Category: Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bec Laughton Tours M & R

In her new single “M & R”, Bec Laughton tells us about the abundance of music and rhythm inside of her. And that’s a good thing too, because she’s going to be gigging relentlessly over the next few months.

She’s got the obligatory promotion for the single and the EP of the same name to take care of, as well as high-profile appearances at Singapore’s Music Matters conference and Brisbane’s R’n’B festival Soulfest. No doubt she’ll have the crowds dancing as enthusiastically as the folks in her latest music video at the following shows.

21-24 May 2014 – Music Matters Live @ Clarke Quay, Singapore
31 May 2014 – Salt House, Cairns
7 June 2014 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore
13 June 2014 – Armidale Club, Armidale
14 June 2014 – Upstairs Beresford, Sydney
19 June 2014 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
22 June 2014 – Beach Hotel, Byron Bay
27 June 2014 – The Odd Fellow, Fremantle
28 June 2014 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
29 June 2014 – The Aviary, Perth
3 July 2014 – The Toff in Town, Melbourne
4 July 2014 – Golden Vine, Bendigo
25 October 2014 – Soulfest @ Riverstage, Brisbane

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Boyeur Make Me Swoon with “Cupid”

Today Melbourne indie pop duo Boyeur have officially unleashed their brand new single “Cupid.” The release comes ahead of the band’s debut EP Gold Street, which is slated to hit stores on May 30. The lads will celebrate the releases with official launches all around the country.

It might have a romantic title, but the single is no cliché. Its lush strings are dreamy, but the song’s actually about those moments when the head gets in the way of the heart.

“Overthinking is toxic to any human relationship,” explained Tim Ischia, the band’s guitarist and vocalist, “and sometimes it prevents a relationship from even starting. All the emotions become magnified and you end up being too nervous to do anything.”

I love the way this duo marries classical elements with contemporary hip hop sounds. The song’s also so catchy, but it stays well away from the middle of the road. The two piece manages to play six instruments between them, so music lovers are in for a real treat when Boyeur play shows to support the single release next month.

“We’re really excited to play live with our string quartet,” Tim said. “We spent a lot of time perfecting our setup so that the two of us can play all of our instruments on stage and adding the string quartet to that creates something we’re really proud of!”

You can see just how good Boyeur are for yourself at the following gigs.

4 June 2014 – The Vanguard, Sydney
6 June 2014 – The Newsagency, Sydney
7 June 2014 – Rad, Wollongong
8 June 2014 – Smith’s Alternative Bookshop, Canberra (3-5pm)
26 June 2014 – The Workers Club, Melbourne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Al Parkinson Charms with “Like This”

I must admit, I was caught off guard when I started playing “Like This,” the newest single from Al Parkinson. The shadowy press image and masculine name convinced me I was about to hear something from a male singer-songwriter. However, her delicate, honeyed voice soon set me straight! It’s shown off to beautiful effect in this sweet song about those moments when someone makes your day that much brighter.

Al’s angelic vocals are set off by a lush string section and the gentle strum of her ukulele. Seriously, we need to see more artists utilising the ukulele!

Al will launch the single for her hometown fans at The Aviary Creative Hub in Abbotsford this Saturday, May 17. Tickets are just $15 including a physical copy of the single from TryBooking.

Image used with permission from the 123 Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dark Fair Team Up with Adalita for New Single

If you loved grungy ‘90s female rock bands like Hole and Veruca Salt, you’re going to adore Australia’s own Dark Fair. The ladies are preparing to release a new EP You Shouldn’t Be Mine at the end of the month. It features the lead single “Poison,” which boasts Magic Dirt’s Adalita on bass.

Dark Fair will launch You Shouldn’t Be Mine with the following East Coast shows.

24 May 2014 – Trainspotters, Brisbane
31 May 2014 – The Old Bar, Melbourne
21 June 2014 – Captain Cook, Sydney

Image used with permission from Amanda Virtatas

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lusinth Try Something New with “Blue”

Sydney duo Lusinth proves they’ve got something really special with the release of their debut single “Blue.”

It’s great to see a band doing something really different. The track starts off like in an electronic space, but somewhere along the way it becomes much more organic as drums swell and electric guitars squeal. It’s so interesting hearing the way the instruments interplay as the song builds to a crescendo.

