Category: Album Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Darling Downs Reunite for Album Number Three

It’s been many years coming, but superstar duo The Darling Downs has finally graced us with another album, In the Days When the World was Wide.

Now the name The Darling Downs might not mean very much to you, but you’ll certainly know the names of the talent that makes up this very special double act. Kim Salmon was a key member of Scientists, Beasts of Bourbon, The Surrealists, and heaps more. Ron S. Peno made his name with Died Pretty. They’ve been friends for more than three decades, and have been making music for a decade. However, this is their first album together in six years. For the record, they never broke up. “We just had a break”, Ron says.

In the Days When the World was Wide takes its name from a collection of Henry Lawson’s works that Ron loved as a child. The album is striking in its simplicity, with songs that easily blend folk, bluegrass, and indie rock.

“It’s a songwriting cliché to say ‘the songs come from somewhere else’,” Kim says, “and I normally refute that idea. But I cannot explain why writing with Ron works; it’s mysterious. And because it’s mysterious, it seems quite magical.”

In the Days When the World Was Wide hits record stores today.

Image used with permission from Two Fish Out of Water

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sam Buckingham Charms with New Album & Single

Sydney folk songstress Sam Buckingham is back with a brand new album I’m a Bird. It’s a collection of songs about travel, love, and life’s other adventures. The album is the follow-up to her EP Fragile Heart, which debuted at number three on the iTunes singer/songwriter charts.

The album features the single “Follow You”, which might just be one of the sweetest and most romantic tracks I’ve heard in months. There’s nothing grandiose about it, but it’s impossible not to get swept away by Sam’s angelic voice and heartfelt lyrics.

Sam’s been spending time in Nashville and New York City, but she’s back on home soil to launch I’m a Bird with the following intimate shows.

21 July 2013 – The Bird, Northbridge
28 July 2013 – The Workers Club, Fitzroy
1 August 2013 – The Front, Lyneham (Entry by donation at the door)
3 August 2013 – Hibernian House, Surry Hills
7 August 2013 – Lizotte’s, Kincumber
10 August 2013 – Royal Exchange Theatre, Newcastle
11 August 2013 – The Powerhouse, Brisbane (FREE)
28 August 2013 – Lizotte’s, Dee Why
30 August 2013 – The Wheatsheaf, Thebarton (FREE)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Win Big When You Preorder Jacob Butler’s Debut Album

It’s been an awfully long wait for Aussie fans, but Jacob Butler’s debut album Reason will finally get a local release on August 16. The album from this Australian Idol graduate features the singles “Kites”, “Come My Way”, and “UKOK?”

It pays to preorder, as doing so will put you in the running to win some great prizes including a Sony Bravia 42” LCD TV, one of ten Sony Xperia Go Billabong edition smartphones, and one of ten pairs of Von Zipper sunglasses.

To enter simply forward your iTunes or JBHiFi.com.au receipt, or the docket from your favorite e-tailer, to jbcomp@redrebelmusic.com.au, along with the reason you love Reason in 25 words or less!

Image used with permission from Linda Sarah

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Andy Szikla Wows with Dark Valley

Creating music videos is something of a dying art these days, so it’s exciting to see an artist like Melbourne’s Andy Szikla arriving on the scene. He hasn’t just treated us to a film clip for a single; he’s created music videos for each and every song from his new album Dark Valley, which hits stores tomorrow.

Above you’ll find the clip for “Blood Brothers”, the album’s opening track and one of my personal favourites. I love a story song. That’s something else we don’t see a lot of people crafting, a true folk ballad. It’s got such an old world feel to it and a darkness to the lyrics that’s not apparent unless you’re really tuning in. You can see all the music videos on this website.

Dark Valley is Andy’s first solo album, but he’s far from a musical newbie. He’s actually been in the business for twenty years with stints in bands like Ides of March, 87 Fat Girls, and Mr Fish. The experience that time in the industry and just living life really shines through this accomplished album. If only every debut could be this good.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sweet Jean Tours Dear Departure

If you loved “Tomorrow Morning” as much as I did, you’ll be happy to hear that Sweet Jean are taking their sweet alt-country sounds on the road. The musical marriage of Sime Nugent and Alice Keath will hit the road next month to celebrate the July 4 release of their album Dear Departure.

Dear Departure’s been described as a collection of songs reflecting on life, longing, mortality, and misadventure. The duo will take those very personal tracks to the following intimate venues around the country.

12 July 2013 – Caravan Music Club, Oakleigh
13 July 2013 – Northcote Social Club, Northcote
18 July 2013 – The Newsagency, Marrickville
19 July 2013 – Singing Gallery, McLaren
20 July 2013 – Barossa Regional Gallery, Tanunda
21 July 2013 – Wheatsheaf Hotel, Thebarton

Image used with permission from Show Off Services

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fat Freddy’s Drop Announce Splendour Sideshows

It seems Fat Freddy’s Drop can’t get enough of Australia. After wowing local crowds as part of the Graphic festival at the Sydney Opera House last year, the band will be back to promote their new album Blackbird, which hits stores on June 21. We already knew they were playing Splendour, but they’ll also treat fans to headlining shows in the major capitals.

