ed Castle, Adelaide
8 February 2018 – The Eastern Station Hotel, Ballarat
9 February 2018 – The Worker’s Club, Fitzroy
10 February 2018 – The Chippendale Hotel, Sydney
11 February 2018 – The North Gong Hotel, Wollongong
23 February 2018 – The Northern, Byron Bay
24 February 2018 – Black Bear Lodge, Fortitude Valley
9 March 2018 – Mojo’s, Fremantle
10 March 2018 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury
17 March 2018 – Crown & Anchor, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Deathproof PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Olive Releases “Senseless” Single

Perth singer-songwriter Olive has released her moody new single “Senseless.” Lifted from her forthcoming EP, it’s a slow burning with incredible vocals and heart.

Olive has a few shows in her home state coming up, so if you live in WA make sure you get along and show your support for this exciting new artist.

28 December 28 2017 – OXJAM @ Mojos, Fremantle
3 January 2018 – Indi Bar, Scarborough
4 January 2018 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River

Image used with permission from Firestarter Music