Category: Album Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ocean Alley Drop “Love Balloon” Ahead of Album Release and International Shows

It feels like only yesterday that Ocean Alley burst onto the scene, so my head is spinning with the news that they’re about to release album number five, called Love Balloon. While the title track is a pretty funky affair, we should expect plenty of diversity from the album.

“The album explores the many layered dimensions of love – not just the cinematic kind where you’re falling head over heels, but the full spectrum: joy, hurt, discomfort and disappointment,” explained Ocean Alley’s keyboardist and vocalist Lach Galbraith. “Let’s call it the river of love – whether it’s with a partner, a friend, or family, you never know when it’ll get deep, go shallow, or suddenly change course. It’s such a force that you have to just surrender to its current.”

The Love Balloon album drops on September 19. Ocean Alley has plenty of shows in North America, South America, the UK, Europe, Australia, and Aotearoa/New Zealand planned. Here are all the dates you need.

16 July 2025 – Jannus Live, St. Petersburg
18 July 2025 – The Eastern, Atlanta
19 July 2025 – Fillmore, Charlotte
20 July 2025 – The NorVa, Norfolk
23 July 2025 – Fillmore, Silver Spring
25 July 2025 – Citizens House of Blues, Boston
26 July 2025 – Brooklyn Paramount, Brooklyn
27 July 2025 – Fillmore, Philadelphia
29 July 2025 – History, Toronto
31 July 2025 – The Outset, Chicago
31 July – 3 August 2025 – Lollapalooza @ Grant Park, Chicago
7 August 2025 – Sziget Festival, Budapest
27 September 2025 – Alexandra Palace, London
4 October 2025 – Austin City Limits @ Zilker Park, Austin
11 October 2025 – Austin City Limits @ Zilker Park, Austin
15 October 2025 – The Mission Ballroom, Denver
17 October 2025 – Hollywood Palladium, Los Angeles
20 October 2025 – Lunario, Mexico City
23 October 2025 – Audio, São Paulo
25 October 2025 – Teatro La Cúpula, Santiago
24 January 2026 – Catani Gardens, Naarm/Melbourne
30 January 2026 – Brisbane Showgrounds, Meeanjin/Brisbane
31 January 2026 – The Domain, Eora/Sydney
21 February 2026 – Fremantle Esplanade Park, Walyalup/Fremantle
22 February 2026 – 3 Oceans Winery, Wooditchup/Margaret River
27 February 2026 – Spark Arena, Auckland

Photo credit: Kane Lehanneur

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

End of Fashion Celebrates 20 Years With Vinyl And Shows

The first thing I did on hearing that End of Fashion are celebrating 20 years since the release of their self-titled debut album was feel old. The second was to fire it up on Spotify. And I’ve got to say, it sounds even better than I remember it.

There’s the monster single “O Yeah” of course, but all the songs around it really stand up. It makes me wonder why they weren’t all over the charts.

The album sounds good on Spotify, but no doubt the special anniversary double vinyl will sound even better. The first record features the original album remastered while the second has rare demos, B-sides, and unheard gems. It also features artwork from the archives, a never-before-released lyric sheet, and a collage of photos submitted by fans. You can preorder yours now from Universal.

“When we made this album, we never dreamed it would still mean so much to people 20 years later. That’s a real gift for us and we wanted to give something back. We put this re-issue together with a lot of love — and a lot of memories…our own and most importantly, the fans. Which is why we got them involved. This is as much theirs as it is ours. To have this out in the world again, on vinyl, with all this amazing material from the archives that we never thought would see the light of day, feels really special,” said End of Fashion frontman Justin Burford.

To celebrate the milestone, End of Fashion will head out on their first national tour in almost a decade. They’re promising to play their debut album in full plus plenty of fan favourites. You know this is going to be big, so make sure you get your tickets before they sell out.

15 August 2025 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane
16 August 2025 – Crowbar, Eora/Sydney
22 August 2025 – The Night Cat, Naarm/Melbourne
23 August 2025 – Jive, Tarntanya/Adelaide
30 August 2025 – The Rosemount, Boorloo/Perth

Photo credit: Peter Sherlock

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Wafia Delays Debut Album Release

Aussie expat Wafia planned to release her long-awaited debut album Promised Land this month, but decided to delay its launch after watching the devastation in her new adopted home of Los Angeles. So I thought instead I’d bring you Wafia’s most recent single “Something,” a delicate neo-soul jam that celebrates the headiness of new infatuation.

