Category: Album Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bad Juju Ready to Rock for EP Shows

With their debut EP Hidden Desire recently released and a headlining tour kicking off in a couple of weeks, there’s no better time to get to know Melbourne punk rockers Bad Juju.

You might have caught the fantastic single “Moving On” on Triple J. But there’s more where that came from though; another five heavy-hitting tracks make up this stellar EP.

“Hidden Desire explores how people deal with loss, anxiety, and depression, but moves into pushing these issues aside and trying to change our lives for the better, thinking positively going forward,” Bad Juju explained. “The record is themed around the idea that you can never truly know what is happening inside another person’s head. They can seem fine on the outside and hide their true self.”

Fresh from their EP launch party with Trophy Eyes, Bad Juju will play Melbourne, Adelaide, and Sydney in the coming weeks.

17 August 2018 – Foxxy Dolphin, Melbourne
18 August 2018 – West Thebby, Adelaide
30 August 2018 – Marly Bar, Sydney

Image used with permission from Habit Music Company

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

James Van Cooper Gives Album Sneak Peek With “Passing Through”

Listening to “Passing Through,” the first single from James Van Cooper’s debut album Coming Home, you’d probably imagine this guy spent his formative years listening to Ryan Adams and Damian Rice. However, this Sydney-born muso actually spent his teen years playing metal and worshipping the likes of LA Guns and Motley Crue. There’s not a hint of those hairbands in the music he’s creating now though!

James recorded “Passing Through” and other tracks from Coming Home in the United States with acclaimed producer Scott Campbell (Alanis Morissette, Katy Perry). It’s got a great authentic, raw sound which really excites me.

“This record is fuelled by a need to break free of certain constraints and confines, whether they be imagined or real. I had to play with a fresh deck, so to speak, hence the American studio sessions,” James explained. “Being an Australian and packing up to head to Hollywood to record, while exciting was still an unknown. What fears I did have were totally unwarranted as I was introduced to a wonderful producer in Scott Campbell who understood and encouraged what I envisaged in the creative process. Scott and I collaborated with a band that got on with making a genuine country rock record, an album that stands up for the new ways while respecting and acknowledging the vintage sound of country music. I wanted to make a record with a music narrative that pulled the listener along and I think I’ve done that on Coming Home.”

Coming Home drops on August 3. If the single is any indication, you should listen out for this one.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Take a Moment to Breathe With Harp Samuels

Melbourne indie folkster Harp Samuels has given us a taste of his sophomore album Breathe with the release of the enchanting single of the same name.

The song is a bit of a slow burner, but I urge you to listen to it until you get it. Because once you do, wow. That slow, soulful build-up is so worthwhile. Harp penned the track following the death of his father, capturing the tension of leaving a dark place and seeking the solace only home can provide.

“It’s one of those songs that I feel like I want to sing when I’m overwhelmed, as it has a ‘hope’ theme and makes me feel like no matter what’s happening at the time, things can change, and everything is going to somehow work out,” he explained.

Harp Samuels’ new album Breathe drops on September 14.

Photo credit: Harp Samuels

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Screaming Jets Interpret Aussie Classics for “Gotcha Covered”

Now here’s an album to get excited about. The Screaming Jets have always had a knack for making a cover version their own, from their spine-tingling version of Roland Howard’s “Shivers” to their irreverent take on Barry Maguire’s “Eve of Destruction.” Now approaching their 30th anniversary, The Jets are releasing the covers album that’s been missing from our lives.

Gotcha Covered features cover versions of the band’s favourite Aussie radio hits of the last 50 or so years. Think The Easybeats, Men at Work, You Am I, Hoodoo Gurus, INXS, and AC/DC, just to name a few.

“What we came up with was a great Aussie party album. Covering songs that have shaped us; songs from our youth; songs that have been written and performed by contemporaries and songs that will make even the most loyal fan go “what the” … I can’t wait to get out with the boys and belt these songs out with the rest of Australia…” said frontman Dave Gleeson.

