Vulpes Vulpes Rock with Mirrorvine

Vulpes Vulpes burst out of the gate with their first single “Mirrorvine.”

“Mirrorvine” is a bit rough around the edges, but I think this is a really exciting debut. There’s a touch of Nick Cave about the resonant vocals in the verses, and an intensity that’s hypnotic. The balance isn’t quite right in places, where the instrumentation starts to overwhelm the lyrics, but it’s early days.

And for a band that’s still green, Vulpes Vulpes are impressing all the right people. They’ve only been together for a year, but they’ve already played Canberra’s Foreshore festival and earned some great reviews for their debut EP Vol-pez Vol-pez.

Vulpes Vulpes are the kind of band that’s bound to do their best work on the stage, so if you like what you’ve seen make sure you catch them at their forthcoming Sydney shows. They’ll play the FBi Social Club on July 14, and Oxford Arts Factory on August 17.

Mia Dyson Drops New Single, Announces Album Tour

Mia Dyson’s offered us our first taste of her forthcoming album The Moment in the form of her brand new single, “When the Moment Comes.”

The song sees Mia in fine form, with her trademark rasp bleeding all over the lyrics of her first official single release in four years. It seems she’s relished the chance to record in her new American home base. If this killer cut is any indication of what we can expect when The Moment hits stores on August 17, we’re in for a real treat.

Mia will enjoy a homecoming later this year with local shows to promote The Moment. If you’ve missed her, make sure you show your support at one of the following gigs:

24 Aug 2012 – Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns
7 September 2012 – Old Hepburn Hotel, Hepburn Springs
12 September 2012 – Brisbane Festival @ Spiegeltent, Brisbane
14 September 2012 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
15 September 2012 – Notes Live, Sydney
16 September 2012 – The Abbey, Canberra
21 September 2012 – Republic Bar, Hobart
22 September 2012 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
6 October 2012 – Lizotte’s, Kincumber NSW
27 October 2012 – Sydney Blues Festival, Sydney
8 November 2012 – Mojos, Fremantle
9 November 2012 – Bridgetown Blues, Bridgetown

Little Scout Take Left Turn with “Go Quietly”

I’ve been wooed by the music of Little Scout ever since I heard “We Are Walking Out” a couple of months ago. I was starting to feel I had the Brisbane band figured out, but they’ve thrown me for a loop with their new single “Go Quietly.”

The track is a much fuzzier and bolder song than the band’s other singles. I haven’t warmed to it as easily, but I can really appreciate its drama. The song saw the band working in Los Angeles with Lars Stalfors (The Mars Volta), so perhaps it’s little wonder that it signals a new direction for the band. You can’t be plucked out of your comfort zone and produce the same old thing, can you?

“We fell in love with this song pretty quickly. It’s short, fuzzy and loud,” Little Scout said in a statement. “This is uncharted territory for us and we like the way it makes us feel; we hope you like it too.”

“Go Quietly” comes from Little Scout’s sophomore album, which will hit stores later this year. What do you think of the tune?

Image used with permission from We Manage

Saskwatch Chase Away Winter Blues with “Your Love”

Saskwatch look to blast us all out of our winter funks with their feel good new single “Your Love.”

The release of their latest 7-incher (yes boys and girl, this is a band firmly rooted in old school traditions) is the latest achievement in a big year for the band. They earned rave reviews for their performances at the Golden Plains and Falls Festivals, and scored the support slots for Earth Wind & Fire, and Maceo Parker.

“Your Love” is our second taste of Saskwatch’s forthcoming debut album Leave It All Behind, which will hit stores next month. If it’s any indication, that LP’s going to be a whole lot of fun. You can buy the vinyl or digital versions on the Saskwatch website.

Saskwatch will celebrate the release of “Your Love” with some launch shows in the major capitals. Melbourne can catch them at the Ding Dong Lounge on July 20. They’ll play the Beresford in Sydney on July 28.

Image used with permission from Show Off Recordings

Pluto Jonze’s Genre Bending New Single

I’m really impressed by “See What the Sun Sees,” the dreamy new single from Sydney music Pluto Jonze. The song gets a digital release today.

Pluto was influences by artists like Beatles and Bowie, and you can hear some of their epic qualities and love of theatre in this tune. It doesn’t fit neatly into any genre, and perhaps because of that feels really fresh. The closest I can come to categorizing it would be psychedelic pop, but perhaps it’s better to listen rather than agonising over labels.

Pluto is celebrating the release of “See What the Sun Sees” with a quickie tour around the East Coast. Catch him in the capitals later this month.

13 July 2012 – Workers Club, Melbourne
19 July 2012 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
21 July 2012 – Goodgod Small Club, Sydney

Image used with permission from Falcona

Carol George Back from the Brink with “I’ve Changed My Ways”

Melbourne urban artist Carol George has really touched me with her first single “I’ve Changed My Ways.”

This song is a brutally honest account of Carol’s struggles with marijuana addiction. It’s one of those drugs that so many people take lightly. Carol hope hers tale can shift those misconceptions and encourage others affected by pot to seek help.

“I want to get the word out there about the drug and if it’s affecting you like it affected me in the song then it shows you’re not the only one that’s going through it,” she explained. “Hopefully it gives people a chance to push themselves to make a difference in their own life.”

It’s rare to hear an artist release something so raw, with lyrics that refuse to shy away from the details. You can hear the pain and the power of change in equal measures here. What a brave release this is.

“I’ve Changed My Ways” is currently available through iTunes.

Image used with permission from SGC Media

Another Slice of San Cisco Pop

San Cisco brings more good vibes with their latest single “Rocket Ship.”

The cheerful tunes from this Fremantle duo have a way of getting underneath your skin, and this song’s no exception. It’s every bit as catchy as their breakthrough song” Awkward,” with a driving African drum beat and simple singalong chorus that you’ll be humming long after you hear it.

The film clip is just as much fun, with off the wall footage captured by director Matt Saville around San Cisco’s hometown.

“Shooting Rocket Ship was really fun,” explained San Cisco singer Jordi Davieson. ”It was like a day in the life of San Cisco. We hung out with friends and family and did some crazy stuff, some legal, some not so. I have no idea who that is jumping off the bridge!”

Rocket Ship comes from San Cisco’s acclaimed EP Awkward. If you’re hanging out for new music, don’t worry. San Cisco are currently recording their debut album. Until then, this fresh music video should tide you over!

The Falls Release First Single

The Falls show experience beyond their years as a recording duo with their debut single “Home.”

Not that the pair are newbies. They’ve honed their craft for years on the Sydney pub circuit, and that easily transfers itself to this single and others from their debut EP Hollywood, which hits stores on August 3. They are also former lovebirds. While their romance fizzled, their natural affinity for one another has endured through their music.

“Home” has such a gorgeous organic quality to it. You can hear the truth behind the lyrics as Simon Rudston-Brown and Melinda Kirwin’s vocals come together. The song feels warm, but if you listen to the words you realise it delves deeply into life’s struggles. That can be pretty dark stuff, but the song’s bittersweet and beautiful.

Do you love it just as much as I do?

Image used with permission from Two Fish Out of Water

Enola Fall Rock with “We Become Wolves”

Enola Fall are helping me get through my weekend with “We Become Wolves,” the lead track from their recently released album Isolationist.

The Tassie quartet have a sound much bigger than their four members. I love the track’s driving rhythm and Joe Nuttall’s distinctive vocals. Their sound is so tight and distinct, they’re clearly destined for big things. Enola Fall are already making plans for shows around the world later this year, which can only be a good sign.

What do you think of this tune?

Image credit: Scott Gelston

Hunting Grounds Tour, “Flaws” and All

With their new single “Flaws” enjoying plenty of radio love, Hunting Grounds figure the time is right to take their life show to the people. The Victorian indie rock act will play a string of gigs this August for what will be their first headline tour in more than two years.

The tour will celebrate the release of the single and Hunting Grounds’ new album In Hindsight, which hits stores on July 6. The album is already generating some major buzz. If you believe Hunting Grounds’ Facebook page (and you probably shouldn’t), even Oprah Winfrey’s a fan!

If you are too you can see Hunting Grounds at the following venues in August.

3 August 2012 – Elsewhere Bar, Gold Coast
4 August 2012 – X and Y Bar, Brisbane
5 August 2012 – The Hotel Great Northern, Byron Bay (Free)
8 August 2012 – Plantation, Coffs Harbour (Free)
9 August 2012 – Yours and Owls, Wollongong
10 August 2012 – Good God Small Club, Sydney
11 August 2012 – Transit Bar, Canberra
16 August 2012 – Prince of Wales Hotel, Bunbury (Free)
17 August 2012 – Amplifier, Perth
18 August 2012 – Rocket Bar, Adelaide
24 August 2012 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
25 August 2012 – The Toff in Town, Melbourne