Category: Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Cat Empire’s Felix Riebl Readies First Solo Album

Felix Riebl shows us what he can do without his Cat Empire mates with the release of his first solo album Into the Rain.

The solo effort sees Felix stripping the music back and focusing on the songs and their stories, an approach which definitely resonates with me. It’s going to be interesting to see what Felix sounds like when he’s not buoyed by all that brass, but I’m pretty excited to find out.

We’ll get our first taste of the album when the single “Wide Open Rivers” hits the internet on June 3. That should tide us over until the album release on July 15.

Image used with permission from Two Fish Out of Water

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Dead Leaves Cover Talking Heads


Melbourne band The Dead Leaves have got me excited about their debut album with the release of a teaser track, a cover of the Talking Heads hit “This Must Be the Place.”

It’s a more atmospheric take on the song, with some really lush instrumentation and amazing vocals that really get to the heart of the tune. It must have been a daunting task to take on a song by such an iconic band, but The Dead Leaves have really impressed me here. It’s controversial to say it improves on the original, but it definitely holds its own.

The as-yet-untitled album was recorded with the assistance of producers Scott Horscroft (The Presets, Birds of Tokyo, The Panics) and Eric J Dubowsky (Art vs Science, Weezer). Listen out for guest vocals from the lovely Gin Wigmore and Emma Louise.

We can expect to see The Dead Leaves’ album in stores in the next few months. In the meantime, let this wash over you!

Image used with permission from Remedy Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Enjoy the “Garden of Youth” with Phia

It’s Wednesday, hump day, and if you’re anything like me you’re probably dragging your feet anticipating the weekend which right now feels too far away. Well allow me to brighten your mood a bit by introducing you to Phia.

This cheery Melbourne musician reminds me of a cross between Lisa Mitchell and Regina Spektor. She writes songs that are sweet and quirky and guaranteed to put a smile on your face, no matter how badly the week is treating you.

Phia’s preparing to unleash her EP Garden of Youth later this month, but she’s giving online fans a sneak peek. I particularly love the first single “Indecision,” but all the songs are so charming that it’s hard to choose.

If you’ve fallen for Phia like I have, and you’re lucky enough to live in her hometown, you can catch her spreading her positivity at the EP launch at Grace Darling on May 13.

Image used with permission from Show Off Services

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Organic Folk Goodness from Ben Wells and The Middle Names

We’re only a few months in, but already 2011 has been a big year for Ben Wells and The Middle Names.

This cool indie-folk-pop outfit sextet from Tasmania has played sets at major festivals including Falls, MS Fest, and One Fine Day. The won three Amplified Awards, sold out some local shows, and just released their first single “Old Sea Salt.”

The song is stunning, and its B-side “Lullaby” is every bit as strong. I love the way that the vocal harmonies interplay with acoustic guitars and strings to create a lush, organic sound.

You can download “Old Sea Salt” for free on through the Triple J Unearthed website. Have a listen and let me know what you think!

Image source: Triple J Unearthed website

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Introducing Behiye Suren

Turkish Australian singer songwriter Behiye Suren celebrates her rich cultural heritage with her debut EP Season of Plums, which hits record stores today.

There’s certainly an Eastern flavour to her sound, but it’s not so spicy that it’ll alienate Aussie audiences. There’s a folky, organic soulfulness about her music and a haunting quality about her vocals that calls to mind Aimee Mann, Lior, and Joan Baez. I’m particularly enamoured with “All I Am Seeing Is Your Face,” which you can hear on Behiye’s website, along with the other EP tracks.

With this EP Behiye hopes to introduce Australia to her music. She’s teasing us a bit, as she’s preparing to head to Istanbul and the Middle East to perform and write her debut album. But rest assures, she’ll be back in September to start preparing for a local tour. Bring it on!

Image used with permission from Positive Feedback

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lachy Doley Rejects “Pressure of the Cool” with New Single

Lachy Doley has created one of the most fun singles I’ve heard in ages with “Pressure of the Cool.”


Make sure you take notice of the lyrics as you listen to this joyful pop anthem about being yourself, no matter how socially unacceptable that may be. In a world full of gloomy emo tunes this upbeat song is a real sunny spot.

