Category: Album Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Checks Play Sydney

New Zealand’s favourite sons The Checks are celebrating the recent release of their new album Deadly Summer Sway with a very special Sydney show next month.

The album was recorded at Neil Finn’s Roundhead Studios with the help of Grammy award winning producer Bassy Bob Brockman (TLC, The Fugees, Mary J Blige). It features The Checks’ new single “Candyman Shimmer,” which shows off a much more chilled side of the band than I’ve heard before. I wouldn’t call it sleepy, but this cruisy tune is perfect for a lazy summer day. If you like it you can grab a free download from The Checks website.

The Checks will play an intimate set at Goodgod Small Club on December 15. They’re in fine form at the moment, having just wrapped up a 13-date tour of their homeland. I know we’re all strapped for cash with the holidays approaching, but the tickets cost just $8 pre-ordered and $10 at the door.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

David Campbell Goes Retro

I’m pretty excited at the coming together of one of my favourite Australian singers and my favourite musical decade. After tackling the standards more than once, show tunes, and the sounds of the swinging sixties, David Campbell is setting his sights on the 80s.

Next week David will release Let’s Go, an album featuring covers of tunes by Wham, Dexy’s Midnight Runners, and The Style Council. Oh and there’s this version of Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love.” Not to mention a version of my favourite song ever, “True.” Needless to say, I’m beyond excited.

Let’s Go hits stores on November 18, which is not so coincidentally the day that tickets go on sale for his next Aussie tour. David never does these things by halves; I’m sure you’ll be able to catch him busting out the retro numbers somewhere near you!

16 February 2012 – Belmont 16ft Sailing Club, Belmont
17 February 2012 – State Theatre, Sydney
25 February 2012 – Festival Theatre, Adelaide
10 March 2012 – QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane
16 & 17 March 2012 – Palms @ Crown, Melbourne
12 & 13 April 2012 – Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre
14 April 2012 – Civic Theatre, Orange
19 April 2012 – Manning Entertainment Centre, Taree
20 April 2012 – Glasshouse Theatre, Port Macquarie
21 April 2012 – Civic Theatre, Newcastle
27 April 2012 – Llewellyn Theatre, Canberra
28 April 2012 – Regional Entertainment Centre, Bathurst
3 & 4 May 2012 – Performing Arts Centre, Wangarratta
5 May 2012 – Entertainment Centre, Albury
10 & 11 May 2012 – Regional Theatre & Convention Centre, Dubbo
12 May 2012 – West Tamworth Leagues Club, Tamworth
16 May 2012 – Performing Arts Centre, Mandurah
17 May 2012 – Queens Park Theatre, Geraldton
18 May 2012 – Perth Concert Hall
19 May 2012 – Regional Entertainment Centre, Bunbury
31 May 2012 – Performing Arts Centre, Colac
1 June 2012 – Warnambook Entertainment Centre, Warnambook
2 June 2012 – Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre, Mt Gambier
7 & 8 June 2012 – Capital Theatre, Bendigo
9 June 2012 – Eastbank Centre, Shepparton
14 June 2012 – Performing Arts Centre, Frankston
15 June 2012 – Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat
16 June 2012 – GPAC Playhouse Theatre, Geelong

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rogue Traders Releasing Double Disc

Rogue Traders are closing one chapter and beginning the next with the release of The Sound of Drums.

The double disc features a greatest hits collection, which features songs from Rogue Traders’ first three albums, and the band’s brand new studio album, Night of the Living Drums.

“Ten years is a huge milestone for any band,” said Rogue Traders’ creative force James Ash. “This record sums up what we’ve done so far – and also lays down our plans for the future!”

The Sound of Drums hit stores on November 11. Ash and Rogue Traders frontwoman Mindi Jackson will hit the promotional trail next month to support the release ahead of a full-scale tour in the New Year.

Image used with permission from Revolutions Per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Eddy Current Suppression Ring Release Singles & Rarities Collection

The folks from Eddy Current Suppression Ring may be working on various side projects at the moment, but they’re reminding us of their collective might with the release of their new singles and rarities collection, So Many Things.

