Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Regular John Serves Up Slume

A band called Regular John seems like it’s doing its best to go unnoticed. However if the right people hear their unique sound, they might just face that spotlight whether they like it or not!

The lads have managed to shake off the “grunge revival” tag that plagued them a couple of years ago. They gained a new guitarist and honed their songwriting to emerge with something less derivative. That dirtiness is still there, but it’s married beautifully with a heavier, psychedelic feel.

The single “Slume” gives a taste of what will come when the band’s album Strange Flowers hits stores on September 14. What do you think of it?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Phil Hancock Releases Single for “Reach Out”

Brisbane singer-songwriter Phil Hancock is putting his talents to good use with the release of his new single “Who We Fall For.”

Proceeds from the song’s iTunes sales will benefit Reach Out, a local charity that supports teens struggling with bullying, grief, drug and alcohol problems, mental health issues, and a host of other concerns.

“Who We Fall For” is a beautiful piano-driven track that shows Phil’s softer side. His soaring vocals are superb, and his words about the out-of-control nature of love resonate.

Beautiful stuff!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Batterie Release Another Glitch Pop Puzzle

Batterie’s gotten underneath my skin again with “Jump Start,” the follow up to the first single “Spring Step.”

I must admit, I didn’t know what to make of this one at first. This really isn’t the music I’m used to, and so I wasn’t sure what to cling on to. It’s like some sort of strange cross between Kraftwerk’s “Popcorn” and the Tetris theme music. I’m not sure whether I like it or not, but I know I can’t stop thinking about it so perhaps it’s done its job.

What do you think dear readers?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Snowdroppers Still Rocking

The Snowdroppers are back with a brand new single, a shiny new contract, and an album on the way.

The Sydney based blues rockers just signed up to ABC Music’s hot new label FOUR | FOUR. This home of left-of-centre acts proved the perfect launchpad for The Snowdroppers’ new single “White Dress.”

The song shows the way the band’s sound has evolved since they released their debut album Too Late to Pray in 2009. Their Americana and swamp leanings have been tempered somewhat, but it’s got all the swagger and blues sensibility we loved the first time around.

“White Dress” is our first taste of The Snowdropper’s sophomore album Moving Out of Eden, which will hit stores in early 2013. In the meantime you can catch The Snowdroppers supporting Kiwi rock stalwarts Shihad at the following shows.

6 September 2012 – The Hi Fi, Melbourne
7 September 2012 – The Metro, Sydney
8 September 2012 – The Hi-Fi, Brisbane

Image source: Premier Artists

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Demon Parade Offer Pop Pick Me Up

The Demon Parade clearly figures that if it’s broke, it ain’t worth fixing. The new single “She’s Gonna Be a Star” sees them sticking to their retro roots. It’s a jangly slice of psychedelic pop that definitely put a smile on my face.

The track’s our second teaser of The Demon Parade’s new EP, which will hit stores later this year. The band will launch the track at Melbourne’s Worker’s Club on September 1.

Image used with permission from Show Off Services

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

John Butler Gives Away Oceans

The epic track “Ocean” has long been a highlight of any John Butler set. The acclaimed Aussie singer-songwriter has actually been performing the epic guitar instrumental since 1998 when he’d busk at Fremantle markets to earn a living. John Butler is giving back to all the fans he’s made since those early days by releasing the first studio recording of “Ocean” in 12 years as a free download.

“’Ocean’ is a very interesting aspect of my life. It is part of my DNA. It conveys all things I can’t put into words. Life, loss, love, spirit. As I evolve so too does ‘Ocean’,” John explained. “I’d like to thank you for your continued support over all these years; it means so much to me. I would like to thank you by offering this first studio recording of “Ocean” in over a decade as a free download.”

The track was captured at John Butler’s own studio, dubbed The Compound in February. You can grab the MP3 that accompanies this YouTube video by visiting the John Butler Trio website.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sundance Back with “Where She Wants Me”

The Sundance Kids earned rave reviews for their catchy brand of pop rock back in 2009, but didn’t quite crack the big time. So they’ve reinvented themselves with the shorter moniker Sundance.

While the Adelaide trio has changed their name the Sundance philosophy remains the same. They’re still putting the emphasis on melodies and hooks with new songs like the single “Where She Wants Me.” The track should strike a chord with Sundance’s faithful fans and hit the hearts of a few new ones.

What do you think of this pop rock gem?

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