Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Bloodline” – Run Rabbit Run

Ordinarily when a band releases its EP, it’s finding its feet. Perhaps it feels too safe. If there are risks, they don’t always pay off. The sound might show promise, but often it’s not quite there. And then every now and then you hear an EP like Bloodline from Melbourne folk act Run Rabbit Run.

This is self-assured music that challenges the boundaries of folk. It’s bold, confident, and oh so good, right from the opening strains of “Into the Woods.” It’s a lushly layered track with an ethereal quality that instantly piqued my curiousity about what I might hear next. Its plaintive choir-like vocals really speak to the heart.

“Sticks” is a traditional rollicking folk ditty, a great ride that compels you to clap along to the driving drums and join in the “woah ohs.” “Old Soul” is stunning in its simplicity. All the right ingredients are here, a relatable narrative, powerful vocals enhanced when lead singer Casey Martin’s voice harmonises with his bandmates. As the music reaches its crescendo, it takes an unexpected musical turn; I didn’t expect it but I was so captivated I went along willingly.

We’re surprised again in “We Don’t Know What It’s Like,” when electric guitars take over from the banjos. Those modern instruments don’t normally find a role in such folky Americana fare, but in a brooding song like this they make perfect sense.

We’re taken on another journey with the final track “Lights.” It speaks so eloquently of the struggle to gain our independence, yet the draw we always feel to the past. At first the song is gentle, sparse and delicate, but it builds to a compelling climax.

Bloodline is a powerful EP. If this is what Run Rabbit Run can produce first up, I can only imagine the accomplished music these guys will make 10 or 20 years from now. See them on tour at the following shows this October and November.

7 October 2017 – The Hotel Metro, Adelaide
14 October 2017 – The Loft, Warrnambool
19 October 2017 – The Gasometer Hotel, Melbourne
12 November 2017 – World Vegan Day Festival, Melbourne
25 November 2017 – The Captain Cook Hotel, Sydney

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ricki-Lee Releases Incredible New Single “Not Too Late”

When Ricki-Lee was unceremoniously booted from Australian Idol well before her time, it was called one of the great scandals of TV history. People still talk about how she was robbed. There’s no doubting her talent, yet somehow despite all that chatter her career has never quite taken off as the careers of some other former Idols have.

My theory is that she’s never released the right song. Her upbeat pop numbers have been fun but ultimately forgettable. But I think she’s on to a winner with “Not Too Late.” On her Facebook page, Ricki-Lee wrote that she poured her heart into the track, and it shows. It’s such a special song and hopefully signals a new, more soulful era of music from this talented Aussie.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Alex Lahey Drops Indie-Pop Gem “I Haven’t Been Taking Care of Myself”

There’s no sign of second single syndrome from Alex Lahey, who’s just released her brand new pearler “I Haven’t Been Taking Care of Myself.” The second cut from her forthcoming debut album, I Love You Like a Brother, this track is absolutely irresistible. I just love its pop energy and introspective lyrics.

“A lot of the songs on the record are about the relationships that we engage in with other people. ‘I Haven’t Been Taking Care Of Myself’ deviates from that in that it’s about the relationship that we have with ourselves and how that is reflected in the way we bring others into our lives,” Alex explained. “If you feel shit about yourself, you’re generally going to get off on the wrong foot with someone else.”

The single will no doubt encourage more people to see Alex on her I Love You Like a Brother tour, celebrating the album’s October 6 release. Catch her in the capitals and major regional centres next month.

4 October 2017 – 48 Watt St, Newcastle
6 October 2017 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
7 October 2017 – The Zoo, Brisbane
11 October 2017 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
12 October 2017 – Workers Club, Geelong
13 October 2017 – Fat Controller, Adelaide
14 October 2017 – Republic Bar, Hobart
18 October 2017 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
19 October 2017 – Rosemount, Perth
20 October 2017 – Mojos, Fremantle

Image used with permission from Riot House Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Corner Hotel Hosts Grand Final Eve Fundraiser for Kids with Cancer

I’ll be honest with you, I don’t “get” AFL. I was raised on rugby league, so perhaps it’s just not in my genes. So when I heard The Corner Hotel was throwing a Grand Final Holiday Eve party, I nearly deleted the press release. But then I spotted that the event has some kickarse bands and it’s raising funds for kids with cancer. That’s the sort of stuff you just can’t ignore.

The Great Rock ‘n Roll Pie Night features entertainment from Dallas Crane, Chris Russell’s Chicken Walk, The Draught Dodgers feat. Tim Rogers, The Pretty Littles, and You Am I’s Davey Lane as guest DJ. Warwick Capper will MC the event which raises funds for the Challenge Organisation, Victoria’s first organisation providing support and recreational opportunities for families living with cancer.

