Most of us think of roses as delicate flowers, feminine and gentle. But they also have thorns, something Brisbane band The Comfort remind us of with their new single called “Roses.”
This song starts off sweetly enough but it’s not too long before we’re aurally assaulted by the passion chorus. The band, which was born out of a love of punk and hardcore music, has a really big sound for a trio. I’m told they were originally a five-piece, but in slimming down they’ve found a slightly cleaner rock sound with those big soaring vocals and epic hooks. I haven’t heard their early stuff, but I love what they’re doing now. What about you?
Category: Single Releases
Malo Zima Release Awesome Second Single “Slow Down”
Brisbane band Malo Zima have totally impressed me with their latest single “Slow Down,” the second song lifted from their new debut EP Cornerstone.
They’ve got such a great alt-rock sound which reminds me a little of The Jezabels. There’s a similar drama and melancholy to their music, and of course it’s anchored by such strong vocals, this time from Amela Duheric.
No wonder they packed out Black Bear Lodge when they launched the EP. I predict we’ll be hearing a lot more from this band.

Image used with permission from Habit Music Company
The Ten Tenors Get Festive for Children’s Hospital Foundation
‘Tis the season to create really corny music videos, according to The Ten Tenors. The clip for their latest single “All I Want for Christmas is You” is to Woolworths what those terrible Down, Down ads are to Coles. With one important exception: it’s all for a good cause.
Yes this clip is a total car crash. But the Ten Tenors are some of the country’s best singers. This track is just one of the holiday songs featured on their new album Our Christmas Wish. All net profits from the album will benefit the Children’s Hospital Foundation. You can get a copy from Woolworths stores in Queensland and Northern New South Wales and via iTunes worldwide.
After they’re done spreading Christmas cheer, The Ten Tenors will embark the Power of TEN tour, which will hit theatres all around the country next year.
12 & 13 February 2016 – Regal Theatre, Perth
13 April 2016 – Mackay Entertainment Centre, Mackay
14 April 2016 – Pilbeam Theatre, Rockhampton
15 April 2016 – Moncrieff Entertainment Centre, Bundaberg
16 April 2016 – Brolga Theatre, Maryborough
17 April 2016 – The Events Centre, Caloundra
20 April 2016 – Festival Theatre, Adelaide
21 April 2016 – Hamer Hall, Victorian Arts Centre, Melbourne
22 April 2016 – Theatre Centre, Canberra
24 April 2016 – The Star Events Centre, Sydney
30 April 2016 – QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane
4 May 2016 – Townsville Civic Centre, Townsville
5 May 2016 – Empire Theatre, Toowoomba
Prickle Impresses with Debut Single
I’ve never believed in that whole “good for your age” thing that you hear so often on singing reality shows. I figure you’re either good or you not. You might show the potential to be good, but potential’s not going to keep me listening. However, I am impressed when an artist is making quality music at the age when I was still trying to figure out what I wanted to do. And that’s the case with Prickle, a 17-year-old indie pop act from Melbourne.
Apparently she’s already spent a few years discovering her voice and she’s unleashing it with her debut single “Tell Me Why.” This is gutsy stuff with raw, empassioned vocals and an energetic garage sound. Prickle’s set to release a lot more music in 2016. If it’s as good as this, it’s something to look forward to.
Castlecomer Help us Get Away From Everday with “Escapism”
According to the dictionary, escapism is “the tendency to seek distraction and relief from unpleasant realities, especially by seeking entertainment or engaging in fantasy.” What the dictionary neglects to mention is that it’s the also the name of the latest single from Castlecomer, which is being bundled with their previous release “Fire Alarm” for a double A-side available from December 19.
Apparently the track was written while lead singer Bede was working in a boarding house for men with schizophrenia. In it, he reflects on the way we all look for ways to escape the everyday we’re living in. The track has such a great energy; of this doesn’t get you going on your Tuesday morning nothing will.
