Slow Chase Readies Venomous Debut EP

Melbourne band Slow Chase is preparing to assault your eardrums with the upcoming release of their debut EP Venom. I’ve heard the debut single “You’ll Never See Me,” which will hit radio next week, and I’m pretty impressed.

The rollicking blues-tinged track has such a big, dirty sound, so I was surprised to hear the band has just two members. Adam Gresty takes care of the vocals and guitars, while drummer Emily Shaw drives the tunes along. Drumming is a bit of a boys club, so I’m thrilled to hear Emily rocking out!

If you love the song and want to own it, just head to the band’s website. They’re generously giving the MP3 of “You’ll Never See Me” away to anyone who clicks the button on the music page!

Image used with permission from Show Off Services

Eskimo Joe Back with “Love is a Drug”

Eskimo Joe Love is a DrugEskimo Joe’s new single “Love is a Drug” hit radio today, and the album to match is hot on its heels. We’ll see Ghosts of the Past, the fifth studio album from the Western Australian powerhouse, in stores on August 12.

Rather than keeping your ear glued to the radio you can check it out at the Eskimo Joe website. It’s also available for digital download if you’re so inclined. Personally I’m digging this song. It starts out with the sort of broodiness we heard on “Black Fingernails, Red Wine” but then turns into this soaring, melodic rock song. I’m predicting it’s going to be all over radio by week’s end.

We should hear more hooky songs on Ghosts of the Past, as it was recorded with the same team who worked on the brilliant Inshalla album. Fans will get a bit of a taste of it at next month’s Splendour in the Grass festival. If you’ve missed out on tickets for that, don’t worry. Eskimo Joe will tour the album all around the country before year’s end.

Image source: Eskimo Joe website

See The Snowdroppers’ Peepshow

The Snowdroppers will debut their new video for “Run You Down” on Thursday, but it’s for fans’ eyes only. The clip will play as part of an online Peepshow, accessible only to members of The Snowdroppers mailing list.

On the night of the premiere, members will get e-mail instructions about how to access the show. They’ll also score a free mp3 download of the “Run You Down,” which is the third to come from The Snowdroppers’ debut album Too Late to Pray. It’s a classic tale of boy meets girl, with a dash of madness and murder thrown in.

Click here to put your e-mail address on the list, and enjoy The Snowdropper’s Peepshow!

Image used with permission from Reckoning Entertainment

King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard Bring Surf Rock Back

Who said that surf rock was dead? The ingeniously named King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard are bringing the style back, albeit with some rough edges, with their new single “Black Tooth.”

The tune comes from the band’s sophomore EP Willoughby’s Beach. It’s the sort of thing I can imagine Iggy Pop or Lou Reed tapping their hat too. It’s got that classic rock influence, but the end result is much dirtier and more rebellious with fuzzy vocals and wailing guitars.

While the recording sounds brilliant, something tells me this is a band that does their best work on the stage. You can see King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard do just that as they tour the east coast next month.

1 July 2011 – Deniliquin Club, Deniliquin
2 July 2011 – Castlemusic Festival, Castlemaine
8 July 2011 – Mum, World Bar, Sydney
9 July 2011 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
15 July 2011 – The Nash, Geelong
16 July 2011 – Plus One, Adelaide
23 July 2011 – Old Bar, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Show Off Services

Watussi Launch New Single “Cuando Sera” with Charity Event

After they wooed us with the cheeky 1000% Handsome EP, Watussi are back with a brand new single “Cuando Sera.” The track is our first taste of the new Watussi album El Ovido, which will hit stores this September.

The song should help us shake off the winter chills with its blend of hot cumbia reggae and brass. The music is killer, but make sure you listen to the lyrics to hear the story of Clara Rojas, a Colombian political figure kidnapped by FARC guerillas. “Cuando Sera” translates to “When Will It Stop,” and it’s delivered with real sensitivity and respect to the issue.

So it’s fitting that $5 from the sale of every ticket sold to their single launch at The Basement will go to Project Seres. This charity initiative helps communities in El Salvador and Guatemala become greener and more sustainable. So head on down to The Basement in Sydney on June 17 for a night of great music for a great cause!

Image used with permission from Positive Feedback

Mushu Back with “Bandit”

Mushu wowed me last year with their self-titled EP, so I’m thrilled to hear they’re back in the spotlight with a brand new single “Bandit.” Just like a thief in the night, this alt-country love song will steal your heart with its rich harmonies and buzzing synths.

The song, which drops digitally on June 10, shows us how much the band has developed their folky, poppy, alt-country sound since that EP. No doubt that maturity has come about through the band’s relentless touring schedule, which saw them take in America and Canada in between recording sessions.

We’ll get the chance to see Mushu on home stages when they launch “Bandit” next month with an east coast tour. Here are the dates!

11 June 2011 – Phoenix Bar, Canberra
23 June 2011 – The Lansdowne, Sydney
2 July 2011 – Beetle Bar, Brisbane
9 July 2011 – Bondi Music Festival, Sydney
22 July 2011 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney

Image used with permission from Positive Feedback

Natalie Gauci Tours New Single

I’d all but assumed we’d heard the last of 2007 Australian Idol winner Natalie Gauci, but it seems she’s still kicking around. She released her EP I’m Ready last year, and in case you missed it she’s preparing to release a new single from it, “Best of Me.”

Whether it really delivers the best of Natalie, I’m not sure. But it’s got some powerful vocals and strong lyrics, so we’re certainly more than halfway there. It should generate a bit of buzz as it’ll feature in the new Aussie rom-com Big Mamma’s Boy. Natalie also makes a cameo in the flick, so keep your eyes peeled!

Natalie will hit the road next month to promote the single at the following shows.

23 June 2011 – Brisbane Jazz Club, Brisbane
24 June 2011 – El Rocco, Kings Cross
25 June 2011 – Coogee Diggers, Coogee
26 June 2011 – The Brass Monkey, Cronulla
30 June 2011 – The Promethean, Adelaide
3 July 2011 – Bennett’s Lane, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Evil Eddie Says Evil!

Evil Eddie seems to have gotten even eviler with the video for his new single, “(Somebody Say) Evil.” The former Butterfingers frontman is seen here corrupting kiddies and performing alongside a giant chicken. You can say what you like about Eddie, but he’s certainly not boring!

“(Somebody Say) Evil” is the second single from his soon to be released debut album. At this point it’s tentatively called Welcome to Flavour Country, but with Eddie you know nothing’s ever certain!

If you love Evil Eddie’s brand of madness make sure you check him out at the following home state shows.

10 June 2011 – Exchange Hotel, Townsville
11 June 2011 – Currajah Hotel, Wangan
12 June 2011 – Blue Sky Brewery, Cairns
17 June 2011 – Step Inn, Fortitude Valley
18 June 2011 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore
2 July 2011 – River Sessions @ Mackay Showgrounds, Mackay

Major Chord Gives Album Teaser with “Tomorrow Night”

Major Chord is introducing us to his third album Psychic Civil War with “Tomorrow Night,” a mellow slice of acoustic folk.

It’s deceptively simple and low-key, but really listen to this one rather than allowing it to drift into the background. The songwriter otherwise known as Dan Flynn has created a piece of real beauty here that I can imagine hearing strummed over a campfire.

Major Chord will launch the single at The Builders Arms at Fitzroy on June 10 before supporting Myles Mayo and Micah P Hinson around the country later that month. Look out for him, and Psychic Civil War in stores this September.

Image used with permission from Show Off Recordings

Sneaky Sound System on the Comeback Trail

It’s been a bit quiet on the Sneaky Sound System front for a while, but the dance duo is hitting back with a vengeance. They’re currently finishing up their third album From Here to Nowhere, their first released through their new label Modular.

The album won’t drop until August 29, but we’ll get a sneak peek when Miss Connie and Black Angus release the single “We Love” on May 27.

They’ll promote the single and get us all salivating for the album when they tour the major capitals in June and July.

Sneaky Sound System29 June 2011 – Rocket Bar, Adelaide
1 July 2011 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
2 July 2011 – Metro, Sydney
6 July 2011 – The Bakery, Perth
9 July 2011 – Family Nightclub, Brisbane

Image source: Michael Spencer @ Flickr