Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fieu Impress with Debut Single


Queensland band Fieu have captivated me with their debut single “Put it on the Line.” The track is the first song lifted from Fieu’s debut EP, also called Put it on the Line, and it’s an absolutely cracker.

It’s hard to believe it was originally imagined as a collective of a capella vocal loops. It’s so lush now, with pounding drums, keyboard synths, and layers of those angelic vocals from Emily Brewis. Her voice reminds me a little of Katie Noonan crossed with Beth Gibbons from Portishead. It’s stunning.

The Put it on the Line EP won’t be released until August, but you can get a sneak peek when Fieu launch the single with a free gig at Brisbane’s The Bearded Lady on May 17.

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

SWRLS Impress with “Definition”

Sydney band SWRLS have gotten underneath my skin with “Definition,” their first single and our first taste of their debut EP. It’s such a slick song with such a great melodic core.

SWRLS’ vocalist and guitarist Thom Moore wrote the song about a girl who’d often hang out in the next room of the Sydney sharehouse where the band wrote and rehearsed, but it’s got a much more universal appeal. Haven’t we all felt that longing for someone just out of reach? The track reminds us to reach for the stars, because surely the endless longing is worse than any potential regret.

SWRLS are set to release their debut EP, featuring “Definition,” this winter. They’ll roadtest songs from the EP for hometown fans at the following shows.

12 June 2014 – Fredas, Sydney
19 June 2014 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
28 June 2014 – The Standard, Sydney

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Evening Cast Do It Again with “Questions”

The Evening Cast are one of those awesome Aussie bands that never quite got the accolades they deserve. They plug away releasing incredible song after incredible song to very little fanfare. It’s a shame, because more people really deserve to hear their latest single “Questions.” Lucky for you, you can do just that here.

It’s got such a strong melodic centre. It all seems to effortless, and before you know it it’s over and you’re ready to play it again.

If you love “Questions” too, make sure you catch The Evening Cast when they tour the single all around the country. They’re playing some lovely intimate venues which are perfect for showcasing their special brand of music.

7 June 2014 – The Grace Darling, Melbourne
9 June 2014 – The Lass, Newcastle
20 June 2014 – Yours & Owls, Wollongong
21 June 2014 – Oxford Art Factory – Gallery Bar, Sydney
27 June 2014 – The Brewery, Byron Bay
28 June 2014 – Ric’s Bar, Brisbane
12 July 2014 – The Grace Emily, Adelaide

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mind Over Matter Collaborate with Bliss N Eso

After wowing listeners with their single “Real Life,” Mind Over Matter are back with a brand new track, “What They Say.” The lead single for the local hip hop duo’s album This Way to Elsewhere features special guest vocals from Bliss N Eso.

It’s such a soulful track with some really smart lyrics. What do you think of it?

Mind Over Matter’s new album This Way to Elsewhere hits stores on May 30.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Todd Sibbin Wows me with Blame it on the Aeroplanes

Adelaide singer-songwriter is back with a brand new band and a killer new song. “Blame it on the Aeroplanes” sets the bar incredibly high for Todd Sibbin and the Acadian Driftwood and their new LP A Set of Knives, A Pair of Pens, which is scheduled for a midyear release.

I knew before even reading the press release that this was a song that came from deep personal experience. It’s just got that raw grit of emotion running through it. Todd penned the track when his nearest and dearest began to move away, and he was struggling with their leaving. It’s just so achingly good.

You can hear it and other songs from the album when Todd Sibbin and the Acadian Driftwood launch the single at the following shows.

10 May 2014 – Wesley Anne, Melbourne (Full Band)
23 May 2014 – The Newsagency, Sydney (Solo)
7 June 2014 – Wheatsheaf, Adelaide (Full Band)
13 June 2014 – Jade Monkey, Adelaide (Full Band)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Yeo Comes Back Home for Single Shows

Melbourne producer Yeo is busy wowing crowds at Canadian Music Week, but he’ll be back before too long to promote his ridiculously infectious new single “Kobe.” It’s got that great 90s R’n’B feel that instantly puts a smile on your face. It’s the perfect Friday soundtrack, don’t you think?

There’s more where that came from too. After his Canadian shows, Yeo should be in fine form when he plays shows all around the country next month.

6 June 2014 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
14 June 2014 – The Causeway, Perth
14 June 2014 – Lost Society Bay, Perth (DJ Set)
15 June 2014 – Indi Bar, Scarborough
20 June 2014 – Upstairs Beresford, Sydney (FREE)
21 June 2014 – The Armidale Club, Armidale
27 June 2014 – Alhambra, Brisbane
28 June 2014 – Sol Bar, Coolum
4 July 2014 – Cats @ Rocket Bar, Adelaide
5 July 2014 – Transit Bar, Canberra
17 July 2014 – SCU Uni Bar, Lismore (FREE)
18 July 2014 – Beach Hotel, Byron Bay (FREE)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lorde Support SAFIA Announce Headline Shows

Canberra-based electro-pop act SAFIA show us how the genre should be done with their latest single “Paranoia, Ghosts & Other Sounds.” I’m not sure I’ve heard anything quite like this song. It’s got such a great groove and otherworldly vocals from frontman Benjamin Joseph.

SAFIA were all set to support Lorde until the Kiwi songstress postponed her tour. Happily though, fans can still see them in the flesh when they launch the single with the following headline shows. Tickets are available through their website for the following shows.

24 May 2014 – Transit Bar, Canberra
30 May 2014 – The Beach Hotel, Byron Bay (FREE)
31 May 2014 – Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane
5 June 2014 – DK Pool Club @ CSU, Bathurst (INVITE ONLY)
6 June 2014 – Shebeen, Melbourne
14 June 2014 – Spectrum, Sydney
15 June 2014 – RAD, Wollongong
20 June 2014 – Mojo’s Bar, Fremantle
21 June 2014 – Pirie & Co Social Club, Adelaide
28 June 2014 – River Sessions, Mackay

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Luke Morris Takes Us to Mexico

I love discovering an artist with raw talent. I think that a gift for songwriting, solid vocals, and genuine musicianship are always much more impressive than bells and whistles. And that’s why I’m flipping out over young Byron Bay muso Luke Morris.

Listening to his track “Mexico” on his Triple J Unearthed page, I could feel the spirit of Byron informing his music. It’s so mellow and easy. Luke recorded the song and the others that make up his debut album in studios, bedrooms, car parks, and beach shacks last year. When it sounds this good raw, who needs fancy production?

The album is slated to hit stores in mid-July. Expect big things from Luke Morris.

Image used with permission from Luke Morris

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