Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Breakaway Back with “Restart”

After a hiatus from the live scene lasting more than a year, Sydney pop-rockers Breakaway are back with a brand new single, aptly titled “Restart.” This is the band’s first new material in two years, but it’s a welcome return to form.

The track charts new territory for the band, with retro synth sounds adding depth to their signature pop-rock vibe. Everything’s a little more evolved and more mature.

Breakaway promises the upcoming gigs will give fans the chance to hear new songs from the forthcoming debut album first. With a mix of all ages and under 18s events, everyone can join in the fun. Tickets are available now from Breakaway’s website.

24 September 2016 – The Lair, Sydney (Licensed/All Ages)
8 October 2016 – Milk Bar, Brisbane (18+)
9 October 2016 – Foundry Records, Brisbane (All Ages)
14 October 2016 – Wrangler Studios, Melbourne (All Ages)
15 October 2016 – Workers Club, Melbourne (18+)
16 October 2016 – Enigma Bar, Adelaide (Licensed/All Ages)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Caiti Baker Does It Her Way With “Heavy on My Heart”

Caiti Baker seems to be one of those artists that defies genre. The press release accompanying her debut single “Heavy on My Heart” calls her a soul/hip hop act, but there’s a strong spirit of blues and gospel running through the tune. It’s gorgeously rhythmic, with handclaps and brass flourishes driving things along. The clip, featuring old Super 8 footage of Caiti’s folks, is also really special.

With influences ranging from Big Mama Thornton to Missy Elliot, Caiti Baker is making the kind of music we don’t hear enough of it. If you want more, make sure you catch her at one of her single launch shows.

3 September 2016 – No. 5 Church St, Bellingen
4 September 2016 – Pacific Hotel, Yamba
17 September 2016 – Headland Café, Valla Beach
18 September 2016 – Flow Bar, Old Bar
2 October 2016 – Caloundra Music Festival, Caloundra
5 October 2016 – Elements Bar, Coffs Harbour
7 October 2016 – Stag & Hunter, Newcastle
8 October 2016 – Six Strings Brewery, Central Coast

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kav Temperley Goes Solo

Kav Temperley continues his musical evolution with the release of his first solo EP, Hope St, on September 9. The EP features the brand new single “Dancin’,” a quirky romantic number that’s put a big smile on my face.

Kav says the EP is as honest as he gets.

“It’s terrifying! But it’s also liberating. There was no censoring – no towing a particular line,” he explained. “I suppose you could say Hope St is me burying my 20s and elegantly dancing into my late 30s. It’s about finding a new way.”

Hope St is actually the first of four EPs Kav has in the works.

“They all form a complete narrative,” he explained. “They take us full cycle. I wanted to present these songs in a unique format, in a different paradigm – it was an artistic challenge. Each EP tells a different part of the same story – each is a part of the whole.”

The lead single from Hope St, “Dancin’” features guest vocals from Lucy Peach who will join Kav at all but the Brisbane Festival show. Catch them both at the following venues.

3 September 2016 – FAC Gallery Sessions, Fremantle
11 September 2016 – Brisbane Festival, Brisbane
15 September 2016 – Caravan Music Club, Oakleigh
16 September 2016 – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine
17 September 2016 – The Basement, Sydney
18 September 2016 – Front Bar, Canberra
23 September 2016 – Jimmy’s Den, Perth
24 September 2016 – Clancy’s Fish Pub, Dunsborough

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Harlots Rock Out With “Umma Gumma”

Melbourne band The Harlots show they’re a rock force to be reckoned with with the release of new single “Umma Gumma.” It’s dirty, bluesy, and full of raw power. You just can’t help but be swept along for the ride.

“Umma Gumma” tells the familiar story of being trapped in that moment when you know a relationship is over but you haven’t managed to escape it yet. Its spontaneous sound comes from the decision to record the track live onto reel to reel tape. Using old-school technology makes it feel much more authentic than new recordings which can get a little too polished.

The Harlots plan to tour Australia in October and November to coincide with the release of their brand new album.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Winters End Impress With Amazing New Single “Afterthought”

I’ve been feeling a little like Simon Cowell today. I’ve listened to a lot of new music but nothing managed to stick with me. I was beginning to question whether my cold was souring my mood too much for blogging, and then I heard “Afterthought,” the latest single from Sydney duo Winters End. And in that moment all of my crankiness and doubts about my ability to fairly judge music today faded away.

Its shimmery synth opening sucked me in immediately, reminding me of some of my favourite songs of the 80s. The song builds to an epic crescendo, with Marissa Pinto’s sublime vocals and percussion from her brother Chris combining so powerfully. The track’s also not afraid to tackle the big questions about why we’re here and what life is really all about.

