Category: Album Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sneaky Sound System on the Comeback Trail

It’s been a bit quiet on the Sneaky Sound System front for a while, but the dance duo is hitting back with a vengeance. They’re currently finishing up their third album From Here to Nowhere, their first released through their new label Modular.

The album won’t drop until August 29, but we’ll get a sneak peek when Miss Connie and Black Angus release the single “We Love” on May 27.

They’ll promote the single and get us all salivating for the album when they tour the major capitals in June and July.

Sneaky Sound System29 June 2011 – Rocket Bar, Adelaide
1 July 2011 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
2 July 2011 – Metro, Sydney
6 July 2011 – The Bakery, Perth
9 July 2011 – Family Nightclub, Brisbane

Image source: Michael Spencer @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Busby Marou Ready to Unleash Debut Album

For me the standout track of the boys’ Finn Brothers tribute album He Will Have His Way was the tender rendition of “Better Be Home Soon” by Rockhampton’s own Busby Marou. I didn’t know anything about this Queensland based duo, but I knew I wanted to hear more.

I’ll get my wish next month when Jeremy Marou and Thomas Busby release their debut self-titled album on June 24. That’s a long time to wait, so thankfully they’ll digitally release a single “Biding My Time” on May 27.

If you haven’t heard of Busby Marou yet you’ll get the opportunity soon. The band’s planning some relentless touring over the next 12 months, so look out for them in your hometown!

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Paper Scissors Tour “In Loving Memory”

“Lung Sum” was one of my favorite tracks of 2010, so I’m thrilled to see The Paper Scissors, the men behind the tune, finally releasing that new album. In Loving Memory will hit stores around the country June 17.

This disc sounds right up my alley as it breaks away from those collections of three-and-a-half minute singles. Instead it paints epic rock soundscapes which explore the universal themes of love, family, death, and sex.

“We’ve shed any insecurities and have pieced together an album that embodies us as a band,” explained singer-songwriter Jai Pyne. “The way our sound has evolved and the fact that it reflects our learning and growth explains why it’s taken so long to realise this album.”

Thankfully the Sydney band is making up for lost time with a full-scale album tour. Tickets are available from the venues for the following shows.

17 June 2011 – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney
18 June 2011 – Transit Bar, Canberra
24 June 2011 – East Brunswick Club, Melbourne
25 June 2011 – Jive, Adelaide
1 July 2011 – Great Northern Hotel, Byron Bay
2 July 2011 – Step Inn, Brisbane
13 July 2011 – Beach Road Hotel, Bondi
15 July 2011 – Great Northern Hotel, Newcastle
16 July 2011 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla

Image used with permission from Stephen Green Consulting

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Cat Empire’s Felix Riebl Readies First Solo Album

Felix Riebl shows us what he can do without his Cat Empire mates with the release of his first solo album Into the Rain.

The solo effort sees Felix stripping the music back and focusing on the songs and their stories, an approach which definitely resonates with me. It’s going to be interesting to see what Felix sounds like when he’s not buoyed by all that brass, but I’m pretty excited to find out.

We’ll get our first taste of the album when the single “Wide Open Rivers” hits the internet on June 3. That should tide us over until the album release on July 15.

Image used with permission from Two Fish Out of Water

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Enjoy the “Garden of Youth” with Phia

It’s Wednesday, hump day, and if you’re anything like me you’re probably dragging your feet anticipating the weekend which right now feels too far away. Well allow me to brighten your mood a bit by introducing you to Phia.

This cheery Melbourne musician reminds me of a cross between Lisa Mitchell and Regina Spektor. She writes songs that are sweet and quirky and guaranteed to put a smile on your face, no matter how badly the week is treating you.

Phia’s preparing to unleash her EP Garden of Youth later this month, but she’s giving online fans a sneak peek. I particularly love the first single “Indecision,” but all the songs are so charming that it’s hard to choose.

If you’ve fallen for Phia like I have, and you’re lucky enough to live in her hometown, you can catch her spreading her positivity at the EP launch at Grace Darling on May 13.

Image used with permission from Show Off Services

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Introducing Behiye Suren

Turkish Australian singer songwriter Behiye Suren celebrates her rich cultural heritage with her debut EP Season of Plums, which hits record stores today.

There’s certainly an Eastern flavour to her sound, but it’s not so spicy that it’ll alienate Aussie audiences. There’s a folky, organic soulfulness about her music and a haunting quality about her vocals that calls to mind Aimee Mann, Lior, and Joan Baez. I’m particularly enamoured with “All I Am Seeing Is Your Face,” which you can hear on Behiye’s website, along with the other EP tracks.

With this EP Behiye hopes to introduce Australia to her music. She’s teasing us a bit, as she’s preparing to head to Istanbul and the Middle East to perform and write her debut album. But rest assures, she’ll be back in September to start preparing for a local tour. Bring it on!

Image used with permission from Positive Feedback

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Owl Eyes Tours “Raiders” EP

Charming chanteuse Owl Eyes is back with a brand new single, a new EP, and a new tour to celebrate the lot.