Sydneysiders who like what they hear can catch Lachy launching the track at Newtown’s Sandringham Hotel this Friday, April 29. Who needs the royal wedding right? This sounds like much more fun!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dead Letter Chorus’ Dreamy New Single, “Yellow House”


Dead Letter Chorus have charmed me with their new single “Yellow House,” the third from their forthcoming self-produced effort album Yearlings.

I love the optimism of this tune, the way the voices swell together, joining with the organic instrumentation in some kind of celebration. It’s happy music, just what we need this Easter right?

If you’re digging it as much as I am, make sure you stay tuned for some local tour dates soon. The Sydney band are preparing to travel are travelling around the country this July ahead of their Canadian tour in October.

Image used with permission from Show off Services

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Calling All Cars Launch New Single, “Reptile”

After being holed up in a studio for most of the year, Calling All Cars are ready to unleash their new material.

“Reptile” is our first taste of the as yet-untitled album, the band’s follow-up to Hold, Hold, Fire! It’ll be released on May 1, and I hear it “shakes, rattles, and rolls like a cut snake!”

You can hear that tune and more when Calling All Cars launch the single with shows in the major capitals next month. After so much time in the studio, you can bet they’re itching to get out on stage. Prepare for a blistering set when the band hits the following venues.

27 May 2011 – Spectrum, Sydney
28 May 2011 – The Step Inn, Brisbane
3 June 2011 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
10 June 2011 – Jive, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Shiny Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Owl Eyes Tours “Raiders” EP

Charming chanteuse Owl Eyes is back with a brand new single, a new EP, and a new tour to celebrate the lot.

Owl Eyes will warm up the stage for Darwin Deez before setting out on her own shows to promote Raiders, the follow-up to her critically acclaimed debut EP, Faces. It sees her again joining forces with producer and songwriter Jan Skubiszewski. They made magic the first time, so we can only hope for something as exquisite when the EP hits stores in the coming months.

You can find out for yourself when Owl Eyes plays the following shows.

29 April 2011 – The Hi-Hi, Melbourne (supporting Darwin Deez)
5 May 2011 – The Zoo, Brisbane (supporting Darwin Deez)
10 May 2011 – The Metro, Sydney (supporting Darwin Deez)
11 May 2011 – Ben Sherman’s ‘Big British Sound’ @ Corner Hotel, Melbourne
20 May 2011 – “King Tito’s Dirty Disco” @ East End Bar, Fremantle
21 May 2011 – Malt Market Bar, Dunsborough
22 May 2011 – The Bird, Perth
27 May 2011 – Purple Sneakers Presents “CAN’T SAY” @ Miss Libertines, Melbourne
1 June 2011 – Otis Bar, Wollongong
2 June 2011 – Transit Bar, Canberra
3 June 2011 – Purple Sneakers Presents “LAST NIGHT” @ The Gaelic, Sydney
10 June 2011 – Esplanade Hotel Front Bar, St Kilda
18 June 2011 – Edinburgh Castle, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Shiny Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Skipping Girl Vinegar Launch Album with Aussie Tour

Skipping Girl Vinegar will launch their new album Keep Calm Carry the Monkey with a massive winter tour.

The band’s sophomore album hits record stores on May 7, which should give us just enough time to become familiar with the new material before they hit town. They’ll play capital cities and major regional centers all around the place this June, July, and August.

No doubt Skipping Girl Vinegar will be keen to showcase their new tunes, which are a bit darker than those of their debut. However I’m sure we’ll hear plenty of old favourites too. I hear the shows will have a bit of a woodland set, complete with animals and homemade baked goods. Colour me intrigued!

Skipping Girl Vinegar are playing some small, intimate theatres this time around, so if you want to see them I’d get in and grab your tickets early!

4 June 2011 – The Arts Centre @ Fairfax Studio, Melbourne
11-12 June 2011 – Snowy Mountains of Music Festival, Jindabyne
24 June 2011 – Old Museum @ STUDIO 3, Brisbane
26 June 2011 – Hotel Great Northern, Byron Bay
30 June 2011 – Clarendon Guesthouse, Katoomba
1 July 2011 – Notes, Sydney
2 July 2011 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
3 July 2011 – Lizotte’s, Kincumber
7 July 2011 – Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Nowra
8 July 2011 – Street Theatre, Canberra
21 July 2011 – Higher Ground, Adelaide
22 July 2011 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
23 July 2011 – Norfolk Basement, Fremantle
26 August 2011 – West Gippsland Arts Centre, Warragul

Image used with permission from AUM Marketing