Melbourne four-piece Amarillo has given music lovers their first taste of its upcoming album Eyes Still Fixed with the release of the lead single “All I Can See.”
This is such a gorgeous song with impressive vocals from Jac Tonks. The instrumentation is pared back, allowing her stunning voice to shine. The track, which was written in motel rooms while the band toured Western Australia and the Northern Territory, speaks of physical and emotional distances that can often exist between people.
Eyes Still Fixed will drop on October 1. The single is bundled with two album songs: “Lemonade” and the title track “Eyes Still Fixed.” Hometown fans can hear some more songs from the upcoming release when Amarillo play Some Velvet Morning on August 13.
Critics around the world have been losing their minds over Sydney’s Harry Heart. Indie Shuffle praised his “emotive lyrics, the driving guitar riffs, and the loose percussion breakdowns,” while The Wild Honey Pie declared “his music is sure to tug at your heartstrings.” If you haven’t heard of Harry, his new single “Baby Calm Down” might help you understand why he’s generating such buzz.
It’s got a great dirty retro vibe which reminds me a little of Death Cab for Cutie and Arctic Monkeys. Harry explained the song “is really a track about frustration. About being a twenty-something year old male in a world of Mark Zuckerbergs and Justin Biebers, where everyone’s a bloody rock star; no one cares about the lovers and thinkers of the world. Emotions are discouraged and abrasiveness championed. Baby Calm Down is about taking that frustration out on those you love. It was one of those songs where I had about six verses and had to choose the best ones – I had a lot to say.”
Harry Heart will launch “Baby Calm Down” at the Rare Finds event at Sydney’s OAF Gallery on August 12.
Most songs we listen to tend to be about love and loss. So when I find a track about time travel, it instantly gets my attention. If you think the music industry needs more songs with sci fi leanings, then you’re going to adore “Time Machine,” the latest track from Aussie expat Ryan Morgan.
Ryan’s recorded the song with his sister Liya and released it through Bluprint Records, the siblings own label. It’s incredibly funky, with a sound that hearkens back to the classic tunes of Michael Jackson and early Prince.
The music video was shot in London and Sydney, their new home cities, and gives viewers an insight into how they create music together despite living so far away.
“Time Machine” is officially released on August 15.
I think Montaigne is one of the most exciting acts to emerge from Australia in recent times. I must admit, some of her singles haven’t been to my tastes. But true artists don’t just create songs that please everyone all of the time. They push the boundaries and dare to be different. When her songs have connected with me, I’ve fallen head over heels. That’s the case with Montaigne’s latest single, “Because I Love You.”
It’s as catchy as any pop song, but under its upbeat tune there’s the dark postmortem of a relationship gone wrong. And Montaigne’s voice, always on point, is shown off to full effect here.
“Because I Love You” is the latest cut from Montaigne’s debut album Glorious Heights. She’s hitting the road next month to bring its songs to fans around Australia.
13 September 2016 – The Spiegeltent @ Brisbane Festival, Brisbane (ALL AGES)
16 September 2016 – Carnival of Flowers, Toowoomba (ALL AGES)
23 September 2016 – Fat Controller, Adelaide
24 September 2016 – Jack Rabbit Slims, Perth
1 October 2016 – Beyond Festival, Canberra (ALL AGES)
2 October 2016 – Wildwood Festival, Port Macquarie (ALL AGES)
3 October 2016 – Caloundra Music Festival, Caloundra (ALL AGES)
7 October 2016 – Uni Bar, Wollongong
8 October 2016 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
9 October 2016 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle (ALL AGES)
14 October 2016 – Workers Club, Geelong
15 October 2016 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
I’m really excited to share “Early Hours of Morning,” the latest single from Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Greg Steps with you.
The recording is one of those low-fi, home studio jobs, but the quality of the song shines through. You don’t need bells and whistles to make something so pure and special sound good. I love the way it captures a moment in time, the simple act of walking around the neighbourhood in the early hours of the morning, so vividly and eloquently. I am head over heels for this track.
Greg is planning to release an EP before the year’s end, which is good news because I need to hear more of his music.
Melbourne rock act Residual has really impressed me with their latest single “All For You.”
It’s one of those songs that grabs you from the start and doesn’t let go. Sam Burtt’s vocals are so powerful and the driving music just hits you in the gut.
