Category: Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

N’fa Jones Back with “Wayooy”

N’fa Jones really impressed me when he burst onto our music scene with his hip hop act 1200 Techniques way back in 1997. The band fizzled out in 2005, but now N’fa’s back with a new swag of songs.

N’fa’s new single is “Wayooy,” a fun summer groove which features Roots Manuva and M-Phazes. You can download the track for free by entering your e-mail address into the widget above. I’m guessing that’ll add your details to N’fa’s e-mail list, which is a great way to stay in the loop with his music.

“Wayooy” comes from N’fa’s brand new EP Babylondon, which is scheduled to hit stores next March. It’s wonderful to have him back!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Skypilot Rock with Historically Inspired Single


I always thought that the best rock songs came out of unrequited love, lust, or a healthy dose of angst. However for Skypilot it seems key historical events work just as well.

The Brisbane band says their new single “Harold (You Sold Your Brother Down)” is about the relationship between King Harold Godwinson and his brother Tostig during the Battle of Hastings. These events happened way back in 1066, yet somehow the band has managed to interpret them in a fresh, modern way. The rich vocals are haunting, and I love the way they build to a haunting crescendo. It’s the kind of song I can imagine hearing in a big stadium, which may indicate where these guys are headed.

“Harold (You Sold Your Brother Down)” is our first taste of Skypilot’s forthcoming EP, which will hit stores in January.

Image used with permission from Paper Street Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Saint Jude Impress with New Single

What do you get when the lads from Downhills Home, Little John, and Dynamo join forces? You get a band called Saint Jude, and some bloody good music.

The experience these musicians have behind them ensures this new act feels very seasoned. There’s something effortless about their new single “All Ways Were Lost” which is perfect for those listless summer days. I’m besotted by the jangly guitars, the seemingly casual harmonies, and the relaxed alt-country feel.

Saint Jude will launch “All Ways Were Lost” this Sunday night at Coburg’s Post Office Hotel. If the single’s any indication, anyone who can make it is in for an amazing night.

Image source: Saint Jude website copyright Amy Piesse

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mushu Back with “Traps”

Sydney band Mushu are back with their new single “Traps,” our first taste of the indie rock act’s forthcoming EP.

Since the release of their self-titled EP in 2010 the band has been honing their live show with gigs here and in North America, and I think that’s reflected in the single. It’s a bit darker than their previous material, but there’s a spontaneous energy that’s so infectious. I predict that fans of Nick Cave and Tom Waits are going to eat it up.

I’m really enjoying watching the progression of this local act. “Traps” is another stellar single which has me eagerly awaiting the release of that next EP next year.

Image used with permission from Mushu

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Regurgitator Turning Japanese for “No Show” Single

Regurgitator have taken the cheat’s way out with their fun new film clip for “No Show.”

The single name is pretty appropriate, as the band members themselves were no shows for this clip. Instead they’ve relied on snippets from an old Japanese monster movie to back the single, a track from their brand new album Superhappyfuntimeswithfriends. Personally I’m happy to let them off the hook because that record title might just be the coolest I’ve heard all year.

The song is also pretty brilliant with its big crunchy chords and radio-friendly hooks. It reminds me just how much I missed Regurgitator’s quirky brand of pop. Have you?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Tiger and Me Wow with “The Smoke”

The Tiger and Me blew me away with their last double A-side single “So Let It Go/The Little and Lost,” so I was thrilled to see what they’d serve up next. “The Smoke” is the latest helping from the band, an exquisite folky number that’s perhaps even better than their last offering.

The song comes from The Silent City, the second in a trilogy of recordings produced by Tasmanian composer Myles Mumford. The song builds so beautifully, from its stripped back twin harmonies to a lush sound featuring piano and horns. There’s a lot going on, but that intricacy never gets overwhelming.

Needless to say, I’m floored. That third EP can’t come soon enough; I need to hear more from The Tiger and Me. The Silent City hits the shelves of good record stores today.

Image used with permission from Show Off Services

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Faker Give Away “Get Loved” Album

Faker are getting into the Christmas spirit, announcing that they’ll give their new album Get Loved to fans for free.

In an open letter the band’s frontman Nathan Hudson said that “The point and excitement in writing and releasing Get Loved is in danger of being missed.” He continued that the band recorded the album a year ago expecting to unleash it straight away. However changes in management and lineup combined with a bunch of red tape to see that release date pushed back time and time again.

In the meantime their most recent tour was “less than well-attended” and the band realised music lovers were “unsure or who or what the band is.” And so Faker rejected the latest January 2012 release date and, with the help of EMI, moved things forward on their terms.

“For those of you that have been incredibly patient and have made the effort to discover and listen to our new music, we thank you and want you to know that we’re doing this for you,” he wrote. “If we hold this record back any longer, it’ll just feel like we’re taking the piss.”

And so Get Loved will be available to download for free from midday tomorrow through Faker’s website. It sees the band close this chapter as they head into the studio to get started on their next album, and the next phase of their career. Hopefully it won’t take so long for the next disc to drop!

Image source: Safetypinheart @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lester the Fierce Impresses with “Holland”

Lester The Fierce isn’t quite as scary as her name suggests, but there’s still something dramatic and dangerous about this Melbourne chanteuse. I’m so taken with her breathtaking single “Holland,” which comes from her debut EP The Summer Deluge. Get ready for some enchantingly ethereal vocals and a whole lot of feathers.

Lester The First will launch the EP tomorrow night in front of her home town fans at the Phoenix Public House. Make sure you turn up early for support slots from Clue To Kalo and Mouth Tooth.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jack on Fire Launch “Sermons from the Eastern Seaboard”

Jack on Fire recently released Sermons from the Eastern Seaboard, their dark follow-up to their 2009 debut album Stranger Cain.

These two tracks showcase the eclecticism of the release. “Less Than Ordinary” is devilish bluegrass, while “New Moon” feels more modern and haunting. Jack on Fire sounds so unique, and by all reports they’re just as gripping live.

Music lovers in their adopted hometown of Melbourne can see the band doing their thing at the EP launch. Jack on Fire will play the Phoenix Public House in Brunswick on December 2 ahead of a national tour in the New Year.

Image used with permission from Hooked Up Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Cat Empire Releases Album for Asylum Seekers

The Cat Empire may be enjoying some time apart at the moment, but the band has joined forces with Tunes for Change to release Asylum. This selection of rare and unreleased songs from The Cat Empire and its side projects is available for the next few months only from the Tunes for Change website.

All monies raised by the release will benefit the Asylum Seeker Resource Center, Australia’s largest group advocating on the behalf of asylum seekers and protecting their human rights. The band hopes to raise $50, 000 for the charity.

The Cat Empire wants to make the album accessible to as many people as possible, so it’s asking people to donate $5 or more for it. If all you can spare is $5, that’s fine. But if you have more and you’re passionate about the cause, you can be more generous.

Image source: Stuart Sevastos @ Wikimedia Commons