Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Not So Hard to Fall for Love Migrate

It took me a little time to get into Love Migrate’s first single “Plagued are All My Thoughts.” It won me over, but it was a bit of a slow burner. It didn’t take me any time to fall in love with their second single “Making This Hard” though.

This track is much more accessible with the hooks that were missing from the first cut. However it’s still got the things that eventually caused me to take notice of Love Migrate. Its lyrics are beautifully poetic, and its instrumentation lush and layered.

“Making This Hard” comes from Love Migrate’s debut album Plagued Are All My Thoughts, Like White Ants In The Fence, which will hit stores on October 12. Love Migrate will launch it at Melbourne’s Toff in Town on August 30.

Image used with permission from Show Off Services

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

In Love with L.O.V.E.

Local electronic producer, vocalist, and visual artist Michelle Xen has created an instant dancefloor classic with her new single “L.O.V.E.”

Michelle came up with the line “and she spells L.O.V.E. with her eyes,” before the song tumbled out. While it came together quickly it wasn’t quite alive until Regurgitator’s Quan gave it a bit of massaging. Now the song is one of those perfect dance-pop anthems, with a great 80s synth sound and just the right amount of heart.

“L.O.V.E” comes from Michelle Xen’s forthcoming album Synaesthesiac, which will hit stores this October.It’s currently available as a free download from Michelle’s Bandcamp page.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dan and Hannah Acfield Impress with Indie Folk

Brisbane based singer songwriters Dan and Hannah Acfield are solo musicians in their own rights, but they’ve recently pooled their talents for some gorgeous recordings.

“After You” is the lead single from their latest musical project. It’s such a well-crafted song, with the music and Hannah’s vocals building beautifully to its emotional crescendo.

That song inspired me to seek out more. Don’t you love it when that happens? I wasn’t disappointed by another of the siblings’ songs, “Sorry I’ve Taken So Long to Love.” This time around Dan’s on leads and Hannah’s supporting him with her gorgeous harmonies. Their voices star, but they’re anchored by some simple but stunning lyrics.

I really feel this twosome. There’s so much emotion in the music they create, and you can pick up on that even hearing the songs from tinny laptop speakers. I can only imagine how much they’d impress in the live arena.

The pairing of Dan and Hannah Acfield is definitely a double act to watch.

Image used with permission from Dan Acfield

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Joel Sarakula Serves Up Sexy Single

Australian expat Joel Sarakula’s got my blood pumping with his sexy new single “I Will Deliver.”

This track has such a great groove which marries beautifully with Joel’s dirty vocals. The clip’s also a little on the dirty side, so you’d be best served waiting until you’re home from work to watch it. Some feminists might rail against it, but in the wake of Magic Mike’s release I’m all for equal opportunity perving!

Joel’s now based in London where he’ll launch at the single at the Alley Cat on August 16.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jacob Butler’s New UKOK? Clip Helps the Salvos

With Jacob Butler’s single “UKOK?” getting a rerelease in Germany, the Australian Idol graduate figured it was time to revisit the music video.

Gone is the now outdated footage of the London riots, replaced with more recent vision of Jacob in Britain’s capital. It’s so new that it’s got the Olympic Rings on the Tower Bridge!

Jacob wants as many people to see this video as possible, and he’s offering fans a pretty compelling incentive to share it. Just head to Jacob’s Facebook page and share the post he made about the clip with your friends. For every person who does so, Jacob will donate a dollar to the Salvation Army. He hopes to donate around $1000, so help him get there by spreading the word!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Texas Tea Go Retro with New Single

Indie folk act Texas Tea are taking us back to the fun days of the fifties with their new single “Heart Says Yes (Head Says No).” It sounds like it was made by a slick girl group from Motown rather than a band from Brisbane, but I love it.

The song’s available digitally today, but if you can hold out I suggest buying the cassingle released on August 13. I’m sure my fellow children of the ’80s are rubbing their hands with glee at the prospect! This retro throwback features an exclusive B-side which won’t appear on any other release, just like the old days!

