The music of Daggy Man is just so good for the soul. I eagerly await this Brisbane singer-songwriter’s every release, and find myself falling in love with his music all over again.
His latest single “Dumb Bird,” the fourth track lifted from the upcoming album A Lazy Kind of Pain continues the trend. Just take a moment from the hustle and bustle of Friday and let its delicate acoustic strummings and gentle vocals wash over you. I know you’re going to adore it.
Author: Lauren Katulka
“Foreign Bodies” – The Iron Eye
With all the confidence and prowess of global names like Queens of the Stone Age and A Perfect Circle comes Brisbane rock act The Iron Eye and its brand new EP Foreign Bodies.
The EP bursts out of the gate from the first track and lead single “Culpa.” I love its driving drums and singalong chorus. “Just Started” continues the fun with its dirty, sexy groove and fuzzy guitars. The title track “Foreign Bodies” is another high-octane rock hit, with big chunky guitars and big vocals from Nick Lythall to match. “Where Do You Go” had me bobbing my head in time with its energetic beat. The closing track “Silence” is perhaps the EP’s most ambitious number. It’s menacing and dark, without the obvious hooks of the songs that came before. This song shows that The Iron Eye is a band that’s not afraid to take some risks. While it wasn’t my favourite song on Foreign Bodies, I appreciate the statement it makes.
The Iron Eye makes music that rocks hard with a great melodic core which endears it to listeners from the first spin. Foreign Bodies gives an exciting snapshot of a rock act that deserves to make a splash on the local music scene.
Foreign Bodies drops on November 18.
Image used with permission from Collision Course
Be Transported by Deer Prudence’s “Sam’s Lament”
Deer Prudence has thoroughly charmed me with the impending release of “Sam’s Lament,” a folky ditty which takes me to the misty landscapes of Ireland with its sweet, ethereal harmonies and plaintive violins.
The lasses from Deer Prudence actually grew up in regional Victoria, and relocated to Melbourne to study and pursue their musical careers. The song touches on the changes they’ve made during that time.
“For us, Sam’s Lament is a piece that signifies our last five years – writing, recording, finishing a music degree and leaving our hometowns – an epic ode to the good that’s happened and to some of the bad,” they explained in a press release. “We drew parallels between someone travelling a great distance; a mystical tale – and landed on Frodo and Sam’s trek to Mount Doom bearing the weight of the Ring of Power … Life is a bit like that.”
Deer Prudence will officially launch this gorgeous single with a free show at Clifton Hills’ Some Velvet Morning on November 19. Forever Son will support.
Little Coyote Lives Up to the Hype
I’ve been hearing a buzz around Sydney band Little Coyote for some time now. After spinning their new single “80 Days,” I believe they’re worthy of the hype.
This song is so funky and fresh. I just love its sexy bass line and the smoking vocals from singer Judd English. He explained the song “deals with the daily struggle afflicting many of the self-entitled attention seekers like myself, the ‘Peter Pan Syndrome’ – not really wanting to grow up.”
You can discover why Little Coyote is fast earning a reputation as one of the best live acts on the Sydney scene when the five-piece launches “80 Days” tomorrow, November 10, at Oxford Art Factory in Darlinghurst.
Lime Cordiale Extends “Waking Up Easy” Tour
After selling out the first leg of “Waking Up Easy” tour, Lime Cordiale is preparing to get back on the road to meet demand. The tour’s “Extended Edition” sees the Sydney indie act playing to the regular bar crowds and the under 18s at venues across Australia and New Zealand.
The new tour dates coincide with “Waking Up Easy” doing great things for the band. It’s been added to multiple Spotify playlists and cracked the Top 20 independent radio charts. It’s such a fun track, it’s not hard to see why it’s been so well received.
Given the swift response to the last Lime Cordiale dates, I wouldn’t wait too long before securing your tickets to these shows.