“All For You is about a relationship I was in,” Sam explained. “We had both recognised that the end was nigh, but loved each other too much to ever call it a day. However, that day came a day before we started tracking vocals. I remember sitting in the courtyard at the studio and giving the lyrics a pretty substantial re-write. This song is really about giving yourself to someone, despite the knowledge that it will soon end.”
The film clip is also killer, the perfect foil for the track’s angsty lyrics.
“All For You” comes from Residual’s EP Haunt, which is slated for release on August 26. The band will celebrate the release of the single and EP with a swag of shows in their home state, including a residency at The Workers Club, and a special Sydney gig.
“It’s been a while since we’ve been properly playing shows. We’ve done a lot of travelling whilst simultaneously preparing for this release, so there’s already a real sense of natural excitement for us – and if we do our job right, that will really rub off on the audience,” Sam said in a statement. “We just want to show everyone how much growing up we’ve done.”
Witness Residual’s evolution for yourself at the following shows. Tickets are available from the band’s website.
8 August 2016 – The Workers Club, Melbourne
12 August 2016 – Kubu Studio, Geelong
13 August 2016 – Tap House, Bendigo
15 August 2016 – The Workers Club, Melbourne
18 August 2016 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
20 August 2016 – The Loft, Warrnambool
22 August 2016 – The Workers Club, Melbourne
25 August 2016 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
29 August 2016 – The Workers Club, Melbourne
Harts shows he just can’t put a foot wrong with the release of his latest single “Power.” This is another killer cut from the Aussie youngster, with dirty guitar chords, velvety vocals, and a serious funk sensibility.
I’ve gushed about what this guy is doing so much that I’m starting to sound like a broken record. But he’s just that good. The rest of the world is starting to pay attention too, after critically acclaimed performances at the Pink Pop Festival in Netherlands, shows in the United Kingdom and Europe, homegrown events like Groovin’ the Moo, Falls Festival, and Splendour in the Grass.
My Echo is getting nostalgic with the release of the new single “Old and Grey,” which gets an official release today. The track speaks of old friendships that have been through hardships and come out the other side stronger than ever.
To celebrate the release, My Echo will head out on a quick tour of select capital cities. Fans can look forward to hearing “Old and Grey” and other songs from the Melbourne band’s forthcoming debut album Brothers at the following shows.
30 July 2016 – The Crown and Anchor, Adelaide
5 August 2016 – The Workers Club, Melbourne
13 August 2016 – Botany View Hotel, Sydney
I’ve fallen hard for “Twenty Two,” the latest single by Sydney’s Lazy Colts.
This is one of those very introverted, special songs. The vocals aren’t big, the melody won’t get stuck in your head, but it’s a track with something to say. Take the time to really listen and I’m sure you’ll be captivated too. The gritty, honest video is just so striking too.
“Twenty Two” comes from Lazy Colts’ debut album Trojan, which will drop on August 5. The following day Lazy Colts will embark on a tour to promote its release.
6 August 2016 – Wesley Anne, Northcote (18+)
7 August 2016 – Labour in Vain, Fitzroy (18+)
13 August 2016 – Sancho’s Dirty Laundry, Canberra (18+)
20 August 2016 – The Bearded Lady, Brisbane (18+)
27 August 2016 – Franks Wild Years, Thirroul (ALL AGES)
28 August 2016 – The Oxford Circus, Sydney (18+)
4 September 2016 – Hotel Blue, Katoomba (ALL AGES)
Melbourne-based songbird Ali E’s new single “Two By One” is one of the most intriguing songs I’ve heard in some time. It feels like it could come from the soundtrack of a western film. There’s a bluesy quality to it and a real sense of theatre. I love the way Ali’s gorgeous voice interplays with the string section. It’s so different, the kind of song that could never simply become background music.
Ali E is currently touring the country with the Up Your Guts tour, along acts including Scotdrakula, Scott and Charlene’s Wedding, Ben Wright Smith. Here are the remaining dates for that regional tour.
28 July 2016 – The Loft, Warrnambool
29 July 2016 – Shadows Nightclub, Mt Gambier
30 July 2016 – The Exeter, Adelaide
31 July 2016 – Spencer Hotel, Whyalla
03 August 2016 – The Desert Cave, Coober Pedy
04 August 2016 – Monte’s Lounge, Alice Springs
05 August 2016 – Jackson’s Bar, Tennant Creek
06 August 2016 – The Heritage Hotel, Grove Hill
07 August 2016 – Railway Club, Darwin
