Timothy Nelson and the Infidels Release Long Awaited Album

After wowing us with the singles “You Don’t Know What You’re Waiting For” and “Nothing’s in Tune,” Timothy Nelson and the Infidels have finally released their debut album.

It’s called I Know This Now, a title which might just refer to the self confidence that comes from 18 months of near relentless gigging, both as headliners and the support act for Eskimo Joe, Birds of Tokyo, Hoodoo Gurus, and more.

The album was recorded in various studios around Perth over the last two years. How refreshing to see an act taking their time with a release rather than just cranking it out. Given the time it’s had to marinate, and the quality of those acoustic folk singles, I’m expecting something pretty special from I Know This Now.

Timothy Nelson and the Infidels will launch the album for their home state at The Rosemount Hotel on June 25. I hear that interstate dates are on their way too, which is pretty exciting for the rest of the country!

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Love Brings Harmony

Harmony is a band born out of love, quite literally. When The Nation Blue’s Tom Lyngcoln married Alex Kastaniotis in 2009, they knew they had to make beautiful music together. They wrote and recorded a song each Saturday until they had enough to fill an album and a 7”.

That 7-incher, Cacophonous Vibes, hit stores earlier this year and now it’s time to hear the album. With the help of bassist John Chapple and some good friends taking care of the backing vocals those songs began to find their final form. The tunes are somber and downbeat, but incredibly touching and honest.

Harmony will kick off a national tour next week to support their self titled album, which hits stores on July 1.

17 June 2011 – Spotted Cow, Toowoomba
18 June 2011 – The Zoo, Brisbane
25 June 2011 – The Tote, Melbourne
1 July 2011 – The Metro, Adelaide
6 July 2011 – The Brisbane Hotel, Hobart

Image used with permission from Other Tongues

Buchanan Wow with “No Photo” EP

With their hooky melodies and easy blend of pop and rock, Melbourne duo Buchanan are already being compared to current musical game changers like Phoenix and Mumford & Sons. Their debut single “Teachers” earned a rare five stars from Triple J’s Richard Kingsmill and won the band a slot at the Laneways Festival.

The killer tune is one of six cuts on the band’s debut EP No Photo. Lead vocalist and keyboardist Josh Simons brings retro melodies to guitarist Jon Bara’s progressive rock sensibilities. It’s an unusual blend of influences, but somehow it works.

Buchanan will play a headline show tomorrow night before their upcoming supports with Papa Vs Pretty and Jinja Safari. Make sure you get there early Melbournians to catch this bright young band!

12 June 2011 – The Evelyn, Fitzroy
25 June 2011 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne (supporting Papa Vs Pretty)
23 July 2011 – The Corner, Richmond (supporting Jinja Safari)

Image used with permission from Remedy Music

The Living End Release New Single & Album, The Ending is Just the Beginning Repeating

They’ve kept us waiting for a while now, but The Living End are back with a new single and album. “The Ending is Just the Beginning Repeating” is the title track from what’s sure to be another smash album from these Aussie rockers.

The single might just throw fans for a loop though. Rather than the raucous rock they’re famous for, the song sees the band reflecting on the cycle of life and the need to manage grief. Its dark subject matter to be sure, but that change of pace might be just what the doctor ordered. It’s already enjoying high rotation on radio, which no doubt bodes well for the album release.

The album is a result of Chris Cheney’s writing trip to New York City, although the songs were laid down in South Melbourne. Acclaimed American producer Nick DiDia then massaged the tunes to create an album which is already being described as “astonishing.”

You can be the judge when The Ending is Just the Beginning Repeating hits record stores on July 22.

Image used with permission from Crucial Music

Ben Salter Finally Releases “The Cat”

You might not know his name, but chances are you’re already familiar with Ben Salter’s work. The Brisbane singer-songwriter was a founding member of numerous Queensland bands including The Gin Club, Giants of Science, and The Wilson Pickers. But he’s also been quietly plugging away as a solo artist for the last ten years, playing shows throughout Australia and Europe.

After a decade as a solo artist, Ben has decided to keep some tracks for himself and lay them down. His debut album The Cat will finally hit stores on August 5. While most artists make music for their fans, no doubt Ben felt extra pressure in this regard. He actually reached out to his devotees through Indiegogo.com, and they donated $7000 to help him make the disc.

Fans of Ben’s previous band work may be surprised by this solo recording. It’s a bit different, with elements of folk, rock, and left of center pop, but that eclectic blend also helps set it apart. Hopefully they feel their money was well spent!

We’ll get a sneak peek at The Cat when Ben digitally releases “The Coward” on June 3. The song was actually penned more than 10 years ago, but its themes are just as relevant today as they were a decade ago. It explores mental health, share housing, love, and self belief with its beautifully melancholy lyrics. Look for it on Ben’s website on June 3.

