Category: Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Covers Releases Debut Single, “The Automation”

Melbourne trio Covers show they’re not afraid to try something different with their debut single “The Automation.”

I must admit, I wasn’t sure what to make of this track when I first heard it. The unusual instrumentation reminded me a bit of being stuck on an amusement park ride and unable to get off. However by the end of it I was actually enjoying the aural assault. Irresistible hooks and soaring vocals make this interesting song something pretty fabulous.

Do you dig it?

Image used with permission from Higher Plains

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Jezabels Release “The End”


The time The Jezabels have spent in London seems to be time well spent, because the band are back with the single that I think is the best of their career. “The End” is the first track lifted from The Jezabels’ as yet untitled sophomore effort, and it shows a band with a newly discovered pop sensibility that hasn’t strayed too far from its roots.

Hayley Mary says the song is “about a time that I think we all reach at some point in our lives, where you are not sure you can go on, not sure that you have anything left to give. When you’re on your knees asking yourself, Is this the end? If you don’t ultimately want to say ‘yes’ to that question then you know you still have something to give, and you just have to get on with living.”

The Jezabels are now based in the United Kingdom, where they’ve just landed the plum role of support act for Depeche Mode’s arena shows in November. They haven’t forgotten us altogether though. The Jezabels will be back on homesoil to play St Jerome’s Laneway Festival next year.

Image used with permission from Two Fish Out of Water

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

We The People Charm with “Sweetheart”

If the single “Sweetheart” is anything to go by, Melbourne indie act We The People are a band to watch. It seems the public agrees with me, as the song racked up more than 2000 YouTube views in its first week. The infectiously upbeat number is our first taste of their EP The Truth About Fables, which will hit stores on November 8.

The band had me from the first perfectly harmonized notes. This song has such a great energy, and a great mix of electronic layers and classic guitar riffs.

With such vitality on the recording, you can be sure We The People will rock on stage. See them do just that when they launch The Truth About Fables at the following shows.

7 November 2013 – The Worker’s Club, Melbourne
9 November 2013 – The Loft, Warrnambool
21 November 2013 – The Loft, Gold Coast
22 November 2013 – The Tempo Hotel, Brisbane
28 November 2013 – The Cambridge, Newcastle
29 November 2013 – The Lansdowne, Sydney
30 November 2013 – Spin Cycle @ The Wool Exchange, Geelong
6 December 2013 – Republic Bar, Hobart
7 December 2013 – The Iron Horse, Launceston
13 December 2013 – The Grace Emily, Adelaide

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Major Tom Deliver Piano-Pop Smash with “On the Avenue”

Chelsea Reed, Eddie Delos Reyes, and Neel Shukla are Major Tom, a Sydney act who’re spreading good vibes with today’s release of their new single “On the Avenue.”

Chelsea’s a self-confessed 70s tragic, so it’s no surprise to hear a little ABBA meets Elton John vibe on this song. The thumping piano chords drive his feelgood number along and get toes tapping. Has it put a smile on your face?

Image used with permission from A&R Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Imogen Bell Impresses with “Snow Covered Hill”


Ease yourself into the working week with Imogen Bel and her stunning single “Snow Covered Hill.”

This is music at its purest. Imogen’s voice is sublime, and her lyrics poetic. The gentle piano arrangement supports these elements without overwhelming them. The song was produced in collaboration with Josh Schuberth and it features a stunning accordion guest spot from jazz queen Elana Stone.

“Snow Covered Hill” is available now through Imogen’s Bandcamp page.

Image used with permission from Flew the Coop

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Saskwatch Delight with “Hands”

Seriously, how good are Saskwatch? Just when I think I can’t love this energetic soul outfit any more than I already do, they release a song like “Hands.” If you’re feeling down, press play and dance around your lounge room. I guarantee you’ll feel better.

The feelgood track is accompanied by a cute clip starring travelling rabbits Larry and Alphy. Director Jason Galea spliced image of the rabbits with old VHS tapes and other vintage footage to create the “feel-good rabbit road trip film of the year.” As a final vintage touch, Saskwatch will release “Hands” as a 7” vinyl single on November 1.

Saskwatch will launch “Hands” with an extensive Aussie tour next month. Here are all the places you can see this exciting local act play!

1 November 2013 – Transit Bar, Canberra
2 November 2013 – Eden Whale Festival, Eden (FREE)
8 November 2013 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
9 November 2013 – The Spotted Cow, Toowoomba
15 November 2013 – The Republic Bar, Hobart
16 November 2013 – JIVE, Adelaide
22 November 2013 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
23 November 2013 – Queenscliff Music Festival, Queenscliff
27 November 2013 – Sosueme @ Beach Road Hotel, Bondi (FREE)
28 November 2013 – The Small Ballroom, Newcastle
29 November 2013 – GoodGod Small Club, Sydney
7 December 2013 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kate Miller-Heidke Announces Tour to Celebrate Crowdfunding Success

When Kate Miller-Heidke decided to release her first independent album with the help of her fans, she couldn’t have anticipated the response. She reached the target for recording and promoting O Vertigo! in just three days. That makes Kate’s Pledge Music campaign the fastest and most successfully direct-to-fan crowdfunding campaign by an Australian artist ever.

You might think that means you shouldn’t give, but there are still plenty of reasons to part with your cash. Everyone who pledges will receive a free download of an 11-track live album recorded on Kate’s Heavenly Sounds tour last year, and a download of O Vertigo! on release day, which is expected to be March 14. You can also score some amazing goodies including a spot on Kate’s guestlist for life, Kate’s own Wurlitzer piano, and Kate playing at your wedding. Five percent of all money raised will also help the World Wildlife Fund for Nature in their efforts to save the Great Barrier Reef.

It seems a bit early to start making plans for next March-April, but Kate wants us to lock her O Vertigo! album tour dates into our calendars. Which show will you see?

12 March 2014 – York Theatre @ Seymour Centre, Sydney
14 & 15 March 2014 – Paradiso Spiegeltent @ Garden of Unearthly Delights, Adelaide
18 March 2014 – Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne
21 & 22 March 2014 – Quarry Ampitheatre, Perth
5 April 2014 – The Tivoli, Brisbane

Image source: The Harbour Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fractures On Comeback Trail with “Cadence”

Fractures had no idea how apt his stage name would become this year. He started 2013 with the release of “Twisted,” a track which earned more than 160,000 plays on Soundcloud and became the most played track on Triple J Unearthed.

But then it all took a turn for the worse before Fractures first live show. He was involved in a near-fatal fall which left him with fractured vertebrae in his neck. He was confined to a neckbrace bolted to his spine for three months.

Thankfully now his recovery is over and he’s celebrating with the release of his long-awaited follow-up single “Cadence,” a lush, atmospheric number about unrequited lust. It’s our first taste of Fractures forthcoming EP, which will hit stores next year.

Image used with permission from Recon Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Louis London Impress with “We’re Not Alone”


Sydney five-piece Louis London have rocked my socks off with the release of their latest single “We’re Not Alone.” If this killer cut is any indication, second-recording syndrome hasn’t struck with their forthcoming sophomore EP.

I love the interplay of retro synthesizers, classic guitars, and epic vocal harmonies. I think I’ve just found my summer soundtrack. I’ve just listened to it three times straight, and I’m pretty sure once I wrap up this article I’m going to give it another spin for good measure. Has it revved you?

Image used with permission from Shake Appeal