Category: Album Releases

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hoodoo Gurus Tour with Friends for 30th Anniversary

Hoodoo Gurus will celebrate 30 years in the business with some musical friends and their fans on their Dig It Up! The Hoodoo Gurus Invitational tour.

Since they released their debut 7-incher Leilani the Hoodoo Gurus has become one of the most beloved in Australia, thanks to big hits like “What’s My Scene?” “The Right Time,” and “Miss Free Love ‘69.”

These shows are bound to be something special as the band have promised they’ll play their landmark debut LP Stoneage Romeos in its entirety, plus a swag of other hits. Add in an enviable supporting bill including Died Pretty, The Sonics, The Lovetones, and Hard-Ons and you’ve got the kind of gigs that don’t come along every day. Sadly not every band performs at every show, but I’ve got the details outlined below.

And as if all that wasn’t enough, Sony will mark Hoodoo Gurus 3oth anniversary with the release of a new greatest hits collection, Gold Watch: 20 Golden Greats. Look out for the hit-filled album, featuring a new single “Use-By Date,” in store on March 16.

Tickets for the following star-filled Hoodoo Gurus shows go on sale from the usual outlets on Monday January 30.

20 April 2012 – The Tivoli, Brisbane (supported by The Sonics & The 5.6.7.8’s)
22 April 2012 – Enmore Theatre, Notes Live, and The Green Room, Sydney (supported by The Sonics, Died Pretty, Redd Kross, The 5.6.7.8’s, Tek & Younger, The Fleshtones, Hard-Ons, Belles Will Ring, Royal Headache, The Lovetones, The Straight Arrows; plus alternative comedy, spoken word, guest DJ’s with more TBA)
24 April 2012 – HQ, Adelaide (supported by The Sonics)
25 April 2012 – The Palace, Melbourne (supported by The Sonics, Died Pretty, Redd Kross, The 5.6.7.8’s, The Fleshtones, Hard-Ons, The Lovetones and more TBA)
28 April 2012 – The Astor Theatre, Perth (supported by Redd Kross and The Fleshtones)

Image used with permission from Two Fish Out of Water

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Tiger and Me Wow with “The Smoke”

The Tiger and Me blew me away with their last double A-side single “So Let It Go/The Little and Lost,” so I was thrilled to see what they’d serve up next. “The Smoke” is the latest helping from the band, an exquisite folky number that’s perhaps even better than their last offering.

The song comes from The Silent City, the second in a trilogy of recordings produced by Tasmanian composer Myles Mumford. The song builds so beautifully, from its stripped back twin harmonies to a lush sound featuring piano and horns. There’s a lot going on, but that intricacy never gets overwhelming.

Needless to say, I’m floored. That third EP can’t come soon enough; I need to hear more from The Tiger and Me. The Silent City hits the shelves of good record stores today.

Image used with permission from Show Off Services