Category: Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Snowdroppers Still Rocking

The Snowdroppers are back with a brand new single, a shiny new contract, and an album on the way.

The Sydney based blues rockers just signed up to ABC Music’s hot new label FOUR | FOUR. This home of left-of-centre acts proved the perfect launchpad for The Snowdroppers’ new single “White Dress.”

The song shows the way the band’s sound has evolved since they released their debut album Too Late to Pray in 2009. Their Americana and swamp leanings have been tempered somewhat, but it’s got all the swagger and blues sensibility we loved the first time around.

“White Dress” is our first taste of The Snowdropper’s sophomore album Moving Out of Eden, which will hit stores in early 2013. In the meantime you can catch The Snowdroppers supporting Kiwi rock stalwarts Shihad at the following shows.

6 September 2012 – The Hi Fi, Melbourne
7 September 2012 – The Metro, Sydney
8 September 2012 – The Hi-Fi, Brisbane

Image source: Premier Artists

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Demon Parade Offer Pop Pick Me Up

The Demon Parade clearly figures that if it’s broke, it ain’t worth fixing. The new single “She’s Gonna Be a Star” sees them sticking to their retro roots. It’s a jangly slice of psychedelic pop that definitely put a smile on my face.

The track’s our second teaser of The Demon Parade’s new EP, which will hit stores later this year. The band will launch the track at Melbourne’s Worker’s Club on September 1.

Image used with permission from Show Off Services

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

John Butler Gives Away Oceans

The epic track “Ocean” has long been a highlight of any John Butler set. The acclaimed Aussie singer-songwriter has actually been performing the epic guitar instrumental since 1998 when he’d busk at Fremantle markets to earn a living. John Butler is giving back to all the fans he’s made since those early days by releasing the first studio recording of “Ocean” in 12 years as a free download.

“’Ocean’ is a very interesting aspect of my life. It is part of my DNA. It conveys all things I can’t put into words. Life, loss, love, spirit. As I evolve so too does ‘Ocean’,” John explained. “I’d like to thank you for your continued support over all these years; it means so much to me. I would like to thank you by offering this first studio recording of “Ocean” in over a decade as a free download.”

The track was captured at John Butler’s own studio, dubbed The Compound in February. You can grab the MP3 that accompanies this YouTube video by visiting the John Butler Trio website.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Zoophyte Finally Release Second Album

After five years, Zoophyte are finally ready to release their sophomore album. Somewhere Elsewhere will hit music stores on September 21.

It’s unusual for an act to wait so long to release a new record, but the last five years have been a tumultuous time for the band. Their line-up’s changed, their sound’s evolved. Needless to say, this won’t simply be Another Point of View Part II.

“The old format of the band was a five-piece and we were all into different styles and types of music,” explained Zoophyte front man Cam Lee. “But now, everyone is on the same track and it feels like a new band. It’s a much bigger, larger sound; we use a lot of delayed guitars and everyone sings – there’s definitely a stronger, rockier edge to our sound.”

Zoophyte will take Somewhere Elsewhere on the road next month. Don’t worry if they’re not visiting your town, as more dates will be announced soon.

1 September 2012 – The Governor Hindmarsh Hotel, Adelaide
2 September 2012 – Wheelers Hill Hotel, Melbourne
6 September 2012 – Racehorse Hotel, Ipswich
7 September 2012 – Miami Tavern, Gold Coast
8 September 2012 – Spotted Cow, Toowoomba
9 September 2012 – Wheelers Hill Hotel, Melbourne
16 September 2012 – Wheelers Hill Hotel, Melbourne
23 September 2012 – Wheelers Hill Hotel, Melbourne
30 September 2012 – Wheelers Hill Hotel, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Alpha Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Australia’s Got Talent Rebel Owen Campbell Tours “Sunshine Road”

Owen Campbell made a splash on this year’s Australia’s Got Talent competition for all the wrong reasons. He was clearly a talented singer songwriter, but taking pot shots at one of the judges is never a smart move.

Owen might not have won a lot of friends on the reality TV show, but he’s hoping to capitalise on his notoriety with the release of his album Sunshine Road. It seems to be working, as the independently recorded long player’s peaked at number one on both the national iTunes charts and the AIR Independent Music chart.

Owen will also take those songs and his six-piece band on the road for a launch tour which kicks off tonight in Melbourne:

15 August 2012 – The Toff in Town, Melbourne
17 August 2012 – Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne
23 August 2012 – The Basement, Sydney
25 August 2012 – The Abbey, Canberra

Image used with permission from Heapsflash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sundance Back with “Where She Wants Me”

The Sundance Kids earned rave reviews for their catchy brand of pop rock back in 2009, but didn’t quite crack the big time. So they’ve reinvented themselves with the shorter moniker Sundance.

While the Adelaide trio has changed their name the Sundance philosophy remains the same. They’re still putting the emphasis on melodies and hooks with new songs like the single “Where She Wants Me.” The track should strike a chord with Sundance’s faithful fans and hit the hearts of a few new ones.

What do you think of this pop rock gem?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pataphysics Shows Something Special with Subversive

Pataphysics is bringing something new to the urban scene with his unique blend of hip hop, jazz, and political ideology.

“Self,” the latest video from Pataphysics, showcases that distinct blend beautifully. On it he lays down some insightful lyrics and performs a killer trumpet solo. MTV named Pataphysics one of the Top Ten Breakout Bands of Australia way back in 2010, and with “Self” and his debut album Subversive released last month, he looks to be making good on that promise.

Pataphysics will launch Subversive at Collingwood’s Gasometer Hotel on September 14.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Not So Hard to Fall for Love Migrate

It took me a little time to get into Love Migrate’s first single “Plagued are All My Thoughts.” It won me over, but it was a bit of a slow burner. It didn’t take me any time to fall in love with their second single “Making This Hard” though.

This track is much more accessible with the hooks that were missing from the first cut. However it’s still got the things that eventually caused me to take notice of Love Migrate. Its lyrics are beautifully poetic, and its instrumentation lush and layered.

“Making This Hard” comes from Love Migrate’s debut album Plagued Are All My Thoughts, Like White Ants In The Fence, which will hit stores on October 12. Love Migrate will launch it at Melbourne’s Toff in Town on August 30.

Image used with permission from Show Off Services

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

In Love with L.O.V.E.

Local electronic producer, vocalist, and visual artist Michelle Xen has created an instant dancefloor classic with her new single “L.O.V.E.”

Michelle came up with the line “and she spells L.O.V.E. with her eyes,” before the song tumbled out. While it came together quickly it wasn’t quite alive until Regurgitator’s Quan gave it a bit of massaging. Now the song is one of those perfect dance-pop anthems, with a great 80s synth sound and just the right amount of heart.

“L.O.V.E” comes from Michelle Xen’s forthcoming album Synaesthesiac, which will hit stores this October.It’s currently available as a free download from Michelle’s Bandcamp page.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hugo Race Does The Boss

Former Bad Seed Hugo Race has well and truly creeped me out with his moody cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “I’m on Fire.”

The shiver I get listening to this unusual take on the American classic isn’t entirely a bad thing. Hugo’s interpretation gives a malice to the lyrics that I never heard when The Boss was cranking them out. I almost feel like I’m hearing the song for the first time.

This take on “I’m on Fire” comes from Hugo Race’s newly released digital album No But It’s True. The album sees Hugo putting his unique spin on love songs through the ages. It’s available through iTunes now.