Victorian band Telescopes have released a stunning new single “Grow Lonely,” lifted from their brand new release 001 EP.
This song’s a bit of a slow burner but it really grew on me. It’s got a great ‘90s grunge influence but its vocals are more haunting than most of the acts that decade produced. It builds to a killer crescendo, so make sure you stick with it.
Not one to sit still for long, Telescopes are already in the studio working on a follow-up to 001 EP. It’s due out later this year.
The bright lights of New York City are in stark contrast with the streets of the Southern Highlands, but it’s where locally-born songstress Penelope Austin has found her “spiritual home.” She’s been in the United States for nearly a decade learning her craft and rubbing shoulders with big name artists like the Rolling Stones. And now she’s almost ready to unleash her debut album.
The latest single “Trigger” definitely has my attention. It’s got some polish from famed UK mix engineer Cenzo Townshend (Florence & The Machine, Florence & The Machine), but he’s been careful not to smooth out Penelope’s edges. There’s real heart and desperation in this dark electro-pop song. The clip showcasing New York City looks brilliant, even though it was reportedly shot on a shoestring.
Let’s wait and see whether Penelope Austin becomes our next big breakout star.
I’ve had one of those weeks. You know the ones, when there’s too much to do, not enough time to do it in, and far too many interruptions. But thankfully it’s Friday, there’s a weekend just around the corner and I have awesome tracks like Sydney duo Lime Cordiale’s new single “Feel Alright” to listen to.
“Feel Alright” has got such an easy groove and those horns are killer. If you’re digging it too, you can catch Lime Cordiale promoting the tour with an all ages show at Sydney’s Metro Lair on July 11 and an over 18s gig at Melbourne’s Shebeen on July 16. They’ve earned rave reviews for shows here and abroad, including gigs with The Griswolds, Ball Park Music, and sold out American dates with The Delta Riggs, so they’re sure to be in fine form.
Image used with permission from Rare Finds
Hockey Dad are putting a smile on my face with their fun single “Can’t Have Them.” It’s a great feel-good jangly number with a surf rock influence that has me craving warmer weather.
Hockey Dad have been honing their craft as the support act of DZ Deathrays recently, so they’re sure to be in fine form when they tour “Can’t Have Them” along the East Coast next month.
4 June 2015 – Shebeen, Melbourne
5 June 2015 – Shebeen, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
6 June 2015 – Brighton Up, Sydney (SOLD OUT)
7 June 2015 – Brighton Up, Sydney
12 June 2015 – Elsewhere, Gold Coast
13 June 2015 – Trainspotters, Brisbane
14 June 2015 – Rad, Wollongong (SOLD OUT)
20 June 2015 – Rad, Wollongong (3pm SHOW – SOLD OUT)
20 June 2015 – Rad, Wollongong (SOLD OUT)
Image used with permission from Habit Music Company
There’s something so appealing about straight up rock and roll. And that’s what Melbourne band Society of Beggars give us with their debut single “Hyena.”
There aren’t any bells or whistles here. It’s rough around the edges, and it looks like the clip was probably made on a shoestring. But there’s real heart here. And I love the huskiness of the lead singer’s voice. It doesn’t have the spit and polish of big label releases, but it’s also got a bit more soul than many of them do.
What do you think of “Hyena”?
It’s been an awfully long time since I pined over a guy. I celebrated my ninth wedding anniversary last week, which makes me feel very old. It’s funny though, even though it’s been a long time since I hurt like that I was taken back to my early twenties and all of the tears I cried then with Little Sleeper’s angsty debut “Middle of the Night.”
I will warn you that this Gold Coast songstress is fond of a four-letter word, so this isn’t the track to play in a conservative office environment. But if you are in the comfort of your own home or you have headphones, let this one and all its pain wash over you. “Middle of the Night” is one of those songs that just begs to be felt. Even if you’re not in Little Sleeper’s situation, I’ll bet that you’ll be as moved as I am by this one.
As far as I’m concerned, the ‘80s was the golden era of the duet. George and Aretha, Don and Stevie, Jennifer Warnes or Peabo Bryson and just about anyone. The songs would be romantic, the singers would undoubtedly sing “oohs” or “woahs” so that anyone who didn’t know the words could join in, and there’d definitely be a saxophone solo. In that tradition comes “Hold On Together,” which sees Brisbane singers Jeremy Neale and Phoebe Imhoff taking us back to my favourite decade.
This isn’t their first time working together. Phoebe also appeared on Jeremy’s song “In Stranger Times,” which has only enhanced their chemistry this time around.
Jeremy’s going to tour the single through May and June. There’s no word yet on whether Phoebe will join him, but I’m crossing fingers she makes an appearance!
29 May 2015 – Waywards, Sydney (FREE)
30 May 2015 – Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne
19 June 2015 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
20 June 2015 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore
Killer guitarist, skilled songwriter, talented producer, and all-round good guy Harts is set to release a brand new EP, appropriately titled Breakthrough.
The EP doesn’t drop until June 5, but it seems Melbourne’s Harts might have already made his breakthrough. He released his debut album Daydreamer last year, which saw him invited to play with Prince at Paisley Park. It doesn’t get much bigger than that folks. And with tracks like the bluesy original “Red & Blue” under his belt, it’s not hard to see why he’s impressing all the right people.
To coincide with Breakthrough’s release, Harts will undertake his largest local tour to date. Once that wraps up he’s got plans to head to New Zealand, the United States, and the United Kingdom, so who knows when we’ll get him back. See him while you can at the following shows.
5 June 2015 – CATS @ Rocket Bar, Adelaide
6 June 2015 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
7 June 2015 – The Loft, Warrnambool
12 June 2015 – Amplifier, Perth
13 June 2015 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River (FREE)
14 June 2015 – The Newport Hotel, Fremantle
19 June 2015 – Republic Bar, Hobart
20 June 2015 – Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne
25 June 2015 – Moonshine, Manly (FREE)
26 June 2015 – The Cambridge, Newcastle
27 June 2015 – Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
3 July 2015 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
4 July 2015 – Transit Bar, Canberra
9 July 2015 – The Gapview Hotel, Alice Springs
10 July 2015 – The Foundry, Brisbane
11 July 2015 – The Great Northern, Byron Bay (FREE)
12 July 2015 – Broadbeach Tavern, Gold Coast (FREE)
Sydney indie-pop act Bad Pony have grown from a duo to a quintet since they released of their debut single “Sucker.” So we hear a much fuller sound on their new single “White Russian,” the first single lifted from their forthcoming EP.
I’m not quite sure what the song has in common with my husband’s favourite drink, but I do know that I like how it goes down. It’s so damned catchy, with beautiful harmonies and more hooks than a fisherman’s tackle box.
I had the Soundcloud link, but I think I prefer the energy of this video recorded in the studio. It gives just a hint of what they’re going to unleash at the following shows.
5 June 2015 – Worlds End Brewpub, Sandy Bat
7 June 2015 – Republic Bar, Hobart
12 June 2015 – Standard Bowl, Sydney
For years Adrian Mauro has helped his friends record and perform their music, but he’s stepping into the spotlight with his own musical endeavour Machine Age. And god I’m glad that he is.
I must admit, the name Machine Age prepared me for something which was technically perfect but lacking a little in heart. However, the single “Chivalry” is one of the most romantic, soulful songs that I’ve heard in some time. I am so impressed and swooning more than just a little at this one.
Apparently most of the single launch shows are done and dusted, but if you’re in Brisbane you’re in luck. Machine Age will play The Bearded Lady on May 29.
Image used with permission from Mucho Bravado