Category: Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Invicible Summer Turn Up the Heat with “Runaway”

Any band that takes inspiration from the works of existential author Albert Camus has enough to get me interested. The Invincible Summer takes its name from Camus’ quote “in the midst of winter, I found there was, within me … an Invincible Summer.”

The Sydney band seems to have taken the philosophy to heart, as their debut single “Runaway” delivers a healthy dose of optimism and warm weather vibes. The track comes from The Invincible Summer’s self-titled debut album, a real labour of love recorded in Sydney’s iconic Studios 301 over eighteen months.

“Runaway” is available on iTunes now. If you love it make sure you look out for The Invincible Summer’s debut album in stores in the first half of 2013.

Image used with permission from Two Fish Out of Water

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Julia & The Deep Sea Sirens Woo With Sweet Folk Music

Canberra songstress Julia Johnson and her outfit the Deep Sea Sirens have been quietly plugging away in the music business since 2005. After honing their craft, the band’s decided to time is right to release their debut album Family Pets.

The album has equal parts sadness and joy, all anchored together by Julia’s sweet vocals and her ever faithful instruments, the 36-string autoharp and banjo. It showcases tracks you might have heard when the band recently supported Tim Rogers, Lanie Lane, and Kate Miller-Heidke, including the current single “Little Surprises.” These songs were all recorded using vintage recording technology to ensure they have that authentic, analogue vibe.

If you like what you hear make sure you see Julia and the Deep Sea Sirens at their upcoming shows.

30 August 2012 – The Standard, Sydney
10 September 2012 – The Phoenix, Canberra (FREE)
12 October 2012 – The Empress, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Positive Feedback

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Wes Carr is Buffalo

Australian Idol alum Wes Carr has reinvented himself as Buffalo. The former talent show victor is a bit beardier these days, and his music has a more organic, rootsier, folkier feel. That’s showcased with his brand new single “Blood & Bone,” the title track from Buffalo’s debut EP.

The new sound is only fitting for Buffalo. The name was inspired by the native American belief that when someone dreams of a buffalo they will return to their heritage and roots. That’s exactly what Wes has done here. It’s so much simpler than the Silverchair-offshoot Tambalane or the radio-friendly music he created post-Idol. But that’s exactly why it’s so good.

You can see all that for yourself when Buffalo launches Blood & Bone at the following shows, including support slots with The McClymonts.

31 August 2012 – Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Nowra (with the McClymonts)
1 September 2012 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney (with the McClymonts)
6 September 2012 – Panthers Port Macquarie (with the McClymonts)
7 September 2012 – Cex Club, Coffs Harbour (with the McClymonts)
8 September 2012 – Club Forster (with the McClymonts)
9 September 2012 – Bateau Bay Hotel, Bateau Bay (3 pm show – with the McClymonts)
14 September 2012 – Lismore Workers Club, Lismore (with the McClymonts)
15 September 2012 – Toowoomba Empire Theatre, Toowoomba (with the McClymonts)
21 September 2012 – Tivoli Theatre, Brisbane (with the McClymonts)
22 September 2012 – Vikings Club, Canberra (with the McClymonts)
29 September 2012 – Evan Theatre @ Penrith Panthers, Penrith (with the McClymonts)
5 October 2012 – Civic Theatre, Newcastle (with the McClymonts)
6 October 2012 – Clarendon Guesthouse, Katoomba
12 & 13 October 2012 – The Palms @ Crown Casino, Melbourne (with the McClymonts)
23 November 2012 – Notes, Newtown
30 November 2012 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sleep Decade’s Dreamy New Single “Bicycle”

Melbourne quartet Sleep Decade turn up the romance in their debut single “Bicycle.”

This isn’t your run of the mill love song with “moon in June” rhymes and clichéd scenarios. It’s much realer than that. You can feel the connection and chemistry between these two lost souls just discovering one another. It’s sweet, but not sappy.

Sleep Decade have spent the last year cutting their eye teeth alongside local acts like Pikelet, Richard in Your Mind, and Love Connection, but they’re about to step into the spotlight. Their debut album Into Spinning Lights will hit stores October, but before that they’ll launch the single for hometown fans at Fitzroy’s Bar Open on September 16.

