Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Small Town Romance” – Small Town Romance

Melbourne country duo Small Town Romance is ready to unleash its debut self-titled album, a collection of songs Jim Arneman and Flora Smith call a love letter to country music.

I really love that description, because this album is one that celebrates the traditions of country music like few do today. Its songs have a great Western feel, with slide guitars and harmonicas used to awesome effect.

Jim and Flora have been making music together since 2013, and that experience shows. They’re equally capable taking on a beautiful ballad like “Halfway Up the Hume” as they are a honky-tonky number like “Old Letter.” “New Things,” which gives a playful but earnest take on encouraging a love interest to move on, is another highlight for me.

Individually both Jim and Flora’s voices shine, but when they harmonise, wow. The combination of their tones is really special, ensuring a song like “Rookie” is another album stand-out. It reminds me of what we used to hear in country music, from the likes of Johnny Cash and June Carter, or Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn.

When so much country music is being watered down, fused with rock or pop to help it cross over to a more mainstream audience, it’s refreshing to hear Small Town Romance’s music which faithfully pays tribute to the roots of the genre. Their debut album is a stellar collection of songs which shows this duo has a big future ahead.

Small Town Romance’s self-titled debut album hits stores on October 14. The duo will launch it with a gig for hometown fans at Bella Union in Carlton on October 21.

Image used with permission from Shows in Space

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Outdoor Type Speaks for a Generation with “Rumination”

Melbourne troubadour The Outdoor Type has really impressed me with the release of his brand new single “Rumination.”

The song has such a great spontaneous energy, a result of The Outdoor Type’s old school decision to record the track live with a band. I also love its relatable lyrics which speak of rejecting the confines of the nine-to-five life meant to pay off a mortgage you’ll have until you die with your picket fence, dog, and two kids, yet still wanting to prove you’re capable of attaining it.

Having supported the likes of Vera Blue, Tiny Little Houses, and Alex Lahey, The Outdoor Type is ready to play his own shows to support the release of “Rumination.”

28 October 2016 – Rare Finds @ OAF Gallery Bar, Sydney (FREE)
29 October 2016 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane (FREE)
4 November 2016 – Grace Darling Hotel, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Habit Music Company

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Middle Kids Squeeze in Local Gigs Before Icelandic Adventures

Fresh from their appearance at Bigsound and gigs supporting City Calm Down, Middle Kids are wasting no time getting back on the road.

The Sydney musos are playing a couple of local shows to promote the release of their gorgeous new single “Your Love” before heading to Reykjavik to play alongside PJ Harvey, Warpaint, and other hot acts. After a brief European stint, they’ll be back to play a local festival in Port Macquarie.

With Middle Kids generating some serious buzz abroad, something tells me our local gigs might be fewer and farther between in the coming years. See them while you can at the following shows.

21 October 2016 – Plan B, Sydney
26 October 2016 – Workers Club, Melbourne
2-6 November 2016 – Iceland Airways, Reykjavik
9 December 2016 – Festival of the Sun, Port Macquarie

Image used with permission from Habit Music Company

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Chase City Could Be Tasmania’s Next Big Thing

I don’t hear a lot from band’s coming out of Tasmania, but the irrepressible spirit of Chase City has convinced me I should check out more music from the Apple Isle. The Hobart indie-pop act has just released a brand new single “Surrounded,” which should have you tapping your feet by the first chorus.

Chase City got its big break as part of Triple J’s Unearthed initiative and it hasn’t looked back. Since then it’s been embraced by community radio, blogs around the world, and even Spotify who featured the band on its New Music Friday playlist.

Chase City will play Oktoberfest at home before venturing to Melbourne for the following shows.

8 October 2016 – Oktoberfest, Hobart
10 October 2016 – The Workers Club, Melbourne
17 October 2016 – The Workers Club, Melbourne
22 October 2016 – Polish Club, Hobart
24 October 2016 – The Workers Club, Melbourne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

HOLY HOLY Announces Aussie Tour

When I wrote about HOLY HOLY’s killer new single “Darwinism” last month, I noted a tour wouldn’t be too far away. Now the Aussie act has announced some dates, and released a video for the single, I thought it only fair to put them on your radar.

Exciting stuff always happens when this band — which has members based in Launceston, Brisbane, and Melbourne — get together. Experience the magic for yourselves at the following shows. I Know Leopard and Alex L’Estrange will serve as supports except in Western Australia where Dream Rimmy will take I Know Leopard’s place.

3 November 2016 – Fat Controller, Adelaide
4 November 2016 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury
5 November 2016 – Amplifier, Perth
6 November 2016 – Mojos, Fremantle
11 November 2016 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
12 November 2016 – The Workers Club, Geelong
13 November 2016 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
17 November 2016 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
18 November 2016 – Metro Theatre, Sydney
19 November 2016 – Uni Bar, Wollongong
20 November 2016 – The Basement, Canberra
24 November 2016 – Miami Marketta, Gold Coast
25 November 2016 – Solbar, Sunshine Coast
26 November 2016 – The Triffid, Brisbane

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Owls of the Swamp Releases New Single “Start All Over”

My favourite Icelandic-based Aussie, Owls of the Swamp, is giving us a brand new taste of his forthcoming EP Meteorite. Called “Start All Over,” the track is a mellow piece of atmospheric indie-folk, perfect for giving you a little moment of calm during a busy work day.