The disc celebrates the last seven years in the career of this Melbourne garage rock band. The collection features many out of print singles and some rare gems, including covers of The Chosen Few’s “There’s a Lot Of it Going Around” and The Go-Gos’ “We Got the Beat.” Hopefully this will be enough to tide the fans over while the band’s on hiatus.

So Many Things is in stores now.

Image source: Mandy Hall/Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Steve Lane and the Autocrats’ Impress with “Ghost Trains”

It’s a pretty special thing to find new music that takes you back, but I’ve found it in Steve Lane and the Autocrats’ new single “Ghost Trains.” It’s got that lovely Paul Kelly storytelling quality about it, with a splash of Weddings Parties Anything thrown in. It’s good honest Aussie pop rock, melodic but heartfelt. Pop’s almost gotten to be a dirty word in the music industry, but this song  shows us the term isn’t synonymous with vapid.

The film clip plays up the track’s nostalgic qualities, with vision of the band spliced together with archival film footage.

“Ghost Trains” is our first taste of the band’s forthcoming debut album The Romance of Communication, which hits stores on Friday. Can you believe something that sounds so seasoned comes from a debut?

To celebrate the album’s release, the Steve Lane and the Autocrats will play shows along the east coast, with their first tonight in Warrnambool.

19 October 2011 – The Loft, Warrnambool
20 October 2011 – The Front Gallery & Café, Lyneham
21 October 2011 – The Heritage Hotel, Bulli
22 October 2011 – Clarendon Guest House, Katoomba
23 October 2011 – The Vanguard, Newtown
27 October 2011 – Beavs Bar, Geelong
28 October 2011 – The Northcote Social Club, Northcote
29 October 2011 – TBC
30 October 2011 – The Palais Theatre, Hepburn Springs
6 November 2011 – Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Impossible Odds Release Hip Hop Debut

After gaining a big following in their home state, Brisbane urban act Impossible Odds are taking their music to the masses with the release of their debut album Against All Odds.

The band easily blends hip hop and soul sounds to create something which flies in the face of the negative, misogynistic music created by some sectors of the urban community. The album’s lead single “Beautiful World” gives you some idea what this band is all about, both musically and philosophically.

The words of Impossible Odds frontman Rival MC give voice not just the issues facing contemporary Aboriginal Australians, but those facing all Australians, and in fact all citizens of the world. However he’s careful to do this without pointing fingers and demeaning others. That social consciousness gives the music of Impossible Odds real intelligence that’s worth listening to, even if you don’t usually consider yourself an urban music fan.

Impossible Odds will play a warm-up show on the Gold Coast before launching their new album in front of their hometown fans on October 22. After that the band will play shows down the east coast. South Australia, you haven’t been forgotten either. A launch show in Adelaide will be announced soon.

21 October 2011 – The Loft, Gold Coast
22 October 2011 – The Globe, Brisbane
5 November 2011 – The Laundry, Melbourne
3 December 2011 – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Crooked Saint Gets Set for Summer with Sweating Bullets

Just six months after the release of his debut EP Every Angry Inch, Crooked Saint is preparing to unleash his follow-up, Sweating Bullets, on November 4. You can’t say this singer-songwriter isn’t working hard!

I always appreciate a tune with a steel guitar, so the title track is predictable right up my alley. This alt-country song has got a tangible summer vibe to it; I can almost feel that oppressive Australian humidity as I listen to the song unfolding.

To celebrate the release Crooked Saint will play shows down the east coast, culminating in a big final performance at the V8 Supercars final in Sydney. Here are all the places you can see this talented singer-songwriter performing, both in acoustic and full-band modes.


21October 2011 – Revolver Upstairs, Melbourne (EP Launch)
4 November 2011 – The Beresford Hotel, Sydney (Solo Acoustic – with Dirty Little Rebels and The Delta Riggs)
9 November 2011 – The Study @ The Gaelic Hotel, Sydney (Solo Acoustic)
19 November 2011 – Beaches, Thirroul (Solo Acoustic – supporting Dragon)
30 November 2011 – Rock Lily @ The Star, Sydney (solo acoustic)
3 December 2011 – The V8 Supercars @ ANZ Stadium, Sydney (with Noiseworks, John Farnham, and James Reyne)

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Matt Corby Plays Gardens

A brand new Matt Corby song “Brother” will hit radio next week. It’s the first track from the Australian Idol graduate’s new EP, Into the Flame. Or if you don’t want to sit patiently by your radio, you could just listen to it here!

