Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Meteorite” – Owls of the Swamp

I prefer my Fridays leisurely, gentle introductions to weekends where I’m free to do exactly what I want. However, this one is nothing like that. I’ve got so much work on my plate that I know I’ll be chained to my desk for most of the weekend. When I’m under the pump like this, I look to music like Owls From the Swamp’s new EP Meteorite.

This recording is like a little oasis in a busy day. There’s a dreamlike quality to the music, which brings a modern electric edge to the folk genre.

“Starting All Over,” the single I was already familiar with, lulled me into the recording, instantly putting me at ease. The following track “Stepping Stones” took me back to my childhood, with its reference to throwing stones in the water and watching them ripple and warm, nurturing atmosphere. The title track “Meteorite” may be the dreamiest number of all. I almost get a sense of floating as I listen to it. It’s fitting then that the next song is “How Long Have I Been Sleeping?” It doesn’t quite rouse the listener from their dreamlike state, but rather ease them back into the land of the living. I love the acoustic guitar picking that anchors this song, which may be my favourite on the EP. “I Found You” is such a romantic way to end this beautiful EP. It’s such an honest declaration of love, heart-warming and so endearing.

I love the lush instrumentation of this release. It all sounds so pretty. There’s a lot of layering in the sounds, yet Owls of the Swamp never pushes things too far. This is another stellar release from the Aussie expat.

Meteorite is released on November 4.

Image used with permission from Pete Uhlenbruch

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Noah Earp Impresses with “The Raw and the Cooked”

Aussie indie folk act Noah Earp has given us our first taste of his debut album Disinheritor with the release of the epic lead single, “The Raw and the Cooked.”

“The Raw and the Cooked is about a person who is trapped in a bad scene. At first she seems really cynical, but actually the cynicism masks a certain naivete,” Noah explained. “We all have this to some extent – nothing is too neat and nobody’s perfect. I liked the idea of a love song that wasn’t…in the end this pretty love song fragments into a million pieces, because life is scary and chaotic.”

Noah also made the charming clip that accompanies the single. Just see if you’re not grinning from ear to ear by the end of it!

Noah launches Disinheritor with a show at Melbourne’s The Toff in Town on October 27.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Enjoy Pepa Knight’s “Company”

Whether he’s with Jinja Safari or performing solo, the work of Pepa Knight is always worth listening to. He continues the trend with his beautiful new single “Company.”

There’s something so appealing about this track, which has a modern dream-like quality mixed with more primitive jungle drums.

“This tune actually came about from a six-year long collaboration with a good friend of mine and genius songwriter Stephen Engstrom (AKA Stezrat). He originally sent me the idea back in 2010 and it only finally came together earlier this year while I was in-between mixing the final Jinja Safari album,” Pepa explained. “Now that JS has come to an end, I now have the headspace to move on creatively and excited to release more music in the near future.”

If that music sounds this good, I can’t wait to hear it.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Illy Releases “Catch 22” Ahead of Album Launch Shows

After the success of “Swear Jar” and “Papercuts,” Illy’s next album Two Degrees was already destined to become one of the biggest sellers of 2016. But he’s just guaranteed that it’ll fly off the shelves with the release of another stellar single, “Catch 22.” Featuring guest vocals from British singer Anne-Marie, this is another insightful feel-good from one of Australia’s favourite hip-hop acts.

“Sometimes life isn’t about always making the ‘right’ choices. Some of the best times are when you do the opposite. Catch 22 is about knowing that,” Illy explained.

Two Degrees hits stores on November 11 and is currently available for pre-order. Illy will bring its songs to the people with some intimate launch shows in the largest capitals. In addition, Illy will play a bunch of summer festivals. Here are all the places you can catch him in the coming months.

29 October 2016 – Banana Fields Music & Arts Festival, Coffs Harbour
15 November 2016 – Woolly Mammoth, Brisbane
16 November 2016 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
17 November 2016 – Howler, Melbourne
29 December 2016 – Falls Festival, Lorne (SOLD OUT)
30 December 2016 – Falls Festival, Marion Bay
31 December 2016 – NYE Street Party, Newcastle
1 January 2017 – Falls Festival, Byron Bay (SOLD OUT)
7 January 2017 – Falls Festival, Fremantle

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Dream Lover” @ Lyric Theatre – 16 October 2016

When my family first heard a stage musical based on the life of Bobby Darin was in the works, there was only one man we could imagine successfully taking on the role. That man was David Campbell. We knew he’d be impressive, but I don’t think we were quite prepared for just how good he would be.

Dream Lover really is David Campbell’s show. His Bobby Darin is a presence in virtually every scene, and he shines throughout. We’re first introduced in Bobby on the night of what would be his final performance. I’ve seen David perform the opening number “Mack the Knife” several times over the years, but with back-up dancers and a tight orchestra (who are celebrated on stage rather than buried in the pit as in so many musicals) the song reaches another level.