Get behind the Challenge Organisation and enjoy some superb music and pies at the Corner Hotel on September 28. Tickets are on sale now.

Image used with permission from Chrissie Vincent Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Anthony Callea’s Symphony Album Tops the Charts

When I reviewed Anthony Callea’s newie ARIA Number 1 Hits In Symphony during the week, I said I wouldn’t be surprised if it does as Backbone did and found itself at the top of the ARIA charts. So I’m not shocked to see it’s pushed Ed Sheeran’s ÷ off its perch, but I am thrilled. It’s a really special album that deserves all the accolades.

Paul Kelly’s Life is Fine has also slipped a little this week, from number two to number five. But it’s far from a bad result five weeks after its release.

Another outstanding former number one Go Farther Into Lightness by Gang of Youths rounds out the top ten.

Sadly our Aussies aren’t doing so well on the singles charts. Hopefully “Lay It On Me” by Vance Joy can continue its ascent and end up in the top 10 soon.

Top 10 Albums
1. ARIA Number 1 Hits In Symphony – Anthony Callea
2. Sleep Well Beast – The National
3. All the Light Above it Too – Jack Johnson
4. ÷ – Ed Sheeran
5. Life is Fine – Paul Kelly
6. Slowheart – Kip Moore
7. Moana – Soundtrack
8. Villains – Queens of the Stone Age
9. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2: Awesome Mix Vol. 2 – Soundtrack
10. Go Farther in Lightness – Gang of Youths

Top 10 Singles
1. “Too Good at Goodbyes” – Sam Smith
2. “Look What You Made Me Do” – Taylor Swift
3. “… Ready for It?” – Taylor Swift
4. “New Rules” – Dua Lipa
5. “What About Us” – P!nk
6. “Glorious” – Macklemore feat. Skylar Grey
7. “Thunder” – Imagine Dragons
8. “Dusk Til Dawn” – Zayne feat. Sia
9. “Friends” – Justin Bieber & BloodPop
10. “1-800-273-8255” – Logic feat. Alessia Cara & Khalid

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Phia Breaks the Mould With “Oxide” Ahead of EP Release

Like Melbourne’s Phia, I was interested to see Björk writing last year about the criticism female artists face when they write music that departs from exploring relationships and touches on atoms, galaxies, or activism. I’m also thrilled that Phia used Björk’s comments as a songwriting challenge. While she face backlash? Who knows, but she’s delivered “Oxide” anyway!

With her words in mind, Phia read of scientists who discovered 60,000-year-old bacteria inside subterranean caves in Mexico. “Oxide” is told from the perspective of that ancient micro-organism. It definitely thinks outside the box of acceptable female songwriting, but that’s a big part of its appeal.

“Oxide” comes from Phia’s EP The Woman Who Counted The Stars, which will drop on September 29. The EP’s title refers to astronomer Vera Rubin, the first scientist to quantify dark matter. To celebrate its release, Phia is playing throughout the United Kingdom, Europe, and here in Australia in the coming months. Catch her at the following venues.

16 September 2017 – The Gladstone, Brighton
17 September 2017 – The Betsey Trotwood, London
20 September 2017 –Café Galao, Stuttgart
21 September 2017 – Die Wohngemeinschaft, Cologne
22 September 2017 – FZW Das Hochste Der Gefuhle Festiva, Dortmund
25 September 2017 – Tonfink, Lubeck
26 September 2017 – Norgelbuff, Gottingen
29 September 2017 – Anlangencafe, Schwabisch-Hall
30 September 2017 – Rang Teng Teng, Freiburg
1 October 2017 – Hafen 2, Offenbach
6 October 2017 – Moritzhof, Magdeburg
7 October 2017 – Badehaus, Berlin
12 October 2017 – Kramladen, A-Wien
13 October 2017 – Fumreif, A-St. Georgen
30 November 2017 – The Old Bar, Melbourne
2 December 2017 – The Newsagency, Sydney
3 December 2017 – The Grace Emily, Adelaide
8 December 2017 – The Flying Cock, Brisbane
9 December 2017 – Smith’s Alternative, Canberra

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Neighbourhood Youth Knock It Out of the Park With “Lately”

After selling out their Melbourne EP launch and supporting big name acts like British India and Dappled Cities last year, Melbourne’s Neighbourhood Youth have generated plenty of buzz. They show us why with the release of new single “Lately.”