“I wrote this song after a really really good first kiss,” Wafia shared on Instagram.

Wafia has bundled “Something” on Spotify with all her previous releases from Promised Land so make sure you check them all out. We’ll finally get to hear the album in full on its new release date, February 7.

Photo credit: Maddy Rotman

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

King Stingray Announce Aussie Shows to Support Second Album, “For the Dreams”

It’s taken some time, but King Stingray have finally given us a love song. “Cat 5 (Cyclone)” comes from the band’s highly anticipated sophomore album, For the Dreams. Like the other songs on that album, and indeed the album before, “Cat 5 (Cyclone)” is a joyous track that celebrates life.

“Nothing’s changed in the sense that we’re still who we are, we’re still playing music and enjoying things. But what I think is different about this one is there’s a little bit more lived experience,” the band explained. “We wanted a lot of singalong moments … We were thinking a little bit more about getting everyone in on the party.”

I definitely found myself singing along to this track by the end, so I’d say job done! King Stingray’s new album For the Dreams drops on November 8. You can preorder it now from various retailers by clicking this link. The band have got some American shows with King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard coming up, but Aussies won’t need to wait too long to see them. They’ll play their biggest local shows to date in March. The pre-sale kicks off on Thursday, the same day the band will release “Light Up the Path,” another track from the album. Exciting times for King Stingray fans ahead! Whether you’re in the States or here in Oz, here are all the dates you need:

2 November 2024 – The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, San Diego (supporting King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard)
9 November 2024 – Arizona Finance Theatre, Phoenix (supporting King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard)
15 November 2024 – Germania Insurance Amphitheatre, Austin (supporting King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard)
16 November 2024 – White Oak Music Hall, Houston (supporting King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard)
19 November 2024 – Fox Theatre, Atlanta (supporting King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard)
20 November 2024 – St. Augustine Amphitheatre, St. Augustine (supporting King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard)
21 November 2024 – Factory Town, Miami (supporting King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard)
21 March 2025 – Hordern Pavilion, Eora/Sydney
22 March 2025 – Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
28 March 2025 – Hindley Street Music Hall, Tarntanya/Adelaide
29 March 2025 – Forum, Naarm/Melbourne
4 April 2025 – Freo Arts Centre (South Lawn), Walyalup/Fremantle

Photo credit: Sam Brumby

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sarah Blasko Releases “The Way” From Upcoming Album

It’s been six years since Sarah Blasko released her last album Depth of Field. I really appreciate it when artists take the time to find inspiration and craft music that matters. It’s always worth the wait. Just take a listen to Sarah’s latest single “The Way,” the opening track from her soon-to-be-released album I Just Need to Conquer This Mountain, and you’ll know I’m right.

“The Way” was inspired by Sarah’s strict religious upbringing and reflections on her decision to turn her back on her faith at the age of 17. “I had been feeling like turning my back on god may have contributed to misfortunes in my life,” she said. “Looking back upon the death of my mother, a failed marriage, and then a failed friendship during a time that felt like the apocalypse. Makes sense considering I was raised to believe in the apocalypse when I was a teenager.”

I Just Need to Conquer This Mountain sees Sarah exploring goodbyes, griefs, new beginnings, and an important friendship that underpinned her childhood. She says “This album was probably the most relaxed & free feeling record I’ve made.” Album preorders and presaves are currently available ahead of its November 1 release.

Photo credit: Mclean Stephenson

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dane Tutty and Jen Buxton Team Up Again for “burning alive”

With the release of “burning alive,” Mulubinba/Newcastle singer-songwriters Dane Tutty and Jen Buxton have provided us with the final puzzle piece of their EP, if it all burns down. I’ve already covered previous tracks “church” and “i don’t want to do this forever” on Sounds of Oz, and this one is every bit as good.

