Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

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!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Carus Thompson Releases Amazing New Single “You Can’t Find Me”

I first heard Carus Thompson when he supported the wonderful Dave Matthews Band way back in 2005. So I’m thrilled to see that all these years later he’s still making great music. The latest taste is “You Can’t Find Me,” the infectious first single from his soon-to-be-released fourth album Caravan.

The song tells tales of Carus’ last year traveling around Europe, a journey which included encounters with psychos in London and mushrooms in Amsterdam! The song’s got such a spontaneous energy about it that by the end you just want to play it again.

When I first heard Carus I thought he was pretty good, but the years have been kind to him. His sound has really developed beautifully, so it’s no wonder he’s been well received in Europe. Hopefully we’ll see him playing some local shows when Caravan hits stores this April.

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Boy in a Box Scores British India Support Ahead of Single Release

Boy in a Box is coming out all guns blazing with his debut single “Glitter, Gold, Ruin.” The song is littered with chunky riffs and classic hooks. It’s music the way they used to make it, with a singalong chorus and anthemic overtones.

The track doesn’t drop until March 18 but Boy in a Box is already impressing the right people. He’ll join British India on their March into the Ocean tour, and enjoy a residency with Dangerous at Northcote Social Club.

Here are all the places you can catch this bright young talent over the next couple of months!

8 March 2011 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
15 March 2011 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
22 March 2011 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
24 March 2011 – The Saloon Bar, Traralgon (with British India)
25 March 2011 – The Bended Elbow, Geelong (with British India)
264 March 2011 – Corner Hotel, Richmond (with British India)
29 March 2011 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
30 March 2011 – CSU The Crow Bar, Wagga Wagga (with British India)
31 March 2011 – The Area Hotel, Griffith (with British India)
1 April 2011 – Goulburn Workers Club, Goulburn (with British India)
2 April 2011 – The Maram, Canberra (with British India)
8 April 2011 – The Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide (with British India)
14 April 2011 – The Zoo, Brisbane (with British India)
15 April 2011 – The Coolangatta Hotel, Coolangatta (with British India)
16 April 2011 – Annandale Hotel, Sydney (with British India)
21 April 2011 – The Entrance Leagues Club, Bateau Bay (with British India)
22 April 2011 – Port Macquarie Panthers, Port Macquarie (with British India)
23 April 2011 – The Plantation Hotel, Coffs Harbour (with British India)
24 April 2011 – The Great Northern, Byron Bay (with British India)
25 April 2011 – Kings Beach Tavern, Caloundra (with British India)
13 May 2011 – The Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle (with British India)
14 May 2011 – Hornsby RSL, Hornsby (with British India)
28 May 2011 – Rosemount Hotel, North Perth (with British India)

Image used with permission from Shiny Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Discover the Beauty of Owls of the Swamp

Every now and then I hear a musician, and I wonder why on earth I’ve never heard of them before. Melbourne’s Owls of the Swamp, or Pete Uhlenbruch as his mum calls him, is one of those special artists.

He’s just completed his fifth European tour, and he’s preparing to release his second album Go With River. The album includes the gorgeous single “So Far Away,” which has some of the most stunning acoustic guitar and cello work I’ve heard in some time, and exquisite backing vocals from Icelandic songbird Myrra Ros. You can download the track now exclusively through Triple J Unearthed. Do it; you won’t be disappointed.

And if you like what you hear get out and support Owls of the Swamp as he launches “So Far Away” at Melbourne’s Bar 303 on 18 March. The $10 tickets (available at the door) are a bit of a bargain as they include a free limited edition copy of the single, complete with B-side!

Image source: Lauren Bamford/Owls of the Swamp website