And look for Ben this August, when he travels around the country with The Cat Empire lead singer Felix Riebl. Trust me; he’s a big reason to turn up early to these shows!

5 August 2011 – Oxford Arts Factory, Darlinghurst
6 August 2011 – The Toff in Town, Melbourne
7 August 2011 – The Toff in Town, Melbourne
24 August 2011 – Byron Bay Theatre, Byron Bay
25 August 2011 – The Old Museum, Bowen Hills
26 August 2011 – The Promethean, Adelaide
27 August 2011 – Fly by Night, Fremantle

Image used with permission from Two Fish Out of Water

Lia Tsamoglou is Melodie Nelson

After being a part of acclaimed Sydney acts Moonmilk and Rand and Holland, Lia Tsamoglou is stepping into the spotlight with her debut album, Meditations on the Sun. Her name is a bit of a mouthful, so look for her music under the more user-friendly moniker Melodie Nelson.

Whatever you call her, you’re likely to be impressed by this recording. Lia’s previous projects have brought a sense of maturity to this new solo endeavour. It’s also helped her seek out collaborations with Jason Molina, Jack Ladder, and the lads from Dappled Cities. The production team is also top notch, with Tony Dupe (Holly Throsby, Jack Ladder), Chris Townsend (Silverchair, Portishead, Violent Femmes), and Denis Blackham (Brian Eno, Elvis Costello), all having a hand in the disc.

The result is a recording that’s dreamy and psychedelic, honest and organic, and hopeful and melancholy all at the same time. In short, it’s something special. Look for it in stores when it’s released on June 3.

Image used with permission from Other Tongues

The Cat Empire Bandmates Become The Genie

While Felix Riebl is out doing his solo thing, the other members of The Cat Empire aren’t just sitting idly. Ollie McGill, Ryan Monro, and Will Hull-Brown have created their own side project, The Genie.

This is more than just a few band mates gigging to pass the time until their fearless leader returns. The Genie have recorded a debut album Here Come the Scissors, which has actually been in the works in 2006. I guess it’s hard to find the time when The Cat Empire has been doing so well! The disc has had time to marinate and mature and will finally be unleashed with some launch shows in the major capitals.

Melbournites can see The Genie, along with their The Cat Empire bandmate DJ Jumps, at The Northcote Social Club on June 30. After that it’s off to Sydney’s The Basement to play with some undisclosed special guests on August 31.

Here Come the Scissors is available now through The Genie’s website, iTunes, and Amazon.

Image used with permission from Pod Artist Services

Barrel House Bring Back Old School Blues

Port Macquarie trio Barrel House have brought their down and dirty blues to the masses with the recent release of their long-awaited debut album Species Vagabond.

The three-piece has honed their live show with performances across this wide brown land over the last couple of years, including slots at Festival of the Sun, East Coast Blues and Roots, and supports for Ani Difranco, Blue King Brown, Mama Kin, and Ash Grunwald.

Listen to one of the album tracks, “Stop Me” here, and if you dig it check out Barrel House at the following shows. All shows are free to attend, so there are really no excuses! More dates are to be announced, so if you don’t see one near you keep your ear to the ground. They still may be headed your way!

16 June 2011 – Fotheringham Hotel, Taree
17 June 2011 – Grand Junction Hotel, Maitland
18 June 2011 – CBD, Newcastle
23 June 2011 – Woody’s, Byron Bay
30 July 2011 – The Lennox Point Hotel, Lennox Point

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Dereb the Ambassador Launches Album in Sydney

Dereb the Ambassador will launch his self-titled album with a very special show at Sydney’s GoodGod Small Club on July 1.

The Ethiopian singer who now calls the New South Wales capital home will be supported on the night by a hand-picked band of seven extraordinary musicians. They’ll play Dereb’s own funky groves as well as a few special soul covers.

Nu-soul trio Lo Five will act as support, making the $15 pre-sale tickets seem like an exceptionally good deal!Get yours from the venue now!

Image used with permission from Other Tongues

Big Village Showcases Artists with Big Things Album

Independent Sydney hip hop label Big Village is showcasing its finest artists with the release of Big Things Volume One. The compilation album features tracks from some of the brightest new talents in hip hop, including Loose Change, True Vibenation, Reverse Polarities, and Tuka.

This isn’t your typical American hip hop garbage with trite lyrics about hos and bling. Instead the artists on the Big Village roster serve up thought provoking music which goes to the heart of hip hop and reminds us what the genre used to be all about. The compilation is a great introduction to the good work the label is doing, and the exciting new sounds produced by its artists.

Look for it in all good music stores now!

Image used with permission from Other Tongues