“burning alive” sits sandwiched between the past singles on this EP, acting as a kind of bridge between them. I love the natural chemistry between Dane and Jen’s very different voices, the way her pure tones soften his hard edges. The lyrics, written from the perspective of someone battling mental health issues, are also so powerful.

“Myself and so many people around me are or have been affected hugely by these things (suicide and mental health), I couldn’t help writing about it,” Dane explained.

While Dane and Jen haven’t announced any shows together at this stage, they also haven’t ruled them out. Here’s hoping. Until then, wrap your ears around “burning alive,” then revisit the rest of their music on if it all burns down. And if you or anyone you know is struggling with the mental health issues “burning alive” explores, please reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or professional resource. Lifeline offers 24/7 support on 13 11 14.

Photo credit: Shades of Blue Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“I Remember You” – Matt Joe Gow and Kerryn Fields

Kiwi-raised and Naarm/Melbourne-based, Matt Joe Gow and Kerryn Fields have both impressed me with their solo efforts, so it was inevitable that I’d fall hard for their new album of duets, I Remember You. With a natural chemistry and knack for songwriting, the pair have created some of the best music you’ll hear this year.

There’s a natural connection between the artists which is so appealing to listen to. I love the way their voices complement one another, but there’s more to love than simply their sound. There’s an electricity when they make music together, a bond that’s evident as they join their talents. Listening to poetic lyrics referencing their homeland, there’s a shared understanding that helps these songs resonate. Together they take us on a musical journey, from playful romantic numbers like the opening track “Your Heart of Gold” and “Prairie Song” to haunting songs like “No Trace” and “Dead Flowers and Stale Wine.”

As you might expect from these artists, the music is richly organic. I can imagine it sounded exactly this way when the pair laid these songs down. When so much music gets overproduced, hearing music like this that’s allowed to shine just as it was created is special.

I Remember You is out now. Matt Joe Gow and Kerryn Fields are currently playing shows together in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Here are the remaining dates.

24 May 2024 – St Peter’s Village Hall, Paekakariki
25 May 2024 – Moons, Dunedin
26 May 2024 – Little Theatre, Gore
1 June 2024 – Ohakune Carrot Carnival 2024, Ohakune
7 June 2024 – ONEONESIX, Whangarei
8 June 2024 – Te Pahu Sound Lounge, Hamilton
14 June 2024 – Mt Eden Village Centre, Auckland

Images used with permission from Matt Joe Gow and Kerryn Fields

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Presley Davis Jr Releases Trio of Singles Ahead of Album Triple Treat

Most artists release one new single at a time. Some prolific folks release a double A-side. Then there are the Presley Davis Jrs of this world who drop three singles all at once. But the insanity doesn’t stop there. These songs also couldn’t be more different.

“Crazy” is a cover of the Willie Nelson hit. It’s much jazzier than the original, but delivered with a deference to the song’s roots.

“My father was obsessed with tenor banjos and early jazz,” Presley shared. “The only other music he seemed to enjoy was Willie Nelson. Patsy Cline made this song famous, but Willie Nelson wrote it. One morning I woke up to find a recording of myself playing this country classic in this really old-time jazz style. It had been emailed to me from ‘Friday Night Presley’ if you know what I mean.”

Presley brings out the country with “Petunia,” a bouncy bluegrass number that feels like a delicious throwback.

“Petunia is a slacker’s lament. Or in my case an undiagnosed ADHD lament,” he said. “I never intentionally dragged my feet in life, but I have pancaked a lot and find myself constantly starting anew. Turns out this is common for people with my diagnoses. This song is basically for my partner who has always supported me.”

Then there’s my favourite of the three songs, “How Can I.” It feels like the most modern of the trio, and it delightfully showcases Presley’s soulful, bluesy vocals.

“This song came to mind without much, lyrically, other than a few turns of phrase,” he recalled. “I knew it was about someone who was living a double love life. I used details from a friend’s declining relationship which was a real cheat-fest to fill in the blanks.”

