Lowlakes Take on America

Melbourne band Lowlakes are giving us a taste of their forthcoming debut album with the release of their new single “Cold Company.” The band hasn’t reinvented the wheel here, but when do what they do so well, why go changing?

It seems their haunting songs have hit the right note for American audiences too, as the band has been invited to play New York’s acclaimed CMJ Music Festival and some showcases. But before they spread their wings, Lowlakes will launch the single for their hometown fans at the Ding Dong Lounge.

Here are all the places Aussie and American music lovers can see Lowlakes play this month.

13 October 2012 – Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne
17 October 2012 – Parkside Lounge, New York City
20 October 2012 – The Delancey, New York City
22 October 2012 – Pianos, New York City
25 October 2012 – Silverlake Lounge, Los Angeles

Cabins On the Comeback Trail with “In Blue”

Sydney band Cabins delves into the darker side of love with their retro-styled new single “In Blue,” the long-awaited follow-up to their 2010 mini-album Bright Victory.

The track reminds me of something Roy Orbison might have passed on, insisting that commercial radio would never warm to something so black. And so we have Cabins revelling in the eeriness while celebrating classic themes and sounds.

If you like what you hear, make sure you get down to Sydney’s Annandale Hotel on October 25. The band will preview new songs from their forthcoming album as well as some old favourites. And if you arrive before 9 pm, you’ll get in for free!

Joe Robinson Returns Home for EP Launch Shows

With his new EP Toe Jam hitting stores later this week, Joe Robinson is preparing to return home.

The guitar virtuoso from the tiny town of Temagog on New South Wales’ mid-north coast is now based in Nashville, but enjoys any opportunity to play for Aussie audiences.

Toe Jam hits stores on October 12. Tickets for the following festivals and headliner shows are on sale now.

27 October 2012 – The Vanguard, Sydney
28 October 2012 – Sydney Blues and Roots Festival, Windsor
10 & 11 November 2012 – Blues at Bridgetown, Bridgetown
16 November 2012 – The Glasshouse, Port Macquarie
22-25 November 2012 – Mullum Music Festival, Mullumbimby
1 December 2012 – 5 Church St, Bellingen
8 December 2012 – Toff In Town, Melbourne
13 December 2012 – The Street Theatre, Canberra
15 December 2012 – Festival of The Sun, Port Macquarie

Image source: Premier Artists

Lincoln Le Fevre Wows Me Again with New Single

A few weeks ago I waxed lyrical about Tassie’s Lincoln Le Fevre and wished I had some music I could share with you all. Thankfully my prayers have been answered in the form of “Get Drunk, See Bands,” the first single lifted from Lincoln’s forthcoming album Resonation.

This track is everything I loved about Lincoln’s music the first time I heard. The vocals have an endearing rawness that makes you believe every word, and his blend of rock, country, and folk sounds is instantly accessible. I can also really relate to the song’s sentiment. In short, this is fantastic and I can’t wait to hear more from Lincoln when Resonation hits stores on October 12.

And don’t forget, Lincoln is touring Australia with his good mate, the equally talented Jamie Hay, later this month. Here are all the places you can see this amazing up and comers.

24 October 2012 – Republic Bar, Hobart
26 October 2012 – Royal Oak Boatshed. Launceston
27 October 2012 – Red Hot Music, Devonport
10 November 2012 – The Reverence Hotel, Footscray
22 November 2012 – X&Y Bar, Brisbane
23 November 2012 – O’Dowds, Rockhampton
24 November 2012 – The Shed – Byron Bay
1 December 2012 – The Lass O’Gowrie, Newcastle
2 December 2012 – Blackwire Records, Sydney

Image used with permission from Deathproof PR

The Translantics Announce Album Number 2 Release and Launch Shows

After spending 12 months crafting their sophomore album Find My Way Home, Adelaide soul outfit The Transatlantics are finally ready to unleash it on the public.

The album shuns modern technology for classic recording traditions of the analogue era. It shows a natural progression for the band, who’s embraced a more mature approach to songwriting while staying true to their soul roots. It manages to feel like a classic album without seeming derivative.

Find My Way Home will hit record stores on October 15. The Transatlantics will celebrate the release with two special launch shows. See them at Melbourne’s Northcote Social Club on October 26 or Adelaide’s Governor Hindmarsh on November 23.

Image used with permission from Positive Feedback

Jamie Hay Teams Up with Lincoln Le Fevre for Impressive Tour

Jamie Hay is one of those musicians that grabs you with his raw emotion. His songs are simple, but they’re delivered with such gut-wrenching sincerity that it’s impossible to resist. He reminds us that you don’t need studio trickery or frills to impress. All you need is one hell of a voice and an acoustic guitar.

