Category: Album Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sunnyboys Debut Gets Rereleased

Some albums still sound fresh decades after their release. The Sunnyboys’ self-titled debut is one of those rare recordings. It’ll be introduced to a whole new generation of music lovers when it’s rereleased on March 14.

The album features the singles “Alone With You” and “Happy Man,” but there’s plenty more to pique the interest of fans. As well as the 12 original songs, the album also comes with 24 bonus tracks made up of B-sides, demo recordings, and live cuts.

A deluxe edition CD and digital download of Sunnyboys will be released on March 14, which is not so coincidentally the day the band kicks off their reunion tour.

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tom E. Lewis Releases “Beneath the Sun”

The term legend gets bandied about a lot in the music biz, but it’s entirely appropriate for describing Tom E. Lewis. He was the star of The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith in the ‘70s, a fixture on stage and screen in the ‘80s, and he travelled the world playing his unique blend of jazz and traditional didge music in the ‘90s. And today he’s releasing his new album, Beneath the Sun.

The album tackles big themes of identity, love, murder, and respect in the tradition of great singer-songwriters like Tom Waits, Johnny Cash, and Wilco.

“I survived the dark side, marrkap [mate, although like a lot of indigenous words its meaning is so much more],” he said in a press release. “Now I can sing about it, be the lucky one to come out the other side.”

Lead single “Can’t Change Your Name” gives you a taste of just how good this album is, and how incredible Tom’s backing band sounds. It’s hardly surprising though as it features Ross Hannaford (Daddy Cool), Michael Hohnen (Gurrumul), Tony Floyd (Black Sorrows), Stephen Teakle (Barry Morgan), and Craig Pilkington (The Killjoys).

Tom remains remarkably humble about the company he keeps and the quality of this album, simply commenting “I’ve been lucky, marrkap. Music, it heals. There’s medicine in art. I don’t know where this CD can go. I really don’t know. I’d like to write another one, yeah? I feel like there’s more coming.”

Image used with permission from SCG Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hayden Calnin Impresses with “Comatose”


Hayden Calnin wowed me with “Coward,” the first single from Oh, Hunter last November. Now after many long months we finally get to hear another cut, which is a good thing too because the EP’s release is still a couple of weeks away.

“Comatose” is a little more sombre than “Coward,” but it resonated with me a lot more quickly. Hayden’s tone is just so beautiful, and this song is so perfectly crafted. It was also the last song written for the EP. I guess when you create something so exquisite, you know that you’re done.

“Comatose” is the second single lifted from Oh, Hunter, which hits stores on February 21. If you love it there’s good news, because you get a free download when you preorder the EP through iTunes or the Create/Control store.

Image used with permission from Create/Control

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Halfway Shows Gen Y How It’s Done

There’s something just so comforting about listening to a band like Halfway. These Brisbane music veterans know their strengths and work together so well. It all seems so easy on “Dropout,” the lead single from their fourth LP Any Old Love, which hits stores today.

The album is a collection of songs based around the story of a young couple struggling to make things work in Barcaldine, Central Queensland. And it’s not just getting an iTunes and CD release; you’ll also find it on vinyl. Now that’s the kind of old school approach that I can appreciate. If you do too, make sure you see Halfway launching Any Old Love at the following shows.

8 February 2014 – The Old Museum, Brisbane
28 February 2014 – The Yarra Hotel, Melbourne
1 March 2014 – Apollo Bay Music Festival, Apollo Bay
23 March 2014 – The Powerhouse, Brisbane
20 April 2014 – Boogie, Tallarook

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Dead Daisies Release New Single & Album

The self-titled debut album from The Dead Daisies, fronted by our own Jon Stevens (we can claim him at this point, can’t we Australia?), hits stores tomorrow!

The album’s already generated buzz with the release of its first two singles, “Lock ‘N’ Load” and “Washington,” and now there’s a third to remind people why this album needs to be part of their collection. Just like the others, “It’s Gonna Take Time” celebrates classic rock music without the frills and bullshit.

“It’s a personal view on the world we live in today,” explained Jon. “We’re all running around on this planet consuming everything in our path. There are so many distractions, that the simple things in life, we don’t seem to have time for anymore. Is it just me? Everyone seems to be in a rush nowadays. This song is about stopping for a minute and identifying what is really important in your life! Simple really, but hard to do in this day and age!”

So shut out the rest of the world and wrap your ears around this. Then get excited because The Dead Daisies tour kicks off tonight. Where else can you see musicians from Noiseworks, Guns N’ Roses, Psychedelic Furs, Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake, and The Cult all on one stage? Nowhere, that’s where!

