Hunting Grounds Release “Star Shards”

Hunting Grounds’ debut album In Hindsight just won’t quit. The band has released another single, “Star Shards.”

“Star Shards” is the third song lifted from In Hindsight, and it’s set to be another radio favourite. I love its anthemic quality and dreamy reverb drench guitars. The video, directed by Ballarat’s own Vegadeet Films, is also pretty brilliant. Who would have thought a scrap metal yard would be the perfect venue for an epic hockey match?

Hunting Grounds will support the release of “Star Shards” at a handful of shows before joining the Big Day Out tour this summer.

3 November 2012 – Bradbury Oval, Campbelltown (FREE)
5 November 2012 – Vault 8 @ Banana Alley, Melbourne
18 January 2012 – Big Day Out @ Sydney Showgrounds, Sydney
20 January 2012 – Big Day Out @ Gold Coast Parklands, Gold Coast
25 January 2012 – Big Day Out @ Adelaide Showgrounds, Adelaide
26 January 2012 – Big Day Out @ Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne
28 January 2012 – Big Day Out @ Claremont Showgrounds, Perth

Gotye Raves About Colour Bomb’s Debut

Melbourne double act Colour Bomb makes a big impression with the debut single “On the Run.”

This is masterful stuff, a fantastical epic executed perfectly. It reminds me of some of the music Silverchair produced on the Diorama album. The key difference though is that it took years for Silverchair to show such bravery. No wonder Gotye has been quoted as saying “On the Run” is a “beguiling track in its entirety.” Colour Bomb’s frontman James Saunders does play in Gotye’s band, but I’m sure he wasn’t just being nice!

We’ll hear more from Colour Bomb when they release their debut album early next year. Until then, sit back and enjoy this incredible tune. Singles like this aren’t released every day after all!

Image used with permission from Positive Feedback

Aluka Keep Their Cool

The release of Aluka’s debut single “Keep My Cool” shows these girls are a force to be reckoned with.

The song is a sparse, cheeky pop gem with some of the most devastating, stripped back vocals I’ve ever heard. Talk about making a first impression! The track is the first lifted from Aluka’s debut album, which will hit stores next March.

That album promises to be pretty interesting, with tracks recorded at unconventional Melbourne locations including swimming pools and war bunkers. Who needs a studio, right?

You don’t have to wait until March to hear more from this dynamic trio though. Aluka will launch the single with two very special shows next month. Catch them at The Toff in Melbourne on November 7 or The Newsagency in Sydney on November 9.

Image used with permission from Show Off Services

Texture Like Sun Tours EP with Patrick James

After more than 12 months in the studio, Melbourne’s Texture Like Sun are itching to release their debut EP to the masses. The recording features the new single “Bottle,” a cruisy number with jangling guitars and hushed vocals.

Texture Like Sun will launch their self-titled recording with three shows in the major capitals next month. They’ll take indie-folk up and comer Patrick James along for the ride. I was so impressed by Patrick’s set at Howie Day’s Sydney show earlier this year, so I recommend music lovers get to the venues early to catch his performances.

8 November 2012 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
9 November 2012 – FBi Social Club, Sydney
15 November 2012 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne

Kick Back with The Kite String Tangle

Brisbane based electronic artist and producer Danny Harley has impressed me with his latest experimental solo project, The Kite String Tangle.

The name doesn’t give a lot away, so why don’t you just wrap your ears around his single “Commotion”? It’s got a gorgeous chilled out vibe without ever becoming wallpaper, and a great mix of melody and simple, rich vocals. It’s so different from anything I ordinarily listen to, but it’s hit the right note for me.

This track could definitely go toe to toe with any of the international releases of the genre. Something tells me we’ll hear a lot more from The Kite String Tangle.

Image used with permission from The Kite String Tangle

The Owls Tour “Swamp Love”

With the release of their latest EP Swamp Love imminent, The Owls are preparing to soak up the sunshine of the East Coast on a launch tour.

The disc celebrates The Owls unmistakable blend of dirty blues and Southern rock music. It features the single and fan favourite “Better Off Deaf,” as well as two more tracks destined to become live hits.

