Evermore Releasing Album Number Four

Evermore have been out of the spotlight for the last three years, but they’re promising to remind us why we loved them so much with the release of their fourth studio album Follow The Sun on October 12.

It’s not like the band has been sitting idly during that break. They toured the world with Pink, and circled it again to collect inspiration for this recording. Then then built a full-service studio on their farm on the outskirts of Melbourne, and set about writing, recording, and producing an array of musical projects. Follow The Sun was amongst them.

The album’s already been heralded as the band’s best, and while those comments might be a bit premature the title track does sound promising.  You can make up your own mind when Evermore give fans a sneak peek of the album at some intimate shows next month. If you miss out on those tickets, you can grab Follow the Sun when it hits stores on October 12.

13 September 2012 – Amplifier, Perth
14 September 2012 – The Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide
19 September 2012 – The Zoo, Brisbane
20 September 2012 – The Standard, Sydney
27 September 2012 – The Toff, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Revolutions Per Minute

Julia & The Deep Sea Sirens Woo With Sweet Folk Music

Canberra songstress Julia Johnson and her outfit the Deep Sea Sirens have been quietly plugging away in the music business since 2005. After honing their craft, the band’s decided to time is right to release their debut album Family Pets.

The album has equal parts sadness and joy, all anchored together by Julia’s sweet vocals and her ever faithful instruments, the 36-string autoharp and banjo. It showcases tracks you might have heard when the band recently supported Tim Rogers, Lanie Lane, and Kate Miller-Heidke, including the current single “Little Surprises.” These songs were all recorded using vintage recording technology to ensure they have that authentic, analogue vibe.

If you like what you hear make sure you see Julia and the Deep Sea Sirens at their upcoming shows.

30 August 2012 – The Standard, Sydney
10 September 2012 – The Phoenix, Canberra (FREE)
12 October 2012 – The Empress, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Positive Feedback

Wes Carr is Buffalo

Australian Idol alum Wes Carr has reinvented himself as Buffalo. The former talent show victor is a bit beardier these days, and his music has a more organic, rootsier, folkier feel. That’s showcased with his brand new single “Blood & Bone,” the title track from Buffalo’s debut EP.

The new sound is only fitting for Buffalo. The name was inspired by the native American belief that when someone dreams of a buffalo they will return to their heritage and roots. That’s exactly what Wes has done here. It’s so much simpler than the Silverchair-offshoot Tambalane or the radio-friendly music he created post-Idol. But that’s exactly why it’s so good.

You can see all that for yourself when Buffalo launches Blood & Bone at the following shows, including support slots with The McClymonts.

31 August 2012 – Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Nowra (with the McClymonts)
1 September 2012 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney (with the McClymonts)
6 September 2012 – Panthers Port Macquarie (with the McClymonts)
7 September 2012 – Cex Club, Coffs Harbour (with the McClymonts)
8 September 2012 – Club Forster (with the McClymonts)
9 September 2012 – Bateau Bay Hotel, Bateau Bay (3 pm show – with the McClymonts)
14 September 2012 – Lismore Workers Club, Lismore (with the McClymonts)
15 September 2012 – Toowoomba Empire Theatre, Toowoomba (with the McClymonts)
21 September 2012 – Tivoli Theatre, Brisbane (with the McClymonts)
22 September 2012 – Vikings Club, Canberra (with the McClymonts)
29 September 2012 – Evan Theatre @ Penrith Panthers, Penrith (with the McClymonts)
5 October 2012 – Civic Theatre, Newcastle (with the McClymonts)
6 October 2012 – Clarendon Guesthouse, Katoomba
12 & 13 October 2012 – The Palms @ Crown Casino, Melbourne (with the McClymonts)
23 November 2012 – Notes, Newtown
30 November 2012 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle

The Murlocs Launch Tee Pee

We might expect an EP called Tee Pee to be full of puerile humour, but instead The Murlocs latest recording offers us a blast from the past.

The five-track EP builds on the fuzzy, harmonica spiced blues the band delivered on their first EP. The mates from Ocean Grove have such as appealing dirtiness about their sound that music lovers young and old can’t help but get on board.

The recording has such a raw sound and spontaneous energy that it’s unsurprising to hear it was recorded in just one weekend in harp player Ambrose Kenny-Smith’s spare room.

I can only imagine how beautifully such an organic EP will translate to the stage. Victorians will get the chance to find out when The Murlocs launch Tee Pee at The Tote on August 31.

Image used with permission from Singhala Music

Sound of Seasons Tours “Make Believe”

Sydney rock act Sound of Seasons are celebrating the release of their debut EP Make Believe next month with a big headlining tour.

The EP offers a bit more than most, with six electric tracks and one acoustic number. It’s emotional and heavy hitting, with retro synths layered on top of wailing electric guitars.

Here are all the places you can catch Sound of Seasons up close and personal on their Make Believe Tour:

1 September 2012 – UC Refectory, Canberra
20 September 2012 – Yours and Owls, Wollongong
22 September 2012 – The Basement, Canberra
23 September 2012 – The Lair, Sydney
26  September 2012 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
27 September 2012 – Port Macquarie Hotel, Port Macquarie
29 September 2012 – X&Y Bar, Brisbane
5 October 2012 – Newmarket Hotel, Bendigo
6 October 2012 – Fist 2 Face, Ringwood
6 October 2012 – BANG! Royal Melbourne Hotel, Melbourne
7 October 2012 – National Hotel, Geelong
12 October 2012 – C5, Freemantle
13 October 2012 – Amplifier Bar, Perth
14 October 2012 – YMCA HQ, Leederville

Image used with permission from RAWR Music

Zoophyte Finally Release Second Album

After five years, Zoophyte are finally ready to release their sophomore album. Somewhere Elsewhere will hit music stores on September 21.

It’s unusual for an act to wait so long to release a new record, but the last five years have been a tumultuous time for the band. Their line-up’s changed, their sound’s evolved. Needless to say, this won’t simply be Another Point of View Part II.

“The old format of the band was a five-piece and we were all into different styles and types of music,” explained Zoophyte front man Cam Lee. “But now, everyone is on the same track and it feels like a new band. It’s a much bigger, larger sound; we use a lot of delayed guitars and everyone sings – there’s definitely a stronger, rockier edge to our sound.”

Zoophyte will take Somewhere Elsewhere on the road next month. Don’t worry if they’re not visiting your town, as more dates will be announced soon.

1 September 2012 – The Governor Hindmarsh Hotel, Adelaide
2 September 2012 – Wheelers Hill Hotel, Melbourne
6 September 2012 – Racehorse Hotel, Ipswich
7 September 2012 – Miami Tavern, Gold Coast
8 September 2012 – Spotted Cow, Toowoomba
9 September 2012 – Wheelers Hill Hotel, Melbourne
16 September 2012 – Wheelers Hill Hotel, Melbourne
23 September 2012 – Wheelers Hill Hotel, Melbourne
30 September 2012 – Wheelers Hill Hotel, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Alpha Entertainment

Australia’s Got Talent Rebel Owen Campbell Tours “Sunshine Road”

Owen Campbell made a splash on this year’s Australia’s Got Talent competition for all the wrong reasons. He was clearly a talented singer songwriter, but taking pot shots at one of the judges is never a smart move.

Owen might not have won a lot of friends on the reality TV show, but he’s hoping to capitalise on his notoriety with the release of his album Sunshine Road. It seems to be working, as the independently recorded long player’s peaked at number one on both the national iTunes charts and the AIR Independent Music chart.

Owen will also take those songs and his six-piece band on the road for a launch tour which kicks off tonight in Melbourne:

15 August 2012 – The Toff in Town, Melbourne
17 August 2012 – Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne
23 August 2012 – The Basement, Sydney
25 August 2012 – The Abbey, Canberra

Image used with permission from Heapsflash

Pataphysics Shows Something Special with Subversive

Pataphysics is bringing something new to the urban scene with his unique blend of hip hop, jazz, and political ideology.

“Self,” the latest video from Pataphysics, showcases that distinct blend beautifully. On it he lays down some insightful lyrics and performs a killer trumpet solo. MTV named Pataphysics one of the Top Ten Breakout Bands of Australia way back in 2010, and with “Self” and his debut album Subversive released last month, he looks to be making good on that promise.

Pataphysics will launch Subversive at Collingwood’s Gasometer Hotel on September 14.

Hugo Race Does The Boss

Former Bad Seed Hugo Race has well and truly creeped me out with his moody cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “I’m on Fire.”

The shiver I get listening to this unusual take on the American classic isn’t entirely a bad thing. Hugo’s interpretation gives a malice to the lyrics that I never heard when The Boss was cranking them out. I almost feel like I’m hearing the song for the first time.

This take on “I’m on Fire” comes from Hugo Race’s newly released digital album No But It’s True. The album sees Hugo putting his unique spin on love songs through the ages. It’s available through iTunes now.

Split Seconds Tour Debut Album

Split Seconds have been steadily building buzz over the last couple of years. No doubt those fans they’ve collected along the way will be ecstatic that their debut album You’ll Turn Into Me will finally hit stores tomorrow.

The album release comes at a busy time for Split Seconds. They recently made the big move from their native Perth to the musical hub of inner city Melbourne. They also just released a new single “Top Floor,” which is already enjoying plenty of airplay.

So why not add more chaos to the mix? Split Seconds will stay busy with a quickie tour this month and the next. See them launching You’ll Turn Into Me at the following shows:

25 August 2012 – Amplifier, Perth
31 August 2012 – The Standard, Sydney
8 September 2012 – Ding Dong, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Shiny Entertainment