The Monikers Release Catchy New Single
If you’re a fan of Brit alternative-pop acts like Supergrass and The Kooks, you’re going to love “Friends Like These,” the latest single from Adelaide band The Monikers.
It’s got such a great energy about it, with chunky guitars and more hooks than a tackle box. I love the dark undercurrent that bites through the melody.
“It’s probably the happiest and saddest song I’ve ever written. Definitely the most personal” confirmed Andy Mackenzie in a press release.
When The Monikers play, the dance floor quickly packs out with punters dancing along to the tunes. If you want to be one of them, you can catch them at the following single launch shows.
12 December 2015 – The Ed Castle, Adelaide
8 January 2016 – Mr Boogie Man Bar, Melbourne
Groove Along to Them Sharks’ Single
Summer is well and truly here, the season where we all take it a little easier as we enjoy the sunshine, beach, and ice cold beers. In the spirit of the season, take a listen to “Tsoukalos,” the fun lead single from Them Sharks’ new album Return to the Lower Fourth Dimension.
The Perth trio have fused reggae, roots, and rock perfectly here in this summery sounding track. It’s got a gentle groove with just a little bit of punk-rock bite to set it apart.
Them Sharks will release Return to the Lower Fourth Dimension on December 18.
Get On Your Feet for Harts
You know you’re doing something right when the likes of Prince sing your praises. But that’s just the position that Melbourne funk-rock act Harts finds himself in thanks to killer cuts like his latest single “All Rise (Play it Cool).” If this song doesn’t get your toes tapping then nothing will.
“I really wanted to write an up-tempo classic rock and roll tune,” explained Harts. “With whatever we may be going on in life, just a little reminder for us to turn off our minds for a moment and have a good time while we’re here.”
And doesn’t it deliver. “All Rise (Play it Cool)” is our first taste of Harts’ sophomore album, which is scheduled for a March 2016 release.
Harts will launch the single with intimate shows in the East Coast capitals. Mark them in your calendars music lovers because you won’t want to miss them.
14 January 2016 – Howler, Melbourne
15 January 2016 – The Foundry, Brisbane
16 January 2016 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
Image used with permission from A&R Records
Tinpan Orange Give First Taste of Forthcoming Album
I’m a firm believer in the idea that the week must be approached delicately. Even though I find myself working a lot of weekends, there’s something about a Monday morning that still rattles me. Perhaps it’s that alarms go off, so I’m shaken out of my slumber instead of coming to the land of the living naturally. Perhaps it’s that my husband goes off to work and we get into that weekend routine. Either way, Mondays are different, and they need a gentle song to help you ease into it.
I’ve got you covered with “You’re Not There,” the latest single from Tinpan Orange. This delicately melancholic alt-country folk song is our first taste of Tinpan Orange’s fifth studio album, which is scheduled for release in early 2016.
Tinpan Orange will launch the single for hometown fans next month. They’re also currently playing the festival circuit. Catch them at the following dates.

13 December 2015 – Melbourne Folk Club, Melbourne (single launch)
8-10 January 2016 – Cygnet Folk Festival, Cygnet
11-14 March 2016 – Port Fairy Folk Festival, Port Fairy
Image used with permission from Chrissie Vincent Publicity
brash THE EMPIRE Releases Superb New Single
Last week I heard the most amazing song, but it was from one of those pesky private Soundcloud link. And so I waited patiently, determined to share this song with you at the first opportunity I got. Well now, “The Empire,” the stunning new single from Melbourne’s brash THE EMPIRE has finally been released, and I get to be one of the first people to let you hear it.
This is the first track from brash’s forthcoming EP A New Country. It was slated to drop in October, but an unfortunate accident that’s seen her rocking a moon boot has pushed that release to early 2016. I’m sure once she’s recovered we can look forward to some shows too. Until then, listen to this. And listen to it again. What a way to kick off a week, hey music lovers?