Category: Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Love Brings Harmony

Harmony is a band born out of love, quite literally. When The Nation Blue’s Tom Lyngcoln married Alex Kastaniotis in 2009, they knew they had to make beautiful music together. They wrote and recorded a song each Saturday until they had enough to fill an album and a 7”.

That 7-incher, Cacophonous Vibes, hit stores earlier this year and now it’s time to hear the album. With the help of bassist John Chapple and some good friends taking care of the backing vocals those songs began to find their final form. The tunes are somber and downbeat, but incredibly touching and honest.

Harmony will kick off a national tour next week to support their self titled album, which hits stores on July 1.

17 June 2011 – Spotted Cow, Toowoomba
18 June 2011 – The Zoo, Brisbane
25 June 2011 – The Tote, Melbourne
1 July 2011 – The Metro, Adelaide
6 July 2011 – The Brisbane Hotel, Hobart

Image used with permission from Other Tongues

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Buchanan Wow with “No Photo” EP

With their hooky melodies and easy blend of pop and rock, Melbourne duo Buchanan are already being compared to current musical game changers like Phoenix and Mumford & Sons. Their debut single “Teachers” earned a rare five stars from Triple J’s Richard Kingsmill and won the band a slot at the Laneways Festival.

The killer tune is one of six cuts on the band’s debut EP No Photo. Lead vocalist and keyboardist Josh Simons brings retro melodies to guitarist Jon Bara’s progressive rock sensibilities. It’s an unusual blend of influences, but somehow it works.

Buchanan will play a headline show tomorrow night before their upcoming supports with Papa Vs Pretty and Jinja Safari. Make sure you get there early Melbournians to catch this bright young band!

12 June 2011 – The Evelyn, Fitzroy
25 June 2011 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne (supporting Papa Vs Pretty)
23 July 2011 – The Corner, Richmond (supporting Jinja Safari)

Image used with permission from Remedy Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Living End Release New Single & Album, The Ending is Just the Beginning Repeating

They’ve kept us waiting for a while now, but The Living End are back with a new single and album. “The Ending is Just the Beginning Repeating” is the title track from what’s sure to be another smash album from these Aussie rockers.

The single might just throw fans for a loop though. Rather than the raucous rock they’re famous for, the song sees the band reflecting on the cycle of life and the need to manage grief. Its dark subject matter to be sure, but that change of pace might be just what the doctor ordered. It’s already enjoying high rotation on radio, which no doubt bodes well for the album release.

The album is a result of Chris Cheney’s writing trip to New York City, although the songs were laid down in South Melbourne. Acclaimed American producer Nick DiDia then massaged the tunes to create an album which is already being described as “astonishing.”

You can be the judge when The Ending is Just the Beginning Repeating hits record stores on July 22.

Image used with permission from Crucial Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ben Salter Finally Releases “The Cat”

You might not know his name, but chances are you’re already familiar with Ben Salter’s work. The Brisbane singer-songwriter was a founding member of numerous Queensland bands including The Gin Club, Giants of Science, and The Wilson Pickers. But he’s also been quietly plugging away as a solo artist for the last ten years, playing shows throughout Australia and Europe.

After a decade as a solo artist, Ben has decided to keep some tracks for himself and lay them down. His debut album The Cat will finally hit stores on August 5. While most artists make music for their fans, no doubt Ben felt extra pressure in this regard. He actually reached out to his devotees through Indiegogo.com, and they donated $7000 to help him make the disc.

Fans of Ben’s previous band work may be surprised by this solo recording. It’s a bit different, with elements of folk, rock, and left of center pop, but that eclectic blend also helps set it apart. Hopefully they feel their money was well spent!

We’ll get a sneak peek at The Cat when Ben digitally releases “The Coward” on June 3. The song was actually penned more than 10 years ago, but its themes are just as relevant today as they were a decade ago. It explores mental health, share housing, love, and self belief with its beautifully melancholy lyrics. Look for it on Ben’s website on June 3.

And look for Ben this August, when he travels around the country with The Cat Empire lead singer Felix Riebl. Trust me; he’s a big reason to turn up early to these shows!

5 August 2011 – Oxford Arts Factory, Darlinghurst
6 August 2011 – The Toff in Town, Melbourne
7 August 2011 – The Toff in Town, Melbourne
24 August 2011 – Byron Bay Theatre, Byron Bay
25 August 2011 – The Old Museum, Bowen Hills
26 August 2011 – The Promethean, Adelaide
27 August 2011 – Fly by Night, Fremantle

Image used with permission from Two Fish Out of Water

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lia Tsamoglou is Melodie Nelson

After being a part of acclaimed Sydney acts Moonmilk and Rand and Holland, Lia Tsamoglou is stepping into the spotlight with her debut album, Meditations on the Sun. Her name is a bit of a mouthful, so look for her music under the more user-friendly moniker Melodie Nelson.

