Category: Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pluto Jonze’s Genre Bending New Single

I’m really impressed by “See What the Sun Sees,” the dreamy new single from Sydney music Pluto Jonze. The song gets a digital release today.

Pluto was influences by artists like Beatles and Bowie, and you can hear some of their epic qualities and love of theatre in this tune. It doesn’t fit neatly into any genre, and perhaps because of that feels really fresh. The closest I can come to categorizing it would be psychedelic pop, but perhaps it’s better to listen rather than agonising over labels.

Pluto is celebrating the release of “See What the Sun Sees” with a quickie tour around the East Coast. Catch him in the capitals later this month.

13 July 2012 – Workers Club, Melbourne
19 July 2012 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
21 July 2012 – Goodgod Small Club, Sydney

Image used with permission from Falcona

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Carol George Back from the Brink with “I’ve Changed My Ways”

Melbourne urban artist Carol George has really touched me with her first single “I’ve Changed My Ways.”

This song is a brutally honest account of Carol’s struggles with marijuana addiction. It’s one of those drugs that so many people take lightly. Carol hope hers tale can shift those misconceptions and encourage others affected by pot to seek help.

“I want to get the word out there about the drug and if it’s affecting you like it affected me in the song then it shows you’re not the only one that’s going through it,” she explained. “Hopefully it gives people a chance to push themselves to make a difference in their own life.”

It’s rare to hear an artist release something so raw, with lyrics that refuse to shy away from the details. You can hear the pain and the power of change in equal measures here. What a brave release this is.

“I’ve Changed My Ways” is currently available through iTunes.

Image used with permission from SGC Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Another Slice of San Cisco Pop

San Cisco brings more good vibes with their latest single “Rocket Ship.”

The cheerful tunes from this Fremantle duo have a way of getting underneath your skin, and this song’s no exception. It’s every bit as catchy as their breakthrough song” Awkward,” with a driving African drum beat and simple singalong chorus that you’ll be humming long after you hear it.

The film clip is just as much fun, with off the wall footage captured by director Matt Saville around San Cisco’s hometown.

“Shooting Rocket Ship was really fun,” explained San Cisco singer Jordi Davieson. ”It was like a day in the life of San Cisco. We hung out with friends and family and did some crazy stuff, some legal, some not so. I have no idea who that is jumping off the bridge!”

Rocket Ship comes from San Cisco’s acclaimed EP Awkward. If you’re hanging out for new music, don’t worry. San Cisco are currently recording their debut album. Until then, this fresh music video should tide you over!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Falls Release First Single

The Falls show experience beyond their years as a recording duo with their debut single “Home.”

Not that the pair are newbies. They’ve honed their craft for years on the Sydney pub circuit, and that easily transfers itself to this single and others from their debut EP Hollywood, which hits stores on August 3. They are also former lovebirds. While their romance fizzled, their natural affinity for one another has endured through their music.

“Home” has such a gorgeous organic quality to it. You can hear the truth behind the lyrics as Simon Rudston-Brown and Melinda Kirwin’s vocals come together. The song feels warm, but if you listen to the words you realise it delves deeply into life’s struggles. That can be pretty dark stuff, but the song’s bittersweet and beautiful.

Do you love it just as much as I do?

Image used with permission from Two Fish Out of Water

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Enola Fall Rock with “We Become Wolves”

Enola Fall are helping me get through my weekend with “We Become Wolves,” the lead track from their recently released album Isolationist.

The Tassie quartet have a sound much bigger than their four members. I love the track’s driving rhythm and Joe Nuttall’s distinctive vocals. Their sound is so tight and distinct, they’re clearly destined for big things. Enola Fall are already making plans for shows around the world later this year, which can only be a good sign.

What do you think of this tune?

Image credit: Scott Gelston

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hunting Grounds Tour, “Flaws” and All

With their new single “Flaws” enjoying plenty of radio love, Hunting Grounds figure the time is right to take their life show to the people. The Victorian indie rock act will play a string of gigs this August for what will be their first headline tour in more than two years.

The tour will celebrate the release of the single and Hunting Grounds’ new album In Hindsight, which hits stores on July 6. The album is already generating some major buzz. If you believe Hunting Grounds’ Facebook page (and you probably shouldn’t), even Oprah Winfrey’s a fan!

If you are too you can see Hunting Grounds at the following venues in August.

3 August 2012 – Elsewhere Bar, Gold Coast
4 August 2012 – X and Y Bar, Brisbane
5 August 2012 – The Hotel Great Northern, Byron Bay (Free)
8 August 2012 – Plantation, Coffs Harbour (Free)
9 August 2012 – Yours and Owls, Wollongong
10 August 2012 – Good God Small Club, Sydney
11 August 2012 – Transit Bar, Canberra
16 August 2012 – Prince of Wales Hotel, Bunbury (Free)
17 August 2012 – Amplifier, Perth
18 August 2012 – Rocket Bar, Adelaide
24 August 2012 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
25 August 2012 – The Toff in Town, Melbourne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sophie Koh Tours Album Number 3

Sophie Koh wowed me with her most recent single “I Understand,” so I’m thrilled to see its album and accompanying tour aren’t too far away.

Oh My Garden, Sophie’s third record, will hit stores on July 6. It saw Sophie stepping away from her guitar and exploring new musical terrain through recording sessions with Brad Wood and Ben Lee in Los Angeles. The singles “Lo-Fi” and “I Understand” have been so strong that I expect big things from this release.

Sophie will celebrate Oh My Garden’s birth by playing some of her favourite venues over the next few months.

13 July 2012 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
21 July 2012 – WheatSheaf Hotel, Adelaide
2 August 2012 – FBi Social, Sydney
12 August 2012 – Powerhouse, Brisbane
8 September 2012 – Alice Springs Festival, Alice Springs

Image used with permission from Show Off Services

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Rescue Ships Tour “City Life” Single

Sydney folk-pop duo The Rescue Ships have well and truly charmed me with their new single “City Life.”

The track speaks of the ironic isolation so many city dwellers feel. They’re surrounded by crowds, yet they’re still searching for real connection. Despite the dark subject matter the song is a so catchy and sweet that you can’t help but smile in spite of it!

“City Life” comes from The Rescue Ships forthcoming debut album, which they’re currently recording with friends in their Newtown studio. They’ll treat fans to the single and other new tunes at the following “City Life” launch shows:

5 July 2012 – Beavs Bar, Geelong (Free)
6 July 2012 – The Grace Darling, Collingwood
13 July 2012 – The Red Rattler, Marrickville
18 July 2012 – The Lass O’Gowrie, Wickham
20 July 2012 – 5 Church Street, Bellingen
26 July 2012 – The Black Bear Lodge, Fortitude Valley
3 August 2012 – The Front Bar, Lyneham
11 August 2012 – The Clarendon Guesthouse, Katoomba

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rock Out with Honey Badgers

I love getting in to bands on the ground floor. Of course it’s great to hear music that’s had the spit and polish of the music industry, but there’s nothing like the exhilaration of discovering a diamond in the rough. So when Melbourne band Honey Badgers sent me their new single “Fifteen,” I could look past its rawness and see something pretty special.

The production values are pretty low. It sounds like it was recorded in someone’s garage on a tape deck. But there’s an infectious energy that cuts through all that. The Honey Badgers just played their first show, and if they can inject a set with the same spirit I hear on the recording it’s not likely to be their last.

Look out for the Honey Badgers in your local gig guide; they might just be the next big thing.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fun Machine Make Me Smile

With a name like Fun Machine, I knew the Canberra trio behind the new single “Ready for the Fight” would serve up good vibes. But I wasn’t quite prepared for how much I’d love the song.

This cheerful ditty is the perfect remedy for the winter blues. It’s got delicious harmonies and the sort of sparse instrumentation that really allows the song to sing. I love a band that understands that often less is more. The resourceful act created beats using car hubcaps and metal handles, and laid down the piano track after sneaking their recording equipment into their local university’s concert hall! “Ready for the Fight” has pop leanings, but it’s much more unique than anything they’re playing on commercial radio.

Fun Machine will spread some sunshine along the East Coast this winter at the following shows:

29 June 2012 –Burdekin Bar, Darlinghurst (Free)
6 July 2012 –The Polish White Eagle Club, Canberra
7 July 2012 – SYDNEY: De Ja Vu, Marrickville (Free)
13 July 2012 – Lass O’Gowrie, Newcastle (Free)
14 July 2012 – Good Jelly, Wollongong
20 July 2012 – Bar Open, Melbourne (Free)