Owl Eyes will warm up the stage for Darwin Deez before setting out on her own shows to promote Raiders, the follow-up to her critically acclaimed debut EP, Faces. It sees her again joining forces with producer and songwriter Jan Skubiszewski. They made magic the first time, so we can only hope for something as exquisite when the EP hits stores in the coming months.

You can find out for yourself when Owl Eyes plays the following shows.

29 April 2011 – The Hi-Hi, Melbourne (supporting Darwin Deez)
5 May 2011 – The Zoo, Brisbane (supporting Darwin Deez)
10 May 2011 – The Metro, Sydney (supporting Darwin Deez)
11 May 2011 – Ben Sherman’s ‘Big British Sound’ @ Corner Hotel, Melbourne
20 May 2011 – “King Tito’s Dirty Disco” @ East End Bar, Fremantle
21 May 2011 – Malt Market Bar, Dunsborough
22 May 2011 – The Bird, Perth
27 May 2011 – Purple Sneakers Presents “CAN’T SAY” @ Miss Libertines, Melbourne
1 June 2011 – Otis Bar, Wollongong
2 June 2011 – Transit Bar, Canberra
3 June 2011 – Purple Sneakers Presents “LAST NIGHT” @ The Gaelic, Sydney
10 June 2011 – Esplanade Hotel Front Bar, St Kilda
18 June 2011 – Edinburgh Castle, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Shiny Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Skipping Girl Vinegar Launch Album with Aussie Tour

Skipping Girl Vinegar will launch their new album Keep Calm Carry the Monkey with a massive winter tour.

The band’s sophomore album hits record stores on May 7, which should give us just enough time to become familiar with the new material before they hit town. They’ll play capital cities and major regional centers all around the place this June, July, and August.

No doubt Skipping Girl Vinegar will be keen to showcase their new tunes, which are a bit darker than those of their debut. However I’m sure we’ll hear plenty of old favourites too. I hear the shows will have a bit of a woodland set, complete with animals and homemade baked goods. Colour me intrigued!

Skipping Girl Vinegar are playing some small, intimate theatres this time around, so if you want to see them I’d get in and grab your tickets early!

4 June 2011 – The Arts Centre @ Fairfax Studio, Melbourne
11-12 June 2011 – Snowy Mountains of Music Festival, Jindabyne
24 June 2011 – Old Museum @ STUDIO 3, Brisbane
26 June 2011 – Hotel Great Northern, Byron Bay
30 June 2011 – Clarendon Guesthouse, Katoomba
1 July 2011 – Notes, Sydney
2 July 2011 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
3 July 2011 – Lizotte’s, Kincumber
7 July 2011 – Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Nowra
8 July 2011 – Street Theatre, Canberra
21 July 2011 – Higher Ground, Adelaide
22 July 2011 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
23 July 2011 – Norfolk Basement, Fremantle
26 August 2011 – West Gippsland Arts Centre, Warragul

Image used with permission from AUM Marketing

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Melbourne Musos Cover Nick Cave with “Dig Cave Dig”

Some of Melbourne’s most exciting musicians have paid their respects to one of the city’s most influential artists, Nick Cave, with a new compilation album. Dig Cave Dig is a homage to Nick’s diverse body of work.

A handful of the contributing musicians will be familiar to you, including Little Red, the Vasco Era, and The Fumes, but the CD’s also likely to introduce anyone outside Victoria to a few new up-and-comers.

The selection of songs is stellar if somewhat predictable. That’s disappointing considering Nick Cave’s innovative output. I would have loved to see some new takes on earlier material, especially “Shivers.”  Thankfully though, we do get “Red Right Hand,” “Into My Arms,” and “Do You Love Me?” There was certainly potential to make this a double album, extending it beyond the existing 11 tracks. Still, with great songs and exciting new bands you really can’t go wrong.

Dig Cave Dig is in stores now.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nathan Leigh Jones Launches Sooner or Later Around the World

You might not recognise his name, but chances are that you know Nathan Leigh Jones’ voice. The Adelaide born singer, songwriter, and pianist does voiceovers for MTV, Nickelodeon, and Eleven, but music is his real passion. He’s preparing to release his sophomore album Sooner or Later on April 6.

Sooner or Later is one of those truly independent releases, which has all the polish of a major label recording despite being arranged and edited in Nathan’s home studio. It features appearances from Grammy award winning guitarist Dan Warner, drummer Lee Levin, the Sydney Philharmonia Choir, and members of vocal group The Idea of North.

Fans will get a taste of what’s to come when Nathan plays Joe’s Pub in his adopted second home, New York City, on April 3. And just so that no one need miss out, the show will be streamed in real time through the Livestream website.

Thankfully local fans will get the chance to see Nathan in the flesh soon enough. He’ll launch Sooner and Later for Aussie audiences at an intimate dinner show in Sydney on April 14, and play the following Australian dates in June.

3 April 2011 – Joe’s Pub, New York
14 April 2011 – Slide, Darlinghurst
1 June 2011 – The Vanguard, Newtown
7 June 2011 – The Toff, Melbourne
8 June 2011 – The Promethean, Adelaide

Image source: Nathan Leigh Jones website