Category: Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Christo Jones Impresses with “Anyway”

Sydney solo act Christo Jones makes a big impression with his debut single “Anyway.”

This is such a rich, lush song created with Christo’s unique towering rig which features guitars, keyboards, samplers, and pedals. I love the way he literally builds his music, adding layer upon layer. His eclectic influences also make his music something really different. “Anyway” starts off with an African tribal chant and closes with a gentle Irish waltz. Who else is making music like this?

It’s so exciting to uncover an artist who’s truly shaking things up. Expect to hear big things from Christo Jones.

Image used with permission from Tiny Monster

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Northmost Making Homegrown Music

Northmost are a band doing it their way. The housemates from the New South Wales North Coast recorded their debut single “One More” in their own home studio, and shot the video in their backyard.

Understandably without the backing of a big production house, things are a little rough around the edges. However Northmost show a real pop-rock sensibility that’s infectious. According to their YouTube page they “have a lot more music coming soon,” so watch this space!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Esther Holt Goes Solo

Esther Holt has stepped from the ashes of her former band Snowy Belfast to release her debut solo effort Countless Verse. This is the title track of that EP, a bittersweet folk ditty about dealing with the aftermath of a painful breakup.

I love the way the piano underpins this song and another of the EP’s tracks, “Testify.” She shows her lighter pop side with “Rock Me Through the Night” and “What You Know.” Esther’s angelic vocals and searing lyrics pack a real punch.

See Esther Holt when she launches her Countless Verse EP at Melbourne’s Ding Dong Lounge on December 15.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

New Navy Spread Good Vibes with “Regular Town”

It might be grey and miserable in my part of Australia, but New Navy have reminded me that summer is on its way with their brand new single “Regular Town.”

This is the ideal warm weather soundtrack, with its African-inspired percussion and cheerful, upbeat melody. It also marks the first official performance from the band’s brand new frontman Luke O’Loughlin. His warm vocals show he’s a worthy replacement for Ben McInerny.

“Regular Town” is released digitally today.

Image used with permission from Remote Control Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tom Busby and Pals are Good Oak

When he’s not singing with his mate Jeremy Marou in the acclaimed folk outfit Busby Marou, Tom Busby is playing music with his housemates in the brand new band Good Oak.

Good Oak began when Tom, Brett Gibson, and Stephen Ryan began jamming over a couple of beers. They soon realised they had something pretty special, so now they’re taking their music to the masses.

This is pure music, without the technology or modern frills. Their three-part harmonies are sublime.

In this electronic press kit you can hear a bit of Good Oak’s first single “Fill My Cup.” It gives us a taste of what’s in store when Good Oak release their debut EP early next year. If this EPK’s any indication, that recording’s going to be something special.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Aussie Expat Jess Harlen’s “Weaving”

Jess Harlen is another Aussie making good abroad. She’s currently splitting her time between Brisbane and Boston, but Jess filmed her latest clip in Chinatown, New York.

“Weaving” doesn’t exactly jump out at you, but it’s got a cruisy soulfulness that gets underneath your skin. I found myself humming along by the end of it. The appearance of acclaimed krump dancer HallowDreamz earns the clip extra points.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dan & Hannah Acfield Back with “Lonely Robot”

Talented siblings Dan and Hannah Acfield are back with a brand new EP, Turning a Page.

The recording features the brand new single “Lonely Robot.” It’s another gorgeous cut with soaring vocals and a beautiful melody. I love Dan’s voice, but it’s even more beautiful when it joins with Hannah’s harmonies near the end of the tune.

Dan and Hannah are currently promoting Turning a Page with shows around the country. You can still catch them at The Newsagency in Sydney on November 30 and Barsoma in Brisbane on December 2.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Wires Look for Short Term Pleasures

Friday’s winding down and we’re ready to kick up our heels and usher in the weekend. So it seems like the perfect time to introduce you to “Short Term Pleasures,” the fun new single from Sydney act Wires.

This song is so playfully self deprecating, I love it. If only most guys were so honest in bars, right girls? It might save us all a lot of heartache!

“Short Term Pleasures” comes from Wires’ debut EP Hold On To Me Now, which in the very best record stores now.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Spazzys Finally Release Album Number Two

Does anyone else remember The Spazzys? This Melbourne power trio took the local charts by storm with “Hey Hey Baby” and their cover of “My Boyfriend’s Back” in 2004, but then seemed to disappear from view.

After almost a decade out of the charts, Melbourne sisters Kat and Lucy and their gal pal Ally are staging a comeback with the release of their long-awaited sophomore album Dumb is Forever.

I say long-awaited not just because it’s been eight years since we’ve heard some new music, but because the girls recorded this thing in Los Angeles way back in 2006. It was scheduled for release six months later, but sadly some legal red tape got in the way. After a lengthy court case, the album will finally see the light of day tomorrow!

The Spazzys are promising us they won’t fade away again, with some shows and brand new material all in the pipeline. Are you excited to see The Spazzys back in action?

Image used with permission from Fuse Group

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Townhouses Impress with Asylum Seekers Ode, Diaspora

I’m floored by “Diaspora,” the stunning new single from The Townhouses. Fellow Sydney act Guerre lends his talents to this beautiful haunting track.

“Diaspora is made up of questions – it’s an open letter to refugees coming to, and currently living in, Australia,” the musicians explained. “The victimisation of asylum seekers by the Australian media and political institutions is a deplorable smudge in an already tainted history of ‘tolerance’ in our country. I want my people to ensure the pain of leaving what refugees devastatingly left behind is not amplified due to our own reluctance and ignorance, to provide an inclusive supportive community, and to learn from our past mistakes. I hope this song helps, even just a little, in looking forward from here.”

“Diaspora” is the second single and title track from The Townhouses forthcoming album, which will hit stores on November 20. What do you think of it?

Image used with permission from Yes Please Records