From there we’re taken on a journey through Bobby’s life. We see him as a child with stars in his eyes, as a hard-working rock-and-roll singer, and as the toast of Hollywood with Sandra Dee on his arm. We’ve seen this kind of rags-to-riches tale before, but most musicals tend to shy away from the darkness Dream Lover isn’t afraid to explore. Bobby Darin’s stellar catalogue of beloved music ensures the show doesn’t get too gloomy.

Stepping into Bobby Darin’s shoes is no small feat. This is the Bobby Darin story after all. This character isn’t always likeable, yet there must be a charm about him that helps us forgive his unrelenting ambition. He sings, he dances, and he gives the production its anchor. David makes all this look easy, as the very best stage performers do. I’ve long admired his vocal chops, but I didn’t realise how impressive his acting skills are.

Special mention must go to Caroline O’Connor, a stage veteran who took on the dual roles of Polly and Mary Douvan with aplomb. Hannah Fredericksen brought the right amount of sweetness and strength to her portrayal of Sandra Dee and Bert Labonte was also excellent in the role of Charlie, a paternal figure to Bobby.

Sydney is lucky enough to have the world premiere of Dream Lover, although I’m sure it will tour around Australia in time. And after that, who knows? This musical is certainly solid enough to leave the country and grace the stages of Broadway or the West End. However, unless David Campbell commits to taking the role abroad, I can’t imagine it’ll be as good as the original Australian production!

Dream Lover is playing at the Lyric Theatre until at least November 27.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Emilee South Gets Spooky with “Howl”

As a kid growing up in Australia, Halloween wasn’t really a “thing.” I remember pestering my parents to go trick or treating with some school friends once. The neighbourhood was so unprepared for us all we ended up with was some muesli bars people had for their kids’ lunches and some very strange looks.

However, a lot seems to have changed since then and Aussies are embracing the spookiness of Halloween. In the spirit of this acceptance comes “Howl,” the creepy new single from Melbourne’s Emilee South. It’s got a great bluesy feel with dirty guitar licks and rich, sultry vocals from Emilee.

“Howl” currently has a digital release but from the end of the month you can get your hands on a 7” vinyl copy. The records will be on sale at Emilee’s single launch and Halloween party at Bella Union on October 30.

Image used with permission from Fever Shake Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Say Hello to Brufield’s “Goodbye”

It’s been a long time since I’ve heard music from a really great female-fronted pop-rock band. So I’m thrilled to hear “Goodbye,” the new single from Perth five-piece Brufield.

The track sounds a little raw – you can tell it wasn’t recorded in a big fancy studio – but I like that about it. The vocals from Lisa Caulfield are angelic with a hint of edge and the melody first class. I found the track instantly accessible, and the moment it was over I just wanted to play it again. The clip, filed at the Indie Bar in Scarborough Beach, shows you that these guys know how to deliver on stage too.

Sadly Brufield has just wrapped up a tour, but it shouldn’t be too long before we see this talented five-piece back playing in pubs and clubs around the country.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

J▲M▲T▲R Makes Music With Gameboy

I don’t tend to get excited by a lot of instrumental electronic music. I’d probably enjoy it if I was in a club dancing the night away, but it usually loses something in the translation when I listen to it during the day at home. However, you don’t need to be partying to appreciate J▲M▲T▲R’s new single “Interstellar.”

The space-age track was actually composed entirely on a Nintendo Gameboy. I’m not sure how one does that or how it would translate to the live arena, but fans will get a chance to find out when J▲M▲T▲R launches the single at The Workers Club in Melbourne on November 10.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Selahphonic’s New DIY Clip a Real Charmer

After a few days off last week catching up with my best friend visiting from Brisbane, I’m finding making it through this Monday particularly challenging. I’m procrastinating, taking far too long to do basic tasks, and relying a little too much on Coca-Cola. If Monday’s kicking your but too, than “Easy,” the new single from Sunshine Coast indie pop act Selahphonic is bound to strike a chord.

The cheerful ditty about perseverance is thoroughly charming and the perfect match for the adorable clip. It was a DIY job made on a shoestring on the streets of Fortitude Valley. I don’t want to give away spoilers. Just watch it!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lake Minnetonka Keeping Minneapolis Sound Alive

While I have such fond memories of Prince’s final solo Australian tour, I’m also thrilled that I got to spend time witnessing him playing with a full band. Whether he was with the Revolution, the New Power Generation, or any number of other musicians, it was always a party. While that party may be over, Australian act Lake Minnetonka is determined its spirit doesn’t die out. Why Lake Minnetonka? If you’re not sure, I strongly suggest watching “Purple Rain” pronto!

Inspired by Prince and the Minneapolis sound he pioneered, this Melbourne jazz-funk act knows how to have fun. New single “Out There Bout There” showcases the band’s signature sound with big bold sax riffs and sexy bass licks. The sound is so good that the Revolution’s own Dr Fink has been known to jam with the band. As well as originals like this, Lake Minnetonka also love to bust out classics from Morris Day and the Time, The Family, Mazerati, and other acts that came out of Paisley Park.

Expect all that and more when Lake Minnetonka launches “Out There Bout There” at The Curtin in Carlton on October 27.