Category: Album Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Froyo Spread Powerful Message About Mental Health With “Out There”

In this modern world of social media, ironically many of us feel more isolated than ever before. Sydney synth-pop duo Froyo touch on the mental health issues that isolation often triggers with their latest single “Out There.”

The band isn’t just paying lip service to one of society’s hot button issues. One half of the duo, Michael Chow, struggled with depression during the making of their latest EP Blue. “Out There” was penned about the way the band felt missing a friend who’d moved overseas. However, it took on a deeper meaning after that friend took his own life before the EP’s release. The EP is now dedicated to his memory.

Blue features “Out There” and another track I raved about earlier this year, “Heart.” The EP has such an upbeat pop essence, but make sure you listen to the lyrics to appreciate the darkness hiding just beneath its sonic surface.

If you love what Froyo do, make sure you catch them at their next gig at North Wollongong Hotel on August 18.

Image used with permission from Arow Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

PLTS Drop Rocking New Single Ahead Of EP Release & Tour

PLTS might hail from Byron Bay, but there’s nothing sleepy about this indie-rock band. While their hometown is better known for its super-chill vibes, these guys create big stadium rock tracks like their latest single “Young Ones,” a nostalgic track about the stories that shape us and the memories we love to reflect upon. Turn it up loud readers!

There’s more where this came from too. PLTS are preparing to release their new Lonely Leaves on May 24, which is not so coincidentally the day they hit the road. Catch them doing what they do best at the following venues.

24 May 2019 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
25 May 2019 – Brisbane Hotel, Hobart
1 June 2019 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
13 June 2019 – OAF Gallery Bar, Sydney

Image used with permission from Bianca Blancato

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Conrad Sewell Celebrates “Life” With Art Show, Instores, & Tour

Conrad Sewell has made a career singing tug-at-the-heartstrings ballads that stir the soul. He’s at it again with his latest single “Life,” the title track from his forthcoming debut album.

The album Life hits Australia on May 17. Conrad will mark its release with an art exhibition in Sydney on May 16. Photographers were invited to submit their works which represent the meaning of life. The ones an expert creative panel featuring Conrad himself like best will be displayed on the night. Conrad will also showcase some of the album’s tracks on the night.

While the launch is exclusively for VIPs, Conrad is giving fans plenty of opportunities to see him in the coming weeks. He will play shows all around Australia and North America to celebrate Life’s release. If you missed out on tickets, or you just want to get up close and personal with the man himself, he’s playing a bunch of old-school shopping centre instores leading up to the tour. Catch him at the following places.

9 May 2019 – Fishbone, Alexandria (6 pm)
11 May 2019 – Westfield Woden, Woden (noon)
13 May 2019 – Garden City Centre, Booragoon (3:30 pm)
22 May 2019 – Queen Street Mall, Brisbane (4:30 pm)
23 May 2019 – Beatniks Records, Broadbeach (4:30 pm)
25 May 2019 – Astor Theatre, Perth (ALL AGES)
31 May 2019 – Eatons Hill Ballroom, Brisbane (ALL AGES)
1 June 2019 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney (ALL AGES)
4 June 2019 – The Gov, Adelaide (ALL AGES)
7 June 2019 – The Forum, Melbourne (18+)
12 June 2019 – The Mint, Los Angeles
13 June 2019 – Café du Nord, San Francisco
16 June 2019 – Globe Hall, Denver
18 June 2019 – Subterranean, Chicago
20 June 2019 – Mercury Lounge, New York
21 June 2019 – Sonia Live Music Venue, Cambridge
22 June 2019 – The Drake Hotel, Toronto

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Little Stevies Take New Album On the Road

Local sister act The Little Stevies can do no wrong. Their latest studio album Stopped Wishing I Was Somewhere Else is a delight from start to finish, with irresistible vocals, quirky lyrics, and genuine charm. It’s like aural sunshine, guaranteed to put a smile on your face and a spring in your step.

If you only listen to one song though, make it “Break Your Heart.” It seems wrong to play favourites when an album is such quality, but this song has a special place in my heart. Listen and just see if you’re not tempted to snap up tickets to one of their upcoming shows.

Catch The Little Stevies promoting their new album at the following gigs.

3 May 2019 – Smiths Alternative, Canberra
18 May 2019 – The Spotted Mallard, Melbourne
24 May 2019 – Factory Floor, Sydney
26 May 2019 – The Milk Factory, Brisbane

Image used with permission from the 123 Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dan Sultan Releases Children’s Music That Doesn’t Suck

Any time I have any inkling that I might be cut out for motherhood, I think about how difficult it must be to hear a Wiggles album or the Frozen soundtrack for the umpteenth time. I feel for you parents of Australia, so I figure it’s my duty to put any good kids’ music on your radar. Wrap your ears around “Nali,” the first single from Dan Sultan’s soon-to-be-released kids album Nali & Friends.

Dan was inspired to write Nali & Friends with his longtime pal and collaborator, filmmaker Rhys Graham, after the pair trekked through Uganda and Kenya for their work with the Thin Green Line Foundation. During that journey Dan and Rhys spent a lot of time with baby animals, watching them play and observing their quirky personalities. The result is a collection of heart-warming songs about growing up, accepting differences, and protecting our natural world.