24 November 2016 – The Foundry Records, Brisbane (Under 18s Matinee)
24 November 2016 – The Foundry, Brisbane (18+)
25 November 2016 – Workers Club, Geelong (18+)
26 November 2016 – Wrangler, Melbourne (Under 18s Matinee)
26 November 2016 – Howler, Melbourne (18+)
3 December 2016 – Fowlers, Adelaide (ALL AGES)
9 December 2016 – Yoyos Youth Centre, Warringah (ALL AGES)
16 December 2016 – Rabbit Hole Festival, Merton (ALL AGES)
13 January 2017 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney (18+)
14 January 2017 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney (Under 18s)
19 January 2017 – Yot Club, Raglan
20 January 2017 – Soundsplash Festival, Raglan
“Oh My God”, Owen Rabbit Has an Amazing New Single!
Owen Rabbit has just dropped his brand new single “Oh My God,” and it’s really something special.
I must admit, I’ve always had a love-hate relationship with Owen Rabbit’s music. I always admire his ambition, but when you take as many musical risks as he does the results won’t always resonate. He’s certainly got it right with his new single though, which infuses Owen’s iconic electronic soundscapes with real heart.
It’s given me high hopes for Owen’s long-awaited debut EP One, which is scheduled for a late November 2016 release. Owen Rabbit will tour the EP with shows in Europe and here at home.
29 November 2016 – Popanz, Cologne
3 December 2016 – FTT, Düsseldorf
4 December 2016 – Auster Club, Berlin
6 December 2016 – München, Feierwerk
7 December 2016 – Singerhaus, Basel
8 December 2016 – Wintercamp Festival, Bordeaux
9 December 2016 – Wintercamp Festival, Paris
14 December 2016 – Amboss Rampe, Zürich
30 December 2016 – Jimmys Den, Perth
25 January 2017 – The Milkbar, Brisbane
27 January 2017 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
28 January 2017 – Lass O’ Gowrie, Newcastle
3 February 2017 – The Workers Club, Melbourne
Rolls Bayce Launching “Inside Out” This Week
Brisbane’s Rolls Bayce has got my toes tapping with the new single “Inside Out.” This song sounds so fresh. It’s not often you hear something that’s so original, yet instantly likeable.
This is the first song lifted from Rolls Bayce’s forthcoming debut album. Brisbane locals can hear more tracks from that release when Rolls Bayce launches “Inside Out” at The Foundry this Thursday, November 10.
“The Blues Arcadia” EP – The Blues Arcadia
Ordinarily I find myself dragging my feet on a Monday, lamenting how quickly the last two days have whizzed by and the deadlines I have looming. However, this week I’ve got a spring in my step thanks to Blues Arcadia’s new self-titled debut EP.
I instantly connected with the music from this soul act from Brisbane. While it’s a debut, these guys, including past members of The Bella Reunion, are no strangers to the music scene. Listening to the seven tracks that make up this EP, you feel you’re in good hands. The numbers were recorded live to tape at The Barn Studios, giving them an energy and emotional intensity other studio recordings often lack.
I love the melancholy of “Corner Girls.” I can imagine hearing it in a smoky jazz club late at night after one too many glasses of scotch. After the raw ache of that song, the easy, playful groove of “Take the Money” gives the heart some respite. “Miss Lonely” is pure joy, the kind of track that gets everyone in a club up on their feet and dancing. “Here Comes the Rain” sees Blues Arcadia in performers its most sombre mode. It’s heartbreaking, with crying guitars adding pathos to Alan Boyle’s stunning vocals. The upbeat “Operator Please” brings the mood up before “Time and Again” reminds listeners just how good this band is at crafting a song about loss. It’s a powerhouse, with a rollicking piano, driving drums, and those meaty vocals. The upbeat “Rockin’ Chair” closes the EP with a bang. It’s got a great political message, but with its beefy sax line and danceable beat that message goes down easy.
I don’t ordinarily write about every song on a recording, but there are no filler tracks here. Blues Arcadia has such a great sound, with all the players pulling their weight. Big brass sounds meld beautifully with more delicate instruments like the guitars and piano. Everything works. And with Alan Boyle’s soulfully raw vocals on top, it’s heaven. I’m so glad this is a longer-than-average EP, because I didn’t want it to end. Excuse me while I hit play again.
