The Siren Tower Tour “King River” Single

Rootsy Perth rockers The Siren Tower are hitting the road this week to support the recent release of their epic new single “King River.”

Isn’t it refreshing to hear an Australian song sung with a truly Australian voice? That accent and those rough edges give it a real honesty that’s so compelling. The Siren Tower’s frontman Grant McCulloch says the song “is about returning to familiar places to seek refuge. It’s about discovering that these places, these ports, they weary with time just as we do. They offer respite, but often their power lies in association with a memory, and sooner or later the world comes knocking.”

“King River” comes from the band’s 2012 album A History of Houses, but it still sounds fresh as a daisy. It comes with a gorgeous film clip directed by Tim Brade and pieced together by the band’s multitalented lead singer.

The Siren Tower will promote the single release, and remind us why we fell in love with them in the first place, at the following shows.

24 October 2013 – The Republic Bar, Hobart
25 October 2013 – The Espy Front Bar, Melbourne (FREE)
31 October 2013 – The Great Northern, Newcastle
1 November 2013 – The Beresford, Sydney (FREE)
2 November 2013 – Tempo, Brisbane (FREE)
9 November 2013 – Amplifier Bar, Perth

Beautiful Fools Tour Beautiful Single

Matt Harris, Shawn Whittaker, and Leigh Wilson might call themselves the Beautiful Fools, but there’s nothing silly about the music they make.

The strength of their early demos enticed American producer Matt Malpass, who previously worked with Train, to help them record and produce their debut self-titled EP. This recording features the lush single “Small Town,” which speaks so eloquently of wanting to escape from a frustrating situation.

“It could be a job, a relationship or for me it was the small town I lived in with no way of fulfilling what I wanted to do,” explained songwriter and frontman Matt Harris. “You know it can be done and you will get there and if you stay where you are your dreams will fade and you will end up someone you didn’t want to be.”

Beautiful Fools will launch “Small Town” this week at the following shows.

23 October 2013 – World’s End Hotel, Adelaide
24 October 2013 – Bull & Bush, Baulkham Hills
25 October 2013 – Music Makers Club @ Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney

Image used with permission from The A&R Department

Dan Webb Wows with October Track

After the stress of moving house it’s so nice to sit down at my computer and chill out to some tunes. Of course the moving stress has now been replaced with where’s my spatula/nailpolish remover/bath towels kind of stress, but music has a way of dissolving that too.

My latest tune of choice is the latest offering from Dan Webb’s 12 Songs, 12 Months initiative. “Coming Up Roses” has a Beatlesque vibe that’s dreamy enough to calm my current mood. The project might be coming to a close in a couple of months, but don’t think we’ve heard the last of Dan. He raised enough money through his recent Pozible campaign to release his debut album next year. He should release it through his own record label Misdemeanor Records around May 2014.

Have Fun with “Playtime”

What a week it’s been. This weekend I’m moving into my first proper adult home. I know it’ll be so rewarding to trade rent for a mortgage and to live in a place with a bit more space and a dishwasher (what a luxury!) But the lead-up’s not a lot of fun. All the packing and cleaning and errands that come with the process don’t leave a lot of time for blogging I’m afraid, so I apologise for my sporadic posting and assure you things will improve!

In times of stress though, I can always count on music to ground me. Today I’ve found some respite in “Playtime”, the latest single from Sydney act Kristen Fletcher Trio. It’s wonderfully poppy and cheerful and just the kind of thing to remind me not to take it all too seriously. I hope it weaves its magic on you dear readers.

The Mistress Usher in Warm Weather with “Surf Song”

It’s absolutely freezing here in New South Wales, but Adelaide band The Mistress are reminding me that summer is just around the corner with their single “Surf Song”. It’s a modern spin on old-school surf music with great electric guitar licks and a breezy vibe.

Check it, and the band’s latest single “Vicodin”, out at The Mistress’ Triple J Unearthed page and let those lush musical layers wash over you!

Image used with permission from The Mistress

Rose Wintergreen Charms Ahead of Aussie Tour

Rosie Catalano kicks off her Aussie tour in just two days’ time. If that wasn’t enough to get you excited, wrap your ears around “Feet in the Sand”, the gorgeous new single from Rosie’s touring buddy Rose Wintergreen.

This song is just so pretty, with delicate rain-like piano melodies and ethereal vocals. It’s already impressing the right people too. It’s been shortlisted for this year’s Vanda and Young Song Competition, a contest which helped thrust other Aussie talents like Washington and Kimbra into the spotlight. It’s also currently available as a free download via Soundcloud.

Honestly, with two such talented women on the bill you won’t be disappointed if you get yourself to one of the following shows.

4 October 2013 – The Hideaway, Brisbane
10 October 2013 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney (FREE)
12 October 2013 – The Front, Canberra
18 October 2013 – The Empress Hotel, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Rose Wintergreen

Louis London Serves Up New Single

Sydney five-piece Louis London offers us a sneak peek at their forthcoming sophomore EP with the release of their new single “This Night Time”.

Who would have thought a humble band holiday to a tiny fly-fishing shack in Jindabyne would result in such a lush, epic track? It’s such a solid song that soars with searing vocals from lead singer Ed Saloman. The video, which sees Ed embarking on a cross-country odyssey, is a fitting accompaniment for this beautiful track.

The Lamplights Wow Me with “You’ve Got a Friend”

Sometimes you hear a song and it just clicks with you instantly. “You’ve Got a Friend” by Gold Coast five-piece The Lamplights is one of those songs.

The song is such an irresistible fusion of pop, funk, folk, and blues. It feels easy and effortless without being lazy. Summer might be a few months away, but I think I’ve found my soundtrack already. “You’ve Got a Friend” comes from The Lamplights’ second album What Love Is.

The Lamplights will support Buffalo Tales at a trio of shows next month before gracing the stage at the Caloundra Music Festival.

3 October 2013 – Bangalow Bowls Club, Bangalow
4 October 2013 – The Soundlounge, Gold Coast
5 October 2013 – Greenslopes Bowls Club, Brisbane
7 October 2013 – Caloundra Music Festival, Caloundra

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Darren Middleton Goes Solo

Bernard Fanning isn’t the only former member of Powderfinger eying solo success. Darren Middleton’s also having a crack with his new single “Let Go”.

I really love this track. It’s deceptively simple, with heartfelt delivery and an awesome philosophy. It’s clear that the time Darren’s taken to release his first solo number was well spent.

“It has been two and half years now since we parted ways and the final chords rang
out as our Powderfinger tour concluded,” Darren explained. 
”Initially I intended to get straight back on
the horse to write, record and perform … all
 the things I have loved so much over the 
years, but it wasn’t to be that way for quite 
some time. I knew that I loved writing and
 making music, I just didn’t feel it straight 
away … I didn’t feel I had anything to write
 about. As time moved on, I found myself
 dealing with a lot of emotions I hadn’t 
planned on and there were some bumpy
 seas for myself and those close to me.
 From that though, arose Translations, my 
first solo album.”

Translations is scheduled to hit stores on November 1. If this song’s any indication, it’s going to be pretty special.

Tokyo Denmark Sweden Impress with Turning Time

I must admit, I wasn’t the biggest Tokyo Denmark Sweden fan when they released their debut EP late last year. But I’m really impressed by the more mature sound they’re showcasing on their latest single “Turning Time”, which hits iTunes today.

The track has ethereal airy vocals, a thumping bass lines, and irresistible melodic hooks. They showed that solid dance foundation with their earlier efforts, but they’ve enjoyed a bit of polish from legendary British producer Mark Saunders. After working with The Cure, David Bowie, and Depeche Mode, this guy clearly knows his stuff.

Tokyo Denmark Sweden’s debut EP got some major buzz on American college radio. Could this be the track to earn them mainstream global success?

Image used with permission from Shake Appeal