It’s a whirlwind of track clocking in at just over two minutes, but what the band achieves in a short space of time is mesmerising. It rocks hard with a frenetic energy that should have you punching your fists by the time the chorus rolls around.

Melbournites are in luck with a couple of hometown shows announced for the coming weeks. Catch them at Old Bar tomorrow, September 17, and Yah Yah’s on October 7.

Image used with permission from Habit Music Company

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Anywhere With a Rooftop” – Patrick Wilson

Patrick Wilson shows an appreciation for the music that came before with his stellar EP Anywhere With a Rooftop. His beautiful, soulful voice soars throughout the collection of songs, complemented so well with a tight band of horns and fiddles and silky-smooth backup vocals from the Bare River Queens.

It’s called an EP but it seems more like a mini-album really, with seven tracks leaving no doubt about Patrick’s talent. The first two songs, “Nobody” and “One Single Moment,” are upbeat crowd-pleasers guaranteed to get your toes tapping.

It shifts gears with “Anywhere,” a lovely country ballad that shows the true breadth of Patrick’s artistry. While the previous songs had strong vocals, it wasn’t until listening to him crooning over this song that I truly understood just how good his voice is.

“Rosemary” is another real standout for me, an aching song of betrayal, so heartbreaking yet with just the right amount of restraint to keep its class. “Hide by the River,” the EP’s final song, proudly wears its classic influences on its sleeve, with lyrics referring to daddy with his shotgun seeking vengeance against his daughter’s suitor. The electric guitars help contemporise this musical Western.

Listening to Anywhere With a Rooftop, it struck me how old school it is. It’s a little bit soul, but in the purest sense. It’s a little bit country, but not as we understand the term now. There’s no hint of crossover here. Again, it’s pure, influenced by the greats. Patrick Wilson is a musical throwback in the very best sense of the word. Someone who reminds us of where music came from and why classic sounds are still celebrated today. When so many artists are following trends, it’s refreshing to hear an EP like Anywhere With a Rooftop which reminds true to its musical roots.

Anywhere With a Rooftop is released on September 22. Patrick will launch the EP with a hometown show at the Union Hotel, Brunswick, on October 7.

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sarah McLeod Releases “Wild Hearts” And Extends Tour

Female rock voices don’t come much stronger than Sarah McLeod’s. Even when she’s releasing ballads like her new single “Wild Hearts,” there’s a power to her vocals that’s undeniable.

This song has much more than powerhouse vocals on its side though. It also demonstrates Sarah’s knack for simple but powerful storytelling through her lyrics. The understated guitar lets you take in those words and the special way Sarah delivers them.

“Wild Hearts” comes from Sarah’s recently released, self-produced album Rocky’s Diner, her first solo effort in 12 years. As you can imagine, after such a long wait fans are keen to see Sarah doing her thing. So she’s extended her national tour with many more dates. Here are all the places you can see her play near the end of the year. Tickets to the new shows, the ones from November 5 onwards, go on sale through Oztix on September 21.

5 October 2017 – Sol Bar, Sunshine Coast
6 October 2017 – Spotted Cow, Toowoomba
7 October 2017 – Miami Shark Bar, Gold Coast
8 October 2017 – Byron Bay Brewery, Byron Bay
12 October 2017 – 48 Watt, Newcastle
13 October 2017 – The Baroque Room, Katoomba
15 October 2017 – Miranda Hotel, Miranda
25 October 2017 – Pelly Bar, Frankston
26 October 2017 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave
27 October 2017 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
3 November 2017 – Waratah Hotel, Hobart
4 November 2017 – Club 54, Launceston
5 November 2017 – Jive, Adelaide
29 November 2017 – The Curtin, Melbourne
30 November 2017 – The Basement, Canberra
2 December 2017 – The Foundry, Brisbane
7 December 2017 – The Hen House @ Badlands Bar, Perth
8 December 2017 – The Odd Fellow, Fremantle
9 December 2017 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury
15 December 2017 – Heritage Hotel, Bulli
16 December 2017 – The Lansdowne, Sydney

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jess Fairlie Releases Stunning New Single “White Coats”

Melbourne’s Jess Fairlie shows she’s one to watch with the release of her soulful new single “White Coats.”

The track explores the confusion so many of feel as we battle our inner voices. I can hear some jazz and rock influences creeping in to this dynamic track. What a great groove it’s got. And her tone is so interesting. I could listen to Jess sing all day.

“White Coats” is officially released on September 29, but you can listen to it first here. Jess will launch the song at a Melbourne venue, to be determined, in late October.

Image used with permission from the A&R Department