“It was one of the most rewarding musical experiences I’ve had to date. I like a lot of different types of music, and what was really refreshing for me was this opportunity to dip into so many musical styles, to represent the various characters’ stories,” Dan explained. “There’s everything from calypso to flat out honky-tonk to cinematic ballads with strings. Artistically it was very fulfilling. I’m in some rare form at the moment, I’m feeling really good.”

Nali, the album’s central character, is a baby Arctic bird with a crooked wing who loses her way migrating from the North to the South Pole. Her journey off course isn’t all bad though, because she meets animals from all around the world, from the jungles of Uganda to Australia’s deserts.

Normally I find children’s music a little grating on the ear, but “Nali” is every bit as cool as you’d expect from Dan Sultan. It’s the perfect gateway into his material for mini-music lovers out there. Nali & Friends hits stores on April 12.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Colby’s Release Buzzy New Single “Telephone”

With emotional vocals and a great electric guitar riff, Melbourne band The Colby’s have won me over with their new single “Telephone.” This is straight-up pop-rock the way it’s meant to be, accessible and honest.

“Telephone” comes from The Colby’s recently released EP Skin. Check them both out on your favourite digital music providers. Melbourne locals can also catch The Colby’s launching the EP at Bar 303 on April 12.

Image used with permission from the A&R Department

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rach Brennan & The Pines Touring Fab New Album

I’ve found myself thoroughly charmed this morning by Here’s to Better Times & Seeing Better Places, the debut album from Victorian indie-pop act Rach Brennan & The Pines. There’s so much warmth and wisdom in this album, which dropped today. And with just nine tracks, the band’s ensured every one is flawless.

Choosing a favourite seems like choosing a favourite child, but current single “Hindsight” has really bowled me over. It’s got all that wisdom I mentioned wrapped up in an upbeat, feel-good poppy package.

“‘Hindsight’ is about a moment of clarity when you realise that you’re no longer young, but not yet old … but even though you might feel stuck or limited in experience, the world around you keeps moving at breakneck pace with no sign of slowing down,” Rach explained. “In this time in your life you either stay still and let it rush past you … or you let go, be kind to yourself and let the current take you.”

Rach Brennan & The Pines have been incredibly busy of late playing single release shows and festivals, but there’s no slowing them down. You can catch this exciting new act at the following shows celebrating the album’s release.

19 April 2019 – Halls Gap Hotel, Halls Gap
2 May 2019 – The Gasometer Hotel, Collingwood
25 May 2019 – The Workers Club, Geelong
30 May 2019 – Marlborough Hotel, Newtown
31 May 2019 – Howlin’ Wolf Bar, Wollongong

Image used with permission from The Right Profile

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

June Low’s “The Letter” is Something to Write Home About

Brisbane’s June Low have just dropped their new single “The Letter,” the title track from their forthcoming EP. It’s a beautiful song with poetic lyrics and slide guitar, which wins me over every time. If you love Americana, you’ll eat this song up.

If you want to hear more, make sure you get yourself to The Junk Bar tomorrow night, March 22, for the official EP launch. Melbourne gets its chance to see June Low at Merri Creek Tavern on April 20.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Alex Lahey Teases New Album With Single Release

There’s just no slowing down Alex Lahey. She’s been touring relentlessly here and abroad, yet she’s somehow found time to record a brand new album. “Don’t Be So Hard On Yourself” is the upbeat first single from her forthcoming LP, The Best of Luck Club.

“I wrote this song for my partner who was on tour and was feeling the fatigue and stresses of the road, as we all do,” she explained. “It doesn’t matter how capable or strong or resilient you may be, we all have bad days, and that’s OK. There’s nothing wrong with feeling tired after a hard day’s work and sometimes I have to remind myself of that too.”

The Best of Luck Club drops on May 17. She’ll take its songs on the road this June.

6 June 2019 – The Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide
7 June 2019 – Rock Rover, Fremantle
13 June 2019 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
14 June 2019 – The Basement, Canberra
15 June 2019 – Metro Theatre, Sydney
22 June 2019 – Forum, Melbourne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Sky’s the Limit for MOBS

I must admit, I listened to MOBS’ new EP Bad Love feeling a little disconnected for the most part. Perhaps I shouldn’t have read the press release first, which cited such wide ranging influences as Tears for Fears, Steve Winwood, Billy Ocean, and my current favourite new band LANY. It also stated the Melbourne outfit has just signed a record deal with Rude Records, home to Less Than Jake, The Maine, and Set It Off, to name a few. It wasn’t that I didn’t like the music. It was fun, ear-pleasing pop. But it didn’t grab me as much as I’d hoped. Until the final track.

Funnily enough, the final track is also the EP’s first song, but a more stripped back, acoustic version. It was in this mode that I really got to appreciate “Dark Side of a Good Thing,” and MOBS generally. I’ve often said that it’s an underrated talent to write a catchy pop song, and this track is that. But it’s a bit more too. The lyrics are complex and interesting, while still being accessible. There’s a real musicality about this band. I might have missed it on the first run-through, but it’s definitely there.

It’s also worth noting that while Spotify states Bad Love has a 2019 release, thanks to that new deal with Rude Records, it’s actually a re-release of music that came out in 2017. What’s here is solid, but I think we’ll hear a little more maturity on future releases.

MOBS have got all the makings of a really good band. In fact, they could be a great one.

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment