Category: Album Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dirty Three Launch Comeback Tour

After an extended hiatus, Dirty Three are back with a brand new album and tour.

Toward the Low Sun is Dirty Three’s first album since 2005, and the fruit of one of the band’s most creative periods. It’s no cosy return to a musical comfort zone. There’s an electrifying energy in the melding of punk, jazz, and avant-garde sounds that shows Jim White, Mick Turner, and Warren Ellis are excited to be back together.

“Dirty Three has always been about the way we play together and feed off each other,” explained Warren Ellis. “We wanted this one to be a return to the more improvised and instinctive approach of the earlier recordings.”

Dirty Three will take Toward the Low Sun on the road this month, starting with a show this Friday in Perth. Tickets are available from the usual outlets for the following gigs.

9 March 2012 – Astor Theatre, Perth
10 March 2012 – WOMADelaide, Adelaide
12 March 2012 – The Glasshouse, Port Macquarie
14 March 2012 – Powerstation, Auckland
16 March 2012 – The Palace, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
17 March 2012 – One Perfect Day Festival, Gippsland
18 March 2012 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine (SOLD OUT)
21 March 2012 – Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, Sydney
22 March 2012 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
23 March 2012 – Starcourt Theatre, Lismore

Image used with permission from Remote Control Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Adam Eaton Launches EP Tonight in Melbourne

Melbournites without evening plans should consider ditching the television and checking out Adam Eaton’s set at The Toff in Town.

After spending the last two years in Norway, Adam’s returned home with a few Norwegian musicians in tow to support the release of his first EP, You and I and Us. I was particularly struck by this song “Not Alone,” a gentle, subdued folk tune that’s so beautifully measured. What a gorgeous number.

It’s one of the songs featured on the EP that came together in just three days. Whenever music comes so quickly I get excited. There’s a gorgeous free, unforced quality to tunes that come together so naturally and organically.

While Adam’s Melbourne hometown gets tonight launch, Sydney and other spots in his home state won’t miss out on this great talent. He’ll play the following shows before returning to Norway.

7 March 2012 – The Old Manly Boatshed, Manly (Free)
8 March 2012 – The Clovelly Hotel, Sydney (Free)
9 March 2012 – Heritage Hotel, Bulli
10 & 11 March 2012 – Tastes of Rutherglen Festival @ Bullers Winery, Rutherglen, Australia
17 March 2012 – Pure Pop Records, Saint Kilda (3 pm)
22 March 2012 – The Empress, Fitzroy

Image source: Adam Eaton website

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kitty Clementine’s Got Soul

Australian expat Kitty Clementine is generating some serious buzz on the eve of the American release of her self-titled debut album.

While she’ll always call Australia home, the Sydney Conservatorium of Music graduate is now based in New Orleans. She arrived with little money and no plans beyond soaking up the country and using it as fuel for her first record. She hitchhiked through Alabama, North Carolina, Seattle, San Francisco, and finally Los Angeles where she laid down an album in just seven days.

Kitty’s music reminds me a bit of Duffy’s, but there’s even more of an edge which is so unique. “Blow My Horn” is the first single to come from the album, which hits American record stores tomorrow. Hopefully an Australian release isn’t too far off. It’d be a shame for America to enjoy all the fun of this homegrown act!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

ABC Music Sign The Rumjacks to New FOUR | FOUR Label

Irish-influenced Sydney band The Rumjacks are the first to join ABC Music’s latest label, FOUR | FOUR.

The Rumjacks take their cues from Celtic traditions but layer those classical sounds with punk rock, reggae, and even a bit of gypsy swing. They’ve been plugging away under the radar since 2008, but the signing with ABC’s latest label should introduce them to a whole new audience.

“In essence, FOUR | FOUR represents music that, at its core, is as simple as a 4/4 time signature,” explained ABC Music head Robert Pattinson. “It’s music that moves people in a fundamental way. The imprint’s first signing, The Rumjacks, typifies what FOUR | FOUR is all about – honest music making with a no-nonsense directness and immediacy that connects with the listener from the first moment.”

The Rumjacks’ new single “Crosses for Eyes” gives us a taste of what’s to come on their first FOUR | FOUR album release. If you want to hear even more you can catch the band on their annual St Patrick’s Day tour next month.

15 March 2012 – The Joynt, Brisbane
16 March 2012 – Baroque Bar, Katoomba
17 March 2012 – The Sandringham Hotel, Newtown
18 March 2012 – Cherry Bar, Melbourne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Beards Still Celebrating Facial Hair

Quirky Adelaide band The Beards are launching their third album, Having a Beard is the New Not Having a Beard, with one of their most extensive Aussie tours to date.

As they sit poised ready to release that disc it’s a good time to reflect on just how far they’ve come. The beard-loving band, who came together as a joke, expected to play just one show before going their separate ways. They certainly didn’t expect enough beard-related material to sustain them for three albums.

The years have marched on, and they’ve built up lusher arrangements and experimented with some musical styles along the way, but The Beards’ central message remains the same.

“It will be our third concept album about the same concept – the only concept of any importance to any of us – beards!” explained frontman Johann Beardraven.

Having a Beard is the New Not Having a Beard hits stores on March 9, the same day as the big tour starts. It’s time to quit shaving now in preparation!

9 March 2012 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
10 March 2012 – Fly By Night, Fremantle
11 March 2012 – Indie Bar, Scarborough Beach
16 March 2012 – The Corner, Melbourne
17 March 2012 – The Bended Elbow, Geelong
23 March 2012 – Royal Oaks Hotel, Launceston
24 March 2012 – Republic Bar, Hobart
30 March 2012 – The Zoo, Brisbane
13 April 2012 – Adelaide Uni Bar, Adelaide
18 April 2012 – Great Northern Hotel, Newcastle
19 April 2012 – ANU Bar, Canberra
20 April 2012 – Manning Bar, Sydney
21-22 April 2012 – Apollo Bay Music Festival, Apollo Bay

Image used with permission from Riot House Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dallas Frasca Back with “All My Love”

It’s been a long time coming, but Dallas Frasca is almost ready to release her sophomore album Sound Painter.

I remember being blown away by Dallas when I saw her play at a Hunter Valley blues festival way back in 2008, and I’m thrilled to see the years haven’t mellowed her though. There’s a bit more polish to her raspy sound though, which may have come from working with acclaimed producer Andy Baldwin in New York.

Whatever it is, I’m impressed by our first taste of the album, the new single “All My Love.” It sounds great and the film clip looks much better than I’d expect for her $2.49 budget!

Andy Baldwin hasn’t polished all the edges from Dallas though. She chose to record the album with no click tracks to keep it raw and honest, with the sort of spontaneous sound that comes from a live performance. She worked with her band to smash out eleven songs in just seven days, with most numbers captured in their first or second take.

What you see is what you get with Dallas Frasca. If you want to see more of her make sure you catch her on her All My Love tour, which starts tomorrow in Adelaide. Her new album Sound Painter hits stores on April 1.

11 February 2012 – Jive, Adelaide
18 February 2012 – Cool Summer Fest, Mount Hotham
2 March 2012 – Basement 243, Brisbane
3 March 2012 – Joe’s Waterhole, Eumundi
9 March 2012 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
10 March 2012 – Trackside Festival, Wangaratta
11 March 2012 – Lake Mountain Festival, Marysville
18 March 2012 – Raw Festival, Mount Eliza
23 March 2012 – Junkyard, Maitland
24 March 2012 – The Square, Sydney
5-6 April 2012 – Bluesfest, Byron Bay
22 April 2012 – Apollo Bay Music Festival, Apollo Bay

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nick Cave Tribute Straight to You on CD & DVD

Did you enjoy last night’s broadcast of Straight To You – Triple J’s Tribute to Nick Cave? Well if so you’re in luck, because the ABC is about to release the double CD and DVD.

The show was a fitting homage to Nick’s career, from his early outfits Boys Next Door and The Birthday Party to his celebrated work with The Bad Seeds and newish outfit Grinderman. He’s the most continually played artist on Triple J, an incredible feat that’s a testimony to his longevity.

Triple J assembled an amazing collection of artists who showed a clear appreciation for the material they tackled. I particularly loved Bertie Blackman and Muscles take on “Do You Love Me?,” Lisa Mitchell’s gorgeous version of “The Ship Song,” and Kram, Dan Sultan, and Lisa getting together on “There is a Kingdom.”

I can relive all those moments and more when the double CD hits stores on February 10. The DVD will follow on March 2.

Image used with permission from Universal Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

John Williamson Releases “The Big Red”

With Australia Day celebrations in full swing it seems an appropriate time to mention that one of our most dinky-di performers, John Williamson, will release his new album The Big Red tomorrow.

The Big Red is actually John’s 48th studio recording, which is a fair effort by anyone’s summation. It features songs penned by John over the past three years about our country and its people. You know what you’re getting here; John’s always reliable and that’s exactly why we love him.

The album features the first single “Hang My Hat in Queensland,” which is an autobiographical tale of John’s life in the Sunshine State.

“At last The Big Red is out of the box. I think those who know my music will think ‘Yes! This is what we’ve been waiting for from Willo.’ For those who don’t know; clear the mind of American influences. This is purely Australian. I hope it makes you as proud as I am of the place,” he said in a statement.

John will see plenty of his beloved country over the coming months when he embarks on The Big Red tour. Tickets are available from the venues for the following shows.

27 January 2011 –  Tamworth Town Hall, Tamworth
16 February 2011 –  Wellington Entertainment Centre, Sale
17 February 2011 –  Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre, Wonthaggi
18 February 2011 –  Frankston Cultural Centre, Frankston
19 February 2011 –  West Gippsland Arts Centre, Warragul
22 February 2011 –  ’99 on York’, Sydney
24 February 2011 –  Swan Yacht Club, East Fremantle
1 March 2011 –  Redlands Performing Arts Centre, Cleveland
2 March 2011 –  Logan Entertainment Centre, Logan Central
3 March 2011 – Empire Theatre, Toowoomba
4 March 2011 –  Caloundra RSL, Caloundra
21 March 2011 –  ’99 on York’, Sydney
29 March 2011 –  Shepparton Eastbank Centre, Shepparton
30 March 2011 –  Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat
31 March 2011 –  Hamilton Performing Arts Centre, Hamilton
1 April 2011 –  Geelong Performing Arts Centre, Geelong
11 April 2011 –  Brolga Theatre, Maryborough
12 April 2011 –  Pilbeam Theatre, Rockhampton
13 April 2011 –  Mackay Entertainment Centre, Mackay
14 April 2011 –  Townsville Civic Theatre, South Townsville
18 April 2011 –  ’99 on York’, Sydney
19 April 2011 –  Cessnock Performing Arts Centre, Cessnock
20 April 2011 –  Newcastle West Leagues Club, New Lambton
21 April 2011 –  Nelsons Bay Diggers, Nelson Bay
22 April 2011 –  Toronto Workers Club, Toronto
4 May 2011 –  Campbelltown RSL Club, Campbelltown
5 May 2011 –  North Sydney Leagues Club, Cammeray
6 May 2011 –  Castle Hill RSL Club, Castle Hill
16 May 2011 –  Albany Entertainment Centre, Albany
17 May 2011 –  Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre, Bunbury
18 May 2011 –  Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, Mandurah
19 May 2011 –  Queens Park Theatre, Geraldton
23 May 2011 –  ’99 on York’, Sydney
24 May 2011 –  Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre, Bathurst
25 May 2011 –  Orange Ex-Services Club, Orange
26 May 2011 –  Dubbo Regional Theatre, Dubbo
27 May 2011 –  Condobolin RSL Club, Condobolin

Image source: John Williamson media room

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Download Arundel’s New Electronica EP for Free

We’ve all heard of those new age restaurants that ask diners to pay what they think their meal is worth. Now Brisbane electronica act Arundel is encouraging us to do the same with his music.

Arundel is so excited to release his second EP Olive Caves, he wants as many people to hear it as possible. So he’s inviting us to download it from his Bandcamp website. Consequently we can enjoy the music for free or choose to donate some money to fund additional projects if we’re so moved.

“Essentially, the collaborators and I make music for people like you to hear, and we don’t want anything to get in the way of that,” Arundel explained.

I particularly like the lead track “A Deep Freeze,” but there’s a lot to appreciate about this EP. It redefines what I think of as electronica with its rock influences and lyrical content, and that alone makes it worth a listen.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Blanche Dubois Tours “Young Heart”

Blanche DuBois’ third album Young Heart has just hit stores, so the Melbourne twosome is celebrating with a string of new shows, and a free download.

“We’re both really proud of this record,” explained one half of the dynamic duo, Nadija Begovich. “It’s been a long time in the making as we had a break between this and our last, but I think the break served us well as we’re writing from a much better place.”

Music lovers can get a taste of Young Heart by downloading the new single “The War in Me” for free from Blanche Dubois’ Facebook page. If you like what you hear make sure you catch the band at The Toff in Melbourne on February 11, or The Ellington Jazz Club in Perth on March 11.

This is just the start of some major touring over the next few months. Blanche Dubois will announce more shows around the country in the coming weeks.

Image used with permission from Alpha Entertainment