Society of Beggars Release Rocking First Single

There’s something so appealing about straight up rock and roll. And that’s what Melbourne band Society of Beggars give us with their debut single “Hyena.”

There aren’t any bells or whistles here. It’s rough around the edges, and it looks like the clip was probably made on a shoestring. But there’s real heart here. And I love the huskiness of the lead singer’s voice. It doesn’t have the spit and polish of big label releases, but it’s also got a bit more soul than many of them do.

What do you think of “Hyena”?

Little Sleeper Moves Me with “Middle of the Night”

It’s been an awfully long time since I pined over a guy. I celebrated my ninth wedding anniversary last week, which makes me feel very old. It’s funny though, even though it’s been a long time since I hurt like that I was taken back to my early twenties and all of the tears I cried then with Little Sleeper’s angsty debut “Middle of the Night.”

I will warn you that this Gold Coast songstress is fond of a four-letter word, so this isn’t the track to play in a conservative office environment. But if you are in the comfort of your own home or you have headphones, let this one and all its pain wash over you. “Middle of the Night” is one of those songs that just begs to be felt. Even if you’re not in Little Sleeper’s situation, I’ll bet that you’ll be as moved as I am by this one.

Jeremy Neale and Phoebe Imhoff Team Up for Retro Duet

As far as I’m concerned, the ‘80s was the golden era of the duet. George and Aretha, Don and Stevie, Jennifer Warnes or Peabo Bryson and just about anyone. The songs would be romantic, the singers would undoubtedly sing “oohs” or “woahs” so that anyone who didn’t know the words could join in, and there’d definitely be a saxophone solo. In that tradition comes “Hold On Together,” which sees Brisbane singers Jeremy Neale and Phoebe Imhoff taking us back to my favourite decade.

This isn’t their first time working together. Phoebe also appeared on Jeremy’s song “In Stranger Times,” which has only enhanced their chemistry this time around.

Jeremy’s going to tour the single through May and June. There’s no word yet on whether Phoebe will join him, but I’m crossing fingers she makes an appearance!

29 May 2015 – Waywards, Sydney (FREE)
30 May 2015 – Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne
19 June 2015 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
20 June 2015 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore

Bad Pony Get Toes Tapping with “White Russian”

Sydney indie-pop act Bad Pony have grown from a duo to a quintet since they released of their debut single “Sucker.” So we hear a much fuller sound on their new single “White Russian,” the first single lifted from their forthcoming EP.

I’m not quite sure what the song has in common with my husband’s favourite drink, but I do know that I like how it goes down. It’s so damned catchy, with beautiful harmonies and more hooks than a fisherman’s tackle box.

I had the Soundcloud link, but I think I prefer the energy of this video recorded in the studio. It gives just a hint of what they’re going to unleash at the following shows.

5 June 2015 – Worlds End Brewpub, Sandy Bat
7 June 2015 – Republic Bar, Hobart
12 June 2015 – Standard Bowl, Sydney

Machine Age Makes Me Fall Hard with “Chivalry”

For years Adrian Mauro has helped his friends record and perform their music, but he’s stepping into the spotlight with his own musical endeavour Machine Age. And god I’m glad that he is.

I must admit, the name Machine Age prepared me for something which was technically perfect but lacking a little in heart. However, the single “Chivalry” is one of the most romantic, soulful songs that I’ve heard in some time. I am so impressed and swooning more than just a little at this one.

Apparently most of the single launch shows are done and dusted, but if you’re in Brisbane you’re in luck. Machine Age will play The Bearded Lady on May 29.

Image used with permission from Mucho Bravado

Patrick James Soothes us with “California Song”

Hump Day’s a bitch. The stresses of the week are starting to pile up and the weekend seems too far away. What we all need is some relaxing music to take the edge off. That makes Patrick James’ new single “California Song” the perfect soundtrack if you ask me.

It’s got a mellow vibe without being sleepy, as it has me dreaming of road trips abroad. It seems plenty of people like what they hear, because Patrick’s single launch shows are selling fast. Don’t dilly-dally if you want tickets to his gig at Melbourne’s Northcote Social Club on June 13 or the Sydney show at Newtown Social Club on June 27.

Image used with permission from Title Track

The Outdoor Type Releases Your Road Trip Soundtrack

It might be the time of year where most of us are hibernating, but I guarantee you’ll feel like taking a road trip when you listen to The Outdoor Type’s debut single “When the Sun Goes Down.”

It’s got such a great cruisy vibe and the sort of chorus that you just can’t resist singing along to. It’s good honest pub rock, the type of stuff that we just don’t hear often enough.

The Outdoor Type will launch “When the Sun Goes Down” with a show at Sydney’s Oxford Art Factory on May 21 before heading to Melbourne’s The Toff in Town on May 23.

Melissa Tkautz Back on Music Scene

If you’d asked me which ‘90s pop singer was due for a comeback, the name Melissa Tkautz wouldn’t have entered my head. She had the perfect package, but I thought in 2015 some of her appeal might have faded. Yet Melissa is coming back with a brand new single “Gotta Let You Go.”

This snippet reveals that the single’s hardly a work of lyrical genius, but it is a lot of fun which has always been what her music’s about. She also looks like she’s barely aged a day, which I can’t help but feel envious about.

What do you think about a Melissa Tkautz comeback?

Hein Cooper Impresses with “The Art of Escape”

Hein Cooper has gotten under my skin with his debut single “The Art of Escape.” It’s a gentle song, a real slow burner but let it creep up on you and you’ll start to appreciate its delicate beauty.

Hein hails from the New South Wales south coast but he recorded the track, and the others on his self-titled EP, on a recent trip to Canada where he played Montreal’s Canadian Music Week.

Something tells me it’s not going to long before the rest of the world discovers this talented troubadour.

Andy Bull Takes on Okenyo

I must admit, the first time I heard Okenyo’s “Just a Story” it didn’t resonate with me. Perhaps she set the bar too high with the previous single “Broken Chest.” Whatever the reason, I just didn’t love it.

However now that Andy Bull’s worked his magic on the track, I feel like I’m hearing it in a brand new way. It’s so much fun. This is what the song always should have sounded like.

Are you feeling the love?

Image used with permission from Original Matters