I so often hear that it’s important for artists to tell listeners what their sound is, so releasing three such different songs seems to defy conventional wisdom. But there’s method in the madness. These three songs offer a sneak peek at the three albums Presley plans to release on July 23: Birdlife, Roadside Magnolia, and Torana Americana. Together they’ll form his Eclecta Trifecta project. Is it ambitious? Yes. But it also might be genius.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Troy Cassar-Daley Previews New Album With “Let’s Ride” Single

You always know you’re in such good hands when Gumbaynggirr/Bundjalung artist Troy Cassar-Daley drops new music. In May he’ll release his 12th studio album Between The Fires, but he’s giving us an early taste with the release of a new single “Let’s Ride.” Featuring guest vocals from Kasey Chambers, it celebrates Troy’s love of cars and the freedom the open road provides. Like the other songs from Between The Fires, Troy wrote this song after the loss of his parents, when he found himself as a personal and professional crossroads.

“The new album was recorded at my late mum’s old place at Halfway Creek and is incredibly special on many levels. It’s the place I moved to when my Nan Daley died in 1979 and where I lived for many years,” Troy explained. “The reason I wanted to record there was that after losing Mum and going back with a very heavy heart, I started to write songs. I started to feel that this was the centre of my musical universe again, just like it was growing up. I came to realise that I still have music in me. All I had to do was return to the well and that record collection in our old house on beautiful Gumbaynggirr country which soothed me during my sorry business. I want this album to reflect that there isn’t a more powerful place in the world than a childhood home. To know Mum was there in spirit to help guide this record was a true gift.”

Between The Fires is slated for release on May 10. Troy’s got a couple of festival appearances coming up before its release, when he’ll embark on a national tour.

16 – 18 February 2024 – Boyup Brook Country Music Festival, Bibbulmun Country/Boyup Brook
16 April 2024 – QMF Outback Trails, Kunja Country/Cunnamulla
30 May 2024 – RSM Club, Djanangmum/Casino
31 May 2024 – Twin Towns, Bundjalung Country/Tweed Heads
6 June 2024 – Country Club, Dunghutti Country/South West Rocks
7 June 2024 – CEX, Gumbaynggirr Country/Coffs Harbour
8 June 2024 – Yamba Bowls, Yaegl Country/Yamba
9 June 2024 – Coronation Hall, Bundjalung, Gumbaynggirr and Yaegl Country/Coutts Crossing
13 June 2024 – Gulgong Bowling Club, Wiradjuri Country/Gulgong
14 June 2024 – Bathurst RSL, Wiradjuri Country/Bathurst
15 June 2024 – Dubbo RSL, Wiradjuri Country/Dubbo
28 June 2024 – Boab Festival, Nyiginka Country/Derby
29 June 2024 – Roebuck Bay Hotel, Rubibi/Broome
12 July 2024 – Trinity Sessions, Tarntanya/Adelaide
13 July 2024 – Old Mill, Bukartilla/Hahndorf
14 July 2024 – Big Easy Radio, Kaurna Country/Aldinga Beach
19 July 2024 – Princess Theatre, Meeanjin/Brisbane
1 August 2024 – Lizotte’s, Mulubinba/Newcastle
2 August 2024 – Lizotte’s, Mulubinba/Newcastle
3 August 2024 – The Factory, Eora/Sydney
9 August 2024 – Tallagandra Hill Winery, Candariro/Gundaroo
10 August 2024 – Milton Theatre, Yuin Country/Milton
16 August 2024 – Commercial Club, Bungambrawatha/Albury
17 August 2024 – Civic Theatre, Wiradjuri Country/Wagga Wagga
11 – 13 October 2024 – Savannah in the Round, Muluridji Country/Mareeba
18 October 2024 – The River Hotel, Wooditup/Margaret River
19 October 2024 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth
20 October 2024 – Bridgetown Pottery, Geegelup/Bridgetown
8 November 2024 – Civic Centre, Tulmur/Ipswich
9 November 2024 – Butter Factory, Bunurong Country/Kingston
10 November 2024 – The Dag Pub, Turrbal, Garumngar and Jinibara Country/D’aguilar
21 November 2024 – Bairnsdale RSL, Gunaikurnai Country/Bairnsdale
22 November 2024 – Noojee Hotel, Gunaikurnai Country/Noojee
23 November 2024 – Memo Music Hall, Euroe Yroke/St Kilda
24 November 2024 – Anglesea Memorial Hall, Wadawurrung Country/Anglesea

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pierce Brothers & LULLANAS Team Up For “Wilder”

Our own Pierce Brothers have teamed up with another sibling duo, Philadelphia-based LULLANAS, for their latest single “Wilder.”

