Category: Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Circle Step Into Studio for The Middle

Sydney’s Circle have stepped out of their bedrooms and into the studio for their latest album The Middle.

Despite recording six albums, this is the first recorded in a proper studio. That should bring a bit of refinement to the band’s 70s inspired pop rock tunes. Don’t think we’ll lose the band’s originality though. Circle founding member Radi Safi produced the album, with the aid of industry vet Mike Stavrou (America, David Bowie, Kate Bush).

Look for The Middle in stores on August 1.

Image used with permission from Positive Feedback

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

I, A Man Take The Scenic Route

I, a Man are celebrating the release of their dreamy new single “The Scenic Route” with an East Coast tour.

The song has such a lush quality, with jangly guitars, hypnotic drum beats, and Daniel Moss’ easy vocals. It’s definitely the kind of tune that can blast you out of a winter funk.

The accompanying tour will be your last chance to catch I, a Man for a while, as the band are heading into hibernation to write and record their debut album. We should see that in stores in the first half of next year.

I, a Man kick off their Scenic Route tour tonight in Geelong. Here are all the places you can catch them in the coming weeks:

19 July 2012 – Beavs Bar, Geelong
21 July 2012 – Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne
26 July 2012 – Lambda, Alhambra
29 July 2012 – Dan & Ash Acoustic @ Pure Pop Records, St Kilda
2 August 2012 – The Front Gallery and Café, Canberra
4 August 2012 – Kittens @ The Spectrum, Sydney

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Elle Skies Charms with “City”

I’ve fallen hard for the charms of Melbourne singer-songwriter Elle Skies, and I’m pretty sure you will too when you hear her new single “City.”

I must admit, I missed Elle when she released her debut EP Skyscraper back in 2006, but I won’t make the same mistake with this release. It earned the songstress rave reviews and first prize in a British song-writing competition. If City’s any indication of the calibre of songs she’s assembled for her new EP, she can expect plenty more praise.

“City” is such an endearingly upbeat number. It’s quirky but in such an honest way. Its hooks draw you in, and Elle’s sweet vocals keep on there. The vibrant time-lapse stop-motion animated video is a gorgeously colourful accompaniment.

Has “City” put a smile on your face?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Angus Stone Releases Album, New Music Video

“Wooden Chair” is the latest single lifted from Angus Stone’s solo outing Broken Brights.

It’s not going to blow anyone’s mind, but it’s a solid little piece of folk pop. The music video’s also really sweet, with footage of Angus hanging out in the country with his dog. Adorable. I can’t imagine this will be the track to attract new fans, but I’m sure anyone who adored Angus’ work with his sister Julia will be satisfied by it.

Broken Brights is in Australian stores today. It gets a UK and European release on the 16th, and hits American stores on the 17th.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Vulpes Vulpes Rock with Mirrorvine

Vulpes Vulpes burst out of the gate with their first single “Mirrorvine.”

“Mirrorvine” is a bit rough around the edges, but I think this is a really exciting debut. There’s a touch of Nick Cave about the resonant vocals in the verses, and an intensity that’s hypnotic. The balance isn’t quite right in places, where the instrumentation starts to overwhelm the lyrics, but it’s early days.

And for a band that’s still green, Vulpes Vulpes are impressing all the right people. They’ve only been together for a year, but they’ve already played Canberra’s Foreshore festival and earned some great reviews for their debut EP Vol-pez Vol-pez.

Vulpes Vulpes are the kind of band that’s bound to do their best work on the stage, so if you like what you’ve seen make sure you catch them at their forthcoming Sydney shows. They’ll play the FBi Social Club on July 14, and Oxford Arts Factory on August 17.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mia Dyson Drops New Single, Announces Album Tour

Mia Dyson’s offered us our first taste of her forthcoming album The Moment in the form of her brand new single, “When the Moment Comes.”

The song sees Mia in fine form, with her trademark rasp bleeding all over the lyrics of her first official single release in four years. It seems she’s relished the chance to record in her new American home base. If this killer cut is any indication of what we can expect when The Moment hits stores on August 17, we’re in for a real treat.