I am looking forward to devouring this from front to back, but I’m most excited about their take on “Guitar Band,” primarily because they’ve assembled what might just be the greatest line-up of guitarists to ever play together. Along with the Jets’ own Scott Kingman and Jimi Hocking, the track includes the musical stylings of Rick Brewster (The Angels), Nat Allison (Suzi Quatro), Tim Henwood (SuperJesus/ Palace Of The King), Cam McKenzie (Horsehead/ Mark Seymour band), Bob Spencer (The Angels/ Rose Tattoo), Dave Leslie (Baby Animals), Brett Kingman (James Reyne), Brett Williams (the Choirboys), Warwick Scott (Skunkhour), Ronnie Simmons (Richie Ramone), Danny Spencer (Jimmy Barnes/ Richard Clapton), Chris Hawker (Taxiride), Pete Wanno (Suzi Quatro/ Josie Jason), Stuart Fraser (Noiseworks/ John Farnham), Stu Marshall (Empires Of Eden) and Zakk Zedras (Chocolate Starfish). Get excited people.

Gotcha Covered hits stores on July 27. To celebrate, The Screaming Jets will play a triple-shot of shows at The Bridge Hotel, where they’ll play the album in full before launching into all your favourites, before teaming up with Boom Crash Opera for gigs around the country.

3 – 5 August 2018 – Bridge Hotel, Sydney
10 August 2018 – Shoppingtown Hotel, Doncaster
11 August 2018 – Village Green Hotel, Mulgrave
17 August 2018 – Kingsford Juniors, Sydney
18 August 2018 – Rooty Hill RSL, Rooty Hill
24 August 2018 – Parkwood Tavern, Gold Coast
25 August 2018 – Hamilton Hotel, Brisbane
31 August & 1 September 2018 – The Gov, Adelaide
7 September 2018 – Ravenswood Hotel,
8 September 2018 – Charles Hotel, Perth
14 September 2018 – Miranda Hotel, Sydney
15 September 2018 – Revesby Workers, Sydney

Image used with permission from Revolutions Per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Press Club On Tour For Late Teens

Press Club haven’t long wrapped up a national tour with The Smith Street Band, but they’re already itching to get back on stage. The Melbourne indie punk-rock act will headline their own East Coast tour to celebrate the recent release of their debut album Late Teens and the single of the same name.

The song “Late Teens” drops with a music video celebrating the best of Australia. Featuring footage filmed on the band’s most recent lap of the nation, it’s the sort of thing that makes you pretty proud to hail from this wide brown land. It also shows you just what you can create from the back seat of touring vans and airport gate lounges!

If you missed them with The Smith Street Band or you’re ready for a second helping, catch Press Club at the following gigs.

6 July 2018 – The Chippo Hotel, Sydney
7 July 2018 – The Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
26 July 2018 – Strawberry Boogie, Wollongong
27 July 2018 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
4 August 2018 – Bloodhound Bar, Brisbane

Image credit: Zoe Yeoman

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dream on Dreamer Drop New Rocking New Single Ahead of Album Release

I don’t know how your Humpday is going, but mine is one that deserves some heavy rock. Big riffs and pounding drums, like those provided by Dream on Dreamer’s new single “Let It In,” are just perfect for echoing a little mid-week frustration.

“Let It In” comes from the Melbourne band’s fourth studio album It Comes and Goes, which is set to drop on May 25. The band say it’s their “most intimate and personal full-length to date,” so it’s sure to be something special.

Dream on Dreamer will waste no time bringing their new music to the masses, with dates all around the country this winter. Check them out at the following pubs and clubs.

31 May 2018 – Factory Floor, Sydney
1 June 2018 – Tattersalls Hotel, Penrith
8 June 2018 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
10 June 2018 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave
15 June 2018 – Fowler’s Live, Adelaide
16 June 2018 – Amplifier Bar, Perth
22 June 2018 – Elliots Bar, Ringwood
23 June 2018 – Pelican Bar, Frankston
30 June 2018 – The Brightside, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Little Giant

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kasey Chambers Forms The Fireside Disciples for New “Campfire” Album

Kasey Chambers is embracing her roots with her latest album Campfire, recorded with her new band The Fireside Disciplines. The Fireside Disciples are some of Kasey’s favourite musicians: longtime touring mate Brandon Dodd, longtime family friend and Indigenous elder Alan Pigram, and her dad and greatest musical inspiration Bill Chambers.

“I grew up in the remote outback of Australia living a unique lifestyle isolated from civilisation. The campfire was the heart of our existence: for survival, creativity, inspiration,” Kasey explained of the album’s inspiration. “We hunted all our own food and then cooked it on the campfire. My brother and I did all our schooling via correspondence around the campfire. We used the campfire for warmth and light. We gathered around the campfire at night to play songs together as a family. Our connection to music and the land has developed through and around the campfire since I was born, so it has always stayed with me as a special part of my life.”

“The Campfire Song” gives us our first taste of the album. It’s such a beautiful, raw piece of music which makes you feel nostalgic from the get-go.

Campfire drops on April 27. Kasey Chambers and the Fireside Disciples will play shows just about everywhere to support its release.

23 May 2018 – Casino RSM, Casino
24 May 2018 – Coffs Ex-Services Club, Coffs Harbour
25 May 2018 – Club Forster, Forster
26 May 2018 – Laurieton United Services Club, Laurieton
31 May 2018 – Griffith Regional Theatre, Griffith
1 June 2018 – Civic Theatre, Wagga Wagga
2 June 2018 – Swan PACC, Swan Hill
3 June 2018 – Mildura MAC, Mildura
14 June 2018 – Mingara Recreation Club, Tumbi Umbi
15 June 2018 – The Cube, Campbelltown
16 June 2018 – Rooty Hill RSL, Rooty Hill
17 June 2018 – Ulladulla Services Club, Ulladulla
21 June 2018 – Seymour Centre, Sydney
22 June 2018 – Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul
23 June 2018 – Panthers, Bathurst
24 June 2018 – Canberra Playhouse Theatre, Canberra
28 June 2018 – The Event Centre, Caloundra
29 June 2018 – Twin Towns, Tweed Heads
1 July 2018 – Brisbane Powerhouse, Brisbane
5 July 2018 – The Desert Cave, Coober Pedy
7 July 2018 – Araluen Arts Centre, Alice Springs
11 July 2018 – Frankston Arts Centre, Frankston
12 July 2018 – Burrinja Theatre, Upwey
13 July 2018 – The Palms at Crown, Melbourne
14 July 2018 – The Playhouse GPAC, Geelong
19 July 2018 – Albury Theatre, Albury
21 July 2018 – Dubbo RSL, Dubbo
2 August 2018 – Northern Festival Theatre, Port Pirie
3 August 2018 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
4 August 2018 – Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre, Mt Gambier
5 August 2018 – Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool
9 August 2018 – Tanks, Cairns
15 August 2018 – West Gippsland Arts Centre, Warrigal
17 August 2018 – Regent Theatre, Yearram
18 August 2018 – Wonthaggi Arts Centre, Wonthaggi

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Ruiins Make Strong Statement With “Nobody”

Mid-North Coast duo The Ruiins have knocked it out of the park with their epic new single “Nobody.” It’s got a bigger, moodier sound than previous releases, and I think it’s better for it.

“It takes a more dynamic approach which we haven’t yet explored. It highlights raw emotion and the difficulties of relationships, getting caught up in thought and realising when to act upon your emotions,” noted the band’s drummer and vocalist, Adam Dooker.

“Nobody” is the title track from The Ruiins’ debut EP, which is out now. Fresh from shows in Bali, The Ruiins will launch the EP with the following shows on Australia’s East Coast.

8 June 2018 – The Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
9 June 2018 – The Union Hotel, Sydney
15 June 2018 – Great Northern Hotel, Byron Bay
16 June 2018 – The Pink Motel, Gold Coast

Image used with permission from WHO Collective

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Slow Talk Releases “Golden” New Single

Melbourne band Slow Talk have offered an explosive taste of their debut EP New Vernacular with the release of the single “Golden.”

It’s a “take no prisoners” kind of epic rock song, with soaring electric guitars from Ash Fuller and magnetic vocals from his partner in crime, James Butler.

Ash says the track is “an exploration of our desire for people that physically fit the ideals we look for in a partner, whether they be people we briefly encounter in our daily lives, models we see on Instagram, or celebrities. It discusses our ability to extrapolate the little we know of these people and develop high opinions of them.”

If you like this, you won’t be left waiting too long for more. New Vernacular drops on April 27.

Image used with permission from Collision Course

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Get Happy With William Crighton

William Crighton has wowed crowds here in Australia, most recently at Bluesfest, and across North America. He’s been called a visionary and an Australian icon, and seeing him live has been compared to a religious experience. So it’s surprising to discover he only has one album under his belt. That’s all about to change though, with his second album Empire set to drop on May 4.

If May seems too far away, you’re in luck. William is giving us a taste of what’s to come with the release of his single “Happiness.” It’s everything you want it to be, fiery, powerful, passionate, honest, and bloody good.

Look out for Empire when it’s released on May 4.

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute