The Montreals only have one EP under their belt, but already this Adelaide band is being touted as one of the next big things in Australian music. It’s a big call, but the more I listen to their new single “deadheads” the more I tend to agree with that assessment.
There’s just something so damn likeable about this band and their ode to Aussie youth culture. The song’s raw enthusiasm and energy reminds me a little of Arctic Monkeys and The Wombats. It’s really good stuff. You’ll find it in your favourite digital stores now.
Category: Single Releases
Stand Atlantic Does It Again With “Mess I Made”
Sydney’s Stand Atlantic have released another charming pop-punk song, “Mess I Made.” It’s a superb follow-up to “Coffee at Midnight,” proving this band is no one-trick pony. I just love this band’s energy.
“Mess I Made” comes from Stand Atlantic’s new EP Sidewinder, which drops on September 15 via Rude Records.
The Lockhearts Touring Rocking New Single Ahead of Album Release
The Lockhearts won’t release a new album until next year, but you can get your fix of the band’s particular brand of straight-up rock and roll with the release of the new single “Ride Home.”
Bands just don’t make rock music this good any more. I love the ‘70s influence, with its big chunky guitars and singalong chorus.
The Lockhearts are currently on tour test-driving new material from their forthcoming album Americana Doom Fuzz. Catch them at the following shows.
12 August 2017 – Crowbar, Brisbane
13 August 2017 – Broadbeach Tavern, Gold Coast (FREE)
18 August 2017 – Worldsend Hotel, Adelaide
19 August 2017 – The Workers Club, Geelong
24 August 2017 – The Vineyard, St Kilda, Melbourne
26 August 2017 – Cherry Bar, Melbourne
1 September 2017 – The Lass O’Gowrie Hotel, Newcastle
8 September 2017 – The Backroom, Brisbane
Whispering Jackie Rock Out With “Breaking Up This Time”
Sydney punk-rock outfit Whispering Jackie speaks for a generation of confused, lovelorn listeners with the new single “Breaking Up This Time.”
The track is essentially a love song, but it avoids the clichés. I love its gritty garage rock attitude.
“Breaking Up This Time” is the lead single from Whispering Jackie’s sophomore EP For The Moment, due out late this year.
Whispering Jackie is launching “Breaking Up This Time” with a handful of shows in New South Wales. The trio will play Rad Bar in Wollongong tonight and Fuzz Face at Sydney’s Hideaway Bar on August 10.
King Social Touring “In Colour”
King Social are likely loading up the van as I type, preparing to play shows around the country on the In Colour tour. The early shows will give fans a sneak peek at the album which will drop on September 3.
The album should be something special if current single “Lemonade” is any indication. I love the blending of genres here. The rap is honest and raw and the soul silky smooth. Stevie Mitchell, who wrote and raps on the song, says it’s one of the most specific and personal tracks the band has released.
“I started writing Lemonade just as I was about to begin my current job. I’d bounced around for a while and done every job under the sun and I’d come to a point where I just wanted to put my head down and finish something,” he explained. “It wasn’t meant to be so father-oriented; I was just being honest with myself, that I wasn’t a little kid anymore and it was time to grow up. My dad is a great role model.
“He hasn’t heard the song, but I told him the lyrics once. He gets too carried away though – I fed him the first three lines: “Call me that bastard, these bars are the weapons I harbour, I’m hoping to tread the same footprints and steps as my father…” He stopped me there to berate me for ever thinking I was a bastard – he listened too much, that he didn’t listen.”
Kevin was reluctant to release such a personal song, fearing people who hadn’t lived his life may struggle to relate, but he reconsidered after hearing the track come to life.
“The boys – and the production team at The Grove Studios – have just made it sound so fucking good,” he gushed. “I think maybe they’re more in love with the sound than the message, but I guess that’s what music is all about – presenting meaningful lyrics in an exciting way.”
King Social will play the following headlining gigs and festivals in the coming months.
4 August 2017 – Whitsunday Reef Festival, Cannonvale (FREE)
5 August 2017 – Gigs & Digs Festival, Yamala
25 August 2017 – Hudson Ballroom, Sydney
27 August 2017 – Hoey Moey, Coffs Harbour (FREE)
1 September 2017 – SS & A Club, Albury (FREE)
2 September 2017 – The Retreat Hotel, Brunswick (FREE)
9 September 2017 – New Globe Theatre, Fortitude Valley
10 September 2017 – The Bearded Dragon Hotel, Tamborine (FREE)
23 September 2017 – Longreach Cup, Longreach
29 September 2017 – Caloundra Music Festival, Kings Beach
1 October 2017 – The Salt House, Cairns (FREE)
21 October 2017 – Darwin Railway Club, Parap
25 November 2017 – Brews & Barbie Bash, Toowoomba
8 December 2017 – King’s Christmas, Townsville
Dan Vogl Charms Me With “If I Die”
While I pride myself on fairly eclectic music taste, folk singers with acoustic guitar skills usually have an easy time winning me over. It didn’t take very long before I was swooning over Dan Vogl’s debut single “If I Die.” I enjoy the single version, but I think there’s something a little more special about this stripped back performance for the Speaker Sessions. The vocals come out just a little more, and that helps you hear those insightful lyrics. The delicate guitars are also stunning.
“’If I Die’ is about an internal struggle around the ideology and concepts of religion and how people are raised to believe in stories or traditions dependent on their surroundings,” Dan explained. “It cries out for a greater knowledge of the world and to see outside the box that certain beliefs can trap you in.”
Unfortunately I’m so behind in my emails that I didn’t hear this song before he launched it. Don’t worry though, because he’s playing the same venue, The Gasometer Hotel Upstairs in Collingwood, on August 16.
The Precautions Release Poppy New Single “Mine”
Sydney band The Precautions have put a smile on my face today with the feel good new single “Mine.”
The song has a strong pop spirit, with a hint of Eastern exoticism which helps set it apart. The track has The Precautions’ frontwoman Mary Paras’ stamp all over it. She wrote the track in Sydney and Los Angeles and had a hand in recording and producing it. She’s also singing lead and backing vocals, giving this song a lush, feminine feel.
“Mine” comes from The Precautions’ recently released debut album Free World.
Ruel Shows Rare Talent Beyond His Years With “Don’t Tell Me”
I’m never quite sure whether to love or hate young performers. On one hand, I can’t help but be impressed with their talent realised at such a tender age. On the other, as I see what they’re doing I can’t help but think of what I was doing in my life at their age and how they’re clearly better than me. So I have mixed emotions about Ruel, because he’s kicking some serious goals at 14. Yes, 14.
As if that wasn’t impressive enough, he wrote his new single “Don’t Tell Me” at just 12. It’s not one of those songs that needs qualification. I’m not going to tell you it’s good for a 12-year-old, or that Ruel’s performance on it is good for a 14-year-old. It’s just good. I’m so impressed at this young man’s voice and passion. Ordinarily when kids sing about deep emotions there’s a disconnect. They don’t have the experiences to truly evoke what they’re singing about. I’m not sure what Ruel has lived through, but he’s convinced me.
Ruel is supporting Angus and Julia Stone in September. Make sure you arrive in time for his set if you’re going, because you’re going to want to say you saw this kid before he hit the big time.
Amy Shark Hits Another Home Run With “Drive You Mad”
Amy Shark continues to prove she can’t put a foot wrong with the release of her new single “Drive You Mad.” This is yet another stellar cut from Amy’s debut EP Night Thinker.
The searingly honest lyrics, penned by Amy, really cut through. Dann Hume’s production helps realise Amy’s vision, taking this song to the next sonic level.
Amy has just completed her first North American tour and played Splendour in the Grass. Next stop, her own tour. If you can find some tickets, which are getting rare as hen’s teeth, you can catch her in major cities on the following dates before she supports Sia later this year.
17, 18. 19, 20 & 21 August 2017 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
24 August 2017 – Miami Marketta, Gold Coast
25, 26 & 28 August 2017 – Woolly Mammoth, Brisbane
31 August, 1 & 3 September 2017 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
8 September 2017 – The Gov, Adelaide
9 September 2017 – The Capitol, Perth
Angus Dawson Strips Back for “Atticus Finch” Video
Perth electronic artist Angus Dawson has released a fantastic new video for his cool new single “Atticus Finch.”
When many of us think of electronic music, we think of studio wizardry, songs created by computers rather than real instruments. But Angus challenges our perceptions here, performing live in an abandoned quarry in Darlington. The dramatically rugged backdrop reinforces that this performance is as real as it gets. It’s a beautiful track with a dreamy sax line.
“Atticus Finch” comes from Angus’ Ellesmere Street EP. He’s currently in the middle of a tour to promote the EP. You can still catch him at the Worker’s Club in Melbourne on July 31 and Jack Rabbit Slim’s in Perth on August 5.