Little Scout One to Watch

Brisbane’s Little Scout are the latest band to capture my ear, thanks to the sublimely sweet vocals of Melissa Tickle and lush soundscapes. The single “We Are Walking Out” has made me prick up my ears, and the good news is there’s more to come.

The band is set to release their debut album soon off the back of some major support slots. Already this year Little Scout have toured with Holly Throsby and warmed up their hometown for Belle & Sebastian. And no doubt once the album pops there’ll be more shows to come.

Head to Little Scout’s Facebook page to hear the new single, and keep an eye out for this exciting band!

Image used with permission from Footstomp Records

The Owls Deliver Something Sweet with “Sugarcane” Single and Tour

Newcastle band The Owls are celebrating their brand new single “Sugarcane” with a tour of New South Wales and Queensland. The song gets a digital release on May 27, and they’ll launch it with their first show in Sydney on the same night.

You might not know their name just yet, but The Owls have been rocking out since 2008 with a sound that melds southern influences, garage rock, and straight up and dirty blues. Think Queens of the Stone Age meets Radiohead meets Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. They took out The JD Set last year and later spent time touring around the country with The Basics, The Jezabels, and Cloud Control.

The Owls are known for their electric live shows, so make sure you head out to one of the following gigs to see what the hype is all about.

27 May 2011 – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney
11 June 2011 – The Great Northern Hotel, Newcastle
29 July 2011 – Neverland, Gold Coast
30 July 2011 – Beetle Bar, Brisbane
6 August 2011 – Gaelic Club, Sydney

Image used with permission from Positive Feedback

Gossling Announces First Headline Tour

Gossling is finally stepping out of the shadows on her first headlining tour. The singer-songwriter formerly known as Helen Croome will visit capital cities and regional centres across New South Wales and Victoria to support the release of her new single, “War.” It comes from Gossling’s acclaimed sophomore EP Until Then.

Gossling is no stranger to the stage, having recently completed tours with Oh Mercy, Lamb, Whitley, Lior, and The Whitlams. She’s also made a big impact at local festivals including the Woodford Folk Festival and Peats Ridge.

Make sure you arrive early as Gossling will be joined at the following shows by the equally fabulous Ryan Meeking. Tickets go on sale today from the venues and a few other special guests.

23 June 2011 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
24 June 2011 – Northcote Social Club, Northcote VIC
29 June 2011 – Good God Small Club, Sydney NSW
30 June 2011 – Beach Road Hotel, Bondi Beach Sydney, NSW
1 July 2011 – Otis Bar, Wollongong
2 July 2011 – Northern Star, Hamilton

Image used with permission from Repertoire Publicity

Busby Marou Ready to Unleash Debut Album

For me the standout track of the boys’ Finn Brothers tribute album He Will Have His Way was the tender rendition of “Better Be Home Soon” by Rockhampton’s own Busby Marou. I didn’t know anything about this Queensland based duo, but I knew I wanted to hear more.

I’ll get my wish next month when Jeremy Marou and Thomas Busby release their debut self-titled album on June 24. That’s a long time to wait, so thankfully they’ll digitally release a single “Biding My Time” on May 27.

If you haven’t heard of Busby Marou yet you’ll get the opportunity soon. The band’s planning some relentless touring over the next 12 months, so look out for them in your hometown!

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

The Dead Leaves Cover Talking Heads


Melbourne band The Dead Leaves have got me excited about their debut album with the release of a teaser track, a cover of the Talking Heads hit “This Must Be the Place.”

It’s a more atmospheric take on the song, with some really lush instrumentation and amazing vocals that really get to the heart of the tune. It must have been a daunting task to take on a song by such an iconic band, but The Dead Leaves have really impressed me here. It’s controversial to say it improves on the original, but it definitely holds its own.

