Category: Album Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

East of Ely Tour Debut EP

Once upon a time East of Ely were just a group of young things from Sydney playing borrowed vintage instruments which they kept at Cavers Inn. However this year they’re a fully-fledged band with a killer new single “Easy Friend” and an EP on the way.

I can’t help but think of The Temper Trap and The Naked and Famous as I listen to this epic, hook-filled number. It just goes down so easily that I’m convinced we’re seeing the start of greatness.

East of Ely’s self-titled EP will hit stores on May 16, the same day that they’ll kick off an East Coast tour with a hometown show. Here are all the places you can see them play.

16 May 2014 – MUM @ The World Bar, Sydney (TICKETS AT THE DOOR)
17 May 2014 – Upstairs Beresford, Sydney (FREE)
22 May 2014 – The Espy Front Bar, Melbourne (FREE)
23 May 2014 – The Brightside, Brisbane (TICKETS AT THE DOOR)

Image used with permission from Mucho Bravado

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mind Over Matter Collaborate with Bliss N Eso

After wowing listeners with their single “Real Life,” Mind Over Matter are back with a brand new track, “What They Say.” The lead single for the local hip hop duo’s album This Way to Elsewhere features special guest vocals from Bliss N Eso.

It’s such a soulful track with some really smart lyrics. What do you think of it?

Mind Over Matter’s new album This Way to Elsewhere hits stores on May 30.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Todd Sibbin Wows me with Blame it on the Aeroplanes

Adelaide singer-songwriter is back with a brand new band and a killer new song. “Blame it on the Aeroplanes” sets the bar incredibly high for Todd Sibbin and the Acadian Driftwood and their new LP A Set of Knives, A Pair of Pens, which is scheduled for a midyear release.

I knew before even reading the press release that this was a song that came from deep personal experience. It’s just got that raw grit of emotion running through it. Todd penned the track when his nearest and dearest began to move away, and he was struggling with their leaving. It’s just so achingly good.

You can hear it and other songs from the album when Todd Sibbin and the Acadian Driftwood launch the single at the following shows.

10 May 2014 – Wesley Anne, Melbourne (Full Band)
23 May 2014 – The Newsagency, Sydney (Solo)
7 June 2014 – Wheatsheaf, Adelaide (Full Band)
13 June 2014 – Jade Monkey, Adelaide (Full Band)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nine Sons of Dan Back with EP Number Three

It seems like only yesterday that Nine Sons of Dan were the new kids on the scene. However tomorrow they’re preparing to release their third EP Used Up. Where does the time go?

The six-track EP showcases a new edgier sound for the band. They were once a fun pop-punk act, but there’s a whole lot more attitude showcased on the lead single “Wrecking Ball.” Just listen to that scream!

“This EP was a chance for us to showcase the songs that we always wanted to have on our records,” explained singer Jay Bainbridge. “We took a lot of risks, we didn’t want to be safe and at the end of the day music is art and I think this EP will also allow us to meet some new people and the true NSOD fans to grow with us.”

They’ll start meeting those new fans and catching up with old ones soon. Nine Sons of Dan will play nine shows around the country this winter. No doubt they’re itching to perform after taking a hiatus of nearly ten months from the stage.

“We are all about high energy performances,” affirmed drummer Morgan “Flakey” Blake. “It was always in our mind to create an EP that would translate well live.”

You can see for yourself whether Nine Sons of Dan have delivered it when they play the following shows.

22 May 2014 – Hot Damn, Sydney, NSW (18+ Tickets at the door. Say “Nine Sons of Dan” at the door for discounted entry)
24 May 2014 – Tattersalls Hotel, Penrith (18+ FREE)
25 May 2014 – Bald Faced Stag, Sydney (ALL AGES)
6 June 2014 – POW, Werribee (18+)
7 June 2014 – Wrangler Studios, Melbourne (ALL AGES)
21 June 2014 – Coffs Hotel, Coffs Harbour (18+)
3 July 2014 – Snitch, Brisbane (18+)
5 July 2014 – Racehorse Tavern, Ipswich (18+)
6 July 2014 – Swingin’ Safari, Gold Coast (18+)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Isaac de Heer Unleashes Summer

I dragged out my tracksuit pants for the first time this year recently, so I know summer’s long gone. However, Isaac de Heer is attempting to bring a bit of its warmth back with his new album Summer, which hits stores on May 8.

It’s a unique album with hip-hop inspired musings about spaceships, piano ballads about time’s residue, and music set to his grandfather’s own poem, also called “Summer.” But we wouldn’t expect convention from the guy who grew up off the power grid in northern NSW and travelled around Asia, India, South America, and Europe. You can learn a little more about the making of the album in this video.

Isaac will celebrate the release of Summer with a tour of some fabulous intimate venues later this month.

15 May 2014 – Front Gallery, Canberra
16 May 2014 – Yum Yum Eatery, Hardy’s Bay
17 May 2014 – Newsagency, Sydney
18 May 2014 – Green Room Lounge, Sydney
22 May 2014 – The Junk Bar, Brisbane
23 May 2014 – The Treehouse, Byron Bay
25 May 2014 – Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall, Brisbane

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Something for Kate Announce Big Plans for 20th Anniversary

Hearing that Something for Kate are celebrating 20 years in the business makes me feel pretty old. Thankfully the band aren’t showing any signs of such fatigue. They’ll mark the milestone in style with the release of their entire back catalogue on vinyl, deluxe CD, and iTunes, as well as the release of a short film charting their career, a book Paper Trail doing the same, and a big national tour this July and August.

These shows are going to be something pretty special as the band plays two sets every night. The gigs will be jam-packed with delights for fans including B-sides, rarities, and of course those killer hits. The short film will play before each show, and the book will be available from the merch stands. If you can’t make it to the shows you’ll be able to buy it online.

Expect the merch stand to get pretty crowded as the band promises to stop by every night to meet fans and sign the stuff they’ve been collecting for the last two decades.
The re-issued music goes on sale on July 4, the same day the band kicks off their retrospective 20 Year Anniversary tour.

4 July 2014 – Astor, Perth
11 July 2014 – Tivoli, Brisbane
12 July 2014 – Enmore, Sydney
18 July 2014 – Forum, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
19 July 2014 – Forum, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
20 July 2014 – Forum, Melbourne
15 August 2014 – HQ, Adelaide

Image used with permission from International Music Concepts

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Harry Hookey Impresses with “Man on Fire”

If the lead single “Man on Fire” is any indication, Harry Hookey’s debut album Misdiagnosed is going to be one of 2014’s best releases.

Harry recorded the album with the help of his friend and mentor Nash Chambers at Foggy Mountain Studios. He originally intended to just cut a few demos, but when it started to come together so effortlessly an album seemed like the only option. There’s definitely an ease and self-assurity about “Man on Fire.” It sits somewhere on the country-rock spectrum, but there’s also a soul to it that should draw in people that swear they aren’t country fans.

If you love it, you’ll be happy to hear that Misdiagnosed hits stores on April 25.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Russell Morris’ Van Diemen’s Land in Stores Today

Russell Morris showed he’s still got it with the release of Sharkmouth in 2012. Now he’s set to wow music lovers again with the release of Van Diemen’s Land.

Van Diemen’s Land picks up where Sharkmouth left off, telling real Australian stories about Breaker Morant, Sandakan, and the Eureka Stockade. It also features an impressive line-up of special guest artists including Joe Camilleri, Rick Springfield, Rob Hirst, Ross Hannaford, and Vika and Linda Bull.

“I spent over a year researching these great Australian stories,” Russell explained in the press release. “To me these albums are about looking back at the characters that deserve to be remembered and then doing that in the best way I know how—through song. It’s about leaving a legacy that in fifty years’ time, someone can put these records on and learn something about the spirit of our great country, in the same way we do when we read The Man from Snowy River.”

Van Diemen’s Land is in stores today.

Image used with permission from Stephen Green Consulting

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pharoah’s Playground Set to Release “3 Days in the Belly of a Whale”

Brisbane rockers Pharoah’s Playground are offering a sneak peek of their brand new album 3 Days in the Belly of a Whale ahead of its official release.

The recording process wasn’t quite as dramatic as Jonah’s tale, but the lads did spend three days in the belly of a recording studio. That’s a fairly quick time to record an album, but it’s given songs like the lead single “Comin’ Round the Mountain” a spontaneous energy that’s so appealing. It was all recorded straight to analogue tape, so it’s only fitting that the album’s getting a suitably retro release on vinyl, as well as the standard digital release.

Pharoah’s Playground will celebrate both when they launch the album for hometown fans at Tempo Hotel on April 26. Entry is free, so there’s no excuse for missing it!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Eleanor Dunlop Ready to Release EP

Sydney-based songstress Eleanor Dunlop is preparing to unleash her brand new self-titled EP.

The recording will feature the track “Disguise,” which was released last October, and the brand new single “Rough Side of Town.” Its name might have a real edge, but Eleanor’s angelic vocals are all sweetness and light on this dreamy song. Listen to the lyrics though and you’ll hear real power in this song about being true to yourself and fighting for what you deserve.

The Eleanor Dunlop EP gets a digital release tomorrow, April 11. She’ll give fans a week to live with it before she launches it at Sydney’s Brighton Up Bar on April 17.