“Start All Over” came about after Owls of the Swamp took a life-changing trip to Peru. The song sees him considering the bliss he found abroad and contemplating what motivates his “real life.”

Meteorite, featuring “Start All Over,” drops on November 4.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Anthony Callea Back on Top of Albums Charts

It seems I’m not the only one who thinks Anthony Callea’s new album Backbone is pretty amazing. It’s debuted at number one on the ARIA charts this week, giving Anthony his second number one album 11 years after the release of his self-titled debut.

Backbone unseated last week’s number one, Skeleton Tree by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, which is now at number three.

Divas and Demons, the sophomore album from Melbourne rapper REMI, rounds out the top 10 albums.

Meanwhile on the singles charts, Sia’s collaboration with Kendrick Lamar, “The Greatest,” is at number four. After nearly three months on the charts, “Papercuts” by Illy featuring Vera Blue is at number 10. Talk about staying power!

Take a closer look at this week’s top 10.

Top 10 Albums
1. Backbone – Anthony Callea
2. Suicide Squad: The Album – Soundtrack
3. Skeleton Tree – Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
4. My Dear Companion: Selections From the Trio Collection – Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris
5. Hard II Love – Usher
6. Encore: Movie Partners Sing Broadway – Barbra Streisand
7. Bridget Jones’s Baby – Soundtrack
8. 25 – Adele
9. Mount Ninji and da Nice Time Kid – Die Antwoord
10. Divas and Demons – REMI

Top 10 Singles
1. “Closer” – The Chainsmokers feat. Halsey
2. “Dancing on my Own” – Calum Scott
3. “Side to Side” – Ariana Grande feat. Nicki Minaj
4. “The Greatest” – Sia feat. Kendrick Lamar
5. “Starving” – Hailee Steinfeld
6. “Heathens” – Twenty One Pilots
7. “Let Me Love You” – DJ Snake feat. Justin Bieber
8. “Cold Water” – Major Lazer feat. Justin Bieber and MO
9. “Sucker for Pain” – Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalifa & Imagine Dragons, X Ambassadors, Ty Dolla $ign, Logic
10. “Papercuts” – Illy feat. Vera Blue

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Seven Years” – Matt Joe Gow

It’s been seven years since Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Matt Joe Gow released his first solo album The Messenger. He joined a band and suffered some health complaints that took him away from the industry for a while, but now he’s back with a collection of solo songs penned during his hiatus, appropriately called Seven Years.

Seven years is a long time for an album to gestate. The luxury of time has allowed Matt Joe to put together 12 beautiful songs. There are no filler tracks or numbers that don’t feel like they fit. This is quality work that is instantly accessible, with a great Americana feel that puts you right at ease. Think Ryan Adams meets Bruce Springsteen with an Aussie bent.

The first song and lead single “I’m Your Man,” charmed me, raising my anticipating for what was to come. The following song “Running on Time” is a great upbeat number which had me tapping my feet. It’s the ideal song for a Friday, making me think of raucous nights out in bars with great bands and beer flowing.

While Seven Years has its fair share of positivity, Matt Joe Gow has a knack for creating heartbreakers. “Bottle It Up, Pass It On,” is a stunning song about the end of a relationship where both parties still feel so much. The raw power of “Right By You” also packs an emotional punch. I love the poignant way the closing track “Bye” captures a moment.

Ordinarily when I’m listening to albums for review I comment on the handful of songs that really move me. As I listened to Seven Years I noticed I was taking notes about every song. That’s a testament to just how special this album is.

Seven Years will be released on October 20. He will play the following upcoming shows in Australia and New Zealand.

14 October 2016 – Rochester Hotel, Fitzroy (Ryan Adams Tribute Night)
15 October 2016 – Out On The Weekend Festival, Melbourne
20 October 2016 – Melbourne Festival, The Toff, Melbourne (supporting Grant Lee Phillips)
22 October 2016 – Melbourne Festival, The Toff, Melbourne (supporting Grant Lee Phillips)
5 November 2016 – The Spotted Mallard, Brunswick, Vic (Album launch)
18 November 2016 – Cromwell Gold n’ Notes Hoedown, Cromwell
19 November 2016 – Dog With Two Tails, Dunedin
20 November 2016 – The Starfish Cafe, Dunedin
1 December 2016 – Unicorn Hotel, Sydney
16 December 2016 – Ric’s Bar, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Matt Joe Gow

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Leah Flanagan Tours “Saudades”

Fresh from touring her single “Chills,” Leah Flanagan is preparing to hit the road again to celebrate the release of the album it comes from, Saudades.

“Chills” is one of those songs that gets under your skin with its emotional lyrics and vulnerability, and there are more of those feels on the album. The tracks explore all those emotions we carry through to our relationships, romantic and otherwise. Leah’s sultry voice is perfectly set for the songs which play with jazz and blues.

Catch Leah performing songs from her new album at the following shows.

1 October 2016 – Dashville Skyline Festival, Hunter Valley
14 October 2016 – Basement Discs, Melbourne
15 October 2016 – Whistlewood Art Gallery, Main Ridge
20 October 2016 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
21 October 2016 – Lismore Showgrounds, Lismore
29 October 2016 – Marrickville Bowling, Marrickville
4 November 2016 – The Bella Union, Melbourne
5 November 2016 – Narana Music Festival, Geelong
12 November 2016 – Candelo Hall, Candelo
19 November 2016 – Darwin Railway Club, Darwin