Category: Album Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Calm Collected Make Me Smile

If you’re looking for the next pop act to brighten up your weekend, then look no further than Perth four-piece Calm Collected. The lads recently released the catchy as hell single “Nothing Like the Movies” ahead of the October 13 launch of their EP Give Me Your Worst.

The quartet might not be breaking new ground here, but it’s an awful lot of fun. I love those big pop hooks, and I was tapping my toe in time before the song’s end. It’s also impressive that frontman Tim Tan writes the band’s songs himself and is a dab hand in the producer’s chair. Add the instrumental skills of all involved and you’ve got an act that’s got the edge over many of the pop artists on the charts.

Catch them at The Nexus Arts Centre in Adelaide on October 3.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ben Ottewell Celebrates Local Release of Rattlebag with Acoustic Shows

Incomparable Gomez frontman Ben Ottewell will bring his solo show to Australia next month. He’ll showcase the songs from his forthcoming release Rattlebag, some old favourites, and even some surprising covers in these intimate, acoustic shows.

Rattlebag again sees Ben collaborating with his childhood buddy Sam Genders.

“Sam and I grew up together in a little village called Bonsall in Derbyshire and have been friends since childhood. I love his songwriting — the stuff he did with his bands Tunng and The Accidental, particularly lyrically.”

Ben Ottewell’s tour kicks off in Fremantle on October 24, the same day that Rattlebag gets a local release. It might seem a bit of a gamble getting tickets for concerts showcasing a brand new album, but this sublime stripped back performance of “Rattlebag” should put your mind at ease.

24 October 2014 – The Odd Fellow, Fremantle
25 October 2014 – Four5Nine, Perth
26 October 2014 – Grace Emily, Adelaide
29 October 2014 – Newtown Social Club, Newtown
30 October 2014 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla
31 October 2014 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
1 November 2014 – The Bunker, Coogee
2 November 2014 – Heritage Hotel, Bulli
3 November 2014 – Substation, Newport
5 November 2014 – Northcote Social Club, Northcote
6 November 2014 – Flying Saucer Club, Elsternwick

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Antiskeptic Release Retro Clip

The right music video can make any song so much more awesome. Melbourne’s Antiskeptic have certainly gotten it right with their Back to the Future-inspired clip for “Hey Dissident,” the lead single from their third album Stare Down the Ocean. It’s a fitting return for this band after a six-year hiatus.

Stare Down the Ocean hits stores on September 19. The album was crowdfunded by fans who raised more than $20,000 to support its release. That’s not bad for an act that’s been out of action for a while. Early reports insist that it’s Antiskeptic’s most cohesive and anthemic release to date, so it sounds like it’s been money well spent.

Antiskeptic will celebrate the release of Stare Down the Ocean with a string of shows later this month.

25 September 2014 – Newtown Social Club, Sydney
26 September 2014 – The Small Ballroom, Newcastle
27 September 2014 – Enigma Bar, Adelaide
4 October 2014 – The Brightside, Brisbane
11 October 2014 – The Evelyn, Melbourne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Steve Clisby Covers Paloma Faith

Steve Clisby wowed the nation when he appeared on The Voice, and he’s set to do it all again with his brand new album Leave Me Dreaming which hits stores today. It’s amazing to think that this is actually his 13th album, although it’s unlikely that this one will fly under the radar like many of his earlier releases.

Of course there’ll be the standard amount of interest that comes when anyone who made it big on reality TV releases, but there’s also bound to be a little hype when people realise one of the tracks is a cover of Paloma Faith’s “Only Love Can Hurt Like This.” Apparently he recorded it well before its local release, which initially occurred without a lot of fanfare. But then there was that Winners and Losers promo, which took the song to the top of the charts. Comparisons are inevitable, but Steve’s still not sure what to make of it.

“I really didn’t know whether this would be a good thing or a bad thing,” he explained in a press release. “I didn’t intend it to be compared, but I think in the end it’s great for the song for people to hear such different takes on what a great song can be.”

Unfortunately the link I received was a private one so I can’t share the song with you, but I can share my views. I honestly wasn’t sure about his take at first. It starts small, almost sleepy. But in the end I decided he’s built it beautifully. There’s a lot of heart in his rendition, as there should be, and that shines through.

