Category: Album Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Mark of Cain on Comeback Trail

We’ve been waiting ten long, long years, but The Mark of Cain are almost ready to release album number five. Songs of The Third & Fifth will hit stores near the end of the year.

“It’s been a hard couple of years and I never expected the album to take so long to complete but we are now coming to its final moments before it is thrust into the world for better or worse,” explained the band’s front man John Scott. “Most musicians always think/say that their most recent recording is their best – I can understand that as it’s the most tangible piece of art they’ve been close to, but also, I know in my heart that this album is the best thing we have ever done.”

It seems cruel to leave those loyal fans waiting another few months to hear it, but there’ll be a single released digitally next month to tide us over. As if that wasn’t enough to excite the faithful, The Mark of Cain promise they’ll make their long awaited return to the stage early next year. You know what they say about good things coming to those who wait!

Image used with permission from Two Fish Out of Water

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Jezabels Ready “Prisoner” Release

It’s been a long time coming, but after spending whatever time they weren’t on the road this year in the studio, The Jezabels are almost ready to unleash their debut album, Prisoner.

The release sees the band teaming up again with producer Lachlan Mitchell, the wizard behind their first three EPs. You know what they say about not fixing what ain’t broke. The record features the first single “Endless Summer,” which we should hear on radio sometime in the next week or two.

The Jezabels have been doing amazing things in the past year, earning critical acclaim with shows in the United Kingdom, Europe, North America, and at home. The album release is sure to solidify their reputation as one of Australia’s most exciting new acts.

Prisoner will hit all good record stores on September 16. Stay tuned to Sounds of Oz for a national tour announcement soon!

Image used with permission from Two Fish Out of Water

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Slow Chase Readies Venomous Debut EP

Melbourne band Slow Chase is preparing to assault your eardrums with the upcoming release of their debut EP Venom. I’ve heard the debut single “You’ll Never See Me,” which will hit radio next week, and I’m pretty impressed.

The rollicking blues-tinged track has such a big, dirty sound, so I was surprised to hear the band has just two members. Adam Gresty takes care of the vocals and guitars, while drummer Emily Shaw drives the tunes along. Drumming is a bit of a boys club, so I’m thrilled to hear Emily rocking out!

If you love the song and want to own it, just head to the band’s website. They’re generously giving the MP3 of “You’ll Never See Me” away to anyone who clicks the button on the music page!

Image used with permission from Show Off Services

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Ten Tenors Tour Diverse “Double Platinum” Album

The Ten Tenors are an Aussie institution, with the stuff it takes to woo mums and nannas across the country, and even a visiting Oprah Winfrey. They’ve sold around 200, 000 albums, toured five continents, and played everywhere from our own Opera House to the Royal Albert Hall. And now they’ve got a brand new album out on July 15.

Double Platinum, an ambitious double album, shows The Ten Tenors in unexpectedly eclectic mode. The usual suspects like “Nessun Dorma,” “O Fortuna,” and “Bring Him Home” from Les Mis are all represented on the second disc, but the first is pretty surprising. I never imagined I’d hear The Ten Tenors tackling Meatloaf, Queen, or Leonard Cohen, but they do.

Those musical risks should see The Ten Tenors appealing to a much younger audience when they make their way around the country this August. Here are all the places you can check out this incredible vocal group.


4 August 2011 – Derwent Entertainment Centre, Hobart
5 August 2011 – Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne
6 August 2011 – Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
8 August 2011 – Memorial Entertainment Centre, Bathurst
10 August 2011 – Panthers Leagues Club, Penrith
11 August 2011 – Civic Theatre, Newcastle
12 August 2011 – Manning Entertainment Centre, Taree
13 August 2011 – Panthers RSL, Port Macquarie
14 August 2011 – Entertainment Centre, Tamworth
16 August 2011 – Lismore City Hall, Lismore
20 August 2011 – Moncrieff Theatre, Bundaberg
21 August 2011 – Entertainment Centre, Gladstone
23 August 2011 – Civic Theatre, Cairns
24 August 2011 – Civic Theatre, Townsville
25 August 2011 – Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre, Mackay
31 August 2011 – Sydney Opera House, Sydney
1 & 2 September 2011 – QPAC, Brisbane

Image source: Phil Konstantin @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Eagle and the Worm Tour “Goodtimes”

Melbourne’s Eagle and the Worm are celebrating the vinyl release of their critically acclaimed debut album Goodtimes with their only headlining tour of 2011.

You can get the 12-incher at the shows, along with a very limited edition 7-inch copy of the big single “Too Young.” It’s enough to get vinylphiles like myself pretty excited!

There’s something special about seeing a big eight-piece band like Eagle and the Worm doing their thing live. Tickets for the following shows are available at the venues.

13 August 2011 – Republic Bar, Hobart
18 August 2011 – The Nash, Geelong
19 August 2011 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
20 August 2011 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
24 August 2011 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury
25 August 2011 – The Bakery, Perth
26 August 2011 – Mojo’s Bar, Fremantle
27 August 2011 – Ed Castle, Adelaide
8 September 2011 – BigSound, Brisbane
9 September 2011 – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney
10 September 2011 – The Junkyard, Maitland

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Indigo and the Bear Make Beautiful Music

Making contact with some of this country’s best up and coming bands is one of my favourite parts of writing this blog. I love hearing from people passionate about having their music heard, and discovering something wonderful that’s not already all over radio. The latest wonderful came in the form of Indigo and the Bear, a Melbourne trio preparing to release their EP, Sorrow Down.