Lusinth’s music isn’t like anything I’ve heard before, and that’s a really good thing.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fieu Impress with Debut Single


Queensland band Fieu have captivated me with their debut single “Put it on the Line.” The track is the first song lifted from Fieu’s debut EP, also called Put it on the Line, and it’s an absolutely cracker.

It’s hard to believe it was originally imagined as a collective of a capella vocal loops. It’s so lush now, with pounding drums, keyboard synths, and layers of those angelic vocals from Emily Brewis. Her voice reminds me a little of Katie Noonan crossed with Beth Gibbons from Portishead. It’s stunning.

The Put it on the Line EP won’t be released until August, but you can get a sneak peek when Fieu launch the single with a free gig at Brisbane’s The Bearded Lady on May 17.

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

SWRLS Impress with “Definition”

Sydney band SWRLS have gotten underneath my skin with “Definition,” their first single and our first taste of their debut EP. It’s such a slick song with such a great melodic core.

SWRLS’ vocalist and guitarist Thom Moore wrote the song about a girl who’d often hang out in the next room of the Sydney sharehouse where the band wrote and rehearsed, but it’s got a much more universal appeal. Haven’t we all felt that longing for someone just out of reach? The track reminds us to reach for the stars, because surely the endless longing is worse than any potential regret.

SWRLS are set to release their debut EP, featuring “Definition,” this winter. They’ll roadtest songs from the EP for hometown fans at the following shows.

12 June 2014 – Fredas, Sydney
19 June 2014 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
28 June 2014 – The Standard, Sydney

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“I’ve Found You” – Holly Buchanan

From the moment you slip on Holly Buchanan’s debut EP I’ve Found You, and the title track begins, everything just feels easy. There are not a lot of bells and whistles about this recording from the Central Coast singer-songwriter, but that ensures her natural talent shines.

At just 21 years old, Holly’s crafted a gorgeous collection of acoustic-pop love songs. They’re not going to change the world, but there’s a real beauty and truth about them. They’ve got the hooks that will leave you humming them later, and a real honesty behind them. I was particularly moved by “Love You Peacefully,” one of the more gentle numbers on the recording which showcases Holly’s softer side.

Holly’s vocals are fragile and delicate, a little like Missy Higgins’ with a touch more huskiness. The simple production ensures her angelic voice stays front and centre, with just some laid back drums and acoustic guitars keeping it company.

I’ve Found You is available from iTunes now. Holly will launch it with a hometown show at Quattro Café in Erina on May 16.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

East of Ely Tour Debut EP

Once upon a time East of Ely were just a group of young things from Sydney playing borrowed vintage instruments which they kept at Cavers Inn. However this year they’re a fully-fledged band with a killer new single “Easy Friend” and an EP on the way.

I can’t help but think of The Temper Trap and The Naked and Famous as I listen to this epic, hook-filled number. It just goes down so easily that I’m convinced we’re seeing the start of greatness.

East of Ely’s self-titled EP will hit stores on May 16, the same day that they’ll kick off an East Coast tour with a hometown show. Here are all the places you can see them play.

16 May 2014 – MUM @ The World Bar, Sydney (TICKETS AT THE DOOR)
17 May 2014 – Upstairs Beresford, Sydney (FREE)
22 May 2014 – The Espy Front Bar, Melbourne (FREE)
23 May 2014 – The Brightside, Brisbane (TICKETS AT THE DOOR)

Image used with permission from Mucho Bravado

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Evening Cast Do It Again with “Questions”

The Evening Cast are one of those awesome Aussie bands that never quite got the accolades they deserve. They plug away releasing incredible song after incredible song to very little fanfare. It’s a shame, because more people really deserve to hear their latest single “Questions.” Lucky for you, you can do just that here.

It’s got such a strong melodic centre. It all seems to effortless, and before you know it it’s over and you’re ready to play it again.

If you love “Questions” too, make sure you catch The Evening Cast when they tour the single all around the country. They’re playing some lovely intimate venues which are perfect for showcasing their special brand of music.

7 June 2014 – The Grace Darling, Melbourne
9 June 2014 – The Lass, Newcastle
20 June 2014 – Yours & Owls, Wollongong
21 June 2014 – Oxford Art Factory – Gallery Bar, Sydney
27 June 2014 – The Brewery, Byron Bay
28 June 2014 – Ric’s Bar, Brisbane
12 July 2014 – The Grace Emily, Adelaide