Image used with permission from Shows in Space

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Murlocs Launch Tee Pee

We might expect an EP called Tee Pee to be full of puerile humour, but instead The Murlocs latest recording offers us a blast from the past.

The five-track EP builds on the fuzzy, harmonica spiced blues the band delivered on their first EP. The mates from Ocean Grove have such as appealing dirtiness about their sound that music lovers young and old can’t help but get on board.

The recording has such a raw sound and spontaneous energy that it’s unsurprising to hear it was recorded in just one weekend in harp player Ambrose Kenny-Smith’s spare room.

I can only imagine how beautifully such an organic EP will translate to the stage. Victorians will get the chance to find out when The Murlocs launch Tee Pee at The Tote on August 31.

Image used with permission from Singhala Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Emmy Bryce’s Offspring Song Released

Emmy Bryce charmed me when I heard her song “Hit the Ground” while watching Offspring, so I was thrilled to hear it’s got an official release.

“Hit the Ground” comes from Emmy Bryce’s debut EP Seven Days. Emmy will pack her bags and play shows around some of the capitals over the coming months to support its release. I recommend seeing her in these intimate venues while you can; something tells me it’s only a matter of time before Emmy’s music earns mainstream attention!

29 August 2012 – The Workers Club, Fitzroy
5 September 2012 – The Vanguard, Newtown
22 September 2012 – The Abbey, Nicholls
23 September 2012 – The Front Gallery/Cafe, Lyneham
29 September 2012 – La Boheme Bar, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Alpha Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sound of Seasons Tours “Make Believe”

Sydney rock act Sound of Seasons are celebrating the release of their debut EP Make Believe next month with a big headlining tour.

The EP offers a bit more than most, with six electric tracks and one acoustic number. It’s emotional and heavy hitting, with retro synths layered on top of wailing electric guitars.

Here are all the places you can catch Sound of Seasons up close and personal on their Make Believe Tour:

1 September 2012 – UC Refectory, Canberra
20 September 2012 – Yours and Owls, Wollongong
22 September 2012 – The Basement, Canberra
23 September 2012 – The Lair, Sydney
26  September 2012 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
27 September 2012 – Port Macquarie Hotel, Port Macquarie
29 September 2012 – X&Y Bar, Brisbane
5 October 2012 – Newmarket Hotel, Bendigo
6 October 2012 – Fist 2 Face, Ringwood
6 October 2012 – BANG! Royal Melbourne Hotel, Melbourne
7 October 2012 – National Hotel, Geelong
12 October 2012 – C5, Freemantle
13 October 2012 – Amplifier Bar, Perth
14 October 2012 – YMCA HQ, Leederville

Image used with permission from RAWR Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Regular John Serves Up Slume

A band called Regular John seems like it’s doing its best to go unnoticed. However if the right people hear their unique sound, they might just face that spotlight whether they like it or not!

The lads have managed to shake off the “grunge revival” tag that plagued them a couple of years ago. They gained a new guitarist and honed their songwriting to emerge with something less derivative. That dirtiness is still there, but it’s married beautifully with a heavier, psychedelic feel.

The single “Slume” gives a taste of what will come when the band’s album Strange Flowers hits stores on September 14. What do you think of it?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Phil Hancock Releases Single for “Reach Out”

Brisbane singer-songwriter Phil Hancock is putting his talents to good use with the release of his new single “Who We Fall For.”

Proceeds from the song’s iTunes sales will benefit Reach Out, a local charity that supports teens struggling with bullying, grief, drug and alcohol problems, mental health issues, and a host of other concerns.

“Who We Fall For” is a beautiful piano-driven track that shows Phil’s softer side. His soaring vocals are superb, and his words about the out-of-control nature of love resonate.

Beautiful stuff!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Batterie Release Another Glitch Pop Puzzle

Batterie’s gotten underneath my skin again with “Jump Start,” the follow up to the first single “Spring Step.”

I must admit, I didn’t know what to make of this one at first. This really isn’t the music I’m used to, and so I wasn’t sure what to cling on to. It’s like some sort of strange cross between Kraftwerk’s “Popcorn” and the Tetris theme music. I’m not sure whether I like it or not, but I know I can’t stop thinking about it so perhaps it’s done its job.

What do you think dear readers?