If it seems like I’m gushing, perhaps you should take a listen to “Rabbit On,” the incredible debut single from Jamie’s album King of the Sun, which will hit stores on November 2. The album was recorded in the middle of a chilly Tasmanian winter with Jamie’s pal and fellow musician Lincoln Le Fevre. Yes, the same Lincoln Le Fevre that I was raving about just a few weeks ago.

The musical mates will hit the road together later this month to promote their respective albums. There’s no doubt music lovers are in for a real treat at the following shows.

24 October 2012 – Republic Bar, Hobart
26 October 2012 – Royal Oak Boatshed. Launceston
27 October 2012 – Red Hot Music, Devonport
10 November 2012 – The Reverence Hotel, Footscray
22 November 2012 – X&Y Bar, Brisbane
23 November 2012 – O’Dowds, Rockhampton
24 November 2012 – The Shed – Byron Bay
1 December 2012 – The Lass O’Gowrie, Newcastle
2 December 2012 – Blackwire Records, Sydney

Image used with permission from Deathproof PR

Cogel Impress with “Felusine” Film Clip

Humpdays can be pretty hard to handle, but they’re made better with intriguing music videos. And so for your viewing pleasure I bring you the clip for “Felusine,” the latest single from Sydney group Cogel’s forthcoming EP Nowhere Near.

If you like heads on sticks and awesome imagery, this is the clip for you! The epic song’s far from bad either! Hometown fans can see Cogel launching the EP on November 2 at the Beresford. You haven’t been forgotten either Melbournians and Brisbanites. Cogel promise to announce some launch dates in your parts soon!

Spit Syndicate Tour “Beauty in the Bricks”

In preparation for the October 5 release of their new single “Beauty in the Bricks,” Sydney hip hop duo Spit Syndicate have announced an up close and personal national tour.

“’Beauty In The Bricks’ is about an awareness of people around us getting older, many settling into monotonous routines in their lives, and the subsequent need to keep things fresh,” explained Spit Syndicate’s Lupi.

“Beauty in the Bricks” is the first single lifted from Spit Syndicate’s forthcoming third album Sunday Gentlemen, which should hit stores early next year. The song’s not even out yet but already it’s enjoying maximum rotation on Triple J. It’s only a matter of time before the other radio stations catch on to this heartfelt hip hop number.

Spit Syndicate have hand-selected their tour venues to create shows that are as intimate as their lyrics. That will mean that tickets won’t last long though, so make sure you don’t hesitate to secure yours from Oztix.

25 October 2012 – Transit Bar, Canberra
26 October 2012 – Rhino Room, Adelaide
27 October 2012 – Laundry Bar, Melbourne
2 November 2012 – Ya-Ya’s, Perth
3 November 2012 – Mojo’s, Fremantle
9 November 2012 – Great Northern, Byron Bay
10 November 2012 – Sprung Hip-Hop Festival, Brisbane
16 November 2012 – The Annandale Hotel, Sydney

Lisa Mitchell Offers New Single

We’ll need to wait until October 12 to hear Lisa Mitchell’s brand new album Bless This Mess, but the release of the title track should tide fans over. Lisa’s voice is as delicate as ever, but there’s real strength about the way she wields her guitar in this clip. Vocally they couldn’t be more different, but there’s something about Lisa’s sassier side that’s reminiscent of Melissa Etheridge. Either way, this gutsier song has me anticipating the album even more!

KOOII Releasing “Call Out” EP

They’re far from household names, but Beautiful Girls frontman Matt McHugh calls KOOII his “favourite band.” The genre-bending Brisbane septet hope to show Australia what caught Matt’s ear when they release their brand new EP Call Out.

The reggae-funk outfit have released two critically acclaimed albums over 10 years in the business, but Call Out is a much smaller endeavour. It has just four songs, including the catchy single “Kick It.”

Call Out will hit stores on October 8. KOOII will celebrate its release with a tour around the country, including sets at the Island Vibe and Eclipse festivals. See one of Queensland’s best kept secrets at the following venues.

13 October 2012 – Blue Beat, Sydney
14 October 2012 – Honky Tonks, Canberra (FREE)
27 October 2012 – Island Vibe Festival, Stradbroke Island.
2 November 2012 – Mandala Café, Gold Coast
3 November 2012 – Full Moon Dance Party @ Verrierdale Hall, Sunshine Coast
4 November 2012 – Greenslopes Bowls Club, Brisbane
10 November 2012 – Memorial Hall, Bellingen
10 November 2012 – Byron Bay Brewery, Byron Bay
13–15 November 2012 – The Eclipse Festival, Atherton Tablelands