There’s a touch of the Bruce Springsteen’s about “Me Versus You,” Melbourne act Broken River’s latest single. And that’s not a bad thing at all.
Singer-songwriter Ben Stoltz’s voice has a similar huskiness to it, and the driving percussion and piano that back him all remind me of classic Springsteen. However, if you’re going to be compared to anyone, I think the Boss isn’t a bad option.
“‘Me Versus You’ was a late addition in terms of studio recordings but nevertheless stood out,” Ben explained in the press release. “The song is a dark anthem with layers of woven guitars and pounding drums. It’s the sound of crushing heartbreak and melancholy.”
Broken River launches “Me Versus You” at The Tote in Melbourne tonight, August 17.
Patrick James has experimented with a much bigger sound on his new single “Lay It Down,” and I love it.
I’m used to more stripped-back songs from Patrick, but I think this new direction is working for him! The synths and heavy percussion give the track a retro ‘80s feel. But at the heart of the song, there’s still the same great lyrics and melodies we can always count on from this exciting Sydney singer-songwriter.
“Throughout the entire writing and recording of the song I didn’t pick up the acoustic guitar once, which was strange at first but ultimately gave a new feel and vibe to the music. It’s bigger and bolder,” Patrick said in a press release.
Patrick will play two special shows next month to celebrate the release of “Lay it Down.” Catch him at Leadbelly in Sydney on September 15 or the Wesley Anne in Melbourne on September 23.
Fremantle’s own Josh Johnstone has put a big smile on my face with his new single “Just What It Is,” the latest release from his debut album Call in Whispers.
It’s got a great spontaneous energy about it, perhaps because he allegedly wrote it in just five minutes! Who said good things take time?
“It seems that I had just returned home from the local pub after more than my fair share of ales, picked up a guitar and just like that, she was alive!” he explained. “Funny thing was that the following morning I had completely forgotten about it. It wasn’t until a couple of days later I was going though the recordings in my phone and I found it, then it all came back to me. It also explained why I had been wandering around for two days with this random melody in my head. They say the songs you write in five minutes are the best ones, I think this tune is fair proof of that.”
Josh has spent the last couple of months touring Europe, but he’ll be back to launch the album with local shows next month. Whether you’re here or abroad, you can catch him at the following venues.
15 August 2017 – Magick Gathering Festival, Švenčionys
16 August 2017 – Bix Baras, Vilnius
17 August 2017 – Rock River, Vilnius
18 August 2017 – Love Palanga, Palanga
19 August 2017 – Fontaine Palace, Liepaja
20 August 2017 – Kuldīgas Rātsnams un Rātslaukums, Kuldīga
22 August 2017 – Egle, Riga
25 August 2017 – Mad Murphys, Tallinn
29 August 2017 – Chicago 1933 Bar, Tallinn
30 August 2017 – Wall St Bar, Helsinki
2 September 2017 – Beat Café, San Salvo
23 September 2017 – Kalgoorlie Cup @ Exchange Hotel, Kalgoorlie
13 October 2017 – The Fly Trap, Fremantle
20 October 2017 – Venue TBC, Benalla
22 October 2017 – Bar 303, Melbourne
16 November 2017 – The Prince of Wales Hotel, Bunbury
It’s a gloomy day here in New South Wales. But the music of Tempus Sun has brightened my morning. I’ve been streaming the band’s debut EP and just loving their fantastic piano pop sound. It realises all the promise I heard in the single “Owls” a couple of months ago.
While I still love that track, I think the new single “Gold” is just that little bit better. It’s got a fantastic anthemic quality; this one will lift you up and stir your emotions.
The band’s keyboardist Grant Hardisty seems pretty chuffed with it too, commenting “The track is about exactly what the title suggests, moments of euphoria and bliss that just want to be relived again and again. It’s remembering those unparalleled happy moments with that golden tinge of nostalgia that can make you forget all your worries and stresses in a hazy daydream. It’s those summer nights that last with a sense of timelessness, a reflection upon a memory that you’d give anything to revisit, those times with friends that extend from a couple of hours to an entire day. It’s also about love with a slightly bitter twist, but it’s equally about light, warmth and all things Gold.”
To celebrate the EP’s release, Tempus Sun will make a quick trip around the East Coast later this month. Catch them at the following venues.
25 August 2017 – The Milk Factory, Brisbane
26 August 2017 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
1 September 2017 – The Evelyn Hotel, Melbourne
Louis Baker might not be a household name here, but he’s soul royalty across the ditch. Australia will get the chance to discover why when this Kiwi sensation plays some Aussie shows next month to support the release of his smooth new single “Addict.”
This track goes down so easily. Louis’ voice is incredible, and he builds the song beautifully. Doesn’t it give you chills?
Louis Baker will play intimate shows with a full band when he touches down in Oz. Catch him at Melbourne’s Grace Darling Hotel on September 20 or Sydney’s Oxford Art Factory (Gallery Bar) on September 21.
If you love your alt-country with a soulful flavour, you’re going to adore Patrick Wilson’s new single “Nobody.” This ridiculously catchy song is the first single lifted from Patrick’s forthcoming EP, Anywhere With a Rooftop.
It strikes the right balance between being brand new and so timeless and familiar. You could slip this song on when you’re getting together with your parents and there’d be no complaints, yet it doesn’t feel at all dated.
“It’s a familiar sound driven by horns and heavenly harmonies, my new single ‘Nobody’ celebrates the jubilation love can bring someone.” Patrick explained in the press release.
Patrick will launch “Nobody” for hometown fans at The Post Office Hotel in Coburg on August 27. Doors open at 4 pm, so don’t be late!
Melbourne muso Alexander Biggs hasn’t even released his first EP yet, and already he’s generating major buzz here and abroad. His first singles “Tidal Wave” and “Out In the Dark” received airplay on BBC Radio 1 and KCRW, helping the tracks generate more than 1.5 million streams on Spotify and enter the viral charts in the United States and United Kingdom. His winning streak is set to continue with the release of his newie, “Figure It Out.”
This song has such a great mellow vibe to it. It’s the ideal soundtrack for car trips through country areas and backyard BBQs.
“I was facing a lot of conflict in my life,” Alexander said of the songwriting process. “But the song came out of a place of hopefulness, which is a bit different for me – I’m normally a lot more cynical. It came from a place of understanding that everything will pass. Negative things will come, but they’ll be gone soon – and you’ll ‘figure it out’, so to speak.”
“Figure It Out” is the latest cut from Alexander’s EP, Still You Sharpen Your Teeth, due out on September 15. He’ll promote the EP’s release with the following local shows.
5-8 September 2017 – BIGSOUND, Brisbane
7 October 2017 – The Toff, Melbourne
21 October 2017 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia
If you’re like most Aussies, you’re probably getting psyched about the weekend. I’m working both days, so I feel none of your joy. According to Alex Lahey, I shouldn’t let that get to me though. Whether you’re out having fun or still stuck at your desk, Alex Lahey’s fun new single “Every Day’s The Weekend” is brilliant escapism.
The track comes from Alex’s debut full length album I Love You Like a Brother. She’s celebrating its release with the following shows all around the country. Her gigs in May sold out, and I don’t expect this run to be any different. Get your tickets now before they’re gone!
4 October 2017 – 48 Watt St, Newcastle
6 October 2017 – OAF, Sydney
7 October 2017 – The Zoo, Brisbane
11 October 2017 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
12 October 2017 – Workers Club, Geelong
13 October 2017 – Fat Controller, Adelaide
14 October 2017 – Republic Bar, Hobart
18 October 2017 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
19 October 2017 – Rosemount, Perth
20 October 2017 – Mojos, Fremantle
Damon Koolstra and Cameron Davies are both accomplished musicians in their own right, but when they come together as CHVNGES, magic happens. The Brisbane duo’s new single “Mischief Managed” is a masterclass in restraint. It simmers along with a great groove that had me dancing in my office chair.
“We just like writing in whatever style we are vibing out on and hopefully my voice and our songwriting makes it somewhat cohesive,” says Damon. “I’ve always liked how a pop artist can record a pure pop song but then release something stripped back or from left field.”
The duo formed CHVNGES with a goal to see just what two men can create without barriers.
“We know what we are capable of, the question is will other people be into it?” adds Cam. “The answer to that question doesn’t matter to us either way; having people support something you are passionate about is always a good feeling.”
You might know Henry Clarke as the frontman of raucous indie surf-rock outfit Stillwater Giants. If you do, you might be surprised to hear the music he’s making under his new moniker Duncan Saige. Much as Kevin Mitchell bounces between making high-energy rock music with Jebediah and gentle acoustic stuff as Bob Evans, Henry makes genre-hopping look easy.
As Duncan Saige, he’s just released his cruisy debut EP I’m Saved and the single of the same name. It’s a thoroughly pleasing piece of indie-pop which should put a smile on your face. Duncan Saige will launch I’m Saved with Western Australian shows next month in preparation for a national tour later this year.
1 September 2017 – The Odd Fellow Bar, Fremantle
7 September 2017 – Defectors Bar, Mt. Lawley
8 September 2017 – The Monkey Bar, Mandurah
9 September 2017 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
14 September 2017 – The Prince of Wales, Bunbury