Mia will enjoy a homecoming later this year with local shows to promote The Moment. If you’ve missed her, make sure you show your support at one of the following gigs:

24 Aug 2012 – Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns
7 September 2012 – Old Hepburn Hotel, Hepburn Springs
12 September 2012 – Brisbane Festival @ Spiegeltent, Brisbane
14 September 2012 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
15 September 2012 – Notes Live, Sydney
16 September 2012 – The Abbey, Canberra
21 September 2012 – Republic Bar, Hobart
22 September 2012 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
6 October 2012 – Lizotte’s, Kincumber NSW
27 October 2012 – Sydney Blues Festival, Sydney
8 November 2012 – Mojos, Fremantle
9 November 2012 – Bridgetown Blues, Bridgetown

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Little Scout Take Left Turn with “Go Quietly”

I’ve been wooed by the music of Little Scout ever since I heard “We Are Walking Out” a couple of months ago. I was starting to feel I had the Brisbane band figured out, but they’ve thrown me for a loop with their new single “Go Quietly.”

The track is a much fuzzier and bolder song than the band’s other singles. I haven’t warmed to it as easily, but I can really appreciate its drama. The song saw the band working in Los Angeles with Lars Stalfors (The Mars Volta), so perhaps it’s little wonder that it signals a new direction for the band. You can’t be plucked out of your comfort zone and produce the same old thing, can you?

“We fell in love with this song pretty quickly. It’s short, fuzzy and loud,” Little Scout said in a statement. “This is uncharted territory for us and we like the way it makes us feel; we hope you like it too.”

“Go Quietly” comes from Little Scout’s sophomore album, which will hit stores later this year. What do you think of the tune?

Image used with permission from We Manage

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Trouble with Templeton Take on US

It’s going to be a big couple of months for The Trouble with Templeton. Later this month Thomas Calder and his posse will release a five-track EP, featuring songs from his LP Bleeder, to American college radio.

Hopefully that release, which features the lead single “I Wrote A Novel” will build some real buzz ahead of the act’s American shows in September and October. While The Trouble with Templeton’s stateside, the band will play some industry showcases and write and record some new material. Those tracks, as well as the one’s they’re currently laying down in Australia, will form album number two.

Before they spread their wings The Trouble with Templeton will find time to play some local shows. Queenslanders can catch the band at Black Bear Lodge on July 11 and 12. They’ll also support Banjamin Francis Leftwich at Victoria’s Northcote Social Club on July 16 and Sydney’s The Vanguard on July 17. Then it’s back to Melbourne to support Father John Misty at The Corner on July 28.

Image used with permission from Tiny Monster

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sans Gras Get Under My Skin

I was pretty sure I wouldn’t write about Sans Gras as I listened to “Sun Come Up,” the opening track from their new EP Shed Your Woes. I admired its ambition and dynamism, but I was struggling to find something to hang on to. I appreciated the song on an intellectual level, but I just couldn’t connect with it. I really wanted to like it because it was so interesting and bold, but I didn’t.

I promise myself that I’d listen to the whole track before turning off the EP. But then a game of Angry Birds got intense, and I found myself listening to the next song “Left and Right.” It was soulful, and so much more cohesive than the first number. It didn’t take as many risks, but it was much more enjoyable to listen to. And so in spite of my initial assessment, I decided to try track three on for size. “Wildflower” sees the quirkiness that sets Sans Gras apart used to great effect. Again it’s more accessible than “Sun Come Up” and less daring, but it’s such good fun. It lost me a little in the middle, but that lacklustre bridge is sandwiched between brilliance.

Sans Gras are the sort of band that stretches out in many different directions. They’re so creative, and even the fans probably won’t like everything they produce. But that’s pretty cool. Greatness doesn’t come from playing it safe. Sans Gras aren’t there yet, but in just three tracks they’ve shown a special spark. Keep your ear to the ground, as Sans Gras will launch Shed Your Woes with an EP tour in the not too distant future.

Image used with permission from Show Off Services

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Saskwatch Chase Away Winter Blues with “Your Love”

Saskwatch look to blast us all out of our winter funks with their feel good new single “Your Love.”

The release of their latest 7-incher (yes boys and girl, this is a band firmly rooted in old school traditions) is the latest achievement in a big year for the band. They earned rave reviews for their performances at the Golden Plains and Falls Festivals, and scored the support slots for Earth Wind & Fire, and Maceo Parker.

“Your Love” is our second taste of Saskwatch’s forthcoming debut album Leave It All Behind, which will hit stores next month. If it’s any indication, that LP’s going to be a whole lot of fun. You can buy the vinyl or digital versions on the Saskwatch website.

Saskwatch will celebrate the release of “Your Love” with some launch shows in the major capitals. Melbourne can catch them at the Ding Dong Lounge on July 20. They’ll play the Beresford in Sydney on July 28.

Image used with permission from Show Off Recordings