Whatever you call her, you’re likely to be impressed by this recording. Lia’s previous projects have brought a sense of maturity to this new solo endeavour. It’s also helped her seek out collaborations with Jason Molina, Jack Ladder, and the lads from Dappled Cities. The production team is also top notch, with Tony Dupe (Holly Throsby, Jack Ladder), Chris Townsend (Silverchair, Portishead, Violent Femmes), and Denis Blackham (Brian Eno, Elvis Costello), all having a hand in the disc.

The result is a recording that’s dreamy and psychedelic, honest and organic, and hopeful and melancholy all at the same time. In short, it’s something special. Look for it in stores when it’s released on June 3.

Image used with permission from Other Tongues

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Watussi Launch New Single “Cuando Sera” with Charity Event

After they wooed us with the cheeky 1000% Handsome EP, Watussi are back with a brand new single “Cuando Sera.” The track is our first taste of the new Watussi album El Ovido, which will hit stores this September.

The song should help us shake off the winter chills with its blend of hot cumbia reggae and brass. The music is killer, but make sure you listen to the lyrics to hear the story of Clara Rojas, a Colombian political figure kidnapped by FARC guerillas. “Cuando Sera” translates to “When Will It Stop,” and it’s delivered with real sensitivity and respect to the issue.

So it’s fitting that $5 from the sale of every ticket sold to their single launch at The Basement will go to Project Seres. This charity initiative helps communities in El Salvador and Guatemala become greener and more sustainable. So head on down to The Basement in Sydney on June 17 for a night of great music for a great cause!

Image used with permission from Positive Feedback

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mushu Back with “Bandit”

Mushu wowed me last year with their self-titled EP, so I’m thrilled to hear they’re back in the spotlight with a brand new single “Bandit.” Just like a thief in the night, this alt-country love song will steal your heart with its rich harmonies and buzzing synths.

The song, which drops digitally on June 10, shows us how much the band has developed their folky, poppy, alt-country sound since that EP. No doubt that maturity has come about through the band’s relentless touring schedule, which saw them take in America and Canada in between recording sessions.

We’ll get the chance to see Mushu on home stages when they launch “Bandit” next month with an east coast tour. Here are the dates!

11 June 2011 – Phoenix Bar, Canberra
23 June 2011 – The Lansdowne, Sydney
2 July 2011 – Beetle Bar, Brisbane
9 July 2011 – Bondi Music Festival, Sydney
22 July 2011 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney

Image used with permission from Positive Feedback

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Cat Empire Bandmates Become The Genie

While Felix Riebl is out doing his solo thing, the other members of The Cat Empire aren’t just sitting idly. Ollie McGill, Ryan Monro, and Will Hull-Brown have created their own side project, The Genie.

This is more than just a few band mates gigging to pass the time until their fearless leader returns. The Genie have recorded a debut album Here Come the Scissors, which has actually been in the works in 2006. I guess it’s hard to find the time when The Cat Empire has been doing so well! The disc has had time to marinate and mature and will finally be unleashed with some launch shows in the major capitals.

Melbournites can see The Genie, along with their The Cat Empire bandmate DJ Jumps, at The Northcote Social Club on June 30. After that it’s off to Sydney’s The Basement to play with some undisclosed special guests on August 31.

Here Come the Scissors is available now through The Genie’s website, iTunes, and Amazon.

Image used with permission from Pod Artist Services

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Barrel House Bring Back Old School Blues

Port Macquarie trio Barrel House have brought their down and dirty blues to the masses with the recent release of their long-awaited debut album Species Vagabond.

The three-piece has honed their live show with performances across this wide brown land over the last couple of years, including slots at Festival of the Sun, East Coast Blues and Roots, and supports for Ani Difranco, Blue King Brown, Mama Kin, and Ash Grunwald.

Listen to one of the album tracks, “Stop Me” here, and if you dig it check out Barrel House at the following shows. All shows are free to attend, so there are really no excuses! More dates are to be announced, so if you don’t see one near you keep your ear to the ground. They still may be headed your way!

16 June 2011 – Fotheringham Hotel, Taree
17 June 2011 – Grand Junction Hotel, Maitland
18 June 2011 – CBD, Newcastle
23 June 2011 – Woody’s, Byron Bay
30 July 2011 – The Lennox Point Hotel, Lennox Point

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Natalie Gauci Tours New Single

I’d all but assumed we’d heard the last of 2007 Australian Idol winner Natalie Gauci, but it seems she’s still kicking around. She released her EP I’m Ready last year, and in case you missed it she’s preparing to release a new single from it, “Best of Me.”

Whether it really delivers the best of Natalie, I’m not sure. But it’s got some powerful vocals and strong lyrics, so we’re certainly more than halfway there. It should generate a bit of buzz as it’ll feature in the new Aussie rom-com Big Mamma’s Boy. Natalie also makes a cameo in the flick, so keep your eyes peeled!

Natalie will hit the road next month to promote the single at the following shows.

23 June 2011 – Brisbane Jazz Club, Brisbane
24 June 2011 – El Rocco, Kings Cross
25 June 2011 – Coogee Diggers, Coogee
26 June 2011 – The Brass Monkey, Cronulla
30 June 2011 – The Promethean, Adelaide
3 July 2011 – Bennett’s Lane, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute