Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hands Like Houses Cover Natalie Imbruglia

When I heard that Canberran six-piece Hands Like Houses had recorded a cover of Natalie Imbruglia’s “Torn” for the Punk Goes 90s Vol 2 compilation album, I expected a frenetic rendition of the Aussie classic. However, this is actually a surprisingly tender, powerful version of the iconic song. It seems I’m not the only one that thinks so, because since the album’s digital release it’s become the most downloaded song. That’s some feat considering that the compilation also features international heavyweights like Yellowcard and Falling in Reverse.

Hands Like Houses are attracting a legion of international fans at the moment. They’re currently headlining shows in the United Kingdom, and then they’ll be off to the United States to support Chiodos and play their own shows. Never fear though Aussie music lovers; they’ll be gigging back on home soil later this year.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Acfields Have “Grabbed Me By the Heart”

Brother-sister duo The Acfields are back with a beautiful new song “Grabbed Me By the Heart.” It’s such an apt title, because I’ve fallen head over heels for it. It’s everything I’ve always loved about The Acfields, simply but stunning with sublime vocals and emotive lyrics. It’s also our first taste of The Acfield’s new album which will hit stores later this year thanks to a successful crowdfunding campaign.

Until then this talented duo will take “Grabbed Me By the Heart” around the country. Their new tour kicks off on May 15 in Melbourne, the day before the single gets its official release.

15 May 2014 – The Toff in Town, Melbourne
23 May 2014 – Babushka Lounge, Ballarat
25 May 2014 – The Westernport Hotel, San Remo
29 May 2014 – Dowse Bar, Brisbane
31 May 2014 – Taps, Mooloolaba
1 June 2014 – Frankie Brown, Byron Bay
14 June 2014 – Mars Hill Café, Parramatta

Image used with permission from Pricewar Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Daniel Lee Kendall on the Comeback Trail

It’s been nearly three years since I reviewed Daniel Lee Kendall’s sublime sophomore EP Talk the Night Away. I raved about the five track collection, but insisted that such a small number of songs was merely a tease. I said that I couldn’t wait for the long player, but it seems I can.

Finally my patience has been rewarded with “Angelique,” the first new song Daniel’s released in years. It’s not that he hasn’t been creative, but it seems he’d been spending too much time in his head, worrying about whether the music would be embraced and whether commercial success would follow. And so his songs sat, gathering virtual dust.

It was clear something had to change, so Daniel set off for some soul searching in the Middle East and Sri Lanka. Then he headed to university, hoping to find the answers there. Finally he was in the right headspace to revisit some 50 demos that had sat idly. “Angelique” was one of those tracks which has been given a second chance as Daniel rediscovered his love of music.

“Here I am, with an album of songs that I once loved, and have learnt to re-love again. Though with a different love. It’s far more like I’m appreciating an old album of an artist in my youth,” he explained in a press release. “It’s almost as though someone else has written these songs, and I can appreciate and enjoy what this person has created and I wish to share them with people again.”

And once again, I can’t wait to hear more, or at least I’m excited that I won’t need to wait too long.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Vernons Launch “Rollin’ Back to You”

After a busy six months making waves here and abroad, The Vernons are back with a brand new single “Rollin’ Back to You.” This is our first taste of the Queensland rockers’ forthcoming sophomore album Volume II.

I just love how gritty and dirty this track is. It’s all attitude and blues, and has one of the best bass lines I’ve heard in some time.

Fans will get to hear a little bit more from Volume II when The Vernons launch the single at the following shows.

8 May 2014 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
15 May 2014 – Boney, Melbourne
22 May 2014 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Shake Appeal

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fraser A. Gorman Delivers More Than Just Another Love Song

How’s your Hump Day treating you? I think it’s always a little easier to take when there’s a public holiday looming. Mine’s especially feeling fine as my Brisbane-based best girl friend is heading to my part of the country to see John Mayer with me tomorrow night. That’s giving me an even shorter week, so I’m feeling pretty chilled right now. So “Book of Love,” the new track from Fraser A. Gorman’s forthcoming album feels like the perfect soundtrack.

It’s a laidback quirky number with tongue-in-cheek lyrics and a great mellow vibe. It reminds me a little of a Ben Lee song, although I can’t imagine Ben every playing with those delicious surf guitars.

There’s some serious star power behind this song too. It features backing from You Am I’s Davey Lane, King Gizzard’s Stu Mackenzie, and Eagle and the Worm’s Jarrad Brown and James Fleming. Cal Barter recorded it before handing mixing duties to The Drones’ Dan Luscombe.

If you’re a Melbournian you don’t get to see John Mayer tomorrow night as I do, but you could see Fraser launching “Book of Love” at the Worker’s Club. What a great way to kick off the long weekend!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Citizen Kay Tours “Manage”

I tend to find hip hop a bit hit and miss, but Citizen Kay never seems to put a foot wrong. I love the way he combines clever lyrics with old school soul and funk sounds. His latest stunner is “Manage,” a groovy track about the fallout from a relationship breakdown.

Citizen Kay will join Adelaide’s Tkay Maidza for a big Aussie tour next month. It’s an excellent opportunity to see some of Australian hip hop’s brightest new stars.

3 May 2014 – Amplifier, Perth
4 May 2014 – Newport, Fremantle
9 May 2014 – Plantation Hotel, Coffs Harbour
10 May 2014 – Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane
16 May 2014 – Shebeen, Melbourne
17 May 2014 – Pirie Social Club, Adelaide
28 May 2014 – Beach Road Hotel, Bondi (FREE)
29 May 2014 – Small Ballroom, Newcastle
30 May 2014 – Transit Bar, Canberra
31 May 2014 – Newtown Social Club, Newtown

Image used with permission from Shake Appeal

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Damien Leith Releases New Song for Mothers’ Day

Mothers’ Day will be here before you know it, and Damien Leith is celebrating with the release of a brand new single “Halfway Heart.” After a recent trip back home to Ireland, Damien discovered that the song was his mother’s favourite from his Chapter Seven album, so he decided it had to be the next single.

Damien penned the song in Los Angeles after observing a couple on a less-than-romantic date.

“Lots of different things inspired this song but especially for me it was watching a couple at dinner one night being really distant and I thought that they had lost the spark or given up on their relationship but kept hanging in there only half-heartedly,” he explained.

Damien’s just released the “Halfway Heart” clip, which was also shot in his homeland. Fans can look forward to hearing this song as Damien continues to weave his way around the country on his national tour. He’ll play the Koroit Irish Festival on April 26, and the Glenn Innes Service Club on May 3.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Harry Hookey Impresses with “Man on Fire”

If the lead single “Man on Fire” is any indication, Harry Hookey’s debut album Misdiagnosed is going to be one of 2014’s best releases.

Harry recorded the album with the help of his friend and mentor Nash Chambers at Foggy Mountain Studios. He originally intended to just cut a few demos, but when it started to come together so effortlessly an album seemed like the only option. There’s definitely an ease and self-assurity about “Man on Fire.” It sits somewhere on the country-rock spectrum, but there’s also a soul to it that should draw in people that swear they aren’t country fans.

If you love it, you’ll be happy to hear that Misdiagnosed hits stores on April 25.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pharoah’s Playground Set to Release “3 Days in the Belly of a Whale”

Brisbane rockers Pharoah’s Playground are offering a sneak peek of their brand new album 3 Days in the Belly of a Whale ahead of its official release.

The recording process wasn’t quite as dramatic as Jonah’s tale, but the lads did spend three days in the belly of a recording studio. That’s a fairly quick time to record an album, but it’s given songs like the lead single “Comin’ Round the Mountain” a spontaneous energy that’s so appealing. It was all recorded straight to analogue tape, so it’s only fitting that the album’s getting a suitably retro release on vinyl, as well as the standard digital release.

Pharoah’s Playground will celebrate both when they launch the album for hometown fans at Tempo Hotel on April 26. Entry is free, so there’s no excuse for missing it!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jacob Butler Tries Something New with “Get Right Round”

Forget what you thought you knew about Jacob Butler. He’s gone in a completely different direction with his new single “Get Right Round.”

I never thought I’d see the day where Jacob was creating dance rock with lyrics which reference twerking, but I suppose it’s a good thing that he refused to be stuck in a rut. I honestly wasn’t sure to make of it at first, but by the end I was tapping my toes.

“Get Right Round” will be featured on an upcoming deluxe rerelease of Jacob’s debut album Reason, as well as a few other new songs. What do you think about this brand new sound?