“’Wilder’ is a track that I have been so excited about for such a long time. I knew we could make something special with it! It’s a song about the passing of time while looking in the eyes of your child, and I wanted the vibe and energy to build up to the very best of what Pierce Brothers can do,” said Jack Pierce. “Taking the song from a quiet, thoughtful place to a rambunctious and raucous indie folk explosion was always the plan, but bringing in LULLANAS was an absolute game changer! Their spectacular vocals really added something that I didn’t know I was missing! They’ve been the best to work with!”

“Being able to collaborate with The Pierce Brothers all the way from Pennsylvania felt like crossing oceans without actually crossing them, making this collaboration extra special,” LULLANAS added. “We were so excited when Pierce Brothers invited us to collaborate on this track! Working with another twin duo was a unique experience. Hearing their voices blend seamlessly, and adding our layers to it, was truly cool. We adore the infectious energy and uplifting vibes of this song. The combo of upbeat melodies and positive tones really makes us want to hop in the car and drive for miles!”

“Wilder” is the fourth release from Pierce Brothers’ upcoming studio album Everything is Bigger Than Me, and it’s certainly ramping up the anticipation. The brothers recorded and co-produced the release (with Phil Threlfall) at Jack’s home studio, a process which provided some real perks.

“Being able to bring the team out to us and set up shop for a month without having to do setups each day or even really travelling to the studio was so freeing!” said Pat. “We were really able to dig into so many cool ideas and then sit with them over dinner, then get back into the studio to break them down and tear them apart! It was the best way for us to explore what we wanted to share!”

Everything is Bigger Than Me drops on March 28. Pierce Brothers will embark on a massive eight-month national tour with headlining shows and festival appearances to celebrate its release.

2 March 2024 – Flavour Fest, Boonwurrung and Wurundjeri Country/Melton
3 March 2024 – Mordi Fest, Boonwurrung Country/Mordialloc
14 March 2024 – The Royal Oak Hotel, Kanamuluka/Launceston
15 March 2024 – Forth Valley Blues Festival, Punnilerpanner Country/Forth
16 March 2024 – Hobart Uni Bar, Nipaluna/Hobart
30-31 March 2024 – Bluesfest, Bundjalung Country/Tyagarah
11 April 2024 – Theatre Royal, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Castlemaine
12 April 2024 – Volta, Ballaarat/Ballarat
13 April 2024 – Riverview Hotel, Boonwurrung Country/Tarwin Lower
14 April 2024 – Live in the Glen, Brayakaulung Country/Glengarry (SOLD OUT)
20 April 2024 – Queensland Music Trails, Bidjara Country/Charleville
2 May 2024 – The Lansdowne Hotel, Eora/Sydney
3 May 2024 – King Street Warehouse, Mulubinba/Newcastle
9 May 2024 – Sooki Lounge, Wurundjeri Country/Belgrave
10 May 2024 – Pelly Bar, Boonwurrung Country/Frankston
11 May 2024 – Torquay Hotel, Wadawurrung Country/Torquay
23 May 2024 – Mojo’s Bar, Walyalup/Fremantle
24 May 2024 – Froth Craft Bunbrewery, Goomburrup/Bunbury
25 May 2024 – The River, Wooditup/Margaret River
6 June 2024 – Seabreeze Hotel, Yuwibara Country/Mackay
7 June 2024 – Magnums, Ngaro Country/Airlie Beach
8 June 2024 – Edge Hill Tavern, Gimuy/Cairns
22 June 2024 – Northcote Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
27 June 2024 – Miami Marketta, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
28 June 2024 – Solbar, Kabi Kabi Country/Sunshine Coast
29 June 2024 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane
4 July 2024 – Big Red Bash, Munga-Thirri/Simpson
15 August 2024 – Mundi Mundi Bash, Wilyakali Country/Broken Hill
25 August 2024 – Gympie Music Muster, Kabi Kabi Country/Amamoor Creek

Photo credit: Dara Munnis