I haven’t always enjoyed Matt’s music, but this track feels like his most mature work to date. While many of his tunes have seemed to meander without purpose, this one’s really compelling. If this is a sign of what’s to come this time around perhaps I’d better give him another listen.

To celebrate the EP’s November 11 launch, Matt headed out on the road this week for one of his most extensive tours to date. Called the Secret Garden tour, the shows see Matt playing in some of the country’s most beautiful gardens. These tranquil settings sound a lot more inviting than sweaty pubs with sticky floors!

Tickets are allocated on a first come, first served basis; fans just need to e-mail mattcorbysg@gmail.com with details of the shows they want to go and the friends they want to take (there’s a maximum of four names per e-mail to keep things fair). Tickets cost $20 per person and will be collected upon entry to the event. That money will help Matt continue to do what he does, and help the hosts cover their costs.

It all sounds like such a great concept, the sort of thing we don’t often see in the modern music world. The remaining dates are below if you want to get to one of the gardens, or Matt’s EP launch shows.

15 October 2011 – Salisbury, QLD (18+ BYO)
16 October 2011 – Forest Lake, QLD (All Ages)
18 October 2011 – Palm Beach, NSW (All Ages)
19 October 2011 – Ingleside, NSW (All Ages)
20 October 2011 – Pennant Hills, NSW (All Ages)
21 October 2011 – Kings Langley, NSW (18+ BYO)
22 October 2011 – Ashfield, NSW (18+ BYO)
23 October 2011 – Leumeah, NSW (15+)
26 October 2011 – Hopetoun, VIC (All Ages)
27 October 2011 – Kyabram, VIC (All Ages)
28 October 2011 – Niddrie, VIC (18+ BYO)
29 October 2011 – Donvale, VIC (All Ages)
30 October 2011 – Ringwood North, VIC (All Ages)
3 November 2011 – Crawley, WA (All Ages)
4 November 2011 – Como, WA (18+ BYO)
5 November 2011 – North Perth, WA (All Ages)
6 November 2011 – Carramar, WA (All Ages Morning Show)
6 November 2011 – Carabooda, WA (18+ BYO Night Show)
11 November 2011 – Campbelltown, NSW (All Ages)
24 November 2011 – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney
30 November 2011 – The Toff In Town, Melbourne
2 December 2011 – Blakeview, SA (18+ BYO)
3 December 2011 – Stirling, SA (All Ages)
4 December 2011 – Evanston Park, SA (18+ BYO)

Image used with permission from Pod Artist Services

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Convair Impress with Retro EP

Sydney’s Convair have wormed their way into my heart with their fun new EP The New You. The title track has won me over with its retro synth sounds and loved-up innocence. It takes me back to my youth, the time when I first got excited about music. It has me wanting more; something tells me an EP’s not going to be quite long enough!

It’s all we’re getting for the meantime though, so at least Convair have done it right. The New You will be available in standard EP format and a special vinyl package, just as any good 80s inspired music should be! Look for it in stores on November 7.

Image source: Soundcloud

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Starlight Theatre Tours “Castles, Clocks & Cathedrals”

Brisbane pop rockers Starlight Theatre are hitting the road this week to support their brand new EP Castles, Clocks & Cathedrals.

The band recorded the four-tracker in an old Queensland church earlier this year. It sounds like the spiritual location rubbed off on the lads as drummer Paul Bradshaw said the cording process was “such a positive experience. Everyone was so at ease.”

The EP showcases a sound that’s much closer to Starlight Theatre’s live show than they’ve committed to record before. The band has been working hard on that live act, with more experimentation and a greater emphasis on flow. You can see the fruits of their labour at the following shows.

14 October 2011 – The Uni Bar, Lismore (18+)
15 October 2011 – The Globe Theatre, Brisbane (18+)
21 October 2011 – Neverland, Coolangatta (18+)
22 October 2011 – On The Pulse Festival @ Fortitude Valley PCYC, Brisbane (All Ages)

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment