Category: Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

LAMA Go Their Own Way With “Wolf”

With seven members, you’re probably expecting a big sound from Melbourne’s LAMA. But you’re probably not expecting something as excitingly original as their new single “Wolf.”

I’ve heard this act described as a psychedelic folk band, but that’s only just scratching the surface. There’s a lot of rock in their sound, and a real theatricality that you don’t often hear in modern music. With a flute, violin, and trumpet all competing for airtime, the result is surprisingly coherent, and just downright surprising.

LAMA shows are fast becoming recognised as some of the most vivacious on the local scene. You can see the band do their thing to celebrate “Wolf’s” release at the following shows.

15 April 2016 – The B.East, Brunswick
13 May 2016 – Bar Open, Fitzroy

Image used with permission from the A & R Department

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gypsy & The Cat Release Single Ahead of Anticipated Album Release

It’s been a little while since we heard new material from Melbourne electro-pop act Gypsy & the Cat but it’s been worth the wait. Their new single “I Just Wanna Be Somebody Else” is perfectly poised to drum up hype about their new album Virtual Islands ahead of its July release.

Summer might be behind us, but the saturated synths of this track bring the season back for me. I love its driving anthemic chorus and the oh-so-casual chorus. This is fun stuff.

Gypsy & the Cat only just wrapped up a national tour, but I have no doubt we’ll see them back on the road soon to support the album’s release.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Buchanan Release “Learn to Love again” Single Ahead of Album Launch

After a tumultuous period, Melbourne act Buchanan are back with a brand new single ahead of the release of their second LP Pressure In an Empty Space.

The single “Learn to Love Again” is an upbeat dance-pop track about bouncing back and moving forward, two things this act knows about all too well. Not only was frontman Josh Simon dealing with the breakdown of a long-term relationship last year, he was also battling an obscure, but fortunately treatable, form of cancer. From these kind of setbacks comes greatness, and Josh with good buddy Simon Duffy produced their most prolific body of work to date.

Buchanan’s album Pressure in an Empty Space will be released around the world on April 29.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kirsty Lee Akers Is Country’s Brightest Star

With a new album scheduled to drop on April 1, it’s the perfect time to remember why Kirsty Lee Akers is one of the darlings of the country music scene. She’s the only person to win the Australian country industry’s three biggest honours: Toyota Star Maker, Telstra Road to Discovery, and a Golden Guitar. Her fun new single “When I Miss You Most” proves why. It’s such a bubbly little song, with an upbeat feel that helps mask the pain of its lyrics.

“When I Miss You Most” comes from the new album Burn Baby Burn. Most of it was recorded in Nashville to give it that classic country feel. This is the first album Kirsty’s released through Maven/Sony Music Australian, and critics are already buzzing that it may be her best yet!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pacific Spread Good Vibes with “Edge of Nowhere”

It’s pretty easy to feel good on days like today. That long weekend is fast approaching, and if you’re in New South Wales like me the gloomy weather we’ve been plagued with has started to clear. It’s like Mother Nature knows we’ve got time off!

All those good vibes deserve a track like “Edge of Nowhere,” the killer new single from Perth band Pacific. It’s got awesome harmonies and such a chill summery vibe. Even in autumn, it goes down a treat.

The single officially drops on April 1, the same day Pacific releases their self-titled EP. Apparently we can look forward to more catchy hooks, driving rhythms, and honest lyrics on the five-track release. You can get the single as an instant download when you pre-order Pacific’s EP.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Swim Season in Stripped Back Mode

Swim Season are showing they’re one of the most consistent indie-pop acts in the businesses, releasing awesome track after awesome track. The latest is “Gold Cloak City,” A hooky little number with beautiful harmonies and a toe-tapping beat.

The original plugged-in version is awesome, but considering how Triple J supported the last single “Soldiers” you’re probably going to be hearing it soon anyway. So I thought I’d go a different route and post this acoustic video instead. I’m a sucker for a stripped back treatment, and that Aireys Inlet backdrop just can’t be beat.

It’s also fitting that I’m posting this now because Swim Season are playing a free, acoustic, all ages gig at the Kit & Ace tonight. This will be an excellent warm-up for their slot at The Hills are Alive on Sunday.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Better Believe It, Meredith’s the Real Deal

Brisbane songstress Meredith fuses folk and electronica to dramatic effect with her latest single “How Could You Believe That.” I love what a slow burner this is, with resentment just simmering underneath the surface. Make sure you listen to the lyrics, which nail how a toxic relationship can affect everyone in the couple’s orbit.

There’s apparently an EP and some live shows to come, so no doubt we’ll be hearing a lot more from Meredith soon.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Little Coyote Gets it Right with “Neverending”

I missed Little Coyote when they released their debut EP, but I won’t make the same mistake with EP number two. The lead single “Neverending” has convinced me this Sydney band is the real deal.

Vocalist Judd English has got such a compelling voice, and he’s supported beautifully by drummer Anto Dinh, bassist Gareth Bussey, and guitarist Matt Coates. There’s a rock sensibility here, but elements of funk and blues give it an exciting fresh flavour. It’s one of those tracks you put on and you want to hear again as soon as it’s over.

“Neverending” is officially released on Friday, and we’ll see the EP at some point in the not too distant future.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Amanda Merdzan Back with New Single “Glow”

So many different musicians have crossed my path since I started this music blog. Many of them I forget about if I don’t hear from them for a while, but the best stay with me. One of those artists is Amanda Merdzan. I still remember how I felt listening to her debut album years ago, and I’ve loved listening to her music evolve from minimalist folk to lush electronic music. Throughout it all, the heart in every one of her songs has kept me coming back for more.

Amanda’s moved to London since the last time we heard from her, and it seems the change is doing her good. While she admittedly misses the sunshine, her latest single “Glow” may be her most accomplished yet.

This is the latest single from Amanda’s forthcoming EP Commands. I can’t wait to hear it!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Luca Brasi Releases New Single Ahead of Album

Tasmanian punk act Luca Brasi has never put a foot wrong with me and the trend continues with the brand new single “Anything Near Conviction.” It has everything I loved about the previous singles: insightful lyrics delivered with plenty of passion and a proper punk ethos.

Luca Brasi frontman Tyler Richardson says it’s “The song that centres around giving yourself a kick in the arse to do better in life and for those you love. A not-so-gentle reminder that you gotta give everything you can.”

“Anything Near Conviction” comes from Luca Brasi’s third album If This Is All We’re Going to Be, which will be available on CD, LP, and for digital download April 29. If everything we’re heard from the band of late is anything to go by, it’s going to be a corker.

Image used with permission from Deathproof PR