Steve is currently touring the country to support the release of Leave Me Dreaming. There are still a few tickets left for the following shows.

5 & 6 September 2014 – Noosa Jazz Festival, Noosa
6 September 2014 – Byron Theatre, Byron Bay
8 September 2014 – New Globe Theatre, Brisbane
10 September 2014 – The Toff In Town, Melbourne
11 September 2014 – The Gov, Adelaide

Image used with permission from SCG Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bluejuice Announce Farewell Tour

After 13 fabulous years, it’s sad to realise that Bluejuice will kick off their final tour at the end of the month. Thankfully they’re leaving us with a tour and a greatest hits album, including the fun new single “I’ll Go Crazy,” before they depart, but it’s still a bit bittersweet.

The album Retrospectable will feature the best bits from Bluejuice’s three studio albums as well as some brand new songs. Get it on September 19, a couple of the days ahead of that farewell tour. Thankfully there are a couple of under 18s shows as well as some licensed events so everyone can bid the band adieu. Don’t expect a John Farnham style goodbye here. Once they’re gone, they’re gone!

25 September 2014 – Uni Bar, Adelaide (Licensed/All Ages)
26 September 2014 – Capitol, Perth
27 September 2014 – Red Earth Arts Festival, Karratha
2 October 2014 – Hi Fi, Brisbane
3 October 2014 – Coolangatta Hotel, Coolangatta
4 October 2014 – Great Northern Hotel, Byron Bay
10 October 2014 – Hi Fi, Melbourne
11 October 2014 – Hi Fi, Melbourne (Under 18s matinee @ midday)
11 October 2014 – Village Green Hotel, Mulgrave
12 October 2014 – Barwon Club, Geelong
17 October 2014 – Waves, Wollongong
18 October 2014 – ANU Bar, Canberra
23 October 2014 – Bar on the Hill, Newcastle
24 October 2014 – Metro Theatre, Sydney (Licensed/All Ages)

Image used with permission from Dew Process

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Robin Gibb’s Final Album Ready for Release

It’s been more than two and a half years since the world lost sometimes Aussie Robin Gibb. But Reprise/Warner/Rhino will soon pay tribute to the beloved Bee Gee with the release of 50 St. Catherine’s Drive, his final solo album.

This release isn’t just about the record company lining its pockets. It was lovingly compiled by Robin’s wife Dwina and son RJ who pieced together tracks polished between 2006 and 2008 and some rough recordings. Together they give a fascinating glimpse into this incredible performer gone too soon.

The album’s name is the address of the house where Robin was born on the Isle of Man, but his Australia isn’t forgotten here. The final track, “Sydney,” is the last song he ever recorded.

“Robin composed this late at night, in August 2011, at our home, The Prebendal. He used the bedroom keyboards and then Garageband on an I-Pad. He wished to finish this song in a studio with Barry, for a new album he hoped they would record together, but his health prevented this. He missed his twin brother Maurice who had passed away; but when he closed his eyes, the three young brothers were back in Sydney, Australia, happy together with their dreams and hopes for the future,” Dwina explained. “Their future creations of course affected the world. This fragment of song is poignant, wistful, beautiful and unfinished. It belongs on this album as one of his last works. He cried when he wrote it, and I wept when I heard it.”

50 St. Catherine’s Drive will hit stores on October 3.

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Crowdfunding Helps The Beautiful Girls Release Comeback Album

It seems crowdfunding can do anything these days, even bring a band back from a long hiatus. Thanks to the generosity of their fans, The Beautiful Girls are preparing to release their first album since 2010.

The crowdfunded Dancehall Days will hit stores on October 3. Frontman Mat McHugh said he began writing it intended for it to be a solo release, but it soon became clear that he needed to put the band back together.

“When I stood back from them I was able to see that I was being steered into a particular direction. They all sounded like ‘The Beautiful Girls’. It’s hard to explain it but I know it when I hear it,” Mat insists. “Spooky, dubby, digital dancehall tinged, rootsy, punky, reggae music mashed up with some mellow acoustic sea songs. In some ways it’s about reclaiming my musical identity”.

The Beautiful Girls will thank fans for their generosity with shows this October and November. They’re a great opportunity for music lovers to hear the new songs in the live arena as well as plenty of old favourites.