“Afterthought” is the first single coming from Winters End’s sophomore EP. If this track is any indication, it’s going to be compulsory listening.

Image used with permission from Winters End

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mouth Tooth Stir Emotions with “Memory Foam”

Melbourne duo Mouth Tooth has released a perfectly poignant song, “Memory Foam,” the lead single from their upcoming album, which will be released on September 30.

It’s a beautifully melancholy number which explores the pain of love lost. The “Memory Foam” clip seems quite ordinary at first, but make sure you watch right through for the surprise ending.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“The Quick & The Dead” – The Quick & The Dead

I thought I knew what to expect from The Quick & The Dead’s self-titled album. The band’s name conjures images of the Wild West which the album cover does little to dispel. And they hail from Glenrowan, the site of Ned Kelly’s last stand. The intro planted me firmly in the territory of outlaws, but this wasn’t quite the concept album I’d hoped for.

While there were some fiddles and Western allusions in the song’s second track, “Chapter I,” its crunchy electric guitar chords took me out of the Western setting. While some tracks, like the standout “Chapter II” feel like they’ve come from the Wild West, others would sit more comfortably in a sweaty Australian pub.

It took me a while to reconcile what I was actually hearing with the music I expected. I appreciated the easy blues lick of “Fighter (Water From Stone)” and the lyrics of “Saint” really resonated. The music throughout was solid, the vocals capable. However, I confess, I found it difficult to keep up with the album’s ambition at times.

The listener is taken on such a wild journey, from the jangly country-folk of “Chapter II” to a hard-rocking track like “Stone Cold Bones” straight after it. Then it’s not too long before River is joining the band for some rapid-fire rapping in “Riddle.” This album never gets boring, but the listening experience can be a bit jarring at times.

The Quick & The Dead show a lot of potential in this album. There are even flashes of brilliance. But I fear this Victorian band may have tried to do too much here. I can never fault a band for taking risks, even if some of them don’t pay off. In time I’m sure we’ll see The Quick & The Dead honing its sound, playing on its strengths, and producing a more cohesive album.

The Quick & The Dead is released on September 1.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jessica Mauboy On Form With “Risk It”

Australia’s set to fall in love with Jessica Mauboy’s acting talents all over again when she hits the small screen in Channel Seven’s upcoming drama series The Secret Daughter. While she’s proven her acting chops with roles in The Sapphires and Bran Nue Dae, it’s always her vocal talents that really bowl me over. Those skills are showcased on the new single “Risk It,” which has been all over Seven’s promo ads for the new show.

This is such a catchy pop-soul ditty, which is no surprise considering Sydney songwriting team DNA, Grammy-nominated songwriter Jörgen Elofsson, and Bachelor Girl’s Tania Doko collaborated on it.

The track comes from Jess’ forthcoming album of songs from the series, which will feature four more originals and covers of some of her favourite songs including “Flame Trees,” “Photograph,” and “Big Girls Cry.” Look for the album in stores on October 7.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Getting to the Bare Bones” of Jess + Matt’s “Bones”

Jess + Matt were my favourite act from last year’s X Factor. In fact, they might be my favourite act from the X Factor, period. I fell hard for their sublime harmonies, folk sensibility, and their genuine love story.

However, I’m not so enamoured with their latest single, the first original they’ve released since their stint on the show “Bones.” The song was co-written with DNA, the duo behind hits from The Veronicas, Dami Im, and Delta Goodrem. It sounds fresh and commercial, and like nothing I’d have imagined Jess + Matt would produce. And perhaps that’s the problem.

I first stumbled upon this song on Spotify. I didn’t get it at all. Then I played the acoustic version you can find there, and the penny dropped. Suddenly the lyrics which reflect on the feelings of new love came to the fore, rather than the production. Suddenly it seemed weightier than I’d originally imagined.

I appreciate that Jess + Matt are a duo experimenting with their sound and trying to find their place in the music industry post-reality fame. However, I just hope they don’t get too far away from what made them special in an attempt to achieve commercial success.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hayes Carll Brings Country-Folk to Australia

Hayes Carll will visit Australia in October for two intimate shows in the major capitals.

The Texas native might not be a household name in this country, but he was nominated for a Grammy for best country song this year. His warm vocals tell moving stories from America’s South.
“The Magic Kid,” one of the songs from his new album Lovers and Leavers, gives you an insight into what this talented country-folk artist is all about.

See Hayes Carll at the following Australian shows.

14 October 2016 – Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne
16 October 2016 – Factory Theatre, Sydney