Blues Arcadia’s self-titled EP drops on November 14. They’re playing the following shows around Queensland in the coming months. Hopefully they won’t leave the rest of Australia waiting too long, because I need to hear these guys live!
12 November 2016 – Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall, Brisbane (FREE)
13 November 2016 – Secret Show – email thebluesarcadia@gmail.com for details
18 November 2016 – The Walrus Club, Toowong (FREE)
19 November 2016 – BASEQ 21st Birthday Bash @ Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall, Brisbane (FREE for BASEQ members)
26 November 2016 – Sonny’s House of Blues, Brisbane (FREE)
2 December 2016 – Sonny’s House of Blues, Brisbane (FREE)
3 December 2016 – The Walrus Club, Toowong (FREE)
10 December 2016 – Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall, Brisbane (FREE)
31 December 2016 – The Royal Mail Hotel, Goodna
14 January 2017 – Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall, Brisbane (FREE)
21 January 2017 – Wolvi Heads Shed, Wolvi
27 January 2017 – Queen Street Mall, Brisbane (FREE)
28 January 2017 – Sonny’s House Of Blues, Brisbane (FREE)
17 February 2017 – Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall, Brisbane (FREE)
25 February 2017 – Sonny’s House Of Blues, Brisbane (FREE)
10 March 2017 – Sonny’s House Of Blues, Brisbane (FREE)
11 March 2017 – Palmwoods Hotel, Palmwoods
Image source: Blues Arcadia Facebook page
Ben Lee Kicks Off Tour This Week
Ben Lee kicks off his latest lap of the country this week. He’s playing shows in the capitals to promise the recent release of his brand new album Freedom, Love & the Human Mind.
This collection of songs sees Ben contemplating the human condition and his own experiences with characteristic eloquence and heart. The single “The Enemy Within” is an excellent example of the way Ben speaks for all of us who’ve ever wrestled with our emotions and place in the world. It features the talents of celebrated American folk artists Grant Lee Phillips and Sara Watkins.
“Like all the songs on the album, this recording began at my home studio in Laurel Canyon, CA, with a live guitar and vocal – no click track, no tuning, no funny business. Just me singing this song, from my heart,” Ben explained. “It was a beautiful thing to see it take life as I brought in other musicians to add to it, culminating in the incredible Sara Watkins adding her harmonies.”
There are still limited tickets for his shows available, but I wouldn’t wait too long to get yours!
10 & 11 November 2016 – One Space HQ Bondi, Sydney
16 & 17 November 2016 – Wired for Wonder, Melbourne (Speaking)
18 November 2016 – The Caravan Music Club, Melbourne
19 November 2016 – The Old Museum, Brisbane
25-27 November 2016 – Whole Life Expo, Adelaide Showgrounds
Central Coast’s Elliot the Bull Unleashes “Beast”
The Central Coast punches above its weight when it comes to music. In recent years we’ve seen Coasties like Ellie Drennan and Fletcher Pilon take out national talent competitions, but the Coast has also been the breeding ground for acts like Pepa Knight, Something With Numbers, and Winterbourne. The Coast is also home to Elliot the Bull, an unassuming indie-rock quartet that has consistently delivered quality tunes over the years. The latest is “Beast,” the title track from the band’s forthcoming EP.
I love this song’s passion. Jake Dobson’s vocals are endearingly raw and the guitars and rhythm section are beautifully layered. It’s emotive and honest, another solid cut from this talented act.
Elliot the Bull will travel around the country next month. The tour almost didn’t happen after the band’s home studio was robbed and thousands of dollars of equipment stolen recently. While crowdfunding has helped them replace most of what was taken, these guys could probably use your support right now!
1 December 2016 – The Bearded Lady, Brisbane
2 December 2016 – The Pier, Port Macquarie
9 December 2016 – The Croxton (Front Bar), Melbourne
16 December 2016 – The Factory Floor, Sydney
21 January 2017 – Long Jetty Hotel, Long Jetty
Image used with permission from Rare Finds