6 February 2014 – The Gov, Adelaide
7 February 2014 – The Old Mill, Hahndorf
8 February 2014 – Annie’s Lane Day On The Green, Clare Valley
15 February 2014 – Rochford Wines Day On The Green, Yarra Valley
16 February 2014 – Esplanade Hotel, Melbourne
21 February 2014 – Taronga Zoo, Sydney (with Jimmy Barnes)
22 February 2014 – Bateau Bay Hotel – Bateau Bay (with Jimmy Barnes)
23 February 2014 – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney
25 February 2014 – Country Club Casino, Launceston
26 February 2014 – Wrestpoint Casino Showroom, Hobart
28 February 2014 – Mulwala Water Ski Club, Mulwala
1 March 2014 – Albury SS&A Club, Albury

Image used with permission from Jaden Social

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Get Your Groove On with Joel Sarakula

He’s been living in the United Kingdom for the last few days, but Joel Sarakula showed he still calls Australia home when it came time to record his new album The Golden Age. He returned to his hometown of Sydney to record it at Skeet Music, and several local musicians also appear on the songs.

He also used the talents of Aussie artist Wons Phreely for the fabulous video which accompanies “Only One Still Dancing.” Anyone with a weak stomach might want to brace themselves for the conclusion, but for the most part this is an adorable clip with the cutest dancing star you’re likely to see. The song should have you tapping your toes too!

If you like this song make sure you check out The Golden Age, which is in stores now.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pigeon’s Settle In Ready to Drop

Local electronic wunderkinds Pigeon will release their sophomore EP Settle In tomorrow. The second album from this acclaimed Brisbane band features the singles “Curtain Call” and “Two Moon Love,” which have been both been well received by local radio, fans, and the blogosphere.

The songs give us a taste of the unique electronic cocktail we can expect to sample on the short player. It’s a little European, with nods to Sebastien Tellier and Royskopp, but it’s got that distinctly Australian twist fans love. It’s also completely self-produced, mixed, mastered, and recorded too, so it definitely deserves to be celebrated! You can give them a pat on the back when Pigeon tours the EP around the major capitals next month.

6 February 2014 – The Transit Bar, Canberra
7 February 2014 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
8 February 2014 – Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane
27 February 2014 – Boney, Melbourne
28 February 2014 – Cats @ Rocket Bar, Adelaide

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sydonia Releases “Reality Kicks” Ahead of Album Launch

Melbourne metal act Sydonia have offered us a taste of their long awaited new album with the release of the title track “Reality Kicks.” It’s a suitably epic number which gets us in the mood for the long-player, scheduled to hit stores on February 7.

The band’s rewarding fans for their patience, releasing the physical album as a CD/DVD combo. Digital versions of the album and DVD will also be available via iTunes.

“The album is the culmination of a bunch of years of hard work, sweating the small stuff and always with the loyal fans and friends we have made over the years in mind. This record is something we are intensely proud of,” said Dana Roskvist. “The DVD is our big thank you to our fans – there’s some pretty unique and once-only footage in there and it’s nice to share those unique experiences with everyone now.”

Sydonia will give us time to get acquainted with Reality Kicks before touring the country during May and June.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dirty Jeans Celebrates Aussie Alternative Rock Music

Australia’s rich rock history is celebrated with the release of Dirty Jeans: The Rise of Australian Alternative Rock.

The compilation concentrates on the years between 1988 and 2002, an iconic period which brought us the likes of The Vines, The Living End, Spiderbait, Magic Dirt, Grinspoon, Frenzal Rhomb, You Am I, and heaps more. They’re all represented in this stellar album, which features liner notes Adalita and Au-go-go Records founder Bruce Milne.

If you feel you need a post-Christmas gift, you can find Dirty Jeans: The Rise of Australian Alternative Rock in stores on January 17.

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sydonia Offers Album Teaser

Melbourne metal masters Sydonia have given fans an early taste of their long-awaited sophomore album Reality Kicks. The follow-up to 2006’s Given to Destroyers will hit stores and the digital marketplace on February 7.

Sydonia know their fans have been patient, and they’re rewarding their loyalty with the release of a CD/DVD combo pack. The DVD will also be available online via iTunes.

This video doesn’t give too much away, but we’ll learn a bit more when Sydonia releases the feature single on January 8. They’re also promising to tough both the east and west coast through May and June, so there’s plenty of excitement to come.