1 October 2014 – Dalrymple Hotel, Garbutt
2 October 2014 – Magnums Hotel, Airlie Beach
3 October 2014 – Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns
4 October 2014 – Caloundra Music Festival, Caloundra
16 October 2014 – Wollongong Uni Bar, Gwynneville
17 October 2014 – The Metro, Sydney
18 October 2014 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle West
23 October 2014 – Spirit Bar, Traralgon
24 October 2014 – 170 Russell, Melbourne
25 October 2014 – Barwon Heads Hotel, Barwon Heads
7 November 2014 – Rosemount Hotel, North Perth
8 November 2014 – Blues at Bridgetown, Bridgetown

Image used with permission from SCG Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Take a Holiday from the Everyday with Skyways are Highways

Even if you can’t afford a sneaky getaway this weekend, you can start Saturday off right with “Holiday,” the lead single from Skyways are Highways’ brand new EP I Found My Fear.

There doesn’t sound like there’s even a hint of nerves in the single though. It’s a feel-good slice of pop-punk that should get a smile on your dial. Lead singer Eli J Hood says the song is an antidote to the dreary Melbourne winter, a “dream to escape a disappointing reality and to dive deep into the endless summer of imagination.”

Skyways are Highways will launch I Found My Fear at The Evelyn Hotel on August 29.

Image used with permission from Skyways are Highways

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kingswood Ready New Album

Melbourne indie-rock gods Kingswood are preparing to unleash a brand new album on the masses. Microscopic Wars will hit stores on August 22.

The latest cut to whet our appetites is “I Can Feel That You Don’t Love Me,” a bluesy ballad that drips Southern cool. Perhaps that’s fitting as Kingswood recorded it at Blackbird Studios in Nashville, Tennessee. It also sees guitarist Alex Laska stepping up to the microphone for the first time.

Kingswood will celebrate the release of Microscopic Wars with shows just about everywhere.

20 August 2014 – Pirie & Co Social Club, Adelaide
21 August 2014 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury
22 August 2014 – The Capital, Perth
23 August 2014 – North West Festival, Port Hedland
26 August 2014 – Newtown Social Club, Sydney
29 August 2014 – Howler, Melbourne
3 September 2014 – Kooroora Hotel, Mt Buller
4 September 2014 – Swindlers Bar, Mt Hotham
5 September 2014 – The Union Club Hotel, Wagga Wagga
6 September 2014 – The Armidale Club, Armidale
12 September 2014 – Ric’s Big Backyard @ Ric’s Bar, Brisbane
13 September 2014 – Originals Music Festival, Noosa
17 September 2014 – Hoey Moey, Coffs Harbour
18 September 2014 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
19 September 2014 – Waves, Wollongong
20 September 2014 – Collector Hotel, Parramatta
25 September 2014 – ANU Bar, Canberra
26 September 2014 – Area Hotel, Griffith
17 October 2014 – The Karova Lounge, Ballarat
18 October 2014 – Torquay Hotel, Torquay
23 October 2014 – The Loft, Warrnambool
24 October 2014 – Unibar, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Dew Process

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kasey Chambers Does Things Differently with Bittersweet

Kasey Chambers is doing things a little differently on her tenth album. Bittersweet is her first solo record in four years, and the first she’ll create without her long-time producer and manager, brother Nash Chambers, at the helm. Instead she worked with Nick DiDia, the man behind Pearl Jam, Bruce Springsteen, and Powderfinger albums, at Studio 301 in Byron Bay.

“I wanted to have an experience making a record that I had never had before. I wanted to challenge myself and I wanted to be excited,” she explained.

If the first single “Wheelbarrow” is any indication, the gamble’s paid off. It’s so raw and ballsy. However, an album with the talent Kasey’s assembled couldn’t possibly sound bar. Her studio band features Powderfinger’s Bernard Fanning on acoustic guitar, Ashleigh Dallas on banjo, fiddle, mandolin, and backing vocals, and Dan Kelly on electric and acoustic guitars and backing vocals, to name just a few.

Bittersweet will hit stores on August 29. Kasey will play the following shows to celebrate its release.

30 August 2014 – Gympie Music Muster, Gympie
2 September 2014 – Lefties Old Time Music Hall, Brisbane
3 September 2014 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
4 September 2014 – Newtown Social Club, Sydney