The as-yet-untitled album was recorded with the assistance of producers Scott Horscroft (The Presets, Birds of Tokyo, The Panics) and Eric J Dubowsky (Art vs Science, Weezer). Listen out for guest vocals from the lovely Gin Wigmore and Emma Louise.

We can expect to see The Dead Leaves’ album in stores in the next few months. In the meantime, let this wash over you!

Image used with permission from Remedy Music

Organic Folk Goodness from Ben Wells and The Middle Names

We’re only a few months in, but already 2011 has been a big year for Ben Wells and The Middle Names.

This cool indie-folk-pop outfit sextet from Tasmania has played sets at major festivals including Falls, MS Fest, and One Fine Day. The won three Amplified Awards, sold out some local shows, and just released their first single “Old Sea Salt.”

The song is stunning, and its B-side “Lullaby” is every bit as strong. I love the way that the vocal harmonies interplay with acoustic guitars and strings to create a lush, organic sound.

You can download “Old Sea Salt” for free on through the Triple J Unearthed website. Have a listen and let me know what you think!

Image source: Triple J Unearthed website

Lachy Doley Rejects “Pressure of the Cool” with New Single

Lachy Doley has created one of the most fun singles I’ve heard in ages with “Pressure of the Cool.”


Make sure you take notice of the lyrics as you listen to this joyful pop anthem about being yourself, no matter how socially unacceptable that may be. In a world full of gloomy emo tunes this upbeat song is a real sunny spot.

Sydneysiders who like what they hear can catch Lachy launching the track at Newtown’s Sandringham Hotel this Friday, April 29. Who needs the royal wedding right? This sounds like much more fun!

Dead Letter Chorus’ Dreamy New Single, “Yellow House”


Dead Letter Chorus have charmed me with their new single “Yellow House,” the third from their forthcoming self-produced effort album Yearlings.

I love the optimism of this tune, the way the voices swell together, joining with the organic instrumentation in some kind of celebration. It’s happy music, just what we need this Easter right?

If you’re digging it as much as I am, make sure you stay tuned for some local tour dates soon. The Sydney band are preparing to travel are travelling around the country this July ahead of their Canadian tour in October.

Image used with permission from Show off Services

Calling All Cars Launch New Single, “Reptile”

After being holed up in a studio for most of the year, Calling All Cars are ready to unleash their new material.

“Reptile” is our first taste of the as yet-untitled album, the band’s follow-up to Hold, Hold, Fire! It’ll be released on May 1, and I hear it “shakes, rattles, and rolls like a cut snake!”

You can hear that tune and more when Calling All Cars launch the single with shows in the major capitals next month. After so much time in the studio, you can bet they’re itching to get out on stage. Prepare for a blistering set when the band hits the following venues.

27 May 2011 – Spectrum, Sydney
28 May 2011 – The Step Inn, Brisbane
3 June 2011 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
10 June 2011 – Jive, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Shiny Entertainment

Lowtide Impresses with Debut 7″, “Underneath Tonight”

Melbourne band Lowtide are taking me back to my youth with their debut 7”, “Underneath Tonight.”

The track reminds me of something The Cure might have released, with its spontaneous energy and reverb drenched guitars. But the sweet vocals of Lucy Buckeridge take away the edge, softening the tune just a little without making it too saccharine. There are so many layers to this tune; I like it instantly but I feel it’s going to take some time for me to appreciate its true beauty.

The B-side “Memory No. 7” takes things down a notch, but it’s no less compelling. This atmospheric ballad assures us that Lowtide are no one-trick ponies.

The band will play shows along the east coast in April and May before cloistering themselves away to write and record their debut album which is scheduled for a 2012 release. Make sure you see Lowtide while you can!

29th April 2011 – Petersham Bowls Club, Sydney
30th April 2011 – Blackwire Records, Sydney
7th May 2011 – The Hangar, Brisbane
8th May 2011 – NSC, Melbourne (matinee show with Baptism of Uzi)

Image used with permission from Show Off Services