“Heart Says Yes (Head Says No)” is our latest taste of Texas Tea’s third album Sad Summer Hits, which is scheduled to hit stores in October. Texas Tea will launch the single with two free hometown shows on August 17. Catch them playing as a duo at Jet Black Cat Records at 6:30 pm, or in full band mode at the Black Bear Lodge from 8 pm.

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Veronicas Tease with “Lolita”

The Veronicas are back with their brand new single “Lolita.” The track is currently streaming with a lyrics video on the Queensland twins’ website.

It’s been around five years since the sisters delivered “Hook Me Up,” but they still seem to be in the same musical state of mind. The lyrics are a bit darker than the fare from that album, but that industrial electronic sound married with the girls’ natural harmonies feels very familiar.

It might be just me, but honestly that really electronic, manufactured feel is wearing a bit thin for me. I miss the really organic pop rock sound the girls showed in their breakthrough debut album. We expect a bit of polish as any band matures, but I feel their musical approach is a bit distancing. I’d love to hear this track stripped right back, wouldn’t you? It’s a good song, but with less production I think we could hear it as something much greater.

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Richard Clapton’s New Album Out Now

Richard Clapton shows he’s still got it with his new single “Dancing with the Vampires,” the first lifted from his album Harlequin Nights.

The album, which hits stores today, is Richard’s first in eight years. It’s a fitting way to ring in his fifth decade in the business, with exceptional lyrics and that laconic twang we’ve all come to know. His recent marriage breakdown has added fuel to his fire, and resulted in some fantastic songs. I’m a real fan of the single, which sees the reformed party boy reflecting on his wild days and giving a nod to fellow wild man Charlie Sheen. Rest assured, I’ll be sinking my teeth into the album soon.

I’ve been a long-time fan of Richard’s work, especially in the live arena where he manages to balance the new songs with the old favourites like few others. Here are all the places you can see him doing his thing over the coming months.

18 August 2012 – State Theatre, Sydney
31 August 2012 – Country Club Show Room, Launceston
1 September 2012 – Wrestpoint Casino, Hobart
8 September 2012 – 16 Footers, Belmont
14 September 2012 – Atrium Resort, Mandurah
15 September 2012 – Astor Theatre, Perth
28 September 2012 – Nambour Civic Centre, Sunshine Coast
29 September 2012 – QPAC Theatre, Brisbane
5 October 2012 – Palms at Crown Casino, Melbourne
19 October 2012 – Thoroughbred Park, Lyneham
27 October 2012 – Twin Towns, Gold Coast
10 November 2012 – Waves, Wollongong
11 November 2012 – Day on the Green, Bowral
16 November 2012 – Campbelltown RSL, Campbelltown
17 November 2012 Dee Why RSL, Dee Why

Image used with permission from SGC Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Heavy Beach Have “Good Intentions”

Heavy Beach channels the dirty sound of 90s grunge with their new single “Good Intentions.”

I couldn’t help thinking of Veruca Salt while listening to the song’s sweet vocals and gritty distorted guitars. The band cites acts like Dinosaur Jr and Sonic Youth amongst their influences, which goes some way towards explaining that retro sound.

“Good Intentions” is available now to download through Heavy Beach’s Bandcamp page. The band will launch the single with a free show at Yah Yah’s in Fitzroy this Friday August 10.

Image used with permission from Tall Sky Press

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lo Five Remembers Amy Winehouse

Sydney soul outfit Lo Five have commemorated the recent first anniversary of Amy Winehouse’s passing with the release of a tribute single “Heavenly Ho.”

The band penned the track as a cautionary letter to the soul singer way back in 2010. Just six months later she was gone. The song aims to keep Amy’s memory alive.

“We always wanted to get our song “Heavenly Ho” out there,” the band explained. “But with the tragedy of her passing and wanting to be respectful of her memory, the only way we felt comfortable sharing the song with the world was by giving it away for free as a memorial and tribute to her on the first anniversary of her death.”

The recording’s got a few rough edges, but there’s an honesty to it that makes it a fitting tribute to the fallen soul singer. What do you think about it?

Image used with permission from Henry Compton