This album is nothing if not diverse, with elements of Ethio-Jazz, Detroit techno, blues, soul, and so much more. It features the oh-so-sexy and soulful single “Clean the House”, which is also backed up by a killer film clip. If gangster marionettes are your thing, this music video’s for you!

If you missed out on tickets to Splendour, make sure you don’t miss out on the chance to see this stellar live act while they’re Down Under.

29 August 2013 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
30 August 2013 – Tivoli, Brisbane
31 August2013 – The Forum, Melbourne
5 September 2013 – Astor Theatre, Perth

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lenka Does Lullabies

You might remember Lenka from the early noughties outfit Decoder Ring, or that irresistibly catchy pop song from 2008, “The Show”. Either way, you’re likely to be surprised by the sweet tunes she’s showcasing on her third solo album Shadows.

This album is sure to answer the prayers of parents across the nation. It’s a collection of lullabies that don’t suck! Penned while Lenka was pregnant with her first child, the disc includes the hand-clapping new single “Heart to the Party.” The film clip with footage of a childhood birthday party sets the scene. Lenka’s bound to find a brand new audience with Shadows, which hits stores on June 7.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Andrew Stockdale Rebrands Wolfmother

Wolfmother’s Andrew Stockdale is heading in a new direction with “Long Way to Go”, the first track from his forthcoming album Keep Moving. The album, which will hit stores on June 7, is the follow-up to Andrew’s album teaser, the Keep Moving EP.

I’ve honestly never been a Wolfmother fan. They always seemed too derivative for me, a bunch of Led Zeppelin wannabes. Andrew still wears his classic rock influences on his sleeve here, but this track’s easy groove at least feels a bit more original. There’s nothing wrong with delving into the past for inspiration, but it seems Andrew might finally have the balance right.

The new direction and Andrew Stockdale name out front makes this seem like a solo endeavour, but Andrew is actually still working with all his current Wolfmother bandmates on this new project.

They’re exploring new territory, but they’ll still play all the Wolfmother hits fans know and love at their upcoming album launch shows. This will be our last chance to see Andrew play for a while, as he’ll head to Southeast Asia, the United States, South America, and Europe to promote the album’s international release once this tour wraps.

6 June 2013 – Bar On The Hill, Newcastle University
7 June 2013 – The Metro Theatre, Sydney
8 June 2013 – Waves Nightclub, Wollongong
13 June 2013 – The Ferntree Gully Hotel, Melbourne
14 June 2013 – The Hi Fi, Melbourne
15 June 2013 – The Wool Exchange, Geelong
16 June 2013 – Pier Live, Frankston
19 June 2013 – The Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide
20 June 2013 – The Bakery, Perth
21 June 2013 – Fly By Nightclub, Fremantle
22 June 2013 – Prince Of Wales, Bunbury
27 June 2013 – The Hi Fi, Brisbane
28 June 2013 – Coolangatta Hotel, Gold Coast
29 June 2013 – The Northern, Byron Bay

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Something with Numbers Turn it Up to Eleven

Central Coast rock act Something with Numbers will celebrate the recent release of their latest album Eleven Eleven with a national tour next month.

Eleven Eleven is the kind of album you want to hear live, with ambitious hooks, irresistible melodies, and plenty of energy. It wears its heart on its sleeve, with frontman Jake Griggs delivering some of the most empassioned vocals of his career. Something with Numbers have always prided themselves on their live shows, and seven years after their inception they’re performing better than ever.

See for yourself at the following shows.

14 June 2013 – Mona Vale Hotel, Mona Vale
15 June 2013 – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney
21 June 2013 – Residence @ Metropolis, Fremantle
22 June 2013 –Rosemount Hotel, Perth
28 June 2013 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
29 June 2013 – Fitzroy Hotel, Fitzroy
5 July 2013 – Fowlers, Adelaide
6 July 2013 – Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne
12 July 2013 – Waves, Wollongong
13 July 2013 – Entrance Leagues Club, Bateau Bay

Image used with permission from Reckoning Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Thundercat Announces Album Preview Shows in Australia

You probably couldn’t find more different acts than Erykah Badu and Suicidal Tendencies, yet the musicianship of bassist Stephen “Thundercat” Bruner has been an integral part of both of their sounds. He’s also an accomplished solo performer, and on the eve of the release of his sophomore album Apocalypse, he’ll bring his smoking live show to his Australia.

That album won’t hit stores until July, but we get a taste of what’s in store with the silky smooth single “Heartbreaks + Setbacks”. Its easy groove and those sexy vocals have totally won me over.

If you love what you hear, make sure you catch this stellar artist on his all too brief Aussie tour this June.

7 June 2013 – The Forum, Melbourne
8 June 2013 – The Bakery, Perth
9 June 2013 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney

Image used with permission from Niche Productions