The recording doesn’t officially drop until July 22, although it’s currently available for digital download. Indigo and the Bear is creating some really beautiful stuff. It’s the sort of music that proves you don’t have to scream the loudest to command attention. Their tunes are gentle and subtle, but they wash over you as they slowly unfold. As the last one ended I was ready to start the first again. I just wasn’t ready to leave this peaceful, lush musical world they’d created.

So please give the title track, Sorrow Down, a listen and if you like what you hear, you can download the three-tracker by clicking here. The band is requesting donations from anyone who enjoys what they’ve heard, which for some might be an excuse to just enjoy free music. However just think about what you’d spend on iTunes on the big name acts. Surely throwing a few dollars the way of some new Aussie talent is a more worthy endeavour, right?

Image source: Indigo and the Bear website

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Tiger & Me Impress with Double A-Side Single

As I race towards the weekend I’m always dragging my feet. It takes something special to get me exciting, but The Tiger & Me have done it with their double A-side single “So Let It Go/The Little and Lost.”

The songs have got a melodic pop center but they’re wrapped up in something much darker and more interesting. “So Let it Go” is epic and anthemic, while “The Little and Lost” shows a much quieter and more reflective side of the band. The songs come from The Howling Fire, the first of an ambitious series of three EPs for the band. The recordings will chart one person’s journey into madness and back out to sanity again. It sounds fascinating, and when a concept so interesting is backed up with great music I’m all ears.

If you are too you can catch the band at the following shows in the near future, including their EP launch at The Toff and a string of dates for the Melbourne Cabaret Festival.

9 July 2011 – The Toff in Town, Melbourne (with Sal Kimber and the Rolling Wheel)
22-24 July 2011 – Melbourne Cabaret Festival, Melbourne (with The Nymphs)
30 July 2011 – The Wheatsheaf Hotel, Adelaide (with Cheer Advisory Council)
5 August 2011 – The Wrong Crowd, Geelong
20 August 2011 – The Basement, Sydney (with Peregrine and Evan & The Brave)

Image used with permission from Show Off Services

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tim Wheatley is Crooked Saint

Melbourne muso Tim Wheatley has just released his debut EP Every Angry Inch under the moniker Crooked Saint.

The former member of Rushcutter and The Sparrows has worked without a band for the first time on this release. After hearing “The Big Easy,” it doesn’t sound like he’s missing them. This is such a lush alt-country number, brooding and dark but with a gorgeous melodic core.

Tim’s not working entirely alone though. The EP sees him reuniting with his Sparrows bandmate Michael Badger. Together the pair set about rerecording Tim’s demos and making them the rich tunes we hear on the disc.

You can hear “The Big Easy” above, and further EP tracks at the Crooked Saint MySpace page. Crooked Saint will travel around the country soon to promote Every Angry Inch, so if you like what you hear make sure you get out and support him!

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Busby Marou Tour “Biding My Time”

Chilled out Rockhampton natives Busby Marou are preparing to release their debut album Biding My Time on June 24, and they’re wasting no time getting out to tour it.

The run of shows will kick off in their home state on July 1 and take in capital cities and major regional centers before coming to a close in Sydney later that month.

Just as we see on the album, Busby Marou’s live music is really back to basics, with its focus on story telling, organic instrumentation, and harmonies. If that sounds like your kind of thing you won’t want to miss these shows.

1 July 2011 – The Old Museum, Brisbane
8 July 2011 – The SoundLounge, Currumbin
10 July 2011 – The Pilbeam Theatre, Rockhampton
14 July 2011 – Jive, Adelaide
15 July 2011 – Northcote Social Club, Northcote
16 July 2011 – The National Hotel, Geelong
21 July 2011 – Heritage Hotel, Bulli
22 July 2011 – CBD Hotel, Newcastle
23 July 2011 – Spectrum, Darlinghurst

Image used with permission from Frogstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Calling All Cars Touring Again

It’s only been a matter of days since Calling All Cars wrapped up their Reptile tour, and they’re already preparing to get back out on the road again.

Proving they’re one of the hardest working bands in the country, Calling All Cars will rock Australia in August to promote their sophomore album. We don’t have a title yet, but we know it’ll hit stores on August 5. We also know the band teamed up again with producer and sometimes Shihad member Tom Larkin to create some really tight rock sounds.

Fans of the monster debut Hold, Hold, Fire, prepare to get excited and pencil the following dates into your social calendar.

11 August 2011 – Kay Street, Traralgon
12 August 2011 – Republic Bar, Hobart
13 August 2011 – Fowler’s Live, Adelaide
18 August 2011 – Beach Hotel, Byron Bay
19 August 2011 – Tempo Hotel, Brisbane
20 August 2011 – Coolangatta Hotel, Gold Coast
24 August 2011 – The Loft, Warrnambool
25 August 2011 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
26 August 2011 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
27 August 2011 – Ferntree Gully Hotel, Ferntree Gully
1 September 2011 – Transit Bar, Canberra
2 September 2011 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
3 September 2011 – Waves, Wollongong
8 September 2011 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury
9 September 2011 – Studio 146, Albany
10 September 2011 – Amplifier, Perth
11 September 2011 – Indi Bar, Scarborough

Image used with permission from Shiny Entertainment