Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Snowy Belfast’s Stony Single

Melbourne band Snowy Belfast have really impressed me with their latest single, ”Stones.” It’s a country-infused slice of folk music driven by banjos and sublime harmonies.

The track builds on the sounds they showcased on their debut EP Odds and Ends, but also offers a new intensity. We should see more of that when Snowy Belfast release their debut album early next year.

You don’t need to wait that long to see Snowy Belfast in the flesh though. They’ll launch “Stones” at The Espy on November 11, playing alongside Tessa & The Typecast, The Tiger & Me, and Howlin’ Steam Train. Tickets are absolutely free, so you’ve got no excuses Melbourne!

Image used with permission from Show Off Services

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Slow Chase Sizzles with “Algernon”


Slow Chase deliver a tune with enough swagger to impress The Stones with their new single “Algernon.” It’s a sexy, dirty rock number that raises my expectations for the band’s forthcoming EP Blind Spot. I love the way it channels 70s rock sounds with its sing-along hooks and bluesy groove.

If you love the song make sure you head to Slow Chase’s website for your free download.

Image used with permission from Show Off Services

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Re:Enactment Get it Right with “Higher Duties”

Brisbane electro-punk act Re:Enactment seem to be finding their feet with the release of their second single “Higher Duties.”

The band’s vocalist and guitarist Jacob Hicks says the song is the first the act’s recorded and been unanimously happy with.

“I think it shows off the landscape of styles we like to play around with while not turning it into a disjointed mess. The feeling that the second half of the song provides is something that I think we’ve all been trying to write together since the start.”

I’ve got to agree. I’ve seen potential in Re:Enactment before, but with “Higher Duties” it seems they’re realising it. The track comes from the band’s debut album Sport, which is scheduled to hit stores next March. If you like it make sure you head to Re:Enactment’s Bandcamp page for a free download.

Image used with permission from Paper Street Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tales in Space Cover Adele

We’ve all heard Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” more times than we want to this year, but Sydney electro pop act Tales in Space have put a new spin on the hit with this cover. On one hand, you’ve got to wonder why a band is tackling a song that’s already made such an impact in 2011. However, perhaps that’s where the challenge lay.

This take is missing the emotional grit of the original, but it does bring out the tune’s great melody. If you were looking for a version you could groove to, this is it. It’s already making waves in the dance scene after being featured on the latest Ministry of Sound Uncovered disc.

What do you think of Tales in Space’s Adele cover?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Howl at the Moon Launch New “Sword Fighting” Single


When the weather is dark and gloomy, as it is on my side of the country, I love music that matches. I found it today with Howl at the Moon’s newie “Sword Fighting.” Is it any wonder they’re from Melbourne?

While the track is certainly dark and moody, its melodic core and sublime vocals from Katie Scott ensure it doesn’t ever feel too gloomy. The song is the first track to come from the band’s as yet untitled debut album, which is scheduled to hit stores early next year. We thankfully won’t have to wait that long to see Howl at the Moon doing their thing live; the band will launch the single “Sword Fighting” at Melbourne’s Old Bar on November 4.

Image used with permission from Show Off Services

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Download New Meem Single for Free

Meem, or Michael Moebus as his mum calls him, is bringing old school hip hop sounds back with his fifth album Monsters Don’t Sleep OK! And to celebrate the album’s release, he’s giving fans a free download of the single “Get Down Party.” Just right-click and save to wrap your ears around this fun tune.

The track is the first from the very limited edition album, which features guest appearances from Mr Scruff, Raashan, Roots Manuva, and Ahmad & The Boom Band Krewe. Just 200 copies of the independently released album were pressed, so you’ll need to get yours quick when it goes on sale on November 11.

Image used with permission from Positive Feedback

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Adam Cousens Gives Me a Musical Pick-Me-Up

I’m battling a cold at the moment. My head is pounding, my muscles are achy, and frankly I just want to sleep until it goes away. But Adam Cousens managed to cut through my malady with the good vibes of his new single “This Road Ahead.” It got a lovely folk-country sweetness to it that is infectious in the best possible way. Even though I’m feeling poorly, I couldn’t help but smile on hearing it.

The song comes from Adam’s debut album Free Flowin’ Footsteps, which apparently hit stores last October. So why is this the first I’m hearing of it? This is definitely the kind of music that deserves a bit of fanfare.

“This Road Ahead” is officially released on Friday, but you can hear it early here. If you dig it make sure you check out Adam travelling around the country with his band through October and November.

8 October 2011 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
10 October 2011 – The Phoenix, Canberra
12 October 2011 – Low 302, Sydney
13 October 2011 – The Phoenix Theatre, Wollongong
15 October 2011 – The Empress Hotel, Melbourne (Afternoon show 4 pm)
20 October 2011 – The Wheatsheaf Hotel, Adelaide
21 October 2011 – Cafe Komodo, Adelaide
5 November 2011 – The Corner Venue, Bendigo
11 November 2011 – Republic Bar & Café, Hobart
13 November 2011 – Longley International, Longley (Afternoon show from 3 pm)

Image used with permission from Dario Phillips Management

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Skipping Girl Vinegar Tours “Chase the Sun”

Skipping Girl Vinegar are celebrating the release of their summery new single “Chase the Sun” with an Aussie tour this October and November.

“Chase the Sun” is the second single from Keep Calm, Carry the Monkey, an irresistibly hooky song about winding the car windows down, cranking up the stereo, and leaving the big smoke behind.

“Chase the Sun” is officially released on October 14, the same day that Skipping Girl Vinegar’s tour kicks off in Melbourne.

14 October 2011 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
21 October 2011 – The Vanguard, Sydney
3 November 2011  – The Basement @ Gold Coast Arts Centre, Gold Coast
4 November 2011  – Joe’s Waterhole, Eumundi
5 November 2011  – Beetle Bar, Brisbane
11 November 2011  – Fresh, Launceston
12 November 2011  – Republic Bar, Hobart

Image used with permission from AUM

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

A Friday Pick Me Up from Kate Vigo

It’s been one hell of a week for me. While earlier I was looking for music that soothes, as I sat alone in my empty house this afternoon, with my husband en route to America, I was after a pick-me-up. I found it in “Wanna Run” a deliciously playful slice of indie pop from Melbourne’s Kate Vigo.

There’s a lovely retro Cure-esque quality to this tune that had me dancing around my lounge room in my PJs. Hey, I’m here with only the cat watching, so why not? While the good vibes of this tune hit the spot, it’s the lyrical depth behind the melody that makes things really interesting. This song speaks of the struggle of finding your own path in life so eloquently. I’m impressed.

“Wanna Run” is the second single from Kate Vigo’s forthcoming album Blue to Gold, which hits stores in March. That’s an awfully long time to wait, but her hometown fans can get an early fix with her “Wanna Run” launch show. Kate will play The Toff in Town on October 6.

Image used with permission from Show Off Services

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Introducing the Lush Pop Stylings of Buckley Ward

I can’t help admiring musicians who do things without the backing of a major label, or in fact any label at all. When they make amazing music, it’s so much the better! Buckley Ward are the latest act to turn my head with their self-funded, self-recorded, and self-produced album So Pretend.

The title track has such a lush sound. Its melodies are really strong, but the sound doesn’t have that tired commercial feel of so much pop music. What a breath of fresh air. The album is their second, which makes me wonder why I haven’t heard of them before. Better late than never, right?

If you like what you hear you can catch Buckley Ward touring the East Coast next month.

9 September 2011 – Lightspace, Brisbane
10 September 2011 – FBi Social, Sydney
24 September 2011 – Yah Yahs, Melbourne