The Swamp Love EP tour will kick off in The Owls hometown of Newcastle on November 9, which is not so coincidentally the day the EP hits stores. It will then take in other key locations in New South Wales, Queensland, and the Australian Capital Territory. Tickets are on sale from the venues now.

9 November 2012 – The Great Northern Hotel, Newcastle
14 November 2012 – The Patch, Wollongong
22 November 2012 – Transit Bar, Canberra
30 November 2012 – Goodgod Small Club, Sydney
19 December 2012 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Reckoning Entertainment

Tim Guy Comes Home for New Album

He might be a Melbourne boy, but after spending time living in New Zealand and touring the United Kingdom and Europe, Tim Guy can be regarded as a true citizen of the world.

Tim’s penned albums in New Zealand and Spain, but when it came time to create album number four Tim knew he had to return home. The result is Dreaming of a Night Mango, an album which is more organic than previous releases.

The album doesn’t drop until early next year, but we get an early taste of it with “Armour Weight,” the album’s first official single. The track’s really understated, which allows its rolling rhythms and heartfelt vocals to shine through.

Tim will launch the single and preview tracks from Dreaming of a Night Mango with a special show at Fitzroy’s Workers Club on November 7.

Image used with permission from Shows in Space

Fun Machine Back with Alchemist

Today Fun Machine have unleashed their latest pop ditty, “Alchemist.” The track proves the Canberra band that brought us “Ready for the Fight” are no one-trick ponies.

“Alchemist” is the most recent track lifted from Fun Machine’s forthcoming debut album, which should hit stores early next year. It reminds us that everyone is capable of creating something precious under pressure. It’s something Fun Machine understand all too well, as they manage to make music despite living in different continents!

If you love it, make sure you head to Fun Machine’s Bandcamp page. The generous Canberrans are giving the single away for free!

Jordie Lane Tours Gospel Tinged New Single

Jordie Lane is back with a brand new single “Fool for Love,” the first to come from his eagerly awaited third album.

I’ve always been a Jordie fan, but I think this might be his best work yet. The Eagle Rock Gospel Choir gives the track a nostalgic, soulful feel that’s so accessible. While I love some of Jordie’s more mellow folk songs, I think this more raucous number has what it takes to catch a few more ears.

Jordie’s new album won’t hit stores until early next year, but he’ll give fans a sneak peek with some local shows in November and December. Here are all the places you can hear this incredible talent play.

4 November 2012 – YaYa’s, Perth (Solo)
9 November 2012 – Barwon Heads Bowling Club, Barwon Heads
16 November 2012 – Trinity Sessions, Adelaide
17 November 2012 – The Loft, Warrnambool
22 November 2012 – Smiths Alternative Bookstore, Canberra (Solo)
24 & 25 November 2012 – Queenscliff Music Festival, Queenscliff,
29 & 30 November 2012 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
1 December 2012 – Baby Black Café, Bacchus Marsh (Solo)
2 December 2012 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne (Matinee)
12 December 2012 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
13 December 2012 – Drill Hall, Mullumbimby
14 December 2012 – Great Northern Hotel, Newcastle
15 December 2012 – Notes Live, Sydney
16 December 2012 – Clarendon Guesthouse, Katoomba

Image source: Jordie Lane EPK

Ben Wells and the Middle Names Usher in Summer with Single Shows

Ben Wells and the Middle Names speak for a nation of frustrated workers with their new single “Bear in a Birdcage.”

We can’t all take time off to go surfing, as Ben Wells and his bandmates wish, but we can take an evening off for one of their forthcoming single launch shows. The gigs will see the Tassie band circling the country, and hopefully finding time to catch a few waves along the way!

7 November 2012 –Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
8 November 2012 – Beach Hotel, Byron Bay
10 November 2012 – AmplifiedHobart
24 November 2012 –Tasmanian International Beer Fest, Hobart
30 November 2012 – The Grand Poobah, Hobart
1 December 2012 – Royal Oak, Launceston
5 December 2012 – The Workers Club, Melbourne
6 December 2012 – Beav’s Bar, Geelong
7 December 2012 – The Front, Canberra
8 December 2012 – Kittens @ Spectrum, Sydney